Ghana is one of West Africa’s largest remittance markets, and the Ghanaian community in the United States sends billions of dollars home each year. Thanks to MTN Mobile Money (MoMo), sending money to Ghana is now fast, cheap and available to almost anyone with a phone. But providers vary widely on cost, so this guide covers the cheapest, fastest ways to send money to Ghana in 2026, with a focus on MoMo where most transfers land.
The short version
- Usually cheapest: low-fee apps like Paysend, Taptap Send, Ria and Sendwave — great for MTN MoMo.
- Best exchange rate: Wise — real mid-market rate, ~0.9–1.2% fee.
- Strong all-rounder: Remitly, often the best for MoMo overall.
- MTN MoMo deliveries are instant and cost no more than a bank transfer.
What decides how many cedis arrive
- The exchange-rate markup — the gap between the real mid-market rate and the rate you are offered.
- The transfer fee — the visible charge.
- The delivery method — MTN MoMo is fast and cheap; bank deposits are also good.
Check today’s real US dollar to Ghanaian cedi rate on our converter first so you know a fair deal.
The best ways to send money to Ghana
Paysend, Taptap Send, Ria and Sendwave — cheap and MoMo-friendly
These low-cost apps typically pair a low or zero fee with a tight exchange rate and deliver straight to MTN Mobile Money in minutes. Sendwave, for example, often charges no explicit fee for MoMo transfers under $1,000, with a small rate markup of around 1–3%. For everyday mobile-money transfers, this group is frequently the best value.
Wise — the best exchange rate
Wise uses the real mid-market rate with no markup and a fee of roughly 0.9–1.2% on USD-to-GHS transfers (about $4.50–6 on a $500 transfer). It is an excellent, fully transparent choice, especially for larger amounts.
Remitly — strong all-rounder
Remitly is consistently one of the best options for sending to MTN MoMo. Its Express delivery reaches MoMo in minutes and costs a little more, while its Economy option is cheaper but delivers to a bank account in one to three business days.
Cost comparison at a glance
| Provider | Typical fee | Exchange rate | Speed | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paysend / Taptap / Sendwave | Low or $0 | Small markup | Instant–minutes | MTN MoMo |
| Wise | ~0.9–1.2% | Mid-market, no markup | Minutes–1 day | MoMo / bank |
| Remitly | Low (Express costs more) | Small markup | Minutes (Express) / 1–3 days | MoMo / bank |
Rates and fees change — compare the cedis delivered before you send.
How your recipient receives the money
- MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) — the dominant choice. Money lands on the recipient’s phone in seconds to minutes, works for almost anyone, and costs no more than a bank transfer.
- Bank deposit — to any Ghanaian bank account, cheapest via Wise or Remitly Economy.
The 2026 US remittance tax
The 1% US excise tax introduced on January 1, 2026 applies only to remittances paid with cash or a money order. Fund from your bank or card and a normal digital transfer is not affected.
How to choose the right option
- Everyday MoMo transfer: a low-fee app like Paysend, Taptap Send or Sendwave.
- Best exchange rate / larger amount: Wise.
- Want a reliable all-rounder: Remitly.
Step by step: how to send money to Ghana
- Check today’s USD to GHS rate on our converter.
- Compare the cedis delivered across two apps for your amount.
- Choose MTN MoMo delivery for speed and low cost.
- Fund from your bank account or debit card to avoid the 1% cash tax.
- Send, and save the recipient for faster repeat transfers.
Check today’s real USD → GHS rate first
See the current market rate on our free converter and measure any provider’s offer against it before you send to Ghana.
Open the currency converterFrequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send money to Ghana?
Low-cost apps like Paysend, Taptap Send, Ria and Sendwave are often cheapest for MTN MoMo. Wise offers the mid-market rate with a ~0.9–1.2% fee, and Remitly is a strong all-rounder. Compare the cedis delivered.
How do I send money to MTN MoMo from the USA?
Paysend, Taptap Send, Sendwave, Wise and Remitly let you send to an MTN MoMo wallet using the recipient’s phone number. MoMo deliveries are typically instant and cost no more than a bank transfer.
How long does it take?
MTN MoMo transfers are usually instant; Remitly Express reaches MoMo in minutes, while Economy delivers to a bank account in one to three business days.
Do I have to pay the new 1% US transfer tax?
Only if you pay with cash or a money order. Bank- or card-funded transfers are not subject to the 1% excise tax that began on January 1, 2026.
Is it safe to send money to Ghana online?
Yes, with a licensed provider like Wise, Remitly, Paysend or Sendwave. Only send to people you know and stay alert to scams.
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