M-PESA Short-Term Pay Bill

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 businesses, 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 provide official documentation to prove authenticity of the project.

What are the required documents?

When applying for the Short-Term Paybill, each type of Paybill has specific documents required as will be shown on the portal, i.e., a Medical Paybill will require different documents from a Wedding Paybill.

What is the file format required to attach the documents?

Any format except ZIP file.

What size should the documents be?

You can attach up to 10 MB per document required.

What are the required documents?

When applying for the Short-Term Paybill, each type of Paybill has specific documents required as will be shown on the portal, i.e., a medical Paybill will require different documents than a wedding Paybill. Follow this link to view the various categories of documents required; https://m-pesaforbusiness.co.ke/apply

Can I apply on behalf of someone else?

Yes, one can apply on behalf of a beneficiary, minor, or a group.

Who is the Applicant?

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

Who is a beneficiary?

A beneficiary is the recipient or the person in need of the funds collected on the Short-Term Paybill.

How do I know the progress of my application request?

Log in to the portal – https://m-pesaforbusiness.co.ke/ and click on “my applications” tab. Only the applicant can view the status of the application.

What do the various application status mean?

Pending: The application request has been submitted successfully to 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 business till is being processed.
Complete: The M-PESA Business till number is active, details sent to the applicant and payments can now be received against the Paybill Business Number provided.

How long will it take to get a Short-Term Paybill number?

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

What is a short code?

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

How long can one use a Short-Term Paybill?

A Short-Term Paybill is valid for a maximum duration of 6 months.

What are the charges to use this service?

By default, the applied tariff is known as Business Bouquet where the sender bears all the costs. Please refer to the tariff document on the downloads section for the detailed charges guide.

How do I check the Paybill balance?

Dial *234*4# from the nominated mobile number given during the application request. The 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.

What is the *234*4# service?

This is a USSD code the customer dials on their mobile phone to withdraw the funds to the bank or check balance of funds on the Paybill.

How do I withdraw the funds from the Short-Term Paybill?

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 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.

What is real-time settlement?

This is the ability to receive your funds into the bank immediately after initiating a withdrawal request.

How do I access my statement?

Kindly send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating your Short-Term Paybill number and the duration of statements required.

What happens after 6 months of using the Short-Term Paybill?

The short-term is valid for 6 months after which it is closed and cannot receive funds. Make sure to withdraw the funds before the expiry of the Short-Term Paybill.

What happens should I need to extend the validity period of the Short-Term Paybill?

Kindly send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating Paybill No, Duration of extension, and documents justifying the extension, e.g. if medical, you will be required to share an updated letter from Hospital/signed by a Doctor

Who should the customer contact when they have any queries?

For further enquiries, support, and training requests, you may reach us on:

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/