Payment methods in Comoros

Africa

5methods

1bank

Formal banking penetration is approximately 25–30%, one of the lowest in Africa; cash dominates economic activity.

Market takeaways

Formal banking penetration is approximately 25–30%, one of the lowest in Africa; cash dominates economic activity.
Orange Money is the leading digital financial service, used for P2P transfers, bill payments, and merchant payments.
Mobile phone penetration exceeds 70%, providing a foundation for mobile money growth despite low banking inclusion.
Diaspora remittances from France and the wider Indian Ocean diaspora are a significant income source, estimated at over 20% of GDP.
The Banque Centrale des Comores has made improving financial inclusion a policy priority.

Population

~0.87M

Online population

~0.35M

Banked population

~25–30%

Credit card population

~3%

Payment method breakdown

Cash70%
Mobile Money20%
Card5%
Bank Transfer4%
Other1%

Card scheme breakdown

Visa50%
Mastercard40%
Local Schemes5%
Other5%

Cross-border e-commerce

Market data coming soon.

Featured payment methods in Comoros

Popular options based on coverage and prominence in this market.

Banque pour l'Industrie et le Commerce (BIC) — Banking Services

BIC is the largest commercial bank in Comoros and issues Visa debit and credit cards to account holders. Its network of branches and ATMs is concentrated on Grande Comore. It provides wire transfers, mobile and internet banking for urban customers and businesses.

e& money

e& money is the first digital wallet licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, offered by e& life, supporting online payments, money transfers and bill payment. Operator: e& life (formerly Etisalat). Est. users: Large user base, telecom-backed (2024, best estimate).

Orange Money

Orange Money is Orange Jordan's mobile wallet connected to CliQ under Central Bank of Jordan supervision, enabling online payments, transfers and bill payment. Est. users: Large telecom-backed user base (2024, best estimate).

International Remittances

Remittances from the Comorian diaspora in France and Mayotte are estimated at over 20% of GDP, making international money transfer services essential infrastructure. Money Express, Western Union, and MoneyGram operate transfer points through local banking partners. Mobile-linked remittance services are also growing.

International Remittances (Western Union / MoneyGram / WorldRemit)

With remittances estimated at over 20% of GDP, international money transfer services are essential financial infrastructure in The Gambia. Western Union and MoneyGram operate via local bank agents, while newer digital-first operators such as WorldRemit and Wave have grown rapidly, offering lower-cost transfer options from the UK and European diaspora communities.