Fuliza M-Pesa Explained 2026 (Opt-In/Out, Interest Rates & More)
Fuliza M-Pesa has changed how millions of Kenyans handle money when they're short on cash. Launched by Safaricom in 2019, this overdraft service now serves over 9 million users who rely on it to complete transactions even when their M-PESA balance runs low.
Whether you're paying bills, sending money, or buying airtime, Fuliza steps in automatically when you don't have enough funds. But many people still don't understand how the charges work, how to increase their limit, or even how to opt out if they no longer need it.
What is Fuliza M-Pesa?
Fuliza is a continuous overdraft service available to registered M-PESA users with an active Safaricom line. When you don't have sufficient funds in your wallet, Fuliza automatically kicks in to complete the transaction so long as you have an allocated limit.
The word "Fuliza" comes from Swahili, meaning "to flow through," which perfectly describes how the service works: it seamlessly covers shortfalls whenever your M-PESA balance is not enough.
Fuliza lets you
- Send money to other M-PESA users
- Buy goods and services via Lipa Na M-PESA
- Pay bills through Paybill
- Purchase airtime for yourself or others
Note: Fuliza does NOT allow cash withdrawals from agents or ATMs.
How to Opt In to Fuliza M-Pesa
Opting into Fuliza is straightforward and can be done using your Safaricom line, the M-PESA app, or the mySafaricom portal.
- Method 1: USSD Code
- Dial *334# on your Safaricom number
- Select "Loans and Savings" from the menu
- Choose "Fuliza M-PESA" and follow the prompts to activate
- You'll receive an SMS confirming your Fuliza limit
- Method 2: M-PESA App
- Open the M-PESA App on your smartphone
- Go to the "Loans and Savings" section
- Select "Fuliza M-PESA" and follow the on-screen instructions
- Method 3: mySafaricom App
- Open the mySafaricom app
- Navigate to the M-PESA section and select Fuliza M-PESA
- Complete the activation flow
Once registered, you can start using Fuliza immediately as long as you have an allocated limit.
Fuliza M-Pesa Eligibility Requirements
- Be a registered M-PESA user
- Have an active Safaricom line
- Have used M-PESA services for at least 6 months
- Maintain a good repayment history on other loans (if applicable)
New Safaricom customers cannot access Fuliza immediately; your limit is determined by your M-PESA usage patterns, loan repayment history, and overall engagement with Safaricom services.
Fuliza M-Pesa Interest Rates and Charges 2026
Access Fee
- Every time you use Fuliza you pay a 1% access fee on the amount borrowed (plus excise duty).
- Example: borrow KES 1,000 ? Access fee = KES 10 + KES 2 excise ? KES 12 total
- The access fee is charged once per borrowing, not every day
Daily Maintenance Fee
Daily maintenance fees are charged from midnight after borrowing. The table above outlines the bands and per-day charges that apply based on your outstanding Fuliza balance.
Safaricom offers a 3-day grace period for loans of KES 1,000 or less. Repay within the first three days and you pay no daily maintenance fees; only the access fee applies.
If you miss the grace period, the standard daily maintenance fee for your band applies from day four onwards. Excise duty of 20% is charged on the access fee if you don't repay within the grace window.
How to Check Your Fuliza Balance and Limit
- Dial *234# and select the Fuliza M-PESA option
- View your Fuliza limit, outstanding balance, mini statement, and opt-out option
- Use the M-PESA app to track your usage and repayment schedule
How to Repay Fuliza M-Pesa
Repayment is automatic: any money that lands in your M-PESA wallet first clears your Fuliza debt before it becomes available for other use.
- Automatic repayment happens when you receive funds via M-PESA transfers, bank deposits, agent deposits, or salary payments
- After Fuliza is cleared, the remaining money is returned to your wallet balance
Manual repayment is also possible: send funds to your own M-PESA number and the system will clear your Fuliza balance before showing the leftover amount.
How to Opt Out of Fuliza M-Pesa
- Dial *234#
- Select "Fuliza M-PESA"
- Choose the opt-out option and confirm
You must clear any outstanding Fuliza balance before opting out. After you exit, you can opt back in anytime using the same steps.
How to Increase Your Fuliza Limit
- Use Fuliza regularly and repay on time to show responsible credit behavior
- Increase your overall M-PESA activity: send money, pay bills, buy airtime, and use Lipa Na M-PESA
- Maintain positive repayment history across Safaricom loans like M-Shwari or KCB M-PESA
- Keep your Safaricom line active with consistent usage
Fuliza ya Biashara (Business Overdraft)
Fuliza ya Biashara is a separate product for till merchants. The limits and pricing can vary based on your merchant profile and Safaricom program terms.
This calculator covers consumer Fuliza only. For official Fuliza ya Biashara limits and charges, confirm directly with Safaricom or your account manager.