M-PESA, Kenya’s leading mobile money platform, continues to dominate daily financial transactions, enabling seamless money transfers, bill payments, and withdrawals. With over 30 million active users, Safaricom has revised its transaction charges for 2025, effective January, to align with changing economic dynamics and foster financial inclusivity. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the updated M-PESA fees, designed to help users navigate the platform efficiently.
Updated M-PESA Sending Money Charges
Sending Money to Registered M-PESA Users
Sending charges vary depending on the transaction amount. Low-value transactions between KSHS 1 and 100 remain free to encourage inclusivity.
| 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 |
Withdrawing Money from M-PESA Agents
Withdrawals at agents incur fees depending on the amount, with a minimum allowable withdrawal of KSHS 50.
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | Withdrawal Fee (KSHS) |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 |
ATM Withdrawal Charges
For users withdrawing cash via ATMs, the following fees apply:
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | ATM Withdrawal 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
M-PESA offers several free services to enhance accessibility:
- Deposits
- Airtime purchases
- Registration
- Balance inquiries
- PIN changes
Key Considerations for M-PESA Users
- Maximum Account Balance: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum Daily Transaction Value: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum Amount per Transaction: KSHS 250,000
- Minimum Withdrawal Amount at Agents: KSHS 50
- Self-Reversal: For errors, forward the M-PESA message to 456 at no cost.
How to Minimize M-PESA Costs
- Combine Transactions: Avoid multiple small transfers.
- Use Free Features: Take advantage of free airtime purchases and balance inquiries.
- Monitor Fees Regularly: Stay updated on the latest charges.
- Plan Ahead: Group smaller transactions into larger ones to save on fees.
Competitive Landscape: M-PESA vs. Other Mobile Money Services
M-PESA remains a leader, but competitors like Airtel Money offer lower fees in some categories. For example, sending KSHS 1,000 via Airtel Money costs KSHS 11 compared to M-PESA’s KSHS 13. While M-PESA provides unmatched coverage and reliability, exploring alternatives for specific transactions can be cost-effective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What services are free on M-PESA in 2025?
Deposits, balance checks, PIN changes, and airtime purchases remain free.
2. What is the maximum daily transaction limit?
You can transact up to KSHS 500,000 per day.
3. Can I deposit money directly into another user’s account at an agent?
No, deposits must go through your account before transferring.
4. How do I reverse a wrong transaction?
Forward the transaction message to 456 to initiate a free self-reversal.
M-PESA’s updated charges for 2025 reflect Safaricom’s commitment to balancing cost-efficiency with inclusivity. By understanding these changes, users can make better financial decisions and maximize the benefits of Kenya’s most popular mobile money service.
