If you’ve ever made an online payment in Kenya, you’ve probably come across Pesapal. In this Pesapal Review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this popular payment solution — how it works, its features, fees, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth using for your business or personal transactions.
Key Takeaways
- Pesapal is a licensed online payment platform in Kenya.
- Supports M-PESA, Visa, Mastercard, and bank transfers.
- Best for businesses, schools, hotels, and e-commerce.
- Offers POS systems, invoicing, and secure payments.
- Regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya for maximum trust.
What is Pesapal?
Pesapal is a leading online payment platform in Kenya that allows individuals and businesses to accept payments easily and securely. It supports multiple payment methods, including M-PESA, Airtel Money, Visa, and Mastercard.
Founded in 2009, Pesapal has grown into one of East Africa’s most trusted payment service providers, operating not just in Kenya but also in Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Pesapal is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), which gives it credibility and assurance of compliance with local financial laws and data protection standards.
How Pesapal Works
Pesapal acts as a secure bridge between customers and businesses, ensuring transactions are processed quickly and safely.
Here’s how it works:
- A business signs up for a Pesapal merchant account.
- The business integrates Pesapal with its website, app, or point-of-sale system.
- Customers make payments through available channels such as M-PESA, Visa, or Mastercard.
- Pesapal processes the payment and deposits the funds into the business’s account.
This simple system enables thousands of merchants, schools, hotels, and e-commerce platforms in Kenya to receive payments online hassle-free.
Key Features of Pesapal
Pesapal offers a wide range of tools designed to simplify online payments and business management. Below are the main features that make it stand out:
1. Multiple Payment Options
Pesapal supports all primary payment methods in Kenya including mobile money (M-PESA, Airtel Money), credit/debit cards, and bank transfers.
2. Pesapal Sabi POS (Point of Sale)
Pesapal’s Sabi POS terminals are smart devices that enable businesses to accept card, mobile, and QR code payments in-store. They are ideal for restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels.
3. E-commerce Integration
Pesapal easily integrates with popular platforms such as WordPress (WooCommerce), Shopify, and Magento, making it aan excellentsolution for online businesses.
4. Invoicing & Ticketing
Businesses can send digital invoices and event tickets directly through Pesapal, streamlining operations and record-keeping.
5. Secure Transactions
Pesapal uses SSL encryption and PCI-DSS compliance standards to ensure user data and transactions remain secure.
Pesapal Fees and Charges
Pesapal fees vary depending on the payment method and transaction volume. While the exact rates may change over time, the general structure is as follows:
- Mobile Money (M-PESA, Airtel Money): Around 3.5% per transaction
- Card Payments: Around 3.5% to 4% per transaction
- Bank Settlements: May attract a small withdrawal or transfer fee, depending on your bank
Pesapal also offers custom rates for high-volume merchants, allowing large businesses to negotiate lower fees.
How to Register on Pesapal
Creating a Pesapal account is simple
- Visit www.pesapal.com.
- Click Sign Up and select Personal or Business Account.
- Fill in your details — name, email, and phone number.
- Verify your email address and log in.
- If you’re a merchant, complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) verification to activate payment features.
Once approved, you can start accepting and managing payments immediately.
Pesapal for Businesses
Pesapal provides powerful tools tailored to businesses in different sectors:
- Hotels and Travel: Integration with property management systems and booking platforms.
- Schools: Online fee payments and receipt generation.
- Retail: In-store and online payment acceptance through Sabi POS.
- Events: Ticketing and digital invoicing.
These services make Pesapal a complete ecosystem for managing payments and automating business operations.
Advantages of Using Pesapal
✅ Wide Payment Options – Accepts both mobile money and card payments.
✅ Highly Secure – Complies with global security standards.
✅ Central Bank Licensed – Adds legitimacy and trust.
✅ Easy Integration – Works smoothly with popular e-commerce platforms.
✅ Regional Presence – Operates in multiple African countries.
Disadvantages of Pesapal
❌ Transaction Fees – The charges can be high for small transactions.
❌ Settlement Delays – Some users report delays in fund settlement depending on the bank.
❌ Customer Support – Response times may vary during peak hours.
Pesapal App and Dashboard
Pesapal’s mobile app and merchant dashboard provide a convenient way to track payments, view reports, and reconcile accounts. Businesses can monitor real-time sales, manage invoices, and view transaction history anytime.
Is Pesapal Legit and Safe?
Yes — Pesapal is a legitimate and regulated payment company in Kenya. It holds a license from the Central Bank of Kenya as a Payment Service Provider (PSP) under the National Payment System Act.
It has also partnered with major banks, telecom companies, and card providers, showing a strong record of trust and compliance.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Pesapal generally enjoys positive reviews from users in Kenya. Many merchants praise it for reliability and simplicity, especially when collecting online payments.
However, some users have noted that customer support can take time to respond to technical issues, a challenge that Pesapal continues to improve.
Final Verdict: Is Pesapal Worth It?
Yes — if you’re looking for a reliable, secure, and versatile payment platform in Kenya, Pesapal is an excellent choice.
It combines convenience, safety, and professional service, making it ideal for small businesses, schools, and e-commerce owners who need seamless payment solutions.
While transaction fees could be slightly lower, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pesapal
1. Is Pesapal licensed in Kenya?
Yes, Pesapal is licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya as a Payment Service Provider.
2. Can I use Pesapal for online shopping?
Yes, many Kenyan e-commerce stores use Pesapal to process online payments securely.
3. Does Pesapal work with M-PESA?
Absolutely. Pesapal integrates directly with M-PESA for easy mobile payments.
4. How long does it take to receive funds?
Most settlements are completed within 1–2 business days, depending on your bank.
Join Our Telegram Channel
Vincent Nyagaka is the founder of Chweya, where he breaks down complex financial topics into simple insights. A trader since 2015, he uses his market experience to help readers better understand investing, trading, and personal finance.
