Question 1

What is the best alternative to First-sub in Nigeria?

Accepted Answer

If you want a Nigeria-focused wallet that goes beyond VTU, SmartCash PSB and PocketApp are strong places to start. SmartCash PSB is a Nigerian payment service bank app built for transfers plus airtime and data, while PocketApp pairs Nigerian transfers with bill payments and in-app selling.

Question 2

What can I use instead of First-sub if I need a pan-African option?

Accepted Answer

Use Momo if your priority is a mobile money app that works across select African markets. If you also care about accepting and tracking payments across multiple African countries, iPay Africa lists coverage in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, DR Congo, and Zambia.

Question 3

Which apps are like First-sub for bill payments and mobile money in Nigeria and Ghana?

Accepted Answer

Speso is a close match because it combines bill payments with mobile money features in both Nigeria and Ghana. If you also want a bill-pay app that spans Nigeria and Ghana and includes cashing out, Tbay supports both markets too.

Question 4

Does First-sub operate outside Nigeria?

Accepted Answer

First-sub is Nigeria-focused, so if you are outside Nigeria you will likely need an alternative such as Momo for broader African mobile money coverage. For a multi-country payments and utility-bills platform, iPay Africa explicitly lists several African markets.

Question 5

How does First-sub pricing compare with similar apps?

Accepted Answer

First-sub is pay-as-you-go, you are charged per transaction rather than paying a flat subscription. Many First-sub competitors are also usage-based, but they may bundle extra rails like QR payments in Speso or POS capabilities in KEGOW, which can change your total cost depending on how you use the wallet.

Question 6

Which First-sub competitor is better for POS or agent banking?

Accepted Answer

For POS and agent banking use cases, KEGOW is a good fit because it explicitly includes POS and agent banking alongside bill payments. If you want a broader Nigeria payments setup that also covers cards and invoicing, Parkway is another option to compare.

Question 7

I want one app for savings or short loans plus bill payments, what should I use instead of First-sub?

Accepted Answer

Consider AjoCard because it combines bill payments with savings and offers 30-day micro-loans, plus an option tied to health insurance. If you want a more banking-style app that still includes bill payments, Beamer Bank positions itself around everyday banking for individuals and businesses in Nigeria.

Question 8

How do I move from First-sub to another VTU or bill payment app without losing track?

Accepted Answer

Start by choosing a target app based on your main need, for example SmartCash PSB for Nigeria transfers and airtime, or Speso for Nigeria and Ghana with QR payments. Then do a small test transaction (airtime or a low-value bill), confirm receipts and reversals behaviour, and only then switch your regular payments over.

Top 68 Best First-sub Alternatives & Competitors (2026)

Alternatives to First-sub

Momo

Speso

Beamer Bank

SmartCash PSB

Tbay

KEGOW

PocketApp

iPay Africa

Parkway

AjoCard

Hope PSBank

Crowdyvest

Fetswallet

Telecel

KongaPay

Sterling Bank

Velcro

Prime Biller

CredPal

Payora

Cowry

Flux

NowNow

aPay

Frequently Asked Questions

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