As technology continues to evolve, the financial world is rapidly adapting to embrace cryptocurrency solutions that promise speed, affordability, and inclusivity. One such revolutionary platform is Tando, a Kenyan fintech innovation that connects Bitcoin users to the widely popular M-Pesa mobile money network. Tando enables anyone, anywhere in the world, to send Bitcoin and convert it instantly into Kenyan Shillings (KES) for local M-Pesa transactions.
This guide explores what Tando is, how it works, why it’s game-changing, and everything you need to know about this transformative payment solution.
What is Tando?
Tando is a platform that integrates the Bitcoin Lightning Network with Kenya’s M-Pesa system. It allows users to seamlessly send money, pay bills, or buy goods in Kenyan Shillings using Bitcoin. The recipient, on the other hand, receives funds in their M-Pesa wallet as if it were a normal transaction—no knowledge of Bitcoin or additional apps needed.
The name Tando is inspired by the deity of thunder and lightning in the Ghanaian Asante mythology. This symbolism reflects the platform’s speed, power, and ability to strike down barriers in global payments.
Key Features
- No Fees: Tando transactions are fee-free, making them cheaper than traditional M-Pesa transfers.
- Instant Conversion: Bitcoin is instantly converted into Kenyan Shillings, ensuring rapid settlement.
- Seamless Integration: Recipients use their M-Pesa accounts as usual, without needing to adopt Bitcoin or any new technologies.
- Secure Payments: Powered by the Lightning Network, Tando ensures low-cost, secure, and fast Bitcoin transactions.
How Does Tando Work?
Tando makes sending Bitcoin to an M-Pesa account easy and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:
- Choose the Payment Type
Open the Tando app and select one of the following options:- Send Money: Transfer funds directly to an M-Pesa user.
- Pay Bill: Settle utility bills like electricity, water, or TV subscriptions.
- Buy Goods: Pay for purchases at participating merchants.
- Enter Recipient Details
Provide the recipient’s M-Pesa number. - Input the Payment Amount
Specify the amount in Kenyan Shillings that you want the recipient to receive. - Generate a Lightning Invoice
Tando calculates the Bitcoin equivalent of the payment and generates a Lightning invoice for you to settle. - Pay with Bitcoin
Use your preferred Lightning wallet to pay the invoice. Once the payment is completed, Tando instantly converts the Bitcoin into KES and deposits it into the recipient’s M-Pesa account.
That’s it! The entire process is fast, cost-effective, and requires no additional setup for the recipient.
How to Pay with Bitcoin Using Tando
To use Tando, you’ll need a Lightning-enabled Bitcoin wallet. The Lightning Network is a Layer-2 solution for Bitcoin, designed to enable fast, cheap, and secure transactions.
Here’s how to complete a payment using Tando:
- Generate an Invoice:
Tando provides you with a Lightning invoice for the exact KES amount you need to pay. - Use Your Wallet App:
- Tap the “Pay Invoice” button within your wallet to open the payment screen.
- Alternatively, scan the QR code provided in the Tando app or copy and paste the invoice into your wallet manually.
- Authorize the Payment:
Your wallet will request approval to pay the specified amount. Confirm the payment, and the transaction will be processed instantly. - Receive Confirmation:
Once the Lightning payment is complete, you can return to the Tando app for final confirmation.
Note: Tando doesn’t offer its own Lightning wallet, so you’ll need a compatible app like Phoenix, Wallet of Satoshi, Zeus, Strike, or others.
What Makes Tando Unique?
- No Hidden Fees
Tando charges zero fees for its services. The only cost you may incur is a minimal routing fee from your Bitcoin wallet, typically less than 4 KES. - Transparent Exchange Rates
Tando uses third-party Bitcoin-to-Kenyan-Shilling exchange rates to ensure accurate conversions based on market values. - Wide Compatibility
Recipients don’t need the Tando app or any knowledge of Bitcoin. They simply receive money via M-Pesa, as they would with any normal transaction. - Encourages Bitcoin Adoption
While Tando simplifies payments for M-Pesa users, it also supports direct Bitcoin payments for businesses ready to embrace cryptocurrency.
Can I Send Bitcoin Instead of KES?
Yes! Tando supports direct Bitcoin transfers to businesses that accept Bitcoin as a form of payment. If you know a business owner interested in receiving Bitcoin, Tando provides onboarding support via email: hello@tando.me.
Why Use Tando for Payments?
For Senders:
- No need to worry about exchange rates or Bitcoin knowledge on the recipient’s side.
- Lower costs compared to traditional M-Pesa transfers.
- Fast and efficient, leveraging the power of the Lightning Network.
For Recipients:
- No app installation or account setup required.
- Money arrives directly in their M-Pesa wallet.
- A seamless experience that mirrors standard mobile money transactions.
Additional Features
- QR Code Payments
Merchants who support QR codes can make receiving payments even faster. Scan the QR code in the Tando app, and it will detect the payment method and amount automatically. - Broad Wallet Support
Tando supports a variety of Lightning wallets, such as:- Phoenix
- Blink
- Zeus
- Wallet of Satoshi
- Strike
- Bitnob
- Machankura
Get Started with Tando
Ready to experience the future of payments? Download the Tando app today and start sending Bitcoin seamlessly to M-Pesa users:
👉 Tando App Download Link
Explore more on the official website:
🌐 Tando Website
Follow Tando on Social Media
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