Yoco vs Ozow: Which Is Right for Your Business?
A side-by-side comparison of South Africa's leading payment providers — fees, features, and which to choose for your business model.
Yoco vs Ozow: Feature Comparison
Data correct at time of publication. Verify current terms at each provider's website.
| Feature | Yoco | Ozow |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Product | In-person card reader (POS) | Online instant EFT payment gateway |
| Transaction Fee | 2.95% per card swipe/tap | 1.5% per EFT transaction |
| Monthly Fee | R0 (pay-as-you-go) | R0 basic plan |
| Setup Cost | From R299 (card reader) | R0 (API integration) |
| Payment Methods | Visa, Mastercard, Amex, tap | Instant EFT from all SA banks |
| eCommerce Integration | WooCommerce, Shopify plugin | WooCommerce, REST API, webhooks |
| Settlement | 1–3 business days | Same business day (by 17:00) |
| Refunds | Via dashboard | Via API or merchant portal |
| Best For | Physical retail, in-person payments | eCommerce, subscriptions, B2B invoices |
| Chargeback Risk | Standard card chargeback risk | Lower — EFT is push-based (no chargebacks) |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Yoco if...
- ✓You sell in person at a physical store, market, or mobile location
- ✓Your customers primarily pay by credit/debit card
- ✓You want a simple plug-and-play hardware device
- ✓You need printed receipts for customers
Choose Ozow if...
- ✓You run an eCommerce store and need online checkout
- ✓You want to accept instant EFT without storing card data
- ✓You need same-day settlement to manage cash flow
- ✓You are sending payment request links to clients
Use Both if...
- ✓You have both online and in-person sales channels
- ✓Yoco handles in-store; Ozow handles your website checkout
- ✓You want to offer customers the most payment options
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yoco or Ozow cheaper for small businesses in South Africa?
Ozow's 1.5% EFT rate is lower than Yoco's 2.95% card rate, but they serve different use cases. Ozow is cheaper for online payments, while Yoco is the market leader for in-person card acceptance.
Does Ozow work in physical stores?
Ozow is primarily an online instant EFT solution. While payment link sharing is possible in person, it is not designed to replace a physical card reader for retail environments.
Can I use Yoco for my online store?
Yes. Yoco offers a WooCommerce plugin and a payment links feature. However, for a full eCommerce checkout with instant EFT, Ozow or Peach Payments are typically better suited.
Are Yoco and Ozow registered payment service providers in South Africa?
Yes. Yoco is a registered payment service provider authorised by the SARB. Ozow is also an authorised payment service provider. Both are PCI-DSS compliant.
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