Banks to apply 20% VAT on cross-border digital payments with Ghana-issued cards

Commercial banks are preparing to apply 20 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) to payments for cross-border digital services and e-commerce transactions made with cards issued in Ghana, according to information gathered by Joy Business.

Standard Chartered Bank has notified its customers by email that it will begin applying the 20 per cent VAT to payments for cross-border digital services made with its Ghana-issued cards from October 15, 2026.

What it means for customers Customers paying for affected services with debit or credit cards issued in Ghana should expect the 20 per cent VAT to be added to the amount payable.