Sending money between African nations is still fairly difficult for many, despite the fact that electronic payment methods are becoming more and more common in sub-Saharan Africa. The fees that are typically connected with cross-border money transfers are one aspect that has led to their slow growth and lack of popularity.
However, we are now seeing more platforms for sending money launched in recent times and funded specifically to provide the option of transmitting money across Africa using various currencies in a simple and painless manner. Yes, you heard me right. Simple and painless manner. Do not worry as we will be showing you the reputable platforms that facilitate international money transfers within the African continent.
Africa’s Most Affordable Methods Of Sending And Receiving Money
1. Chipper Cash
First on the list is Chipper Cash. With the advent of this platform, transferring money across Africa is now as easy as receiving it. Not only that. Chipper Cash can also be used to pay for other online expenses including airtime recharges, cable TV, internet, and utility bills. Though the platform has no web support, its App is available on Android and iOS stores.
Chipper Cash services are available in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, and Rwanda. Outside Africa, the platform is also supported in the United States of America and the United Kingdom, with many more coming soon. The transfer limits on Chipper Cash vary by country and here is the part you will probably love the most. It allows for free transfers and has an incredibly low cross-border rate.
At the moment, Chipper has over five million users with over three hundred thousand visa cards issued. Also, the platform has recorded thousands of positive user reviews and endorsements by notable celebrities like Burna Boy. More so, the app is adjudged to be fast, reliable, and instrumental in helping you save cash on transactions. The customer care service is also one of a kind.
So are you looking for a money transfer alternative? you may want to just try Chipper Cash. It’s simple and easy. Simply log onto www.chippercash.com or better still, google Chipper Cash in order to download the App.
2. Rapidtransfer
Aside from chipper cash, you may also want to consider Rapidtransfer. Now rapidtransfer is a pan-African money transfer service provided by Ecobank. The service is available in 33 African countries and it provides an easy and simple transaction process for its users. Rapidtransfer is also available on Android and iOS stores and has a daily transfer limit of $10,000. Your first transfer on the platform is free with the promo code FREE. Thereafter, all fees are limited to only 1.5% of the transfer amount.
Although Rapidtransfer is owned by Ecobank, you don’t need an Ecobank account to use the platform. Aside from the app, Transfers can be made at any Ecobank branch or Rapidtransfer agent. This is how Rapidtransfer works at an Ecobank branch or agent.
To send money, you could
- Go to any Ecobank branch or Rapidtransfer agent and complete a Rapidtransfer “Send” form
- Submit valid proof of identification
- Pay in the amount you want to transfer, plus the required commission
- Collect your reference number and call your beneficiary with details of the transaction
To receive money, you could
- Take a valid form of identification to any Ecobank branch or Rapidtransfer agent
- Complete the Rapidtransfer “Receive” form and submit it to the Rapidtransfer teller
- The Rapidtransfer teller will verify your documents and then call up the transaction to pay the money out
To be able to use rapidtransfer, the following are needed as forms of identification
- International passport
- Driver’s license
- National ID cards
- Voters ID cards
- Identification card of recognized corporate bodies.
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3. Barter by Flutterwave
The third on our list of the Easiest and Cheapest Means of sending and receiving money in Africa is Barter by Flutterwave. Just like Chipper Cash and Rappidtransfer, Users of the payments service, Barter by Flutterwave can send, request, and receive money from anywhere in the world at a low cost and with ease.
You can also pay for goods and services as well as bills through the app, all from the convenience of your smartphone or personal computer. Additionally, Flutterwave offers payment solutions to companies, making it simple for them to take payments from clients around the globe.
Interestingly, Fluttervae services are available in all African countries and accommodate a minimal transfer fee which may vary by country. To make use of the platform, you need to
- Sign up with Barter on Android or iOS using your email address and phone number after which you will create a password. You will be required to download the Barter app after which you will log into the App.
- When your login, goes successful, feel free to click send money on the App
- Enter the amount select the recipient’s currency and send money.
- Add a new contact and enter the account details either Bank Account or Mobile Money
- Review Transaction
- Go ahead and then enter your PIN.
- The person gets instantly.
If you wish to request money, you will still need to use the Barter App and select the contact you are requesting money from. After which, enter the amount being requested. This will be sent to the selected contact. Once they accept the request, the money will be credited to your Barter account immediately.
4. Eversend
Moving on, Eversend is the 4th platform on the list. Eversend is a multi-currency wallet created to make it affordable for Africans to trade, spend, and send money to bank accounts in other parts of the world as well as inside Africa at reduced transfer costs. Its services are available in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Uganda. Eversend cannot be accessed directly on the World Wide Web.
Moreover, the App can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android users and from the Apple Store for iOS users. Once you get logged in to the app, a variety of transaction options will be made available to you after which you will be asked to add your card details. The system is fast and secure and enables you to chat with the customer service team using the in-app messaging platform.
Transaction costs may also vary depending on a variety of factors which include how you load your money, where you send the money, and bank rates. With Eversend, you can also credit other people’s airtime accounts. It also has a virtual debit card where you can pay subscriptions and carry out other transactions. It is trusted globally and used by over three hundred and fifty thousand customers.
Here are 3 easy steps to get started with Eversend
- Download the Eversend mobile app for your Android or iOS device
- Complete KYC verifications within the app
- Start sending and receiving money from friends and family.
5. SimbaPay
Last but not the least on our list is SimbaPay. Simbapay is a money transfer firm with a focus on Africa that enables users to send money quickly, easily, and affordably to friends and family members around Africa. It’s available on Android and iOS and is available in over 40 African countries. On Simbapay, you can be able to send up to £45,000 at a very low cost. To get started on SimbaPay, you will only need to fill out a short form that requires details like your name, email, and phone number, and then you are on to it.
You can now choose from these extremely trustworthy services to transmit money within Africa. Which of these have you already used? In the comments box, kindly share your experience.
Additionally, if there is another cross-border money transfer service that you would want to suggest but isn’t on our list, please do so. We will be glad to hear from you.