Airtel SmartCash vs Opay vs PalmPay: Which Mobile Wallet Is Best in 2025?

With mobile payments growing rapidly in Nigeria, many users are asking: Which wallet should I use — SmartCash, Opay, or PalmPay?

Each of these mobile money platforms has its strengths. In this post, we’ll compare SmartCash PSB (by Airtel), Opay, and PalmPay to help you decide which one suits your needs best in 2025.

Feature Comparison Table (2025)

Feature	SmartCash PSB	Opay	PalmPay
Backed By	Airtel	Opera	Transsion Holdings
Wallet Type	Payment Service Bank (PSB)	Mobile Money App	Mobile Money App
App Available	✔️ Yes (Play Store)	✔️ Yes (Download Opay)	✔️ Yes (Download PalmPay)
USSD Code	`*770#`	`*955#`	`*652#`
Send/Receive Money	✔️ Yes	✔️ Yes	✔️ Yes
Airtime/Data Purchase	✔️ Yes	✔️ Yes	✔️ Yes
Pay Bills	✔️ Yes	✔️ Yes	✔️ Yes
Loan Access	❌ Not Yet	✔️ Yes	✔️ Yes
Cashback/Bonuses	❌ Few	✔️ Many	✔️ Many
Virtual Card	❌ Not Available	✔️ Yes	✔️ Yes
POS Agent Support	✔️ Yes (SmartCash Agents)	✔️ Widely Available	✔️ Widely Available
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security & Regulation	✔️ Regulated by CBN	✔️ Regulated	✔️ Regulated

SmartCash (Airtel Wallet)

Best for Airtel users who want seamless airtime, data, and bill payments
Runs on a secure CBN-regulated PSB license
Works even without data via *770#
App is beginner-friendly
🔗 Download SmartCash App

Opay

Best for cashback lovers, regular POS users, and those needing loans or virtual cards
Provides access to savings, utility payments, ride-hailing, and more
Strong referral and cashback programs
🔗 Download Opay App

PalmPay

Great for shopping discounts, bill payments, and quick loans
Popular with TECNO, Infinix, and Itel phone users
Offers “Recharge and Get Paid” deals
Download PalmPay App

Which Should You Use?

User Type	Recommended Wallet
Airtel user with low data usage	SmartCash PSB
Wants cashback and loan access	Opay or PalmPay
Regular POS agent or receiver	Opay
Light app users (for USSD only)	SmartCash
Shopping & payment deals	PalmPay