In Nigeria, Point of Sale (POS) systems have become essential for agents providing financial services like cash withdrawals and transfers. Moniepoint and Opay are two leading providers, each offering distinct POS solutions tailored to different business needs.
This blog post focuses on comparing their pricing structures, including initial terminal costs and transaction fees, to assist agents in making informed decisions.
TL;DR;
- Moniepoint and Opay POS terminals in Nigeria have different initial costs and transaction fees, with variations depending on terminal type and transaction volume.
- Opay’s Mini POS is cheaper at ₦8,500 compared to Moniepoint’s Mpos at ₦15,500, but Moniepoint may offer lower transfer fees.
- Both charging 0.5% for withdrawals below ₦20,000 and ₦100 flat for above, but Moniepoint’s transfer fee is ₦20 versus Opay’s ₦50 for transfers of ₦10,000 or more.
Initial Costs
Both companies offer various POS terminal types with different price points. Moniepoint provides an Mpos for ₦15,500 and an Android POS for ₦22,500, while Opay offers a Mini POS for ₦8,500, a Traditional POS for ₦35,000, and an Android POS for ₦50,000. This means agents looking for lower upfront costs might prefer Opay’s Mini POS.
Transaction Fees
For withdrawals, both Moniepoint and Opay charge agents 0.5% of the transaction amount for amounts below ₦20,000 and a flat ₦100 for amounts above ₦20,000. However, for transfers, Moniepoint charges a flat ₦20, while Opay charges ₦50 for transfers of ₦10,000 or more, potentially making Moniepoint more cost-effective for agents with frequent transfers.
Background on Moniepoint and Opay
Moniepoint, formerly known as Teamapt, is a prominent Fintech company in Nigeria, known for its extensive agent network and reliable payment solutions.
Opay, established by Opera Norway AS, is another significant player, focusing on mobile money and payment services to enhance financial inclusion.
Both companies deploy POS terminals to agents, enabling them to act as “mini-banks” in their communities, earning commissions from various transactions.
Read also: Moniepoint vs Palmpay: Which One Is Best?
POS Terminal Types and Pricing Comparison
The initial cost of acquiring a POS terminal is a critical factor for agents. Below is a detailed comparison of the terminal types and their prices based on available data:
| Provider | Terminal Type | Price (NGN) |
|---|---|---|
| Moniepoint | Mpos | 15,500 |
| Moniepoint | Android POS | 22,500 |
| Opay | Mini POS | 8,500 |
| Opay | Traditional POS | 35,000 |
| Opay | Android POS | 50,000 |
- Moniepoint: Offers two main types, with the Mpos at ₦15,500 and the Android POS at ₦22,500. Some sources suggest a lease option at ₦25,000, but the purchase prices are more commonly cited.
- Opay: Provides three options, with the Mini POS being the most affordable at ₦8,500, followed by the Traditional POS at ₦35,000, and the Android POS at ₦50,000. Notably, Opay’s official documentation mentions no guarantee deposit for the Mini POS, which might imply lower upfront costs for some agents.
The pricing suggests that Opay’s Mini POS is significantly cheaper than Moniepoint’s Mpos, potentially appealing to agents with limited initial capital. However, agents should consider the functionality of each terminal:
- Opay’s Mini POS is described as portable and suitable for basic transactions like withdrawals, deposits, and bill payments.
- Moniepoint’s Mpos likely offers similar basic functionalities, but specific feature comparisons are less detailed in available sources.
Transaction Fees for Agents
Transaction fees are what the providers charge agents for processing transactions through their systems, directly impacting the agent’s profitability. Below is a comparison based on the fees for withdrawals and transfers:
| Service | Moniepoint Fee | Opay Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawals (<₦20,000) | 0.5% of transaction amount | 0.5% of transaction amount |
| Withdrawals (>₦20,000) | Flat ₦100 | Flat ₦100 |
| Transfers | Flat ₦20 | ₦50 for transfers ≥₦10,000 (fee for <₦10,000 not specified) |
- Withdrawals: Both providers charge agents 0.5% for withdrawals below ₦20,000 and a flat ₦100 for amounts above ₦20,000, indicating parity in this aspect.
- Transfers: Moniepoint charges a flat ₦20 per transfer, while Opay charges ₦50 for transfers of ₦10,000 or more. The fee for smaller transfers by Opay is not explicitly stated, creating some uncertainty. This difference suggests Moniepoint could be more cost-effective for agents with frequent transfer transactions.
Beyond initial costs and transaction fees, agents should consider other factors that might influence their choice:
- Commission on Other Services: Both providers offer commissions for services like data top-ups and TV subscriptions. For instance, Moniepoint provides commissions such as 3% for MTN data top-ups and 2% for DSTv subscriptions. Opay also mentions earning commissions on TV subscriptions, but specific rates are less detailed.
- Network Reliability and Support: Moniepoint is noted for a reliable network with 99% uptime, and both companies offer customer support, with Moniepoint having email support at support@moniepoint.com and Opay at ng-pos-issues@opay-inc.com.
- Agent Requirements: Opay requires agents to be level 3 users, while Moniepoint has a KYC process and may require meeting daily transaction targets, such as ₦20,000 for lease eligibility.
Read also: List of Opay Offices
Conclusion and Recommendations
Based on the analysis:
- Initial Cost: Opay’s Mini POS at ₦8,500 is more affordable than Moniepoint’s Mpos at ₦15,500, making it attractive for agents with limited upfront capital.
- Transaction Fees: Both have similar withdrawal fees, but Moniepoint’s lower transfer fee of ₦20 compared to Opay’s ₦50 for larger transfers could benefit agents with high transfer volumes.
- Decision Factors: Agents should assess their expected transaction mix. For those focusing on withdrawals and seeking lower initial costs, Opay might be preferable. For those with frequent transfers, Moniepoint could offer better long-term savings.
Agents are advised to verify current pricing and terms directly with Moniepoint (Moniepoint Official Site) and Opay (Opay Official Site) as fees and policies may change.
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