Sending Money To Bahrain: A Quick Guide

There are several ways to send money to someone in Bahrain. Cash has historically been the dominant payment method in Bahrain, but cards are also widely used. The most popular card payment method in Bahrain is Benefit, which is used for both online and in-store purchases. If you're looking to send money to Bahrain from another country, you can use a money transfer service such as Western Union, Xoom, or OFX. These services offer different rates, fees, and transfer times, so be sure to compare them before choosing one. Additionally, digital payment solutions are becoming increasingly popular in Bahrain, with the country being recognized as one of the leading innovators in digital financial services.

Using a digital wallet

Digital wallets, also known as e-wallets or mobile wallets, are electronic platforms that enable users to store payment information securely and conduct various transactions using their mobile devices. They offer a convenient and secure way to manage payments and financial transactions. Here's how you can use a digital wallet to send a payment to someone in Bahrain:

Choosing a Digital Wallet

There are several digital wallets available in Bahrain, each offering different features and functionalities. Some popular options include:

• BenefitPay: Launched by Bahrain's Benefit Company, BenefitPay is widely used in the country. It offers features such as bill payments, peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, and integration with loyalty programs.
• Stc pay: stc pay is a mobile wallet operated by stc Bahrain, which allows users to make payments, send money internationally, and manage their financial activities.
• BWallet: BWallet is another digital wallet available in Bahrain that provides functionalities for payments, money transfers, and loyalty program integration.
• Beyon Money: This e-wallet is handled by Batelco and offers features such as offers, the ability to track spending with linked bank accounts, and a debit card.
• AFS bPay: AFS bPay (formerly known as BWallet) allows users to recover their funds by creating a new account with the same app, which has new branding.

Setting Up Your Digital Wallet

To set up your digital wallet, you will need to download the relevant app on your smartphone. You may need to create an account and verify your identity before you can start using the service. This usually involves providing personal information such as your name, email, phone number, and bank account details.

Sending Money Using Your Digital Wallet

Once you have set up your digital wallet, sending money to someone in Bahrain is typically straightforward. Here are the general steps:

• Open your digital wallet app and log in to your account.
• Navigate to the "Send Money" or "Transfer Money" option.
• Enter the recipient's details, such as their name, email, phone number, or QR code (if available).
• Specify the amount you want to send and choose the currency.
• Review the transaction details, including any fees that may apply, and confirm the transfer.
• Depending on the app, you may need to select the payment method, such as your digital wallet balance, bank account, or card.
• Your recipient will typically receive the money instantly or within a few minutes.

Benefits of Using a Digital Wallet

Digital wallets offer several advantages, including:

• Convenience: Digital wallets allow you to store multiple payment methods, including credit/debit cards and bank account information, in one secure place. This eliminates the need to carry a physical wallet.
• Contactless Payments: Many digital wallets support contactless payments using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, enabling users to make in-store purchases by simply tapping their smartphones at NFC-enabled terminals.
• Online Shopping: Digital wallets enhance the online shopping experience by allowing users to make seamless and quick transactions without repeatedly entering card details.
• Peer-to-Peer Transfers: Digital wallets make it easy to send and receive money among friends, family, or businesses through P2P transfer features.
• Security: Digital wallets provide enhanced security features like encryption and biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition), ensuring your financial information remains secure.

Payment cards

If you're looking to send money to someone in Bahrain using a payment card, there are a few options available. The most common type of card used in Bahrain is a debit card, with 70% of the 1.5 million issued cards being debit cards. These are all branded with the local scheme BENEFIT, which can be used for both online and in-store purchases. BENEFIT has also introduced a wallet solution called BenefitPay, which can be used to make payments.

If you're looking to use a credit card, there are a few options available as well. Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are accepted by many payment platforms and digital wallets. However, it's important to note that some platforms may charge additional fees for using a credit card, and there may be restrictions on sending money to Bahrain from other countries.

Some popular payment platforms that support credit and debit cards include:

• Amazon Payment Services (APS): Accepts all major credit/debit cards and offers seamless payment processing with a commission per transaction of 2.8% plus extra charges.
• Verifone [2Checkout]: Accepts credit/debit cards such as Skrill, PO, Visa, MasterCard, and more. Offers a secure payment system with a choice of three payment plans.
• Checkout: Accepts credit/debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and more. Offers a free BenefitPay mobile app for payments with a commission per transaction of AED 0.75 to 2.75 percent of the total volume.
• Paytabs: Accepts credit/debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and more. Offers three payment plans with varying transaction costs.
• CCAvenue: Accepts all major credit and debit cards.
• Telr: Accepts credit/debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and more. Charges commissions based on different levels, with the lowest level having no transaction commission.

