Best and Cheapest Payment Gateways in UAE 2025

The rapidly evolving digital economy deems accepting payments online is a necessity rather than a choice. With the global payment gateway market reaching USD 26.7 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to USD 48.4 billion by 2029, organisations are spoiled for choice when it comes to payment solutions. 

But with countless options available, the challenge lies in picking the one that perfectly suits your needs. This blog is here to cut through the noise, offering clear insights to help you make an informed decision and choose the ideal payment gateway for your business. Let’s get started.

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What is a Payment Gateway?

A payment gateway is a technology that enables businesses to accept online payments from customers. Think of it as the middleman between your customer’s payment method and your bank account.

It processes, authorises, and secures transactions, ensuring that sensitive payment information is safely handled. Payment gateways have several benefits. Some of them are as follows:

1. Enhanced Security: Protects sensitive customer data with encryption and fraud detection tools.
2. Convenience: Allows businesses to accept multiple payment methods, including cards, wallets, and bank transfers.
3. Global Reach: Enables international transactions, opening your business to a wider audience.
4. Seamless Integration: Connects effortlessly with e-commerce platforms and is suitable for other industries as well. For example, Alaan offers integrations and solutions for several industries.
5. Improved Cash Flow: Speeds up the payment process, ensuring timely receipt of funds.

With the basics out of the way, let’s understand how many types of payment gateways are available in the market.

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Types of Payment Gateways

When choosing a payment gateway, understanding the different types can help you decide what’s best for your business. There are four types as follows:

1. Hosted Payment Gateways

Hosted payment gateways redirect customers to a secure, external page to complete their transactions. These gateways manage all aspects of payment security and compliance, making them a popular choice for businesses that prioritise simplicity.

• Pros: Hosted gateways handle PCI compliance, which means less liability for your business. They also ensure robust security features like encryption and fraud prevention.
• Cons: Customisation options are limited, which might not align with businesses looking for a fully branded checkout experience.
• Best for: Small to medium businesses or those just starting with online payments.

2. Self-Hosted Payment Gateways

Self-hosted gateways allow businesses to collect payment information directly on their website before sending it to the payment processor. This gives you greater control over the customer experience but requires significant responsibility for security.

• Pros: Complete customisation to align with your brand. Offers seamless integration into your website’s interface, improving customer experience.
• Cons: Your business must meet PCI compliance standards and implement robust security measures, which can be complex and costly.
• Best for: Businesses with dedicated IT resources and a need for fully branded payment solutions.

Take control of your business finances with Alaan's fully customisable expense management solution. Manage payments your way while ensuring security and efficiency!

3. API-Hosted Payment Gateways

API-hosted gateways offer a flexible solution by embedding payment forms directly into your website or application. These gateways allow for customisation while maintaining security through API communication.

• Pros: Combines the benefits of self-hosted gateways with added flexibility. Customers remain on your site throughout the checkout process, enhancing user experience and trust.
• Cons: Requires advanced technical knowledge for setup and maintenance. Security responsibilities are shared.
• Best for: Tech-savvy businesses or those with in-house developers.

Also Read: Expense management guide for UAE businesses

4. Local Bank Integration Gateways

Local bank integration gateways connect directly with banks in the UAE, offering a straightforward and cost-effective way to accept payments. However, they might lack advanced features available in other options.

• Pros: Affordable and easy to set up. Often provides faster fund settlements.
• Cons: Limited functionality and fewer options for customisation. May not support a wide range of payment methods.
• Best for: Businesses focused on local transactions with a need for a simple and budget-friendly solution.

Understanding the various types of payment gateways is the first step in selecting the right solution for your business. Now, let’s take a closer look at how these gateways function to process and secure transactions seamlessly.

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How Does the Payment Gateway Application Work?

The process is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Customer Initiates Payment: A customer clicks on the checkout button and enters their payment details during checkout.
2. Data Encryption: The payment gateway encrypts sensitive data and sends it to the acquiring bank.
3. Bank Authorisation: The acquiring bank communicates with the card issuer to approve or decline the transaction.
4. Payment Confirmation: If approved, the funds are transferred to the merchant’s account, and the customer receives a confirmation.

