The verdict in three sentences
For a Ghanaian merchant, MTN MoMo merchant is usually the cheapest rail at around 1.75%, while Paystack adds 1.95% plus a GHS 0.50 flat component capped at GHS 10. Above roughly GHS 20,000 in monthly volume, a negotiated flat-rate or capped tariff can beat the percentage model. The real hidden cost is not only the rate: it is the settlement delay and API availability that weigh on your cashflow.
Merchant fees compared in 2026
The rates below are a 2026 order of magnitude for a Ghanaian merchant account. They vary with your volume and commercial negotiation.
| Provider | Merchant fee | Flat component | Settlement | API |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTN MoMo merchant | 1.75 % | none | T+2 | Yes |
| Paystack Ghana | 1.95 % | GHS 0.50 (cap GHS 10) | T+2 | Yes (REST) |
| Vodafone Cash | 1.5 % | none | T+2 | Partial |
| AirtelTigo Money | 1.8 % | none | T+2 | Partial |
| Card (aggregator) | 2.5 % + GHS 1 | GHS 1 | T+2 to T+3 | Yes |
Paystack shines on developer experience and multi-channel checkout, while raw MoMo merchant is cheaper per transaction on small tickets.
What you keep net on a GHS 400 basket
The headline rate does not tell the whole story. Here is the net amount kept on a GHS 400 sale, excluding settlement timing.
| Provider | Fees charged | Net kept | Cost / 100 sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone Cash | GHS 6.00 | GHS 394.00 | GHS 600 |
| MTN MoMo | GHS 7.00 | GHS 393.00 | GHS 700 |
| AirtelTigo | GHS 7.20 | GHS 392.80 | GHS 720 |
| Paystack | GHS 8.30 | GHS 391.70 | GHS 830 |
| Card | GHS 11.00 | GHS 389.00 | GHS 1,100 |
On 100 monthly sales, choosing MoMo merchant over Paystack saves about GHS 130 per month; the picture flips in Paystack's favor once you value its unified dashboard and card acceptance for diaspora buyers.
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Mini case study
Ama runs a fashion store in Accra. She does 180 sales a month, average basket GHS 400, so GHS 72,000 in volume. On Paystack at 1.95% + GHS 0.50, she pays roughly GHS 1,494 in monthly fees. By offering raw MTN MoMo merchant as the default and keeping Paystack for card and diaspora orders, 70% of buyers use MoMo. Her blended cost drops to about GHS 1,010 per month: GHS 484 saved monthly, nearly GHS 5,800 a year, just by reordering the checkout buttons.
FAQ
Is MTN MoMo really free for the customer? Person-to-person transfers carry a levy in Ghana, but on a merchant account the merchant absorbs roughly 1.75% cash-in. The buyer typically pays no extra at checkout.
When does a flat-rate plan become worthwhile? As a 2026 order of magnitude, above GHS 20,000 monthly volume, negotiating a capped or flat merchant tariff can push the effective rate below the standard percentage.
Which provider settles fastest? Most MoMo rails and Paystack settle at T+2 in Ghana. If cashflow is tight, confirm the exact cut-off times, since a missed cut-off pushes settlement another business day.
Should I offer several payment methods? Yes. Offering MTN, Vodafone and card lifts checkout conversion by 8-15% depending on segment, because each customer pays with their usual wallet.
Is an API essential? To automate reconciliation and confirm orders in real time, yes. USSD is enough to collect money, but the API removes manual entry and errors.
Let's talk about your project. We integrate MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash and Paystack into your store with the right checkout order to minimize fees. 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.