HBLPay Payment Gateway
The HBLPay payment gateway is a secure digital payment solution developed by Habib Bank Limited (HBL) for businesses in Pakistan. It allows merchants to accept online payments through a range of payment methods including debit cards, mobile wallets, and bank transfers.
This digital payment gateway enables a simple checkout process while ensuring advanced data security with PCI DSS compliance, 3D Secure authentication, and OTP-based verification. Whether you're collecting payments via a website, mobile app, or invoice link, HBL’s checkout solution is built to support various payment options.
Designed to help merchants streamline their payment process, the platform includes features like recurring billing, tokenisation, fraud detection, real-time analytics, and seamless integration with leading platforms including Magento, Odoo, and custom APIs.
Characteristic | Details |
---|---|
Regions | Pakistan |
Getting started | Business registration + HBL account |
Setup Fee | Up to PKR 100,000 |
Annual fee | Up to PKR 100,000 |
Commission per txn | MDR (varies by business) |
Payment methods | Cards (Visa, MC, UPI/UnionPay, PayPak), bank transfers, wallets |
Fraud & risk mgmt | Decision Manager (260+ variables, device fingerprinting) |
Accepted currencies | PKR, USD, EURO, GBP, AED |
Set up type | Hosted checkout, API, SDK, plugins (Woo/Magento, PHP/.NET) |
Onboarding & approvals | 5–15 business days |
Recurring billing | Supported (subscriptions/installments) |
Charges on refunds | Available via API/portal |
SDK Stacks | WooCommerce, Magento, PHP, .NET, Odoo |
Settlement time | 1–2 working days |
Payouts support | Bank transfers |
RegionsPakistan | |
Getting startedBusiness registration + HBL account | |
Setup FeeUp to PKR 100,000 | |
Annual feeUp to PKR 100,000 | |
Commission per txnMDR (varies by business) | |
Payment methodsCards (Visa, MC, UPI/UnionPay, PayPak), bank transfers, wallets | |
Fraud & risk mgmtDecision Manager (260+ variables, device fingerprinting) | |
Accepted currenciesPKR, USD, EURO, GBP, AED | |
Set up typeHosted checkout, API, SDK, plugins (Woo/Magento, PHP/.NET) | |
Onboarding & approvals5–15 business days | |
Recurring billingSupported (subscriptions/installments) | |
Charges on refundsAvailable via API/portal | |
SDK StacksWooCommerce, Magento, PHP, .NET, Odoo | |
Settlement time1–2 working days | |
Payouts supportBank transfers |
Pros
- Strong security (PCI‑DSS, 3D‑Secure, OTP)
- Multi‑currency and diverse payment acceptance
- Fraud management with robust detection
- Recurring billing and tokenisation features
- Quick integration via plugins and APIs
Cons
- Setup/annual fees can be high for small merchants
- MDR not publicly fixed—varies by merchant
- Limited to Pakistani region
- No explicit split-payment framework
- Onboarding may take up to 15 business days
Benefits Of Using
HBLPay Checkout provides a highly secure and versatile digital payment environment tailored for businesses operating in Pakistan. Its all-in-one nature enables acceptance of payments via credit/debit cards, bank transfers, mobile wallets, QR codes, and invoicing links. Merchants can build a consistent and branded checkout experience while leveraging features like tokenisation, recurring billing, fraud analytics, and multi-currency processing. Real-time monitoring and a comprehensive reporting dashboard allow merchants to stay on top of every transaction, refund, and payment trend.
One of the key benefits lies in its seamless integration with popular CMS platforms like WooCommerce, Magento, and Odoo. With just a few steps, businesses can go live using HBL's hosted checkout or API-based model. Settlement within 1–2 working days ensures quick access to funds, while the inclusion of recurring billing and mobile payment options opens doors for service-based and subscription businesses. Additionally, the gateway’s ability to issue branded invoices and secure digital receipts makes it ideal for SMEs and institutions moving toward complete digital transformation.
How the HBL Payment Gateway Works
To begin using the HBL checkout solution, businesses must register in Pakistan and open a current account with HBL. Following compliance and KYC checks, merchants gain access to a powerful dashboard where they can manage their payment flow, configure billing cycles, initiate refunds, and monitor card details and transaction logs.
The platform integrates easily with CMS platforms such as Magento and Odoo, as well as custom-built stores. With support for debit card payments, QR codes, and mobile wallets, businesses can provide a checkout experience that meets the expectations of modern consumers.
Review
Merchants across Pakistan describe HBLPay Checkout as a secure, flexible, and enterprise-level gateway with robust fraud protection. The platform’s advanced features like tokenisation, device profiling, and rule-based fraud filters provide assurance to both merchants and consumers. Clients highlight its adaptability across multiple use cases—from e-commerce sites and educational institutions to government projects and mobile sellers.
