M-PESA Paybill

What is a Paybill?

Paybill is a cash collection service that allows an organization to collect money on a regular basis from their customers through M-PESA. It is an M-PESA mode of collecting funds.

Payments are customer-initiated, and the receiving organization may have a unique identifier i.e. account number.

The customer has an official relationship with the organization to whom they are making payment and has an “account number” that helps identify the user. The customer inputs a business number (Paybill number) for the entity they are paying.

What is the difference between a Paybill and a Short-Term Paybill?

Paybill is a long-term product, and the applicant may use it over several years. It is used by business, institutions, and government entities and therefore a valid registration document/license is required during application.

A Short-Term Paybill is designed to be used for a period of 6 months only, to accomplish a specific project after which it will be closed. The projects may be personal, so no business registration license is required. However, the applicant must supply official documentation to prove the project's authenticity.

How long will it take to get a Paybill number?

All application requests will be made through the online portal - https://m-pesaforbusiness.co.ke/apply After application and submission of all the required documentation on the portal, processing of the Paybill will be done within 24 hours.

What is the Organization’s Business Number?

This is the Paybill number used by customers to make payments through Lipa Na M-PESA.

What are the required documents?

When applying for Paybill, each type of business category has specific documents needed as shown on the portal. Follow this link to view the distinct types of organizations and the respective documents needed https://m-pesaforbusiness.co.ke/apply

Can I apply on behalf of someone else?

No. Only the business owner or merchant, or aggregator can apply for a Paybill number.

Who is the Applicant?

The applicant is the person filling in the application form details and submitting the required documents on the online portal.

How do I access the funds in the Paybill?

Using the nominated mobile number that was captured on the application form, simply dial *234*4# and follow the steps displayed.

You may also manage your account from the M-PESA portal accessible via the link https://org.ke.m-pesa.com/. The credentials to log into this portal were sent to your administrator email when your account was created, and the user guide attached on this page. Please write to us via the contact channels below for any assistance.

Which channels can the business owner use to access the Business Till services?

There are two channels:

a) USSD *234# then select Merchant Services menu (Option 4)

b) M-PESA web portal ( https://org.ke.m-pesa.com/ )

What is the *234*4# service?

This is a USSD code the Paybill account owner dials on their mobile phone (nominated number) to withdraw the funds to the bank or check balance of funds on the Paybill.

Which menu options are available under the code *234*4#How do I check the Paybill balance?

Dial *234*4# from the nominated mobile number given during the application request. Nominated number is an M-PESA registered number that is authorized to withdraw funds from the paybill.
Select My Account Services.
Select Check Balance.
Select Business/Store number, and then enter the Paybill number.
A message will be sent showing the current Paybill balance.

How do I withdraw the funds from the Paybill?

Dial *234*4# from the nominated mobile number given during the application request.
Select Withdraw Cash.
Select To the Bank, and then enter the Paybill number.
Note: you can only withdraw funds to the bank account provided during the application process.

How can I download a Lipa Na M-PESA Sticker?

To download a sticker with your till number already embedded on the sticker, follow this link Lipa Na M-PESA Application Portal (m-pesaforbusiness.co.ke) and go to My Applications

What is real-time settlement?

This is the ability to receive your funds to the bank at once after initiating a withdrawal request.

How much does it cost to use Paybill?

Paybill has different tariffs which an organization can choose from. Follow this link to view the different tariffs available https://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/PAYBILL-STANDARD-TARIFF.pdf

What is the file format required to attach the documents?

Any format will work, except ZIP file.

What size should the documents be?

You can attach up to 10 MB per document required.

How do I know the progress of my application request?

Log in to the self-onboarding portal - https://m-pesaforbusiness.co.ke/ and click on “My Applications” tab and enter the mobile number used when making the application. Please note, only the applicant can view the status of the application.

What does the various application status mean on the onboarding portal?

Pending: The application request has been submitted successfully to the Lipa Na M-PESA team for processing.
Rejected: The application request has been rejected and the reason(s) is clearly indicated.
Approved: All documentation provided has been reviewed successfully and the Paybill is being processed.
Complete: The Paybill number is active, details sent to the applicant and payments can now be received on the Paybill.

Who should the customer contact when they have any queries?

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Calling 100 (Prepaid) or 200 (Postpaid)
Visit Safaricom Retail shops countrywide.
Twitter: @Safaricom_Care or @SafaricomPLC
Facebook: Safaricom PLC
Safaricom website: www. https://www.safaricom.co.ke/