10 Best BitPesa Alternatives in Africa for Fast & Secure Payments 2026

This post covers the top BitPesa alternatives in Africa that offer quick, safe, and affordable payment options.

These platforms offer reliable options whether you are a corporation managing local and international transactions or an individual sending money across borders.

You’ll find the best BitPesa alternatives to meet your financial needs, ranging from mobile wallets to cryptocurrency-enabled businesses.

Why Look for BitPesa Alternatives?

Expensive Transaction Fees

• Some individuals are said to be “high” due to BitPesa’s fees for cross-border payments and currency conversions.

Small Country Coverage

• Businesses in Africa are less accessible because of the countries that BitPesa does or does not serve.

Long Transaction Times

• There are other services that transfer money faster. Most noticeable are the international transfers.

Few Ways to Make Payments

• Bank transfers are the only means of payment on BitPesa, while other services also include mobile wallets, cards, and cryptocurrencies.

Business-Centric Constraints

• There are small businesses and freelance individuals that would benefit from having additional merchant services and easier to use integrations.

Local Currency Support

• Some other services allow you to use the local currency of many of the African countries to make payments and withdraw money.

More Advanced Features Wanted

• There are people that want to use services that have features like crypto, several currencies in one wallet, and an easier way to use the service on mobile.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Look at the Supported Countries and Currencies

• Make sure the site works for your country and has the currencies you need to be able to transact.

Look at the Transaction Costs and Currency Exchange Rate

• Look for sites that have the lowest exchange rate and cheapest transaction fee.

Look at the Transaction Speed

• Choose a provider that processes payments promptly, especially for cross-border or urgent payments.

Look at the Protection and Legal Compliance

• make sure the site is legal and follows best business practices.

Payment Methods

• Make sure they accept the payment method you want to use, be it mobile, card, bank, or crypto.

Looking for Business Features

• If this is for a business, make sure to look for invoicing, payment API, and other merchant features.

Customer Experience

• Look for a site that is simple to use and has a lot of help in case you have problems.

Look at the Ratings and Comments on the Site

• Look at the ratings to get an idea of what kind of problems they have and to measure the site’s reliability.

Key Point & Best BitPesa Alternatives in Africa List

Platform	Key Points / Features	Pros	Cons
Flutterwave	Payment gateway for businesses, supports card & mobile payments, cross-border payments	Easy integration, supports multiple currencies, reliable for businesses	Slightly higher fees for smaller transactions
Chipper Cash	Peer-to-peer payments, cross-border transfers, crypto support	Fast, low-cost, mobile-friendly	Limited business-focused tools
Yellow Card	Cryptocurrency trading & payments, supports BTC, USDT, and local currencies	Crypto support, easy buy/sell, secure	Limited fiat payment options
Paga	Mobile payments & money transfers within Africa, bill payments	User-friendly, widespread adoption in Nigeria, supports merchants	Limited international transfers
Cellulant Tingg	Mobile money platform, cross-border payments, API integration	Good for businesses, fast transactions, supports multiple currencies	Not as consumer-friendly
Eversend	Multi-currency wallet, cross-border transfers, crypto options	Low fees, supports multiple currencies, easy app interface	Limited network in some African countries
VALR Pay	Crypto payments & trading, merchant solutions	Supports businesses, secure platform, crypto integration	Mainly crypto-focused, less for traditional fiat
Luno Merchant Tools	Cryptocurrency payments for businesses	Easy integration, crypto-friendly, secure	Limited fiat options, mostly Africa & EU
Sendwave Africa	Mobile remittances from abroad to Africa	Fast, very low fees, simple interface	Only supports sending to specific countries, no merchant tools
Kuda Business Pay	Business banking & payments, transfers, invoices	Free banking services, user-friendly, supports SMEs	Limited international payments

1. Flutterwave

Multi-currency support and versatility in its services are the primary reasons why Flutterwave made it to the top of the list of BitPesa alternatives in Africa. Flutterwave provides a versatile payment gateway to both individuals and businesses allowing them to accept and send payments via local and international bank transfers as well as mobile money services.

