PayFast vs Alfa Payment Gateway
When comparing PayFast and Alfa Payment Gateway, both support ecommerce businesses in Pakistan. PayFast offers 6 payment methods including Visa, whereas Alfa Payment Gateway offers 4 payment methods.
Quick Verdict
Choose PayFast if you need features like Mastercard. Choose Alfa Payment Gateway if your priority is developer-friendly APIs and specific ecommerce integrations.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | PayFast | Alfa Payment Gateway |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Payment Gateway | Bank Gateway |
| Pricing | Setup fee applies. Per transaction MDR ranges from 2.5% to 3.0% for cards depending on the merchant agreement. | Setup and annual maintenance fees apply. Card MDR varies between 2.0% - 2.5% depending on negotiations. |
| Settlement | T+2 to T+3 working days directly to the registered merchant bank account. | Next working day (T+1) for Bank Alfalah accounts. |
| International Cards | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | ||
| Payment Methods |
PayFast Advantages
- Strong coverage of local wallets and bank transfers.
- Regulated SBP payment infrastructure.
- Well-known across the Pakistani market.
Alfa Payment Gateway Advantages
- Focuses on developer-friendly API experiences.
- Optimized checkout flows designed for higher conversion.
- Simple and transparent fee structure.
PayFast Limitations
- Onboarding may take time due to compliance requirements.
- Integration might require technical intervention.
Alfa Payment Gateway Limitations
- May have fewer legacy bank transfer options.
- Requires careful setup for international routing if supported.
Business Suitability
Both PayFast and Alfa Payment Gateway 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, PayFast or Alfa Payment Gateway?
Pricing varies by business volume and agreement. PayFast charges Setup fee applies. Per transaction MDR ranges from 2.5% to 3.0% for cards depending on the merchant agreement. while Alfa Payment Gateway charges Setup and annual maintenance fees apply. Card MDR varies between 2.0% - 2.5% depending on negotiations.. You should request a custom quote from both.