Shopify Payments in Pakistan: Best Alternatives for Online Businesses

Selling online with Shopify is straightforward. Getting paid as a Pakistani business requires more planning.

Shopify gives you the tools to build an online store, manage products, and sell to customers in Pakistan and overseas. However, Shopify Payments is not currently available to businesses based in Pakistan. You therefore need an alternative payment arrangement to accept online payments.

The good news is that you do not need to abandon Shopify. Local payment gateways, international payment processors, bank transfers, digital wallets, and cash on delivery are all options worth investigating, depending on your business requirements.

This guide explains the best Shopify payment gateway alternatives to consider in Pakistan, how transaction fees work, what to know about international payments and settlements, and how to choose a payment setup that supports your business as it grows.

Is Shopify Available in Pakistan?

Yes. Businesses in Pakistan can create and manage Shopify stores. The limitation is Shopify Payments, Shopify's built-in payment processing service, which is not currently available to businesses based in Pakistan.

Shopify provides the ecommerce platform, including product listings, order management, and storefront functionality. Shopify Payments processes eligible transactions in supported markets.

You can run a Shopify store in Pakistan, but you need an eligible alternative to accept online payments.

According to Shopify's official list of supported countries, businesses located outside supported markets need to use an eligible third party payment provider.

Shopify availability versus Shopify Payments availability

You do not necessarily need to switch ecommerce platforms because Shopify Payments is unavailable. The first step is to identify a payment arrangement that supports your business location, customer markets, and settlement requirements.

Shopify Payments Supported Countries: Where Does Pakistan Stand?

Shopify Payments operates in selected countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several European markets. Availability and eligibility requirements vary by country.

Pakistan is not currently included in Shopify's supported countries list. A Pakistani merchant therefore cannot activate Shopify Payments simply by changing a setting in the dashboard.

Payment processing involves financial regulations, business verification, banking arrangements, and settlement requirements. Businesses must meet the applicable requirements for the market in which they operate.

For Pakistani merchants, this means:

• Business eligibility: Choose a provider that accepts businesses operating from Pakistan.
• International transactions: Confirm that the provider supports payments from your intended customer markets.
• Currency settlements: Verify which currencies you can receive and whether funds can reach your intended bank account.
• Processing costs: Account for the provider's fees and any applicable Shopify third-party transaction fees.
• Compliance: Meet the provider's documentation, verification, and banking requirements.

Registering a company abroad may create additional options for some businesses, but it does not automatically establish eligibility. Any foreign company structure must satisfy the relevant legal, banking, tax, and payment provider requirements.

Check Shopify's official supported countries list before making decisions about your payment setup.

Best Payment Gateway for Shopify in Pakistan

The best payment gateway for Shopify in Pakistan depends on your business model, customer location, preferred payment methods, and settlement needs.

A domestic clothing store may prioritize Pakistani card payments and cash on delivery. A brand selling internationally may need a processor that supports overseas cards and suitable foreign currency settlements.

The following providers and payment methods are worth investigating. Their inclusion does not guarantee that every provider offers direct Shopify checkout for every Pakistan-based merchant.

Shopify payment gateway comparison

Use Shopify's payment provider directory alongside each provider's official documentation to establish which options currently support your business.

Safepay for Shopify

Safepay is a relevant option to consider for Pakistani merchants seeking an online payment gateway with documented Shopify integration.

Safepay offers hosted checkout and on-site checkout integration options. Hosted checkout directs customers to a provider-hosted payment page, while on-site checkout can keep the payment experience within the store, subject to the integration requirements.

Before signing up, confirm your eligibility, supported payment methods, processing fees, integration requirements, and payout arrangements.

Review Safepay's official website and its Shopify integration documentation for current details.

The checkout experience matters, particularly on mobile devices. However, on-site checkout does not automatically guarantee higher conversion rates. Performance depends on the entire customer journey, including usability, payment reliability, and the clarity of checkout instructions.

PayFast and XPay

PayFast Pakistan and XPay are worth investigating when comparing payment processing options.