Additionally, digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal are also widely accepted in Bahrain and can be used to send money to individuals or businesses.

It's important to note that the availability and compatibility of these payment methods may vary depending on the specific platform or service being used. It's always a good idea to check with the platform or your financial institution to ensure compatibility and to understand any associated fees or restrictions.

Money transfer services

There are several money transfer services that allow you to send money to someone in Bahrain. Here are some options:

Western Union

Western Union offers a trusted money transfer service that allows you to send money to friends and family in Bahrain. You can create a free account, select Bahrain as your destination, choose the amount you want to send, and provide recipient details. You can pay using a Bahrain-issued debit card, and transfers can be completed in minutes. Western Union also has branches and agent locations across Bahrain where you can send money in person.

BFC Bahrain

BFC Bahrain is a leading money transfer company in the country. They offer safe, secure, and fast online money transfer services to over 30 countries. You can send money online, in-branch, or through their app. BFC is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain as a Money Changer, ensuring that they follow strict rules and regulations when handling your money.

BenefitPay

BenefitPay is an app-based payment system in Bahrain that allows you to send and receive money quickly and securely. You can use it to send money to anyone with a local mobile number or IBAN (International Bank Account Number). The transaction is completed within a maximum of 30 seconds, and the fund is credited instantly to the recipient's account. BenefitPay also allows you to make bill payments, in-store purchases, and more.

When choosing a money transfer service, be sure to compare transfer fees, exchange rates, and transaction limits to find the most suitable option for your needs.

Payment gateways

Bahrain has become a leader in digital financial services, with a growing number of digital payment solutions. The country's payment landscape is rapidly evolving, with a particular emphasis on financial inclusion initiatives.

When considering payment gateways, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Firstly, reliability and customer service are paramount. You will want to select a payment gateway that is trusted and provides excellent customer support. Secondly, the ability to support multiple currencies is essential, especially if you are providing services in multiple markets. A good payment gateway will also offer various payment options, such as buy-now-pay-later, currency settlement, and local currency withdrawal.

Amazon Payment Services (APS)

APS allows you to process payments seamlessly and offer your customers the option to pay in instalments from anywhere in the world. It accepts all major credit cards, digital wallets, Apple Pay, PayPal, Mada STC Pay, Visa Checkout, and Masterpass. The commission per transaction is 2.8% plus extra charges.

Verifone [2checkout]

Verifone provides access to a highly secure payment system with PCI-compliant infrastructure. It offers various services, including subscription billing and reporting and analytics. Verifone has three payment plans with commissions ranging from 3.5% to 6.0% plus a flat fee. It accepts all major credit cards and digital wallets, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and AliPay.

Checkout

Checkout is a payment platform that offers multi-channel payments, built-in security, and flexible payment options. It accepts all major credit cards, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, Benefit, Fawry, SEPA, Klarna, SOFORT, Alipay, and WeChatPay. The commission per transaction ranges from 0.75% to 2.75% of the total volume.

Paytabs

Paytabs is a payment service provider offering omnichannel payment solutions and a simple onboarding process. It accepts all major credit cards, as well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, STCPay, Knet, Oman Net, and Mada. The growth plan, ideal for businesses with a volume of up to USD 2000, has a transaction cost of 2.85% + $0.27 per transaction.

CCAvenue

CCAvenue is a leading payment gateway provider that recently expanded to Bahrain. It offers an omnichannel payment platform that is easy to integrate and customise. It accepts all major credit and debit cards, as well as net banking and easy payment plans. The commission per transaction is 3%.

Telr

Telr is a popular payment gateway available in 120 countries and 30 languages. It offers anti-fraud protection and an online store creation tool. The commission per transaction depends on the level chosen, ranging from AED 99 to 349, with the entry-level option having no transaction commission. Telr accepts all major credit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, digital wallets, and Net Banking in India. It supports 120 global currencies.

In-app purchases

• Check if the app offers in-app purchases before downloading: On the Google Play Store app, in-app purchases will be indicated by the Price or Install button. On play.google.com/store, you'll see "Offers in-app purchases" below the name of the app.
• Protect against accidental or unwanted in-app purchases by enabling password protection on your device.
• Redeem promotional codes for in-app purchases using the Play Store app on an Android device. Find the in-app purchase you want, start the checkout process, and follow the on-screen instructions.
• If you encounter issues with in-app purchases, you can troubleshoot by posting in the help community or contacting Google support.
• Payment methods for in-app purchases on Google Play vary by country. In Bahrain, you can use credit or debit cards, and purchases will appear on your carrier account after 15 minutes.

Remember to review the app's terms of service and your payment settings before making any in-app purchases.

Frequently asked questions