An M-Pesa Till Number transforms how your business collects payments. Instead of asking customers to send money to a personal M-Pesa number — with all the privacy and accounting complications that creates — a Till Number lets customers tap "Buy Goods," scan a QR code, or use a payment link to pay your business directly. Funds settle to your business bank account, transactions are automatically categorised, and you have a clean audit trail for every sale. This guide covers the complete application process for 2026, with all requirements, timelines, and practical tips.
Till Number vs Paybill Number: What Is the Difference?
Before applying, it is important to understand which product you need:
| Feature | Till Number (Buy Goods) | Paybill Number |
|---|---|---|
| Customer dials | *334# → Buy Goods | *334# → Pay Bill |
| Account number required | No — just the till number | Yes — customer enters an account/reference number |
| Best for | Retail, restaurants, shops, market traders | Utilities, schools, banks, services with unique reference numbers |
| Settlement | To a bank account or M-Pesa Business wallet | To a business bank account |
| QR code support | Yes — Lipa na M-Pesa QR | Yes |
| Fee to merchant | 0.5–1% of transaction (Safaricom charges) | Varies by volume and agreement |
For most small businesses — shops, kiosks, restaurants, salons, market stalls, and service providers — a Till Number (Buy Goods) is the right product. It is simpler to use: customers just enter the till number or scan a QR code with no account reference needed.
Who Can Apply for an M-Pesa Till Number?
Safaricom accepts Till Number applications from:
- Sole traders and self-employed individuals — running a business under their own name
- Registered companies — limited companies (Ltd), partnerships, or NGOs
- Cooperatives and SACCOs
- Individual merchants on e-commerce platforms
You do not need to be a formally registered company. Sole traders with just a national ID and a business can qualify for a Till Number.
Requirements: Documents You Need
For Sole Traders / Individual Business Owners
- National ID (both sides) or passport
- KRA PIN Certificate
- Business name (can be trading name — does not need to be formally registered)
- Business location / physical address
- Safaricom registered phone number (your M-Pesa line)
- Bank account details for settlement (bank name, account number, branch)
For Registered Companies (Ltd / Partnership)
- Certificate of Incorporation (from the Business Registration Service)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Company KRA PIN Certificate
- Directors' national IDs and personal KRA PINs
- Board resolution authorising the Till application (for companies with multiple directors)
- Business bank account details
- Business physical address
Step-by-Step Application Process
Method 1: Apply Online via Safaricom Business Portal (Fastest)
- Go to business.safaricom.co.ke and create a business account or log in
- Navigate to "M-Pesa Solutions" → "Buy Goods (Till Number)"
- Click "Apply Now" and fill in your business details:
- Business name
- Business category (retail, food, services, etc.)
- Physical location
- Contact phone number
- Expected monthly transaction volume
- Upload your documents — scanned copies of ID, KRA PIN, and incorporation documents if applicable
- Enter your bank account details for settlement
- Submit the application
- You will receive an email or SMS confirmation with an application reference number
- Safaricom reviews within 3–5 business days
- Upon approval, your Till Number is issued via SMS and email
Method 2: Visit a Safaricom Shop or Dealer
- Visit any Safaricom Shop (not a third-party dealer — go to an official Safaricom outlet)
- Ask for the M-Pesa Business / Till Number application
- Bring originals and copies of all required documents
- A Safaricom agent completes the application on your behalf
- Application is submitted same day
- Approval typically takes 3–7 business days
- Till Number is sent to your registered phone number via SMS
Method 3: Via an M-Pesa Aggregator / Third-Party Provider
For businesses that need advanced features — such as API integration, multiple tills, or automated reconciliation — working with a licensed M-Pesa aggregator is an option. Aggregators like iPay Africa, Kopokopo (DPO Pay), and Pesapal can provision Till Numbers with additional features built on top of the standard M-Pesa infrastructure. This route takes longer (2–4 weeks) but is more suitable for e-commerce businesses and restaurants with high volumes.
