How to Apply for an M-Pesa Till Number for Your Business (2026 Guide)
How to Apply for an M-Pesa Till Number
A Lipa na M-Pesa Buy Goods Till Number lets customers pay your business directly, keeps business money separate from your personal M-Pesa and gives you clear records. Not sure whether you need a Till or a Paybill? See Paybill vs Till Number.
Requirements
Requirements differ by business type and Safaricom updates them from time to time, but typically include:
Sole proprietors and small traders
- Your national ID
- Your KRA PIN certificate
- A business registration certificate or, for very small traders, an alternative such as a county permit or letter where accepted
- A registered Safaricom line in your name
Companies and partnerships
- Certificate of incorporation or registration
- CR12 (for companies) and partnership deed (for partnerships)
- KRA PIN certificate of the business
- IDs and KRA PINs of directors or partners
- A board resolution or letter authorising the application, where required
- A bank account in the business name for settlement
How to Apply
- Go to Safaricom's Lipa na M-Pesa / M-Pesa for Business application page online, or visit a Safaricom shop or business dealer.
- Choose Buy Goods (Till Number).
- Fill in the business and owner details.
- Upload or submit the required documents.
- Submit and wait for verification. Safaricom may contact you to confirm details.
- On approval you receive your Till Number and a store number, along with activation instructions by SMS.
After Activation
- Set up the M-Pesa for Business app or web portal to view transactions and manage operators.
- Assign assistants for staff, so they can see payments without access to withdrawals.
- Display the Till Number clearly at your counter, on receipts and on your WhatsApp profile.
- Withdraw to bank or your personal M-Pesa as needed, noting applicable charges.
Tips
- Use a business name customers recognise - it appears on their M-Pesa confirmation message.
- Keep records for tax purposes, and remember sales still need eTIMS invoices.
- Never share your business PIN; staff should use assistant access.
Choosing the Right Product Before You Apply
Before filling in an application, be clear on how customers will pay:
| Situation | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Customers pay at a counter for goods or services | Buy Goods Till |
| Customers pay invoices, rent, fees or subscriptions | Paybill |
| You sell online and want automatic checkout | Paybill with STK Push integration |
| You run several outlets | One till per outlet, under one business account |
If you are unsure, start with a till for counter sales and add a Paybill when you begin invoicing or selling online.
How Long It Takes
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Preparing documents | One day if your business is already registered |
| Submitting the application | 20 to 40 minutes online |
| Verification by Safaricom | A few working days |
| Activation and first login | Same day as approval |
Delays usually come from blurred document scans, names that do not match between the ID, KRA PIN and business certificate, or an unregistered phone line.
Setting Up Staff Access Safely
The M-Pesa for Business portal and app let the owner create operators and assistants. Give cashiers permission to view incoming payments only. Keep withdrawal and settlement rights with the owner or a trusted manager. Change access immediately when a staff member leaves.
Settlement: Getting Money Out
Money received on your till sits in your M-Pesa business account. You can:
- Transfer to your bank account, which suits businesses that pay suppliers by bank
- Withdraw to your personal M-Pesa for small businesses that operate mainly in cash
- Pay suppliers directly to their tills or Paybills from the business account
Each option may carry a charge, so check Safaricom's current tariffs and plan your settlement routine - weekly transfers usually cost less than many small withdrawals.
Common Mistakes
- Using your personal line for business payments. It mixes records and makes tax and loan applications harder.
- Sharing the business PIN with staff. Use assistant access instead.
- Choosing an unclear business name. Customers see the name on their confirmation SMS; a familiar name reduces "wrong number" worries.
- Not reconciling daily. Compare till statements with your sales book to catch errors and fraud early.
- Forgetting tax. Till income is business income; record it and issue eTIMS invoices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a till number free? Applying for a Buy Goods till is generally free. Charges apply to transactions according to Safaricom's merchant tariff.
Can I have a till without a registered business? Very small traders may be able to use alternative documents where Safaricom accepts them, but a registered business name makes approval smoother and unlocks more features.
Can I change the name on my till? Name changes require a request to Safaricom with supporting documents showing the new business name.
Can I get a loan using my till? Some lenders and Safaricom partners offer working-capital products based on till transaction history. Consistent, separated business payments improve your eligibility.
Displaying Your Till Professionally
Print your till number and business name clearly on a sign at the counter, add it to receipts and invoices, and include it in your WhatsApp Business profile and catalogue. Customers pay faster - and make fewer mistakes - when the number is easy to read. Train staff to confirm every payment on the business app before releasing goods.