The verdict in three sentences
The advertised transaction rate does not tell the whole story: payout, FX and dispute fees can add 1 to 2 points to the real cost. On 3,000,000 FCFA/month, an announced 2.5% rate can actually cost you the equivalent of 3.5 to 4% once everything is added. Learning to read a PSP pricing grid directly protects your e-commerce margin.
The hidden fees to hunt
| Fee type | 2026 range | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Setup fee | 0 to 150,000 FCFA | At account opening |
| Payout fee | 0 to 1% (or 0 to 500 FCFA) | Per payout |
| EUR/FCFA FX margin | 1 to 3% | Foreign-currency payments |
| Inactivity fee | 5,000 to 15,000 FCFA/month | Dormant account |
| Dispute / chargeback fee | 2,000 to 5,000 FCFA | Per dispute |
| Express withdrawal fee | 0.5 to 1.5% | Early payout |
Real total cost for 3 M FCFA/month
Let us rebuild the full cost for a store collecting 3,000,000 FCFA/month, average basket 15,000 FCFA (200 transactions), with 4 weekly payouts and 2 disputes.
| Item | Calculation | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction (2.5%) | 3,000,000 x 2.5% | 75,000 FCFA |
| Payout (300 FCFA x 4) | 4 payouts | 1,200 FCFA |
| Disputes (2 x 3,000) | 2 disputes | 6,000 FCFA |
| Amortized setup (60,000 / 12) | over 1 year | 5,000 FCFA |
| FX margin (on 10% in EUR, 2%) | 300,000 x 2% | 6,000 FCFA |
| Real total | 93,200 FCFA |
That is an effective cost of ~3.1%, versus 2.5% advertised. The 0.6-point gap represents ~220,000 FCFA/year invisible in the sales pitch.
Become a Kolonell referral partner
You now understand these grids better than most merchants. Turn that knowledge into income: the Kolonell referral (apporteur d'affaires) program pays you for every client you bring us. You spot the stores overpaying, we handle the integration, you earn a commission.
| Pole | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15% | 5% |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
Example: referring a 2,000,000 FCFA e-commerce store earns you 240,000 FCFA + 5% on recurring maintenance. Three referrals per quarter is a serious side income.
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Mini case study
Khady, an independent accountant in Dakar, already advises merchants. She spots a store paying 4% "all in" while a 1.8% offer exists, and refers it to Kolonell for an e-commerce rebuild at 2,500,000 FCFA. Her commission: 300,000 FCFA (12%) + 5% on the 50,000 FCFA/month maintenance, i.e. 2,500 FCFA/month recurring. For one introduction, the return is excellent.
FAQ
What is the typical gap between advertised rate and real cost?
Expect 0.5 to 1.5 points above the announced rate once payout, FX and disputes are included. On large volumes or many currencies, the gap can exceed 2 points.
Are inactivity fees common?
Some PSPs charge 5,000 to 15,000 FCFA/month if no transaction occurs. Check this clause if your activity is seasonal.
How do I avoid the FX margin?
Collect in FCFA when possible, or negotiate the FX rate. For the diaspora, compare the total FCFA received rather than the raw rate.
How do I become a Kolonell referral partner?
Message us on WhatsApp: we give you a pitch sheet, a tracking link, and pay your commission as soon as the client signs (15% showcase, 12% e-commerce, 10% marketplace, 8% institutional).
Let's talk about your project. Free audit of your PSP grid, or join the referral program and get paid for your introductions. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
