Same Roots, Different Paths
If you have searched for "susu" or "esusu" online, you have probably run into some confusion. Are they the same thing? Different spellings? Two companies? Here is the short version.
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
A group of trusted people contribute money regularly, and members take turns receiving the full pot. People have been doing this for over 500 years.
Other Names for the Same Tradition
The practice exists all over 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. They focus on rent reporting: helping renters build credit by reporting 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
The company took its name from the traditional savings practice, but it does not offer savings circles or group savings.
The Susu App
Susu (the app you are reading about) is a mobile application that brings the actual traditional practice of rotating savings circles online.
What Susu does:
- Rotating Savings Circles: The classic susu/esusu tradition where members 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 is 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
- Use the traditional susu/esusu practice in a digital format
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?
Yes. They solve different problems:
- Use Susu to save for a down payment with your savings circle
- Use Esusu to build credit while renting
They are complementary, not competitors.
The Bottom Line
"Susu" and "Esusu" both come from the same West African tradition of community savings. Esusu the company moved into rent reporting. Susu the app sticks to the original practice, helping real communities save together the way people have done for centuries.
Whatever you call it (susu, esusu, tontine, or partner), the idea of saving together has not changed.
Ready to start your own savings circle? Download Susu and try the tradition that has helped millions of people reach their financial goals.