The next step is identifying the best options available. Let’s explore the top payment gateways in the UAE for 2025.

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Best and Cheapest Payment Gateways in UAE 2025

When it comes to choosing a payment gateway, businesses must balance affordability, functionality, and reliability. Below is a detailed look at the top payment gateways in the UAE for 2025, starting with Alaan, a leading platform tailored for modern businesses.

1. Alaan

Alaan is a comprehensive, AI-powered spend management platform designed to streamline business financial operations. 

Trusted by over 1,000 businesses in the Middle East, Alaan simplifies expense management, enhances compliance, and optimises financial efficiency. With its powerful features, Alaan offers businesses a solution that goes beyond payment processing to full financial control.

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• Features:
  
  • Unlimited Corporate Cards: Issue an unlimited number of corporate cards for teams, each with customisable spending limits and vendor restrictions.
  • Expense Automation: Automates the entire expense process, from receipt uploads to verification.
  • Accounting Integration: Seamlessly integrates with leading accounting platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, and more for real-time reconciliation.
  • AI-Powered Receipt Verification: Alaan Intelligence cross-checks uploaded receipts with transaction data for errors or mismatches, ensuring accurate records.

Related Read: The future of AI in Finance: How is AI reshaping the financial landscape?

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• Custom Approval Workflows: Allows businesses to create multi-level approval flows tailored to their organisational structure.
• Cashback on Transactions: Offers up to 2% unlimited cashback on eligible business transactions, enhancing cost savings.

• Pricing: Tailored Enterprise pricing plan and a premium plan which you can join for free for up to 50 users.

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• Supported Platforms: Works with Shopify, QuickBooks, and Xero for smooth and synchronised operations.

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2. Telr

Telr, previously known as Innovative Payments, is a versatile and accessible payment gateway catering to small and medium-sized businesses. With its roots in Dubai and Singapore, Telr has expanded its services to 120 countries, making it a global payment solution. Designed for e-commerce startups and established businesses alike, Telr offers flexibility, affordability, and a robust set of features.

• Features:
  
  • Multi-Currency Support: Accepts payments in over 100 currencies, enabling businesses to cater to international customers.
  • Mobile SDKs: Provides easy integration of payment systems into mobile applications.
  • Comprehensive Payment Options: Accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Net Banking (Indian banks), and SADAD (Saudi Arabian banks).
  • No Setup Fees: Opening a Telr account is free. Users can register online via their website.
  • Wide Integration Support: Telr works seamlessly with major platforms like WooCommerce, OpenCart, PrestaShop, Shopify, and Magento, making it a flexible choice for online retailers.
• Pricing: Starts from AED349/month.

• Supported Platforms: Compatible with WooCommerce, Shopify, and custom-built websites.

3. CashU

CashU is one of the pioneering online payment gateways in the Middle East. Originally developed to serve customers in the UAE, it has expanded its reach to Europe, becoming a trusted solution for secure and seamless online payments. CashU’s strong focus on security and accessibility makes it an excellent choice for businesses targeting regional customers, especially those catering to unbanked populations.

• Features:
  
  • Prepaid Card Support: Enables even unbanked customers to make online transactions, opening new opportunities for businesses to reach diverse audiences.
  • No Risk of Chargebacks: Guarantees transaction safety, reducing the risk of lost funds for both buyers and businesses.
  • Integration Flexibility: Offers three integration options: standard, premier, and API integration for greater control and ease of use.
  • Multi-Currency Support: Compatible with MasterCard’s virtual credit card service for cross-border payments.

Bonus Read - How can virtual cards help with B2B payments

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• Pricing: It has an annual fee charged based on total sales volume. A maintenance fee of $1 per year is also charged.
• Supported Platforms: Widely used by regional businesses and local e-commerce platforms.

