Top payment methods in Bahrain: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Bahrain? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Bahrain, with a population of around 1.66 million people, has a GDP of approximately 47.83 billion making it the 96th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Bahrain is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
Its economy is driven by petroleum processing, financial services, and aluminum production, having diversified away from oil extraction. It is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and has a free trade agreement with the United States.
| Country | Bahrain |
|---|---|
| Population | 1.66 million |
| GDP (USD) | 47.83 billion |
| Global Ranking | 96th |
| Currency | Bahraini Dinar (BHD) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Bahrain?
Bahrain's modern retail environment has led to the high penetration and acceptance of debit and credit cards as a primary payment method. The national electronic wallet app, BenefitPay, is extremely popular and widely used for QR code payments, bill sharing, and online transfers. For real-time fund transfers, both for personal and business use, the Fawri and Fawri+ services are the established local standards.
How to pay in Bahrain
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Bahrain.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Debit/Credit) | Bahrain has a highly digitized economy where debit cards are the leading payment instrument. Contactless payments are standard. | Online/In-person |
| Digital Wallet (BenefitPay) | The national e-wallet, BenefitPay, is extremely popular and widely used for in-store QR payments and for instant online transfers via the national EFTS. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers (EFTS) | The country's Electronic Funds Transfer System (EFTS), including Fawri+ for real-time payments, is a core part of the infrastructure for P2P and B2B payments. | Online |
| Cash (Dinar) | Although electronic payments are preferred and promoted, cash is still available and accepted as a payment method throughout the country. | In-person |
Traveling beyond Bahrain? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Bahrain?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Bahrain.
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Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.