With its seamles API businesses have the ability to integrate payment as a focal point in their service. With strong and secure transfers and instant payment confirmation users and businesses alike enjoy the service of this payment gateway. As a payment gateway with a wonderful reputation and features Flutterwave sits at the top of the list of BitPesa alternatives in Africa.

Flutterwave Features, Pros & Cons

Features

• Cards, bank transfers, mobile money, and crypto-integrated money transfers are allowed.
• Cross-border payment in multiple currencies.
• Merchant integration with APIs and e-commerce plugins.

Pros

• It is available in many countries in Africa.
• It is flexible for businesses in every phase of scale.
• Exceptional developer instruments and advanced analytics capabilities.

Cons

• It is not a self-hosted crypto wallet.
• Some of its services have a complicated pricing system.
• To unlock its complete potential, some technical work is needed.

2. Chipper Cash

Chipper Cash is yet another one of the best BitPesa alternatives within Africa focusing on peer-to-peer payment and trans-border payment services. Users can send and receive money instantly within certain countries in Africa and the platform supports transctions in crypto as well.

Chipper Cash is very convenient with its mobile application that is designed with a focus on streamlined and cheap money transfers. It is especially preferred by individuals and smaller enterprises whom are seeking apt financial mobility.

While lacking a few sophisticated features targeted for larger enterprises, the application performs sophisticated cross-border payment and is therefore a sound option for frequent payments. This is part of the reason why Chipper Cash is one of the more reliable BitPesa alternatives in the African continent especially for individuals and smaller enterprises.

Chipper Cash Features , Pros & Cons

Features

• It is a mobile peer-to-peer payment system and also allows cross-border payments.
• It offers crypto financing in a few selected regions.
• Users can transfer money instantly.

Pros

• It is affordable and easy to use.
• Users can send cross-border payments effortlessly.
• It is designed for mobile use, which is convenient for many African customers.

Cons

• Users have few options for crypto merchant tools.
• It is not ideal for large businesses.
• Users in some regions have limited crypto features.

3. Yellow Card

Yellow Card is one of the best cryptocurrency-based services and is considered the BitPesa equivalent in Africa for people wishing to purchase, sell and transact with digital currencies. Yellow Card allows for the easy conversion of African local currencies and supports Bitcoin, USDT, and other cryptocurrencies.

Yellow Card is simple to use and very secure, and is thus great for beginners and experienced crypto traders alike. Although crypto is its main focus, and not traditional fiat payments, it is still one of the best options for crypto-focused alternatives to BitPesa.

Yellow Card is considered one of the best potential BitPesa alternatives in Africa because of the fast and reliable nature of the regulated platform and the safety it affords its users.

Yellow Card Features , Pros & Cons

Features

• Major crypto currencies supported are Bitcoin and USDT.
• Users can use mobile money and banks.
• Users can convert crypto to fiat money.

Pros

• The platform is aimed for African countries.
• It is a smooth experience for all stakeholders.
• It abides by the laws of the countries it operates in.

Cons

• Users can only transact a few types of cryptos.
• Not many areas have it available.* Smaller Entrepeneurial Resources

4. Paga

Paga is a popular BitPesa alternative in Africa. Paga is available throughout Nigeria and a few other African countries. Paga’s services include money transfers, mobile payments, and bill payments.

Paga easily enables wallet management, qr code payment and tailored solutions to merchants. Paga has mobile apps, agent networks and is convenient even for remote users. They are perfect for businesses that need a trustworthy platform for local transactions.

Paga does not offer international transactions; however, Paga is efficient for small businesses that require a BitPesa alternative in Africa and need to make local payments to utilize Paga’s user-friendly interface.

Paga Features , Pros & Cons

Features

• Has a mobile money wallet and payment platform
• Enables payment acceptance for bills, transfers, and merchants
• API for businesses

Pros

• Established and recognized business footprint in Nigeria
• Mobile payments are easy
• Very low fees

Cons

• Little to no support for crypto
• Payments are mostly domestic
• Has limited tools available for merchants

5. Cellulant Tingg

With its cross-border payment service, integration of mobile money, and API for merchants, Cellulant Tingg is business centric and one of the BitPesa alternatives in Africa. The business is able to send and receive payment in the several currencies. This also allows e-business and big operations to receive and send payment.

