All merchant POS terminal fees for card payments nationwide have been eliminated by the Bank of Tanzania as of December 23, 2024, to promote digital payments.
The order forbids fees on prepaid, credit, and debit transactions, with merchant compliance being monitored by public monitoring systems in Tanzania’s payment network.
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The press statement, which was released on Monday, read, “The Bank of Tanzania continues to promote the adoption and usage of digital payments in the United Republic of Tanzania. One of the key measures taken is ensuring that payments made using debit, credit or prepaid cards at merchant Point of Sale (POS) terminals are completely free of charge for consumers.”
“The Bank hereby reminds the public that merchants are strictly prohibited from imposing any additional fees or surcharges on card transactions,” it adds.
Digital payments are a cost-effective, practical, and safe way to make purchases. Their adoption offers the advantages of improved security, transparency, and usability while also helping to create a cash-lite economy.
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Citizens are to report defaulting POS terminal merchants
The Central Bank urges the public to report any POS merchant who disobeys the directive to their respective banks or via the provided email addresses and phone numbers.
The statement which was signed by the Bank of Tanzania’s governor, Emmanuel M.Tutuba further stated, “In case you encounter any charges or surcharges while making payments at a POS terminal, please report the issue to your respective bank or contact the Bank of Tanzania’s Consumer Complaints Desk via: Email:Complaints.Desk@bot.go.tz or botcommunications@bot.go.tz Phone:+255222233246/+255222233265/+255222232541”