Same Roots, Different Paths
If you've searched for "susu" or "esusu" online, you might be confused. Are they the same thing? Different spellings? Competing companies? Let's clear this up.
The Traditional Meaning
Susu and Esusu are both names for the same ancient practice: rotating savings circles that originated in West Africa.
- Esusu comes from the Yoruba language of Nigeria
- Susu is the common term in Ghana and other parts of West Africa
- Both describe the same tradition of group savings
In these circles, a group of trusted people contribute money regularly, and members take turns receiving the full pot. It's a practice that's helped communities build wealth for over 500 years.
Other Names for the Same Tradition
This practice goes by many names around the world:
| Region | Local Name | |--------|------------| | Ghana | Susu | | Nigeria | Esusu, Ajo | | Senegal, Mali | Tontine | | Gambia | Osusu | | Jamaica | Partner | | Trinidad | Sou-Sou | | Mexico | Tanda | | Philippines | Paluwagan | | India | Chit Fund | | South Africa | Stokvel |
Esusu the Company
Esusu is also the name of a fintech company based in New York that focuses on rent reporting. They help renters build credit by reporting their on-time rent payments to credit bureaus.
What Esusu (the company) Does:
- Reports rent payments to credit bureaus
- Helps renters build credit scores
- Partners with landlords and property managers
- Focuses on the US rental market
While Esusu the company was named after the traditional savings practice, they don't actually offer savings circles or group savings features.
The Susu App
Susu (the app you're reading about) is a mobile application that digitizes the actual traditional practice of rotating savings circles.
What Susu Does:
- Rotating Savings Circles: The classic susu/esusu tradition—take turns receiving the pot
- Target Savings: Set a goal and save together until everyone reaches it
- Community Funds: Pool money for group projects or emergencies
- Secure Payments: Stripe-powered payments with bank-level security
- Multi-Currency: Support for USD, EUR, GBP, and CAD
- Instant Payouts: Get your money when it's your turn
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Susu (App) | Esusu (Company) | |---------|------------|-----------------| | Core Service | Savings circles | Rent reporting | | Based On | Traditional ROSCA practice | Named after tradition | | Group Savings | Yes | No | | Credit Building | No | Yes | | Target Users | Friends, family, communities | Renters, landlords | | Available In | US, UK, EU, Canada | US only |
Which One Do You Need?
Choose Susu (the app) if you want to:
- Save money together with friends or family
- Participate in a rotating savings circle
- Reach savings goals as a group
- Experience the traditional susu/esusu practice digitally
Choose Esusu (the company) if you want to:
- Build your credit score through rent payments
- Work with your landlord to report rent
- Focus on individual credit improvement
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely! They solve different problems:
- Use Susu to save for a down payment with your savings circle
- Use Esusu to build credit while renting
They're complementary services, not competitors.
The Bottom Line
"Susu" and "Esusu" both come from the same beautiful West African tradition of community savings. While Esusu the company pivoted to rent reporting, Susu the app stays true to the original practice—helping real communities save together the way they have for centuries.
Whether you call it susu, esusu, tontine, or partner, the power of saving together remains unchanged.
Ready to start your own savings circle? Download Susu and experience the tradition that's helped millions achieve their dreams.