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

# How USSD payments work

> Bila's USSD payment system lets your customers pay instantly, no smartphone or internet connection needed. Any mobile phone on any network can complete a payment in seconds.

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## The payment code

Every Bila merchant has a unique USSD code that customers dial to make a payment. No app or internet connection is required.

| Part              | What it means                                                                                          |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `*384*777*`       | Bila's universal access prefix, the same for all merchants                                             |
| `[MERCHANT_CODE]` | Your unique business identifier assigned by Bila                                                       |
| `[AMOUNT]`        | Optional, include to skip the amount prompt. Leave blank and the customer enters the amount themselves |

> **Example:** A customer dialling `*384*777*1#` will be prompted to enter the amount to pay your business.

***

## Step 1: Customer dials your code

The customer dials your USSD code on any mobile phone. No smartphone or internet is needed.

* With amount: `*384*777*1*25#` - skips the amount prompt
* Without amount: `*384*777*1#` - customer is asked to enter the amount

***

## Step 2: Amount is confirmed

If no amount was included in the code, a prompt appears asking the customer to enter how much they want to pay.

A summary screen then shows the merchant name and amount for the customer to confirm before proceeding.

***

## Step 3: Mobile money PIN authorisation

The customer's network sends a secure prompt asking for their **Mobile Money PIN** to authorise the payment.

Supported networks:

* **Airtel Money**
* **MTN MoMo**
* **Zamtel Money**

> **Note:** The final amount charged includes a small processing fee. This is displayed to the customer on the PIN screen before they confirm.

***

## Step 4: Payment complete

Once the PIN is entered and approved by the network, the transaction is processed instantly. The customer receives a **"TRANSACTION SUCCESSFUL"** message from the network provider and the merchant is notified.

> No page refresh or manual reconciliation needed - the payment reflects on your Bila dashboard immediately.

***

## Supported use cases

USSD payments work across a wide range of business types.

| Use case     | How Bila helps                                      |
| ------------ | --------------------------------------------------- |
| Retail & POS | Accept instant payments at your physical storefront |
| E-commerce   | Seamless checkout for your online store             |
| Invoicing    | Send payment links and collect funds faster         |
| Team payouts | Pay staff and suppliers directly to mobile wallets  |