Is GPN (Global Payments Inc.) Halal or Haram?

Based on our AAOIFI-standard shariah screening, GPN is Not Halal (Haram) and is not considered permissible for Muslim investors. It failed 2 of 4 compliance screens. Its debt-to-market-cap ratio of 135.71% exceeds the ≤33% threshold. Its cash & securities ratio of 51.88% exceeds the ≤33% threshold.

Global Payments Inc. (GPN) is a major provider of payment technology and software solutions across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. The company operates through Merchant, Issuer, and Business/Consumer segments, offering essential services like payment authorization, settlement, terminal rentals, and chargeback resolution for businesses worldwide. For Muslim investors using AAOIFI standards, Global Payments Inc. is currently classified as Not Halal (Haram). Although its core business activities in payment processing are permissible, the stock fails critical financial screens regarding debt and liquid assets, making it unsuitable for a shariah-compliant portfolio at this time. The primary concern for halal investors is the company's extreme debt burden, with a Debt to Market Cap ratio of 135.7%, far exceeding the strict 33% Islamic finance limit. Additionally, its Cash and Securities to Market Cap ratio is non-compliant at 51.9%, even though its interest-bearing income remains safely below the 5% threshold at just 2.01% of total revenue. Because the failure is purely financial rather than operational, Muslim investors should monitor GPN's balance sheet in the future. If the company significantly reduces its debt load and normalizes its market capitalization ratios, it could potentially pass the AAOIFI screening criteria down the line. Global Payments Inc. operates in the Industrials sector under the Specialty Business Services industry and is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, US. The company is led by CEO Cameron Bready and employs approximately 27,000 people.

GPN was screened using AAOIFI-based shariah compliance criteria. Four tests are applied: (1) Business Activity — the company's core business must not derive primary income from haram (prohibited) activities such as alcohol, gambling, tobacco, or interest-based finance. (2) Debt-to-Market-Cap — total debt must not exceed 33% of market capitalization. (3) Interest Income — interest income must not exceed 5% of total revenue. (4) Cash & Securities — cash and interest-bearing securities must not exceed 33% of market cap. GPN passed 2 of these 4 screens.

GPN was last screened on 2026-04-29. Shariah compliance status can change as companies report new financial data, acquire new businesses, or shift revenue streams. We recommend checking back periodically for the most up-to-date screening results.