10 best international payment gateways for Malaysia (2026)

Key takeaways:

• International payment gateways help Malaysian businesses accept payments from overseas customers in multiple currencies and payment methods.

• When choosing a gateway, look for support for Malaysian payment methods (FPX, e-wallets), multi-currency pricing and like-for-like settlement, transparent fees, and compliance with Malaysia's payment regulations.

• Airwallex combines a global payment gateway with multi‑currency accounts, local MY methods and interbank FX, giving Malaysian businesses one platform to accept, hold and pay out in multiple currencies.

Choosing the right payment gateway for international payments is essential if your business sells to customers outside of Malaysia.

In this guide, we'll compare 10 of the best international payment gateways for Malaysian businesses in 2026. 

You'll learn how each provider compares in terms of global coverage, payment methods, settlement options, pricing and integrations, so you can choose the one that's the best fit for your business.

What is an international payment gateway?

An international payment gateway is a platform that processes payments from customers around the world, handling multiple currencies and payment methods in a single system.

Think of it as a digital checkout counter that sits between your customer's bank and your business account. When your customer in the US buys from your Malaysian business, the gateway securely captures their payment details, verifies the transaction, and transfers the funds to your account.

International payment gateways differ from domestic Malaysian solutions like FPX in several key ways. Whilst FPX connects directly to Malaysian banks for ringgit transactions, international gateways support currencies and payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and regional options like Alipay.

They also handle currency conversion, fraud detection across borders, and compliance with regulations in multiple countries – all things you'll need when selling to customers outside Malaysia.

How to evaluate a payment gateway for international payments in Malaysia

The payment gateway you choose will impact your costs, customer experience, and how efficiently you operate. Here are five factors to keep in mind:

1. Payment methods and localisation

Your payment gateway should support the payment methods your customers expect to use:

• For Malaysian customers, this means local options such as FPX, DuitNow and popular e-wallets.

• For international customers, look for support for major card networks, digital wallets and local payment methods in your target markets.

It's also worth choosing a provider that lets customers pay in their local currency, as familiar pricing and payment options can help reduce friction at checkout.

2. Multi-currency settlement

Displaying prices in multiple currencies is only part of the equation. You should also consider how your payment gateway settles those funds.

Some providers automatically convert every payment into Malaysian ringgit before settlement. Others offer like-for-like settlement, allowing you to receive and hold funds in the original currency.

This can help reduce unnecessary foreign exchange conversions, especially if you pay overseas suppliers or have expenses in the same currency.

3. Fees beyond the transaction rate

The advertised transaction fee is only one part of the total cost of accepting international payments. Depending on the provider, you may also pay foreign exchange markups, cross-border processing fees, chargeback fees or currency conversion costs.

When comparing providers, consider the total cost of accepting and settling international payments rather than just the headline transaction rate.

With Airwallex, you get access to competitive FX rates that save you up to 80% on FX fees as compared to traditional banks.

4. Cross-border payment performance

International payments are generally more likely to be declined than domestic transactions. Payment gateways with local acquiring, intelligent payment routing and modern authentication technologies can help improve authorisation rates and reduce unnecessary payment failures.

5. Integration options

Finally, consider how easily the payment gateway integrates with your existing sales channels. Most providers offer APIs for custom integrations, while many also provide plugins for platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento.

If you don't have developer resources, features such as hosted checkout pages and payment links can help you start accepting payments much more quickly.

10 best international payment gateways in Malaysia

Here are the 10 best international payment gateways which help Malaysian businesses accept payments from local and global customers efficiently.

We’ll start off with a table providing a quick overview of coverage, supported currencies, and key features, before diving into the details for each provider in the sections that follow:

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 8 July 2026.

1. Airwallex

Airwallex is best suited to Malaysian businesses that sell both locally and internationally, especially those expanding into new markets or serving customers across multiple countries.

Beyond accepting payments, it offers billing capabilities for recurring revenue models and enterprise-grade payment infrastructure that can scale as your business grows.

It's a strong choice for SaaS businesses, AI companies and exporters looking for flexible APIs, payment optimisation and a unified way to manage cross-border payments from Malaysia.

Key features:

• 160+ local and international payment methods

• Multi-currency payment acceptance with like-for-like settlement in up to 12 currencies

• Subscription billing and recurring payments

• Enterprise-grade APIs, SDKs and checkout components

• Payment optimisation with Optimize 360

• Fraud prevention and chargeback management

• Integrations with leading eCommerce platforms

Airwallex has no setup fees, no monthly fees, and no minimum balance requirements.

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 8 July 2026.

2. Stripe

Stripe is a good fit for Malaysian businesses that want a developer-first payment platform with extensive APIs and flexible checkout options. It's particularly popular among startups, SaaS companies and businesses with in-house engineering teams that want to build custom payment experiences.

