M-PESA, Kenya’s leading mobile money platform, continues to be a cornerstone for daily financial transactions. From sending money to paying bills, it plays a critical role in the lives of over 30 million active users. With updated transaction charges taking effect in January 2025, Safaricom has adjusted its fees to reflect economic trends and enhance accessibility for all users. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the latest charges and practical tips to maximize M-PESA’s value.
Revised Charges for Sending Money
M-PESA’s sending charges depend on the transaction amount and whether the recipient is a registered M-PESA user. For 2025, these charges are as follows:
To Registered M-PESA Users
| 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 between KSHS 1 and 100 are free, fostering inclusivity for low-value exchanges.
Withdrawal Charges at M-PESA Agents
Withdrawing money from M-PESA agents incurs the following fees:
| 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
Using ATMs for M-PESA withdrawals comes with these 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 Additional Charges
- Free Services: Deposits, balance inquiries, PIN changes, airtime purchases, and M-PESA registration.
- Maximum Account Balance: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum Daily Transaction Limit: KSHS 500,000
- Minimum Withdrawal Amount at Agents: KSHS 50
- Self-Reversal: Forward the wrong transaction message to 456 (free).
Comparison with Competitors
In 2025, other mobile money platforms 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. Similarly, Airtel Money often has lower withdrawal fees for specific transaction ranges, providing users with more options.
Cost-Saving Tips for M-PESA Users
- Combine Transactions: Consolidate smaller transactions to reduce cumulative fees.
- Leverage Free Services: Use M-PESA for free airtime purchases and balance inquiries.
- Plan Ahead: Anticipate large transactions to avoid unnecessary fees.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check for fee revisions to make informed decisions.
- Monitor Costs: Keep track of your transaction history for financial accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services are free on M-PESA in 2025?
Deposits, balance inquiries, PIN changes, airtime purchases, and registration are all free.
2. What is the daily transaction limit?
You can transact up to KSHS 500,000 daily.
3. Can I deposit directly into another user’s account?
No, deposits into another user’s account must be initiated via transfer.
4. How can I reverse a wrong transaction?
Forward the erroneous transaction message to 456 for a self-reversal, free of charge.
Final Thoughts
M-PESA remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s financial landscape. Its revised charges for 2025 are designed to balance inclusivity and operational sustainability. By understanding these charges and leveraging cost-saving strategies, users can maximize the value of M-PESA while minimizing expenses. As Kenya’s financial ecosystem continues to evolve, M-PESA’s adaptability ensures it remains a trusted partner for millions.
