Introduction

In Oman, cash has traditionally been the most common form of payment. Making the switch from cash to digital payments has the potential to support and promote technological advancements and advanced electronic goods and services in numerous industries. Unbanked people can use digital payment networks to enter the world of digital finance. The Central Bank of Oman has granted licensing requests to two businesses to offer electronic payment services nationwide. The Omani e-commerce sector recorded strong growth throughout the pandemic and is anticipated to grow further due to the nation’s digital transformation, the introduction of 5G telecom services, the quick adoption of digital payment methods, and the growth of vibrant online marketplaces. This article examines the current state of knowledge in digital payments, particularly emphasizing the Omani economy. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate how digital payment businesses may assist Oman’s objectives for digitalization. By expanding the information and communications technology industry as an enabler for other economic sectors, Oman has achieved significant progress in creating the groundwork for a successful digital economy. Furthermore, the residents are on the verge of a dramatic transition that will usher in an era of cashless economies, with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Analytics facilitating payment options. Our analysis concludes that Oman has correctly recognized and encouraged electronic payments technology, and an additional intensive strategy would be advantageous. The article will explore the sector and help in recognizing the significance of digital payment services, particularly in Oman, to accomplish the objective of a digital economy.

Understanding the digital payment segment

The Digital Payments market segment is led by consumer transactions and includes payments for products and services which are made over the Internet as well as digital payments at point of sale (POS) via digital wallet applications and cross-border money transfers made over the internet (digital remittances).

The three markets in Digital Payments include Digital Commerce, Mobile PoS payments, and Digital Remittances. The market comprises transaction values, average transaction value per user, users and user penetration rates. Transaction values in the Digital Payments market segment refers to consumer transactions made via the Internet or digital wallets.

Criteria to Look Out for Payment platforms in Oman

Digital payment platforms are an excellent way to connect consumers and merchants. Not only are they convenient ways of facilitating payments, but they also act as a bridge between the concerned parties by adding a secure layer to enable quick payments.

Having said that, how do you select a payment platform for your business? Remember, you need a payment platform that offers a series of options to you and your merchants. Here are a few things to consider while selecting a payment gateway in Saudi Arabia.

1. Reliability:

Since a payment gateway is an intermediary between buyers and sellers, selecting a reliable option for your business is essential. This way, you can ensure your customer's financial information is secure, while your merchants can accept payments without incurring any fraudulent transactions.
To ensure you are selecting some of the best options for your business, you can check the payment platform's online rating, which should act as a guide to help you make the right choice.

2. Support currencies:

As an online business, your markets are never limited. The internet offers endless opportunities, and you should not compromise your payment methods. Since each country has its established market and local currency, you need to use a payment gateway that offers you conducive conversion rates while keeping the transaction fee at the lowest.
Additionally, when accepting payments in multiple currencies, you need to provide several options to your customers so they can pay as per their local currency. This way, your brand gains customer loyalty while establishing a good name for your brand in the market.

3. Payment options:

A good, reliable payment gateway offers plenty of opportunities for users to make payments via different payment methods. These might include payments via the following channels:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• Net banking
• Digital wallets

The list is not exhaustive; what’s important is that you need to have the facility for your customers to make payments without worrying about transaction safety.

4. Market integration:

Market integrations relate to the various options available to you as an online business, especially concerning the market situations your business might need to work with.
Suppose you are partnering with a local payment gateway. In that case, they can guide you on government regulations and help you integrate your business platform with the local guidelines.
However, if you are going with a global brand, you might still get this advantage, along with a few other options, which will enhance your integrations and customer experience manifold.

5. Security:

Security is crucial since you and your customers will be exposed to market variations.
Customers' financial information is stored on your website's server when they make an online transaction. In case of a data breach, this financial information can be hacked and misused by hackers to fulfill their unscrupulous methods.
Payment platforms provide an additional layer of security to their customers to ensure such data breaches have no impact on the stored financial information.
A renowned payment gateway knows how to protect its customer's data, so you should always go with an experienced brand rather than a new entrant.

6. Pricing and other options:

Finally, you must consider the pricing and the other features you will get upon signing up with a brand. Pricing can cater to some of the extra charges these gateways charge to extend their services to your business and customers.
You can begin conversations around setting up and onboarding the payment gateway if you get a good set of services catering to your business needs.

