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If you're adding online payments to your website, you'll quickly discover there are several ways to do it. Some payment providers offer ready-made plugins for popular platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, while others let you embed a checkout directly into your site.
The simplest option depends on the type of website you have, how much customization you need, and how quickly you want to start accepting payments.
In this guide, we'll walk through some of the easiest ways to add an online checkout to your website and highlight a few things to consider before choosing a payment provider. We'll also show how Ziina helps UAE businesses get up and running with online payments quickly.
3 simple ways to add an online checkout to your website
There isn't a "best" way to add an online checkout to a website. The right option depends on how your website is built, how you sell, and how much control you want over the checkout experience.
Note: If you don't have a website, you can still start accepting online payments using payment links. Read more about how payment links work in this article.
Here are some common approaches:
Plugin integrations
If your website is built on a platform like WordPress or WooCommerce, many payment providers offer plugins that add a checkout to your site with minimal setup. Once installed, the plugin connects your website to the payment gateway while securely handling card payments and transactions.
A good fit for: Businesses with WordPress or WooCommerce websites that want a simple checkout without building a custom integration.
Native checkout
Many e-commerce platforms, such as Shopify, include their own built-in checkout experience. Depending on the platform and payment provider you choose, enabling online payments may only require a few configuration steps.
Because the checkout is built into the platform, it typically works seamlessly with inventory management, shipping options, discount codes, and order management.
A good fit for: Businesses already selling through platforms like Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace.
Please note: Availability of these services differs by region. Please check which features are available in the UAE before choosing a provider.
Embedded checkout
If you have a custom-built website, many payment gateways also offer an embedded checkout. In this case, the payment gateway provides a checkout component that you embed directly into your website.
Customers can complete their payment without leaving your site, giving you a seamless, branded checkout experience.
A good fit for: Businesses with custom-built websites that want a fully integrated checkout experience.
Things to consider when choosing an online checkout
The simplest online checkout isn't always the best fit for every business. Before choosing a solution, it's worth looking beyond the setup process and considering how the provider will support your business over time.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check that it integrates with your website of choice: Before choosing a payment provider, confirm that it supports your website platform, whether that's Shopify, WordPress, or a custom-built site.
- Consider payout speed: Different payment providers have different settlement timelines. If you rely on regular cash flow to pay suppliers or cover day-to-day expenses, it's worth comparing how quickly you'll receive your funds.
- Make sure it supports your customers' preferred payment methods: A smooth checkout experience often means giving customers the payment options they expect. Depending on your market, that could include major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallets.
- Think about your future needs: Your payment requirements may change as your business grows. Features such as recurring payments, API access, multi-currency support, in-person payments, or detailed reporting may become more important over time, so it's worth choosing a provider that can scale with your business.
- Compare pricing beyond transaction fees: Transaction fees are important, but they're only one part of the overall cost. So, check for setup fees, monthly subscriptions, payout fees, or charges for additional features so you have a clear picture of the total cost of using the platform.
How Ziina can help you add an online checkout to your website
If you're looking for a simple way to accept payments through your website, Ziina offers a payment gateway designed for UAE businesses. Whether you have a Shopify, WordPress, or custom-built website, you can integrate Ziina's checkout and start accepting online payments without a lengthy setup process.
As Dina Zoa, CEO and Founder of Stretch It Out, puts it:
“Ziina enabled me to launch my business in record time. It's fast, user-friendly, and local—a perfect solution for small businesses like mine.”
With Ziina's payment gateway, you can:
- Add a secure online checkout to Shopify, WooCommerce, WordPress, or a custom-built website
- Use Embedded checkout to let customers pay directly on your website without any redirects or drop-offs (available for custom websites and WooCommerce)
- Get started with a low-code integration that can be completed quickly
- Accept major cards and digital wallets through a secure checkout experience
- Manage your online and in-person payments from a single platform
- Track payments and sales directly from the Ziina app
- Receive funds instantly into your Ziina account after a successful payment, then cash out to your linked bank account in 1–2 business days for amounts under AED 25,000 (subject to bank processing times). 24h payouts are also available for eligible users
Don't have a website yet?
You don't need a website to start accepting online payments. Ziina also lets you create payment links in seconds, which you can share through WhatsApp, Instagram, email, or SMS. You can also use Tap to Pay and use your phone to accept payments in person as well.
Customers just open the link and complete their payment through a secure hosted checkout, and that’s it.
This makes it an easy option for freelancers, service businesses, and merchants who are just getting started.
Read more: Comparing Ziina to other payment providers in the UAE
Conclusion
The simplest way to add an online checkout to your website depends on how your business operates and the platform you're using. Some businesses benefit from a built-in checkout on platforms like Shopify, while others prefer plugin integrations or embedded payment gateways for greater flexibility.
The most important thing is to choose a solution that works with your website today while giving you room to grow as your business evolves.
If you're a UAE business looking for a straightforward way to start accepting payments online, Ziina offers a simple payment gateway for websites, as well as payment links for businesses that aren't ready to launch a website yet.
Disclaimer: Availability of Ziina products and features is subject to eligibility, successful verification, device compatibility, applicable transaction limits, Ziina’s terms and conditions, and regulatory requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they hold any trade license, permit, tax registration, or other approval required for their business activities. Fees, limits, payout timelines, and product features may vary and are subject to change. Please refer to Ziina’s latest terms and pricing for full details. This article was published in August 2026.