Updated 30 October 2026
An M-Pesa Business Till is a Buy Goods till built for businesses that want to manage their money fully, not just collect it. Besides receiving customer payments, it lets you pay suppliers, settle bills and track your money with proper statements and an app. For shops, restaurants, pharmacies, hardware stores and other businesses with steady walk in sales, it is often the backbone of daily cash flow. This guide explains how it works, what it costs and how to get the most from it.
What You Can Do With a Business Till
- Collect payments from customers through Lipa na M-Pesa Buy Goods.
- Pay other tills, such as suppliers, at 0.27% capped at KSh 200.
- Pay paybills, such as utilities and rent, at standard paybill rates.
- Track collections through statements and the M-Pesa Business App.
- Access business credit, such as Fuliza Biashara and Taasi Till Loans, once you meet activity requirements.
Costs
| Item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Customer paying a Buy Goods till | Free in normal use |
| Merchant, collections up to KSh 500 | Free |
| Merchant, collections above KSh 500 | 0.55%, capped at KSh 200 |
| Business Till paying another till | 0.27%, capped at KSh 200 |
Paying a paybill from the till follows the standard paybill tariff, shown before you confirm.
How Payments Flow
- The customer selects Lipa na M-Pesa, then Buy Goods, enters your till number and amount, and confirms with their PIN.
- Both you and the customer receive confirmation messages.
- The money sits in your till account, ready to use for payments or to move out.
The M-Pesa Business App
The app lets you see collections in real time, check balances, download statements, pay suppliers and manage staff operators. Giving cashiers operator access means they can confirm payments without having access to withdraw money, which reduces the risk of theft.
Who Should Get One
| Business type | Why a Business Till fits |
|---|---|
| Retail shops and supermarkets | Many customer payments, need for quick confirmation |
| Restaurants and cafes | Payments at the table or counter, staff operators |
| Pharmacies | Steady sales, supplier payments |
| Hardware stores | Large transactions where the KSh 200 cap helps |
| Salons and service businesses | Professional image and clean records |
Managing Cash Flow Better
- Pay suppliers directly from the till to save on withdrawal fees.
- Review statements weekly to see trends.
- Set aside money for tax and rent before taking profits.
- Use credit carefully. Fuliza Biashara covers short gaps automatically. Taasi Till Loans give a fixed amount for a fixed period at a known fee. Our guides on both explain the costs.
A Daily Closing Routine
At closing time, open the M-Pesa Business App or your till statement and total the day’s collections. Compare it with your sales book or till receipts. Note any differences and follow up the same day, while customers and staff still remember what happened. Then decide how much stays in the till for tomorrow’s supplier payments and how much moves to your bank or savings. This five minute habit catches errors and theft early and gives you a clear picture of daily performance. Over a month, these daily totals also show your busiest days and help you plan staff shifts and stock.
Security Tips
- Never release goods based on a customer’s SMS alone. Check your till.
- Keep your till PIN private and change it if staff leave.
- Use separate operator accounts for each staff member.
- Reconcile collections with sales at the end of every day.
Remember that till balances are business money. Moving it into your personal wallet at random times makes it hard to see your profit, so set a regular schedule for paying yourself.
How to Get One
Apply online through Safaricom’s M-Pesa for Business portal or at a Safaricom shop. See our guide on how to apply for an M-Pesa Business Till on Business Radar. Not sure a till is right? Read our Pochi, till or paybill comparison. Growing and hiring? Find staff on JobinKenya.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a till and Pochi la Biashara?
A till has a dedicated number and more business tools. Pochi runs on your personal number and suits very small traders.
Do customers pay to use my till?
No, in normal use. The merchant pays the collection fee above KSh 500.
Can I pay my suppliers from the till?
Yes, at 0.27% capped at KSh 200 for till to till payments.
Can staff see my balance?
You control operator permissions in the business app.
Can I get a loan with a till?
Yes, products like Fuliza Biashara and Taasi Till Loans are available to eligible tills.
Related: KRA M-Pesa till data plan targets small traders' income
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