Streaming platforms have transformed how we consume entertainment. Netflix, in particular, has become one of the go-to services for movies, series, documentaries, and more. But with its withdrawal of the free mobile plan in Kenya, many users have wondered: How do I pay for Netflix in Kenya now? In this post, we’ll walk you through every available payment method, step by step, and answer frequently asked questions so that you can enjoy your favorite content without hassle.

The End of the Free Mobile Plan: What Changed

Until recently, Netflix offered a “free mobile plan” in Kenya, allowing users to stream Netflix content (on mobile devices) without paying. However, as of November 1, 2023, Netflix discontinued that free mobile option.

Now, all users—even those who had relied on that free access—must upgrade to a “paid” subscription plan to continue using Netflix. That change has pushed many Kenyan subscribers to explore payment options more seriously. Fortunately, Netflix offers multiple ways for users in Kenya to pay, even for those without international cards.

Netflix Subscription Plans (Kenya, 2025)

Before we dive into payment methods, it’s useful to know the current subscription tiers and their pricing (in Kenyan Shillings). As of 2025, Netflix offers the following plans in Kenya:

Plan Type	Price (KES)
Mobile	200
Basic	300
Standard	700
Premium	1,100

These prices give you a reference point when loading funds into any payment method (e.g. M-Pesa, virtual cards) to ensure you have enough to cover your chosen tier.

Payment Methods Available in Kenya

Here are the main ways Netflix payments can be made or facilitated in Kenya:

M-Pesa / M-Pesa GlobalPay (virtual card)
Bank / credit / debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.)
PayPal (linked to M-Pesa in some cases)
Other third-party / intermediary methods (less direct / more limited)

Let’s go through each in detail, with instructions and tips.

1. Paying via M-Pesa (Using GlobalPay virtual card)

This is arguably the most popular and accessible method for many Kenyans, especially for those without international bank cards.

What is M-Pesa GlobalPay?

Instead of using an actual physical card, M-Pesa provides a virtual Visa card through its GlobalPay service. You can use this virtual card just like a regular Visa debit/credit card when paying online—including Netflix. The virtual card is funded by your M-Pesa balance.

Netflix no longer uses a traditional Paybill number in Kenya; the GlobalPay virtual card method is now the main way to route payments from M-Pesa to Netflix.

How to activate and use M-Pesa GlobalPay (step-by-step)

Here’s how to set up and use M-Pesa GlobalPay to pay for your Netflix subscription:

Activate GlobalPay
- Dial *840# on your phone and follow the prompts to accept terms and create your virtual card.
- Or, open the M-Pesa app → select “Pay” → choose “GlobalPay”. You’ll receive a virtual Visa card (number, expiry, CVV) you can use online.
Log into Netflix and update your payment method
- Go to Account → Billing details or Payment Method → choose to Pay with Card.
- Enter your virtual Visa card details (number, expiry, CVV).
- Netflix will charge this card monthly, pulling funds directly from your M-Pesa.
Top up / maintain balance
- Ensure your M-Pesa balance is sufficient before the Netflix billing date. The virtual card will fail if there are insufficient funds.
- Monitor and top up your M-Pesa account as needed (via agents, bank deposits, etc.).
Payment confirmation
- Once Netflix charges your card, you’ll receive confirmation within your Netflix dashboard, and M-Pesa will send a transaction message to your phone.

Pros and Considerations of GlobalPay method

Advantages:

Easy access: Many Kenyans already have M-Pesa, which makes this method convenient.
No need for international or physical cards.
Secure: The virtual card behaves like a normal Visa, with encryption and card protections.
Can be used for other online transactions as well (Amazon, Spotify, etc.).

Things to watch out for:

You must maintain sufficient M-Pesa balance for the subscription to be renewed smoothly.
If the card expires, you may need to re-activate or generate a new virtual card.
Netflix may reject recurring payments if card settings are not correct.

2. Using Bank / Credit / Debit Cards

If you have a Visa, MasterCard, or even American Express (depending on what Netflix accepts in Kenya), you can pay directly with your card.

How to use your bank card:

In Netflix, go to Account → Payment Method → Add Card.
Enter your card number, expiry date, and CVV.
Confirm and set it as the recurring payment source.