Processing Time and What to Expect
| Application Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Document submission | Day 1 |
| KYC (Know Your Customer) verification | 1–3 business days |
| Bank account verification | 1–2 business days |
| Till Number issued | 3–7 business days total |
| First settlement to bank | T+1 (next business day after first transaction) |
Settlement: How Money Reaches Your Bank Account
Once your Till Number is active, funds collected via Buy Goods settle to your linked bank account on a T+1 basis — the next business day after the transactions occur. Weekend transactions typically settle on Monday.
Settlement occurs automatically — you do not need to initiate it. Safaricom sends a settlement statement via SMS or email showing the total amount settled and the individual transactions included.
Settlement Options
- Bank Account Settlement — funds go directly to your business bank account (recommended)
- M-Pesa Business Wallet — funds stay in an M-Pesa business wallet, which you then withdraw or pay out as needed (useful for businesses without formal bank accounts)
M-Pesa Merchant Fees (What Safaricom Charges Your Business)
Unlike the sender who pays nothing, your business pays a merchant discount rate (MDR) on each transaction received via your Till Number:
| Monthly Transaction Volume | Merchant Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Below KES 500,000/month | 0.5–1% per transaction |
| KES 500,000 – 5,000,000/month | Negotiable (0.3–0.8%) |
| Above KES 5,000,000/month | Custom rate — contact Safaricom enterprise |
For a KES 1,000 transaction, your business pays approximately KES 5–10. This is deducted before settlement — you receive the net amount. On a monthly turnover of KES 300,000, you pay approximately KES 1,500–3,000 in Safaricom merchant fees.
These fees are tax-deductible as a business expense.
Setting Up Your QR Code and Payment Links
Once your Till Number is active, Safaricom provides a Lipa na M-Pesa QR code — a scannable code customers can use with any Safaricom app to pay without typing the till number. Request this QR code via the Safaricom Business portal or at a Safaricom shop.
Print the QR code prominently at your business — counter, entrance, tables, and menu cards. The M-Pesa app's camera scanner makes QR code payments the fastest checkout experience for your customers.
You can also generate a payment link (a URL that opens directly to the M-Pesa payment screen with your till number pre-filled) — useful for WhatsApp-based businesses and online stores.
Managing Multiple Till Numbers
Businesses with multiple locations or departments can apply for multiple Till Numbers under one company account. Each till settles to the same bank account (or separate accounts if preferred) and appears as separate entries in your Safaricom Business dashboard.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Ensure your KRA PIN is valid and not lapsed — Safaricom verifies KRA status during KYC. A lapsed PIN is the most common reason for application delays.
- Use a business bank account, not personal. While Safaricom accepts personal accounts for sole traders, a business account speeds up bank verification and is better for accounting.
- Apply during the week. Applications submitted on Fridays after 3PM or on weekends start processing the following Monday.
- Keep documents clear and legible. Blurry scans or photo IDs taken in poor lighting cause delays. Use a scanning app like CamScanner for crisp document images.
- Respond promptly to Safaricom verification calls. The KYC team may call your registered number to confirm details — missing this call adds 1–2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Till Number cost?
The application itself is free. Safaricom does not charge a setup fee for Till Numbers. You only pay the merchant rate on each transaction received.
Can I apply for a Till Number without a registered business?
Yes — sole traders with just a national ID and KRA PIN can qualify. You do not need a Certificate of Incorporation or formal business registration.
How do I know when my Till Number is approved?
Safaricom sends an SMS to your registered Safaricom number and an email to the address provided during application. The message includes your Till Number and instructions for the first settlement setup.
Can customers pay from other networks (Airtel Money) to my Till Number?
Currently, Buy Goods Till Numbers are M-Pesa only — Airtel Money users cannot pay directly to an M-Pesa Till Number. For multi-network payment acceptance, consider a payment gateway like Pesapal or iPay Africa that aggregates multiple payment methods.
What if my application is rejected?
Safaricom will inform you of the reason via email or SMS. Common reasons include incomplete documents, a lapsed KRA PIN, or bank account verification failure. Address the specific issue and reapply — there is no waiting period between applications.