Opay vs. M. Pesa: Which is Better?
Recently, I noticed that the demand for online payment platforms has increased due to the December 15 government New Money policy.
As the waves continue, two of the most popular fintech payment platforms (Opay and Mpesa) shoot up and start controlling the financial market in Nigeria. In this article, we will compare Opay and Mpesa to determine which one is the best.
What is Opay?
Opay is a mobile payment platform that was launched in Nigeria in 2018. It was created by Opera Software, a Norwegian company that specializes in web browsers and digital advertising.
Opay provides different financial services, including loans, bill payments (airtime, data, and electricity), and money transfers. The truth is that it is available in Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt. Now, let’s take a look at the M pesa.
What is the M Pesa?
Like Opay, M-Pesa is a mobile payment platform that was launched in Kenya in 2007. It was created by Safaricom, a telecommunications company in Kenya. It also provides the same financial services as Opay.
Opay vs. Mpesa: which is really better? An Analytical Comparison
To determine which platform is the best, let’s quickly compare the features of the duo (Opay and M Pesa).
Mobile Money
When it comes to online transactions, both Opay and Mpesa offer online money services that allow users to save and access money on their mobile phones.
With Opay, users can open an online bank, deposit money, withdraw cash, and make payments. Similarly, with M-Pesa, you can open a mobile wallet, deposit money, withdraw cash, and make payments. However, M-Pesa has a larger user base and is more established in the market. Kindly keep in mind that they have almost the same features.
Bill Payment
When it comes to the payment of bills, both Opay and M-Pesa come equipped with features that allow users to pay bills using their mobile phones.
With Opay, users can pay bills for utilities, airtime, cable TV, and internet services. Similarly, with M Pesa, you can pay bills for utilities, TV bills such as DSTV and GOTV, and internet services.
The most distinctive thing here is that Mpesa has different bill payment options, which include school fees, insurance premiums, and government taxes.
Money Transfer
Both Opay and Mpesa allow users to send and receive money using their mobile phones.
With Opay, users can send money to other Opay users as well as non-Opay users. Similarly, with M Pesa, users can send money to other M Pesa users as well as non-M Pesa users. However, Mpesa has a wider reach and is available in more countries than Opay.
User Experience
The user experience of a mobile payment platform is an important factor to consider when determining which one is the best.
Opay and M-Pesa both offer user-friendly interfaces that are easy to navigate. However, Opay has a more modern and sleek design, while M-Pesa’s interface is more simplistic and straightforward.
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In terms of transaction speed, both platforms offer fast and reliable services. However, M. Pesa has been in operation for longer and has had more time to fine-tune its systems, which may give it an advantage in terms of speed and efficiency.
Security
Security is a crucial factor when it comes to mobile payment platforms, as users need to be assured that their money and personal information are safe. Both Opay and M-Pesa have robust security measures in place to protect users’ funds and data.
Opay uses advanced encryption technology to secure transactions and personal information. Additionally, Opay has implemented biometric authentication, which requires users to provide their fingerprints to access their accounts, adding an extra layer of security.
Pesa, on the other hand, has implemented a PIN-based security system that requires users to enter a unique code to authorize transactions. Additionally, M-Pesa has partnered with several financial institutions to offer insurance services to users in the event of fraud or theft.
Fees and charges
When it comes to fees and charges, both Opay and Mpesa offer competitive rates. However, the exact fees and charges may vary depending on the country and service.
Opay does not charge for any transaction. No matter how much you withdraw.
Additionally, it offers free transactions for airtime and data purchases.
On the other hand, Mpesa also charges a flat fee for transactions, which varies depending on the amount and destination. Mpesa offers free transactions for certain services, such as bill payment and person-to-person transfers.
Now, it’s obviously obvious that Mpesa is the best option because of its services. The only flaw is that it charges for any transaction.
| Features | Opay | Mpesa |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Opera Software | Safaricom |
| Launch Year | 2018 | 2007 |
| Availability | Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana | Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, Ghana, and Egypt |
| Number of Downloads | Over 10 million | Over 45 million |
| Transaction Types | Mobile payments, money transfers, bill payments, and airtime purchases | Mobile payments, money transfers, bill payments, and airtime purchases |
| Agent Network | Over 300,000 agents | Over 287,000 agents |
| Net Worth (as of 2021) | $2 billion | $13.4 billion |
| User Base (as of 2021) | Over 50 million | Over 50 million |
| International Transactions | Not available | Available in some countries |
| Integration with other services | Offers ride-hailing, food delivery, and other services through the Opay app | Offers a range of third-party services, including utility bill payments and online shopping |
Conclusion
Now that we’ve known the best between the two, you can now make your decision. Thanks for reading to this great end
