M-PESA, Kenya’s pioneering mobile money platform, continues to play a vital role in daily financial transactions. With over 30 million active users, Safaricom’s service has transformed how individuals send money, pay bills, and manage finances. The 2025 revision of M-PESA charges, effective January, reflects a drive towards inclusivity and adapting to an evolving financial landscape. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the new charges and tips to optimize your M-PESA usage.
Revised Sending Charges for 2025
Sending money on M-PESA now has updated fees based on transaction amounts and recipient registration status. Below are the latest charges for sending money to registered M-PESA users:
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | Transfer Fee (KSHS) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Note: Transactions below KSHS 100 remain free, fostering financial inclusion for low-value exchanges.
Withdrawal Charges from M-PESA Agents
Here’s what you’ll pay to withdraw money at an M-PESA agent:
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | Withdrawal Fee (KSHS) |
|---|---|
| 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 | 69 |
| 5,001 – 7,500 | 87 |
| 7,501 – 10,000 | 115 |
| 10,001 – 15,000 | 167 |
| 15,001 – 20,000 | 185 |
| 20,001 – 35,000 | 197 |
| 35,001 – 50,000 | 278 |
| 50,001 – 250,000 | 309 |
Note: Withdrawals below KSHS 50 are not allowed at agent outlets.
ATM Withdrawal Charges
For those who prefer ATM withdrawals, the charges are as follows:
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | Fee (KSHS) |
|---|---|
| 200 – 2,500 | 35 |
| 2,501 – 5,000 | 69 |
| 5,001 – 10,000 | 115 |
| 10,001 – 35,000 | 203 |
Free M-PESA Services
Certain services on M-PESA remain free, offering cost-effective options for users:
- Deposits
- Registration
- Airtime purchases
- Balance inquiries
- PIN changes
Key Guidelines for 2025
- Account Limits:
- Maximum balance: KSHS 500,000
- Daily transaction limit: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum per transaction: KSHS 250,000
- Self-Reversal:
Forward incorrect transaction messages to 456 for reversal—free of charge. - Deposits:
Direct deposits into another user’s account via an agent are prohibited.
Comparative Insights
M-PESA faces competition from services like Airtel Money, which often provide lower rates for similar transactions. For instance, sending KSHS 1,000 costs KSHS 11 on Airtel Money compared to KSHS 13 on M-PESA.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Combine Transactions: Avoid multiple small transfers to minimize charges.
- Use Free Features: Pay for airtime or inquire about balances without incurring costs.
- Monitor Updates: Stay informed about fee changes to maximize savings.
- Plan Ahead: Batch transactions within lower fee brackets to save on charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What services are free on M-PESA?
Deposits, balance inquiries, PIN changes, and airtime purchases are free.
2. What is the daily transaction limit?
You can transact up to KSHS 500,000 daily.
3. How can I reverse money sent to the wrong number?
Forward the message to 456. The reversal process is free.
4. Can I deposit money into another user’s account at an agent outlet?
No, direct deposits into another account are not allowed.
5. What are the withdrawal charges for small amounts?
Withdrawals below KSHS 50 are not permitted.
Final Thoughts
M-PESA remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s financial ecosystem, offering both convenience and inclusivity. Understanding the updated charges for 2025 ensures smarter transactions and cost-effective use of this vital service. Whether for daily needs or larger financial activities, M-PESA continues to evolve, reflecting its commitment to its growing user base. Stay informed and make the most of what M-PESA has to offer!
