Ready to jump in or save it for future use, this guide walks you through how to generate and activate a merchant code (sometimes also called a Merchant ID or, in rare cases, a till number) on both Airtel Money Pay and MTN MoMoPay in Uganda. I’ve also hinted at a few extra features you might not know these payment systems offer.
Airtel Money Pay: How to Get a Merchant Code in Uganda
You can create an Airtel merchant code in under 5 minutes, without visiting any Airtel service centre.
Dial *185*10*10#
Enter your business name (max 20 characters)
Enter 1 to accept the terms and conditions
Enter your PIN to confirm
Inside the AirtelMoney chat thread, you’ll receive an SMS with your 7-digit merchant code.
If interested, you may then visit any Airtel shop for an Airtel Money Pay display printout.
Next time you dial *185#, you’ll notice a new option:
11. BiZ Wallet, this lets you manage your Airtel Money Pay account with option 1. withdrawal cash, 2. Payments, and 3. Biz Account.
Airtel Money Pay costs are not specified, but charges are incurred on both ends. It can hold up to UGX 300M and is as safe as you can keep your 4-digit Airtel Money PIN.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an MTN Merchant Code in Uganda
The two options of acquiring an MTN MoMoPay ID/code entail a more intricate process than that of Airtel Uganda, but it’s manageable; do not fret!
First, ensure you have the following ready: your business name, the nature of your business, your location, and your contact details (phone number and email).
Option 1: Through an MTN Representative
Reach out to MTN Uganda via their WhatsApp or X platforms, clearly stating your intent to register for MTN MoMoPay. In some instances, they may share a Google Form for you to fill out.
Shortly after, you’ll be contacted by an MTN representative using a personal number, who will verify the information you provided earlier before guiding you through the MoMoPay registration and setup process.
Businesses formally registered with the URSB will be required to submit supporting documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation, Company Form 18, Company Form 20, TIN certificate, and a trading licence. You’ll also need to provide a screenshot confirming a Search Fee payment of UGX 25,100 to the Merchant code “URSB” via *165*4*4#. Tedious, but the representative will walk you through every step.
Option 2: Self-Help Method of Getting an MTN MoMoPay Merchant Code
Go to businessonboarding.momo.africa, selecting your business type—informal, formal, or other, click ‘Register’ to continue with the process. The site guides you through the entire process, including the Search Fees of UGX 25100. After submitting your information, the final page will indicate that MTN is processing your request. Both options take days, but the self-help approach requires you to follow up.
Whichever option you choose, once the process is complete, you’ll be asked to visit the assigned MTN headquarters, or a branch if you’re upcountry, to pick up a new SIM card already registered in the company name as a business number. On this new SIM card, you’ll dial 155# to activate MTN MoMoPay, and you’ll receive an SMS with your 6-digit MoMoPay merchant code confirming your registration approval.
What to Expect When Using MTN MoMoPay
For every payment received through MTN MoMoPay, customers pay the same transaction fee as those sending money. At the same time, merchants incur a set fee: 1% for individual merchants (oh, you only need to provide the front and back copies of your National ID, yes, along with its details, to register an individual merchant) and 2% for business merchants.
Key Benefits? MTN’s system is believed to be more secure and widely used, though it involves more paperwork and slightly higher fees compared to Airtel’s simpler approach.
If not both, choose what suits your setup and how fast you want to get the Merchant code.
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