M-PESA, Kenya’s premier mobile money service, continues to lead in convenience and accessibility for over 30 million active users. With its pivotal role in daily transactions, Safaricom’s revised M-PESA charges for 2025 reflect efforts to adapt to Kenya’s evolving financial landscape while fostering financial inclusivity.
This analysis offers a comprehensive look at the updated transaction charges, withdrawal fees, and free services, ensuring users can maximize their financial efficiency.
Revised M-PESA Sending Charges (2025)
M-PESA’s updated charges for sending money are structured to support low-value transactions while maintaining affordability across all ranges.
Sending Money to Registered M-PESA Users
Low-value transactions between KSHS 1 and 100 remain free, promoting inclusivity for smaller transfers. Charges increase progressively based on the amount sent:
| 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 |
Withdrawal Charges from M-PESA Agents
Agent withdrawal fees vary by transaction amount, with withdrawals below KSHS 50 not permitted.
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | 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 |
ATM Withdrawal Charges
ATM withdrawals offer convenience with the following fees:
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | Fee (KSHS) |
|---|---|
| 200 – 2,500 | 35 |
| 2,501 – 5,000 | 69 |
| 5,001 – 10,000 | 115 |
| 10,001 – 35,000 | 203 |
Free Services on M-PESA
Safaricom ensures accessibility through a range of free services:
- Deposits
- M-PESA registration
- Buying airtime
- Balance inquiries
- PIN changes
Key Considerations for M-PESA Users
- Maximum Account Balance: KSHS 500,000
- Daily Transaction Limit: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum Transaction Amount: KSHS 250,000
- Minimum Withdrawal at Agent Outlets: KSHS 50
To reverse erroneous transactions, forward the M-PESA message to 456 free of charge.
Comparison with Competitors
M-PESA faces growing competition from Airtel Money, which offers slightly lower charges for specific transaction ranges. For instance, sending KSHS 1,000 via Airtel Money costs KSHS 11 compared to M-PESA’s KSHS 13. Users can compare charges to optimize their transactions.
How to Minimize Transaction Costs
- Combine Transactions: Avoid multiple small transactions.
- Leverage Free Services: Take advantage of free balance inquiries and airtime purchases.
- Monitor Fees Regularly: Stay updated to avoid unexpected costs.
- Plan Ahead: Consolidate transactions to fall within lower fee brackets.
Conclusion
M-PESA remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s financial ecosystem, blending convenience with inclusivity. By understanding the revised charges, users can make informed decisions and minimize transaction costs. As competition intensifies, Safaricom’s commitment to innovation and customer-centricity will be key to maintaining its leadership in mobile money services.
