How to Apply for M-PESA Business Till Number Online in Kenya

Learn how to apply for an M-PESA Business Till online and streamline your payment collections. Get the step-by-step guide now.

Aug 27, 2023 - 07:53
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How to Apply for M-PESA Business Till Number Online in Kenya
How to Apply for M-PESA Business Till Number Online in Kenya

If you're a business owner in Kenya, you're familiar with Safaricom's M-PESA services. The M-PESA Business Till is an enhanced version of the traditional Buy Goods Till. This advanced service allows you to collect payments on the Till and use the managed funds for various transactions. Whether you run a supermarket, restaurant, hardware store, pharmacy, boutique, salon, delivery service, or an online business, the M-PESA Business Till can streamline your financial operations. This article will guide you through applying for an M-PESA Business Till Number online.

Key Takeaways:

  1. The M-PESA Business Till is a powerful tool for businesses to manage payment collections and transactions.
  2. It offers versatile payment options, withdrawal choices, and access to credit facilities.
  3. Applying for an M-PESA Business Till is simple and can be done online through the Safaricom Self Onboarding Portal.
  4. The Till activation process involves changing your PIN and downloading the Lipa Na M-PESA sticker.
  5. Understanding the associated charges and rates is crucial for effective financial management.

READ Also: M-PESA Business One Account: Registration, Services, Charges, and More

What is the M-PESA Business Till?

The M-PESA Business Till is an upgraded version of the traditional Lipa Na M-PESA Buy Goods Till. It offers various features designed to simplify payment collections and transactions for businesses. With this advanced service, you can receive customer payments and use the collected funds for multiple transactions directly from your Till. This is especially beneficial for retail businesses, including supermarkets, restaurants, pharmacies, and online shops, frequently engaging in customer payment exchanges.

Benefits of the M-PESA Business Till

The M-PESA Business Till offers a range of benefits for business owners, making it a must-have financial tool:

  1. Streamlined Payments: With the M-PESA Business Till, you can collect payments directly on the Till and use those funds to make other transactions, eliminating the need for additional transfers.
  2. Separate Finances: This service provides a distinct account for your business payments, enabling you to effortlessly separate personal and business transactions.
  3. Various Services: The M-PESA Business Till supports multiple services, including receiving payments from other businesses and customers, making payments to other businesses, withdrawing funds, and even selling airtime to customers.

How to Apply for an M-PESA Business Till

Getting an M-PESA Business Till is a straightforward process that can be done online. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Visit the Self-Onboarding Portal: Access Safaricom's Self Onboarding portal at https://m-pesaforbusiness.co.ke/.
  2. Submit Application: Click on the "Apply Now" button on the portal to initiate the application process.
  3. Choose Business Type: Select "M-PESA Business Till (Buy Goods Till)" as your preferred option based on your business type.
  4. Provide Business Details: Provide the necessary business details depending on your business model—individual, sole proprietorship, or limited liability company (LLC).
  5. Notification: After submission, you'll receive a notification via SMS containing your till number and store number on your nominated phone number.
  6. Download Lipa Na M-PESA Sticker: Download the Lipa Na M-PESA sticker from the portal. This sticker can be displayed to your customers, showing your till number for payments.
  7. Activation: Dial *234# on your Safaricom phone and select the "M-PESA Business Till" option. Enter the store number received via SMS during application and follow the prompts to activate the Till.

Charges and Rates

Understanding the charges associated with the M-PESA Business Till is crucial for managing your finances effectively. Here's an overview of the essential charges:

  • You'll be charged a maximum of 0.55% of the transaction amount for payments received, capped at KShs. 200 per transaction.
  • Collections of KShs. Two hundred and below are free.
  • No customer charges for payments made to the M-PESA Business Till, except for costs at fuel stations.
  • Payments from your Till to another Business Till (Buy Goods Till) are charged 0.27%, capped at KShs. 200.
  • Payments to a mobile number (B2C) are subject to existing M-PESA send-money charges.
  • Payments to utility Tills (Paybill C2B) are charged standard Paybill charges.
  • Withdrawals at M-PESA agent outlets incur standard agent withdrawal charges.
  • Selling airtime from your Till allows you to earn a 5% commission.

READ Also: M-PESA Western Union: Registration, Charges, Sending and Receiving Money

Important Considerations

It's crucial to note the following details to ensure a smooth experience with your M-PESA Business Till:

  • Ensure your nominated number is kept secure, and the PIN remains confidential.
  • Regularly check your M-PESA balance and transaction notifications to verify the accuracy of transactions.
  • Safaricom may contact you for reversals if money is sent to you by mistake; verify through your M-PESA balance before returning it.
  • Remember, PIN security is paramount; change it periodically.
  • Different business models have specific requirements; ensure you meet the criteria for your business type.

Important Business Till Downloads

Find below some important guides you can use:

M-PESA Business Till Guide

M-PESA Business Till Tariffs

M-PESA Business Till Booklet 

More Resources for M-PESA Bus iness Till

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Conclusion

Applying for an M-PESA Business Till Number online in Kenya is a convenient way to streamline business transactions. With the ability to collect payments, make payments, and access various services, the M-PESA Business Till empowers business owners to manage their finances more effectively. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to enhancing your business's financial operations and providing a seamless payment experience for your customers.

FAQs About M-PESA Business Till

What is the M-PESA Business Till?

 The M-PESA Business Till is an enhanced version of the traditional Buy Goods Till, allowing businesses to collect and utilize payments directly from the Till for various transactions.

Who is eligible for an M-PESA Business Till? 

Different business models, including individual, sole proprietorship, and limited liability companies, are suitable. Each model has specific requirements that need to be met for eligibility.

How can I apply for an M-PESA Business Till online?

Visit Safaricom's Self Onboarding portal, complete the application form, choose "M-PESA Business Till (Buy Goods Till)," provide the necessary business details, and follow the activation steps.

What are the benefits of having an M-PESA Business Till?

 Benefits include streamlined payment processes, separation of personal and business finances, and access to services like receiving payments, making payments, and selling airtime.

How can I secure my M-PESA Business Till transactions?

 Keep your nominated number and PIN confidential. Regularly check your M-PESA balance and transaction notifications to ensure accurate transactions.

What should I do if I receive money by mistake in my M-PESA Business Till? 

Before returning the money, verify the transaction through your M-PESA balance. Safaricom may contact you for reversals, so be cautious before sending the funds back.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Safaricom's terms and conditions for M-PESA services apply. Please refer to official Safaricom sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information on M-PESA Business Till services and charges.

Joseph Richard Joseph is a graduate of Mathematics and Computer Science (Applied Option). With expertise in Technology and Finance, he brings his knowledge to the field, demonstrating an authoritative understanding of these interrelated areas. Joseph is pursuing a Master's in Software Engineering, further expanding his skill set.