Important notes:

The card must support online recurring payments.
Some local Kenyan debit cards may not be accepted outside domestic transactions; you’ll need to ensure your card is enabled for international e-commerce if required.
Be aware of possible foreign exchange or transaction fees if your card is in a non-KES currency.

Using cards is straightforward where possible, but it excludes many users who don’t have cards compatible with international payments. That’s why the M-Pesa / GlobalPay method is so vital for local users.

3. PayPal (Linked to M-Pesa in Kenya)

Another option is using PayPal, especially for users who want a middle ground between local payments and international methods.

How PayPal works with Netflix in Kenya

Set up a PayPal account, making sure the name matches your M-Pesa account (for easier linking and verification).
Link PayPal to M-Pesa:
- Use the Paybill number 800088 in M-Pesa with your phone number as the account number to deposit money into your PayPal account. This allows you to top up PayPal via M-Pesa.
Add PayPal in Netflix:
- In Netflix’s billing/payment settings, select PayPal as your payment method.
- Once set up, Netflix will draw subscription charges from your PayPal balance when due.

Advantages & drawbacks

Pros:

PayPal is well-known and accepted globally, so you can sometimes use it for other international services too.
Linking to M-Pesa lets you top up without needing a foreign card.

Cons:

It’s somewhat more cumbersome than GlobalPay, because it involves an extra “leg” in the chain (M-Pesa → PayPal → Netflix).
You might encounter conversion or transfer fees.
PayPal option might not always be fully supported in Netflix for Kenya (depends on Netflix’s policies in your region).

4. Alternative / Third-Party Methods

While the three methods above are the main ones, there may be intermediary services or resellers that offer Netflix subscription top-ups or voucher services. However, these come with caveats:

They may charge extra service fees.
You risk using unauthorized or unofficial providers (which can jeopardize account security).
They may not always be reliable or continuously supported.

Hence, whenever possible, it’s safer and more sustainable to stick with Netflix’s own supported payment methods (GlobalPay, cards, PayPal).

Troubleshooting Common Issues & FAQs

Here are common issues Kenyan users run into, and how to address them:

1. “Payment failed / card declined”

Ensure your M-Pesa virtual card has sufficient balance at the time of billing.
Check if your bank or debit card is enabled for international / recurring payments.
If using PayPal, confirm there are enough funds and that PayPal is properly linked.
Sometimes Netflix may request re-authorization or card revalidation—log in and check your billing settings.

2. “Card expired / virtual card no longer valid”

Virtual cards from M-Pesa may expire or need renewal. You may need to generate a new GlobalPay card.
If your bank card expires, replace it and update the payment method in Netflix settings immediately.

3. “I want to pay for someone else’s Netflix”

Yes, you can. When entering payment details (via M-Pesa / GlobalPay or PayPal), you can use the phone number or account belonging to the Netflix account owner.
Just make sure the payment method information (phone, card) and Netflix account are properly aligned.

4. “What is the Netflix Paybill number in Kenya?”

Netflix no longer uses a Paybill number in Kenya. Payments are now routed via M-Pesa GlobalPay (virtual card) or other official methods.
The older method of sending money to a Paybill is discontinued for Netflix in Kenya.

5. “Are there extra fees / exchange rates I should worry about?”

For GlobalPay (M-Pesa), typically you only pay the standard Netflix subscription price—no extra surcharge is mentioned.
For bank cards in foreign currency, currency conversion fees or foreign transaction fees may apply (depending on your card issuer).
If using PayPal, there might be PayPal fees or charges when transferring money in or out.

6. “Is my payment information secure?”

Netflix and M-Pesa use standard security and encryption protocols to protect your data.
Virtual cards help isolate your actual bank or M-Pesa account details from third parties.
Always ensure you access Netflix and M-Pesa through official apps or websites.

Why M-Pesa is a Game Changer for Netflix in Kenya

To understand why many Kenyans prefer using M-Pesa / GlobalPay, it helps to reflect on M-Pesa’s role in the local economy and digital payments.

Widespread adoption & financial inclusion

Since its launch in 2007, M-Pesa has become ubiquitous in Kenya, enabling people to deposit, withdraw, transfer money, and pay bills using mobile phones—even in rural areas.

