The best payment gateways in Saudi Arabia are a key factor in the success of any e-commerce store aiming to provide a seamless and secure shopping experience for customers. With the rapid growth of e-commerce in the Kingdom and the increasing consumer confidence in online shopping, payment gateways have become more than just a means to complete transactions—they are a crucial element in building credibility and driving sales. In this article, we will review the most prominent and reliable payment gateways in the Saudi market, comparing them in terms of features, fees, and ease of integration, to help you choose the one that best fits the needs of your business.

What Are Payment Gateways?

Payment gateways are intermediary systems that facilitate and process online payments between customers and merchants. When a purchase is made on an e-commerce store, it requires the secure transmission of payment data, verification, and financial transfer. This is the function of the payment gateway—it connects the e-commerce store to card networks, digital wallets, and bank accounts to securely process the payment online.

These gateways are not limited to credit card processing; they support various methods such as Mada, Apple Pay, STC Pay, digital wallets, and installment payments. Most payment gateways also offer APIs that make it easy for merchants to integrate them into platforms like Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, Polaris, and others.

The most important part of a payment gateway is not just transferring funds, but ensuring that every payment goes through complex security checks to protect customer data, reduce fraud, and provide merchants with real-time reports to track performance and analyze consumer behavior. Some gateways also allow for customization of the payment experience to match the store’s branding.

With the evolution of the Saudi market and a growing trend for online shopping, payment gateways have become one of the pillars of the digital infrastructure for commerce, indispensable for any business aiming for growth and professionalism.

Why is a Payment Gateway Essential for an E-commerce Store?

A payment gateway is not just a technical option; it is a strategic element that directly affects the customer experience and their purchasing decision. In an e-commerce store, the most critical moment is the payment stage, and if it is complicated or unreliable, customers might abandon their purchase instantly. Thus, the payment gateway represents the last and most sensitive link in the buying journey.

In Saudi Arabia, where the digital shopping culture is growing rapidly, customers seek flexible and secure payment options. A good payment gateway provides multiple options that suit user needs, from direct payments via bank cards to electronic wallets and deferred payments. The more options available, the higher the chances of completing orders, and the lower the cart abandonment rates.

Another crucial factor is speed. Modern payment gateways offer fast, frictionless payment experiences, reducing friction during the purchase process. Furthermore, the gateway plays a role in building trust between the store and the customer, especially if it is backed by well-known brands or security certifications.

From the merchant’s perspective, the gateway allows them to track transactions, review payments, generate financial reports, and identify suspicious activities. Some gateways even offer integrated solutions for billing and subscription management. In short, a payment gateway is not just a tool for collecting money, but a fundamental driver for e-commerce success and customer satisfaction.

Learn about: How to Start Digital Transformation in Your Company?

Best Payment Gateways in Saudi Arabia

Local Payment Gateways

HyperPay HyperPay is one of the leading payment gateways in the MENA region, offering integrated payment solutions for businesses in Saudi Arabia. The platform supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, as well as local payment options like Mada and Sadad. HyperPay offers features such as tokenization for one-click payments, recurring billing, advanced fraud management, and a seamless payment experience without user redirection. Merchants can also access their bank accounts and monitor transactions in real-time, helping improve cash flow management.

Advantages:

Supports a large number of local and international payment methods.

Advanced security features like fraud management and tokenization.

Smooth user experience without redirection.

Transaction fees may be higher compared to some competitors.

Integration with some platforms may require additional technical resources.

STC Pay STC Pay is a digital wallet provided by Saudi Telecom Company, enabling users to make payments, transfer money, and manage bills all through a single app. The platform offers features like the "Qat'a" service to split bills among friends and family, as well as the ability to issue digital cards and fully manage financial transactions. STC Pay is a popular choice in Saudi Arabia due to its ease of use and integration with numerous services.

Advantages:

Simple and user-friendly interface.

International money transfer to over 40 countries.

Advanced security features like biometric verification and encryption.

Some stores may face difficulty integrating with the system.

Some features are only available to users within the Kingdom.

PayTabs PayTabs is a leading provider of electronic payment solutions in Saudi Arabia, offering a secure platform for processing online payments. PayTabs supports a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, and provides services like e-invoicing and payment links, making it easy for businesses to manage payment operations. The platform also offers a comprehensive app that consolidates all of its services in one place, making it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.

