PHOTO CREDIT: Central Bank of South Sudan
(JUBA) – The Bank of South Sudan has issued a detailed directive outlining standardised charges imposed by commercial banks and mobile money service providers for salary processing and related financial services. The move is aimed at promoting transparency and uniformity across the country’s banking sector.
The official document, dated 29 July 2025, was published by the Directorate of Supervision and Financial Stability and comes amid increasing calls for greater accountability and predictability in financial transactions in South Sudan.
According to the circular, the new tariff framework includes processing fees for salary disbursement, over the counter and ATM withdrawals, as well as deposit charges across various financial institutions operating in the country.
Among the 22 commercial banks listed, a range of charges was observed. For instance, Stanbic Bank Kenya Limited applies a salary processing fee of 2,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP), equivalent to approximately USD 0.43, while Qatar National Bank levies a higher fee of 5,000 SSP (USD 1.09). In contrast, some banks like Ivory Bank and the National Investment and Development Bank charge no fees for salary processing.
The charges for over the counter cash withdrawals also vary significantly. Stanbic Bank imposes a 2 percent fee, with additional charges for cheque leaves and third party transactions. Meanwhile, Alpha Commercial Bank sets a 0.3 percent fee on amounts above 50,000 SSP (USD 10.87). Several banks, including Eden Commercial Bank, Phoenix Commercial Bank, and Afriland First Bank, offer free counter withdrawals.
ATM and merchant outlet withdrawal fees differ based on the provider. For example, Equity Bank charges 500 SSP (USD 0.11) at its ATMs, with agents charging a minimum of 250 SSP (USD 0.05). Afriland First Bank applies a 1 percent ATM withdrawal fee, while others, such as Phoenix Commercial Bank, do not offer this service.
Deposits are mostly free of charge across the institutions. Exceptions include Nile Commercial Bank, which imposes a 0.005 SSP fee per transaction (negligible in USD), and Qatar National Bank, which sets a maximum charge of 60,000 SSP (USD 13.04) for deposits.
Summary of Selected Charges (Commercial Banks)
| Bank | Salary Processing Fee | OTC Withdrawal Fee | ATM Withdrawal Fee | Deposit Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanbic Bank Kenya Ltd | 2,000 SSP (USD 0.43) | 2%, Cheque Fees Apply | 1% Stanbic, 1.5% Others | Free |
| Afriland First Bank | 0.5% | Free | 1% | Free |
| Ivory Bank | Free | 0.40% | 2,500 SSP (USD 0.54) | Free |
| Eden Commercial Bank | 1,500 SSP (USD 0.33) | Free | N/A | N/A |
| Alpha Commercial Bank | N/A | 0.3% (above 50,000 SSP) | N/A | N/A |
| Qatar National Bank | 5,000 SSP (USD 1.09) | 0.75% | N/A | Max 60,000 SSP (USD 13.04) |
| Eco Bank South Sudan Ltd | 5,000 SSP (USD 1.09) | 0.5% (Min. 250 SSP) | N/A | Nil |
The directive also outlines mobile money tariffs for three major service providers: MoMo, M-Gurush, and Digi Cash. MoMo users face a wide range of fees depending on whether the transaction is made by registered or unregistered users. Withdrawal fees at agents for registered users range from 100 SSP to 15,000 SSP (USD 0.02 to USD 3.26). Sending money also incurs fees depending on the recipient’s registration status.
M-Gurush, on the other hand, maintains a flat rate of 1.7 percent for both over the counter and agent withdrawals, with no fee for salary processing or sending money. Digi Cash applies a fixed salary processing fee of 1,000 SSP (USD 0.22) and charges a minimum of 400 SSP (USD 0.09) and maximum of 60,000 SSP (USD 13.04) for both withdrawal types.
Summary of Mobile Money Charges
| Provider | Salary Processing Fee | OTC Withdrawal Fee | Agent Withdrawal Fee | Sending Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MoMo | N/A | N/A | 100–15,000 SSP (USD 0.02–3.26) | 500–7,200 SSP (USD 0.11–1.57) |
| M-Gurush | Free | 1.7% | 1.7% | N/A |
| Digi Cash | 1,000 SSP (USD 0.22) | 400–60,000 SSP (USD 0.09–13.04) | 400–60,000 SSP (USD 0.09–13.04) | N/A |
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