How to deposit funds and buy crypto on VALR using Mobile Money?
VALR has partnered with Onafriq to enable seamless Mobile Money payments via supported
mobile money networks. You can now deposit funds or buy crypto instantly using your mobile
money wallet in your local currency.
This allows you to fund your VALR account directly from your mobile number — using the mobile money network you already trust and use daily.
The availability of Mobile Money services, including supported currencies and regions, is determined by VALR and its payment partners and may be amended from time to time. Not all countries or currencies listed in this article may be available to all Account Holders.
Depositing Funds
With support for multiple local currencies (including KES, UGX, XAF, ZMW, CDF, and others), you can fund your account using Mobile Money. Your deposit will be credited in your selected stablecoin (USDC, USDT, or EURC), which you can then use to trade, earn, or convert into other crypto assets.
Steps to deposit:
- Log in to your VALR account
- Go to the 'Deposit' section
- Select your FIAT currency
- Choose 'Mobile Money' as your deposit method
- Select Onafriq as your provider
- Review your order and confirm your mobile number (or add a new one)
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize your deposit
Your mobile money network will send you a prompt on your phone to approve the transaction - Once approved, your selected stablecoin will be credited to your VALR wallet
Buying Crypto
With VALR’s Mobile Money integration, you can buy crypto instantly and have your chosen asset (e.g. BTC, ETH, SOL) credited directly to your VALR wallet.
Steps to buy crypto:
- Log in to your VALR account
- Go to the 'Buy' / ‘Buy & Sell’ section
- Choose the crypto you want to buy
- Choose 'Mobile Money' as your payment method
- Select Onafriq as your provider
- Review your order and confirm your mobile number (or add a new one)
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize your purchase
Your mobile money network will send you a prompt on your phone to approve the transaction - Once approved, your purchased crypto will land in your VALR wallet (this usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes)
- Be on the lookout for confirmation emails once complete
FAQs
General:
1. What is Onafriq?
Onafriq is VALR’s Mobile Money payment partner that enables payments via supported mobile money networks across select regions.
2. What payment method is used?
Payments are made via your Mobile Money wallet linked to your mobile number.
3. Which countries are supported?
Only selected countries are currently supported. At present, this includes regions using KES, TZS, and ZMW. This list may be updated from time to time.
Payments & Currencies:
1. Which FIAT currencies are supported?
Supported currencies depend on the mobile money network and region. When you initiate a transaction, we’ll show you a quote in your local currency if it's supported.
As at the date of publication, Mobile Money transactions are supported in the following
currencies:
• KES
• TZS
• ZMW
Supported currencies may be updated from time to time.
2. What are the transaction limits for Mobile Money?
The maximum transaction size is $300 per transaction. This limit applies per transaction (not per day).
3. Why does my order history show USDC?
To ensure transactions are fast and efficient, VALR processes the payment and credits your account in stablecoin (e.g. USDC), and subsequently swaps USDC for your chosen crypto asset where applicable. The conversion path typically looks like the following: Local Currency → USDC → Your chosen crypto asset
Mobile Number & Approval:
1. Why do I need to confirm my mobile number?
Your mobile number is required to send the payment prompt through your mobile money network. The number must match the one registered with your mobile money wallet or network operator. If your mobile number linked to your VALR account is incorrect, you can also add your latest mobile number during the deposit / buy flow.
2. I didn’t receive a payment prompt on my phone. What should I do?
- Ensure your phone is switched on and has network coverage
- Confirm the mobile number entered is correct
- Check that your mobile money wallet is active
If you still don’t receive a prompt, please reach out to our support team for assistance here.
3. How long do I have to approve the payment?
Mobile money prompts usually expire after a short time. If it expires, simply restart the transaction.
4. What is my responsibility when using Mobile Money?
You are responsible for ensuring that:
• The mobile number provided is accurate and linked to an active mobile money wallet;
• Sufficient funds are available in your mobile money wallet; and
• All payment prompts are approved within the required time period.
Pending & Refunded Orders:
1. My order is “pending” — what’s happening?
Pending status means we are waiting for confirmation from your mobile money network. Once you approve the prompt and the network confirms the payment, your order will complete automatically.
2. My purchase couldn’t be completed and I was credited with USDC. Why?
If your crypto purchase cannot be completed at the quoted rate due to market conditions, we may credit your account with USDC instead. Your funds remain available immediately.
3. Why is my order taking longer than expected?
Mobile money processing times can vary depending on your network provider. If the delay persists, please contact our support team here.
Note: VALR does not control or operate the underlying mobile money networks and is not
responsible for delays, failures, or errors arising from these networks.
Fees:
What fees apply to Mobile Money transactions?
Fees typically include:
- A processing fee for the Mobile Money transaction
- The standard VALR Simple Buy/Sell/Swap conversion fee
The full fee breakdown will always be shown in your quote before you confirm the transaction, and varies by region.
Errors & Support:
1. My payment failed. What should I do?
- Ensure you have sufficient funds in your mobile money wallet
- Confirm your mobile number is correct
- Make sure you approved the payment prompt within the allowed time
If the issue persists, please contact support here.
2. I didn’t receive a confirmation email. Did my order go through?
Check your transaction history in your VALR account. If the transaction was successful, it will reflect there.
For any other questions, feel free to contact our support team here.