NIFT ePay vs PayFast
When comparing NIFT ePay and PayFast, both support ecommerce businesses in Pakistan. NIFT ePay offers 4 payment methods including Bank Transfer (A2A), whereas PayFast offers 6 payment methods.
Quick Verdict
Choose NIFT ePay if you need features like Visa. Choose PayFast if your priority is developer-friendly APIs and specific ecommerce integrations.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | NIFT ePay | PayFast |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Payment Aggregator | Payment Gateway |
| Pricing | Custom pricing based on transaction volume and business scale. Typically competitive for direct bank transfers. | Setup fee applies. Per transaction MDR ranges from 2.5% to 3.0% for cards depending on the merchant agreement. |
| Settlement | T+1 or T+2 settlement into corporate accounts. | T+2 to T+3 working days directly to the registered merchant bank account. |
| International Cards | No | Yes |
| Integrations | ||
| Payment Methods |
NIFT ePay Advantages
- Strong coverage of local wallets and bank transfers.
- Regulated SBP payment infrastructure.
- Well-known across the Pakistani market.
PayFast Advantages
- Focuses on developer-friendly API experiences.
- Optimized checkout flows designed for higher conversion.
- Simple and transparent fee structure.
NIFT ePay Limitations
- Onboarding may take time due to compliance requirements.
- Integration might require technical intervention.
PayFast Limitations
- May have fewer legacy bank transfer options.
- Requires careful setup for international routing if supported.
Business Suitability
Both NIFT ePay and PayFast are suitable for registered businesses in Pakistan. If your customer base leans heavily towards mobile wallets, verify the direct coverage offered by each. For pure credit card volume, evaluate the MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) against your average order value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NIFT ePay or PayFast?
Pricing varies by business volume and agreement. NIFT ePay charges Custom pricing based on transaction volume and business scale. Typically competitive for direct bank transfers. while PayFast charges Setup fee applies. Per transaction MDR ranges from 2.5% to 3.0% for cards depending on the merchant agreement.. You should request a custom quote from both.