How To Use CBE Birr to Pay Utilities: Water, Electricity, Tele, DSTV, Traffic

how to use cbe birr to pay utilities water electricity tele dstv traffic

What is CBE Birr?

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) has launched its mobile money services called CBE Birr.

CBE Birr is a mobile based banking system, in which, the bank selects, trains and authorizes agents to provide banking services on behalf of the CBE bank through a mobile phone.

The system's main goal is to extend financial services to the unbanked segment of the Ethiopian population.

CBE Birr enables its users to deposit, withdraw, transfer money, buy mobile airtime, pay bills (utilities: electricity, water, telecom, DSTV, etc.) and make payments.

Customers can visit any Commercial Bank of Ethiopia branch or any authorized dealers, and then deposit any amount of cash, along with displaying their valid ID, and providing their phone number.

It is basically as easy as that.


How to Register with CBE Birr


1. Go to any Commercial Bank of Ethiopia branch or authorized CBE Birr dealer.

2. Show valid ID or CBE bank book.

3. Fill out a CBE Birr deposit slip and deposit any amount of cash.

4. Provide your phone number and download CBE Birr app (optional).

5. Receive your PIN code, which you can use through *847# or CBE Birr app.


cbe birr commercial bank of ethiopia mobile payments

How to Use CBE Birr to Pay Electricity Bill (ELPA/Ethiopian Electric Utility) using USSD or regular call:


1. Dial *847# (CBE-birr USSD service) on your phone.

2. Choose 5 for Pay Bill.

3. Choose 2 for Input Short Code.

4. Enter 707070 (ELPA/Ethiopian Electric Utility short code) when requested.

5. When asked for Bill Reference No, enter your Contract Account Number which you will find from your previous Electricity Bill.

6. When asked to confirm the payment, Reply 1.

7. Enter your CBE-Birr PIN number to finish the payment.


how to pay using cbe birr

How to Use CBE Birr to Pay Water Bill (AAWSA/Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority) using USSD or regular call:


1. Dial *847# (CBE-birr USSD service) on your phone.

2. Choose 5 for Pay Bill.

3. Choose 2 for Input Short Code.

4. Enter 878787 (AAWSA/ Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority short code) when requested.

5. When asked for Bill Reference No, enter your Customer Key Number which you will find from your previous Water Bill.

6. When asked to confirm the payment, Reply 1.

7. Enter your CBE-Birr PIN number to finish the payment.


How to Use CBE Birr to Pay Ethio Telecom Bill (WiFi, Postpaid, etc.) using USSD or regular call:


1. Dial *847# (CBE-birr USSD service) on your phone.

2. Choose 5 for Pay Bill.

3. Choose 4 for Ethio Telecom Bills Fixed-line, Post paid.

4. Choose 1 to input your Phone Number then your Service Number for the bill or...

5. Choose 2 to input your Account Number then your Account Code from your Ethio Telecom Contract.

6. When asked to confirm the payment, Reply 1.

7. Enter your CBE-Birr PIN number to finish the payment.


How to Use CBE Birr to Pay DSTV Bill (DSTV Africa Ethiopia) using USSD or regular call:


1. Dial *847# (CBE-birr USSD service) on your phone.

2. Choose 5 for Pay Bill.

3. Choose 2 for Input Short Code.

4. Enter 888100 (DSTV Africa Ethiopia short code) when requested.

5. When asked for Bill Reference No, enter your Contract Number which you will find from your previous DSTV Bill.

6. When asked to confirm the payment, Reply 1.

7. Enter your CBE-Birr PIN number to finish the payment.


How to Use CBE Birr to Pay Ethiopian Traffic Charges Bill (Addis Ababa City Transport Authority) using USSD or regular call:


1. Dial *847# (CBE-birr USSD service) on your phone.

2. Choose 5 for Pay Bill.

3. Choose 2 for Input Short Code.

4. Enter 979797 (Addis Ababa City Transport Authority short code) when requested.

5. When asked for Bill Reference No, enter your Number.

6. When asked to confirm the payment, Reply 1.

7. Enter your CBE-Birr PIN number to finish the payment.


How to Use the CBE Birr App - Android Google PlayStore and Apple AppStore:


cbe birr how to use app


1. Download the CBE Birr App on your respective device.

2. Call 951 to request a PIN number or visit your local CBE bank or dealer.

3. Input old PIN (the one you receive from CBE) then input new PIN (your choice) twice.

4. You can now Send Money, Cash Out, Buy Airtime, Buy Goods, and Pay Bills.


How to Use the CBE Birr App to Pay Utilities - Water, Electric, Tele, DSTv, Traffic Charges


1. Open CBE Birr App and choose Pay Bill

a. Biller Short Code for Water: 878787

b. Biller Short Code for Electric: 707070

c. Biller Short Code for Tele: Use *847# (look above for instructions)

d. Biller Short Code for DSTV: 888100

e. Biller Short Code for Traffic Charges: 979797


How to Report a Lost or Forgot CBE Birr Password and Get a New One


1. Call 951.

2. Tell operator your full name.

3. Receive new PIN code on phone through SMS.