Pakistan has seen a shift in the transfer and receipt of payments over the years. However, people still trust the traditional methods more than the new online ways of transferring and receiving payments, despite this, the concept is constantly evolving and gaining huge momentum in the Pakistani market as the country has witnessed a boom in e-commerce business. Although the cash method still dominates.
Since the past few years, we have all noticed how our country Pakistan has ballooned in the field of e-commerce and shift towards online payment methods and services. Moreover, people want to get only the best with the many payment methods. What are the key aspects that make an online payment service so great?
The payment gateway works like the middle man, providing financial services to both parties securely and quickly. People use online payment methods for e-commerce such as online retail, online shopping, online bill payment, e-business, etc. It allows consumers an automated transaction through their debit and credit cards.
Payment getaway depends a lot on the nature of your business. Other than the target audience and market for your products/services; There are many factors to consider before selecting the type of payment gateways such as effectiveness, payment flow, simplicity, service care, mobile application, service fee, integration, and checkout process.
List of best Payment Methods in Pakistan
In this post, we will focus on two main things: First, the best payment methods and features a good payment method should have. Next, we will move on to the list of the 10 best online payment methods available in Pakistan in 2023.
1. Bank Transfer
The most approved way to transfer and receive money in Pakistan is the traditional bank transfer. Bank transfer is one of the best ways to transfer money in Pakistan. Users fill out forms at banks and then deposit cash through their respective banks. Bank Transfer is the most secure and cheapest method available in Pakistan.
To make a payment by bank transfer online, all you need to do is enter the bank name and recipient account number into the bank’s mobile application. You can use the bank’s website or mobile app for online transactions. It is the easiest and fastest transaction method.
2. Wire Transfer
A wire transfer is an electronic method of transferring payments through a network operated by hundreds of banks around the world. A wire transfer is usually sent from one bank to another bank using a SWIFT code. People in different geographic locations can transfer funds securely to regions and financial institutions around the world.
3. Payoneer
Payoneer is a US-based digital bank that allows users to create and manage their virtual bank accounts. With Payoneer, you can create accounts in multiple currencies, making it one of the preferred choices for freelancers.
Pakistani freelancers use Payoneer to receive international payments from their clients around the world. Users can then transfer their earnings directly to their local bank accounts.
Payoneer also allows users to request a debit card from Mastercard supported ATMs. This card can be ordered in any currency available and used for online payments, users can also use this card for ATM withdrawals.
Payoneer has partnered with JazzCash to make it easier for freelancers in Pakistan by allowing them to transact in small amounts directly into their JazzCash accounts.
4. JazzCash
JazzCash is one of the leading microfinance banks in Pakistan. It started in 2012 as a direct competitor to Easypaisa and has now become the leading digital bank by number of transactions far ahead of its competitors.
Users can use the JazzCash app to make payments, pay bills, book tickets and pay tolls, among many other services. You can easily send payments to any JazzCash or other bank accounts within the country via the app’s bank transfer feature.
JazzCash also allows its users to order debit cards which can be used to make local point-of-sale payments and withdraw money from any ATM.
6. Easypaisa
Easypaisa is the first digital payment method introduced in Pakistan by telecom company Telenor. It is a mobile application based payment method through which users can securely transfer and receive money. With the EasyPaisa mobile application, users can recharge mobile phones, purchase data packages, shop online or pay utility bills.
Launched in 2009 by Telenor Pakistan and Tameer Microfinance Bank, it has reached a significant position as the third largest mobile payment facility in the world with 7.4 million users.
At the time of writing this article, Easypaisa is the only mobile payment service in Pakistan. Users verify their transactions using a QR code that the payer scans to send the payment.
Easypaisa offers the payment service in partnership with Mastercard and is now available as an Android app, making it accessible to users from all networks. Previously, the service was limited to customers of the mobile operator Telenor only.
7. Sadapay
Sadapay is a new addition to the Pakistani microfinance banking industry. It was launched in 2020 and worked as a single payment system. It also offers its users free ATM debit cards. However, what sets Sadapay bank cards apart is that they are vertical, the first of their kind in Pakistan.
These debit cards do not have the traditional 16-digit number, and users can see the card number from the Sadapay application.
The app is still relatively new and offers limited features. One of the best things I’ve experienced with Sadapay is that the digital bank doesn’t charge ATM withdrawal fees on the first three transactions, which I think is a nice feature.
Sadapay debit cards are supported by Mastercard, allowing users to make international payments and receive money from all over the world.
8. Nayapay
Like Sadapay, Nayapay is a digital banking platform that allows users the freedom to perform basic banking transactions without visiting a bank. It was launched in the year 2019 and had a variety of features compared to Sadapay.
Nayapay also allows its users to order debit cards from ATMs, both virtual and physical, that can be used for international payments and transactions. You can also use your Nayapay account to receive money from anywhere in the world via your own IBAN.
9. Western Union
Western Union is an American multinational company used to send and receive money. This method of money transfer is used globally. All you need to do is give the recipient’s location and ID number.
A small money transfer fee is paid, and the user can also exchange currency through western union. It is the largest and most widely used company that provides online transaction services in 200 countries.
10. PayPak
Established in 2016, PayPak is a national payment system introduced in Pakistan by 1Link under the registration of the State Bank of Pakistan to provide financial services and provide co-change costs for international payment plans.
Currently, 20 banks operate through this payment method. Debit Card System – PayPak can be used on any ATM and POS terminal in the country.
This is all you need to know about the 10 best online payment methods currently available in Pakistan. You can also share your experience in relation to any payment services in Pakistan. Also, if you have any other questions regarding this topic, let us know in the comment section, and we will surely get back to you as soon as possible.
