M-Pesa Charges 2026, Withdrawal and Send Money Fees
Safaricom, Kenya’s dominant telecommunications giant, has opted to keep fees for its flagship M-Pesa mobile money service unchanged heading into 2026, providing continuity for the more than 34 million users who rely on the platform for everyday transactions in one of Africa’s most advanced digital economies.
Launched in March 2007, M-Pesa has revolutionized financial inclusion across Kenya, allowing users to send money, pay bills, access credit, and conduct financial transactions with little more than a basic mobile phone. The service, which processes billions of shillings annually, remains a cornerstone of Safaricom’s business operations, even as competition from rivals like Airtel Money intensifies.
The decision to maintain existing tariffs as we enter 2026 comes with no official announcements of fee adjustments from Safaricom, ensuring predictability and stability for millions of Kenyans who depend on M-Pesa for their daily financial needs.
What is M-Pesa?
M-Pesa (M for mobile, Pesa is Swahili for money) is Kenya’s pioneering mobile phone-based money transfer service operated by Safaricom, with technical support from Vodafone. Since its commercial launch in 2007, the platform has evolved from a simple money transfer service into a comprehensive financial ecosystem offering:
- Person-to-person money transfers
- Bill payments and utilities
- Merchant payments (Lipa Na M-Pesa)
- Airtime purchase
- Savings and investment products
- Credit facilities (Fuliza, M-Shwari)
- Insurance products
- International remittances
Functionally, registered users can send, deposit, and withdraw money, pay for goods and services, and access various financial products through their phones using the Safaricom SIM toolkit, USSD code (*334#), or the M-Pesa mobile application—all with just a few taps and a secure PIN.
With over 300,000 agents nationwide and 34 million active users in Kenya alone, M-Pesa has become essential infrastructure in Kenya’s economy, supporting over 1.5 million micro, small, medium, and large enterprises through its merchant payment options.
M-Pesa Send Money Charges 2026
One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the harmonization of transfer fees across all mobile money networks. Whether you’re sending money to another M-Pesa user, Airtel Money, or Telkom’s T-Kash, the charges remain identical—a move that has promoted interoperability and simplified the payment ecosystem for customers.
Key Features of M-Pesa Transfers:
- Transfers from Ksh 1 to Ksh 100 are completely FREE
- Unified rates apply whether sending to Safaricom, Airtel Money, or Telkom T-Kash
- Transfers to unregistered users remain disabled (a security measure to combat fraud and money laundering)
- Maximum amount per transaction: Ksh 250,000
- Maximum daily transaction value: Ksh 500,000
Official M-Pesa Send Money Tariff Table 2026
Below is the complete breakdown of charges for sending money via M-Pesa in 2026:
| Amount to Send (KES) | Charge to M-Pesa Users | Charge to Airtel/Telkom |
|---|
Quick M-Pesa Fee Calculator
Estimate send, withdrawal, or ATM fees instantly with the official 2026 rates.
Powered by official Safaricom tariffs.
How to use the calculator
- Choose the transaction type (send, agent withdrawal, or ATM).
- Enter the amount you plan to transact.
- Review the fee and total cost before you proceed.
This guide is based on the official 2026 tariff bands and helps you avoid surprises before you transact.
M-Pesa Withdrawal Charges 2026
Withdrawal fees remain notably higher than sending fees—a deliberate pricing strategy by Safaricom to encourage digital transactions over cash withdrawals. This approach aligns with the broader national goal of promoting a cashless economy while maintaining the sustainability of the extensive M-Pesa agent network that serves communities across Kenya.
Important Withdrawal Notes:
- Minimum withdrawal amount: Ksh 50 (you cannot withdraw less than this at an agent outlet)
- Maximum single withdrawal: Ksh 250,000
- Withdrawals available at over 300,000 M-Pesa agents countrywide
- Cash withdrawals cost significantly more than digital transfers
Here is the complete table of charges for withdrawing money from M-Pesa agents and select Safaricom stores in 2026:
| Withdrawal Amount (KES) | Agent Withdrawal Charge (KES) |
|---|
The maximum per-transaction limit remains Ksh 250,000, with a daily cap of Ksh 500,000 and a maximum wallet balance of Ksh 500,000.
Send Money vs. Withdrawal
To illustrate the significant cost difference between sending money digitally and withdrawing cash, consider these practical examples:
| Amount | Sending Fee | Withdrawal Fee | Extra Cost for Cash |
|---|
Interesting Exception: The only transaction range where withdrawal is actually cheaper than sending is between Ksh 2,501 - Ksh 3,500, where withdrawal costs Ksh 52 compared to the Ksh 53 sending fee—just Ksh 1 less.
M-Pesa ATM Withdrawal Charges 2026
For customers who prefer using ATMs for cash withdrawals, M-Pesa offers ATM withdrawal services through partner banks and ATM networks. Here are the official ATM withdrawal charges:
| ATM Withdrawal Amount (KES) | ATM Withdrawal Charge (KES) |
|---|
Note: ATM withdrawals typically offer better rates than agent withdrawals for smaller amounts, but become more expensive for larger transactions.
Free M-Pesa Transactions in 2026
Safaricom continues to offer several essential transactions completely free of charge to promote financial accessibility and encourage adoption of mobile money services:
| Transaction Type | Charge |
|---|
This means you can deposit money into your M-Pesa account as many times as you want at no cost, making it easy to load your wallet without worrying about fees.
