How to send money to Benin from the US

What you need before you start

Three things, all of which you likely already have:

• A US bank account or debit card to fund the transfer.

• Your recipient’s MTN number, registered for Mobile Money in their own name.

• The AnyMoney app (iOS or Android), with a one-time identity verification — most checks clear within the hour during business hours.

Sending, step by step

The whole flow takes a few minutes once your account is set up:

• Add your recipient once — choose MTN Mobile Money and enter their MTN number with the country code. Their details are saved for every future transfer.

• Enter the amount in dollars. The app shows the rate at that very moment and exactly how many CFA francs will arrive.

• Review the full quote — rate, fee, and the receive amount — before you confirm anything.

• Pay from your linked bank account or debit card.

• Track every step in the app until the money lands.

How the money arrives in Benin

Transfers to Benin are paid out in West African CFA francs (XOF) to MTN Mobile Money. The money appears in the wallet with an MTN SMS, and your recipient can spend it directly, send it on or cash out at an MTN agent. Benin switched to 10-digit numbers starting with 01 in November 2024, so check that the number you save includes the new prefix.

How long it takes

Depending on the payment method, transfers typically arrive within a few minutes or up to a few business days. Whatever the path, you can follow every step in the app — and your recipient can be notified the moment it lands.

What it costs

Zero fees on your first transfer — the fee is waived in full. After that, every fee is part of the quote you see before you confirm, never a surprise after. The rate you see in the app is the rate at that very moment, updated regularly to honor our best-rate commitment. Compare us with anyone: our rates are public, on this site, before you sign up.

How much can you send?

Limits depend on your verification level and payment method. The app shows your exact limits during registration and in your account dashboard — and higher limits are available with additional verification.

Before you send to Benin

Three things worth checking with your recipient:

• Confirm the line is MTN. A Moov number cannot receive MTN Mobile Money.

• Save the recipient once, with the +229 code; the app keeps the details for next time.

• Tell your recipient to expect an MTN SMS, not a call.