Payment methods in Comoros

Africa

3methods

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.

Orange Money

Orange Money is the dominant digital payment platform in Comoros, operated by Orange Comoros (a subsidiary of the Orange Group). It provides mobile-based P2P money transfers, merchant payments, airtime top-up, bill payments, and savings services. Given the low formal banking penetration, Orange Money functions as the primary non-cash financial tool for a growing share of the population.

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.

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.