How to Create Telebirr or Fayda Wallet Easily in Ethiopia 2025

Telebirr is a mobile wallet by Ethio Telecom. It helps people send, receive, and store money through their phone. Fayda Wallet is linked with the Ethiopian national ID system.

It works as a digital ID wallet and supports secure payments and verification. Both wallets are made to support financial inclusion in Ethiopia. They give access to fast and reliable mobile payments for people without bank accounts.

By connecting with national identity systems and offering eKYC services, Telebirr and Fayda make money transfers and identity checks simple. This makes daily transactions easier and safer for millions of users.

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What Is Telebirr? Ethiopia’s Mobile Money Platform

Telebirr is the mobile money service of Ethio Telecom. It was launched on 11 May 2021 to give people an easy way to pay and transfer money. With the Telebirr app, users can send cash, pay bills, and recharge airtime.

It makes day-to-day payments faster and supports cashless transactions in Ethiopia. Millions of people now use Telebirr. It has strong links with banks, shops, and government services.

Telebirr Registration Methods

You can open a Telebirr account in three ways. Through the Telebirr SuperApp, by dialing *127#, or by visiting an agent or shop.

Step-by-Step: Registering via Telebirr App

Download the Telebirr SuperApp from Google Play.
Enter your phone number in the app.
Receive an SMS code to confirm your number.
Add your personal details.
Create a PIN for security.

This is the easiest way to self-create a Telebirr account. It takes only a few minutes to finish user onboarding.

Registering via USSD Code

Dial *127#.
Enter your name, date of birth, and invitation code.
Receive your new PIN.
Activate the wallet with that PIN.

This method is quick for people without smartphones. It works on any phone with a network signal.

Registering via Agent or Ethio Telecom Shop

Visit the nearest Telebirr agent or Ethio Telecom shop. Show your ID and complete the form with their help. New users often get a 15 Birr bonus balance after signup. This makes shop-based onboarding a popular choice.

What Is Fayda Wallet? — Ethiopia’s Digital ID & Credential Wallet

Fayda Wallet is part of Ethiopia’s new national digital ID system. It is developed by the National ID Program (NIDP) in partnership with TECH5 and Visa. The app is also known as FaydaPass.

It works as a digital ID wallet that stores personal credentials safely on a phone. Fayda helps users prove who they are through secure biometric eKYC. This makes it easier to access banks, payments, and other services that need identity checks.

Downloading & Setting Up the Fayda App

The Fayda app is available on Google Play. It allows users to manage their digital ID from their phone. The latest version was updated on August 25, 2025. Once installed, users can log in and start setting up their credentials.

Requesting Your Digital Fayda Credential

After downloading, users can request a Fayda digital ID credential. This is a verifiable credential that proves identity inside the app. The credential is issued by the national ID system and delivered to the wallet. Once active, it can be shared with banks, telecoms, and other service providers.

Using Fayda Wallet for Banking & Payments

Fayda is already linked with Co-op Bank of Ethiopia. Users can open a bank account directly through the wallet. Through biometric eKYC, the wallet also allows users to get a virtual Visa card. This makes digital onboarding and payments faster and safer.

Access for Users Without Smartphones

Fayda also works for people who do not have smartphones. They can use agent-mediated Fayda access through custodian wallets. Agents enroll users with biometric data to create their digital ID. This helps promote digital inclusion for underserved groups.

Telebirr vs Fayda Wallet — Comparison & Use Cases

Telebirr is built mainly for mobile money and payments. Fayda Wallet is focused on digital ID and verifiable credentials. Telebirr accounts can be opened by app, USSD, or agents.

Fayda wallets are created through the app, agents, or custodian models. Telebirr relies on mobile money systems. Fayda is based on national ID, biometrics, and verifiable credentials.

Feature	Telebirr Wallet	Fayda Wallet
Purpose	Mobile money, payments, cashless transactions	Digital ID wallet, verifiable credentials
Launched by	Ethio Telecom (May 2021)	National ID Program (NIDP) with TECH5 & Visa
Main Use	Send/receive money, pay bills, recharge airtime	Store and share digital ID, eKYC, banking access
Registration Methods	App (Telebirr SuperApp), USSD *127#, Agent/shop	Fayda app, Agent enrollment, Custodian wallet
Technology Partners	Huawei, scalable TPS system	TECH5, Visa, biometric systems, SSI, W3C, eIDAS
User Base Focus	Urban areas, smartphone & USSD users	Inclusive of both smartphone and non-smartphone users
Banking Link	Works with multiple banks for payments	Integrated with Co-op Bank, supports virtual Visa card
Inclusion Impact	Expands mobile money adoption in Ethiopia	Provides national ID access for underserved communities

Technology & Partners Behind Each Wallet

Telebirr is powered by Huawei and managed by Ethio Telecom. It supports high transactions per second (TPS) for mass payments. Fayda is built by TECH5 and Visa with biometric systems. It uses SSI and open standards like W3C and eIDAS for security.

Target Users & Financial Inclusion

Telebirr is popular in urban areas. It is used for cashless transactions and mobile vouchers. Fayda is more inclusive as it works with or without smartphones. It connects people to the national ID system, even in rural areas.

Tips for a Smooth Registration & Setup

Have a stable internet connection when registering with the app. Or use the USSD code option for Telebirr if the internet is weak. Keep your ID documents ready for both Telebirr and Fayda. Always use the latest app version to avoid setup errors.

Conclusion

Both Telebirr and Fayda Wallet are changing how people in Ethiopia access money and identity services. Telebirr is focused on mobile money, payments, and cashless transactions. Fayda Wallet is built around the national ID system and digital credentials.

Together, they make it easier for people to send money, prove identity, and join the formal economy. The two wallets serve different needs but work toward one goal — financial and digital inclusion in Ethiopia.

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between Telebirr and Fayda Wallet?
Telebirr is a mobile money service by Ethio Telecom. Fayda is a digital ID wallet linked to Ethiopia’s national identity program.

Q2. How do I register for Telebirr?
You can register using the Telebirr app, by dialing *127#, or by visiting an agent/shop.

Q3. How do I get a Fayda digital ID credential?
Download the Fayda app from Google Play. Request a verifiable credential, and it will be issued to your wallet.

Q4. Can I use Telebirr without internet?
Yes. You can use the USSD code *127# to access services without a smartphone or internet.

Q5. Can I use Fayda without a smartphone?
Yes. Fayda supports agent-mediated access through custodian wallets. Agents enroll users with biometric data to create their digital ID.

Q6. Can Fayda be used for banking?
Yes. Fayda works with Co-op Bank of Ethiopia. You can open accounts and even get a virtual Visa card through biometric eKYC.

Q7. Is Telebirr safe to use?
Yes. Telebirr uses secure PIN protection and works under Ethio Telecom’s system.

Q8. Is Fayda safe for identity use?
Yes. Fayda follows biometric eKYC and international standards like W3C and eIDAS for security.