Telebirr credit service gives users quick access to loans without collateral through mobile. Main options include Telebirr Mela (micro-loans), Endekise overdraft, Sanduk savings-based credit, and newer products like Endera microcredit and salary loans. It works as a digital micro-loan platform using AI-driven credit scoring to decide limits.
How telebirr Credit Works: Types & Features
Telebirr Credit is Ethiopia’s first large-scale mobile money credit service. It allows users to borrow small or large amounts without traditional collateral. The system runs on digital credit scoring, powered by AI, which evaluates a user’s transaction history, mobile usage, and repayment behavior.
Based on this score, eligible customers can instantly access different credit products from daily micro-loans to long-term salary advances.
Telebirr Mela – Daily, Weekly, Monthly Micro-Loans
The Telebirr Mela service provides quick micro-loans that can be borrowed on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
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Borrow up to 2,000 birr/day
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Borrow up to 10,000 birr/month
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Flexible repayment terms with small service charges
The product is designed for day-to-day expenses and emergency needs. Loans are approved in seconds using AI-based credit scores in partnership with Dashen Bank.
Endekise (Overdraft) – Instant Credit When Balance Is Low
Endekise works as an overdraft facility. When a customer’s wallet balance is too low to complete a transaction, Telebirr automatically covers the shortage.
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Limits are based on the customer’s credit score
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Service charges apply per overdraft usage
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Best for airtime top-ups, utility bills, and small payments
Sanduk (Kuteba) – Save-and-Borrow Feature
The Sanduk (Kuteba) feature encourages saving while offering credit access. Customers deposit regularly into a savings account, which qualifies them for larger loans later.
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Flexible savings program
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Loan amounts increase with saving discipline
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May include small interest benefits depending on terms
New Credit Options via Siinqee Bank: Endera & Salary Loans
Recently, Siinqee Bank introduced more advanced loan products through Telebirr:
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Endera Microcredit: borrow up to 30,000 birr for small businesses and personal use
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Salary Loans: advance up to 5 months’ salary (maximum 1 million birr)
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Extra benefits: device financing plans and interest-bearing savings accounts
Eligibility, Registration & How to Apply for telebirr Credit
Getting started with Telebirr Credit is simple. Customers can register through:
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Telebirr App – quick onboarding and loan requests directly from the mobile app
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USSD 127# – easy access for feature phone users without internet
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Agent-based Registration – available at authorized Telebirr agents nationwide
Eligibility is determined by digital credit scoring. Telebirr uses AI-driven evaluation of a customer’s transaction history, wallet activity, and repayment discipline to decide loan limits and approval.
Interest Rates, Fees & Repayment Terms
Telebirr applies different charges depending on the product type:
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Telebirr Mela (Daily, Weekly, Monthly)
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Daily loans: small service fees, short repayment cycle
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Weekly/monthly: higher limits with proportional interest
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Endekise (Overdraft)
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Service charge per transaction when overdraft is triggered
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Fees vary by credit amount used
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Sanduk (Kuteba) & Endera/Salary Loans
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Flexible repayment terms linked to savings or salary cycles
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Penalties apply for delayed repayment
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Clear repayment timelines and transparent charges make it easier for customers to manage short- and long-term borrowing.
Advantages of telebirr Credit Service
Telebirr Credit brings multiple benefits to Ethiopian customers:
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Fast disbursement – instant approval and wallet credit
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No collateral required – eligibility is based on digital scoring, not assets
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Inclusive access – open to millions of mobile money users
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Mobile-based convenience – apply and repay anytime via app or USSD
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Large-scale disbursement – supports daily and business needs
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Smart digital scoring – AI ensures fair and flexible loan limits
Risks, Considerations & Best Practices
While Telebirr Credit is convenient, borrowers should be mindful of:
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Penalties for late repayment – extra charges may apply if deadlines are missed
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Data privacy – digital scoring relies on financial and mobile usage data
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Eligibility risks – poor repayment history can reduce or block loan access
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Responsible borrowing – only borrow what you can repay to avoid long-term debt
Practicing smart financial habits ensures customers enjoy the benefits of Telebirr Credit without unnecessary risks.
