MoMo merchant code in Ghana — apply, set up and accept payments
A MoMoPay merchant code in Ghana (5-7 digits) lets a business accept MoMo payments without an agent and without cash. The customer pays via *170*2# (MTN) or *110# (Telecel/AT), merchant code, amount, PIN. The merchant receives instantly, settlement is daily. The application is free — here is how.
✓ Verified June 2026.Figures from live operator tariffs; operators may revise their schedules.
Step by step — MTN MoMoPay
- Prepare documents: Registrar General (RGD) business certificate, manager's Ghana Card, MTN phone number that will host the account.
- Go to an MTN service centre (Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, etc.).
- The agent opens the MoMoPay Merchant form, scans your documents, takes the business details (name, sector, address).
- The system assigns your 5-7 digit code and a registered business name (which appears on the customer's screen at payment).
- You get a welcome SMS with the code and first test-payment instructions.
- Make a test payment (GH₵1 for example) from another number to confirm everything works.
- Display your MoMoPay code prominently in the shop — MTN sticker to request from the agent.
Why customers prefer MoMoPay over cash
Three reasons. (1) No fee for the customer (operator fee is paid by the merchant, not the payer — unlike a cash withdrawal which taxes the customer). (2) No need for change — the exact amount goes through. (3) Immediate written trail (confirmation SMS for refunds or personal accounting). For a customer spending GH₵200/month via MoMoPay instead of withdrawing and paying in bills, savings run to around GH₵24/year in avoided withdrawal fees.
See also: MoMoPay fees on the merchant side
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a MoMoPay merchant code in Ghana?
Go to an MTN service centre (or Telecel/AT) with: your business registration certificate (Registrar General's Department), your Ghana Card, and the phone number that will host the merchant account. The agent activates a MoMoPay business account and assigns you a 5-7 digit code. Free; allow 10-15 minutes at the centre.
Must I be a registered business?
For the standard MoMoPay code, yes — you need a business certificate (sole proprietorship, Ltd, partnership, etc.). MTN also offers a 'Personal MoMoPay' variant for small informal vendors, with lower caps and no certificate needed — ask at the service centre.
How much does the MoMoPay code cost?
The application is entirely free. No setup fee, no subscription. The only cost is MTN's commission on each payment received — typically 1% of the amount (negotiable by monthly volume and sector). This commission is paid by the merchant, not the customer.
How does a customer pay via my code?
The customer dials *170*2# (MTN) or *110# (Telecel/AT), enters your merchant code, enters the amount, and confirms with their PIN. You (the merchant) instantly get a confirmation SMS. The customer too. No fee for the customer.
How do I get the money out?
The MoMoPay balance accumulates on your business account. You can: (1) transfer to your personal MoMo wallet via *170# (free), (2) transfer to a bank account via Bank Services *170*8# (free today), (3) withdraw cash at an agent (standard fee, about 1%, capped at GH₵20 above GH₵2,000). Most merchants schedule a daily sweep to the bank.
What is the difference vs a personal MoMo account?
The merchant account has: a dedicated 5-7 digit code (not your phone number), higher caps, automatable bank settlement, detailed statements for accounting and URA filing, and negotiable commission. A personal account has none of that but suits a small vendor receiving occasionally.