Introducing Paystack Transfers in Kenya

At Paystack, we’re committed to simplifying how businesses manage payments. As a Paystack merchant in Kenya, you already accept payments via M-PESA, cards, and Apple Pay. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Paystack Transfers.

Paystack Transfers allows you to send money as easily as you receive it. You can now transfer funds to any Kenyan bank account, M-PESA wallet, Paybill, or Till account, all from the same familiar Paystack Dashboard where you manage your transactions.

Why transfer money with Paystack?

We’ve worked closely with businesses across Kenya to understand their money transfer needs. The result is a simple, reliable, and customizable solution that solves many of the issues businesses face. Here’s how Paystack Transfers can streamline your payment workflows:

• Say goodbye to juggling multiple platforms: Whether you're paying suppliers, reimbursing customers, or processing payroll, using Transfers on Paystack saves time and prevents errors because you can send money from the same platform where you accept payments.

• Build custom transfer experiences via API: No matter how particular or complex your business needs are, the Paystack Transfers API allows you to easily build a solution that gives you fine-grained control over how you send money. For example, you can set up webhooks that update you on whether a transfer was successful. You can also set up an automation to fetch your Balance before initiating a transfer request using the Check BalanceAPI endpoint. Learn more about using Paystack’s API to create custom experiences.

• Reduce errors and save time with bulk transfers: Instead of sending different sums to different recipients one at a time, simply upload a spreadsheet of your recipients’ bank details and click Send.

• Control who can make transfers from your Paystack account: You can use our granular permissions system to secure your account. This means that while multiple members of your team can have access to your Paystack account to support their work, only you and key members of your team that you select can send money out from your account.

• Make payments 24/7: The Transfers feature is available 24/7, including the weekends, and your recipients receive the funds in real time.

How are businesses using Paystack Transfers?

Businesses across Kenya are using Paystack Transfers to streamline their financial operations:

• Businesses pay their suppliers quickly and easily with Transfers, right from the Paystack Dashboard.
• Tech startups use the Transfers API to build beautiful, seamless customer experiences. For example, lending or savings fintechs can build elegant payout flows that send money to customers quickly and with minimal input.
• Marketplaces can be difficult businesses to run because as the operator, you’re collecting payments on behalf of the sellers on your platform. Several marketplace operators rely on Paystack to manage incoming payments from buyers and automated transfers to the sellers, using the Paystack Transfers API.
• Payroll companies use Paystack Transfers to streamline salary and wage payments to employees.

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what one of our partners has to say:

As a global payroll business, Cadana has greatly benefited from Paystack's services. Their APIs made our regional expansion to Kenya seamless, and their quick-response customer support ensured our smooth operations. The reliability of Paystack's transfers is crucial for our payroll services, preventing customer frustration. We highly recommend Paystack for any business seeking efficient and dependable payment solutions."
- Albert Owusu-Asare Co-founder & CEO, Cadana

How to use Paystack Transfers

To use the Transfers feature, you need to be a Registered Paystack Business. Once you're registered, the next step is to make sure you have money in your Balance. You can do this using our Topup feature, which allows you to move money from your M-PESA wallet into your Balance. Click here to learn more about the Topup feature. We also offer Topups via bank transfer, which allows you to transfer funds from your bank account to your Balance. Click here to learn more about the Offline Topup feature.

Alternatively, you can use our new Manual Payouts feature, which allows you to use your Collections for Transfers.

With Manual Payouts, whenever you receive payments from your customers, the funds will be reflected in your Balance, instead of automatically settled into your bank account. Learn more about the Manual Payouts feature here.

Once your Balance is topped up, you can transfer money to bank accounts or M-PESA wallets, Paybills, and Tills.

• For a step-by-step guide on transferring money from your Paystack Dashboard, check out this guide →
• If you’d like to send bulk transfers from the Dashboard, check out this guide →
• For more complex needs and to send money via the Paystack API, you can check out our developer documentation on Transfers →

Common questions

Does Paystack charge for Transfers?
Paystack charges a small fee per successful transfer. Check out our current pricing here →

How long does a transfer take to reach the recipient account?
Once the transfer is processed by Paystack the recipient shall receive the funds instantly in their bank account, M-PESA wallet, Paybill, or Till account.

Can merchants in Kenya transfer money to non-Kenyan bank accounts?
Merchants in Kenya can only transfer money to Kenyan bank accounts for now. However, we’re working with our partners and exploring better ways to help you do this compliantly.

Is the Transfers product available outside Kenya?
Yes, transfers are also available to all Paystack merchants, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana.

Can merchants in Kenya transfer money to more than one bank account at a time?
Yes, using our Bulk Transfers feature, you can add all the recipient bank accounts and corresponding amounts to a spreadsheet, upload it, and click Send. If you’d like to send bulk money transfers from the Dashboard, check out this guide →

How long can I hold my collected funds in my Balance?
Once you enable Manual Payouts on your Paystack account, you have the flexibility to retain funds in your Balance. This option allows you to keep funds for an extended period, provided you have at least one pending transfer instruction within the past 60 days.

If you don’t initiate a transfer within 60 days, Paystack will automatically settle your funds to your designated settlement account. This feature gives you more control over your funds while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Learn more about the Manual Payouts feature here.

Can both Starter and Registered Businesses use Paystack Transfers?
Only Registered Businesses can use the Transfers feature for now. If you have a Starter Business, you can upgrade to a Registered Business account here →

Paystack Transfers gives you more control and convenience for your business. If you have any questions or need a hand getting started, kindly send us a message. We’re happy to help! 💙