Which payment method is used in Zimbabwe?
In Zimbabwe, a variety of payment methods are used, both traditional and digital. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Bank Cards
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Visa & Mastercard: Widely accepted for local and international transactions.
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Debit Cards: Issued by local banks like CBZ, Steward Bank, Ecobank, and FBC.
2. Mobile Money
Mobile money is extremely popular due to limited access to international banking services.
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EcoCash – The most widely used mobile wallet in Zimbabwe.
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OneMoney – Offered by Steward Bank.
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TeleCash – Offered by TN Bank.
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Zipit – Bank-to-bank instant transfers via mobile apps.
3. Bank Transfers
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RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) – Common for larger payments between banks.
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SWIFT – Used for international transfers.
4. Online Payment Platforms
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PayPal – Limited; Zimbabweans generally cannot receive funds directly without workarounds like linked foreign accounts.
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Skrill, Neteller – Some people use these for online transactions.
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Cryptocurrencies – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins are increasingly used due to hyperinflation and currency instability.
5. Cash
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Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL) – Local currency for daily transactions.
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US Dollar (USD) – Still widely used, especially for larger or informal transactions.
💡 Tip: EcoCash dominates everyday payments, especially for retail, utilities, and online purchases within Zimbabwe.



