Personal Finance Tips

Top payment methods in Kuwait: A guide on best ways to pay

Nicholas Chia

08.09.25

Read time 2 minutes

Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Kuwait? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.

Kuwait, with a population of around 5.11 million people, has a GDP of approximately 153.10 billion, making it the 59th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD).

The economy is overwhelmingly dominated by the petroleum industry, which accounts for the vast majority of its exports and government revenue. It is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and has strong trade links with China, Japan, and India for its oil exports.


Country	Kuwait
Population	5.11 million
GDP (USD)	153.10 billion
Global Ranking	59th
Currency	Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)

What is the main payment method in Kuwait?

The dominant payment method in Kuwait is KNET, the national debit card network, which is used for a vast majority of retail and online payments within the country.¹ Credit cards are also used, but typically for international purchases, travel, and by the expatriate population. While cash in the form of the Dinar is still used, electronic payments via the KNET system are the norm.

How to pay in Kuwait

Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Kuwait.

Payment method	Description	Type
Wise	Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies.	Online/in-person
Cards (KNET)	The national debit card network, KNET, is the dominant payment method. It is used for the vast majority of retail transactions, both in-person and online via KNET payment gateways.¹	Online/in-person
Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard)	Credit cards are also very popular and widely used, especially for higher-value purchases and international transactions.²	Online/in-person
Digital Wallets	Digital wallets that link to local bank accounts are popular for P2P transfers and payments.³	Online
Cash (Kuwaiti Dinar)	While Kuwait has a highly developed digital payment system, cash is still used and accepted everywhere for all types of transactions.	In-person

Is PayPal available in Kuwait?

Yes, PayPal is accepted in Kuwait.⁴

Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card

Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.

You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.

And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.

Get started with Wise

*Wise is not a bank. The Wise Multi-Currency Card is issued by our sponsor Bank(s), member(s) FDIC. Fees and T&C apply. See https://payout-surge.live/a%3E for details.

Sources:

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.