M-PESA vs Airtel Money 2026
Compare charges and find the cheapest option
Official 2026 rates for all transaction types. See which provider saves you the most money.
Comparison Calculator
M-PESA
KES -
Airtel Money
KES -
Enter an amount to see which is cheaper
Detailed Comparison by Transaction Type
See how M-PESA and Airtel Money charges compare across all services
| Amount Range | M-PESA Charge | Airtel Charge | Difference | Cheaper |
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| Amount Range | M-PESA Charge | Airtel Charge | Difference | Cheaper |
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| Transaction Range | M-PESA Fee | Airtel Fee | Difference | Cheaper |
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Key Insights
Airtel's Big Advantage
FREE Airtel-to-Airtel transfers - Send unlimited amounts at zero cost. This is Airtel's biggest competitive advantage.
Withdrawal Savings
For withdrawals above KES 10,000, Airtel Money is significantly cheaper - save up to KES 235 per transaction.
Till Payments
M-PESA till fees are capped at KES 50, while Airtel caps at KES 250. M-PESA wins for merchants on large transactions.
Send Money
For small to medium transfers (KES 1-5,000), M-PESA is cheaper. Airtel becomes competitive for amounts above KES 10,000.
Cross-Network
Sending to other networks (M-PESA to Airtel or vice versa) - Airtel charges are generally lower for larger amounts.
Market Share
M-PESA dominates with 90%+ market share, but Airtel is growing rapidly with 6.6% market share and aggressive expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper overall - M-PESA or Airtel Money?
It depends on the transaction type and amount. Use the comparison calculator to see the cheapest option for your amount.
Is Airtel-to-Airtel sending really free?
Yes. Airtel Money to Airtel Money transfers are free for all supported amounts.
What is the maximum M-PESA transfer limit?
M-PESA transfers follow the per-transaction limit of KES -- and the daily limit of KES --.
What is the Airtel Money transaction limit?
This calculator compares Airtel Money up to KES -- per transaction, which matches the published Airtel Money band range.
Are M-PESA withdrawals more expensive than Airtel?
For larger withdrawals, Airtel Money often charges less. Compare the withdrawal table for the exact band.
Does Airtel Money charge to withdraw at agents?
Yes. Airtel Money agent withdrawals have fee bands, just like M-PESA.
How are Till/Buy Goods fees calculated?
M-PESA Buy Goods fees use a percentage rate capped at KES --. Airtel Money till fees use a higher rate capped at KES --.
Do customers pay fees for Till/Buy Goods?
Buy Goods payments are free for customers on M-PESA. Merchant fees apply on the till side.
Which service is better for large transfers?
Large transfers can be cheaper on Airtel Money for sending and withdrawing, but use the calculator for the exact amount.
Are cross-network transfers more expensive?
Cross-network transfers can attract higher fees. The comparison table uses Airtel-to-other network charges for consistency.
Can I use both M-PESA and Airtel Money?
Yes. Many users keep both wallets and use whichever is cheaper for each transaction.
How often are these rates updated?
Rates are updated when Safaricom or Airtel publishes new tariffs. This page reflects the latest published rates.
Why do the tables show fee ranges?
Each provider charges by bands. A range highlights the possible fees within a band for different transaction amounts.
Is this comparison official?
M-PESA fees are sourced from official Safaricom tariffs. Airtel Money fees are based on published Airtel Kenya rates.
Where can I verify the tariffs?
You can confirm rates on Safaricom and Airtel Kenya official channels.