KCB M-PESA Charges 2026 (All to know)
Moving money between your KCB bank account and M-PESA has become an essential part of managing finances in Kenya. Whether you're transferring funds to pay bills, send money to family, or simply managing your savings, understanding the charges involved can help you save money and make informed decisions.
Since bank-to-mobile money transfer fees were reinstated in January 2023, KCB customers have been paying charges for transactions between their bank accounts and M-PESA wallets. These fees vary depending on the transaction amount and direction of transfer.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down all KCB M-PESA charges for 2026 - from bank-to-mobile transfers and mobile-to-bank fees to account features and how to minimize transaction costs.
What is KCB M-PESA?
KCB M-PESA is a mobile-based banking service that allows M-PESA users to access banking services directly from their mobile phones. Launched through a partnership between KCB Bank and Safaricom, this service enables customers to save money, earn interest, and access loans without visiting a physical bank branch.
The KCB M-PESA account is linked to your M-PESA wallet, making it easy to move money between your mobile wallet and bank account. You can deposit money from M-PESA into your KCB M-PESA account and withdraw back to M-PESA whenever needed.
Key Features of KCB M-PESA
- Interest on savings: Earn up to 7% annual interest on your savings
- Instant loans: Access quick loans through KCB M-PESA
- No minimum balance: Open and maintain an account with no minimum balance
- 24/7 access: Bank anytime from anywhere using your mobile phone
- Free deposits from M-PESA: Transfer money from M-PESA to KCB M-PESA at no cost
Understanding KCB to M-PESA Transfer Charges
When you transfer money from your KCB bank account to M-PESA, you'll incur transaction fees. These charges were reintroduced in January 2023 after being waived during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fees vary based on the amount you're transferring:
| Transaction Amount (Ksh) | Transfer Charge (Ksh) |
|---|
Note: Transfers of KES -- and below are completely free, making it cost-effective for small transactions.
How to Transfer Money from KCB to M-PESA
- Dial *522# on your mobile phone
- Select Send Money
- Choose To Mobile Money
- Enter your M-PESA phone number
- Enter the amount you want to transfer
- Enter your KCB PIN to confirm
You'll receive confirmation SMS from both KCB and M-PESA.
M-PESA to KCB Account Transfer Fees
When you send money from your M-PESA wallet to your KCB M-PESA account, you only pay the standard M-PESA Paybill charges. There are no additional receiving fees from KCB for deposits into your KCB M-PESA account.
However, for regular KCB accounts (not KCB M-PESA), you may incur receiving fees depending on your account type:
- KCB Advantage Account: Ksh 15 receiving fee
- KCB Savings Account: Ksh 20 receiving fee
- KCB Current Account: Ksh 30 receiving fee
M-PESA Paybill Charges for Bank Transfers
| Transaction Amount (Ksh) | M-PESA Charge (Ksh) |
|---|
How to Open a KCB M-PESA Account
Opening a KCB M-PESA account is quick and can be done entirely from your mobile phone.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Access the service: Dial *522#, select KCB M-PESA, then choose Account Opening and Open Account.
- Provide details: Enter your ID number, date of birth, and KRA PIN (optional but recommended).
- Set your PIN: Create a secure 4-digit PIN and confirm it.
- Activate account: Your account activates instantly and you receive an SMS confirmation.
Requirements
- Must be a registered M-PESA user
- Must have a Kenyan National ID or Passport
- No minimum deposit required to open
KCB M-PESA Loan Services
One of the major benefits of having a KCB M-PESA account is access to instant mobile loans. The service offers quick, collateral-free loans directly to your M-PESA wallet.
KCB M-PESA Loan Features
- Minimum loan: Ksh 50
- Maximum loan: Ksh 1,000,000 (depending on your limit)
- Interest rate: 8.93% facility fee (one-time charge)
- Repayment period: 30 days for most loans, fixed-term for higher amounts
- Instant disbursement: Loan credited to M-PESA within minutes
How to Apply for KCB M-PESA Loan
- Dial *522#
- Select KCB M-PESA
- Choose Loans
- Select Request Loan
- Enter amount
- Confirm with PIN
Note: Your loan limit increases over time based on your savings activity, repayment history, and transaction patterns.
KCB M-PESA Key Facts
Important information about KCB Bank M-PESA integration and services
Max Transfer Fee
Highest fee charged for KCB to M-PESA transfers
Free Transfer Limit
Transfers up to this amount are free
Max Transfer Amount
Maximum KCB to M-PESA amount per transfer
KCB Vooma USSD
Access KCB mobile banking via USSD
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about KCB M-PESA services and charges
KCB charges between KES -- and KES -- depending on the transaction amount. Transfers of KES -- and below are free.
No. Transferring money from your M-PESA wallet to your KCB M-PESA account is completely free. You only pay the standard M-PESA Paybill charge from your wallet.
You can transfer up to KES -- per transaction, subject to your account limits and M-PESA daily transaction limits.
Transfers are instant. You'll receive confirmation within seconds of completing the transaction.
Yes, but you must contact KCB customer care immediately. Reversal requests should be made within 24 hours of the transaction.
No. You can transfer money from any KCB account to M-PESA. A KCB M-PESA account just adds benefits like free deposits and loan access.
Always double-check the phone number before confirming. If you send to the wrong number, you'll need to contact the recipient to return the funds because the transaction cannot be automatically reversed.