Tamara · BNPL merchant acceptance
Tamara for Business
GCC BNPL provider with CBUAE restricted-finance and SVF approvals — instalment acceptance at online and in-store checkout, strong in fashion and e-commerce.
Is Tamara for Business worth it?
- free-zone companies: Tamara for Business onboards free-zone entities on its published criteria.
- e-commerce merchants: Published terms don't state online-selling features for Tamara for Business — confirm with Tamara.
Eligibility
- Not suitable for
- same shape as Tabby: it is BNPL, not acquiring — a gateway is still required underneath. Merchants outside its approved sectors, and those wanting published flat pricing (rates are quoted per contract)
Tabby: it is BNPL, not acquiring — a gateway is still required underneath. Merchants outside its approved sectors, and those wanting published flat pricing (rates are quoted per contract)Business operations
- Approval time
- 1 business day (verification response)
- Free-zone companies
- Yes
Details
- Customer terms
- Split payments and deferred plans at checkout
- Merchant cost
- Quoted per merchant — not published
- Regulation
- CBUAE restricted-finance licence + SVF approval (2025)
How onboarding goes
- Application: Submit the request through the provider’s channel and upload documents
- Compliance review: KYC checks and document verification
- Decision: Typical timing: 1 business day (verification response)
- Go live: Access activated and the product is live
Documents you'll typically need
- Trade licence covering your activity
- Live website or app with refund and privacy policies
- Corporate bank account details for settlement
- Processing history or projected volumes for established businesses
Typical pack for this category — the provider confirms the exact list on application.
Merchant terms quoted individually; licensing per CBUAE announcements, Oct 2025.
Verified answers
When does Tamara pay out merchant settlements?
Two models: the default Flexible model pays out once the net settlement exceeds AED/SAR 2,500; the Fixed model pays weekly but charges AED/SAR 25 when the settlement falls below AED/SAR 2,500. The model is switchable in the Partners Portal under Billings → Settlement Dashboard.
Source: tamarapay.zendesk.com · verified
Does Tamara publish its merchant discount rate?
No public rate card — Tamara instructs merchants to check per-payment-option minimum and maximum limits and their fees inside the Partners Portal (Settlement Dashboard → View my fees & limits). Rates are contractual per store.
Source: tamarapay.zendesk.com · verified
Does the merchant carry the risk if a customer stops paying?
No — Tamara states it settles the full order amount to the merchant (minus its fees) under the agreed settlement type regardless of whether the customer completes all instalments; outstanding customer payments remain Tamara’s responsibility.
Source: tamarapay.zendesk.com · verified
What documents does Tamara require from merchants?
A Commercial Registration, Trade Licence or Freelance Certificate; the legal signatory’s national ID or passport; an IBAN certificate issued and stamped by the bank (or IBAN on stamped company letterhead); and a VAT certificate where applicable. Documents must remain valid for at least 30 days. Certain activities — tobacco, food and beverage, medical products, precious stones and others — require a full Commercial Registration.
Source: tamarapay.zendesk.com · verified
How long does Tamara merchant onboarding take?
Tamara says its verification team responds within one business day of a complete application; approved merchants then sign the standard Terms & Conditions before going live. Resubmitting a duplicate application instead of amending the original is flagged as a rejection reason.
Source: tamarapay.zendesk.com · verified
Does Tamara charge shoppers a processing fee in the UAE?
On split-payment plans in the UAE, an order processing fee of up to 1% of the order value may apply to the shopper, displayed at checkout; Tamara notes the fee is vetted by its Sharia Committee.
Source: tamarapay.zendesk.com · verified
Frequently asked questions
Is Tamara for Business worth it for free-zone companies?
Yes — Tamara for Business onboards free-zone entities on its published criteria.