Airtel Money Terms Explained: A Plain Kenyan Glossary 2026

Airtel Money

Airtel Kenya's mobile wallet, run from *334# or the My Airtel app.

*334#

The USSD code that opens the Airtel Money menu on any phone.

*544#

The code for Airtel data bundles and offers.

Agent

A licensed Airtel Money outlet where you deposit and withdraw cash. You must show ID.

Band

The amount range that sets a fee: e.g. KES 101 to 500 sits in the KES 7 send band.

Bulk disbursement

A business feature to pay many people at once.

Cash out

Withdrawing cash from your wallet at an agent.

Cross-network

A transfer from Airtel Money to another network like M-PESA or T-Kash: carries a band fee, unlike free Airtel-to-Airtel.

Float

The cash and e-money an agent holds to serve you. No float means they cannot pay out.

IMT

International Money Transfer: receiving money from abroad into Airtel Money.

Interoperability

The system that lets you send between Airtel Money, M-PESA and T-Kash across networks.

KYC

The identity check done with your original ID at registration.

Paybill

A number used to pay a bill or account, where you also enter an account or reference.

PIN

Your secret 4-digit code that authorises every transaction. Never share it.

Reversal

Recalling money sent to the wrong number: started by calling 100 with the transaction code.

Security question

The question you set at registration, used to reset your PIN.

Send to Any Network

The *334# option that sends to any wallet, not just Airtel.

Till (Buy Goods)

A merchant number you pay to buy goods and services.

What is the difference between a paybill and a till?

A paybill needs an account or reference number (so the biller knows which customer paid); a till is a straight merchant payment (no account needed).

What is float?

The balance an agent holds to serve customers. If they run out, they cannot deposit or pay out until they top up.

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