Choosing the right payment gateway directly impacts your profitability. In Africa, CinetPay and ElyonPay are two major players in online payments, but their pricing structures differ significantly. In this guide, we objectively compare transaction fees, hidden costs, and total cost of ownership to help you make the best choice for your business. We've analyzed public rates and compiled the most accurate information available in 2026.
1The Importance of Understanding Fee Structures
Payment fees may seem minimal on individual transactions, but they add up quickly. On a monthly volume of 10,000,000 XOF, a 0.5% difference represents 50,000 XOF per month, or 600,000 XOF per year. It's therefore crucial to understand not only the displayed rate but also fixed fees per transaction, withdrawal fees to your account, and potential hidden costs like inactivity or currency conversion fees.
2Transaction Fees Comparison Table
Here is a detailed comparison of standard fees (rates may vary based on negotiated commercial agreements):
| Service | CinetPay | ElyonPay |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Money | 2% to 3.5% | 2.5% to 3% |
| MTN Mobile Money | 2% to 3.5% | 2.5% to 3% |
| Wave | 1.5% to 2% | 2% to 2.5% |
| Bank cards | 3% to 4% | 3% to 3.5% |
| Fixed fee / transaction | 25-100 FCFA | None |
| Monthly fees | Variable by plan | None |
3Detailed Mobile Money Transaction Fees
CinetPay applies a variable pricing structure depending on the country of operation and transaction volume. Fees generally include a percentage commission plus fixed fees per transaction (between 25 and 100 XOF depending on the amount). ElyonPay offers simplified pricing without fixed fees, which particularly benefits small transactions. For micro-payments under 1000 XOF, the difference can be very significant: a 500 XOF payment with 50 XOF fixed fees represents 10% effective commission.
4Bank Card Transaction Fees
Both platforms charge between 3% and 4% for international Visa and Mastercard bank cards. CinetPay may apply additional fees for cards issued outside Africa. ElyonPay includes 3D Secure (enhanced authentication) at no extra charge. For high card payment volumes, negotiate preferential rates with both providers.
5Monthly and Registration Fees
CinetPay: Registration is free but some advanced plans may include monthly fees to access premium features or reduced rates. Check the specific conditions for your country.
ElyonPay: No monthly fees and no registration fees, regardless of the plan. You only pay on transactions actually completed. This is a significant advantage for small businesses or seasonal businesses.
6Withdrawal (Payout) Fees to Your Account
CinetPay generally applies 1% on withdrawals to bank accounts and between 1% and 2% for Mobile Money withdrawals, depending on the country and operator. ElyonPay offers free withdrawals once a week, then 1% on additional withdrawals. For businesses with high volumes, ElyonPay offers preferential conditions on withdrawal fees. Calculate the total cost including these payout fees for a complete picture.
7Hidden Fees to Know About
Watch out for fees often forgotten during comparison:
- Currency conversion fees (if you accept payments in a different currency than your account)
- Refund fees (some providers charge for customer refunds)
- Inactivity fees (if you have no transactions for several months)
- Account closure fees
ElyonPay does not charge any of these hidden fees. Check CinetPay's terms and conditions for details specific to your situation.
8Total Cost Calculation Based on Your Volume
Concrete example for a volume of 5,000,000 FCFA per month with 500 transactions (average 10,000 FCFA per transaction):
| CinetPay | ElyonPay | |
|---|---|---|
| Commission rate | 2.5% | 2.75% |
| Commission amount | 125,000 FCFA | 137,500 FCFA |
| Fixed fees | 50 FCFA x 500 = 25,000 FCFA | None |
| Total | ~150,000 - 175,000 FCFA | 137,500 FCFA |
The monthly difference can reach 37,500 FCFA, or 450,000 FCFA per year in savings.
9Features Included in Each Offer
Beyond fees, compare included features. ElyonPay includes for free:
- An integrated marketplace to sell your products
- A mobile payment terminal to accept in-person payments
- Custom payment links
- A complete reporting dashboard
CinetPay focuses mainly on the payment gateway with e-commerce plugins. Evaluate whether these additional features add value for your business model.
10Verdict - Which Solution to Choose Based on Your Profile
Choose CinetPay if:
- You already have an existing integration and want to avoid migration
- You operate in many African countries simultaneously
- You've negotiated preferential rates due to your volume
Choose ElyonPay if:
- You want simple, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- You need a marketplace or mobile payment terminal
- You process many small transactions (avoid fixed fees)
- You're primarily in Cameroon or Ivory Coast
- You're starting out and want to avoid monthly fees
Conclusion
Both solutions are viable for accepting payments in Africa, but ElyonPay generally offers better value for African SMEs thanks to its pricing without fixed fees and monthly fees, plus its included additional features (marketplace, mobile terminal). Before deciding, calculate your real cost based on your volume and number of transactions. Don't hesitate to contact both providers to negotiate rates suited to your situation. Ready to save on your payment fees? Create your free ElyonPay account and compare for yourself.
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