Mpesa Transaction Cost Calculator 🇰🇪

How M-Pesa and Airtel Money charges work in Kenya

Every mobile money transaction in Kenya has a cost, and that cost depends on three things: the amount you move, the type of transaction, and the network you use. Both Safaricom M-Pesa and Airtel Money group amounts into tiers (also called bands or slabs). Each tier has a fixed fee, so sending KSh 900 and KSh 1,000 can cost the same, while KSh 1,001 may jump to the next band.

On top of the base fee, excise duty is applied to transfer charges under Kenyan tax law, so the final cost can change when the Finance Act changes. That is why you should always check the confirmation message before you press send.

Types of mobile money transactions

• Send money to the same network: M-Pesa to M-Pesa, or Airtel Money to Airtel Money. This is usually the cheapest way to send money to a friend or family member.
• Send money to other networks: for example Airtel to M-Pesa, or M-Pesa to Airtel. Cross-network transfers normally cost more than same-network transfers.
• Agent withdrawal: cashing out at an M-Pesa or Airtel Money agent. The fee depends on the withdrawal amount, and it is often the biggest cost for people who cash out frequently.
• Paybill: used to pay bills such as electricity, water, school fees and rent. Who pays the fee, and how much, depends on the business that owns the Paybill number.
• Buy Goods (Lipa na M-Pesa Till): used to pay shops and other merchants. Customers generally do not pay a fee here, because the merchant pays a transaction charge.
• Pochi la Biashara: a wallet for small businesses to receive payments from customers on their phones.
• M-Pesa to bank and bank to M-Pesa: charges depend on the bank, so check with your bank as well.

How to use this M-Pesa charges calculator

1. Type the amount in Kenya shillings (KSh).
2. Choose the transaction type: same network, other network, agent withdrawal or merchant payment.
3. Press Calculate Fees.
4. Compare the M-Pesa and Airtel Money results side by side and pick the cheaper option for your transaction.

Tips to reduce your mobile money costs

• Pay with Buy Goods instead of withdrawing. Paying a shop directly from your wallet avoids the agent withdrawal fee.
• Stay on the same network when sending money, if the other person can receive on it.
• Watch the tier edges. If you are just above a band limit, splitting the amount can sometimes cost less. Check both totals first, and note that repeated transfers may carry their own fees.
• Withdraw once, not many times. One larger withdrawal is often cheaper than several small ones.
• Check the fee before you confirm. The USSD menu and the M-Pesa app show the charge before you complete the transaction.

Daily transaction limits

Mobile money wallets have limits on the amount per transaction, the total per day and the maximum balance. These limits are set by the provider under Central Bank of Kenya rules and can change. Check Safaricom or Airtel for the current figures before you plan a large transfer.

What about Fuliza?

Fuliza is M-Pesa's overdraft service. It lets you complete a transaction when your balance is too low, and you repay automatically when money arrives in your wallet. It is not free: expect an access fee and daily fees while the balance is outstanding. Use it for emergencies and repay quickly to keep costs down.

Who is this calculator for?

Individuals sending money home, small shop owners deciding between cash and Till payments, freelancers receiving payments, students paying fees, and anyone who wants to know the cost before sending. Because the calculator works in your browser on any phone, you can use it before you visit an agent or open the M-Pesa app.

Important note

This tool gives estimates to help you plan. Safaricom and Airtel can update their tariffs at any time. For the exact amount, always read the confirmation message on your phone or check the official tariff pages.