Mobile payments in Kenya have become a vital part of business transactions, with MPESA’s STK Push being a popular way to request payments from customers. Pay Hero Kenya is the leading provider of STK service for businesses enabling them to collect funds to their Banks, Pay bills and Till numbers. However, by default, STK Push requests always show default Pay Hero name rather than your business name. Unknown to many, with Pay Hero, you can now brand your STK Push requests, ensuring that customers see your registered business name instead of “Pay Hero” when making payments. This guide will walk you through setting up branded STK Push requests on Pay Hero and explain the benefits for your business.
Steps to Set Up Branded STK Push Requests
Step 1: Add New Credentials on Pay Hero
- Log in to your Pay Hero account and navigate to the Custom Integrations menu.
- Select the Credentials submenu.
- Click on Add New Credentials.
Step 2: Configure MPESA Credentials
- Under the Add New Credentials section, select MPESA as your provider.
- Provide the following details:
- Consumer Key – Your MPESA API consumer key.
- Consumer Secret – Your MPESA API consumer secret.
- Transaction Type – Choose either:
CustomerPayBillOnline(for PayBill number)CustomerBuyGoodsOnline(for Till number)
- Shortcode – Enter your PayBill number (for PayBill) or Store Number (for Till).
- Passkey – Your MPESA passkey.
- Callback URL – The endpoint where MPESA will send transaction notifications.
- Click Save Credentials.
PayHero encrypts these details at rest for added security and transmits them over SSL to ensure safe data handling.
Step 3: Get Your Credential ID
Once registered, you can retrieve your credential_id from the Credentials List. This ID will be used to link your business name to STK Push requests.
How to Use the Credential ID for Branded STK Push Requests
Option 1: Using the STK API
When initiating an STK Push request using the Pay Hero STK API, include the credential_id in your API request. Once passed, the STK prompt will display your MPESA-registered business name instead of “Pay Hero.” This ensures that your customers recognize your brand when making payments.
Option 2: Using Lipwa Link
PayHero’s Lipwa Link feature allows businesses to generate payment links. You can update your linked PayBill or Till payment channel to reflect your business name by doing the following:
- Navigate to payment channels, and click update on your Till or Pay bill.
- On the the Beneficiary section Enter
cc:followed by your credential_id (e.g.,cc:123). - Click Save.
Now, when customers make payments using the Lipwa Link, the STK prompt will show your business name instead of Pay Hero.
Benefits of Branded STK Push Requests
1. Increased Customer Trust
Customers are more likely to complete transactions when they see a familiar business name rather than an unknown third-party provider. This reduces the risk of payment declines due to concerns about fraud.
2. Better Brand Recognition
Every transaction reinforces your brand’s presence, making it easier for customers to recognize and remember your business.
3. Improved Conversion Rates
Branded STK Push requests create a seamless and professional payment experience, increasing the likelihood of customers completing their payments.
4. Enhanced Security
By using Pay Hero’s secure credential storage and encrypted transmission, your MPESA credentials are protected from unauthorized access.
5. Seamless Integration
The setup process is straightforward, allowing businesses to quickly start branding their MPESA STK Push requests without technical complexity.
Conclusion
Branded STK Push requests on Pay Hero are an excellent way for businesses to enhance customer trust, increase brand visibility, and improve transaction success rates. By following the simple steps above, you can ensure that your customers see your business name when making payments, strengthening your professional image and credibility.
Start today by setting up your branded STK Push on Pay Hero and give your business the recognition it deserves!
