How to apply

Apply via USSD or the STEMTIDE mobile app.

All STEMTIDE CREDIT loan applications happen through our USSD shortcode or the official Android app. Both channels handle registration, identity verification (KYC) and loan applications — securely, under your phone number.

No web forms, no PDF uploads, no walk-in paperwork. Your phone is the channel.

Two ways to apply

Pick the channel that fits your phone.

Same review team, same KYC checks, same loan products on either channel. Use whichever you’re comfortable with.

USSD shortcode Works on any phone — feature phone or smartphone — on Safaricom and Airtel. Charges apply at standard USSD rates.

*835*24#

STEMTIDE Android app Richer experience — view statements, upload documents, get push notifications. Recommended for repeat borrowers and asset finance.

Get on Google Play

USSD path

Register and apply in five steps.

Total time: 2–3 minutes. Make sure you’re using your own registered Safaricom or Airtel line — STEMTIDE uses your number for KYC and loan ownership.

1Dial *835*24# from your registered number. The session opens with a welcome screen and a registration prompt for first-time users.

2Register your details: National ID number, full name (as per ID), and a 4-digit PIN you’ll use to authenticate future sessions. Your phone number is captured automatically by the network.

3Complete KYC: the system verifies your ID against the IPRS register and confirms employer or income details where required for the product you want.

4Choose product and amount: select Salary Advance (or other available product), enter the amount, and confirm the displayed instalment, fees and total cost in writing.

5Receive the funds: approved loans disburse to your M-Pesa within minutes. Your repayment schedule is sent to you by SMS.

Note: Asset Finance and large business loans cannot be fully completed over USSD because they require document uploads (logbooks, valuations, invoices, contracts). Start the application via USSD and the team will direct you to the app or office to complete documentation.

Mobile app path

Download, register, KYC, apply.

The Android app gives you the full experience — document upload, statements, push notifications and offline-friendly forms. iOS app is on the way.

1Download the STEMTIDE app from Google Play. Open the app and tap Get started.

2Verify your phone number via the OTP sent to your registered Safaricom or Airtel line.

3Complete your profile — National ID, KRA PIN, employer or business details. The app guides you through what each loan family needs.

4Run KYC checks — the app verifies your ID against IPRS, runs a CRB pull (with your consent), and confirms income evidence you upload.

5Apply for any loan family — Non-Checkoff, Landlord, Business, Asset Finance or Employee Checkoff. Upload documents directly from your phone gallery or camera.

6Get notifications and disbursement — push notifications for status updates, signed offer letter inside the app, disbursement to M-Pesa or bank account.

Why USSD or app only

Security first.

STEMTIDE CREDIT does not accept loan applications through web forms, email or chat — and we never ask for upfront fees, OTPs or PINs over phone or SMS. Your phone-bound USSD session and signed-in app session are the only channels where loan applications are validated.

This protects you against impersonation and account-takeover scams. If anyone contacts you claiming to take a loan application by email, WhatsApp message or website form, treat it as fraud and contact us on +254 700 000 000.

Read fraud awareness

Phone-number-bound sessions (USSD or signed-in app)
4-digit PIN with lockout after failed attempts
OTP verification on the app
IPRS-verified identity, CRB check with explicit consent
Disbursement only to your registered M-Pesa or bank account
Written terms — including fees, total cost and repayment schedule — issued before acceptance

Have questions?

Talk to a STEMTIDE loan officer.

If you’re unsure which channel suits you, or you’re trying to do something the USSD/app doesn’t cover (large business loan, asset finance with valuation, employer-checkoff onboarding), reach out — we’ll point you the right way.

Call us+254 700 000 000
Working hours, Mon–Sat. WhatsApp usQuick questions, document checks, status updates. Email ushello@stemtidecredit.co.ke
For business and asset-finance enquiries. Visit officeNairobi office, by appointment.

Applying constitutes acceptance of the STEMTIDE CREDIT Terms & Conditions (PDF).

Next step

Ready to apply?

Dial *835*24# from your registered phone, or download the STEMTIDE Android app to start.

Apply Now Request Callback