M-Pesa Paybill vs Till Number: Which Is Best for Your Business in 2026?
Buy Goods tills and Paybills explained -- who each one suits, how charges work, account numbers, settlement and how to choose.
Almost every Kenyan customer pays by M-Pesa, so every business needs a way to receive M-Pesa payments professionally. Safaricom offers two main products under Lipa na M-Pesa: the Buy Goods Till Number and the Paybill Number. They look similar to customers but work very differently behind the scenes.
The Key Differences
| Feature | Till Number (Buy Goods) | Paybill |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Shops, kiosks, salons, restaurants — over-the-counter sales | Bills, fees, rent, utilities, online and invoiced payments |
| Account number | Not needed — customer enters the till and amount | Customer enters an account number (invoice, house or student number) |
| Reconciliation | Simple totals | Payments are matched to accounts automatically |
| Who usually pays charges | The merchant pays a small fee on receipt; the customer pays nothing for most purchases | Depends on the setup; often the customer pays a transaction fee, or the business absorbs it |
| Settlement | To your M-Pesa business wallet, then to bank or withdrawn | To your M-Pesa business wallet, typically settled to bank |
| Online and API integration | Possible | The standard choice for websites, apps and systems |
When to Choose a Till Number
Choose a till if customers pay you face to face for goods or services and you do not need to know who paid for what beyond the amount. It is quick to set up, customers find it simple, and sole proprietors can get one with basic documents. A till also keeps business money separate from your personal M-Pesa — which matters for records and taxes.
When to Choose a Paybill
Choose a Paybill if you invoice customers, collect recurring payments (rent, school fees, SACCO contributions, subscriptions) or take payments on a website or app. The account number lets you match every payment to the right customer, and integrations such as M-Pesa Express (STK Push) work best with a Paybill. Most e-commerce sites and SaaS businesses in Kenya use one.
Charges in Brief
Safaricom's tariffs change from time to time, so check the current Lipa na M-Pesa tariff before you choose. In general, small Buy Goods transactions are free for customers, with the merchant paying a small percentage, while Paybill charges depend on how the business configures who bears the cost. Factor these into your pricing rather than adding surprise surcharges.
Can You Have Both?
Yes. Many businesses use a till at the counter and a Paybill for online orders and invoices. As you grow, you may also connect your Paybill to accounting software or your website so payments reconcile automatically.
Real-World Examples
| Business | Best setup | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kiosk or mini-mart | Till | Fast counter payments, no account numbers needed |
| Salon or barbershop | Till | Walk-in customers pay after the service |
| Landlord with 30 units | Paybill | House numbers as account numbers make reconciliation automatic |
| Private school | Paybill | Admission numbers match fees to students |
| SACCO or chama | Paybill | Member numbers track contributions |
| Online shop | Paybill with STK Push | Checkout on the website, automatic confirmation |
| Restaurant with delivery | Till plus Paybill | Till at the counter, Paybill for online orders |
Integrating M-Pesa With Your Systems
Safaricom's Daraja platform gives developers APIs for M-Pesa Express (STK Push), payment confirmations and other business transactions. With integration, your website or system can prompt the customer's phone to pay, confirm instantly and update the order or invoice automatically. Most Kenyan web developers have built these integrations before, and it is one of the most valuable upgrades for any business that sells online.
Protecting Your Business From Payment Fraud
- Confirm payments in your business account or app, never from a customer's SMS screenshot.
- Watch for reversal scams, where someone pays, then requests a reversal after receiving goods.
- Use assistant access for staff rather than sharing the owner's PIN.
- Reconcile daily and investigate gaps immediately.
Paybill vs Till -- FAQ
Which is cheaper, a Paybill or a Till Number?
For simple over-the-counter sales a Till is usually simpler and cheaper to run. For invoiced or online payments, a Paybill's reconciliation saves time that outweighs any difference in fees. Check Safaricom's current tariffs for exact charges.
Can a sole proprietor get a Paybill?
Paybills are generally designed for registered businesses and organisations. Sole proprietors usually start with a Till, which has simpler requirements.
Can I use a Till Number on my website?
It is possible, but a Paybill is the standard choice for websites because of account-number matching and better integration support.
How long does it take to get a Paybill?
Once documents are complete, approval usually takes a few working days to a couple of weeks, depending on verification.
Can customers pay my Paybill from a bank app?
Yes. Most Kenyan bank apps allow payments to M-Pesa Paybills.
Final Thoughts
Use a Till for counter sales and a Paybill for invoices, recurring payments and online sales — or both as you grow. Either way, keeping business payments off your personal line is one of the best things you can do for your records, your taxes and your credibility.