A provider that accepts payments on a custom website does not automatically support direct Shopify checkout. Confirm the exact integration before building your store around a particular service.

For XPay, identify the specific provider, since Bank Alfalah and PostEx have their own offerings. Check business eligibility, payment methods, processing charges, settlement schedules, refund procedures, and integration requirements.

JazzCash and Easypaisa for Shopify

JazzCash and Easypaisa are familiar payment services in Pakistan and may be relevant when customers prefer local digital wallets.

However, customers being able to use a wallet does not mean a Shopify store can connect it directly to checkout.

Confirm whether an official Shopify integration or compatible provider is available. If direct integration is unavailable, investigate whether a permitted payment link or manual payment workflow can meet your requirements.

Manual payments require a reliable process for confirming incoming funds and matching payments to individual orders.

Verifone and Payoneer Checkout for international sales

Businesses selling overseas may need an international payment processor that accepts their business structure and supports their target markets.

Verifone, formerly known as 2Checkout, and Payoneer Checkout are options to investigate, subject to their current eligibility requirements.

Neither should be treated as a guaranteed solution for every Pakistan-based Shopify merchant. Confirm that the provider accepts your business location, supports your intended transactions, and offers a compatible Shopify integration.

Accepting an international payment in USD is also different from receiving settlements in USD or withdrawing funds to a Pakistani bank account. Verify both payment acceptance and settlement arrangements before choosing a provider.

For more information, read Oscar's guide on how to accept international payments on Shopify in Pakistan.

Custom payment integrations for larger businesses

Businesses with complex requirements may consider custom payment integrations when standard options do not provide the required functionality.

However, custom development introduces implementation costs, security responsibilities, testing, and ongoing maintenance. Shopify plan restrictions and provider requirements still apply.

A custom integration is not a way to bypass country eligibility rules. The provider must be legally able and willing to serve the merchant, and the integration must meet the applicable requirements.

Shopify Transaction Fees in Pakistan

Payment processing fees affect how much revenue your business keeps from each order.

When you use an external payment provider, you may incur the provider's processing fee and Shopify's applicable third party transaction fee. Currency conversion, withdrawals, refunds, and disputes can introduce additional costs.

Shopify explains the applicable terms in its official third party payment provider documentation.

Payment gateway fee comparison

The actual amounts depend on your Shopify plan, provider, transaction type, currencies, and current pricing terms. Verify the applicable rates directly instead of relying on outdated fee figures.

How to calculate the real cost of a payment gateway

Consider a hypothetical Shopify order worth PKR 10,000.

These percentages are illustrative, not confirmed rates for any specific provider or Shopify plan.

Additional costs may apply for currency conversion, withdrawals, refunds, or disputes. Compare providers using realistic order values and transaction volumes to understand the total cost of accepting payments.

A lower advertised processing rate does not necessarily mean a lower overall cost.

Do cash on delivery and bank transfers incur Shopify transaction fees?

Shopify distinguishes manual payment methods, including cash on delivery and bank transfers, from payments processed through third-party gateways. Manual payment methods are not subject to Shopify third-party transaction fees under the applicable rules.

However, they still involve operating costs. COD can incur courier collection charges, failed delivery costs, return shipping, and delayed settlements. Bank transfers may require staff to verify payments and reconcile orders.

Include these costs when comparing payment methods and evaluating profitability.

Payout Times and Withdrawing Shopify Earnings to a Pakistani Bank

When an external payment provider processes a transaction, its settlement arrangements determine when and how you receive the funds. Shopify does not control that provider's payout schedule.

Before selecting a gateway, establish:

• How many working days settlement normally takes.
• Which currencies are available for settlement.
• Whether your intended Pakistani bank account can receive the funds.
• Whether minimum withdrawal amounts apply.
• Whether conversion, withdrawal, or intermediary bank charges apply.
• Under what circumstances funds may be held for verification or risk review.
• How refunds and disputes affect your available balance.

These details affect working capital, stock replenishment, advertising expenditure, and supplier payments.

A gateway that processes payments successfully may still be unsuitable if its settlement arrangements do not meet your business needs. Verify the complete process from customer payment to withdrawal and reconciliation before committing.

