Kuwait Online Payment Rules: KNET, CBK & the No-Surcharge Rule

Payments sit at the centre of Kuwait's Digital Commerce Law because they are where consumer trust is most often broken — through hidden fees, surprise surcharges, or refunds paid in store credit. Decree 10/2026 addresses each of these directly. This guide explains the payment obligations every Kuwait online seller must meet, and the mistakes that most commonly trigger a violation.

Offer at least two payment methods

The Decree requires sellers to give consumers genuine choice at checkout by offering a minimum of two payment options. In the Kuwaiti market, the practical expectation is KNET — the national debit network — plus at least one additional method such as a credit card, a digital wallet, or cash on delivery. Relying on a single informal payment channel (for example, bank transfers arranged over WhatsApp) does not meet the standard.

Use CBK-compliant payment methods

Payment methods must comply with Central Bank of Kuwait instructions and the state's banking regulations. In practice, this means routing card and electronic payments through licensed, regulated channels rather than unregulated workarounds. The same principle extends to influencer payments, which must use reliable, AML-compliant methods consistent with CBK rules — covered in the influencer compliance guide.

The no-surcharge rule

One of the most consumer-facing provisions is the restriction on surcharges. Sellers are prohibited from imposing additional electronic-payment fees on customers without prior approval from the Central Bank of Kuwait. The common practice of adding a "card fee" or "KNET fee" at checkout to pass processing costs to the buyer is not permitted by default. Prices must also be transparent and fully inclusive — hidden charges revealed only at checkout are separately prohibited under the Decree's pricing rules.

Refunds must return to the original method

When a return is accepted under the mandatory 14-day return policy, the refund must be issued to the same payment method the customer used — not as store credit or a voucher, unless the customer explicitly agrees to an alternative. This closes a frequent loophole where sellers try to retain revenue by refunding only in credit.

A quick payment-compliance checklist

1. Offer at least two payment methods, including KNET.
2. Route electronic payments through CBK-compliant, licensed channels.
3. Remove any customer-facing e-payment surcharge unless you have CBK approval.
4. Display fully inclusive KWD prices with no fees hidden until checkout.
5. Configure refunds to return to the original payment method.

Payments, pricing, and returns are tightly linked in Decree 10/2026, and a gap in one often signals a gap in the others. For the full set of obligations, read the Complete Guide to Kuwait Decree 10/2026.

Frequently Asked Questions