Many Kenyans—especially in digitally underserved areas—may not have traditional bank accounts or international credit/debit cards. M-Pesa provides a bridge to online services.

Seamless integration with streaming services

By creating the GlobalPay virtual card, M-Pesa has enabled its users to engage in global e-commerce and subscription services (like Netflix) without needing a physical card or international banking relationships. This is especially powerful in markets where card penetration is low.

Encouraging digital payments

The adoption of M-Pesa for Netflix reflects a broader trend across Africa: mobile money and digital payments are supplanting cash and traditional banking for everyday transactions. As streaming platforms expand, having localized payment methods reinforces accessibility and inclusivity.

Indeed, this represents how fintech is enabling broader participation in the digital economy. Kenyan Wall Street also points to the fact that this method makes Netflix “stress-free” for Kenyans.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough: Setting Up Netflix Payment via M-Pesa (with Screens & Tips)

Below, I walk you through a hypothetical, step-by-step setup as a Kenyan user, with additional tips and screenshots you may imagine (or replicate on your own devices).

Activate your GlobalPay virtual card
- Dial *840# → accept terms and activate; or open M-Pesa → Pay → GlobalPay → generate card.
- Note the card number, expiry date, and CVV for use.
Log in to your Netflix account
- Go to the Netflix app or website, and navigate to Account → Billing Details (or Payment Method).
- If it’s a new account, go to Sign Up → Payment Method.
Add the virtual Visa card
- Select Add a Card / Pay with Card.
- Input the GlobalPay virtual card’s details (card number, expiry, CVV).
Confirm and authorize recurring payment
- Netflix may require confirmation or validation. Once you confirm, your billing begins.
- You should see a confirmation notice and email.
Make sure your M-Pesa has sufficient balance in advance
- On the billing day, ensure your M-Pesa account holds at least the plan amount (e.g. KES 300, 700, etc.).
- If insufficient funds, the charge may fail, and your subscription could be interrupted.
Monitor billing and card validity
- In Netflix’s billing settings, regularly check “Last payment” and “Next billing date”.
- If virtual card expires or stops working, regenerate or revalidate via M-Pesa.

Tip: If for any reason the card fails or expires, Netflix might prompt you to re-enter your payment method. Doing so quickly prevents service disruption.

Best Practices & Recommendations

To get the most out of paying for Netflix in Kenya, here are some tips:

Choose the plan wisely
- If you only watch on your phone, the Mobile plan (KES 200) could be enough. If you want HD or multiple screens, go for Standard or Premium.
Keep your M-Pesa topped up
- Avoid letting your balance fall below your subscription cost, especially just before your billing date.
Watch for card expiration or renewal prompts
- Virtual cards may have expiry periods—stay ahead and renew before they lapse.
Verify your Netflix billing info
- Always confirm your payment method, last payment amount/date, and next billing date.
Use official / trusted sources
- Avoid shady resellers or unauthorized top-up vendors—stick to Netflix’s supported methods (GlobalPay, cards, PayPal).
If you have a card, use it optionally
- If your bank card works internationally and allows recurring payments, it might be a backup or alternative.
Contact support if issues arise
- Netflix support and M-Pesa customer care can assist with failed charges, account linking problems, or payment errors.

The Broader Implications: Streaming, Payments & Africa’s Digital Future

This shift toward digital payments and subscription services in Kenya (and Africa at large) is part of a larger transformation:

Inclusivity in digital services: By enabling mobile money to pay for international services like Netflix, barriers to entry are significantly reduced for the unbanked population.
Expansion of fintech solutions: Virtual cards, wallet systems, and mobile payment gateways are rapidly evolving to support cross-border commerce.
Consumer behavior shift: As more people adopt streaming, more local content may be demanded, and payment ecosystems adapt accordingly.
Competition & service enhancement: Local payment integration may push streaming platforms to roll out better local pricing, features, and partnerships.

Final Thoughts

Paying for Netflix in Kenya may appear daunting at first—especially given the end of the free mobile plan—but the options available now are relatively streamlined and user-friendly. The M-Pesa GlobalPay virtual card approach stands out as the most accessible path for many users who lack international banking instruments.

