Raast QR vs wallet payment gateways: what merchants should compare
Short answer: Bank-provided Raast P2M is the lowest-cost option and can be paid from any participating app, but typically settles T+1 and offers limited tooling. Wallet-specific gateways tie collections to one wallet. Raast QR platforms add APIs, webhooks, payment links, payouts and faster settlement for a fee.
The three options
1. Direct Raast P2M from your bank. Your bank onboards you as a Raast merchant and gives you a QR. Bank Alfalah, for example, currently states 0% MDR on the Raast scheme and a T+1 settlement cycle.
2. A wallet-specific gateway. A gateway or aggregator account connected to one wallet, so customers pay through that wallet's checkout.
3. A Raast QR payment platform. A provider such as Qrix by Settlix that generates dynamic Raast QR codes by API and adds payment links, webhooks, reconciliation, payouts and settlement services.
Comparison
| Bank Raast P2M | Wallet gateway | Qrix (Raast QR platform) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who can pay | Any participating bank or wallet app | Customers of that wallet | Any participating bank or wallet app, including Easypaisa and JazzCash |
| Merchant fee | Bank Alfalah states 0% MDR currently; varies by bank | Varies by provider | 3.00% per pay-in; 1.50% per payout |
| Settlement | Bank Alfalah states T+1 | Varies by provider | Within one hour |
| Dynamic QR by API | Varies by bank | Not applicable | Yes |
| Webhooks and status API | Varies by bank | Usually | Yes, signed webhooks and transaction inquiry |
| Payment links | Varies by bank | Varies | Yes: screen, image, PDF, share sheet, link |
| Payouts on same integration | Separate product | Varies | Yes |
| Depends on one wallet partner | No | Yes | No |
Bank figures are as published by Bank Alfalah at the time of writing. Check current terms with each provider.
How to choose
- Lowest cost, low volume, in person: a bank Raast QR is hard to beat.
- You already rely on one wallet's customers: a wallet gateway can work, but plan a fallback in case that channel is interrupted.
- Online, app or high-volume collections: weigh the fee of a platform against same-hour settlement, automation, payouts and the engineering time you'd otherwise spend building it.
Many merchants combine options: a bank QR at the counter and a platform for online checkout and payouts.
About Qrix
Qrix by Settlix provides dynamic Raast QR collections with Link to Pay, signed webhooks, auto-reconciliation, payouts and settlement within one hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is Raast QR free for merchants?
It depends on the provider. Bank Alfalah currently states 0% MDR on the Raast scheme. Platforms that add services such as APIs, webhooks, payment links and faster settlement charge a fee.
How fast do Raast P2M payments settle?
It depends on the provider. Bank Alfalah states T+1. Qrix settles collections to the merchant's payout account within one hour.
Can a wallet gateway customer pay a Raast QR instead?
Yes, if their wallet participates in Raast. Easypaisa and JazzCash customers can pay Raast QR codes.
Can I use more than one option?
Yes. Many merchants use a bank QR in store and a platform for online checkout and payouts.