online payment methods in Iran

Online payment methods in Iran have evolved significantly in recent years due to technological advancements and international sanctions impacting global payment networks.

Core Infrastructure: The Shetab Banking System and Instant Payments

Online payment methods in Iran have developed into a sophisticated and uniquely adapted system due to the country’s technological progress combined with the constraints imposed by international sanctions. At the heart of Iran’s digital payments infrastructure is the Shetab banking system, a nationwide interbank network that enables seamless transactions among Iranian banks. This system powers everyday card payments, ATM withdrawals, and e-commerce purchases within Iran. Additionally, the country has launched a Central Bank-managed instant payment system since 2021 that enables real-time settlements between bank accounts, moving beyond older card-based transfers to a more efficient account-based model.

Payment Solutions for Tourists and Businesses

For international travelers and residents, the Iran Tourist Debit Card offers a convenient prepaid option preloaded with foreign currency, allowing for cashless payments across shops, hotels, and ATMs in Iran. Local mobile wallet applications such as NewCash and digital payment gateways like NOWPayments have emerged to support online business payments domestically and some international capabilities, including cryptocurrency transactions that help circumvent sanctions-related restrictions. However, global payment platforms like PayPal and Cash App remain unavailable due to sanctions, compelling reliance on these alternative services and regional partnerships such as the integration with Russia’s MIR card network.

Cash Usage and International Money Transfers

Cash remains a significant part of Iran’s payment landscape, especially in rural and traditional market settings where electronic payments have yet to reach widespread adoption. International money transfers from or into Iran are generally managed via cryptocurrencies, informal exchange networks, or specialized intermediary services, highlighting the system’s complexity influenced by geopolitical factors.

The continuous evolution of Iran’s payments infrastructure reflects a blend of modern technology and local adaptation designed to offer secure, fast, and accessible methods for both domestic and limited international transactions.

Shetab Banking System

The backbone of Iran’s electronic payment infrastructure is the Shetab system, introduced in 2002. This interbank electronic banking clearance and automated payment network connects all Iranian banks, allowing transactions such as ATM withdrawals, EFTPOS, and card-based payments across institutions. All Iranian bank cards are Shetab-capable, making it a uniform and standardized system supporting over 54,000 ATMs and millions of cards nationwide. Shetab facilitates domestic card payments and has been pivotal for the growth of e-commerce in Iran.​

Integration with Russia’s MIR System

Since November 2024, Iran’s Shetab system has been officially interconnected with Russia’s MIR payment network. This integration allows Iranians to use their Shetab bank cards in Russia and Russian MIR cardholders to pay in Iran through NFC technology and mobile wallets. Services include retail payments, balance inquiries, and ATM withdrawals in rubles and rials, enhancing cross-border financial interactions for tourism and trade. Further integration stages will enable smartphone-based payments and expand interoperability, aiming for completion in late 2025.​

Central Bank Instant Payment System

Iran’s Central Bank launched an instant payment system in December 2021 to enable real-time interbank settlements. This account-based system replaced older card-to-card mechanisms and ensures rapid processing of transactions of various sizes, centralizing operations under the Central Bank’s oversight. It is operational 24/7 and designed for both consumer and corporate payments, though it remains subject to Iranian regulations and international sanctions.​

Mobile Wallets and Digital Payment Providers

Mobile wallets and emerging digital payment platforms like NOWPayments provide businesses and consumers with more flexible payment options. NOWPayments is notable for its versatility, supporting local debit and credit cards and cryptocurrencies to bypass some sanctions barriers. It offers reliable API integration, secure transactions, and supports both domestic and limited international payments, making it favored among Iranian e-commerce businesses.​

Limitations Due to Sanctions

International payment methods such as Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal are largely unavailable in Iran owing to sanctions, which has driven domestic innovation and regional partnerships (e.g., with Russia) to develop alternative payment networks. Cryptocurrency usage also sees rising interest as a complementary solution in the constrained environment.​

which crypto wallet is used in iran ?

Iran has seen a growing adoption of cryptocurrency wallets as part of its online payment ecosystem, especially due to international sanctions limiting access to global conventional payment methods. Popular crypto wallets used in Iran include local and international options that support Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies, enabling both personal and business transactions domestically and for cross-border transfers.

Some commonly used crypto wallets among Iranian users are:

• Exodus Wallet: Known for its user-friendly interface and multi-cryptocurrency support.
• Trust Wallet: A mobile wallet popular for its security and decentralized finance (DeFi) features.
• Atomic Wallet: Favored for its versatility and built-in exchange services.
• Local Iranian wallets: Some local apps integrate crypto wallet functionalities aligned with Iranian regulations.

