As Kenya’s leading mobile money service, M-PESA continues to dominate daily financial transactions, from peer-to-peer transfers to paying bills. Safaricom’s revised 2025 transaction charges aim to align with evolving financial landscapes while promoting inclusivity for over 30 million active users. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the new charges and actionable insights to help you manage your financial transactions more efficiently.
Key Updates in M-PESA Charges
Sending Money to M-PESA Users
The cost of sending money varies based on the transaction amount and the recipient’s registration status. Below is the updated fee structure 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 up to KSHS 100 remain free, supporting low-income users.
Withdrawing Money at M-PESA Agents
Agent withdrawal charges now follow this structure:
| 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 |
Important: Withdrawals below KSHS 50 are not permitted.
ATM Withdrawal Charges
Charges for withdrawing via ATM machines are as follows:
| 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 |
Additional Services and Free Features
M-PESA offers several free services to enhance user experience:
- Deposits: Free
- Balance Enquiry: Free
- Change of PIN: Free
- Airtime Purchases: Free
- M-PESA Registration: Free
Key Considerations for M-PESA Users
- Maximum Account Balance: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum Daily Transaction Limit: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum Single Transaction: KSHS 250,000
- Minimum Withdrawal Amount: KSHS 50
For self-reversals, forward the transaction message to 456 free of charge. Direct deposits into other users’ accounts via agents are prohibited.
M-PESA vs. Competitors
Airtel Money continues to offer competitive rates, with some transactions costing less than M-PESA. For example, sending KSHS 1,000 via Airtel Money costs KSHS 11 compared to M-PESA’s KSHS 13. Withdrawal charges also tend to be lower in certain ranges.
How to Minimize M-PESA Costs
- Combine Transactions: Avoid multiple small transfers.
- Utilize Free Services: Take advantage of balance inquiries and airtime purchases.
- Monitor Fees: Stay updated on changes to avoid unexpected costs.
- Plan Smart: Consolidate smaller amounts into one transaction to fall within lower fee brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What M-PESA services are free in 2025?
Deposits, balance checks, PIN changes, and airtime purchases remain free. - What is the daily transaction limit?
Users can transact up to KSHS 500,000 daily. - Can I deposit money into another user’s account?
No, direct deposits to other users via agents are not allowed. - How do I reverse money sent to the wrong number?
Forward the transaction message to 456 for a free self-reversal.
Conclusion
M-PESA’s updated 2025 charges balance financial inclusivity with business sustainability, making it a vital tool for millions of users. By understanding these changes, users can better navigate their financial transactions, minimizing costs and maximizing value. For those comparing mobile money platforms, keeping track of competitive rates like Airtel Money’s lower fees might be a cost-saving strategy. M-PESA remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s financial ecosystem, evolving to meet the needs of its diverse user base.
