M-PESA, Kenya’s pioneering mobile money platform, continues to lead in providing seamless financial services to millions of users. As Safaricom updates its transaction charges for 2025, these revisions aim to reflect economic shifts and promote greater financial inclusion. Below, we break down these updates, offering valuable insights for M-PESA’s 30+ million active users.
Whether you’re transferring funds, withdrawing cash, or accessing ATM services, understanding these charges ensures cost efficiency and informed decision-making.
Updated M-PESA Charges for Sending Money
Sending money via M-PESA varies depending on the recipient’s registration status and the transaction amount. Here’s a breakdown of the updated charges for 2025:
To Registered M-PESA Users
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | Transfer Fee (KSHS) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Key Note: Transactions between KSHS 1 and 100 are free, enhancing accessibility for low-value users.
Withdrawing Money from M-PESA Agents
The updated withdrawal charges at M-PESA agent outlets are as follows:
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | Withdrawal Fee (KSHS) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Note: Withdrawals below KSHS 50 are not permitted.
ATM Withdrawal Charges
For ATM withdrawals, the fees are as follows:
| Transaction Range (KSHS) | ATM Withdrawal Fee (KSHS) |
|---|---|
| 200 – 2,500 | 35 |
| 2,501 – 5,000 | 69 |
| 5,001 – 10,000 | 115 |
| 10,001 – 35,000 | 203 |
Additional Services
- Free Services: Deposits, registration, balance inquiries, PIN changes, and airtime purchases.
- Reversal Services: Forward the erroneous transaction message to 456 for a free reversal.
- Limits:
- Maximum account balance: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum daily transaction value: KSHS 500,000
- Maximum per transaction: KSHS 250,000
Key Considerations for Users
- Combine Transactions: Avoid multiple small transfers to minimize fees.
- Leverage Free Services: Use free features like airtime purchases for added savings.
- Monitor Updates: Stay informed about any changes to transaction fees.
- Plan Ahead: Combine transactions to fall within lower fee brackets and optimize costs.
How M-PESA Stacks Up Against Competitors
In 2025, Airtel Money and other mobile money platforms offer competitive rates. For instance:
- Sending KSHS 1,000 via Airtel Money costs KSHS 11, slightly cheaper than M-PESA’s KSHS 13.
- Withdrawal charges also vary, with Airtel Money often being more affordable for specific ranges.
This competition encourages users to weigh options and select services that best suit their needs.
Conclusion
The 2025 updates to M-PESA transaction charges emphasize inclusivity while reflecting broader economic changes. By staying informed and strategically using M-PESA’s services, users can navigate these changes efficiently. As Kenya’s leading mobile money platform, M-PESA continues to innovate and adapt, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of everyday transactions.
