M-PESA, Kenya’s leading mobile money service, continues to be an integral part of daily life, facilitating transactions like money transfers and bill payments for over 30 million active users. Safaricom has rolled out revised transaction charges for 2025, effective January, reflecting the evolving financial landscape and emphasizing inclusivity. This detailed guide explores the updated charges and provides actionable insights for users aiming to manage their finances efficiently.
Updated M-PESA Charges for Sending Money
M-PESA’s sending charges vary depending on the amount transferred and whether the recipient is registered. Below is the updated fee structure:
Sending Money to Registered M-PESA Users
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | 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 between KSHS 1 and 100 remain free, supporting low-value transactions and financial inclusivity.
Withdrawing Money from M-PESA Agents
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | 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 |
Note: Withdrawals under KSHS 50 are not allowed at agent outlets.
ATM Withdrawal Charges
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | Fee (KSHS) |
|---|---|
| 200 – 2,500 | 35 |
| 2,501 – 5,000 | 69 |
| 5,001 – 10,000 | 115 |
| 10,001 – 35,000 | 203 |
Additional Free Services
- Deposits
- M-PESA Registration
- Buying Airtime via M-PESA
- Balance Enquiry
- Changing M-PESA PIN
Key Considerations for M-PESA Users
- Maximum Account Balance: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum Daily Transaction Limit: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum Amount per Transaction: KSHS 250,000
- Minimum Withdrawal Amount at Agent Outlets: KSHS 50
- Self-Reversal: Forward the transaction message to 456 to initiate a reversal.
Comparing M-PESA with Other Mobile Money Services
While M-PESA dominates the Kenyan mobile money market, competitors like Airtel Money offer slightly lower rates for specific transactions. For example, sending KSHS 1,000 via Airtel Money costs KSHS 11, compared to M-PESA’s KSHS 13. Withdrawal fees also vary, with Airtel Money often providing more affordable options in select ranges.
How to Minimize M-PESA Transaction Costs
- Consolidate Transactions: Combine smaller transactions to avoid multiple charges.
- Utilize Free Services: Take advantage of features like free deposits and airtime purchases.
- Monitor Charges: Stay updated on M-PESA fees to optimize your usage.
- Plan Ahead: Align transactions with lower fee brackets whenever possible.
FAQs
1. What are the free services on M-PESA in 2025?
Deposits, balance inquiries, PIN changes, and airtime purchases are free.
2. What is the maximum daily transaction limit?
Users can transact up to KSHS 500,000 daily.
3. Can I deposit directly into another account at an agent outlet?
No, direct deposits into another user’s account at agent outlets are not allowed.
4. How can I reverse money sent to the wrong number?
Forward the transaction message to 456 to initiate a free reversal.
Conclusion
M-PESA’s updated transaction charges for 2025 reflect Safaricom’s commitment to enhancing financial inclusivity while maintaining cost efficiency. By understanding the revised charges and leveraging free services, users can optimize their transactions. As competition intensifies, M-PESA continues to innovate, ensuring its relevance and reliability in Kenya’s evolving financial landscape.
