Merchant Account in Pakistan: How to Get One in 2026
A merchant account enables your business to receive electronic payments from customers. In Pakistan, there are two main routes to accepting payments: traditional bank acquiring and modern payment gateway services, which many online businesses use. This guide explains both options, the documents you may need, the costs to consider, and how to get started accepting payments.
What is a merchant account?
A merchant account is an arrangement that allows a business to accept electronic payments — including cards, mobile wallets, and bank-based payment methods — and receive settlements into its designated bank account. When a customer pays you Rs. 5,000 by card, the transaction is authorised and processed, and the funds are subsequently settled according to the provider’s terms, usually after applicable transaction fees.
In Pakistan, getting a merchant account can mean two different things, and choosing the right route matters.
Route 1 — A traditional bank merchant account
Major Pakistani banks offer merchant acquiring services that allow eligible businesses to accept card payments online or through point-of-sale (POS) terminals. This route may suit established companies with an existing corporate banking relationship.
- Pros: A direct banking relationship and an established option for card-centric, high-volume retail.
- Cons: Onboarding may involve extensive documentation and take time. Eligibility requirements vary, and some arrangements may focus primarily on card acceptance. Additional arrangements may be needed for JazzCash, easypaisa, and Raast.
Route 2 — A payment gateway merchant account
A payment gateway offers businesses a way to accept supported electronic payment methods through a single integration. Depending on the provider and merchant agreement, these may include Visa, Mastercard, PayPak, Raast, JazzCash, easypaisa, bank transfers, and QR payments.
DeltaPay Global provides a starting point for businesses exploring payment gateway solutions in Pakistan. Visit its website to review the currently supported payment methods, onboarding requirements, integration options, settlement terms, and pricing.
A unified gateway can simplify payment acceptance by reducing the need to manage multiple integrations and separate payment workflows.
What documents do you need?
Documentation depends on your business structure, the provider’s verification requirements, and the services you want to use. Common requirements include:
- Sole proprietors and freelancers: CNIC, applicable FBR tax registration or NTN details, and bank account information, including IBAN.
- Registered companies: NTN or relevant tax registration details, incorporation documents, authorised representative information, and business bank account details.
- All applicants: Basic business information, details of the products or services being sold, and a website or social media page where applicable.
Additional documents may be requested to verify ownership, business activity, expected transaction volumes, and compliance with applicable requirements. Confirm the exact checklist with your chosen provider before applying.
How much does a merchant account cost in Pakistan?
The main transaction-related cost is often the MDR (Merchant Discount Rate), which is the fee charged on successful payment transactions. The total cost depends on the payment method, transaction volume, provider, and merchant agreement.
When comparing providers, request a complete fee schedule covering:
- Card transaction fees.
- Mobile wallet transaction fees.
- Raast and bank transfer charges, where applicable.
- Setup and monthly fees.
- Integration or plugin charges, if any.
- Refund and chargeback fees.
- Applicable taxes and other service charges.
Raast may offer a cost-effective option for eligible digital payments, but the actual merchant charges depend on the payment arrangement and provider.
You can explore DeltaPay Global to learn about its payment services and check its current pricing and merchant terms before making a decision.
How to get your merchant account: step by step
- Choose your route. For online businesses, SMEs, and freelancers, a payment gateway may provide a convenient way to accept multiple supported payment methods.
- Register and submit your documents. Provide the required identity, tax registration, business, and bank account information.
- Complete verification. The provider reviews your application and confirms whether your business is eligible.
- Connect your checkout. Depending on the provider’s available integrations, you may be able to connect WooCommerce, Shopify, WordPress, or a custom website through an API. Payment links or invoicing may also be available.
- Test your integration. If a sandbox is provided, use it to test successful payments, failed transactions, and notifications before going live.
- Verify settlement. Make a permitted live transaction and confirm that the funds reach your designated account according to the agreed settlement schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a merchant account without a registered company?
Possibly. Some payment providers accept eligible sole proprietors and freelancers, while others require a registered business entity. The required documents depend on the provider’s onboarding and compliance policies. Confirm whether your business structure is eligible before applying.
How long does it take?
Traditional bank acquiring can take days or weeks, depending on the bank and application. Payment gateway onboarding may be faster, but verification, integration, and approval timelines vary. Ask the provider for its current estimated onboarding time.
Do I need separate accounts for JazzCash and easypaisa?
Not necessarily. A unified payment gateway may let you accept multiple payment methods through one merchant integration, subject to the provider’s supported services and your account approval. Confirm whether JazzCash, easypaisa, cards, Raast, and bank transfers are available under the same merchant arrangement.
The bottom line
For an established retailer with a strong banking relationship, a traditional bank merchant account may be appropriate. For online stores, service businesses, SMEs, and eligible freelancers, a payment gateway can offer a more streamlined route to accepting digital payments.
Before choosing a provider, compare supported payment methods, transaction fees, documentation requirements, settlement schedules, integration options, and regulatory status.
Explore DeltaPay Global to learn more about payment gateway solutions for businesses in Pakistan.