4. Verifone

Verifone (formerly 2Checkout) is a globally trusted payment gateway offering robust solutions for international transactions. Known for its wide-reaching capabilities, it supports payments from 165+ countries, making it a preferred choice for businesses looking to expand globally. With no setup or monthly fees, 2Checkout is highly accessible for small businesses and startups.

• Features:
  
  • Global Reach: Accepts payments from 196 countries, supporting over 120 currencies and 15 languages.
  • Flexible Payment Methods: Customers can pay using Visa, MasterCard, Bank Transfer, PayPal, American Express, and Apple Pay.
  • customisable APIs: Enables developers to create tailored payment solutions and checkout experiences.
  • Fraud Protection: Implements advanced fraud detection and prevention measures to ensure secure transactions.
  • Integration Options: Offers multiple ways to integrate, including API and iFrame methods, catering to different business needs.
• Pricing: Starts at 3.5% + AED 1.75 per transaction.

• Supported Platforms: Works with Magento, PrestaShop, FreshBooks, and other popular e-commerce systems.

A Helpful Read: Points. Miles. Cashback. Confused by corporate cards perks?

5. PayTabs

PayTabs provides a scalable and secure payment solution for businesses of all sizes, emphasising fraud prevention and multi-currency transactions. It is renowned for its robust fraud prevention capabilities and ease of integration. Businesses can start using PayTabs in less than 24 hours, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a seamless solution.

• Features:
  
  • Recurring Billing Options: Streamlines subscription management for businesses with recurring payment models.
  • Invoice Generation and Delivery: Provides cutting-edge technology for creating and sharing invoices with customers.
  • Multi-Currency Support: Supports payments in various currencies, including local and international options, through Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Mada, and STCPay.
  • Localised Support: Offers tailored solutions specifically for businesses in the MENA region.
  • Direct API: Offers flexibility for advanced integration through PayTabs' hosted payment page, managed forms, or custom solutions.
• Pricing: Starts from 2.85% + 1 AED/SAR/transaction. No setup fee, and zero monthly charges for volumes up to AED/SAR 20,000.
• Supported Platforms: Works seamlessly with a wide range of e-commerce platforms and tools, including Shopify, Magento, Xero, Zoho, Zid, Salla, WooCommerce, and more.

6. Amazon Payment Services

Amazon Payment Services, formerly known as Payfort, is a leading payment gateway in the UAE, offering reliable and scalable solutions tailored for businesses of all sizes. Backed by Amazon’s trusted infrastructure, it combines global capabilities with region-specific insights, making it especially popular among new entrepreneurs.

• Features:
  
  • customisable Checkout: Tailor the payment page to align with their brand, ensuring a seamless user experience.
  • Advanced Fraud Prevention: Amazon’s robust fraud detection systems safeguard transactions and minimise risks.
  • Detailed Analytics: Comprehensive transaction insights to help businesses track performance and optimise operations.
  • Global Payment Support: Processes payments in over 100 currencies, accommodating local payment methods and digital wallets like Visa, MasterCard, Mada, and more.
  • Localised Solutions: Tailored for the MENA region, aligning with shopping trends and consumer behavior in Arab countries.
• Pricing: Starts at 2.8% + AED 1.0/transaction.

• Supported Platforms: Custom integration options are available. Flexible options for businesses to integrate Amazon Payment Services into their existing systems.

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7. Checkout

Checkout is a global payment gateway known for its secure, scalable, and developer-friendly solutions. Based in the UK, it is widely popular in the UAE for its ability to adapt to diverse business needs and regional requirements. Businesses value Checkout for its straightforward setup, seamless integrations, and robust security features, including tokenisation technology that protects sensitive data during transactions.

• Features:
  
  • Tokenisation: Protects customer data by exchanging sensitive payment details with unique tokens, ensuring secure transactions.
  • Developer-Friendly APIs: Offers flexible APIs that simplify integration and customisation for businesses with unique payment needs.
  • Charity Support: Processes payments for registered charities free of charge in supported countries.
  • Detailed Fee Breakdown: Offers clear Interchange++ pricing, detailing card association, processor, and interchange costs for better transparency.
• Pricing: Custom pricing.
• Supported Platforms: Custom APIs for bespoke integrations.