Tingg also allows mobile money and bank accounts to facilitate payment. Cellulant Tingg may not be as consumer-friendly for one is a bit individual. Because of the business infrastructure, Cellulant Tingg is one of the most preferred BitPesa alternatives in Africa for cross-border financial operations

Cellulant Features , Pros & Cons

Features

• Enterprise payment solutions available for Africa
• Accepts payments via mobile money, cards, and bank accounts
• API and other forms of integration support for merchants

Pros

• Can accommodate big scalable businesses
• Has a very strong one regional network
• Can facilitate payments in multiple currencies

Cons

• Has very limited support for crypto
• More suitable for larger corporates than smaller merchants
• More complex onboarding to their system

6. Eversend

Another BitPesa alternative in Africa is Eversend which is a multi-currency wallet, facilitates cross-border money transfer, bill payments, and has some crypto amenities. With low transfer fee, Eversend allows one to holds different currencies, exchange, and transfer money easily to different countries.

The platform is mobile friendly and secure. Eversend is designed to suit personal and business financial needs. For individuals and SMEs, Eversend is helpful in dealing with not only multi-currency transfers but also with preservations efforts.

Regardless of the network challenges in some countries, Eversend has its convenience which is affordable to be one of the BitPesa alternatives in Africa. for local and international payments seamless payments.

Eversend Features , Pros & Cons

Features

• Acts as a digital wallet with cross border remittance
• Crypto can be converted to cash
• One can hold different currencies on the platform

Pros

• Cheap to send and receive money
• Payments can be sent and received world wide
• Designed for mobile phones

Cons

• Limited tools for merchants
• Only partial support for crypto
• Fewer branches across Africa

7. VALR Pay

VALR Pay is a cryptocurrency-focused payment solution, helping to fill the gap for a secure BitPesa alternative in Africa. VALR Pay enables individuals and businesses to receive and send payments in crypto, and even facilitates the conversion to and from local fiat currencies.

VALR Pay is the most prominent service in Africa for crypto payments, thanks to the complete crypto-focused customizability and readily available electronic payment options for merchants.

VALR Pay is a crypto payment solution with the best features, optimization, and user experience. As a top tier BitPesa alternative in Africa, VALR Pay is ideal for businesses and consumers eager to incorporate crypto into their payment solutions.

VALR Features , Pros & Cons

Features

• Crypto Payment Instant Conversion
• Integration of APIs and merchant dashboards
• South Africa Compliance

Pros

• Rapid transaction processing
• Reliably South African
• Safe and dependable

Cons

• South African Rands (ZAR).
• International reach is minimal
• Limited number of crypto currencies available

8. Luno Merchant Tools

Luno Merchant Tools is a Bitpesa alternative in Africa. It is a crypto-centric software firm helping businesses accept digital payments safely.

The firm offers tools like crypto-merchant integration, invoicing, and transaction tracking. Luno is one of the few firms bridging crypto and traditional payments.

Though Luno is less focused on crypto payments, the software is great for businesses needing simple payment systems and a crypto transaction solution. Among the Bitpesa alternatives in Africa, Luno Merchant Tools is a great option for companies looking to safely and efficiently integrate crypto payments.

Luno Merchant Tools Features , Pros & Cons

Features

• Payment acceptance for Bitcoin and Ethereum
• Conversion of crypto assets and fiat in one transaction
• Luno exchange integration

Pros

• African crypto provider
• Straightforward for merchants
• High grade security

Cons

• Low crypto asset diversity
• Coverage is restricted to certain African countries
• Lack of complex features

9. Sendwave Africa

Sendwave Africa operates mobile remittance services and is one of the most reliable and user-friendly BitPesa alternatives in Africa.

It enables users to send money to various African countries from any part of the world instantly and also at very affordable rates. The platform is very user-friendly and supports mobile money withdrawals, which is perfect for sending money to family and friends.

Sendwave Africa does not have business or merchant tools, but given its affordable rates and reliability, it is one of the best options for individuals.

If one is looking for a user-friendly and inexpensive BitPesa alternative in Africa for sending money overseas, Sendwave Africa is a perfect choice.