While Stripe supports a wide range of international payment methods, some advanced capabilities, such as multi-currency settlement, require additional bank accounts and configuration.

Key features:

• Local and international payment methods

• Multi-currency payment acceptance

• Customisable checkout and payment links

• APIs, SDKs and developer tools

• Subscription billing and recurring payments

• Built-in fraud prevention and risk management

• Integrations with leading eCommerce platforms

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 8 July 2026.

3. PayPal

PayPal is a good option for Malaysian businesses that sell to overseas consumers, particularly in markets where PayPal is already widely used and trusted.

Its familiar checkout experience can help reduce hesitation among international buyers, making it a practical choice for freelancers, exporters and smaller businesses selling across borders.

However, businesses that want to offer Malaysian payment methods alongside PayPal may need an additional payment gateway, as PayPal doesn't currently support local payment methods such as FPX, DuitNow, GrabPay or Touch 'n Go eWallet.

Key features

• PayPal wallet and card payment acceptance

• Multi-currency payment acceptance

• Hosted checkout experience

• Payment links and invoicing

• Buyer and seller protection tools

• Dispute and chargeback management

• Integrations with leading eCommerce platforms

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 8 July 2026.

4. Adyen

Adyen is best suited to larger Malaysian businesses that want to manage online, in-store and mobile payments through a single platform. It's particularly well suited to enterprises operating across multiple markets that need a unified view of payments, reporting and risk management.

Businesses with more complex payment requirements can also benefit from Adyen's extensive acquiring network and customisable payment infrastructure.

 Key features:

• Local and international payment methods

• Multi-currency payment acceptance with like-for-like settlement

• Unified online and in-store payments

• Enterprise-grade APIs and payment infrastructure

• Built-in fraud prevention and risk management

• Payment analytics and reporting

• Integrations with leading eCommerce platforms

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 8 July 2026.

5. Worldpay

Worldpay is a good fit for established Malaysian businesses that process payments across multiple countries and sales channels.

Its global acquiring network and broad payment method support make it suitable for merchants with an international customer base, particularly larger organisations that need enterprise payment capabilities.

However, businesses looking to reduce foreign exchange costs should note that Worldpay converts funds into your configured settlement currency rather than offering like-for-like settlement.

Key features:

• Local and international payment methods

• Multi-currency payment acceptance

• Global acquiring network

• Unified online and in-store payments

• Built-in fraud prevention and risk management

• Payment analytics and reporting

• Integrations with leading eCommerce platforms

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 8 July 2026.

6. Checkout.com

Checkout.com is a strong choice for Malaysian businesses with an international customer base that want enterprise-grade payment infrastructure and high payment performance.

It's particularly well suited to digital businesses with growing transaction volumes that want more control over payment routing, acquiring and optimisation. Its support for like-for-like settlement also makes it attractive for businesses looking to reduce unnecessary foreign exchange conversions.

Key features:

• Local and international payment methods

• Multi-currency payment acceptance with like-for-like settlement

• Enterprise-grade APIs and payment infrastructure

• Intelligent payment routing and optimisation

• Built-in fraud prevention and risk management

• Payment analytics and reporting

• Integrations with leading eCommerce platforms

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 8 July 2026.

7. Verifone (formerly 2Checkout)

Verifone is a good option for Malaysian businesses selling digital products, software and online services to customers worldwide.

Its eCommerce platform is designed for cross-border sales and includes tools for managing global checkouts, recurring payments and tax compliance.

Businesses that rely heavily on Malaysian payment methods, however, should confirm support directly with Verifone, as local payment method availability is not clearly documented.

Key features:

• Multi-currency payment acceptance

• Global payment method coverage

• Subscription billing and recurring payments

• Hosted checkout and payment links

• Tax and sales compliance tools

• Fraud prevention and chargeback management

• APIs and eCommerce integrations

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 8 July 2026.

8. Tazapay

Tazapay is well suited to Malaysian businesses that trade internationally, particularly with suppliers and customers across Asia and other emerging markets.

Its platform combines cross-border payment acceptance with built-in support for trade workflows, making it a good option for B2B businesses, exporters and marketplaces that need to manage international collections and payouts from a single platform.

Key features:

• Local and international payment methods

• Multi-currency payment acceptance

• Cross-border collections and payouts

• Escrow and trade protection services

• APIs and payment orchestration tools

• Payment links and hosted checkout

• Integrations for business platforms and marketplaces

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 8 July 2026.

9. Rapyd

Rapyd is a good fit for Malaysian businesses that want to expand into international markets while offering customers local payment methods around the world.

Its extensive network of alternative payment methods makes it particularly suitable for marketplaces, platforms and businesses serving customers across multiple regions. Merchants with complex cross-border payment needs can also benefit from its support for multi-currency settlement and global payouts.

