Payment Gateways in Oman Compared: OmanNet, Thawani, AmwalPay and More
Which payment gateway should an online store in Oman use? What each option is, how fees work, which platforms they connect to, and how to choose without overpaying.
Short answer: most online stores in Oman use either a bank gateway on the OmanNet network or a licensed local payment provider such as Thawani or AmwalPay, and many also offer cash on delivery. Oman’s e-commerce regulation expects online payments to go through a bank or provider licensed in Oman, and Shopify Payments is not available in Oman, so Shopify stores need a third-party gateway. The best choice depends on your platform, your customers’ preferred cards and wallets, settlement speed and the fees you are quoted in writing.
- Use a gateway licensed in Oman; it is expected under the e-commerce regulation and makes settlement to your Omani bank simpler.
- The OmanNet payment gateway service on gov.om lists a private-sector fee of 1.5% per transaction, capped at OMR 10. Private providers set their own rates.
- Check platform support first: Shopify, WooCommerce and custom builds connect differently.
- Keep cash on delivery, but confirm COD orders on WhatsApp to cut refusals.
What a payment gateway does for an Omani store
A payment gateway takes the card or wallet payment on your checkout, checks it with the bank, and sends the money to your merchant account, minus fees, on a settlement schedule. For Omani shoppers that usually means local debit cards on the OmanNet network, Visa and Mastercard credit cards, and in some cases wallets such as Apple Pay.
The main options in Oman
Bank gateways on OmanNet
Omani banks offer e-commerce gateways that accept OmanNet debit cards and international cards. The government’s OmanNet payment gateway service lists a fee of 1.5% per transaction for the private sector, capped at OMR 10, but your bank’s own merchant terms can differ, so ask for them. Bank gateways suit businesses that already bank locally and want settlement straight into that account.
Thawani
Thawani is an Omani payment provider used by many local online stores and apps. It offers hosted checkout pages and plugins for common platforms. Rates are quoted per merchant, so ask for a written quote with settlement timing.
AmwalPay
AmwalPay is another Omani payment provider offering online payments, payment links and in-store options. As with Thawani, compare its written quote, supported cards and platform plugins.
Regional providers: PayTabs, Tap and others
Regional gateways that work across the GCC can make sense if you sell in Oman and the UAE or Saudi Arabia from one store. Check that the provider is licensed to serve merchants in Oman and that it settles in OMR to an Omani account.
| Option | Best for | Check before signing |
|---|---|---|
| Bank gateway (OmanNet) | Businesses already banking in Oman | Bank merchant fees, plugin for your platform, settlement days |
| Thawani | Omani stores and apps wanting quick local onboarding | Written rate, payouts, refunds |
| AmwalPay | Online plus payment links and in-store | Written rate, platform plugins |
| PayTabs, Tap | Stores selling across several GCC countries | Oman licensing, OMR settlement |
Shopify, WooCommerce and custom stores
Shopify Payments is not offered in Oman, so Shopify stores connect a third-party gateway through an app; confirm the provider has a working Shopify app before you sign. WooCommerce has more plugin options and can also connect directly to bank gateways. Custom builds such as Next.js can integrate any provider with an API. Our Shopify vs WooCommerce guide explains the wider trade-offs.
Do not drop cash on delivery
Many Omani shoppers still prefer to pay on delivery, especially for a first order from a new brand. Keep COD available, confirm each COD order over WhatsApp before shipping, and plan cash flow for the courier’s remittance schedule. Our shipping and fulfilment guide for Oman covers COD in more detail.
How to choose
- List what your customers use: OmanNet debit, credit cards, wallets.
- Shortlist gateways that support your platform.
- Get written quotes and settlement terms from at least two.
- Run real test payments, including a refund, before launch.
- Show the payment methods clearly on product and cart pages.
How EcomConvey can help
We set up payment gateways, COD rules and checkout for online stores in Oman as part of our e-commerce website development service. We do not resell gateways or take a commission, so our recommendation is based on what fits your store.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best payment gateway in Oman?
There is no single best option. Bank gateways on OmanNet suit businesses banking locally, while providers like Thawani and AmwalPay offer quick onboarding and plugins. Choose based on your platform, written fees and settlement time.
Does Shopify Payments work in Oman?
No. Shopify Payments is not available in Oman, so Shopify stores use a third-party gateway through an app.
How much do payment gateways charge in Oman?
The OmanNet payment gateway service on gov.om lists 1.5% per transaction for the private sector, capped at OMR 10. Private providers and banks quote their own rates, so always ask for a written quote.
Do I need a licence to accept online payments in Oman?
Gateways will ask for your commercial registration, and Oman’s e-commerce regulation requires an e-commerce licence before selling online. See our guide to starting an e-commerce business in Oman.
Fees and rules change, so confirm current terms with each provider and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Sources: gov.om OmanNet payment gateway service.