M-PESA Transfer Details

[Papa Carder]

M-PESA is a mobile money service launched by Safaricom in Kenya in 2007, allowing users to send, receive, and withdraw money, pay bills, and access financial services via mobile phones. It operates primarily through USSD codes, the M-PESA app (mySafaricom), or agents, and is widely used for peer-to-peer transfers, merchant payments, and loans/savings via integrations like M-Shwari. As of 2026, M-PESA supports transfers to other M-PESA users, Airtel Money, Telkom T-Kash, and bank accounts, with a focus on low-cost digital transactions. The service is regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya and emphasizes financial inclusion, with over 50 million users.

How M-PESA Transfers Work​

M-PESA transfers are simple and can be done via phone without internet (USSD) or with the app for added features. Funds are stored in a mobile wallet linked to your SIM card, and transfers are instant between M-PESA users.

Steps to Make a Transfer​

1. Register for M-PESA: Activate via Safaricom SIM (dial *150# or app); provide ID for verification at an agent if needed.
2. Deposit Funds: Visit an agent, use bank-to-M-PESA, or receive from others (deposits are free).
3. Send Money:
   • Via USSD: Dial *150# > Send Money > Enter recipient's phone number > Amount > PIN.
   • Via App: Open mySafaricom app > M-PESA > Send Money > Select contact or enter number > Amount > Confirm.
   • Confirmation SMS sent to both parties.
4. Receive/Withdraw: Recipient gets SMS; withdraw at agent or transfer further.

Transfers to other networks (e.g., Airtel) use the same fees as to M-PESA. International transfers are possible via partnerships, but domestic is primary.

Fees for M-PESA Transfers (2026)​

Fees are tiered by amount and apply to sending/withdrawing. Sending up to Ksh100 is free; withdrawals start from Ksh11. Deposits and transfers to own Pochi La Biashara (business till) are free.

Send Money Fees (to M-PESA or Other Registered Users)​

Amount (Ksh)	Fee (Ksh)
1-49	Free
50-100	Free
101-500	7
501-1,000	13
1,001-1,500	23
1,501-2,500	33
2,501-3,500	53
3,501-5,000	57
5,001-7,500	78
7,501-10,000	90
10,001-15,000	100
15,001-20,000	105
20,001-35,000	108
35,001-50,000	108
50,001-250,000	108

Withdrawal Fees (from M-PESA Agent)​

Amount (Ksh)	Fee (Ksh)
1-49	N/A
50-100	11
101-500	29
501-1,000	29
1,001-1,500	29
1,501-2,500	29
2,501-3,500	52
3,501-5,000	57
5,001-7,500	76
7,501-10,000	88
10,001-15,000	98
15,001-20,000	103
20,001-35,000	106
35,001-50,000	108
50,001-150,000	108
150,001-250,000	309

Note: Fees for transfers to unregistered users or other networks are the same as to registered M-PESA users. ATM withdrawals have different fees (e.g., Ksh34 for Ksh101-2,500).

Limits for M-PESA Transfers (2026)​

• Maximum Per Transaction: Ksh250,000 for sending/withdrawing.
• Maximum Daily Transaction: Ksh500,000.
• Maximum Account Balance: Ksh500,000.
• Minimum Transfer: Ksh1 (but fees apply above Ksh100).
• Verification Impact: Registered users have full limits; no additional tiers beyond basic registration.

Pros and Cons of M-PESA Transfers​

• Pros: Instant, low/no fees for small amounts, widely accessible (over 200,000 agents in Kenya), integrates with banks/apps, secure with PIN, promotes financial inclusion.
• Cons: Fees increase with amount, daily/transaction limits, agent queues for withdrawals, potential network issues in rural areas, no international transfers directly (use partners like Western Union).

For international top-ups to M-PESA, use services like Wise or Remitly. If you need more on a specific aspect, let me know!