8. CCAvenue

CCAvenue, based in India, is one of the most widely used payment gateways in the UAE. Known for its versatile features and flexible pricing plans, it caters to businesses of all sizes—small, medium, and large. CCAvenue’s user-friendly setup and advanced security measures make it a popular choice for e-commerce platforms.

• Features:
  
  • EMI Support: Attracts customers by enabling easy installment payment options, encouraging higher-value purchases.
  • Multi-Lingual Checkout: Supports multiple languages to cater to diverse customer bases, enhancing user experience for international clients.
  • Advanced Fraud Prevention: Robust tools ensure safe transactions and protect against fraudulent activities.
  • Comprehensive Reporting Tools: Offers detailed analytics for tracking and improving business performance.
• Pricing: Starts at AED 1.0/transaction. Zero setup fees and customisable pricing options for businesses with varying needs.

• Supported Platforms: Compatible with Shopify, iFrame, Woocommerce, Prestashop, Magento, and more.

9. PayPal

PayPal is one of the most trusted names in online payments globally and a preferred choice for businesses in the UAE. Known for its ease of use, flexibility, and robust security features, PayPal caters to both individual and business users, simplifying online transactions across industries.

• Features:
  
  • Global Reach: Processes transactions in over 200 countries and supports 25 currencies, making it ideal for businesses with an international customer base.
  • One-Touch Checkout: Speeds up the payment process, reducing cart abandonment rates and enhancing customer satisfaction.
  • Flexible Payment Methods: Allows payments via credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and PayPal balance.
  • APIs and SDKs: Developer-friendly tools for customising PayPal integration on websites or apps.
• Pricing: Starts from merchant fees of AED 20.00.
• Supported Platforms: Compatible with Shopify, Magento, and more.

Exploring the best and cheapest payment gateways is a great starting point, but choosing the right one requires careful consideration of your unique business needs. Let’s dive into the key factors to keep in mind when selecting a payment gateway.

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Factors to Consider When Selecting a Payment Gateway

Selecting a payment gateway might feel like a big decision, but breaking it down into key factors can make the process straightforward. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Security Compliance and Fraud Protection: 

You should prioritise gateways that adhere to PCI standards and come equipped with robust fraud detection tools. This ensures the safety of sensitive data while minimising risks for your business and customers.

2. Supported E-commerce Platforms:

Make sure the gateway you choose is compatible with the platforms you use, whether it’s Shopify, Magento, or custom-built solutions. This is because seamless integration is key to delivering a smooth checkout experience.

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3. Transaction Fees:

Transparency in pricing matters. Look for gateways that offer straightforward transaction fees without hidden charges, so you can accurately predict costs.

4. International Transaction Capabilities:

If your business caters to an international audience, opt for a gateway that supports multi-currency transactions. This feature can help you expand your reach while offering convenience to global customers.

5. Customer Support:

Technical issues can arise anytime. A payment gateway with reliable, round-the-clock support can save you time and ensure that your operations run without hiccups.

By considering these factors, you can choose a payment gateway that aligns with your business goals while offering a secure and user-friendly experience.

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Conclusion

Selecting the right payment gateway is essential for ensuring smooth and secure business transactions. Platforms like Alaan, Telr, and PayTabs provide excellent options, catering to diverse business needs, from small startups to large enterprises. 

Alaan stands out as more than just a gateway—it’s a complete spend management platform that simplifies financial operations, enhances compliance, and optimises efficiency.

Ready to streamline your business finances? Transform your expense management and unlock efficiency with Alaan today.

Book Your Demo Now!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most affordable payment gateway in the UAE?

Telr and CashU are popular for their cost-effectiveness and feature-rich solutions.

2. Can I use PayPal in the UAE?

Yes, PayPal operates in the UAE and supports multiple currencies, making it a trusted option for international transactions.

3. Are there any region-specific payment gateways?

Yes, platforms like PayTabs and Amazon Payment Services cater specifically to the MENA region with localised features.