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Popular • Payments

How to get paid faster with mobile money

Learn why mobile money payments are processed faster than traditional methods and how to optimize your invoices for quick payment.

Last updated: November 20245 min read

Why mobile money is faster

Mobile money payments in Ghana offer significant speed advantages over traditional banking methods. Understanding these benefits helps you optimize your invoicing strategy for faster payments.

Instant Transfer

Payments process in seconds, not days

Always Available

24/7 availability, no banking hours

High Adoption

95% of Ghanaians use mobile money

Speed comparison

Here's how different payment methods compare in terms of processing time:

Mobile Money
MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo
Instant
0-2 seconds
Bank Transfer (Local)
Same-bank or interbank
1-3 days
Business days only
International Wire
SWIFT transfers
3-7 days
Plus fees

Optimizing invoices for mobile money

1

Display all networks

Include MTN, Vodafone Cash, and AirtelTigo Money on your invoices so every buyer sees their preferred option immediately.

2

Use clear payment instructions

Make the payment journey effortless by surfacing exact details:

  • Display mobile money numbers prominently at the top of the invoice.
  • Repeat the exact amount the client should send.
  • Call out the invoice number as the payment reference.
  • Provide a short bulleted walkthrough for first-time payers.
3

Set shorter payment terms

Because funds settle instantly, tighten your timelines without harming relationships:

  • Due immediately for repeat or low-value invoices.
  • Net 3–7 days as a new baseline instead of Net 30.
  • Same-day discounts that reward instant settlement.

Client education strategies

Explain the benefits

Reassure hesitant clients by highlighting the operational wins you both gain:

  • No bank queues: Pay from anywhere, anytime.
  • No transfer fees: Cheaper than interbank transfers.
  • Instant confirmation: Everyone sees the payment the moment it lands.
  • Automatic receipts: SMS confirmations double as proof of payment.

Include payment tutorials

Embed quick how-tos on every invoice so clients never guess the next step:

MTN MoMo example

  1. Dial *170#
  2. Select Send Money
  3. Enter recipient number: 024XXXXXXX
  4. Enter amount: GHS XXX.XX
  5. Reference: Invoice #INV-001
  6. Confirm with your PIN

Automation and notifications

Set up payment notifications

Configure alerts so you know about every payment the moment it clears.

  • Email notifications for all confirmed payments.
  • SMS alerts for high-value transactions.
  • Webhook pushes into your accounting or ERP stack.
  • Daily payment digests sent to finance leads.

Automatic receipt generation

Plaen handles the post-payment admin so your team can stay focused.

  • Invoices flip to “Paid” status instantly.
  • Receipts go out to clients without manual work.
  • Dashboards and analytics refresh in real time.
  • Follow-up workflows kick off automatically.

Handling payment issues

Common mobile money problems

Wrong amount sent

Ask the client to top up the difference immediately.

Wrong reference

Match the payment manually and add a note in Plaen.

Network delays

Confirm status with the network before re-invoicing.

Daily limit exceeded

Split the invoice or schedule a second transaction.

Payment verification checklist

Confirm every transfer using multiple sources to avoid disputes.

  • SMS confirmation from the client’s network operator.
  • Mobile money app transaction history on your device.
  • Plaen’s automated payment matching log.
  • Client-provided screenshot when anything looks inconsistent.

Tips for faster payments

Send invoices early

Hit inboxes before 9am so clients have a full day to approve and pay.

Follow up quickly

Schedule a reminder within 24 hours if the invoice remains unpaid.

Offer assistance

Provide a quick guide or call for clients new to mobile money.

Build relationships

Trusted partners settle faster—keep communication consistent.

Reward speed

Offer small discounts or loyalty credits for same-day payment.

Statistics and benchmarks

85% faster average payment time

60% fewer overdue invoices

40% stronger cash flow

90% client satisfaction