If you are a business owner in Kenya looking to accept Mpesa payments, obtaining a Safaricom till number is one of the most effective ways to streamline your transactions. With the Lipa na Mpesa service, you can allow your customers to pay for goods and services quickly and securely using a unique till number. This process has become even easier, with Safaricom offering an online method for business owners to apply for a till number from the comfort of their homes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to apply for a Safaricom till number, activate it, and start using it for your business.
What is a Safaricom Till Number?
A Safaricom till number is a unique code that allows businesses to receive payments via Mpesa. When customers want to pay for goods or services, they simply use the till number to make payments directly to your Mpesa account. It’s a safe, convenient, and fast way to accept payments.
How to Apply for Safaricom Till Number: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Visit the Safaricom Self Onboarding Portal
To begin the process of applying for a Safaricom Mpesa till number, head to the Safaricom Self Onboarding portal:
https://m-pesaforbusiness.co.ke/.
- On the homepage, click the “Apply Now” button.
- Select Mpesa Business Till (for Buy Goods Till).
- Choose the appropriate business model:
- Individual
- Sole Proprietor
- Limited Liability Company
After this, fill out the required form and submit it. The process takes less than 24 hours.
Step 2: Fill in the Application Form
Once you click “Apply Now”, you will be asked to provide the following details:
- Business Information: Name of your business, physical address, etc.
- Your Personal Details: Name, ID, KRA Pin, and phone number.
- Business Model: Whether you’re an individual, sole proprietor, or company.
Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation message via SMS containing your till number and store number.
Step 3: Activate the Till Number Using USSD
To activate your Safaricom till number, follow these simple steps:
- Dial
*234#from the nominated number (the number you used to apply). - Select “Mpesa Business Till” from the menu.
- Enter your store number (the one you received via SMS).
- Accept the terms and conditions by clicking “Yes”.
Once the activation is complete, you will receive an SMS confirming that your till number is now active.
Step 4: Set Up Your Till Number for Transactions
After activating your till number, you’ll need to set up a PIN to secure your transactions:
- Dial
*234#again. - Choose Mpesa Business Till.
- Select Account Services and then choose Change PIN.
- Enter the operator ID and the old PIN sent from Safaricom.
- Create a new PIN and re-enter it for confirmation.
Once your PIN is set, you can start using the Safaricom till number to receive Mpesa payments.
How to Activate Your Till SIM Card
In some cases, Safaricom will provide you with a SIM card dedicated solely to your Mpesa business till. This separate SIM allows you to manage and track payments related to your business.
Follow these steps to activate the till SIM card:
- Insert the provided SIM card into your phone.
- Dial
212#to select your preferred language. - Make a test payment to your till number to confirm the SIM card’s functionality.
- After completing the transaction, you will receive an SMS confirming the payment.
How to Apply for Safaricom Till Number: Requirements for Different Business Models
- For Individuals:
- A copy of your National ID.
- KRA Pin certificate.
- A cancelled cheque or bank statement.
- For Sole Proprietors:
- Business registration certificate or business permit.
- KRA Pin certificate.
- A cancelled cheque or bank statement.
- For Limited Liability Companies:
- Annual returns with receipts.
- Company certificate of incorporation.
- KRA Pin certificate.
- CR12 certificate (valid for 90 days).
- Company director’s ID/passport and their KRA Pin certificate.
- A signed resolution letter from the directors.
How to Manage Your Till Number and Payments
Once you have your Safaricom till number, managing transactions is easy. You can monitor payments made to your till via SMS notifications. Additionally, if you have more than one till number, you can manage them all via the Mpesa Business App, available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
How to Use the Safaricom Till Number for Payments
To receive payments through your Safaricom till number, follow these steps:
- Provide the till number to your customers for payments.
- Customers can pay via Mpesa by selecting Lipa na Mpesa and entering your till number.
- You will receive a payment notification on your nominated number.
You can also use your till number to track your business sales and manage payments efficiently.
How to Change Your Till Number PIN
If you wish to change the PIN for your Safaricom till number, follow these steps:
- Dial
*234#from your nominated number. - Select Mpesa Business Till.
- Choose Account Services and select Change PIN.
- Enter the required PIN details and submit.
Conclusion
Applying for a Safaricom till number is a quick and simple process that can significantly improve how you handle payments in your business. By following the steps outlined above, you can start receiving payments via Mpesa within 24 hours and begin accepting payments securely.
Whether you’re an individual, a sole proprietor, or a limited liability company, Safaricom has streamlined the process, making it easy to start receiving payments using Lipa na Mpesa.
If you encounter any issues or have questions, you can always contact Safaricom customer service at 234, 100, or 200 for assistance.
Good luck with your business, and happy transacting!
