Ziina is a digital payment platform that lets you send money to people in Africa and receive payments from them
Ziina is a mobile-first money transfer service designed for people sending money to and receiving payments from recipients across Africa. Unlike traditional wire transfers or remittance services that move money between bank accounts, Ziina lets senders in the US and other countries deposit funds that recipients can collect as cash, spend directly from a mobile wallet, or transfer to a local bank account. The platform operates through a mobile app and focuses on lower fees and faster delivery than conventional money transfer companies.
The service is built around mobile money rather than requiring a bank account on either end. This matters because many people in Africa use mobile money services (like M-Pesa in Kenya or MTN Mobile Money in Ghana) more than they use banks. Ziina connects to those networks, so a recipient can get your money without opening a bank account or visiting a physical location.
Key Takeaways
- Ziina moves money from the US to African countries through a mobile app, with recipients able to collect cash or access funds through mobile money wallets.
- You fund a Ziina transfer using a debit card, bank account, or existing balance in your Ziina wallet.
- Recipients do not need a bank account; they can receive money through mobile money services or collect cash at partner locations.
- Ziina charges a fee per transaction, which varies by destination country and the amount you send.
- Money typically arrives within minutes to a few hours, depending on the recipient's chosen delivery method.
How you send money through Ziina
To send money, you download the Ziina app, create an account, and verify your identity. The app asks for your name, address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once verified, you enter the recipient's phone number and the amount you want to send.
You then choose how the recipient will receive the money: as a mobile money deposit (sent directly to their M-Pesa, MTN, or other mobile wallet), as cash at a pickup location, or as a bank transfer if they have an account. After selecting the delivery method, you pay using a debit card, bank transfer from your checking account, or money already in your Ziina wallet. Ziina shows you the fee and the exchange rate before you confirm the transaction.
How recipients get the money
The recipient does not need to do anything in advance. Once you send the money, they receive a notification (usually by SMS) telling them the funds are ready. If you chose mobile money delivery, the money appears in their mobile wallet automatically within minutes. If you chose cash pickup, they go to a partner agent location with their phone number or ID and collect the cash.
For bank transfers, the money goes to the recipient's account within the timeframe that the local bank sets—usually one to two business days. The recipient never needs to download an app or create a Ziina account; they just need a phone number or bank details depending on the delivery method you select.
Fees and exchange rates
Ziina charges a flat fee per transaction, which varies by destination country. The fee is typically between $1 and $5 for transfers under $500, though this depends on where the money is going. Ziina also applies an exchange rate to convert US dollars to the local currency; this rate is shown in the app before you send, so you know exactly how much the recipient will receive.
The total cost is the transaction fee plus the difference between Ziina's exchange rate and the mid-market rate (the real-time rate banks use). Ziina's rates are generally competitive with other remittance apps, but they are not the same as the rate you would get at a bank. Always check the rate in the app before confirming a transfer.
Speed of delivery
Mobile money transfers are the fastest option and usually arrive within minutes. Cash pickups depend on the recipient's distance from a partner agent location; if they live near one, they can collect money the same day. Bank transfers take longer—typically one to two business days—because they move through the local banking system.
Ziina does not hold money in transit the way some services do. Once you send, the money is either delivered immediately (mobile money) or queued for the next available delivery window (cash or bank transfer). Weekend and holiday delays depend on the recipient's country and bank, not on Ziina.
Security and fraud protection
Ziina requires identity verification when you create an account, which reduces fraud on the sender side. The app uses encryption to protect your payment information and does not store full card details after a transaction. If you report a fraudulent transaction, Ziina investigates and can reverse it if the money has not yet been delivered to the recipient.
Once money reaches a recipient's mobile wallet or is picked up as cash, recovery is much harder. If you send money to the wrong person by mistake, contact Ziina immediately. If the recipient has already collected the cash or the mobile money has been spent, Ziina cannot reverse it. This is why confirming the recipient's phone number before sending is critical.
Countries where Ziina operates
Ziina currently serves recipients in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and a growing list of other African countries. The available countries and delivery methods vary; some countries have mobile money partnerships while others only offer cash pickup or bank transfer. Check the app to see which countries and delivery methods are available for your recipient.
Ziina is licensed to operate as a money transmitter in the US and complies with state regulations. It also works with local partners in each country to ensure compliance with local money transfer rules. If a country is not listed in the app, Ziina does not currently operate there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the recipient's phone number is wrong?
Contact Ziina immediately before the recipient collects the money. If the transfer has not been picked up or the mobile money has not been claimed, Ziina can cancel it and refund your money minus the transaction fee. Once cash is collected or mobile money is spent, reversal is not possible.
Can I send money to someone without a phone?
No. Ziina requires a recipient's phone number to send money. If the recipient does not have a phone, you would need to use a different service or arrange for someone else to receive the money on their behalf.
Is there a limit to how much I can send?
Ziina sets daily and monthly sending limits that vary by account age and verification status. New accounts typically have lower limits; limits increase after you have made several successful transfers. Check your account settings in the app to see your current limit.
What happens if Ziina goes out of business?
Money you have already sent is delivered to the recipient according to the delivery method you chose. Money in your Ziina wallet balance is held in a trust account and would be returned to you. Ziina is regulated as a money transmitter, which requires it to maintain customer funds separately from operating funds.
Can I get my money back if I change my mind?
You can cancel a transfer only before the recipient receives it. If you cancel, Ziina refunds your money minus the transaction fee. Once the recipient collects cash, claims mobile money, or the bank processes a transfer, cancellation is not possible.