M-PESA, Kenya’s flagship mobile money platform, continues to redefine financial inclusivity in the digital age. With over 30 million active users, it remains central to everyday transactions, including money transfers, bill payments, and withdrawals. Safaricom’s newly revised transaction charges for 2025, effective January, aim to reflect the evolving financial landscape while promoting greater inclusivity. This analysis explores the updated charges and offers actionable insights for M-PESA users.
Revised Sending Money Charges for 2025
Transfers to Registered M-PESA Users
M-PESA’s charges for sending money depend on the amount and the recipient’s registration status. Here’s the breakdown for 2025:
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 small-scale transactions.
Withdrawal Charges for M-PESA Agents
Withdrawing funds from M-PESA agents incurs the following charges:
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.
ATM Withdrawal Fees
Using M-PESA’s ATM withdrawal services incurs the following fees:
Transaction Range (KSHS) | ATM Fee (KSHS) |
---|---|
200 – 2,500 | 35 |
2,501 – 5,000 | 69 |
5,001 – 10,000 | 115 |
10,001 – 35,000 | 203 |
Free Services and Limits
M-PESA offers several free services and account limitations designed to enhance the user experience:
- Free Services: Deposits, M-PESA registration, airtime purchases, balance inquiries, and PIN changes.
- Maximum Daily Transaction Limit: KSHS 500,000.
- Maximum Per-Transaction Amount: KSHS 250,000.
- Maximum Account Balance: KSHS 500,000.
- Minimum Withdrawal Amount: KSHS 50.
- Self-Reversal: Forward the transaction message to 456 for a free reversal.
Key Considerations for M-PESA Users
- Cost-Efficiency: Plan transactions strategically to leverage free services and avoid multiple small transfers.
- Stay Updated: Regularly review M-PESA charges to avoid unexpected fees.
- Know Your Limits: Adhere to daily and per-transaction limits to avoid disruptions.
- Compare Alternatives: Evaluate competitors like Airtel Money, which often offers lower fees for certain transactions.
M-PESA vs. Competitors
In 2025, competing services like Airtel Money offer attractive alternatives. For instance:
- Sending KSHS 1,000 costs KSHS 13 via M-PESA compared to KSHS 11 on Airtel Money.
- Withdrawal fees also vary, with Airtel Money being more affordable in select ranges.
FAQs
- What are the free services on M-PESA? Deposits, PIN changes, balance checks, and airtime purchases are free.
- What is the maximum daily transaction limit? You can transact up to KSHS 500,000 daily.
- Can I deposit directly into another user’s account? No, this must be done through a transfer.
- How do I reverse a transaction? Forward the transaction message to 456 for a free reversal.
Conclusion
M-PESA’s updated charges for 2025 reflect its commitment to inclusivity while adapting to the evolving financial landscape. By understanding these changes, users can optimize their transactions and minimize costs. As Safaricom continues to innovate, M-PESA remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s digital economy, empowering millions daily. Stay informed, plan ahead, and make the most of M-PESA’s offerings.
