How to Opt Out of Fuliza: 5 Easy Steps

Fuliza can be helpful when you’re in a bind, but if you’re ready to take control of your finances, opting out is simple. Whether you’re tired of automatic deductions or trying to avoid daily fees, here’s how to easily opt out of Fuliza.

What Is Fuliza?

Fuliza is Safaricom’s mobile overdraft service through M-Pesa. It allows you to complete transactions even if your balance is insufficient. However, the money you borrow is automatically deducted when you receive cash in your M-Pesa account, often catching users off guard.

Fuliza is a popular Kenyan mobile overdraft service by Safaricom, linked to M-Pesa, allowing users to complete transactions (send money, pay bills, buy airtime) even with insufficient funds, by automatically covering the shortfall with a small, instantly-available loan, repaid automatically from future M-Pesa deposits, with associated fees. It’s activated via USSD (*334#) or the M-Pesa App, provides a credit limit reviewed periodically, and is crucial for daily mobile money needs in Kenya. 

How it Works

• Activation: Dial *334# on your Safaricom line, go to Loans & Savings, and select Fuliza M-PESA to opt-in.
• Usage: When you don’t have enough M-Pesa balance, Fuliza automatically tops up your transaction.
• Repayment: Any money deposited into your M-Pesa account automatically repays the Fuliza amount, plus fees, within 30 days.
• Transactions Supported: Sending money (registered/unregistered), Lipa na M-Pesa (Buy Goods/PayBill), and airtime purchases.
• Limitations: Cannot be used for agent/ATM withdrawals or accessing other loan/savings products. 

Why People Want to Opt Out

Here are a few reasons why people opt out of Fuliza:

• Unexpected automatic deductions.
• Want to save or budget better.
• Tired of daily access fees.
• Using alternatives like M-Shwari or Tala.

How to Opt Out of Fuliza

Option 1: Via M-Pesa Menu

1. Open your SIM Toolkit.
2. Tap Safaricom > M-PESA.
3. Scroll to Loans and Savings.
4. Select Fuliza.
5. Tap Opt Out.
6. Enter your M-PESA PIN to confirm.

✅ Click here for Safaricom’s official Fuliza info page.

Option 2: Via USSD Code

1. Dial *334#.
2. Choose Fuliza M-PESA.
3. Select Opt Out.
4. Enter your PIN to confirm.

Note: You must clear any outstanding Fuliza balance before successfully opting out.

What Happens After You Opt Out?

• No more overdrafts.
• No auto-deductions from incoming M-Pesa funds.
• You’ll need to top up your balance fully to complete transactions.
• Reactivate Fuliza anytime if needed.

How to Check Fuliza Status

1. Dial *334#.
2. Go to Fuliza > Check Status.

If it says you’re still active, ensure your Fuliza balance is fully cleared. Even a small amount (like KES 2) will block deactivation.

Alternatives to Fuliza

If you want an emergency loan that’s more flexible and doesn’t automatically deduct, consider these apps:

• M-Shwari: Save and borrow directly via M-Pesa.
• Tala: Fast mobile loans with app-based control.
• Branch: Flexible personal loan app.
• Zenka: Interest-free loans for first-time users.

Final Thoughts

Fuliza works for some, but if it’s causing stress or eating into your savings, it might be time to opt out. You can always reactivate it if necessary, but there are alternatives that offer more control over your finances.

Take control today. If you no longer need Fuliza, opting out is a quick and easy way to regain control of your M-Pesa account.

For more financial tips or mobile money guides, explore Safaricom’s official M-Pesa page or follow @SafaricomPLC on Twitter.