# Payscel API Overview

Welcome to Payscel – The modern M-Pesa payment integration platform.

What is Payscel?

Payscel is a comprehensive payment solution that simplifies M-Pesa integration for developers and businesses. Whether you're building an e-commerce store, SaaS application, or fundraising platform, Payscel provides the tools you need.

Why Choose Payscel?

  • Fast Integration: Get up and running in minutes, not weeks
  • Developer Friendly: Clean REST API with multiple SDK support
  • Real-time Notifications: Instant payment updates via WhatsApp, SMS, and email
  • Multiple Settlement Methods: M-Pesa, Banks, or Business Till/Paybill
  • Production Ready: Enterprise-grade security and 99.9% uptime
  • 24/7 WhatsApp Support: Get help when you need it

Getting Started: Requirements

To integrate with Payscel, you'll need:

For Your Server

  • Active Payscel Account: Sign up at www.payscel.com
  • API Key: Your unique authentication token (available in Settings → API)
  • Link ID: Your payment settlement identifier
  • HTTPS Enabled: SSL/TLS certificate for secure requests

For Development

  • Code Editor: VSCode, Sublime Text, Atom, or your preferred IDE
  • API Testing Tool: Postman, Insomnia, or Thunder Client
  • Programming Language: JavaScript, PHP, Python, Java, or any HTTP-capable language
  • Environment: Internet connection and basic HTTP knowledge

Optional but Recommended

  • Webhook Handler: Server endpoint to receive payment notifications
  • Database: To store transaction history
  • Version Control: Git for managing your code

Platform Features

✅ STK Push Payments

Instantly prompt customers to enter their M-Pesa PIN from your app or website.

Customer → Your App → Payscel API → M-Pesa → Customer receives prompt

✅ Payment Links

Generate shareable payment links perfect for invoices, social media, and email campaigns.

✅ Real-time Notifications

Get instant payment confirmations through your preferred channel:

  • WhatsApp messages
  • SMS alerts
  • Email notifications
  • HTTP webhooks

✅ Payment Tracking

Access detailed transaction history and payment analytics from your dashboard.

✅ Multi-Bank Support

Support for 20+ Kenyan banks including:

  • Equity Bank
  • KCB Bank
  • Absa Bank
  • Standard Chartered
  • Co-operative Bank
  • And more...

✅ Custom Payment Fields

Create tailored payment experiences with custom input fields:

  • Order ID
  • Reference number
  • Customer email
  • Custom metadata

Available SDKs & Libraries

PHP SDK

PHP Logo

Perfect for: Laravel, Codeigniter, WordPress, Vanilla PHP

Features:

  • ✅ Laravel integration
  • ✅ Vanilla PHP support
  • ✅ Codeigniter 4 compatible
  • ✅ Full webhook support

JavaScript SDK

Perfect for: Node.js, React, Vue, Angular, Next.js

ash npm install payscel-sdk

Features:

  • ✅ Client-side integration
  • ✅ Promise-based API
  • ✅ TypeScript support
  • ✅ Automatic retry logic

Python SDK

Perfect for: Flask, Django, FastAPI, Data Science

ash pip install payscel-sdk

Features:

  • ✅ Async support
  • ✅ Comprehensive error handling
  • ✅ Logging capabilities

How It Works

Step 1: Authentication

Send your API Key and Link ID with every request. These identify your account and settlement account.

Step 2: Initiate Payment

Send customer details (phone number and amount) to trigger an M-Pesa STK push.

Step 3: Customer Completes

Customer receives a prompt and enters their M-Pesa PIN to complete the payment.

Step 4: Receive Notification

Get instant confirmation via your chosen channel (WhatsApp, email, webhook, etc.).

Step 5: Settlement

Funds are transferred to your settlement account within 24 hours.

Settlement Options

M-Pesa Direct

  • Settlement to: Your phone number
  • Processing time: Within 24 hours
  • Minimum balance: KES 10
  • Best for: Personal use, testing

Bank Transfer

  • Settlement to: Your bank account
  • Processing time: 1-3 business days
  • Minimum amount: KES 1,000
  • Best for: Regular payouts

Business Till/Paybill

  • Settlement to: Business account
  • Processing time: 1-2 business days
  • Minimum amount: Varies
  • Best for: Businesses with till numbers

Security & Compliance

Payscel implements industry-leading security measures:

  • PCI DSS Level 1 Compliance: Highest card payment security standard
  • SSL/TLS Encryption: All data encrypted in transit
  • Secure Authentication: API key-based authentication
  • Webhook Signature Verification: Verify payment notifications are genuine
  • GDPR Compliant: Customer data privacy protected
  • Regular Security Audits: Third-party penetration testing

Get Support

We're here to help! Choose your preferred support channel:

WhatsApp (Fastest)

Message us on WhatsApp: +254 748 415 629

  • Response time: 1-2 hours during business days
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM EAT

Email

Send questions to [email protected]

  • Response time: Within 24 hours
  • Best for: Detailed technical questions

Documentation

Check out our comprehensive guides:

Community Forum

Join our developer community to discuss, share ideas, and get tips from other developers.

Common Integration Patterns

E-Commerce Checkout

Customer adds items → Clicks Pay Now → STK Push sent → Payment confirmed → Order fulfilled

Service Subscription

Monthly billing → Invoice sent with payment link → Payment received → Service activated

Donation Campaign

Visitor sees donation link → Clicks to donate → Payment link loads → Completes payment → Confirmation sent

Invoice Management

Create invoice → Generate payment link → Share via email/WhatsApp → Payment received → Auto-reconcile

Troubleshooting

Issue: Invalid API Credentials

Solution: Verify your API Key and Link ID are correct. Check in Settings → API.

Issue: Invalid MSISDN Format

Solution: Phone number must be in format 254XXXXXXXXX (11 digits, no leading zeros).

Issue: Request Timeout

Solution: Ensure your server has stable internet. Implement timeout handling in your code.

Issue: Payment Confirmation Not Received

Solution: Check your webhook URL and firewall settings. Test webhook delivery in dashboard.

Next Steps

Ready to get started? Here's the recommended path:

  1. Sign up: Create your free Payscel account
  2. Get credentials: Copy your API Key and Link ID
  3. Try the playground: Test API calls interactively
  4. Read initiate guide: Learn how to trigger payments
  5. Implement in your app: Follow code examples in your language
  6. Test thoroughly: Use sandbox credentials
  7. Go live: Switch to production credentials
  8. Monitor: Track payments in your dashboard

Rate Limits

To ensure fair usage and system stability:

  • Starter Plan: 100 requests/minute
  • Professional: 1,000 requests/minute
  • Enterprise: Custom limits

Need more? Contact [email protected]

API Endpoint

Base URL: https://api.payscel.com/api/v1/

All API requests must include: ApiKey: your_api_key LinkId: your_link_id Content-Type: application/json

Last updated: 2026-06-13 | Contact Support