The service is provided by Thunes in partnership with Safaricom and PayPal. How to Top Up a Paypal Account From Mpesa. This is a money transfer service for joint PayPal and M-PESA customers that enables customers to move funds between their own M-PESA accounts and PayPal accounts.
With PayPal, customers can top up and withdraw funds in US-Dollars (USD) only; customer can manage their M-PESA account in Kenya shillings only.
If a customer has multiple currencies in the PayPal account, they will need to convert the funds into US-Dollars if they wish to withdraw the PayPal balance to the M-PESA account. To convert the funds, go to the “Manage Currencies” section in the PayPal account.
This service is only offered to users in Kenya with registered M-PESA accounts, Google (PayPal) accounts, and Android devices.
What is M-PESA PayPal?
This is a money transfer service for joint PayPal and M-PESA customers that enables customers to move funds between their own M-PESA account and PayPal account.
M-PESA and PayPal are widely used digital payment platforms. M-PESA is operated by Safaricom in Kenya, while PayPal is an international online payment service. Many users often want to move funds between the two platforms but are unsure how the process works.
An M-PESA to PayPal transfer is possible through Safaricom’s PayPal integration inside the M-PESA app. However, before sending money, you must link both accounts. The service is available only to Kenyan M-PESA users, and both accounts must be registered under the same name.
Requirements for an M-PESA to PayPal Transfer
Before transferring funds, ensure you meet the following conditions:
A registered Safaricom M-PESA account
A Kenyan PayPal account with nationality set to Kenya
The latest version of the M-PESA app on Android or iOS
Matching names on both accounts
The same phone number linked correctly
A smartphone with active internet connection
If the names or details do not match, the system may reject the linking process.
How to Link PayPal to M-PESA
You must link your accounts before making your first M-PESA to PayPal transfer.
Open the M-PESA app and confirm it is updated.
Navigate to the Finance or Global Payments section.
Select the PayPal option.
Log in using your PayPal email and password.
Enter your Safaricom mobile number registered with M-PESA.
You will receive a 4-digit verification code via SMS.
Enter the code to complete verification.
Once verified, your accounts will be successfully linked.
Steps to Transfer Money from M-PESA to PayPal
After linking, follow these steps to top up your PayPal account:
Open the M-PESA app.
Go to Global Payments.
Select PayPal.
Choose Top Up.
Enter the amount in US dollars (USD).
The app will automatically display the equivalent amount in Kenyan Shillings (KES), including the current exchange rate.
A 4 percent conversion fee is charged for the top-up. In addition, standard M-PESA transaction charges may apply.
Before confirming, carefully review:
The exchange rate
The total KES amount
The conversion fee
The estimated processing time
To complete the transaction, enter your M-PESA PIN or use biometric authentication such as fingerprint or Face ID.
Confirmation and Notifications
Once the M-PESA to PayPal transfer is successful, you will receive:
An in-app confirmation notification
An SMS from Safaricom showing the USD amount credited
An email from PayPal with full transaction details
A transaction ID for reference
Most transfers are processed in real time, although occasional delays may occur.
Important Notes
The service works only for Kenyan PayPal accounts.
Both accounts must belong to the same person.
Always confirm the exchange rate before approval.
Ensure your PayPal account is verified to avoid transaction issues.
Conclusion
An M-PESA to PayPal transfer is straightforward once your accounts are linked. By using the Global Payments section inside the M-PESA app, you can quickly top up your PayPal balance in USD. Always review transaction details carefully, including fees and exchange rates, before entering your PIN.
Who does a customer call in case of any queries?
In case of any queries or more information:
- Call 100 or 200.
- Call: +254 722 002100 for prepaid customers and +254 722 002200 for post-pay customers (Chargeable)
- Twitter: @Safaricom_Care and @SafaricomPLC
- Facebook: @SafaricomPLC
- Visit any Safaricom shop.
