Detailed technical benchmark and comparison between Interswitch API and Paga API. Analyze pricing structures, verified webhooks, sandbox testing, authentication, and compliance for teams building in Nigeria.
Vend airtime, pay 3,000+ billers & process NIP transfers via Verve
Send money, pay bills & top up airtime at scale for agents
Interswitch API is best for nigerian enterprises, banks, fintechs, and businesses needing access to Interswitch's 3,000+ biller network, airtime vending, NIP instant transfers, and the Verve card network backed by Nigeria's oldest and largest payment infrastructure company.
Paga API is best for nigerian businesses and aggregators that need to send money, pay bills, and top up airtime at scale particularly agents, agent banking software providers, enterprise HR platforms, and mobile money aggregators wanting programmatic access to Paga's 20M+ user network.
| Highlight | I Interswitch API | P Paga API |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | OAuth 2.0 (Client ID + Secret Key from developer console) | Custom HMAC headers: principal (public ID), credentials (password), and hash (SHA-512 of request params + secret key) |
| Rate Limit | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
| Sandbox Mode | ✓ Available | ✓ Available |
| Webhooks | ✓ Supported | ✗ Not supported |
| API Services | Card Payments (Visa / Mastercard / Verve)Bank Transfer / Pay by TransferUSSD PaymentsVirtual Account Numbers | Card Payments (Visa / Mastercard / Verve)Bank Transfer / Pay by TransferUSSD PaymentsVirtual Account Numbers |
| Supported Regions |
| Fee Component | I Interswitch API | P Paga API |
|---|---|---|
| Local Transactions / Cards | Local transactions:1.5% capped at ₦2,000 (7.5% VAT applies) | Contact provider |
| Transfers & Payouts | Contact provider |
|
| Free Tier / Trial Credits | Integration free | Contact provider |
| Rates & Additional Terms |
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