The verdict in three sentences
In Accra in 2026, MTN MoMo merchant collections run around 1 % plus the residual E-levy where applicable, with fast settlement. Hubtel aggregates MoMo, cards and Visa QR at roughly 1.95 %, trading a higher rate for one integration across all payment methods. The choice comes down to whether you value the lowest single-rail cost or the convenience and coverage of an aggregator.
MTN MoMo vs Hubtel fees
The values below are a 2026 order of magnitude for a standard Accra merchant. Confirm your contract, since the E-levy and aggregator rates are periodically revised.
| Criterion | MTN MoMo | Hubtel |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant collection fee | ~1 % | ~1.95 % |
| E-levy (residual) | applies per policy | passed through |
| Payment methods | MoMo only | MoMo + cards + Visa QR |
| Settlement | T+1 | T+1 to T+2 |
| Payout fee | GHS 1 - 10 band | included in rate |
| Integration | MoMo API | Single aggregator API |
On a turnover of GHS 200,000/month, 1 % via MoMo is GHS 2,000, while 1.95 % via Hubtel is GHS 3,900 — but Hubtel also captures card and QR customers a MoMo-only setup would miss.
Cost comparison by volume
The table below costs monthly fees to help you arbitrate single-rail versus aggregator.
| Monthly volume | MTN MoMo (1 %) | Hubtel (1.95 %) | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| GHS 50,000 | GHS 500 | GHS 975 | GHS 475 |
| GHS 200,000 | GHS 2,000 | GHS 3,900 | GHS 1,900 |
| GHS 500,000 | GHS 5,000 | GHS 9,750 | GHS 4,750 |
| GHS 1,000,000 | GHS 10,000 | GHS 19,500 | GHS 9,500 |
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Mini case study
Kwame, who runs a beverage depot in Accra, collects GHS 200,000/month, of which 60 % is MoMo, i.e. GHS 120,000. At 1 % he pays GHS 1,200 in MoMo fees. If he routed everything through Hubtel at 1.95 %, the same GHS 120,000 would cost GHS 2,340, i.e. GHS 1,140 more per month. But Hubtel would also let him accept the 15 % of customers who prefer cards or Visa QR, potentially recovering GHS 30,000 in otherwise-lost sales — which more than offsets the extra fee for that segment.
FAQ
Is MTN MoMo cheaper than Hubtel? On a pure rate basis yes, around 1 % versus 1.95 %, but Hubtel's aggregation captures card and QR customers a MoMo-only checkout would lose.
Does the E-levy still apply? A residual E-levy applies per current policy in 2026; check whether you or the customer bears it and configure your checkout accordingly.
Which is better for an online store? If most customers pay MoMo, a direct MoMo integration is cheapest; if you serve card and international buyers, Hubtel's single API simplifies coverage.
How fast is settlement? MTN MoMo typically settles T+1; aggregators like Hubtel run T+1 to T+2 depending on the method and contract.
Can I use both? Yes, many merchants take MoMo directly for the bulk and add an aggregator for cards and QR, balancing cost and coverage.
Let's talk about your project. We integrate MTN MoMo and Hubtel into a reliable multi-method checkout with tested webhooks. 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.