Telebirr Credit Service Summarizing:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Loan Types | – Telebirr Mela (Daily, Weekly, Monthly) – Endekise (Overdraft) – Sanduk (Kuteba) – Endera Microcredit & Salary Loans |
| Eligibility Criteria | Based on AI-powered digital credit scoring derived from mobile usage and transaction history. |
| Registration Methods | – Telebirr App – *USSD 127# – Agent-based Registration |
| Loan Limits | – Telebirr Mela: Up to 10,000 birr/month – Endekise: Varies based on balance – Endera Microcredit: Up to 30,000 birr – Salary Loans: Up to 1 million birr |
| Repayment Terms | Flexible terms: Daily, Weekly, Monthly. Repayment deadlines based on loan type. |
| Interest Rates/Fees | – Telebirr Mela: Low fees for daily loans, higher for monthly loans. – Endekise: Overdraft charges apply per transaction. |
| Collateral Requirement | None – Loans are based on digital credit score. |
| Payment Channels | – Telebirr app – USSD *127# – Authorized agents |
| Loan Disbursement | Instant loan approval and disbursement to Telebirr wallet. |
| Penalties | Late payment penalties may apply. |
| Benefits | – Fast and convenient mobile access – No collateral needed – AI-based credit scoring for personalized approval |
| Risks/Considerations | – Late payment penalties – Privacy concerns regarding financial data – Potential reduced loan eligibility due to missed payments |
Student Telebirr Credit Service
Telebirr Credit helps students get the funds they need during their studies. You can borrow money easily, without needing collateral.
How It Works
To use Telebirr Credit, you must have a Telebirr account and be enrolled in a recognized school. Your digital credit score will determine how much you can borrow and the loan terms. You can borrow for things like books, transportation, or even small personal expenses.
Types of Student Credit
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Telebirr Mela (Micro-Loans): Borrow up to 2,000 birr per day for daily needs like books or transportation.
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Endekise (Overdraft): Get instant credit if your balance is low. This is helpful for short-term needs.
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Sanduk (Kuteba): Save money and borrow from your savings. It’s great for larger expenses like tuition fees.
Benefits of Student Telebirr Credit
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No collateral: You don’t need to provide any assets.
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Quick access: Apply easily via the Telebirr app or USSD.
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Instant loans: Once approved, the funds go straight into your Telebirr wallet.
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Flexible repayments: Pay daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on your loan.
Things to Keep in Mind
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Borrow responsibly: Only take what you need and can afford to repay.
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Pay on time: Late payments can hurt your credit score and limit future borrowing.
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Understand the terms: Make sure you know the loan amounts, fees, and repayment dates.
FAQs about Telebirr Credit
How do I apply for Telebirr Credit?
You can apply through the Telebirr app, USSD *127#, or by visiting an authorized agent.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Eligibility is based on your digital credit score, which is calculated from your mobile usage and transaction history.
Can I borrow without collateral?
Yes, no collateral is required. Loan approval depends on your digital credit score.
What are the interest rates?
Rates vary. Daily loans tend to have lower fees, while monthly loans and overdrafts may have higher fees.
How do I repay the loan?
Repay via the Telebirr app, USSD, or an authorized agent.
Are there penalties for late repayment?
Yes, penalties apply if you miss a payment. Try to repay on time to avoid extra charges.
How quickly can I get the loan amount?
Once approved, the loan is sent directly to your Telebirr wallet.
Conclusion
Telebirr Credit makes borrowing money simple. You don’t need collateral, and the process is fast. Just apply through the Telebirr app or USSD, and get approved based on your digital credit score. Repayment is flexible, and the loan is disbursed straight to your Telebirr wallet. Always repay on time to avoid penalties.
