Payments Blog

How to Send Airtime to Another Number

Using this simple and reliable method, Lets walk you through to send airtime to any number in Kenya, making the process as easy as possible for you. 

Why Use Pesapal for Airtime Transfer? 

Using Pesapal to send airtime isn't just easy—it's smart. Here's why: 

• Wide Coverage: Pesapal supports all the major networks in Kenya, including Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom. 

• 24/7 Availability: No need to rush to a shop before it closes. Pesapal works anytime, day or night. 

• Mobile-Friendly: Everything happens on your phone. No computer or special app is required. 

• Secure Transactions: Each payment is encrypted and verified through M-Pesa's secure channel. 

• Fast Delivery: Airtime is delivered instantly, which is great when time is of the essence. 

It's the ideal solution for people who care about speed, security, and simplicity in their daily transactions. 

Requirements Before You Begin 

What You Need to Have 

Before you initiate the sending of airtime using the Pesapal paybill 220220, ensure you have the following: 

• A registered M-Pesa account: The money will be deducted from this. 

• Sufficient balance: Ensure your account has enough funds to cover the amount you are sending. 

• Double-check the recipient's mobile number to avoid sending it to the wrong person. 

• Correct network format: You'll need to input the number in a specific format depending on the network. 

No special subscription or additional tools are required. You'll need your phone and a working SIM card with M-Pesa access. 

Compatible Mobile Networks 

Pesapal Paybill 220220 supports the three leading telecom providers in Kenya: 

• Safaricom is the largest and most widely used mobile network in the country.
• Airtel Kenya is known for its competitive rates and good coverage. 
• Telkom Kenya – offers affordable bundles and a growing user base. 

Each network has its own specific account number format for receiving airtime through Pesapal, as below 

Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Airtime via Paybill 220220 

Accessing M-Pesa 

The Procedure. 

• Open the M-Pesa menu on your mobile phone. 
• Select ‘Lipa na M-Pesa’ (Pay with M-Pesa). 
• Choose 'Pay Bill' from the options. 
• Enter the Business Number: 220220. 

Using the Correct Account Number, Format 

This step is crucial—enter the Account Number based on the recipient's network: 

• Safaricom: Format is SAFC07XXXXXXXX (use the whole phone number after "SAFC"). 

• Airtel Kenya: Format is AIRT07XXXXXXXX. 

• Telkom Kenya: Format is TELK07XXXXXXXX. 

For example, to send airtime to a Safaricom number like 0712345678, you would type SAFC0712345678 as the account number. 

After that: 

• Enter the amount of airtime you want to send. 

• Input your M-Pesa PIN to confirm. 

• Wait for the confirmation SMS from both M-Pesa and Pesapal. 

Confirming and Completing the Transaction 

Once you complete these steps: 

• You'll receive an SMS confirming that your payment was successful. 

• The recipient also gets a message showing they received the airtime. 

The process takes less than 2 minutes and works even on basic mobile phones. 

Supported Mobile Networks and Account Number Formats 

Safaricom 

Safaricom is Kenya's largest telecom provider, with millions of users relying on its services daily. If you send airtime using Pesapal Paybill 220220 to a Safaricom number, the format must be entered correctly, or the transaction may fail or go to the wrong person. 

Format Example: If the number is 0712345678, the account number should be: 

SAFC0712345678 

This prefix, SAFC, tells Pesapal and M-Pesa that you're directing the airtime to a Safaricom number. Always double-check both the prefix and the number before confirming your transaction. A small typo can lead to the airtime being delivered to the wrong recipient, and in most cases, such errors are irreversible. 

Airtel Kenya 

For Airtel users, the process is identical to Safaricom, but the account number format differs. Airtel is widely used across Kenya for its affordable data plans and competitive calling rates, making it a shared recipient network for airtime top-ups. 

Format Example: If the number is 0789123456, the account number should be: 

AIRT0789123456 

The AIRT prefix signals that the number belongs to the Airtel network. Again, this small detail makes a big difference in ensuring the transaction reaches the right person. Many failed airtime transfers occur because of an incorrect prefix or mis - entered number. 

Telkom Kenya 

Although Telkom Kenya is not as widely used as Safaricom or Airtel, it is still a strong contender in the telecom market. It's known for its pocket-friendly data packages and growing service reliability. 

Format Example: If the number is 0770123456, you must enter the account number as: 

TELK0770123456 

Like the others, Telkom's format begins with a unique identifier: TELK. This format must be followed precisely to ensure the airtime is processed correctly and reaches the intended recipient. 

Sending airtime using the Pesapal Paybill 220220 is hands down one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your loved ones connected. Whether you're helping in an emergency, gifting airtime for special occasions, or simply topping up someone's phone because they asked, this method offers unmatched convenience, speed, and reliability. 

You don't need an app or a complicated setup. With just your mobile phone and an M-Pesa account, you can send airtime to Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom numbers in seconds. And the best part? It's secure, fast, and works 24/7, even in the middle of the night. 

By following the correct account number formats (SAFC, AIRT, and TELK), double-checking your entries, and keeping your transaction reference numbers safe, you can ensure every airtime transfer goes smoothly. 

So next time someone asks for airtime, you'll know exactly what to do. Try it out, you might just become their airtime hero.