Setting Up Payouts

Before you can receive instant payouts on Opengates, you need to set up a payout method. This is how the platform knows where to send your money when a client releases payment. Opengates processes all payouts through Paystack, a trusted and secure payment provider widely used across Africa. This guide walks you through every step of the setup process, from choosing your payout method to completing identity verification.

Payout Methods Available

Opengates currently supports two payout methods, both processed through Paystack:

M-Pesa

M-Pesa is a mobile money service that allows you to receive funds directly to your phone. It is the fastest payout option available on Opengates and is ideal for freelancers in Kenya who want quick access to their earnings.

Advantages of M-Pesa:

• Fastest processing time — funds typically arrive within minutes
• No need for a traditional bank account
• Widely accepted across Kenya for payments, transfers, and purchases
• Easy to set up with just your phone number

Bank Transfer

Bank transfer sends your earnings directly to your linked bank account. This method is suitable for freelancers who prefer to receive larger amounts in their bank account or who need to manage funds through traditional banking services.

Advantages of bank transfer:

• Ideal for larger payout amounts
• Funds go directly into your bank account for easy financial management
• Works with all major Kenyan banks
• Suitable for freelancers who need bank statements for financial records

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Navigate to Payment Settings

1. Open the Opengates app or website and log in to your account.
2. Go to your Profile or Account Settings.
3. Find and tap on Payment Settings or Payout Methods.
4. You will see the payout configuration page where you can add and manage your payout methods.

Step 2: Choose Your Payout Method

On the payout configuration page, you will see the available options:

• M-Pesa — Select this if you want to receive payouts to your M-Pesa account.
• Bank Transfer — Select this if you prefer payouts to your bank account.

You can set up one or both methods. If you have both configured, payouts will be sent to your default method.

Step 3: Link Your M-Pesa Account

If you selected M-Pesa as your payout method:

1. Enter your M-Pesa phone number — This must be the phone number registered with your M-Pesa account. Make sure to include the country code (e.g., +254 for Kenya).
2. Verify your phone number — Opengates will send a verification code via SMS to the phone number you provided. Enter this code in the app to confirm that you own the M-Pesa account.
3. Confirm the details — Double-check that the phone number is correct. An incorrect number could result in funds being sent to the wrong person, and recovering misdirected payments can be difficult.
4. Save your M-Pesa details — Once verified, your M-Pesa account is linked and ready to receive payouts.

Important tips for M-Pesa setup:

• Make sure your M-Pesa account is active and not suspended.
• Ensure your M-Pesa account has not reached its maximum balance limit, as this could cause failed payouts.
• The name on your M-Pesa account should match the name on your Opengates account for security purposes.

Step 4: Link Your Bank Account

If you selected bank transfer as your payout method:

1. Select your bank — Choose your bank from the dropdown list of supported Kenyan banks. Opengates supports all major banks including Equity Bank, KCB, Co-operative Bank, ABSA, Standard Chartered, and many others.
2. Enter your account number — Provide your bank account number exactly as it appears on your bank statement or banking app.
3. Enter the account holder name — This must match the name registered on your bank account.
4. Provide your branch code (if required) — Some banks may require a branch code or sort code. Check with your bank if you are unsure.
5. Verify your bank details — Opengates may make a small test deposit to your account to verify the details. You will need to confirm the exact amount received to complete verification.
6. Save your bank details — Once verified, your bank account is linked and ready to receive payouts.

Important tips for bank account setup:

• Use a personal bank account in your name — business accounts may require additional verification.
• Double-check your account number before saving. Incorrect account numbers can cause failed or misdirected payments.
• Make sure your bank account is active and in good standing.

Step 5: Complete Identity Verification

To protect against fraud and comply with financial regulations, Opengates requires identity verification before you can receive payouts. This is a one-time process that ensures the person receiving money is who they claim to be.

What you will need:

1. Government-issued photo ID — This can be a national ID card, passport, or driver's license. The document must be valid (not expired) and clearly readable.
2. A selfie or photo of yourself — You may be asked to take a live selfie or upload a recent photo for facial verification.
3. Proof of address (in some cases) — A utility bill, bank statement, or other official document showing your name and address.

Verification process:

1. Go to Payment Settings → Identity Verification.
2. Upload a clear photo or scan of your government-issued ID (front and back if applicable).
3. Take a selfie or upload a recent photo of yourself.
4. Submit any additional documents if requested.
5. Wait for verification — this typically takes 1 to 3 business days. You will receive a notification once your identity is verified.

Tips for successful verification:

• Make sure photos are clear, well-lit, and not blurry.
• All text on your ID should be readable.
• Your selfie should clearly show your face — remove sunglasses, hats, or anything that obscures your features.
• The name on your ID must match the name on your Opengates account.

Setting Your Preferred Payout Method

If you have both M-Pesa and a bank account linked, you can set one as your default payout method:

1. Go to Payment Settings → Payout Methods.
2. You will see both your linked methods listed.
3. Tap Set as Default next to the method you prefer.
4. The default method will be used for all instant payouts when clients release payment.

How Instant Payouts Work

Once your payout method is set up and verified, all payouts happen instantly and automatically:

1. A client approves your work and releases the payment.
2. The platform fee is deducted.
3. The remaining amount is instantly sent to your default payout method.

There is no need to manually request a payout — the money arrives in your M-Pesa or bank account immediately.

Updating Your Payout Details

If you need to change your payout method — for example, if you get a new phone number or switch banks — you can update your details at any time:

1. Go to Payment Settings → Payout Methods.
2. Select the method you want to update.
3. Tap Edit or Update Details.
4. Enter your new information.
5. Complete any required re-verification steps.
6. Save the changes.

For security purposes, updating payout details may trigger additional verification steps, and there may be a short hold period before the new method becomes active. This is to prevent unauthorized changes to your payout destination.

Troubleshooting Payout Setup

"Verification failed" error

• Make sure your ID photos are clear and all text is readable.
• Ensure the name on your ID matches your Opengates account name exactly.
• Try uploading photos in a different format (JPG or PNG) if one is not accepted.
• If the issue persists, contact support for manual verification assistance.

"Phone number already in use" (M-Pesa)

• Each M-Pesa number can only be linked to one Opengates account.
• If you previously had a different Opengates account, you may need to unlink the number from that account first.
• Contact support if you believe this is an error.

"Bank account not found" or "Invalid account number"

• Double-check your account number for typos.
• Make sure you selected the correct bank from the dropdown list.
• Verify that your account is active and not dormant.
• Try entering the account number without spaces or special characters.

Test deposit not received

• Bank test deposits can take 1 to 3 business days to appear.
• Check your bank statement or mobile banking app for small deposits from Paystack or Opengates.
• If you still do not see it after 3 business days, contact support.

Security Best Practices

• Never share your Opengates login credentials with anyone claiming to help set up payouts.
• Verify your payout details carefully before saving — incorrect details can lead to lost funds.
• Enable two-factor authentication on your Opengates account for added security.
• Monitor your payout history regularly to catch any unauthorized activity.
• Keep your contact information up to date so you receive security notifications.

Still need help? Contact our support team and we'll be happy to assist you.