Advantages:

Supports multiple payment methods, including local and international.

Strong security procedures to protect customer data.

Comprehensive app for easy payment management.

Transaction fees may be high for small businesses.

Technical support may be limited at times.

Mada Mada is Saudi Arabia’s national payment network, connecting all ATMs and point-of-sale terminals in the Kingdom. Mada is an integral part of the payment infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, offering a secure and reliable method for making and receiving payments. Mada also supports online purchases, helping to drive e-commerce growth in the Kingdom.

Advantages:

Wide acceptance across the Kingdom.

Seamless integration with local banks.

Strong security measures to protect transactions.

Online payment experience may be slower compared to other gateways.

Does not support alternative payment methods like digital wallets.

Tabby Tabby is a "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) platform that allows consumers to split their purchases into four interest-free payments. It is widely used in Saudi Arabia, providing consumers with flexibility in payments and increasing their purchasing power by dividing costs over time.

Advantages:

Transparent dealings with clear payment schedules, helping customers with better financial planning.

No hidden fees or interest on payments, making it an attractive option for many consumers.

Easy-to-use interface for a smooth registration and payment process.

Limited number of retail partners, reducing options for customers.

Credit risks for some customers who may struggle to manage their installments, potentially leading to debt accumulation.

SADAD SADAD is a centralized electronic bill payment system in Saudi Arabia, allowing users to pay both government and non-government bills through all electronic banking channels. SADAD aims to simplify payment processes and improve efficiency in financial transactions, playing a central role in the Kingdom's payment infrastructure.

Advantages:

Time-saving and convenient bill payments anytime, anywhere.

Integration with most local banks, simplifying the payment process for users.

High security and confidentiality in financial transactions.

Delays in bill updates after payment, which may cause concerns for users.

Limited coverage, not all entities are supported by SADAD.

MyFatoorah MyFatoorah is an electronic payment gateway that provides integrated payment solutions for businesses in Saudi Arabia. The platform supports various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, and offers services like e-invoicing and payment links, simplifying payment management for businesses.

Advantages:

Supports a wide range of payment methods, offering greater flexibility.

Easy integration with websites and applications through APIs.

Simple invoice management for businesses.

Risk of disputes and chargebacks, where customers request refunds or dispute specific transactions.

Exposure to fraud risks, like the use of stolen cards for purchases, which leaves the business responsible for any losses.

URWAY URWAY is a Saudi payment gateway offering secure and seamless digital payment solutions for businesses of all sizes. The platform supports a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, and provides features like fraud management, reporting, and analytics to help businesses optimize their payment processes.

Advantages:

Feature-rich platform enabling merchants to monetize their services while offering secure, reliable, and seamless payment solutions.

Integration with multiple systems, allowing merchants to collect payments using various payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets.

Risk management features reduce the likelihood of fraud, protecting both businesses and customers.

Technical support may be limited at times, affecting the speed of problem resolution.

Some integrations may require additional technical resources.

International Payment Gateways

Amazon Payment Services Amazon Payment Services, formerly known as PayFort, offers integrated payment solutions for businesses in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. The platform supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, as well as local payment options like Mada. It provides features such as installment plans, fraud management, and reporting to help businesses improve payment processes and efficiency.

Advantages:

Multi-currency and payment method support, facilitating global expansion.

Seamless integration with platforms like Polaris and Salesforce Commerce Cloud.

Advanced security features to manage fraud and protect transactions.

Transaction fees may be higher compared to some competitors, which could affect profit margins for small businesses.

Initial setup and integration may require additional technical resources and development expertise.

2Checkout 2Checkout, now part of Verifone, is an international payment gateway that supports businesses in Saudi Arabia, offering a global payment platform with multiple options like credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. The platform is known for its seamless integration with various e-commerce platforms, allowing businesses to reach customers worldwide.

Advantages:

Global reach with multiple payment options and currencies.

Seamless integration with e-commerce platforms and shopping carts.

Strong fraud protection and security features.

Disadvantages:

Fees can be relatively high for international payments.

Not widely used in some local Saudi platforms.