Group models

Chama or merry-go-round — your group decides

Two time-tested ways to save together. Choose the one your group already trusts; the platform handles the rest.

Table banking · pooled savings & lending

Chama

Save together, lend to each other, and grow the pool with interest.

Members contribute regularly into one shared pool.
The pool funds loans to members, with interest.
Interest grows the pool; profits are shared at cycle close.
Best for groups that want to save and borrow.

ROSCA · rotating payout

Merry-go-round

Everyone pays in the same amount; the whole pot rotates to one member each cycle.

Every member contributes the same fixed amount each cycle.
The full pot is paid out to one member per cycle.
Payouts rotate until everyone has received once, then repeat.
Best for disciplined saving toward a lump sum.

Side by side

How they compare

Comparison of chama and merry-go-round savings models
	Chama Table banking · pooled savings & lending	Merry-go-round ROSCA · rotating payout
What happens to the pool	Lent back to members as loans	The whole pot rotates to one member
Earns interest	Yes — interest grows the pool	No — pure rotation, no lending
Lending	Members can borrow with rules	No lending involved
Payout	Share-out at the end of the cycle	One member each cycle, in turn
Order	Not applicable	Fixed list or random draw
Best for	Saving and borrowing together	Disciplined saving for a lump sum

What happens to the pool

Chama: Lent back to members as loans
Merry-go-round: The whole pot rotates to one member

Earns interest

Chama: Yes — interest grows the pool
Merry-go-round: No — pure rotation, no lending

Lending

Chama: Members can borrow with rules
Merry-go-round: No lending involved

Payout

Chama: Share-out at the end of the cycle
Merry-go-round: One member each cycle, in turn

Order

Chama: Not applicable
Merry-go-round: Fixed list or random draw

Best for

Chama: Saving and borrowing together
Merry-go-round: Disciplined saving for a lump sum

Just want to organise, not save?

Start a social group for the roster, announcements, and events — no money involved. When your group is ready to start saving, upgrade to a chama or merry-go-round without losing your members.

Found your fit?

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