Short answer: yes. You can buy a phone on credit in Ghana, and in many cases you don’t need a bank account, a payslip or a guarantor. Thanks to mobile money, phone credit is now open to traders, students, artisans, drivers and salary workers alike.
But “credit” can mean very different things. Some options are fair and affordable. Others can cost you far more than the phone is worth. Here’s how to tell them apart.
Your 4 Main Options
1. Buy Now, Pay Later at a phone shop
Some shops let you take a phone home after paying a deposit, then pay the rest in instalments. At Simcel Ventures, we offer Buy Now Pay Later on selected phones. You see the actual phone, it’s genuine and brand new, and you know exactly who you’re dealing with.
Best for: people who want a specific phone and want to deal face to face.
2. Phone financing companies
Companies like M-KOPA sell phones through agents nationwide on a “buy now, pay daily” basis, usually through MoMo. They often add extras such as data bundles or insurance into the payment.
Best for: people who earn daily and prefer tiny daily payments.
3. Hire purchase through your employer or a credit union
Some workplaces, cooperatives and credit unions help members buy phones and appliances, then deduct payments from salary or savings.
Best for: salaried workers and credit union members.
4. Mobile money loans
You can borrow on your MoMo wallet and use the loan to buy a phone outright. This is fast, but these loans are usually short (often around a month) and can be expensive if you roll them over.
Best for: people who will definitely have the money within a few weeks.
What You’ll Usually Need
Requirements differ by seller, but most will ask for some or all of these:
- Ghana Card – the main ID for financial services in Ghana
- A mobile money number registered in your name
- An active phone number where they can reach you
- A deposit – the first payment before you take the phone
- Proof of income (for some plans) – a payslip, or a record of your MoMo business activity
- A guarantor (for some plans)
We explain each of these in detail in our guide on how to qualify for phone financing in Ghana.
How Much More Will You Pay?
Credit almost always costs more than cash. The difference can be small or very large depending on the plan. Before you agree, always ask:
- What is the cash price?
- What is the total I will pay on credit?
- How much more is that?
For example, if a phone costs GH₵1,920 in cash and a credit plan totals GH₵2,400, you’re paying GH₵480 extra for the convenience. Decide whether that’s worth it for you. Sometimes it is, especially if the phone helps you earn money. Not sure? Read Buy Now Pay Later vs Saving Up: Which Is Smarter?
Watch Out for These Traps
- Fake or refurbished phones sold as new. A “brand new” phone at a suspiciously low credit price is often neither. Always buy from a shop you can visit.
- No clear total. If the seller can’t tell you the total amount you’ll pay, walk away.
- Hidden fees. Ask about late fees, processing fees and insurance charges.
- Instalments that are too big. If the payment takes more than you can comfortably spare each day or week, you’ll struggle. Choose a cheaper phone or a bigger deposit instead.
- Paying instalments to personal numbers with no receipts. Always get a record of every payment.
Which Phone Should You Buy on Credit?
Choose a phone that will still be working well long after your last payment. Our picks:
- Under GH₵1,600: itel A200 or Tecno Pop 20 – affordable and tough (read our Pop 20 review)
- Around GH₵1,600–2,100: Samsung Galaxy A07s, Samsung Galaxy A16 or Tecno Spark 50
- Around GH₵2,900: Samsung Galaxy A26 5G – 5G, AMOLED and IP67 water resistance
- Premium: Samsung Galaxy A57 5G or Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Buy Your Phone on Credit at Simcel Ventures
All our phones are genuine and brand new, and you can pay with MTN MoMo, Telecel Cash or AT Money. Simcel Ventures offers Buy Now Pay Later on selected phones. Browse the shop to pick your phone, then contact us and we’ll tell you the deposit, the instalments and the total cost up front, with no surprises.
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