By following the step-by-step guides above and being mindful of key considerations (like ensuring sufficient balance, checking card validity, and using official sources), you should be able to maintain uninterrupted Netflix access with minimal fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Paying for Netflix in Kenya

To make things even clearer, here are the most common questions Kenyan users ask about Netflix payments—and the detailed answers you need.

1. Can I pay for Netflix directly using M-Pesa without a card?

Not anymore. Netflix previously allowed direct M-Pesa Paybill payments, but that option has been discontinued. Now, you must use M-Pesa GlobalPay, which creates a virtual Visa card. This card can then be used to pay Netflix, just like a debit or credit card.

2. How much does Netflix cost in Kenya per month?

Netflix offers four plans in Kenya (2025 pricing):

Mobile Plan – KES 200
Basic Plan – KES 300
Standard Plan – KES 700
Premium Plan – KES 1,100

Choose a plan based on your streaming needs, device use, and whether you share accounts with family members.

3. What happens if I don’t have enough balance in M-Pesa on billing day?

If your M-Pesa balance is below your plan price on billing day, the GlobalPay card payment will fail. Netflix will pause your account until you update your payment method or reload funds. Once you have enough balance, you can retry payment and continue watching.

4. Is it safe to use M-Pesa GlobalPay to pay for Netflix?

Yes, it is safe. GlobalPay provides a virtual Visa card with encryption and fraud protection. Your actual M-Pesa account number is not shared with Netflix. As long as you use the official M-Pesa app or dial *840# directly, your information is secure.

5. Can I switch between payment methods?

Yes, you can. In your Netflix account settings, you can remove one payment method and add another anytime. For example, you could switch from a bank card to M-Pesa GlobalPay, or from PayPal to a credit card.

6. How do I know my Netflix payment went through?

When your subscription is successfully paid, you will:

Receive a confirmation SMS from M-Pesa (if using GlobalPay).
See a “payment successful” message in your Netflix account billing page.
Receive a confirmation email from Netflix.

7. Can I pay for someone else’s Netflix using M-Pesa?

Yes. You can use your M-Pesa GlobalPay card to pay for another person’s Netflix account. When entering payment details in Netflix, simply add your virtual Visa card details, and Netflix will debit your M-Pesa for their account.

8. Does Netflix accept PayPal in Kenya?

Yes, Netflix does allow PayPal. You can top up PayPal using M-Pesa (Paybill 800088) and then select PayPal as your Netflix payment method. However, this method may have extra steps and sometimes involves conversion fees, which is why many users prefer GlobalPay.

9. What if my GlobalPay virtual card expires?

If your virtual Visa card from M-Pesa expires, simply generate a new one using *840# or the M-Pesa app. Then, update your Netflix payment settings with the new card details.

10. Can I downgrade or upgrade my Netflix plan anytime?

Yes. You can change your plan anytime in the Netflix account settings. If you downgrade, your next billing cycle will charge the lower price. If you upgrade, the higher rate may apply immediately, depending on Netflix’s billing policies.

11. Are there hidden charges for paying Netflix in Kenya?

There are no hidden charges when using M-Pesa GlobalPay—Netflix charges you the exact plan amount in KES. With bank cards or PayPal, however, you may encounter foreign transaction or currency conversion fees depending on your bank.

12. Can I cancel Netflix anytime?

Yes, Netflix is a pay-as-you-go service. You can cancel anytime in your account settings. Your subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing cycle.

13. Do I need a bank account to use Netflix in Kenya?

No. Thanks to M-Pesa GlobalPay, you do not need a bank account or international card. Your M-Pesa wallet acts as your payment gateway, making Netflix accessible even to the unbanked population.

14. Can I share my Netflix account?

Yes, depending on your plan.

Mobile and Basic plans are for single users.
Standard and Premium plans allow multiple screens, meaning you can share with family or friends.

15. Which method is best: M-Pesa, Bank Card, or PayPal?

M-Pesa GlobalPay is best for most Kenyans due to ease, affordability, and accessibility.
Bank cards are good if you already have an internationally accepted Visa/MasterCard and want fewer steps.
PayPal is useful if you frequently transact internationally and prefer using a PayPal wallet.