Best Payment Gateways for MENA in 2026
Payment processing is the backbone of e-commerce in the MENA region. Unlike Western markets where credit cards dominate, MENA has a diverse payment landscape with local debit networks, digital wallets, buy-now-pay-later services, and cash on delivery. This guide covers the best payment gateways for MENA businesses in 2026.
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For more resources, see our best e-commerce platforms for MENA 2026 guide and our best software for Saudi Arabia businesses 2026 guide.
Why MENA Payment Gateways Are Different
MENA's payment landscape differs from Western markets in several key ways:
- Local debit networks: Mada (Saudi Arabia) is the dominant payment method — more used than credit cards
- Digital wallets: STC Pay, Apple Pay are widely adopted
- Buy-now-pay-later (BNPL): Tabby and Tamara are rapidly growing — 0% interest to consumers
- Cash on delivery (COD): 30-40% of MENA e-commerce orders still use COD
- Low credit card penetration: Many MENA consumers don't have credit cards
- Multi-currency: MENA businesses often need SAR, AED, EGP, and other local currencies
- Regulatory compliance: Payment processors must comply with Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and UAE Central Bank regulations
Quick Comparison
| Payment Method | Type | Countries | Integration with Salla | Integration with Shopify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mada | Debit network | Saudi Arabia | Native | Via HyperPay/PayTabs |
| Apple Pay | Digital wallet | Saudi Arabia, UAE | Native | Via Shopify Payments/gateways |
| STC Pay | Digital wallet | Saudi Arabia | Native | Via HyperPay/Tap |
| Tabby | BNPL | Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait | Native | Via Tabby app |
| Tamara | BNPL | Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait | Native | Via Tamara app |
| HyperPay | Aggregator | MENA-wide | Via API | Via HyperPay app |
| PayTabs | Processor | MENA-wide | Via API | Via PayTabs app |
| Tap | Processor | MENA-wide | Via API | Via Tap app |
Mada: Saudi Arabia's National Payment Network
Mada is Saudi Arabia's national debit card network, operated by Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). According to official sources, Mada has over 30 million cards in circulation and is the most used payment method in Saudi Arabia.
How it works: Mada cards are linked to customers' bank accounts. Payments are deducted directly from the account in real-time. Mada processes both online and in-store payments.
Integration: Salla integrates with Mada natively — no additional setup required. For Shopify, WooCommerce, and other platforms, Mada is available through payment aggregators like HyperPay, PayTabs, and Tap.
Fees: Mada transaction fees are regulated by SAMA. Online transaction fees are typically 1-2% per transaction, lower than international credit card fees.
Best for: Any Saudi e-commerce business — Mada is essential as it's the most used payment method in the Kingdom.
Apple Pay: Digital Wallet
Apple Pay is widely available in Saudi Arabia and UAE. Customers can pay using their iPhone, Apple Watch, or iPad with Face ID or Touch ID authentication.
Integration: Salla includes Apple Pay natively. Shopify supports Apple Pay through Shopify Payments or third-party gateways. WooCommerce supports Apple Pay through Stripe or HyperPay plugins.
Fees: Apple Pay transactions use standard card network fees. There's no additional Apple Pay fee for merchants — the fee is the same as the underlying card transaction.
Best for: Businesses targeting iPhone users in Saudi Arabia and UAE. Apple Pay provides a fast, secure checkout experience that can increase conversion rates.
STC Pay: Saudi Digital Wallet
STC Pay is a digital wallet by stc (Saudi Telecom Company) with over 10 million users in Saudi Arabia. According to STC Pay's official website, it supports online payments, in-store payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and international remittances.
Integration: Salla integrates with STC Pay natively. For other platforms, STC Pay is available through HyperPay and Tap.
Fees: STC Pay transaction fees vary by plan and transaction type. Merchant fees are typically 1-2% per transaction.
Best for: Saudi businesses targeting STC Pay's large user base. Particularly effective for businesses targeting younger demographics who prefer digital wallets.
Tabby: Buy Now, Pay Later
Tabby is a buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) platform popular in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait. According to Tabby's official website, customers can split purchases into 4 interest-free installments.
How it works: Customers select Tabby at checkout, pay 25% upfront, and the remaining 75% in 3 equal installments over 6 weeks. Tabby charges 0% interest to consumers — the merchant pays a fee per transaction.
Integration: Salla integrates with Tabby natively. Shopify supports Tabby through the Tabby app. WooCommerce supports Tabby through plugins.
Fees: Tabby charges merchants a fee per transaction (typically 3-6% depending on the plan). Consumers pay 0% interest. Late fees may apply to consumers for missed payments.
Best for: Businesses selling products with higher price points (electronics, fashion, furniture). Offering Tabby can increase average order value by 20-30% and reduce cart abandonment.
Tamara: Buy Now, Pay Later
Tamara is another BNPL platform serving Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait. Similar to Tabby, Tamara offers interest-free installment payments.
How it works: Customers can pay in 4 installments or choose longer payment plans. Tamara charges 0% interest to consumers — the merchant pays a fee.
Integration: Salla integrates with Tamara natively. Shopify supports Tamara through the Tamara app. WooCommerce supports Tamara through plugins.
Fees: Tamara charges merchants a fee per transaction (typically 3-6%). Consumers pay 0% interest.
Best for: Similar to Tabby — businesses with higher-value products. Offering both Tabby and Tamara gives customers choice in BNPL providers.
HyperPay: Payment Aggregator
HyperPay is a MENA-focused payment aggregator that provides access to multiple payment methods through a single integration. According to HyperPay's official website, it supports Mada, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, STC Pay, and mada Pay.
How it works: HyperPay acts as a single integration point for multiple payment methods. Instead of integrating with each payment method separately, businesses integrate once with HyperPay and get access to all supported methods.
Integration: HyperPay integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and custom websites. Salla does not require HyperPay as it includes all payment methods natively.
Fees: HyperPay charges ~2-3% per transaction, depending on the payment method and volume. Setup fees may apply.
Best for: Businesses using Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce that need multiple MENA payment methods through a single integration.
PayTabs: Regional Payment Processor
PayTabs is a MENA-focused payment processor headquartered in Saudi Arabia. According to PayTabs' official website, it serves businesses in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and other MENA countries.
How it works: PayTabs provides payment processing for Mada, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and other payment methods. It offers both hosted checkout and API integration.
Integration: PayTabs integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and custom websites. Available as a Shopify app and WooCommerce plugin.
Fees: PayTabs charges ~2-3% per transaction. Setup fees may apply. Volume discounts available for high-transaction businesses.
Best for: MENA businesses that need a regional payment processor with local support and multi-currency capabilities.
Tap: MENA Payment Platform
Tap is a MENA-focused payment platform that provides payment processing and aggregation. According to Tap's official website, it supports Mada, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, STC Pay, and other local payment methods.
How it works: Tap provides a unified payment API that connects to multiple payment methods. It offers hosted checkout, embedded checkout, and API integration options.
Integration: Tap integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and custom websites. Available through apps and plugins.
Fees: Tap charges ~2-3% per transaction. Pricing varies by payment method and volume.
Best for: MENA businesses that want a unified payment platform with local payment method support.