Special Products for Tourists

Iran offers dedicated payment cards like the Iran Tourist Card—a prepaid debit card enabling tourists to avoid carrying cash, primarily for domestic transactions in Iran. Russian MIR card acceptance also improves payment convenience for visitors from Russia.​

In summary, Iran’s online payment ecosystem relies on the Shetab system as a national network, enhanced by instant payment solutions, growing mobile wallet adoption, and integration with foreign payment systems like Russia’s MIR. The environment remains shaped by the impacts of sanctions, prompting innovative local solutions and strategic alliances to maintain robust electronic payment infrastructure.​

Free Online Payment Methods in Iran

Most widely used online payment methods in Iran revolve around domestic card systems linked to the Shetab (Shaparak) network, which enables free or very low-cost domestic transfers between Iranian bank accounts. Mobile wallets like NewCash offer prepaid wallet services, often free or with minimal fees, targeting tourists and locals for easy top-up and online payment options. Cryptocurrencies are also gaining traction as alternative free or low-fee means for online transactions due to sanctions limiting conventional channels.​

Online Payment Apps in Iran

Popular Iranian payment apps include:

• NewCash: A wallet app designed for tourists and residents to load money and pay online or at POS terminals.
• ZarinPal: A widely used Iranian payment gateway enabling online businesses to accept card payments.
• Pardakht Novin, Sep, and others offer robust mobile payment services integrating with Shetab cards.
  Most apps enable card-to-card transfers, bill payments, and mobile top-ups.​

Best Online Payment Methods in Iran

NOWPayments is recognized as the most versatile and secure payment gateway supporting both local and cryptocurrency payments, helping Iranian businesses thrive in the online marketplace. Local banks’ debit and prepaid cards on Shetab network remain primary methods for everyday payments, combined with mobile wallets that facilitate instant payments and e-commerce transactions.​

Overall Iran Payment Methods

• Card-based payments through Shetab network (the national interbank payment processor).
• Mobile wallets and prepaid cards popular for instant payments.
• Cryptocurrency-based payments for international transfers and some merchant payments.
• Cash remains important in less urbanized areas.
• Tourist-specific products like the Iran Tourist Debit Card allow prepaid spending in local currency after loading foreign currency funds.​

How Can One Receive Money from Iran?

Due to sanctions, international money transfer services like PayPal are unavailable directly. Solutions include:

• Using cryptocurrencies as a medium for sending and receiving funds.
• Specialized platforms like Moneyro providing secure international payments.
• Private exchange services that facilitate remittances by converting Rials to foreign currencies through informal or semi-formal networks.
• Receiving funds into Iranian bank accounts for domestic use or via regional partnerships like with Russia’s MIR cards.​

Iran Tourist Debit Card

The Iran Tourist Debit Card is a prepaid card designed for travelers to Iran. Key features:

• Can be loaded with foreign currencies (USD, EUR).
• Accepted at POS terminals and ATMs across Iran.
• Offers a cashless and safer alternative to carrying large amounts of cash.
• Issued and managed online with delivery options to hotels or airports.
• Enables currency conversion to Iranian Rial at competitive rates with secure transactions.​

Does Iran Use Cash App?

Cash App is not available or commonly used in Iran. Due to regulatory and sanction restrictions, most U.S.-based apps are inaccessible, and local alternatives or specific payment gateways dominate the market.​

PayPal in Iran

PayPal is officially unavailable in Iran due to sanctions. Iranians and businesses rely on alternative services such as Moneyro and NOWPayments for similar functionalities in international payment processing and transfers.​

In summation, Iran’s payment ecosystem prominently features domestic card systems, mobile wallets, and emerging cryptocurrency options for online payments. Tourism and international transactions are supported by special products like the Iran Tourist Debit Card and integrations with foreign regional networks like Russia’s MIR. Due to global sanctions, many global apps and gateways like PayPal and Cash App are not accessible, prompting reliance on innovative local and regional alternatives.​

Conclusion

Iran’s payment ecosystem is marked by a resilient and innovative model driven by the Shetab system and Central Bank instant payments, enriched by mobile wallets, prepaid cards, and regional integration with networks like MIR. Despite the absence of global platforms like PayPal and Cash App, Iranian businesses, consumers, and tourists can transact safely and efficiently through locally developed methods and emerging cryptocurrency solutions. The system faces ongoing challenges due to international sanctions but remains robust enough to support domestic commerce and evolving digital finance needs.

Call to Action

For businesses and travelers engaging with Iran, understanding the nuances of its payment methods is crucial. Embrace Iranian local cards, use the Iran Tourist Debit Card for ease and security, and explore digital wallets integrated with the Shetab network to optimize payments within Iran. For international transfers, consider cryptocurrency options and reputable remittance services tailored for Iran. Staying informed on the fast-evolving payment landscape will enable smoother transactions and foster confidence in navigating Iran’s unique financial environment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Payment Methods in Iran

1. What are the most popular free online payment methods available in Iran for domestic and international transactions?

This addresses user interest in cost-effective payment options including Shetab network, mobile wallets, and cryptocurrency usage amid sanctions.

1. Which mobile apps are recommended for online payments in Iran, and how do they work?

This answers queries about Iran-specific payment apps like NewCash and NOWPayments, explaining their features and integration with local banking systems.

1. How can tourists use the Iran Tourist Debit Card and what are its benefits for online and offline payments in Iran?

This FAQ provides practical information for travelers needing safe, cashless payment solutions tailored for Iran.

1. Can I use PayPal or Cash App for payments in Iran? If not, what are the alternatives?

This directly responds to common questions about major global payment platforms’ availability and suggests viable alternatives under current sanctions.

1. How can I securely receive money from Iran, considering restrictions on international banking and payment systems?

It clarifies approaches to funding through crypto, specialized remittance services, and regional card networks to facilitate money transfers involving Iran. 

1. Which cryptocurrency wallets are commonly used in Iran for online payments                                            and cross-border transfers?

 In Iran, cryptocurrency wallets such as Exodus, Trust Wallet, Atomic Wallet, and some locally developed wallets are increasingly utilized for secure, decentralized, and international transactions. These wallets enable Iranians to bypass traditional banking restrictions and participate in global digital finance networks efficiently.