New M-Pesa Ratiba Feature Enables Standing Pay Orders

Safaricom, through its mobile money platform M-PESA, has launched a new feature known as M-PESA Ratiba.

This first-of-its-kind innovation allows users to set up standing orders directly from their M-PESA wallets, making recurring payments for bills and subscriptions and sending money more seamless and automatic.

Highlights

M-PESA Ratiba allows automatic payments on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis.
No penalties for failed transfers due to insufficient funds.
The feature is accessible via the M-PESA App or USSD *334#, option 9.
M-PESA Ratiba is expected to enhance financial inclusion and drive subscription services across industries.

A Game-Changer for M-PESA Users

With M-PESA Ratiba, users can now set up automatic payments for their regular expenses, such as rent, school fees, insurance, and utility bills, without having to manually initiate transactions each time. This groundbreaking feature allows customers to schedule payments on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis, depending on their preferences.

What makes M-PESA Ratiba even more convenient is its simple and user-friendly setup. Users can either access the feature through the M-PESA App’s Financial Services tab or by dialing the USSD code *334#, selecting option 9. The flexibility of this feature allows users to set up standing orders for a wide range of payments, whether they are sending money to family, paying for subscriptions, or settling utility bills.

No Penalties for Failed Payments

Unlike traditional banking systems that charge penalties for failed standing orders, M-PESA Ratiba does not impose any additional fees for unsuccessful transfers due to insufficient funds. If a payment fails, the system simply retries at the next scheduled interval, providing users peace of mind and better financial control.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa expressed his excitement about the launch, saying, “M-PESA Ratiba will allow customers worry-free digital payments of bills and transactions. We continue to innovate on the M-PESA platform to give our customers more visibility, control, and security around their financial wellness.”

Driving financial inclusion and subscription services

M-PESA Ratiba is expected to make a significant impact on financial inclusion, particularly among Kenya’s underbanked population. By automating payments, users can better manage their finances, avoid missed payments, and stay on top of recurring expenses. This is especially crucial for those who rely on mobile devices as their primary means of accessing financial services.

Beyond utility bill payments, M-PESA Ratiba will also revolutionize subscription-based services in industries like media, entertainment, software, and e-commerce. With the ability to automate subscription payments, users no longer need to worry about manually renewing services like streaming platforms or digital content subscriptions. This opens new revenue opportunities for businesses in these sectors, as it ensures continuity and reduces the chances of missed payments.

How to Access and Use M-PESA Ratiba

Getting started with M-PESA Ratiba is simple. Customers can choose between two methods:

M-PESA App: Log in to the app, go to the Financial Services section, and select M-PESA Ratiba. Here, users can set up and manage their standing orders with ease.
USSD Code: For users who prefer using USSD, dial *334#, select option 9, and follow the prompts to create a standing order.

Once users review and accept the terms and conditions, they can authenticate the setup using their M-PESA PIN. The system will automatically deduct payments based on the schedule users set, whether for sending money, paying bills, or purchasing goods and services.

A Step Towards a Cash-Lite Economy

Since the launch of the M-PESA Super App in 2020, Safaricom has continued to add features that make it more than just a mobile money platform. M-PESA Ratiba is another step towards making M-PESA a hub for managing personal and business finances. With over 80 mini-apps already integrated into the platform, the addition of M-PESA Ratiba further enhances its appeal, offering convenience and automation to users.

The new feature is now available to all M-PESA users in Kenya, and Safaricom has plans to roll it out to other markets where M-PESA operates, such as Tanzania and Ghana.

M-PESA Ratiba is a key innovation that will transform how Kenyans handle recurring payments, helping users better manage their finances while promoting financial inclusion.Safaricom remains committed to enhancing the M-PESA platform, ensuring users benefit from secure, convenient, and tailored digital financial solutions.