However, some smaller merchants consider the onboarding fees and MDR rates relatively high. Additionally, the current limitation to Pakistani-registered businesses narrows its reach for global operations. Despite that, for businesses within Pakistan seeking a trusted banking-grade gateway with full PCI-DSS compliance and a proactive fraud management system, HBLPay Checkout is among the strongest choices available.
Security & Data Protection
The HBL payment gateway leverages CyberSource infrastructure to ensure world-class data security. With no major breaches reported, the platform uses 3D Secure, OTP-based authorisation, and layered device validation to protect card details and personal information.
Off-site token storage and continuous fraud monitoring safeguard both the merchant and the customer. Suspicious activity is automatically flagged and investigated. These features reduce the risk of fraudulent transactions, chargebacks, and data theft.
Account Fees
Merchants using HBLPay Checkout may be subject to a one-time setup fee and an annual maintenance fee—each up to PKR 100,000, depending on business size and expected transaction volume. The merchant discount rate (MDR) varies and is negotiated based on industry type, average ticket size, and transaction count. There are no hidden charges for basic support or access to the admin dashboard. However, advanced data analytics, premium integration support, or custom features may involve additional fees. Refunds do not incur processing charges for the customer, though merchants may be charged reversal fees.
For Business
This payment gateway is ideal for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), educational institutions, utility billers, online retailers, professional service providers, and digital agencies. Businesses using social media platforms to sell products can issue invoices or payment links directly to clients. Additionally, any business that requires secure recurring billing, such as gyms, SaaS startups, or tutoring platforms, will benefit from its subscription engine and tokenisation.
Which Type of Business
HBLPay Checkout is most effective for businesses that operate in Pakistan and want to scale digitally. It’s designed for companies with a stable transaction volume that need fast settlements, detailed reporting, and fraud control. This includes e-commerce platforms, logistics and delivery companies, freelancers invoicing in multiple currencies, educational platforms offering subscription-based content, and even fintechs needing a trusted processor. Its modular architecture makes it suitable for both customer-facing sites and back-office integrations.
For Physical Clients
Though primarily a digital gateway, HBL also provides mobile POS solutions through HBL Tap & Pay, a service that allows contactless card payments using Android smartphones with NFC. This enables businesses with physical locations to accept in-person card payments using secure OTP-based verification. The transaction history remains integrated with the HBLPay dashboard, giving a unified view of both online and offline sales. Physical vendors benefit from fast settlements, secure digital receipts, and fraud monitoring—all from a single provider.
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FAQ
What types of payments can customers make using HBLPay Checkout?
HBLPay Checkout accepts a wide range of payment methods to cater to the diversity of Pakistani consumers. Customers can pay using debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, PayPak), bank transfers with OTP authentication, mobile wallets, QR code scans, or direct payment links issued by merchants. This diversity makes it suitable for social commerce, B2B invoicing, and traditional e-commerce alike. All transactions are routed through encrypted channels with built-in fraud detection.
How does the fraud detection system work?
The fraud system is built on CyberSource’s Decision Manager platform, which analyses over 260 variables per transaction. This includes IP address patterns, device fingerprinting, velocity checks, and behavioural analytics. Merchants can customise risk thresholds based on their industry. HBL actively monitors all transactions, and suspicious activity is flagged for further review. In case of detected fraud, automatic holds can be placed, and funds are protected until the issue is resolved. This system significantly reduces chargeback rates and unauthorised access.
What does the onboarding process involve?
Once a business applies via the HBL website, the bank performs identity verification, regulatory compliance checks (KYC, AML), and assesses business risk. This takes about 5 to 15 business days. After approval, integration options are provided (hosted, plugin, or API). The merchant is then granted access to the dashboard, where they can start configuring payment methods, invoice templates, currencies, and recurring billing. HBL also provides technical and compliance support during onboarding to ensure smooth activation.
Can I offer recurring payments or subscriptions?
Yes, recurring payments are one of the platform’s core strengths. Businesses can set up billing cycles - weekly, monthly, or custom durations - using tokenised card details stored securely off-site. This is particularly useful for educational platforms, SaaS companies, and fitness clubs. Customers receive automated invoices or charge notifications, and businesses can manage failed payments or retry logic directly from the admin panel. This level of automation enhances customer retention and reduces payment friction.
How long does it take to receive funds from processed payments?
HBLPay Checkout offers relatively fast settlements. After a transaction is successfully captured, funds are transferred to the merchant’s HBL business account within 1–2 working days. This quick payout cycle helps maintain healthy cash flow and supports scaling operations. Refunds, if processed, follow a similar cycle, and detailed reports are available for reconciliation. Businesses can also track settlement batches in real-time through the merchant portal.