M-Pesa remains Kenya’s most widely used mobile money platform, enabling millions of users to send, receive, withdraw, and pay for goods and services every day. Understanding the latest transaction charges helps users manage costs, optimize transfers, and make informed financial decisions.
As of June 2026, Safaricom’s M-Pesa tariff structure continues to apply transaction fees based on the amount being sent or withdrawn. Transactions of KSh 100 and below remain free when sending money to registered users, while withdrawal charges vary depending on the amount withdrawn.
M-Pesa Send Money Charges 2026
The table below shows the charges for sending money to registered M-Pesa users, Pochi La Biashara, and customers receiving funds from Business Till numbers.
| Transaction Range (KSh) | Send Money Charge (KSh) |
|---|---|
| 1 – 49 | Free |
| 50 – 100 | Free |
| 101 – 500 | 7 |
| 501 – 1,000 | 13 |
| 1,001 – 1,500 | 23 |
| 1,501 – 2,500 | 33 |
| 2,501 – 3,500 | 53 |
| 3,501 – 5,000 | 57 |
| 5,001 – 7,500 | 78 |
| 7,501 – 10,000 | 90 |
| 10,001 – 15,000 | 100 |
| 15,001 – 20,000 | 105 |
| 20,001 – 35,000 | 108 |
| 35,001 – 50,000 | 108 |
| 50,001 – 250,000 | 108 |
The same charges generally apply when transferring money to users on other registered mobile money networks.
“Sending KSh 100 or less remains free, helping users perform small transactions without incurring charges.”
M-Pesa Withdrawal Charges 2026
Withdrawal charges are typically higher than send-money charges because they involve agent commissions and operational costs.
| Withdrawal Amount (KSh) | Withdrawal Charge (KSh) |
|---|---|
| 1 – 49 | N/A |
| 50 – 100 | 11 |
| 101 – 500 | 29 |
| 501 – 1,000 | 29 |
| 1,001 – 1,500 | 29 |
| 1,501 – 2,500 | 29 |
| 2,501 – 3,500 | 52 |
| 3,501 – 5,000 | 69 |
| 5,001 – 7,500 | 87 |
| 7,501 – 10,000 | 115 |
| 10,001 – 15,000 | 167 |
| 15,001 – 20,000 | 185 |
| 20,001 – 35,000 | 197 |
| 35,001 – 50,000 | 278 |
| 50,001 – 250,000 | 309 |
Customers cannot withdraw amounts below KSh 50 from an M-Pesa agent. The maximum withdrawal fee remains KSh 309.
Common Transaction Examples
The following examples illustrate the fees users pay for typical transactions:
| Transaction | Fee (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Send KSh 500 | 7 |
| Send KSh 1,000 | 13 |
| Send KSh 2,500 | 33 |
| Send KSh 5,000 | 57 |
| Send KSh 10,000 | 90 |
| Withdraw KSh 500 | 29 |
| Withdraw KSh 1,000 | 29 |
| Withdraw KSh 5,000 | 69 |
| Withdraw KSh 10,000 | 115 |
| Withdraw KSh 50,000 | 278 |
These examples demonstrate why many users prefer digital payments instead of cash withdrawals whenever possible.
M-Pesa Transaction Limits in 2026
Safaricom increased M-Pesa transaction limits to accommodate growing business and personal transaction needs.
| Limit Type | Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Maximum per transaction | 250,000 |
| Maximum daily transaction value | 500,000 |
| Maximum account balance | 500,000 |
| Maximum withdrawal per transaction | 250,000 |
These higher limits have made M-Pesa increasingly useful for businesses, SMEs, and individuals handling larger financial transactions.
M-Pesa Services That Remain Free
Several M-Pesa services continue to be offered at no cost to customers:
- M-Pesa registration
- Depositing money into M-Pesa
- Buying airtime through M-Pesa
- Balance inquiries
- Changing your M-Pesa PIN
- Receiving money from another M-Pesa user
These free services contribute to the platform’s affordability and widespread adoption across Kenya.
How to Reduce Your M-Pesa Costs
Frequent M-Pesa users can lower transaction expenses by following a few practical strategies:
1. Use Lipa na M-Pesa Instead of Cash Withdrawals
Paying merchants directly through Buy Goods or PayBill often eliminates the need to withdraw cash, helping users avoid withdrawal fees.
2. Bundle Small Transactions
Sending several small amounts separately can sometimes cost less than making a larger transfer that falls into a higher tariff band.
3. Keep Transactions Within Lower Fee Brackets
Understanding the tariff ranges can help users minimize charges when making regular transfers.
4. Utilize Business Till Payments
Businesses can encourage customers to pay through M-Pesa tills instead of cash, reducing cash handling and withdrawal expenses.
Why M-Pesa Remains Popular Despite Transaction Fees
M-Pesa’s popularity is driven by convenience, accessibility, security, and nationwide agent coverage. The service allows users to transfer funds instantly, pay bills, purchase goods, access loans, save money, and invest directly from their mobile phones.
Recent innovations such as investment products and stock trading integrations continue to expand M-Pesa’s role in Kenya’s financial ecosystem.
For most users, the convenience of instant mobile transactions outweighs the transaction fees, especially when compared to the time and transport costs associated with traditional banking channels.
As of June 2026, M-Pesa send-money charges range from free to KSh 108 depending on the transaction amount, while withdrawal charges range from KSh 11 to KSh 309. Understanding these tariffs can help users plan transfers efficiently, reduce costs, and maximize the benefits of Kenya’s leading mobile money platform.