Running a business means that cash flow can change in an instant. One day you have enough money in your till; the next, you might fall short when paying a supplier. That is where Fuliza Biashara comes in.
This new overdraft service for Kenyan businesses using Lipa Na M-PESA allows owners to complete payments even when their tills have insufficient funds. With loan limits ranging from KSh 1,000 to KSh 400,000, it offers a quick solution for short-term gaps.
But before you use it, you need to understand how it works, the rules, and what it takes to qualify.
How Fuliza Biashara Works for Kenyan Businesses
Fuliza Biashara is an overdraft facility created by Safaricom in partnership with KCB Bank. It is designed for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that receive cashless payments through a Buy Goods till on Lipa Na M-PESA.
When your till has insufficient funds, you can instantly access Fuliza Biashara to top up the missing amount. This ensures you complete your payment without delay. Once you get more funds into your till, the overdraft is repaid automatically.
You can draw multiple overdrafts in a day as long as you stay within your limit. The specific loan limit is based on how often and how much money moves through your till.
Loan Limits and Charges in Fuliza Biashara
Fuliza Biashara loan limits start at KSh 1,000 and go up to KSh 400,000.
Once you use the overdraft, you get a 48-hour grace period without charges. After that, a 2% access fee applies to each disbursement. A daily maintenance fee between KSh 12 and KSh 250 is also charged depending on the borrowed amount.
If you fail to repay within 30 days, your access to Fuliza Biashara is suspended. The full repayment period is 91 days. If you still do not clear the balance after this, your business can be listed with the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).
Requirements to Access Fuliza Biashara
Not every business qualifies for Fuliza Biashara. To be eligible, you must:
- Own a registered Lipa Na M-PESA Buy Goods till.
- Have actively used your M-PESA Business Till for at least six months.
- Maintain a good repayment record once you start using the service.
It is not available for personal M-PESA lines or Pochi la Biashara wallets.
How to Activate Fuliza Biashara
Merchants can activate Fuliza Biashara in two ways:
- M-PESA Business App – Ideal for smartphone users who want a digital process.
- *USSD via 234# – Convenient for feature phone users and those who prefer menu-based access.
The application is quick, requires no paperwork, and approval is almost instant.
Transactions You Can Do with Fuliza Biashara
You can use Fuliza Biashara for many types of business payments, including:
- Paying other Lipa Na M-PESA tills or PayBill numbers.
- Sending money to suppliers or customers.
- Paying bills and utilities.
- Withdrawing cash to nominated numbers or at M-PESA agents.
It is strictly for business use and cannot be used for personal purchases.
Difference Between Fuliza Biashara and Taasi
Many people confuse Fuliza Biashara with Taasi. While both are credit products on M-PESA, they work differently.
Fuliza Biashara acts like an overdraft. You borrow only what you need to complete a payment, and you can use it multiple times within your limit.
Taasi is a short-term loan that gives you a fixed amount in one lump sum. It has a set repayment period of between 7 and 30 days. There are two versions – Taasi Till for Lipa Na M-PESA users and Taasi Pochi for Pochi la Biashara users.
Is Fuliza Biashara on Pochi La Biashara
No, Fuliza Biashara is not available on Pochi la Biashara. Traders using Pochi can only access credit through Taasi Pochi.
What is Fuliza Biashara? FAQs
Can you opt out?
Yes, you can opt out through the M-PESA Business App or by dialling *234#.
Does it affect your personal M-PESA account?
No, it only links to your business till.
Is there a limit to daily use?
No, you can use it as many times as you need if you remain within your limit.
Will your limit grow over time?
Yes, consistent transactions and timely repayments can increase your limit.
Can new businesses use it?
No, you must have operated your till for at least six months.
What happens if you do not repay in 91 days?
You may be listed with CRB, affecting your future borrowing.