How to Send Money Using M-Pesa
Registered M-Pesa users can send money through multiple convenient methods. The process is quick, secure, and typically completes within seconds:
Method 1: Using USSD Code
- Dial *334# from your Safaricom line
- Select “Send Money”
- Enter the recipient’s phone number
- Enter the amount to send
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN
- Confirm the transaction
- Both you and the recipient will receive an SMS confirmation
Method 2: Via SIM Toolkit Menu
- Go to your phone’s SIM Toolkit/STK menu
- Select M-Pesa
- Select “Send Money”
- Follow the on-screen prompts
Method 3: Using M-Pesa App
- Download the official M-Pesa App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Log in with your credentials
- Select “Send Money”
- Choose recipient and amount
- Confirm with your PIN
This convenience has made M-Pesa the preferred method for domestic remittances, replacing traditional methods like cheques or bank transfers for millions of Kenyans.
Important M-Pesa Account Limits and Rules for 2026
- Maximum Account Balance is Kshs.500,000
- Maximum daily transaction value is Kshs.500,000
- Maximum amount per transaction is Kshs.250,000
- You cannot withdraw less than KShs. 50 at an M-PESA agent outlet.
- To initiate M-PESA Self Reversal, send the transaction confirmation to 456.
- You cannot deposit money directly into another M-PESA customerʼs account at an agent outlet.
- For registration at Agent outlets, only Kenyan Passports and National IDs are valid. Foreign Passports, Military IDs and Foreigner Certificates can only be registered at Safaricom Shops and Care Desks.
- For deposits and withdrawals, the valid documentation are Kenyan Passports, National IDs, Foreign Passports, Military IDs and Foreigner Certificates.
M-Pesa Customer Support Contacts
For assistance with your M-Pesa account, Safaricom provides multiple support channels:
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone Support |
|
| Email Support |
|
| Social Media Support |
|
| Physical Support |
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the current M-Pesa charges?
Current M-Pesa charges depend on the transaction type and amount band. Sending Ksh 1-100 is free, while higher amounts follow the official tariff table. For the exact fee, check the band that matches your amount in the send, withdrawal, or ATM tables above.
What are the M-Pesa charges for 2026?
Safaricom rates for 2026 remain aligned with the published official tariffs. This page uses the 2026 bands from Safaricom and updates the tables dynamically from the official rate source. Always confirm your band before you transact.
How are M-Pesa withdrawal charges calculated?
Withdrawal charges are banded by the amount withdrawn. The fee is not a percentage; it is a fixed amount for each band. Find your amount in the agent withdrawal table to see the exact fee.
How much is the transaction fee for withdrawal?
Withdrawal fees vary by band. For example, Ksh 50-100 is Ksh 11, while larger bands go higher. Use the withdrawal table above to match your amount and see the exact fee for 2026.
How much does it cost to send Ksh 3,000?
Ksh 3,000 falls in the Ksh 2,501-3,500 band. The send money fee in 2026 for that band is Ksh 53. The same fee applies when sending to other networks under the harmonized tariff.
How much to send Ksh 20,000 on M-Pesa?
Ksh 20,000 sits in the Ksh 15,001-20,000 band. The send money fee for this band in 2026 is Ksh 105. Confirm the band on this page in case Safaricom updates tariffs.
What are the transaction fees?
Transaction fees depend on the service: sending money, withdrawing at an agent, ATM withdrawal, Paybill, or Till. Each service uses its own banded tariff. Always check the relevant table for the exact charge.
How much is free withdrawal?
M-Pesa cash withdrawals are not free; all withdrawals have a fee based on the withdrawal band. Free transactions typically include deposits, balance inquiry, and transfers in the Ksh 1-100 band. If you see a free withdrawal, it is likely a time-limited promotion.
What is *334 used for?
*334# is Safaricom's M-Pesa USSD code. It lets you send money, pay bills, buy airtime, check balances, and access services without an internet connection. Menu options can vary by account type.
How to become a Safaricom M-Pesa agent?
To become an agent you need a registered business, physical shop, and working capital for float. Safaricom also reviews location, compliance, and KYC documents. Contact Safaricom directly for the latest requirements and costs.
Which is better between Paybill and Till number?
Paybill is best when you need an account or reference number for reconciliation, like utilities or invoices. Till numbers (Buy Goods) are simpler for retail payments and often have no customer fee. The best option depends on your business flow.
What is the maximum amount M-Pesa can hold?
The maximum wallet balance is Ksh 500,000 for standard M-Pesa accounts. This limit is set by Safaricom and regulators and applies to most customers in Kenya.
What is the maximum transaction per day?
The daily transaction limit is Ksh 500,000. There is also a per-transaction cap of Ksh 250,000. These limits are enforced across most M-Pesa services.
Can I use M-Pesa internationally?
Yes, M-Pesa supports international transfers through partner services and the GlobalPay virtual card for online payments. Availability depends on destination country and Safaricom partners, so confirm before sending.
Who is the owner of M-Pesa?
M-Pesa is operated by Safaricom PLC in Kenya. The service was developed with support from Vodafone, and Safaricom manages the platform, agent network, and customer service locally.
Disclaimer: This information is accurate as of , and is based on official Safaricom PLC tariff publications. Transaction fees and service features are subject to change. For the most current information, always verify through official Safaricom channels or visit www.safaricom.co.ke.