Key features:

• Local and international payment methods

• Multi-currency payment acceptance with like-for-like settlement

• Global payouts and cross-border transfers

• APIs and payment orchestration tools

• Hosted checkout and payment links

• Fraud prevention and risk management

• Payment analytics and reporting

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 8 July 2026.

10. Adaptis (formerly iPay88)

Adaptis is best suited to Malaysian businesses that primarily serve customers in Malaysia or Southeast Asia.

Its platform combines online and in-store payment acceptance with local payment methods and business financing, making it a practical choice for retailers and SMEs looking for a regional payment partner.

Businesses planning to expand beyond Southeast Asia, however, may find that other providers offer broader international coverage.

Key features:

• Local payment methods, including FPX and e-wallets

• Online and in-store payment acceptance

• Omnichannel payment platform

• Merchant financing solutions

• Payment links and invoicing

• APIs and eCommerce integrations

• Payment reporting and reconciliation

The information in this table has been reviewed to be accurate as of 8 July 2026.

Accept payments from 180+ countries with Airwallex

For Malaysian businesses selling internationally, Airwallex combines payment acceptance, subscription billing and enterprise-grade payment infrastructure in a single platform.

Whether you're selling products, running a SaaS business or building AI-powered applications, you can accept payments globally while improving payment performance and reducing operational complexity. With Airwallex, you can:

• Accept payments using 160+ local payment methods in 180+ countries 

• Support subscription billing and recurring payments from a single platform

• Settle funds in the same currency your customers pay in to reduce unnecessary FX conversions

• Improve payment performance with enterprise-grade APIs and payment optimisation through Optimize 360

• Launch quickly with hosted checkout, payment links and integrations for leading eCommerce platforms

Airwallex has no setup fees, no monthly fees, and no minimum balance requirements.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do Malaysian businesses need a local entity in other countries to accept international payments through a payment gateway?

Most international payment gateways let Malaysian businesses accept global payments without establishing overseas entities. Modern platforms like Airwallex provide virtual accounts in multiple countries, giving you local bank details for receiving payments without the cost and complexity of setting up foreign subsidiaries.

Can Malaysian merchants price in USD and settle in USD without converting to ringgit?

Yes, platforms like Airwallex support like-for-like settlement, which lets you collect and hold USD without forced conversion to ringgit. This is particularly valuable if you have USD expenses like software subscriptions or American suppliers – you can use those USD funds directly rather than converting to ringgit and back again.

Which local payment methods should Malaysian exporters prioritise for different international markets?

Focus on your target markets. For Western markets, prioritise Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. For China, Alipay and WeChat Pay are essential. For India, UPI has become dominant. For Southeast Asia, regional eWallets like GrabPay and Touch 'n Go work across multiple countries.

How quickly do international card payments and bank transfers settle into Malaysian ringgit accounts?

International card payments and bank transfers to Malaysian ringgit accounts typically settle within a few business days, depending on the payment method and provider. Some local or regional payment rails can arrive faster, while cross-border transfers routed through multiple banks may take longer. Airwallex enables fast, predictable settlement, with 93% of our transactions arriving on the same day and 45% arriving instantly.

What are the total costs when accepting cross-border payments, including card fees, FX spreads and chargebacks?

Cross-border payment costs usually include international card fees of around 2.5%–4%, FX spreads of roughly 0.5%–2% above the interbank rate if currency conversion is involved, and chargeback fees that commonly range from about RM50–RM150 per dispute, depending on the provider. These costs vary by gateway, transaction type, and business volume. Airwallex offers competitive FX rates that let you save up to 80% on FX fees.

How does 3D Secure 2.0 improve payment approval rates for Malaysian merchants selling internationally?

3D Secure 2.0 improves authorisation rates by sharing more customer data with issuing banks, helping them distinguish legitimate transactions from fraud. Malaysian merchants typically see higher approval rates with 3DS2 compared to the older 3D Secure protocol, whilst maintaining strong fraud protection.

Sources:

1. https://stripe.com/en-my/pricing, https://docs.stripe.com/currencies

2. https://www.paypal.com/, https://www.paypal.com/my/enterprise/payment-methods

3. https://www.adyen.com/, https://www.adyen.com/en_SG/payment-methods/online-banking-malaysia

4. https://www.worldpay.com/en/partners/financial-institutions, https://docs.worldpay.com/support/usingmai/transactions/financialstatus, https://www.worldpay.com/en-AE/enterprise/payment-methods

5. https://www.checkout.com/, https://www.checkout.com/blog/like-for-like-settlement, 

6. https://www.2checkout.com/products/2sell/, https://www.verifone.com/legal/merchant-services-terms-and-conditions-english, 

7. https://tazapay.com/en-sg, https://support.tazapay.com/which-countries-payments-are-supported

8. https://www.rapyd.net/solutions/cross-border-payments-solutions/, https://docs.rapyd.net/en/currency-alignment-policy--cap-.html

9. https://www.nttdatapay.com/en/our-business/adaptis