Look at no other solution when it comes to running your business smoothly on the side of finances -  managing transactions, secure flow of money, customer support, it’s all covered with the cost effective solutions of Transfi. 

Also read about: Popular Local Payment Methods and Solutions in Kuwait

The right payment solution for Oman 

Selecting the right payment solution that consolidates billing, payments and subscription, security, and more is key to the success for your business. Transfi provides the following advantages over other solutions and gives valuable benefits to its users: 

1. Billing features: Transfi provides tools to support various billing methods, offers multiple payment options, provides robust fraud protection and includes robust subscription management.

2. Costs: Transfi comes with no transaction fees, minimal setup costs, and additional charges from various processors to fit the best fit for your budget.

3. Security and compliance: Transfi as a payment processor implements strong security and fraud prevention measures, complies with industry standards to protect customer data and collects taxes from customers correctly.

4. Customizability: The ability to customize functionalities and integrate with third-party software can help create a more seamless experience using Transfi.

5. Scalability: Transfi ensures to accommodate growing transaction volumes and expansion into new markets.

6. Localisation: for cross border payments, Transfi supports multiple languages and currencies.

7. Reliability: Transfi provides robust customer support and transparency in each and every step ensuring reliable means and legal compliances. 

Transfi is a cross-border infrastructure business focussed on enabling global companies to make payments in, out, and across the world. Transfi is one of the first ones to bring Virtual Accounts, combined with a global foreign exchange network, to countries across the globe providing flexibility of payment methods, currencies and stablecoins.

Local Payment Gateways and the Rising Complexities for the Businesses

Accepting online payments does not have to be complicated; various payment platforms are available. However, finding one that offers the perfect combination of affordability and customer support while supporting a wide range of currencies can take time and effort. And if you rely on the wrong payment platform, you might get caught off guard in case:

• The payment gateway fails or is going through maintenance.
• Customers need help maneuvering through the payment options.
• The payment platform doesn't offer the desired payment methods.

If any of the above happens, it'll lead to poor customer experience, further impacting your business's bottom line. So, what should you do? Read along to find out.

How can Transfi Help?

Transfi is a global payment integration and aggregation platform that can help you integrate 40+ currencies and 250+ payment methods across 70+ countries. So, whether you're based out of Oman and want to offer online services to people in Oman or across the globe or expand your business in Oman, you can rely on Transfi to facilitate seamless payments.

As you can integrate our payment gateway in your website or app. Moreover, Transfi is completely customizable and fairly easy to integrate.

Conclusion

By understanding what each of the local and digital payment methods provide, you can identify the pros and cons of using each payment method whether it is for personal or business use. Based on the purpose of using, you can take advantage of the ones that fit your business and spendings best, as it will not only help you save time and efficiency but also help you avoid unnecessary hidden fees and charges. In this day and age of moving towards growth and digitization in Oman, Transfi brings the perfect blend of what one would need in their digital payment activities. 

If you’re still unsure about which payment solution to use in Oman, the answer is definitely Transfi. You can use it anywhere digitally with ease and promptness. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What does the digital payments revolution mean for Middle East society?

The Middle East is at the forefront of the digital payments revolution, driven by a young, tech-savvy population, increasing mobile adoption and an e-commerce boom. As government investment and willingness to collaborate with the private sector have shown, the region is not just seizing the opportunity — it’s actively shaping the landscape. 

2. What's the safest way to accept payments in Oman?

The safest way to accept payments in Oman is through Transfi. We comply with the highest level of PCI DSS security standards through tech like tokenization, which hides transaction details in transit. 

3. What are the criterias to look out for payment platforms in Oman? 

• Reliability
• Supported currencies
• Payment options
• Integration
• Security
• Pricing 

4. How should I accept payments over the Internet in Oman?

A platform such as TransFi with secure payment gateways, multi-currency functions, and real-time settlements suits local and global businesses.

5. How can my business accept digital payments from Oman?

Your business can easily accept payments from Oman with Transfi. We offer global payment processing for a wide range of payment methods popular in the region. When you work with Transfi, you can let your customers pay you the way they want, while knowing that your payment system is completely secure.