Introduction 

For businesses looking to start and grow their online presence, Egypt's growing e-commerce and digital payment trends present a profitable opportunity.  Due to the accessibility of mobile money platforms, there is a strong demand for online shopping among the country's large and young population.  The relatively low internet penetration rate in Egypt, however, makes it difficult to access the market and highlights the necessity of mobile optimization to reach a wider audience.  Strong cybersecurity measures are also necessary to combat the growing threat of cybercrime that comes with the rise in digital payments.  To protect consumer information and prevent fraud, merchants are advised to implement strict security measures and make investments in safe payment channels.  Notwithstanding these obstacles, Egypt's e-commerce industry still has a lot of room to grow.  By adopting mobile-first strategies, comprehending the local market, and giving cybersecurity priority, businesses may take advantage of the growing trend of internet access and digital payment usage.

Local payment methods in Egypt

1. Cash - Cash payments account for almost 94% of all transactions in Egypt.  This covers everything, from modest purchases to significant corporate transactions.  As a result, companies doing business in Egypt need to be well-versed in the cash management procedures used there.  Cash is one of the most widely used payment methods in Egypt, while there are other options as well.  Cash is a more secure payment option because many people do not have bank accounts.
   
   
2. Bank Transfers - In Egypt, bank transfers are among the most widely used methods of payment processing, while there are other options as well.  One of the safest ways to make a payment is this simple method.  The money is moved straight from the payer's account to the payee's account when a bank transfer is processed. This can lessen fraud because it eliminates the requirement for a third party.  In Egypt, bank transfers are a common way for both consumers and businesses to make payments.
   
   
3. Mobile Wallets: Customers can safely keep their payment information in a virtual container called a digital wallet.  Customers can choose the payment option from their digital wallet just like they would if they were paying with cash.  These wallets are simple to use on any device because they come in online and mobile app formats. The main advantage of a digital wallet is that it allows users to have all of their payment details in one location, which streamlines the payment process.
   
   
4. Cards - In Egypt, cards are yet another widely used form of payment.  Credit cards are a common form of payment in the nation, with the majority of the earning population owning at least one.  Customers find cards to be a handy way to pay because they are accepted almost everywhere, including online.  Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diner's Club are a few well-known credit card corporations.  In Egypt, the latter two are hardly ever recognized, but the first two are commonly accepted. Consumers can buy goods and services online by entering their credit card details.  Integrating credit cards into your organization is comparatively simple.

^{“Egypt represents a unique convergence of digital adoption and economic potential. Our unified payments platform is built to support businesses entering such fast-evolving markets with the right mix of local reach and global reliability.” - Rahul Sahni, COO & CPO TransFi}

Popular payment apps in Egypt

1. Transfi - TransFi offers cross-border payment solutions for businesses operating in Egypt. Active in over 100 countries, including Egypt, TransFi provides functionalities such as instant settlements, multi-currency options, and compatibility with local payment methods. Their platform allows companies to send and receive payments in local currencies, like the Egyptian Pound (EGP), and transactions can be processed via bank transfers, e-wallets, and stablecoins like USDC. The platform enables faster settlements and reduced fees compared to traditional banking.
   
   
2. Fawry - Millions of Egyptians use it for everything from internet shopping to electricity bills. Fawry stands apart from the competition thanks to its gamification strategy, which allows you to earn prizes for your purchases.  Fawry is a straightforward and safe way to make payments, and creating an account is simple.  Fawry is an excellent choice for paying suppliers; therefore, you can use it to receive payments from clients in Egypt. Fawry is a great choice if you're searching for a dependable yet user-friendly payment system for your company.
   
   
3. Meeza - Meeza is a platform for online payments that lets companies take payments both online and at the point of sale.  It has several features and advantages and is among the most popular payment options in Egypt.  The Meeza Card, which enables companies to take credit and debit card payments, is among the most widely used. 

In Egypt, Meeza is a reliable supplier of payment solutions.  Businesses of all sizes can benefit from Meeza's extensive array of goods and services.  Meeza offers the resources companies need to take payments from their clients, including mobile payments and card processing.

4. Paymob - The online wallet Paymob was created with the Egyptian market in mind. Paymob was developed by Mobbro, one of the area's top e-commerce companies.  It is among the leading Middle Eastern providers of payment services.  Paymob is a multifunctional wallet that businesses can use both offline and online, making it an appropriate platform for all of your payment requirements. The platform accepts a variety of payment methods and is made to be straightforward to use.

Also read: Popular Local Payment Methods and Financial Solutions in Nigeria

FAQs 

1. What is the most used payment method in Egypt?

• The majority of the population in Egypt uses Cash as the primary source for getting the transactions done. 

2. What is the best online payment gateway for Egyptian businesses?

• TransFi's payment gateway is a seamless solution for local and international transactions.

3. Is Egypt moving towards a cashless economy? 

• Egypt has already moved in that direction. The enhancement of mobile and contactless payments during the last few years has made digital transactions the preferred method both by businesses and customers. Companies are encouraged to use the innovative Transfi's payment solutions to help them adapt to the constantly changing payment market.