Since its inception in 2007, M-Pesa has revolutionized financial transactions in Kenya, offering a simple, fast, and secure way to send money, pay bills, and manage finances. With over 34 million active users, it is a lifeline for both urban and rural communities. However, as with any service, M-Pesa incurs transaction fees, which remain a point of contention for users. In 2025, Safaricom introduced changes to these charges, aiming to streamline and harmonize fees while addressing concerns about fraud and efficiency. Here’s an in-depth look at the new M-Pesa charges and what they mean for users.
A Snapshot of M-Pesa: What It Offers
M-Pesa’s versatility has made it indispensable for millions. Users can:
- Send money to family, friends, and business associates.
- Withdraw cash from agent outlets.
- Pay for goods and services seamlessly.
- Access financial products like savings and credit.
Transactions can be initiated using the Safaricom SIM toolkit, the USSD code *334#, or the M-Pesa App, making it accessible even to those with basic mobile phones.
New Send Money Charges for 2025
Sending money via M-Pesa now incurs standardized charges regardless of whether the recipient is on Safaricom, Airtel Money, or Telkom’s T-Kash. Transfers to unregistered users have been discontinued to curb fraud and money laundering. The charges vary based on the amount sent:
| Amount (Ksh) | To Safaricom | To Airtel/Telkom |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 49 | Free | Free |
| 50 – 100 | Free | Free |
| 101 – 500 | Ksh7 | Ksh7 |
| 501 – 1,000 | Ksh13 | Ksh13 |
| 1,001 – 1,500 | Ksh23 | Ksh23 |
| 1,501 – 2,500 | Ksh33 | Ksh33 |
| 2,501 – 3,500 | Ksh53 | Ksh53 |
| 3,501 – 5,000 | Ksh57 | Ksh57 |
| 5,001 – 7,500 | Ksh78 | Ksh78 |
| 7,501 – 10,000 | Ksh90 | Ksh90 |
| 10,001 – 15,000 | Ksh100 | Ksh100 |
| 15,001 – 20,000 | Ksh105 | Ksh105 |
| 20,001 – 50,000 | Ksh108 | Ksh108 |
| 50,001 – 250,000 | Ksh108 | Ksh108 |
The maximum amount per transaction is Ksh250,000, with a daily transaction limit of Ksh500,000.
New Withdrawal Charges for 2025
Withdrawals from M-Pesa agents have always been costlier than sending money. In 2025, withdrawal charges were revised, and here’s how they stack up:
| Amount (Ksh) | Withdrawal Fee (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| 1 – 49 | N/A |
| 50 – 100 | Ksh11 |
| 101 – 500 | Ksh29 |
| 501 – 1,000 | Ksh29 |
| 1,001 – 1,500 | Ksh29 |
| 1,501 – 2,500 | Ksh29 |
| 2,501 – 3,500 | Ksh52 |
| 3,501 – 5,000 | Ksh69 |
| 5,001 – 7,500 | Ksh87 |
| 7,501 – 10,000 | Ksh115 |
| 10,001 – 15,000 | Ksh167 |
| 15,001 – 20,000 | Ksh185 |
| 20,001 – 35,000 | Ksh197 |
| 35,001 – 50,000 | Ksh278 |
| 50,001 – 250,000 | Ksh309 |
The minimum amount you can withdraw is Ksh50, and the maximum is Ksh250,000 per transaction. Notably, withdrawing Ksh2,501 to Ksh3,500 costs slightly less than sending the same amount.
Fee-Free Transactions
Despite the changes, certain transactions remain free, emphasizing M-Pesa’s commitment to inclusivity:
- Deposits at agent outlets.
- M-Pesa registration.
- Buying airtime via M-Pesa.
- Balance inquiries.
- Changing M-Pesa PIN.
Key Policy Changes
- Harmonization Across Networks: By standardizing charges for transfers to Airtel Money and T-Kash, Safaricom promotes cross-network efficiency and fairness.
- Increased Daily Limits: The daily transaction limit has been increased to Ksh500,000, catering to the growing demand for high-value transactions.
- Fraud Prevention: Discontinuing transfers to unregistered users reflects Safaricom’s commitment to combating fraud and enhancing security.
How to Make the Most of M-Pesa in 2025
To optimize usage and minimize costs:
- Plan Transactions: Combine multiple small transactions into one to save on fees.
- Use Free Services: Deposit funds at agents and purchase airtime through M-Pesa to take advantage of cost-free options.
- Monitor Limits: Be aware of transaction and daily limits to avoid disruptions.
Impact on Users
The revised charges strike a balance between operational costs and user affordability. While withdrawal fees remain high, the harmonized sending fees make M-Pesa more appealing for inter-network transactions. Businesses benefit from higher daily limits, facilitating larger payments and better cash flow management.
Conclusion
M-Pesa remains an integral part of Kenya’s financial ecosystem, and the 2025 changes reflect Safaricom’s efforts to adapt to evolving user needs. By simplifying charges and enhancing security, M-Pesa continues to empower millions of Kenyans with reliable and accessible financial services. As the platform evolves, users are encouraged to stay informed and leverage its features to navigate the changing landscape effectively.
