For business owners in Kenya, having a Safaricom till number can be a game-changer. It allows your customers to make payments via Lipa na Mpesa, making it easier and safer for both parties. Whether you’re running a small shop or a large business, having a till number enhances your payment collection and ensures that your transactions are smooth. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for a Safaricom till number and activating it so you can start receiving payments today.
What is a Safaricom Till Number?
A Safaricom till number is a unique code used by businesses to receive payments via Lipa na Mpesa. When a customer makes a payment using Mpesa, the money is sent to the business’s till number, making it an easy, secure way for businesses to collect payments. A till number is particularly helpful for businesses that deal with a high volume of customers and need a reliable method for managing payments.
How to Apply for a Safaricom Till Number: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Visit the Safaricom Self-Onboarding Portal
You can now apply for a Safaricom till number easily online through the Self-Onboarding Portal. This eliminates the need to visit Safaricom offices or retail stores in person.
- Go to the Safaricom Self Onboarding Portal: https://m-pesaforbusiness.co.ke/
- Click on the “Apply Now” button to start the process.
- Select “Mpesa Business Till (Buy Goods Till)” from the available options.
Step 2: Choose Your Business Model
When applying for a till number, you will need to select your business type. The options include:
- Individual: For personal or sole proprietorship businesses.
- Sole Proprietor: For businesses that are owned by one individual.
- Limited Liability: For incorporated businesses with multiple owners or shareholders.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
After selecting your business model, proceed to fill out the application form with the following details:
- Personal Information: Your full name, business name, contact details, and the business type.
- Identification Documents: Provide scanned copies of your ID or passport, KRA PIN, and any business-related documents (for sole proprietors and companies).
Step 4: Submit the Application
Once you’ve completed the application form, click “Submit”. The processing of your application typically takes less than 24 hours. After this, you’ll receive an SMS notification containing your till number and store number.
Step 5: Download the Lipa na Mpesa Sticker
To complete the process, download the Lipa na Mpesa sticker from the portal and display it in your store or business premises. This helps customers easily identify that you accept Lipa na Mpesa payments.
How to Activate Your Safaricom Till Number
After you’ve successfully applied for your Safaricom till number, you’ll need to activate it to start receiving payments. Here’s how to activate your till number:
- Dial
*234#on the phone line you used to apply for the till number. - Select “Mpesa Business Till” from the menu.
- Enter the store number you received via SMS.
- Accept the terms and conditions by selecting “Yes”.
- Submit the request.
You’ll receive a confirmation SMS with an operator ID and an activation PIN. It’s crucial to change the PIN to something secure for your business.
Alternatively, you can activate your till number using the Mpesa Business App, which is available for download on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
How to Activate Your Till SIM Card
When you apply for a Safaricom till number, you will be given a SIM card dedicated solely for business transactions. To activate the SIM card:
- Insert the SIM card into your phone.
- Select your preferred language by dialing
212. - Make a test payment to your till number.
- You will receive an SMS payment confirmation once the payment is successful.
How to Change the PIN for Your Safaricom Till
To change the PIN for your Safaricom till number, follow these steps:
- Dial
*234#from the nominated line. - Go to “Mpesa Business Till”.
- Select “Account Services” and then “Change PIN”.
- Enter your old PIN (the one you received after activation).
- Enter your new secure PIN and confirm.
You’ll receive an SMS confirming the PIN change and that your till is ready for use.
How to Apply for a Safaricom Till Number: Requirements
The required documents depend on the type of business you are applying for:
- Individual: A copy of your National ID, KRA PIN, and a cancelled cheque or bank statement.
- Sole Proprietor: A business permit or registration certificate, KRA PIN, ID, and a cancelled cheque.
- Limited Liability Company: Certificate of Incorporation, Annual Returns, KRA PIN, director’s ID, and director’s KRA PIN.
How to Use Your Safaricom Till Number
Once your Safaricom till number is activated, you can start receiving payments. To use your till number:
- Display the Lipa na Mpesa sticker in your store.
- Receive payments from customers via Mpesa, where they enter your till number to pay for goods or services.
- Monitor payments through your phone or the Mpesa Business App.
Conclusion
Applying for a Safaricom till number is an easy and effective way to start accepting Mpesa payments for your business. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can quickly set up your till number, activate it, and begin receiving payments from customers. Always ensure that you have the necessary documents and that you follow the activation and PIN-changing procedures to keep your business secure.
For any questions, feel free to visit a Safaricom retail shop or contact Safaricom customer service at 234 or 100.
