Equitel, a service offered by Finserve Africa Limited a subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings continues to redefine financial access in Kenya. By combining mobile communication with powerful banking tools, Equitel enables users to make calls, send SMS, browse the internet, and carry out secure financial transactions all from one SIM card.
Whether you’re a long-time Equitel user or a new subscriber, topping up your airtime has never been easier. Thanks to a dedicated M-PESA Paybill number, Safaricom users can now buy Equitel airtime quickly, anytime, from anywhere in Kenya.
This guide walks you through two convenient ways to buy airtime for your Equitel line:
- Using M-PESA Paybill (412222)
- Directly from the Equitel SIM menu
Requirements to Get Started
Before you can top up airtime on Equitel, make sure you meet the following:
- An active Equitel line (Get one from any Equity Bank branch or authorized agent. You’ll need a valid national ID, passport, or alien card.)
- A registered M-PESA account with sufficient balance.
- Your Equitel mobile number for the transaction.
Method 1: How to Buy Equitel Airtime via M-PESA Paybill
This method is ideal if you’re using a Safaricom line to send airtime to your own Equitel number or someone else’s.
Follow these simple steps:
- Go to the M-PESA menu on your phone.
- Select “Lipa na M-PESA.”
- Choose “Paybill.”
- Enter the Business Number: 412222.
- For the Account Number, input the Equitel mobile number you want to top up.
- Enter the amount you wish to purchase (e.g., 100).
- Input your M-PESA PIN.
- Confirm all the transaction details.
- Submit and wait for a confirmation SMS from both M-PESA and Equitel.
This service is especially useful when helping others recharge, or when your Equitel SIM isn’t active in your device.
Method 2: How to Buy Airtime Directly via Equitel SIM Menu
If you’re using your Equitel SIM card, you can top up your line directly without relying on M-PESA. Here’s how:
- Open the Equitel menu on your phone.
- Navigate to “My Money.”
- Select “Buy Airtime/Bundles.”
- Choose the account you want to deduct funds from.
- Select “Buy Airtime.”
- Choose “For this line” (your own number).
- Enter the amount you wish to buy.
- Confirm the transaction details.
- Input your Equitel PIN to authorize the purchase.
- You’ll receive a confirmation message shortly.
You can also choose to buy data bundles or send airtime to another number from the same menu.
Additional Tips
- You can also buy Equitel airtime from any Equity Bank branch, Equitel agent, or through Equity Mobile Banking App.
- If you’re topping up regularly, consider saving the Paybill number 412222 as a contact for quicker access.
- Always ensure your number and amount are correct before confirming any payment.
READ MORE: Equity Bank: Guide to Nairobi Branch Network
