"What is my M-PESA?" is one of the most-searched M-PESA questions, and the answer is simpler than it first looks. M-PESA accounts are tied to Safaricom phone numbers, there's no separate identifier. This guide covers finding your number, what context-specific identifiers exist, and what to share when people ask.
Your phone number is your M-PESA
When you registered for M-PESA, your Safaricom line was the identifier. Send Money, Receive Money, paybill account fields where you enter your phone number, all of these treat your phone as the M-PESA address. There is no separate account number to look up or remember.
For example: someone wants to send you M-PESA. They open Send Money, enter your phone number 0722 123 456, enter the amount, and confirm. The funds land in your M-PESA balance, there's no other identifier needed.
If you forgot your own number
Several ways to find your own Safaricom number:
- Dial
*144#, Safaricom postpaid users see their number on the menu. - Dial
*234*1#, Safaricom self-service My Account, shows your number. - Open the M-PESA app, your number is shown in the top of the home screen.
- Open your phone's Settings → About → SIM info, most Android phones show the SIM number.
- Send a free SMS to a friend. Their phone displays your number when the SMS arrives.
Other M-PESA identifiers and where they apply
While your phone is the universal M-PESA identifier, several context-specific identifiers also exist:
- M-PESA transaction code (10 characters, e.g., QGH7K3MNOP). Generated for every transaction. The proof-of-payment code people ask for when confirming a transfer.
- National ID number. Required when registering or upgrading M-PESA tier. Not a transaction identifier.
- M-PESA paybill / till number. Belongs to a business, not a personal account. If you want to receive payments via paybill or till, you register a separate business account.
- Account number for a paybill. The reference customers enter when paying your paybill, typically your customer's registration number, account number, or phone number depending on the merchant.
What to share when someone asks for "your M-PESA"
Depends on context. The right answer is different for each:
For someone sending you money via Send Money
Share your phone number (10 digits, no spaces, no plus sign). Example: 0722 123 456 → write as "0722123456". They use this in M-PESA Send Money.
For paying into your business paybill
Share your paybill or till number (separately registered with Safaricom for businesses) plus the account format you accept (e.g., customer name, invoice number).
For confirming a payment you sent
Share the M-PESA transaction code from the SMS confirmation. The receiver can look up the transaction by this code if there's any dispute.
For verification with KRA, banks, or government services
These services usually want your national ID number linked to your Safaricom line, not your phone number specifically. Both pieces are typically requested together for KYC.
If you have multiple Safaricom lines
Each Safaricom line is a separate M-PESA account. If you have two SIMs (personal and business, or two personal), each has its own M-PESA balance, statement, PIN, and transaction history. Share the specific phone number for the specific account you want money sent to.
Don't share these
- Your M-PESA PIN. Never. Safaricom never asks for it.
- Your transaction PIN at point of paying. Only enter on your own phone, not someone else's.
- Your national ID number to strangers. Required only for legitimate registration or KYC, not for receiving Send Money.
If someone asks for your PIN to "verify" your account, it's a scam. See our paybill scams in Kenya guide.
If you've lost your Safaricom SIM
Visit any Safaricom shop with your national ID. They'll re-issue the SIM (free or small fee) tied to the same M-PESA account. The new SIM has the same phone number, so your M-PESA balance, paybill saves, and contacts are preserved.
Block the old SIM immediately by calling 100 from any Safaricom line, this prevents anyone using the old SIM to access M-PESA via PIN-only USSD.
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