M-PESA, Kenya’s leading mobile money service, remains a cornerstone of financial transactions, offering unparalleled convenience for over 30 million active users. With revised transaction fees for 2025, effective January, Safaricom has redefined its pricing structure to reflect the evolving financial landscape and enhance inclusivity. Here’s an in-depth look at the updated charges, insights, and strategies for making the most of M-PESA services.
Sending Money Charges for M-PESA in 2025
1. Sending to Registered M-PESA Users
M-PESA continues to prioritize affordability, particularly for low-value transactions, ensuring accessibility for all. Below are the latest charges for sending money to registered 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 |
Key Insight: Transactions below KSHS 100 remain free, encouraging financial inclusivity and facilitating small-scale transactions.
Withdrawing Money from M-PESA Agents
Withdrawal charges depend on the transaction amount.
| 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 |
Key Insight: Withdrawals below KSHS 50 are not allowed, reflecting an emphasis on promoting efficient transactions.
ATM Withdrawal Charges
For users withdrawing from ATMs, the following fees apply:
| 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 |
Key Insight: ATM withdrawals provide flexibility for larger transactions but come at a slightly higher cost.
Free Services on M-PESA
M-PESA offers several free features:
- Deposits
- Balance Enquiries
- PIN Changes
- Buying Airtime
Key Considerations for M-PESA Users
- Maximum Account Balance: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum Daily Transaction Value: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum Single Transaction Limit: KSHS 250,000
- Minimum Agent Withdrawal: KSHS 50
How to Optimize M-PESA Usage
- Leverage Free Services: Use M-PESA’s cost-free features, such as airtime purchases and deposits, to save money.
- Plan Transactions: Combine smaller transactions to minimize fees.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check for fee updates to avoid surprises and ensure cost-effective usage.
- Compare Providers: Evaluate M-PESA against alternatives like Airtel Money, which may offer competitive rates in certain ranges.
M-PESA in Context
In comparison with other services, such as Airtel Money, M-PESA remains a reliable choice but may charge slightly higher fees for some transactions. For instance, sending KSHS 1,000 via Airtel Money costs KSHS 11 compared to M-PESA’s KSHS 13.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are M-PESA’s free services in 2025?
A: Free services include deposits, balance inquiries, PIN changes, and airtime purchases.
Q: What is the maximum daily transaction limit?
A: The maximum daily limit is KSHS 500,000.
Q: Can I deposit directly into another user’s account at an agent outlet?
A: No, direct deposits into another user’s account are not allowed.
Q: How can I reverse money sent to the wrong number?
A: Forward the erroneous transaction message to 456 for a free reversal.
Conclusion
M-PESA’s revised 2025 transaction charges aim to balance inclusivity with operational sustainability. By staying informed and adopting smart transaction strategies, users can continue to enjoy the unmatched convenience of Kenya’s leading mobile money platform while optimizing costs. For over 30 million active users, M-PESA remains a cornerstone of financial empowerment in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
