Compare
Ozow vs rano.
Ozow is a pay-by-bank (instant EFT) specialist. Here’s what the same sale costs on each, from Ozow’s published rates with VAT added so both sides compare like for like.
Published rates
The headline prices. As published, checked 11 October 2026.
| Ozow | rano (VAT included) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cards | 2.85%, minimum R1.00 (VAT treated as included) | Cost + 1% + R0.50, about 1.93% + R0.50 on a local debit card |
| Pay by bank | 1.5%, minimum R1.00 (VAT treated as included) | R2.50 flat, PayShap or EFT |
| Monthly fee | None on this plan | None |
Ozow's pricing page doesn't say whether its rates include VAT, and its card rate drops at higher volumes.
Source: Ozow’s published pricing. rano’s prices are the planned early-access prices; your fees are confirmed in your merchant agreement.
By sale size
What one sale costs. VAT included on both sides.
| Sale | Ozow, card | rano, debit card | Ozow, bank | rano, PayShap or EFT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R 50 | R 1.43 2.86% | R 1.47 2.94% | R 1.00 2.00% | R 2.50 5.00% |
| R 150 | R 4.28 2.85% | R 3.40 2.27% | R 2.25 1.50% | R 2.50 1.67% |
| R 400 | R 11.40 2.85% | R 8.22 2.05% | R 6.00 1.50% | R 2.50 0.63% |
| R 1,500 | R 42.75 2.85% | R 29.45 1.96% | R 22.50 1.50% | R 2.50 0.17% |
| R 5,000 | R 142.50 2.85% | R 97.00 1.94% | R 75.00 1.50% | R 2.50 0.05% |
Where rano costs more: bank payments under R 167, because our fixed part is bigger than Ozow’s percentage on a small sale. Above that, the gap grows with every rand.
Where Ozow is the better choice
- Ozow processes live payments today; rano is in early access and doesn't yet.
- Ozow has years of pay-by-bank experience and wide bank coverage.
- Ozow's card rate drops at higher volumes.
Where rano is different
- Every payment itemises the bank, card network and our fee
- A flat R2.50 for PayShap and EFT, whatever the amount
- No monthly, setup or exit fees
- A full test mode with simulated banks and cards
Questions
Ozow or rano?
Is rano cheaper than Ozow?
On a R400 sale by card, Ozow’s published rate comes to R 11.40 and rano’s to R 8.22, VAT included. By bank it’s R 6.00 against rano’s flat R 2.50. rano costs more on bank payments under R 167, These are published rates; Ozow may offer you a negotiated rate.
Does rano take live payments yet?
Not yet. rano is in early access: merchants can build against a full test mode now, and live payments start once our sponsor bank is in place and we’re registered as a payment provider. Ozow takes live payments today.
Can I move from Ozow to rano?
Yes, by integrating the rano API or using payment links and hosted checkout. There’s no minimum term, so you can run rano alongside Ozow while you move.
Why does rano show the fee split on every payment?
So you can check it. Every rano payment lists what the customer’s bank, the card network and the acquiring bank took, and what we took. Ozow, like most gateways, quotes one blended rate.
More comparisons
Other South African gateways.
Be one of our first merchants.
We’re onboarding a small group of South African businesses first. Leave your email and we’ll be in touch.