How to transfer cash to people has received relatively  little attention in evaluations of cash transfer programmes, and most programmes are  still experimenting  with a range of approaches.  The choice of payment system affects the costs and barriers faced by those  receiving cash  and the costs and risks of  successful programme implementation. This paper  presents qualitative and quantitative evidence on three  different payment systems being used in cash transfer programmes in  Kenya: payment to recipients’ mobile phones that can be  redeemed at various phone agents); payment through ‘Smartcards’ that can be redeemed at various banking agents using fingerprint technology for identification; and payment through post offices that recipients visit  to collect  their cash.  We compare challenges in implementing these  systems, difficulties recipients face in using them, and the effects these systems have on  the impact of cash transfer  programmes.