Ethiopia, just like many other global countries, is currently witnessing a massive shift from a cash economy to a cashless economy. eCommerce stores are mushrooming all over the country, and, likewise, many other merchants.
Owing to the emergency of many eCommerce stores, Ethiopians are gradually embracing digital money payment solutions as they aim to pay for goods and services in the comfort of their homes. Moreover, the mere fact that essential services such as electricity bills can now be purchased online has added another impetus to embrace online payment solutions.
One such online payment solution that’s available to all Ethiopians is CBE Birr. To learn more about this service, just spare a few moments of your time to go through this article.
What is CBE Birr?
CBE Birr is a mobile money service that aims to empower all Ethiopians to embrace the digital finance world. CBE Birr came about as a collaboration between the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and a network of mobile money agents. Thanks to this, CBE Birr, unlike many other mobile money services in Ethiopia, accepts users who possess mobile SIM cards issued by different telecoms operators. As such, it is a truly ‘national’ mobile money service.
How to Use CBE Birr
CBE Birr can be used either via USSD or App. When using the USSD option, users need to dial *847# to see all the offered services. The services offered include Send Money, Cash Out, Buy Airtime, Bug Goods, Pay Bill, Check Balance, Taxi Payment, Condominium Loan Repayment, Airtime Package Sales, Linked Bank Service, Customer Self Registration, Fuel Payment, Magic Pay and Fundraising.
The same services offered via the USSD option are also available via the App. Besides paying for goods and services online, users also have the option to pay for goods and services at retail branches with POS machines. Simply tell the cashier your preferred payment method (CBE Birr) and your mobile phone number. After the cashier enters your details and calculates the price, you need to enter your PIN to authorize the transaction.
How to Register
CBE Birr can only be used by registered users. On this front, users have two options to use in registering their accounts. These are as follows:
The steps to follow in registering an account for merchants are as follows:
- Via USSD/App: Dial *847# or open the CBE Birr app. Choose the Customer Self Registration open. Enter the requested details and send all that’s required. Note that you need to keep a copy of your ID and face photo nearby as they are needed during the registration process.
- At Authorized Agents or CBE Branches: Users can also visit CBE branches or authorized agents to register their accounts in person. Remember to take with you a copy of your national ID, as it’s a key requirement when setting up your account.
How to Login
CBE Birr users who use the USSD option can log in by dialing *847# and proceed to select the service they want. Those who are using the App will have to enter their credentials when opening the app and once they are done, they can select any service they want.
Round Up
CBE Birr is a top mobile money payment provider that has a real national appeal owing to the fact that any Ethiopian with access to a local SIM card, regardless of the issuer, can register an account. As an account holder, you can send money to friends and family, pay for goods and services online, and at the same time send money to charities and fundraising projects.