If you’re running a Shopify store in the UAE but selling primarily to U.S. customers, you’ll face a unique challenge: Shopify Payments isn’t available in the UAE.
Thankfully, several reliable payment options are available, which support both local UAE needs and international payouts. This article explores top payment gateway alternatives, their pros and cons, and key considerations for seamless cross-border ecommerce.
Shopify Store Development
At WadiPurple, we don’t just set up Shopify stores — we create powerful eCommerce experiences that help your business thrive in the digital marketplace. Our Shopify website development services are designed to match your brand, industry, and customers, giving you a store that sells and stands out.
Here’s what you get when you work with us:
- Custom Shopify Stores – tailored designs that showcase your products and brand.
- Mobile-Optimized & Fast – smooth shopping experience on any device.
- Conversion-Focused Setup – built to engage visitors and boost sales.
- SEO-Ready Structure – optimized to rank better and attract more traffic.
- Easy Store Management – user-friendly admin tools to update products and track sales.
- Ongoing Support – expert help even after your store launches.
Ready to launch or upgrade your Shopify store?
Why Shopify Payments Isn’t an Option in the UAE
Shopify Payments, Shopify’s native checkout solution, is not supported for merchants based in the UAE due to regional financial policies and Shopify’s partnerships with banks only in select countries, PayCEC.
This makes third-party payment gateways essential for UAE-based sellers, especially those targeting U.S. consumers.
Key Criteria When Choosing a Payment Gateway
When evaluating payment gateways for a Shopify store in the UAE that targets U.S. customers, there are several key factors to consider. First, the gateway should support multi-currency transactions, especially USD, while ensuring seamless settlement into local bank accounts.
- UAE Integration & Local Support – Must work seamlessly with UAE regulations, local banks, licensing, and have Arabic interface or support.
- Cross-border Capabilities – Should process U.S. dollar transactions and handle payouts efficiently to UAE bank accounts.
- Currency & Payment Method Flexibility – Credit/debit cards, wallets, Apple Pay, Google Pay, installment options, etc.
- Fees & Pricing Transparency – Including monthly, setup, and per-transaction charges.
- Checkout Experience – Checkout UX, fraud protection, developer tools, recurring billing.
- Regulatory Compliance – PCI-DSS, Central Bank of the UAE licensing, and anti-fraud systems.
Transaction fees and pricing transparency are also critical, as costs can quickly add up when selling internationally. A good provider should offer secure checkout experiences with PCI compliance, fraud detection, and chargeback protection to build trust with buyers.
Leading Payment Gateways in UAE (Good for U.S. Sales)
When selling from the UAE to customers in the U.S., selecting the right payment gateway is essential for smooth international transactions.
The best options typically offer multi-currency support, fast settlement to local bank accounts, secure checkout experiences, and strong fraud protection. Many also provide advanced features such as mobile wallet integration, subscription billing, and installment plans, making them suitable for different business models.
Telr
- Integration: Works with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, PrestaShop, and OpenCart.
- Features: Supports a wide range of methods (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Apple Pay, local options like Mada & SADAD).
- Pricing: From AED 349/month, transaction fees around 0–2.7%.
- Pros: Good local support, multiple currencies, robust fraud protection, customizable checkout.
- Considerations: Monthly fee may deter low-volume sellers.
PayTabs
- Coverage: Available in the UAE, USA, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, and other countries.
- Features: PCI-DSS certified, supports 168 currencies, and has strong fraud detection.
- Pricing: ~2.85% + AED 1 or ~$0.27 per transaction, depending on plan.
- Pros: Excellent multi-currency support and security.
- Considerations: Transaction fees may be higher; tiered pricing may vary.
2Checkout (Verifone)
- Global Reach: Supports payments from 87+ countries and more than 100 currencies, integrates with Shopify.
- Pricing: 3.5% + AED 1.28 or $0.35—plans for subscriptions and digital downloads are higher.
- Pros: Ideal for digital goods, recurring payments, and international reach.
- Considerations: More expensive per transaction; documentation may be required.
Stripe
- Global Favorite: Developer-friendly, supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, subscriptions, and fraud protection.
- Integration: Available in the UAE via Network International; integrates well with Shopify.
- Pricing: Around 2.9% + AED 1 (or 2.9% + 30¢ USD) depending on currency.
- Pros: Clean UX, powerful APIs, vast features.
- Considerations: Multi-currency fees can add up.
Amazon Payment Services
- UAE-Focused: Strong regional presence through Emirates NBD, ADIB; supports installment payments.
- Pricing: Around 2.8% + AED 1; custom plans for higher volume.
- Pros: Trusted brand, flexible regional support, installment options.
- Considerations: Documentation and setup may take longer.
Checkout.com
- Enterprise-Level: Designed for high-volume sellers with global reach and local acquiring; offers anti-fraud tools.
- Pricing: Custom quote—optimized based on volume.
- Pros: Scalable, team support, real-time analytics.
- Considerations: Not ideal for low-volume stores; negotiations required.
Ziina
- UAE-Native: QR codes, payment links, mobile-first with social media invoicing via WhatsApp/Instagram, licensed by Central Bank.
- Pricing: First AED 5,000 free, Links/POS: 2.6% + AED 1; Gateway: 2.9% + AED 1.
- Pros: Fast setup, easy mobile-based selling, no subscription fees, strong for social commerce.
- Considerations: Mostly AED-based; may need workarounds for USD pricing and U.S. payouts.
For high-volume merchants, enterprise-level solutions with real-time analytics and global reach are available, while smaller sellers can benefit from mobile-first platforms that enable quick payments through links or QR codes. The ideal choice depends on your sales volume, target audience, and the type of checkout experience you want to deliver.
Conclusion
Even though Shopify Payments isn’t available in the UAE, there are plenty of well-integrated, secure, and efficient alternatives that support both UAE merchants and U.S.-based customers. Your choice should balance local support, international reach, fees, and the type of products/services you offer.
Top picks based on scenario:
- Best for mobile, social sellers: Ziina
- Balanced all-rounder: Telr
- Developer-focused, globally scalable: Stripe
- Digital goods & subscriptions: 2Checkout
- Installments and the Amazon ecosystem: Amazon Payment Services
- High-volume enterprise: Checkout.com
Need help selecting based on your specific volume, product type, or store setup? I’d be happy to refine recommendations!