M-PESA, Kenya’s leading mobile money service, remains integral to daily transactions, from sending money to paying bills. Safaricom has revised its transaction fees for 2025, effective January, to reflect the evolving financial ecosystem and promote inclusivity. This guide unpacks the updated M-PESA charges, offering clarity and actionable insights for over 30 million active users.
Whether you are transferring funds, withdrawing at an agent, or using M-PESA’s ATM services, knowing the exact charges ensures informed financial decisions and cost efficiency.
Updated M-PESA Charges for Sending Money
M-PESA’s sending money charges vary depending on the amount sent and the recipient’s registration status. Below are the latest charges for 2025:
Sending Money to M-PESA Users
Sending money to registered M-PESA users incurs the following charges:
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | Transfer to M-PESA Users (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 are free, promoting financial inclusion for low-value transactions.
Withdrawing Money from M-PESA Agents
Withdrawal charges at M-PESA agents are as follows:
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | Withdrawal from Agent (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 below KSHS 50 are not permitted at M-PESA agent outlets.
ATM Withdrawal Charges
For ATM withdrawals, the charges are:
| 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 |
Additional Services and Their Charges
- All Deposits: Free
- M-PESA Registration: Free
- Buying Airtime through M-PESA: Free
- M-PESA Balance Enquiry: Free
- Change M-PESA PIN: Free
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 Agent Outlets: KSHS 50
- Self-Reversal: To initiate an M-PESA self-reversal, forward the M-PESA message to 456.
- Deposits: Direct deposits into another M-PESA customer’s account at an agent outlet are not permitted.
Comparing M-PESA with Other Mobile Money Services
In 2025, other mobile money services like Airtel Money offer competitive rates. For instance, sending KSHS 1,000 via Airtel Money costs KSHS 11, compared to M-PESA’s KSHS 13. Withdrawal charges also differ, with Airtel Money often providing lower fees in certain transaction ranges.
How to Minimize M-PESA Transaction Costs
- Combine Transactions: Avoid multiple small transactions.
- Leverage Free Services: Use M-PESA’s free features like airtime purchases.
- Monitor Fees Regularly: Stay updated to avoid surprises.
- Plan Transactions: Combine smaller transactions to fall within lower fee brackets.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on transaction fees to make cost-effective decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the free services on M-PESA in 2025?
Deposits, balance inquiries, PIN changes, and airtime purchases are free.
What is the maximum daily transaction limit?
You can transact up to KSHS 500,000 daily.
Can I deposit money directly into another user’s account?
No, you must use your account or initiate a transfer.
Are sending charges the same for all users?
No, charges differ based on whether the recipient is registered or unregistered.
How can I reverse money sent to wrong number?
Forward the message of the wrong transaction to 456. It is free of charge.
Also Read: SMEs Face Rising Cyber Threats Projected 30% Increase by 2025
M-PESA’s 2025 charges reflect Safaricom’s commitment to transparency and financial inclusion. By understanding these updated fees, users can better plan transactions and minimize costs. Whether sending funds, withdrawing cash, or leveraging free services, M-PESA remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s mobile money revolution.
Stay informed and make M-PESA work for you in 2025!
