Saudi shoppers have clear expectations at checkout. If your online store does not offer the payment methods they use every day, many will leave before paying. This guide covers the payment methods that matter in Saudi Arabia, the gateways that support them, and what to check when setting up an e-commerce store for the Kingdom.
Payment Methods Saudi Customers Expect
Mada
Mada is Saudi Arabia’s national debit card network. Most Saudi bank cards are Mada cards, so supporting Mada is essential for almost any store selling to Saudi consumers.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
Widely used, especially for higher-value and international purchases.
Apple Pay
Popular for fast mobile checkout and works with Mada cards. Requires domain verification on your website.
STC Pay
A digital wallet used by many Saudi consumers. Worth offering if your audience is mobile-first.
Buy now, pay later: Tabby and Tamara
Instalment options are popular for fashion, electronics and higher-value purchases. They can raise conversion for suitable products but come with merchant fees and category rules.
Cash on delivery
Still expected by some customers. It reduces friction at checkout but increases the risk of failed deliveries and returns.
Payment Gateways Used in Saudi Arabia
| Gateway | Notes |
|---|---|
| HyperPay | Regional gateway supporting Mada, cards and Apple Pay |
| Moyasar | Saudi gateway with Mada, cards, Apple Pay and STC Pay support |
| PayTabs | Regional gateway widely used across the GCC |
| Tap Payments | GCC-focused gateway with multiple local methods |
| Checkout.com | Suited to higher-volume and international merchants |
Supported methods, fees and onboarding requirements change – always confirm directly with each provider before choosing.
What to Check Before You Choose
- Mada support – confirm it is fully supported, including Apple Pay with Mada cards.
- Your commercial registration (CR) – gateways require valid business documents and a live website with policies.
- Settlement – timing, currency (SAR) and which local banks are supported.
- Platform plugins – an official, maintained plugin for WooCommerce, Shopify, Salla or your custom platform.
- Checkout experience – embedded fields versus redirect pages, and how well it works on mobile and in Arabic.
- Refunds and disputes – how refunds are issued and how chargebacks are handled.
VAT and E-Invoicing
Saudi VAT is 15%. VAT-registered businesses must issue electronic invoices that meet ZATCA’s e-invoicing (Fatoora) requirements. Make sure your store or accounting system produces compliant invoices before launch.
Checkout Tips for Saudi Stores
- Show accepted payment logos (especially Mada and Apple Pay) on product and cart pages.
- Offer a fully Arabic checkout with right-to-left layout.
- Show prices in SAR including VAT.
- Keep checkout short and test it on real phones.
- Be clear about delivery times, costs and return policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Mada on my online store?
For stores selling to Saudi consumers, yes in almost every case – it is the most common card type in the Kingdom.
Can WooCommerce accept Mada?
Yes, through gateways that support Mada and provide a WooCommerce plugin, such as HyperPay or Moyasar.
Should I offer cash on delivery?
Only if your customers expect it and you can manage failed deliveries and returns. Many stores start with online payments plus BNPL and add COD selectively.
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