M-PESA Send Money Charges 2026

Safaricom's M-PESA continues to dominate Kenya's mobile money landscape in 2026, processing billions of shillings in person-to-person transfers daily. Understanding the exact charges for sending money - whether to registered users or Airtel Money recipients - remains crucial for the millions of Kenyans who depend on this service for everyday financial transactions.

As we enter 2026, M-PESA send money charges remain unchanged from the previous year, providing stability and predictability for users. Transfers to Airtel Money and other networks follow the same banded tariff as registered M-PESA transfers, so the total charge depends on the amount, not the recipient network.

What is M-PESA Send Money?

M-PESA Send Money is the core person-to-person (P2P) money transfer service that allows registered M-PESA users to send funds instantly to other mobile phone users across Kenya. Launched as part of M-PESA's original offering in 2007, this service has become the backbone of domestic remittances in Kenya, replacing traditional methods like bank transfers, postal orders, and physical cash transport.

The service operates through multiple channels:

• USSD Code (*334#): The most popular method, accessible on any mobile phone
• SIM Toolkit (STK): Pre-installed menu on Safaricom SIM cards
• M-PESA App: Smartphone application with enhanced features and transaction history
• MySafaricom App: Integrated within Safaricom's main customer app

Transactions are typically instant, with both sender and recipient receiving SMS confirmations within seconds. The sender pays all transaction fees - recipients receive the full amount sent without any deductions, making the service transparent and predictable.

How M-PESA Send Money Charges Work in 2026

M-PESA send money charges follow a tiered pricing structure based on the amount being sent. The calculator shows the total fee per band (inclusive of excise duty), so you do not need to add anything on top.

Fee Caps for Large Transactions

For amounts of KES 20,001 - 250,000, the total charge is capped at KES 108. This means sending KES 50,000 costs the same as sending KES 250,000 within the KES 250,000 per-transaction limit.

Registered vs Airtel Money Charges

M-PESA transfers to Airtel Money and other networks follow the same banded tariff as registered M-PESA transfers. The total charge depends on the amount, not the recipient network.

Registered Users

Registered users are individuals who have completed full M-PESA registration with their national ID or passport at a Safaricom shop or authorized agent. These users have active M-PESA accounts and can receive money directly into their mobile wallets.

Key Benefits:

• FREE transfers for amounts between KES 1 and KES 100
• Instant receipt of funds without visiting an agent
• Ability to use received funds immediately for other transactions

Airtel Money Recipients

Sending from M-PESA to Airtel Money uses the same tariff bands as registered M-PESA transfers. The recipient receives the full amount, and the sender pays the total fee shown in the calculator.

How to Send Money Using M-PESA

Sending money via M-PESA is straightforward and can be completed in under a minute. Here are the three primary methods:

Method 1: Using USSD Code (*334#)

1. Dial *334# from your Safaricom line
2. Select 1. Send Money
3. Enter the recipient's phone number (e.g., 0712345678)
4. Enter the amount to send (e.g., 5000)
5. Verify the recipient's name and transaction details
6. Enter your M-PESA PIN
7. Confirm the transaction
8. You'll receive an SMS confirmation with transaction details

Method 2: Via SIM Toolkit (STK) Menu

1. Go to your phone's SIM Toolkit or STK menu
2. Select M-PESA
3. Choose Send Money
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter recipient number, amount, and PIN

Method 3: Using the M-PESA App

1. Open the M-PESA app on your smartphone
2. Log in with your credentials (if not already logged in)
3. Tap Send Money
4. Select recipient from contacts or enter phone number manually
5. Enter the amount
6. Review transaction details and charges
7. Confirm with your M-PESA PIN or biometric authentication
8. Receive instant confirmation