Tando App Review: Spend Bitcoin with M-Pesa

Description

The Tando app (beta) offers a groundbreaking solution for anyone in Kenya looking to experience life entirely on the Bitcoin standard. After testing its beta version, I found it incredibly simple and efficient, especially for users who want to send Bitcoin to M-Pesa users, buy goods, and pay bills with zero transaction fees.

In my review, after using the Tando Bitcoin app to send money to a friend in Kenya, I will highlight its unique features and benefits as well as areas where the app could be improved.

During a visit to African Bitcoin Conference in Ghana in 2023, we learned that the Asante people had a deity of Thunder and Lightning. That deity was known as Tando. – Tando Team

One of the app’s standout features is its seamless integration with Kenya’s existing M-Pesa system. M-Pesa is a popular mobile money transfer service that allows users to send, receive, and store money using their mobile phones.

Through Tando, you can send Bitcoin directly to any Kenyan phone number, and the recipient receives the equivalent in Kenyan Shillings (KES). This functionality extends to paying for everyday expenses like electricity, rent, internet, and even groceries, making it incredibly versatile for daily use.

Through our boots-on-the-ground research we learned that most people in Kenya were more interested in using bitcoin as a Medium of Exchange (MoE) first, and Store of Value (SoV) second, which is the reverse of how most people in The West typically use bitcoin. By standing on the shoulders of giants, we figured we could help 54 million Kenyans change their MoE from KES to BTC with one easy-to-use app. An app that looked and worked nearly identical to the M-Pesa app that is ubiquitous throughout the country, but with just one small change – Bitcoin as the medium of exchange. – Tando Team.

How Tando Works

Tando’s no-signup process makes it incredibly accessible. After downloading the app, you’re immediately presented with four options: scan QR codes, send money, pay bills, and buy goods. The app is lean, intuitive, and respects your privacy—what you do with your money is strictly between you, the buyer, the seller, and the recipient.

For tourists and those sending remittances to Kenya, Tando is an excellent choice. It eliminates the need for tourists to use a local SIM card or withdraw cash from ATMs. Additionally, Tando integrates with existing payment systems, enabling business owners to conduct their business as usual even if they are not Bitcoiners.

Tando supports the Lightning Network, therefore once you choose a service, Tando generates a Lightning invoice that you pay using your Lightning wallet, converting your Bitcoin into KES for the recipient. The app supports a variety of Lightning wallets, including Phoenix, Blink, Machankura, Breeze, Strike, BitKit, Zeus, and Wallet of Satoshi, allowing for instant, near-zero-cost transactions.

M-Pesa forever changed the way people transacted in Kenya in 2007. Satoshi Nakamoto forever changed money for the world in 2009. Tando combines both of these two great inventions in 2024.

Tando Fees

I found that Tando’s most appealing aspect is its zero transaction fees. Unlike M-Pesa, there are no transaction fees for using Tando, which means you can save money while enjoying the benefits of a bitcoin-based financial system. Tando covers the transaction costs to incentivize users to adopt the Bitcoin standard, making it more cost-effective than M-Pesa.

Safety, Privacy, and Security

According to their Terms of Service, Tando prioritizes security to protect your data and transactions, using top-notch measures to prevent unauthorized access and other threats. Designed with your safety in mind, Tando ensures that your funds remain in your own Bitcoin wallet, not with Tando. With no KYC requirements or signups, your privacy and autonomy are fully preserved.

My Beta Phase Observations

It’s important to note that Tando is currently in its beta phase, launched in August 2024. As expected with any beta release, there are occasional bugs. For instance, during my testing in mid-August, I encountered an issue with the “Buy Goods” feature (paying to Till Numbers), which wasn’t functioning at the time.

Unlike M-Pesa, the app does not display the receiver’s name when sending funds, which could be a concern for users who rely on this feature for verification. Additionally, the app’s settings don’t allow for currency customization beyond Kenyan shillings for international users.

Moreover, recent transactions are placed under the “About Tando” tab, which also contains FAQs, rather than in a dedicated section, potentially causing confusion. Furthermore, there was a noticeable issue where the app continued to show the payment as “being sent” even though my recipient had already received the funds, with the final payment confirmation checkbox remaining unchecked. These are areas where the app could improve to enhance its functionality and user satisfaction.

Despite the minor hiccups expected in a beta version, Tando shows great promise in revolutionizing how Kenyans transact, offering a seamless and cost-effective way to live on the Bitcoin standard. I look forward to seeing how the app evolves and contributes to greater Bitcoin adoption in Kenya.

In order to spend Bitcoin, you first need to own it. Unfortunately, you can’t buy Bitcoin using the Tando app. However, you can use our guide on how to buy Bitcoin with M-Pesa in Kenya.

More Information

• How to Buy Bitcoin with M-Pesa in Kenya