Top payment methods in Ghana: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Ghana? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Ghana, with a population of around 35.06 million people, has a GDP of approximately 88.33 billion making it the 80th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Ghana is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
The economy is based on the export of natural resources, including oil, gold, and cocoa, alongside a growing services sector. Its primary trading partners are China, the European Union, and other African nations within the ECOWAS bloc.
| Country | Ghana |
|---|---|
| Population | 35.06 million |
| GDP (USD) | 88.33 billion |
| Global Ranking | 80th |
| Currency | Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Ghana?
The digital payment landscape in Ghana is dominated by mobile money services from providers like MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo, with interoperability allowing seamless transfers across networks for P2P, bills, and merchant payments. Despite the mobile money boom, physical cash in the form of the Cedi remains the primary medium of exchange for most daily transactions. GhanaPay, a bank-wide mobile wallet, has also been introduced to provide another digital payment option to consumers.
How to pay in Ghana
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Ghana.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Mobile Money (MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo) | Mobile Money is the dominant payment method in Ghana, with a higher number of active users than bank accounts. It is used for everything from P2P transfers to merchant and bill payments. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Ghanaian Cedi) | Cash is a very important and widely used payment method for daily transactions across the country, co-existing with the strong mobile money ecosystem. | In-person |
| Cards (Visa, Mastercard) | The use of debit and credit cards is growing, particularly in urban centers like Accra, at hotels, and in formal retail settings. The national biometric card, the Gh-link card, is also used. | Online/In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Bank transfers are a standard method for larger and B2B transactions, facilitated by Ghana's Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS). | Online |
Traveling beyond Ghana? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Ghana?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Ghana.
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Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.