Cash on Delivery on Shopify in Pakistan

Cash on delivery remains an important payment option for Pakistani ecommerce businesses. Some customers prefer paying when an order arrives rather than entering card details or transferring money in advance.

Shopify supports COD through manual payment methods. Merchants can also configure supported manual arrangements for bank transfers.

COD can make customers more comfortable placing an order, but it shifts more payment collection and delivery risk to the fulfilment process.

Cash on delivery versus online payments

Many businesses offer both methods to accommodate different customer preferences.

Stores can also test incentives such as free shipping on prepaid orders. Measure whether the additional prepaid conversions justify the incentive and processing costs.

Track failed COD deliveries, return costs, payment delays, and prepaid conversion rates to identify the most commercially effective payment mix.

How to Choose the Right Shopify Payment Gateway in Pakistan

The right payment gateway must fit your business requirements, customer preferences, and budget. Evaluate these seven factors before making a decision.

1. Business location and eligibility

Confirm that the provider accepts businesses operating from Pakistan and supports your business structure. Review the onboarding requirements before investing in integration.

2. Customer payment preferences

Determine whether your customers need Pakistani cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, COD, or international card payments. Use actual customer and order data wherever possible.

3. Shopify integration

Confirm whether the provider offers an official Shopify app, documented integration, hosted checkout, or custom solution. Check how payments, refunds, failures, and order status updates are handled.

4. Total payment costs

Calculate provider fees alongside applicable Shopify charges, conversion costs, withdrawals, and other expenses. Compare providers using realistic transaction volumes.

5. Checkout experience

Test the payment journey on desktop and mobile devices. Check redirects, payment instructions, transaction errors, and confirmation messages.

6. Settlement and disputes

Verify payout timing, supported currencies, withdrawal arrangements, refund procedures, and chargeback rules.

7. Scalability

Consider whether transaction records, reporting, order reconciliation, and inventory workflows will remain manageable as your business grows.

For many Pakistani merchants, combining local payment options, an eligible card processor, an international provider where needed, and COD may offer broader coverage than relying on a single method.

How to Accept Online Payments on Shopify in Pakistan

Once you have identified a suitable provider, follow these six steps to configure and test your payment setup.

Step 1: Define your requirements

Document your customer markets, required payment methods, settlement currencies, expected order volume, and business structure. Use these requirements to evaluate providers.

Step 2: Review Shopify's payment provider directory

Open Shopify admin, navigate to Settings, then Payments, and review the options available for your actual business location.

Consult the Shopify payment provider directory and the selected provider's documentation to confirm compatibility.

Step 3: Complete provider verification

Submit the documents required by your provider. These may include identity documents, business registration information, tax details, proof of address, and bank account information.

Requirements vary by provider and business type. Obtain approval before relying on the service for live transactions.

Step 4: Configure the integration

Follow the provider's documented setup process. This may involve installing an app, authorizing an account, entering configuration details, or implementing a custom integration.

Verify that the payment results are communicated correctly to Shopify.

Step 5: Test the payment journey

Use the provider's approved testing process where available. Confirm that customers can complete a transaction, receive confirmation, and see the correct order status.

Test failed payments, cancellations, refunds, and payment notifications as well.

Step 6: Confirm settlement and reconciliation

Verify that transactions can be matched to Shopify orders and settlement reports. Confirm the payout schedule, withdrawal arrangements, and procedures for investigating discrepancies.

A payment setup is not ready simply because a transaction succeeds. Your business also needs reliable records of the money received.

Compliance Requirements for Pakistani Payment Gateways

Payment providers may require documentation to verify your identity, business structure, website, and settlement account. Preparing these documents early can reduce onboarding delays.

Not every provider requires the same documents. Requirements can differ for sole proprietors, partnerships, registered companies, and international payment accounts.

Confirm the exact checklist directly with your provider. Pakistani merchants should also review applicable State Bank of Pakistan and Federal Board of Revenue requirements, including ecommerce tax, withholding, and reporting obligations that may apply to their transactions.

