To pay a paybill with M-Pesa, open Lipa na M-Pesa, select Pay Bill, enter the business number, the account number, the amount, and your PIN. You can do this from the M-Pesa app, USSD (*334#), or the SIM toolkit. The fee depends on the tariff the business has chosen.
Step by Step
Using the M-Pesa app
- Open the M-Pesa app and sign in.
- Choose Pay, then Paybill.
- Enter the business number (the paybill number).
- Enter the account number exactly as given by the company.
- Enter the amount, review the details, and confirm with your PIN.
Using USSD (*334#)
- Dial *334# and choose Lipa na M-Pesa.
- Select Pay Bill.
- Enter the business number, then the account number, then the amount.
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN and confirm.
Using the SIM toolkit
- Open the SIM toolkit and select M-Pesa.
- Choose Lipa na M-Pesa, then Pay Bill.
- Enter the business number, account number, amount, and PIN.
You will receive an SMS confirmation with a transaction code. Keep it until the company confirms the payment.
Paybill Charges
Not every paybill charges the same way. The business selects a tariff that decides who pays the fee.
- Business Bouquet: the customer pays the fee
- Customer Bouquet: the business pays the fee
- Mgao: the cost is shared
Examples of what the customer typically pays:
| Amount (KSh) | Business Bouquet | Customer Bouquet | Mgao |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1,000 | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 5,000 | 34 | 0 | 16 |
| 10,000 | 48 | 0 | 18 |
| 50,000 | 108 | 0 | 24 |
The exact fee appears on your confirmation screen before you enter your PIN. Always check it. For other amounts, refer to Safaricom’s current Lipa na M-Pesa tariffs.
Finding a Company’s Paybill Number
Use the number printed on your bill, on the company’s official website, or given by their customer care. Do not rely on numbers shared informally.
What to Enter as the Account Number
The account number lets the company match the payment to you. It could be a customer number, meter number, invoice number, admission number, or phone number, depending on the company. Enter it exactly as shown on your bill, without extra spaces or hyphens.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Wrong account number: The money reaches the company but is not credited to you. Contact the company with your M-Pesa confirmation SMS. They can usually reallocate it.
- Wrong business number: Check the recipient name on the confirmation screen before entering your PIN. If you paid the wrong business, call Safaricom on 100 immediately.
- Extra spaces or characters: Type the account number exactly as printed.
- Using a Till number as a paybill: Till numbers are paid under Buy Goods and Services, not Pay Bill.
- Failed transaction: Check your balance and daily limit first. Wait a minute and review your messages before trying again so you do not pay twice.
Paying Paybills from Other Networks
Airtel Money, T-Kash, and Equitel also support Pay Bill in many cases, but acceptance depends on the specific company. Confirm with the company or test with a small amount.
Paybill, Till, or Pochi?
Businesses choose between these based on their needs and cost structure. Paybill is common for utilities and invoices, while Till (Buy Goods) is typical for retail, and Pochi la Biashara is aimed at small businesses.
Common Questions
Is there always a fee to pay a paybill?
No. It depends on the tariff the business selected. In some cases the customer pays nothing.
What is the difference between the business number and the account number?
The business number identifies the company. The account number identifies you or your specific invoice within that company.
Can I reverse a paybill payment?
Contact the company first, as they hold the money. If you entered the wrong business number, call Safaricom on 100 right away.
Can I pay a paybill without data?
Yes. USSD (*334#) and the SIM toolkit do not require data.
Is there a limit on paybill payments?
A single M-Pesa transaction is capped at KSh 250,000, and your account has a daily transaction limit of KSh 500,000.
That covers the main steps for paying a paybill with M-Pesa in 2026. Always verify the business name on the confirmation screen, enter the account number carefully, and keep the confirmation SMS.
