Mela - U.S Banking

Mela - U.S Banking

Global banking for Ethiopians

5 ratings
19 reviews
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • March 3, 2025
  • July 6, 2026

Features

Mela - U.S Banking screenshot #1 for iPhone
Mela - U.S Banking screenshot #2 for iPhone
Mela - U.S Banking screenshot #3 for iPhone
Mela - U.S Banking screenshot #4 for iPhone
Mela - U.S Banking screenshot #5 for iPhone
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About

This app provides a U.S. USD banking solution for Ethiopians globally. Open your own U.S. account, receive funds from various platforms, and spend worldwide with a Visa debit card. It aims to facilitate easier participation in the global economy.

Open U.S. USD account
Receive USD from global platforms
Use own U.S. account/routing numbers
Spend globally with Visa debit card
Send money to Ethiopia
No monthly fees
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What's New in Mela

6.0.9

July 6, 2026

Smoother sign-up: • "Tell us about your funds" now just asks for your occupation • Simplified the tax step — no SSN or Tax ID needed • Removed a redundant identity screen

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User reviews

I highly recommend this app

I’ve been using Mela to send money to Ethiopia, and I genuinely love it. It’s easy to use, feels reliable, and the whole process is smooth and stress-free. I can send funds quickly and support people back home with confidence, so I’ll definitely keep using it.

Digital Banking

Digital Banking that allows me to transfer from US to Ethiopia with the best rate on the market

Fast and better rates guaranteed

I had a great experience using Mela platform. Transactions were fast, secure, and easy to complete, and the app was simple to navigate. Customer support was responsive when I had a question, and overall the service has been reliable. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a convenient way to send and receive money.
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Mela

Great rate and seamless experience. Now I can do all this from my phone and no longer need to go around

The Future of Ethiopian Finance

Mela is more than a money transfer app. It’s building a financial platform designed specifically for the Ethiopian diaspora. I love the idea of having one place to send money home, support Ethiopian businesses, and connect with the community through modern financial tools. The app is easy to use, the transfers are smooth, and it’s exciting to see a company building technology with our community in mind. Looking forward to seeing all the new features they bring in the future!
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Developer apps

FAQ

How secure is Mela?

Mela is a U.S.-regulated fintech neobank registered with FinCEN as an MSB. Funds are held 1:1 in fully-reserved USD accounts, powered by regulated U.S. banking partners, ensuring a high level of security.

What are the fees for Mela?

Mela offers no monthly fees for keeping your balance in USD. Specific fees may apply for using your U.S. account and routing numbers, as well as for sending money to Ethiopia.

What identification is needed to open a U.S. USD account with Mela?

You can open a U.S. USD account using your passport or Fayda. This streamlined process allows Ethiopians to establish their own U.S. banking presence.

Can I receive money from international clients using Mela?

Yes, you can receive USD from U.S. banks, Upwork, direct clients, and other global platforms directly into your own U.S. account and routing numbers provided by Mela.

Does Mela have ads?

No, Mela does not contain advertisements. The app is designed to provide a seamless banking experience without interruptions from ads.

What devices does Mela support?

Mela is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. The app is optimized for iOS users looking for global banking solutions.

How often is Mela updated?

The latest version of Mela is 5.0.93, last updated on March 5, 2026. Regular updates ensure the app remains reliable and secure for its users.

What is the user sentiment for Mela based on ratings?

Mela has a rating of 3.8 stars from 9 ratings. This indicates a generally positive but mixed user reception, suggesting areas for potential improvement.