What is Mobile Money?
Mobile money is a digital payment service that allows people to send, receive, and store money using their mobile phones. It's particularly popular in Africa where it has revolutionized financial services by providing access to digital payments without requiring a traditional bank account.
For businesses, mobile money represents one of the fastest and most accessible ways to receive payments from clients. With over 300 million mobile money accounts across Africa, it's often the preferred payment method for both individuals and small businesses.
Why Mobile Money Matters
Instant Payments
Mobile money payments are processed in real-time, often within seconds of initiation.
Universal Access
No bank account required - clients only need a mobile phone to send payments.
High Security
Protected by PIN authentication and encrypted transactions for safe payments.
Wide Coverage
Available across Africa with extensive agent networks for cash deposits and withdrawals.
Supported Mobile Money Services
Plaen integrates with the major mobile money providers across Africa, ensuring you can accept payments from the widest possible audience:
MTN Mobile Money
The largest mobile money network in Africa with over 50 million active users.
Available in: Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda
Vodafone Cash
Reliable mobile money service with strong presence across multiple African markets.
Available in: Ghana, Tanzania, DRC
AirtelTigo Money
Merged mobile money service combining Airtel and Tigo networks in Ghana.
Available in: Ghana
How Mobile Money Payments Work
Mobile money payments through Plaen are designed to be simple for both you and your clients. Here's how the process works from start to finish:
Step 1: Send Your Invoice
Create and send your invoice through Plaen with mobile money enabled as a payment option. Your client will receive the invoice with clear instructions on how to pay using their preferred mobile money service.
Step 2: Client Initiates Payment
Your client opens their mobile money app (MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, etc.) and enters your mobile money number and the payment amount. They'll use a reference number from your invoice to ensure proper identification.
Step 3: Real-time Processing
The payment is processed instantly through the mobile money network. You'll receive a confirmation SMS on your mobile money account, and Plaen automatically updates the invoice status to "Paid."
Step 4: Automatic Notifications
Both you and your client receive immediate confirmation of the successful payment. The funds are available in your mobile money account instantly and can be withdrawn at any agent location or transferred to your bank account.
Setting Up Mobile Money
To start accepting mobile money payments, you'll need to register for mobile money accounts with the providers you want to support. This typically involves:
- • Visiting a mobile money agent or service center
- • Providing identification documents
- • Registering your SIM card for mobile money services
- • Setting up a secure PIN for transactions
- • Adding your mobile money numbers to your Plaen account
Most mobile money registration is free, and you can typically register with multiple providers to give your clients more payment options.
Fees and Limits
Mobile money transaction fees are generally very low, typically ranging from 0.5% to 2% of the transaction amount. The exact fee depends on the mobile money provider and the transaction amount.
Transaction limits vary by provider and account verification level. Basic accounts typically support transactions up to $500-1000 per day, while verified business accounts can handle larger amounts.
There are no fees from Plaen for processing mobile money payments - you only pay the standard mobile money provider fees.
Security and Safety
Mobile money transactions are secured with multiple layers of protection including PIN authentication, SMS verification, and encrypted data transmission. All major mobile money providers are regulated by central banks and follow strict security protocols.
To keep your mobile money account secure, never share your PIN with anyone, always verify transaction details before confirming, and keep your mobile money SIM card in a secure location.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Most mobile money payments process smoothly, but here are solutions to common issues:
- • Payment not received: Check that the client used the correct mobile money number and reference code
- • Transaction failed: Ensure the client has sufficient balance and their account is active
- • Delayed confirmation: Mobile money networks occasionally experience delays during peak hours
- • Wrong amount received: Contact the mobile money provider to trace and potentially reverse the transaction
Need Help?
If you need assistance setting up mobile money payments or troubleshooting issues, our support team is here to help. We can guide you through the registration process and help resolve any payment issues.
Contact us through the chat widget or email support@plaen.comfor personalized assistance.