The use of M-Pesa for financial services has in no small way transformed the way transactions are carried out in this technologically advanced era. These mobile money and financial services have made financial transactions simple and convenient in some countries in Africa, especially in Kenya.

Despite the ease that comes with the use of this  M-Pesa for financial services, navigating the cost that comes with each transaction carried out using M-Pesa can, over time, be challenging.

This article gives the breakdown of M-Pesa charges attached to every transaction carried out, including agent withdrawal charges, ATM withdrawal charges, charges for registered and non-registered users

Notwithstanding, before the breakdown of the  M-Pesa charges, understanding M-Pesa is necessary, especially for those who may be hearing the name for the first time.

What is M-Pesa?

M-Pesa is a mobile banking service that allows users to store and transfer money through their mobile phones. It enables users to deposit, withdraw, transfer money and pay for goods and services. It was launched in 2007 by Vodafone for Safaricom and Vodacom

Full Breakdown of M-Pesa Charges for All Transaction Types

The tables below show the various transitions and their respective M-Pesa charges. Meanwhile,  for the most current and accurate charges, we advise you to log on to Safaricom’s official website or contact a customer service representative.

M-Pesa Agent Withdrawal Charges

Amount (KES) Charges (KES)
1 – 49 N/A
50 – 100 11
101 – 500 29
1,001 – 1,500 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

ATM Withdrawal Charges

Amount (KES) Charges (KES)
1 200-2,500 35
2,501 – 5,000 69
5,001 – 10,000 115
10,001 – 35,000 203

 Sending to Registered M-Pesa Users

Amount (KES) Charges (KES)
1 – 49 Free
50-100 Free
501-500 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

Sending to Unregistered Users

Amount (KES) Charges (KES)
101 – 500 45-47
501 – 1,000 49-51
1,001 – 1,500 59-61
1,501 – 2,500 74-76
2,501 – 3,500 112-115
3,501 – 5,000 135-139
5,001 – 7,500 166-171
7,501 – 10,000 205-211
10,001 – 15,000 265-273
15,001 – 20,000 288-296
20,001 – 25,000 303-309

 Free M-Pesa Transactions

Transactions of KES 1 – 49 to another M-Pesa user are generally free.

All deposits to M-Pesa are free of charge.

Receiving money on M-Pesa does not incur any charges.

M-Pesa to Till Number transactions are free for the customer except at petrol stations where specific charges may apply.