E-payments are now mandatory in Bahrain. Here is what changes.

Starting June 2025, every business in Bahrain must offer at least one way for customers to pay digitally. Cash only is no longer enough. If you have a commercial registration, you need to accept cards, phone payments, or a payment QR code.

The good news is that the cheapest way to comply costs almost nothing. A printed IBAN QR code on your counter settles payments bank-to-bank at no monthly cost, and every major Bahrain wallet - BenefitPay, Tap, and the bank apps - can scan it.

Section 01What the rule covers

The Central Bank of Bahrain directive applies to any CR-registered business. Cash is still legal, but you must additionally offer at least one digital payment method. The three accepted types are: a contactless card terminal, a wallet-based payment QR, or an IBAN-linked QR that resolves to a local business bank account.

Section 02Who it applies to

The rule applies to all businesses with a Bahrain commercial registration. That includes shops, cafes, clinics, service businesses, and freelancers operating under a CR. If you have a physical premises or take in-person payments, you are covered.

The penalty for not complying is a fine and potential suspension of your CR renewal through the Sijilat system. That means a non-compliant business cannot renew its trade licence.

Section 03Your cheapest option

For most small businesses, a QR code is the cheapest path. There is no terminal rental, no per-transaction fee, and no monthly minimum. You print it once and put it on the counter.

The one requirement for the QR path is that it must link to a business bank account, not a personal one. Which brings us to the second rule.

Section 04Business bank account rule

You must use a business bank account for all business payments. Personal accounts are no longer allowed for business transactions. You also need to register your business account on the Sijilat system, or you will not be able to renew your commercial registration.

If you already have a business account, you just need to register it on Sijilat. Most Bahrain banks have a straightforward online process to link your account.

Section 05What to do now

Two steps cover you. First, open or confirm you have a business bank account and register it on Sijilat. Second, get an IBAN QR code for your counter.

For the QR code, get access to our IBAN QR Generator - enter your business IBAN, add your business name, and download a print-ready QR. It takes under two minutes and works with all major Bahrain wallet apps.