Sendwave Africa Features , Pros & Cons

Features

• Remittances and payment platform for mobile users
• Swift settlement in native currency
• Cost effective remittances

Pros

• Extremely quick
• Remittances are inexpensive
• Designed for mobile phone users

Cons

• No crypto currency support
• Tools for merchants are minimal
• Not intended for online selling

10. Kuda Business Pay

Kuda Business Pay is a revolutionary digital banking solution that is ideal for BitPesa alternative in Africa that is meant for small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs.

Kuda Business Pay offers clients a free business account, banking services, and tools to facilitate payment transfers and invoicing, which is a great convenience for users. The platform is also designed to meet the needs of small businesses, providing fast and easy payment options for local and domestic transactions.

Kuda Business Pay does not have other international transfer options, but it offers great convenience and other features that make it a great BitPesa alternative in Africa for business owners looking to easier banking solutions and better financial management. It also has a better user experience. This is a great choice for users looking to revolutionize digital banking.

Kuda Business Pay Features , Pros & Cons

Features

• African business digital banking
• Payments as a Services
• Supports crypto payment (on-ramp).

Pros

• Excellent banking for Nigeria
• Quick money transfers
• User interface meant for businesses

Cons

• Small global presence
• Absence of original crypto wallet
• Concentrated mainly in Nigeria

Key Features to Consider in a BitPesa Alternative

Operating Countries and Currency

• Check whether the platform is available in your country and if it can be used with the currency you will be requiring for easy domestic and international transactions.

Fees and Currency Conversions

• Make sure to look at the different transfer and payment fees and the currency conversion rates for different platforms to lessen the costs that will be incurred for international payments.

When Transactions are Completed

• Investing in a platform that will transfer payments in a shorter period will save you time and will minimize the amount of time lost in payments.

Security and Compliance

• Make sure you can confirm that there are proper safe measures in place for transactions such as regulations, encryption and avoiding fraud.

Available Payment Methods

• Transfer platforms should have a good amount of alternative payment options such as mobile wallets, bank account transfers, physical credit/debit cards, or digital crypto.

Tools for Business Payments

• If the interest is for a business, there are many features for invoicing, APIs, processing tool for merchants, and analytical tools that would be beneficial.

Support and User Experience

• If the platform has a user-friendly interface with good support, the platform will have increased reliability in a positive spirit.

Reviews and Reputation

• For the platform to have a positive performance, consider the feedback provided from other users and the reputation that the platform has.

Risks and Security Considerations

Regulatory Compliance

• Make sure that the platform complies with local and international financial regulations. Else, you might encounter legal complications or get your funds frozen.

Fraud and Scams

• Digital payment platforms might fall on the radar of fraudsters. Ensure the service is legitimate, and never share your sensitive credentials.

Data Privacy and Encryption

• There should be adequate measures in place to keep personal and financial information confidential so that sophisticated cyberattackers cannot exploit the data.

Transaction errors and delays

• Errors in transfers or delays in transactions can affect business cash flow or personal payments.

Limited Coverage

• Not all platforms operate in all countries, or support all currencies, which limits accessibility.

Platform Stability

• Scheduled downtime and unexpected technical issues can result in failure to execute timely transfer instructions which can be frustrating in situations that need urgency. A reliable platform is therefore essential.

Hidden fees

• Be wary of charges that you are not made aware of for services like currency conversion, withdrawal of funds, or payments made across borders.

User authentication and Security features

• Unauthorized account access can be limited with 2FA (two-factor authentication) which adds a layer of authentication.

Conclusion

For people and companies working in Africa, choosing the appropriate digital payment platform is crucial, and a number of trustworthy BitPesa substitutes have surfaced to satisfy a range of demands.

For both domestic and international transactions, platforms such as Flutterwave, Chipper Cash, Yellow Card, Paga, Cellulant Tingg, Eversend, VALR Pay, Luno Merchant Tools, Sendwave Africa, and Kuda Business Pay provide safe, quick, and practical options.

These choices offer versatile, affordable, and safe ways to effectively manage your funds, whether you are a freelancer managing foreign payments, a business owner looking for merchant capabilities, or an individual moving money across borders.

FAQ