> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.clickpesa.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# BillPay Overview

> Create and use BillPay Control Numbers to receive instant payments from mobile money and banks

A **BillPay Control Number** is a unique numeric identifier that customers use to pay a merchant through supported payment channels—including mobile money, SIM banking, and CRDB Wakalas.

<Tip>
  ClickPesa BillPay payment are **instant** and are instantly visible in your [Dashboard](https://merchant.clickpesa.com).
  You can also track them via the [Query Payment API](/api-reference/collection/querying-for-payments/querying-for-payments) or receive real-time [webhook notifications](/home/webhooks).
</Tip>

## Why Use BillPay Control Numbers?

* Instant payment confirmation.
* Automated reconciliation.
* Works across all major Tanzanian payment channels (mobile money, SIM banking, CRDB Internet Banking, and Wakalas).
* Flexible for different payment needs.
* Supports **one-time payments** and **subscriptions or recurring payments**.
* Can be generated **offline** and via the [Dashboard](https://merchant.clickpesa.com) and [BillPay API](/bill-pay/billpay-api-overview).

## Types of BillPay Control Numbers

ClickPesa supports **three** types of control numbers:

### [Merchant BillPay-Namba](/bill-pay/billpay-namba)

A **4-digit static number** assigned to your merchant account.

* Used to deposit funds into your ClickPesa balance.
* A base number for generating Order BillPay numbers offline.
* **Not** for sharing with customers.

### [Order BillPay Control Number](/bill-pay/order-billpay-namba)

A **dynamic number** for a specific transaction or invoice.

* Ideal for **one-time payments**.
* Closes automatically once processed.

**Two ways to generate:**

1. **Offline / Manual Concatenation:** Combine your Merchant BillPay-Namba with an internal order reference (e.g., `1122` + `231256` = `1122231256`). Quick way to accept online payments for offline invoices.
2. **API Generation:** Create via [BillPay API](/api-reference/collection/billpay/create-order-control-number) with full flexibility:
   * Set the **amount** to be paid (optional).
   * Control **payment mode**: full, partial, or over.
   * Optionally set a **max total** that can be collected; the number closes when the limit is reached.
   * Add a **bill description**.
   * Provide a **custom reference** as the control number.
   * If no reference is provided, ClickPesa will **auto-generate** one.

### [Customer BillPay Control Number](/bill-pay/customer-billpay-namba)

A **static unique number** assigned to a specific customer.

* Ideal for **repeating or subscription payments**.
* Enables **automatic payment tracking per customer**.

**Two ways to generate:**

1. [Via Dashboard](https://merchant.clickpesa.com): Assign a control number linked to the customer in the Merchant Dashboard.
2. **API Generation:** Create via [BillPay API](/api-reference/collection/billpay/create-customer-control-number) with full flexibility:
   * Specify **customer name** (e.g., student, client).
   * Add **bill description** (e.g., Tuition Fees, Rent - July 2025 ).
   * Set **payment amount** and **mode** (full, partial, over).
   * Optionally set a **max total** that can be collected across payments.
   * Allow **multiple control numbers per customer**, each for a different bill or purpose.
   * Provide a **custom reference** or let ClickPesa auto-generate one.

## Making Payments with BillPay Control Numbers

Payments can be made through:

* **Mobile Money:** Mixx By Yas, Airtel Money, Halopesa, M-Pesa
* **CRDB Banking:** SIM Banking (APP/USSD), Internet Banking, CRDB Wakalas

Step-by-step payment instructions are available on each BillPay Control Number page:

[Top up using Merchant BillPay-Namba](/bill-pay/billpay-namba#depositing-using-merchant-billpay-namba)

[Pay using Order BillPay Control Number](/bill-pay/order-billpay-namba#making-payments-with-order-billpay-control-numbers)

[Pay using Customer BillPay Control Number](/bill-pay/customer-billpay-namba#making-payments-with-customer-billpay-control-numbers)

## In the Merchant Dashboard

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Customers" icon="users" href="/dashboard/customers">
    Add customers and assign Customer BillPay control numbers in the dashboard.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Collection Settings" icon="gear" href="/dashboard/settings/collection">
    View your Merchant BillPay-Namba and manage collection methods.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Payment Transactions" icon="list" href="/dashboard/transactions/payments">
    View and export BillPay payments received in the dashboard.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<br />

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="BillPay API" icon="book-open" href="/bill-pay/billpay-api-overview">
    Understand how to work with BillPay Control Numbers with BillPay API.
  </Card>

  <Card title="BillPay Use Cases" icon="screen-users" href="/bill-pay/billpay-use-cases">
    See practical examples of how to collect payments with ClickPesa BillPay.
  </Card>

  <Card title="BillPay FAQ" icon="screen-users" href="/bill-pay/billpay-faq">
    Answers to common questions about ClickPesa BillPay.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>