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How to Get Operator ID in Till Number Online | Full Guide
Running a business today means making payments and collections as seamless as possible, as cashless payments are no longer optional; they’re essential. As a small shop owner in Nairobi, one who runs an online store in Mombasa, or provides services remotely, having a secure and convenient way to receive payments is crucial.
For many Kenyan businesses, M-Pesa Till Numbers have become the heart of daily transactions. But as you manage your finances, you might find yourself asking: “How do I get my Operator ID for my Till Number?”
If that’s you, this guide is for you. We’ll take you step-by-step through the process of finding your Operator ID online
6.1Till Number
6.2Paybill
How to Get Operator ID in Till Number Online
The easiest way to retrieve your Operator ID is through Safaricom’s M-Pesa Business Portal or M-Pesa Business App.
- Log in to the M-Pesa Business Portal
- Go to the official M-Pesa Business Portal
- Click on “Log In”
- Enter:
- Your Till Number
- Your Business Administrator Username
- Your Password
- Go to Operator Management
- Once you’re logged in, look for “Operator Management” or “User Management”.
- This section lists all the operators linked to your Till Number.
- Retrieve or Create Operator IDs
- If you’re already registered, your Operator ID will appear there.
- If you’re an administrator, you can:
- Add new operators
- Assign specific roles
- Set what each operator can and cannot do
- Use the M-Pesa Business App
- Download the M-Pesa Business App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Log in with your Till Number credentials.
What is an Operator ID?
An Operator ID is like a special ID or “username” assigned to anyone managing an M-Pesa Till Number. It’s what Safaricom uses to identify who is performing which tasks on your business account.
With an Operator ID, you can give specific permissions to staff. This structure protects your business from mistakes, fraud, and mismanagement, while also making it easy to track individual performance.
Read: How to Open a CDS Account in kenya online
How to Get Operator ID in Till Number Online via SMS
No internet? No problem. Safaricom allows you to get your Operator ID using SMS. Here’s how:
- Use Your Registered Phone Number: Send the SMS from the phone number registered as your Till administrator.
- Compose the SMS: Open your SMS app, type Operator ID (your Till number)
- Send to Safaricom’s Shortcode: Send the message to 22585
- Get Your Operator ID: You’ll receive an SMS with your Operator ID within minutes.
How to Change Till Number Name Online
Sometimes businesses grow and evolve; you might rebrand, merge, or simply want your Till Number to reflect a new business name. Instead of visiting a Safaricom shop physically, you can do this online.
Steps to change your Till Number
- Log in to the M-Pesa Business Portal using your administrator credentials
- Go to Account Settings → Till Settings
- Request a Name Change
- Enter your new business name.
- Upload the required documents
- Business Registration Certificate
- CR12 (for companies) or Business Permit (for sole proprietors)
- Submit for Review:
- Safaricom reviews and approves your request.
- The new name appears within 3–5 working days
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How much does a Till Number Cost?
Contrary to what many believe, acquiring an M-Pesa Till number is free of charge. Safaricom provides this service to registered businesses to encourage cashless transactions.
Here are what you need:
- National ID or Passport
- Business Registration Documents
- KRA PIN Certificate
- Processing Time: 2–7 days, depending on verification.
However, charges only apply when you withdraw funds from your Till to your bank or M-Pesa wallet.
What is the difference between Till Number and Paybill?
Many people confuse Till numbers and Paybills, yet they serve different purposes:
Till Number
- Best for shops, restaurants, and walk-in customers.
- Customers pay instantly, and there’s no need to enter account numbers.
Paybill
- Best for businesses that require customer accounts or references
- Easier for businesses to reconcile multiple payments
As a rule of thumb, you should use a Till number for day-to-day retail and Paybill for services linked to customer accounts or recurring bills.
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What makes Managing Operator IDs Exceptional?
The following are reasons you should consider getting and managing an operator ID.
- Convenience: Access and manage your business from anywhere.
- Security: Control exactly who can do what.
- Transparency: Track every staff member’s activities.
- Scalability: Add or remove operators as your business grows.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple Operator IDs for one Till Number?
Yes. You can assign multiple Operator IDs with specific roles.
How do I reset a forgotten Operator ID?
Log in to the Business Portal or App → Operator Management → Reset Operator ID.
Is it free to change my Till Number name?
Yes, but you must provide valid business documents.
Can I use one Till Number across multiple locations?
Yes, but assign unique Operator IDs for each branch for proper accountability.
Which is safer: Till Number or Paybill?
Both are secure, but Paybill offers structured tracking for account-based services, while Till Numbers are faster for retail payments
Conclusion
Getting your Operator ID for an M-Pesa Till Number doesn’t have to be complicated. Safaricom has made it simple through the M-Pesa Business Portal, Business App, and SMS options.
If you’re retrieving your Operator ID, changing your Till Number name, or understanding how it all works, these tools are designed to keep your business running smoothly, transparently, and securely.
As Kenya’s economy continues to go digital, understanding these details will give you an edge over competitors.
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References
- Helloduty.com – Request for an M-Pesa Paybill or BuyGoods
- Pay.m-pesaforbusiness.co.ke – Enabling Payments for your Business
- Dealfish.co.ke – How to Get Your Till or Pay Bill Number’s Operator ID
- Kopacash.com – How to Change Till Number Name Online Safaricom Via MPesa Explained
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