Where the applicable tax treatment is unclear, consult current official guidance or a qualified Pakistani tax professional.

Is Shopify the Best Ecommerce Platform for Pakistan?

Shopify is not the only ecommerce option available to Pakistani businesses. Whether you should keep Shopify or consider an alternative depends on your payment requirements, technical resources, operating costs, and growth plans.

Shopify versus other ecommerce options

WooCommerce in Pakistan

WooCommerce offers flexibility through its plugin ecosystem and may suit businesses that want greater control over their website and integrations.

However, you are responsible for hosting, security, updates, performance, and plugin compatibility. Compare the total cost of ownership rather than assuming an open source platform is automatically cheaper.

Wix in Pakistan

Wix may suit businesses seeking a straightforward website with ecommerce functionality. However, switching to Wix does not automatically resolve payment eligibility issues. Verify that the available payment providers support your business location and intended transactions.

Daraz as a sales channel

Daraz gives sellers access to an established marketplace and its customer audience, with payment and fulfilment arrangements governed by its seller terms.

The trade-off is reduced control over the storefront and customer relationship. For some businesses, Daraz works better as an additional sales channel than as a replacement for an independent website.

Should you leave Shopify because Shopify Payments is unavailable?

Not necessarily.

If your primary problem is accepting payments, a compatible third party provider may resolve it without requiring a complete website migration.

If your broader challenges involve technical maintenance, ownership costs, inventory coordination, or managing multiple sales channels, a wider platform comparison may be justified.

Evaluate the actual business problem before switching platforms.

Where Oscar Fits Into the Solution

Choosing a Shopify payment gateway helps you collect money at checkout. As your business grows, you also need to manage inventory, orders, reporting, and sales across online and physical channels.

Oscar is a business management platform that supports point of sale operations, inventory management, payments, reporting, and connected ecommerce workflows.

For businesses operating an online store alongside physical outlets or other sales channels, Oscar is worth exploring as a way to coordinate the operations behind their sales.

Manage online and offline sales together

Oscar's integrated ecommerce solution supports unified sales management and real-time inventory synchronisation for connected online and offline operations.

This can help reduce the risk of selling unavailable stock and maintain more consistent inventory records.

Confirm the specific Shopify connection and integration requirements with Oscar before implementation.

Improve visibility into sales and inventory

Oscar helps businesses organise sales and inventory information and access operational reporting. This can support decisions about stock replenishment, product performance, and sales across locations.

The value is greater visibility into business operations rather than relying entirely on disconnected records.

Support payments across business channels

Oscar also offers Oscar Payments. According to its official payments page, its published pricing includes a one-time device cost, no monthly cost, a stated transaction fee of 2.6%, and an additional charge of PKR 0.5 per transaction.

Confirm current pricing, device requirements, supported payment methods, and applicable terms directly with Oscar.

Oscar Payments should not be assumed to be a native Shopify payment gateway or a replacement for Shopify Payments. Shopify merchants still need an eligible checkout provider unless a specific supported integration meets their requirements.

Create another way to take online orders

Oscar's online ordering solution provides another way for businesses to create an online ordering page and manage customer orders through supported workflows.

Whether this is suitable depends on your business model, required ecommerce features, payment methods, and whether you need to retain your existing Shopify storefront.

Build a more connected operation

As sales increase, manually coordinating inventory, payments, orders, and reporting can consume staff time and make discrepancies harder to identify.

Oscar can help eligible businesses coordinate these workflows through its supported business management capabilities.

If you want to understand how Oscar could fit alongside your chosen payment provider, book a free Oscar demo to discuss your sales channels, inventory challenges, and current systems.

Final Thoughts

Shopify Payments is not currently available to businesses based in Pakistan, but you can still use Shopify with an eligible alternative payment arrangement.

Compare payment providers based on business eligibility, checkout compatibility, total costs, settlement requirements, and customer preferences. Then choose a setup that supports your operations as well as your sales.

For businesses managing online and physical channels, Oscar can help coordinate inventory, point of sale, payments, reporting, and supported ecommerce workflows.

Book a free Oscar demo to explore how Oscar could fit your business.