M-PESA, Kenya’s leading mobile money platform, remains a cornerstone of financial transactions for over 30 million active users. Safaricom’s revised 2025 M-PESA charges, effective January, reflect a commitment to inclusivity while adapting to the evolving financial ecosystem. This guide breaks down the updated transaction costs, empowering users with actionable insights for smarter financial decisions.
Revised M-PESA Sending Charges
Sending Money to Registered M-PESA Users
M-PESA maintains its user-friendly ethos by offering free transactions for low-value transfers. Here’s the breakdown:
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | Charge 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 |
Low-value transactions below KSHS 100 are free, emphasizing inclusivity for all users.
Withdrawing Money at M-PESA Agents
For cash withdrawals, charges are based on transaction size. Here are the latest fees:
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | Agent 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 |
Withdrawals below KSHS 50 are not permitted at agent outlets.
ATM Withdrawal Charges
For users withdrawing cash via ATMs, here are the updated fees:
| 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 Free Services
M-PESA continues to offer a suite of free services to enhance user convenience:
- Deposits: Free for all accounts.
- Airtime Purchases: Zero charges via M-PESA.
- Balance Enquiries and PIN Changes: Free of charge.
- M-PESA Registration: Free for new users.
Key Usage Guidelines for 2025
- Maximum Account Balance: KSHS 500,000.
- Daily Transaction Limit: KSHS 500,000.
- Maximum Per Transaction: KSHS 250,000.
- Minimum Withdrawal Amount: KSHS 50.
- Self-Reversal: Send the erroneous transaction message to 456 to initiate a reversal.
Competitive Landscape: Airtel Money vs. M-PESA
Other mobile money platforms like Airtel Money offer competitive rates in 2025. For example:
- Sending KSHS 1,000: Airtel Money charges KSHS 11, compared to M-PESA’s KSHS 13.
- Withdrawals: Airtel Money offers lower fees in select transaction ranges.
Cost-Saving Tips for M-PESA Users
- Combine Transactions: Minimize fees by avoiding multiple small transfers.
- Use Free Features: Take advantage of M-PESA’s no-cost services, such as airtime purchases.
- Monitor Fees: Regularly check for updates to avoid unexpected costs.
- Strategic Planning: Consolidate smaller transactions into larger ones for lower overall charges.
FAQs
What are the free services on M-PESA in 2025?
Deposits, PIN changes, balance checks, and airtime purchases.
What is the daily transaction limit?
Users can transact up to KSHS 500,000 daily.
Can I deposit directly into another user’s account?
No, you must use your account for transfers.
How can I reverse an erroneous transaction?
Forward the transaction message to 456 free of charge.
Conclusion
M-PESA’s updated 2025 transaction charges emphasize financial inclusion and adaptability in Kenya’s dynamic economy. By staying informed and leveraging free services, users can optimize costs while enjoying the convenience of one of the world’s leading mobile money platforms.
