Ethiopia now has several mobile money apps, and it can be hard to know which one to use. This guide compares the main options so you can choose based on your needs, especially if you receive money from abroad.
The Main Players
telebirr is run by Ethio Telecom, the state telecom operator. It grew from a wallet into a full SuperApp. You can open it with a phone number and no bank account.
CBE Birr is run by the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, the largest bank in the country. You need a CBE account to use it fully. CBE handles a very large share of digital transactions in Ethiopia.
M-PESA is run by Safaricom Ethiopia. Like telebirr, it is an operator wallet you can open with a phone number. It has grown fast and supports receiving money from abroad.
Coopay-Ebirr is run by the Cooperative Bank of Oromia with eBirr. It is a bank-backed wallet with strong USSD access and a wide list of bill payments.
Do You Need a Bank Account
This is often the deciding factor.
telebirr and M-PESA let you open a wallet with just a phone number, so they suit people who do not have or do not want a bank account.
CBE Birr and Coopay-Ebirr are tied to bank accounts, so they suit people who already bank with those institutions and want their wallet connected to full banking services.
Access on Any Phone
All four work on smartphones through an app, and all offer USSD access through short codes so they can run on basic feature phones without internet. If you or your recipient use a simple phone or have weak network coverage, USSD access matters.
Fees
Fees differ by provider, amount, and transaction type. Operator wallets like telebirr often charge low fees on small transfers, while bank wallets may charge differently and give access to more services. Do not assume the fee is the same everywhere. Check the fee shown before you confirm a transfer, especially for larger amounts.
Receiving Money From Abroad
If your main goal is to receive remittances, check which wallet your sender's provider can pay into. telebirr and M-PESA both support direct wallet delivery for some corridors, and bank wallets can receive money that lands in the linked account. The best choice is the one that gets your recipient the money quickly and at a good rate. Compare providers each time on Send Money, because rates and promotions change.
A Simple Way to Choose
If you want a quick wallet with no bank account, look at telebirr or M-PESA. If you want your wallet tied to a full bank account, look at CBE Birr or Coopay-Ebirr based on which bank you use. Many people in Ethiopia use two at once, for example a bank wallet for savings and salary and an operator wallet for quick payments.
Whatever you choose, compare bank exchange rates on BirrValue and remittance providers on Send Money before you convert or receive a large amount.
This article is for informational purposes only. BirrValue does not provide financial advice. Features and fees can change, so confirm details with each provider.