Updated 29 October 2026
Updated October 2026. Absa vs Stanbic vs Standard Chartered Kenya: on the Central Bank of Kenya’s August 2026 bank-by-bank table, Standard Chartered lent at an average of 11.45% a year and Absa at 13.83%, with Stanbic at 11.93%, against a market average of 14.34%. That makes Standard Chartered the cheaper borrower’s bank on average by 2.38 percentage points. Below we compare Absa vs Stanbic vs Standard Chartered on loan cost, worked repayments, mobile banking, paybill and SWIFT codes, and who each bank suits.
Absa vs Stanbic vs Standard Chartered: key figures side by side
| Metric | Absa | Stanbic | Standard Chartered | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average lending rate (Aug 2026) | 13.83% | 11.93% | 11.45% | CBK |
| Gap to market average (14.34%) | -0.51 pts | -2.41 pts | -2.89 pts | CBK |
| Rank by cost (of 36) | not stated | 3 | 2 | CBK table |
| Indicative rate range | 11.63% to 17.15% | quoted per customer | quoted per customer | Published premiums over CBR |
| Mobile loans | Timiza | via app/branch | via app/branch | Bank sites |
| M-Pesa paybill | 303030 | 600100 | 329329 | Bank / Safaricom |
| SWIFT code | BARCKENX | SBICKENX | SCBLKENX | Bank sites |
| Deposit insurance | KDIC up to KSh 500,000 | KDIC up to KSh 500,000 | KDIC up to KSh 500,000 | KDIC |
Absa Bank Kenya in brief
Absa Bank Kenya, formerly Barclays Bank of Kenya, prices its loans below the market average on CBK’s August 2026 table. Its main retail products are personal unsecured loans for salaried customers, Timiza mobile loans, asset finance, mortgages and business banking credit. Safaricom still lists its M-Pesa paybill (303030) under the old Barclays name, which confuses some first-time depositors. Estimate a loan on our Absa loan calculator.
Stanbic Bank Kenya in brief
Stanbic Bank Kenya, part of South Africa’s Standard Bank Group, came 3rd cheapest of 36 banks on CBK’s August 2026 lending-rate table. It is strongest in corporate, business and personal banking for salaried and higher-income clients rather than mass-market mobile lending. Its M-Pesa paybill is 600100, listed by Safaricom under the old CFC Stanbic name. Estimate a loan on our Stanbic loan calculator.
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya in brief
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, part of the UK-listed group, was the 2nd cheapest lender of 36 on CBK’s August 2026 table at 11.45%. It focuses on salaried professionals, priority and private banking clients and corporates, so its low average partly reflects the lower-risk customers it lends to. Its paybill is 329329. Estimate a loan on our Standard Chartered loan calculator.
What the rate gap costs you: worked examples
Using each bank’s CBK average as the rate, on a reducing balance (illustration only; your quote depends on your credit profile, and fees come on top):
| Loan | Absa monthly | Stanbic monthly | Standard Chartered monthly | Total interest difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KSh 200,000 over 24 months | KSh 9,587 | KSh 9,408 | KSh 9,363 | KSh 5,355 more at Absa |
| KSh 500,000 over 36 months | KSh 17,048 | KSh 16,590 | KSh 16,476 | KSh 20,572 more at Absa |
| KSh 1,000,000 over 60 months | KSh 23,180 | KSh 22,209 | KSh 21,968 | KSh 72,762 more at Absa |
On a KSh 1 million, five-year loan, the average-rate gap adds up to about KSh 72,762 in extra interest. That is why it pays to get a written quotation from each bank and compare the total repayable, not just the monthly figure. Remember averages hide a wide spread: a salaried customer with a clean credit record may get well below their bank’s average, and a riskier borrower well above it.
Absa vs Stanbic vs Standard Chartered: which should you choose?
- Cheapest average loan: Standard Chartered (11.45%). Start your quotes there.
- Quick mobile credit: Absa offers Timiza. Mobile loans are usually priced differently from branch loans, so check the fee before borrowing.
- Depositing from M-Pesa: Absa paybill 303030, Stanbic paybill 600100, Standard Chartered paybill 329329, with your account number as the account. See all bank paybill numbers.
- Safety: all are CBK-licensed and KDIC members, so deposits are insured up to KSh 500,000 per depositor per bank.
- Everyday fees: compare the latest tariff guide from each bank for ledger fees, ATM withdrawals and transfers; these change more often than loan pricing.
How to get the best loan quote
- Check your credit report with a licensed credit reference bureau and clear any arrears.
- Ask each bank for a written offer showing the rate, all fees and the total cost of credit.
- Enter each offer into the bank’s calculator and compare totals.
- Ask whether the loan is reducing balance or flat rate; flat rates can nearly double the true cost.
- Use the Total Cost of Credit site (costofcredit.co.ke) to cross-check published pricing.
Related: money market fund vs savings account and PesaLink vs RTGS vs EFT. Official sources: Central Bank of Kenya, KDIC, Total Cost of Credit.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper for loans, Absa or Stanbic or Standard Chartered?
On CBK’s August 2026 data, Standard Chartered had the lower average lending rate at 11.45%, against 13.83% at Absa. Your own rate depends on your credit profile.
What are the M-Pesa paybill numbers for Absa and Stanbic and Standard Chartered?
Absa: 303030; Stanbic: 600100; Standard Chartered: 329329. Use your bank account number as the account number.
Are deposits at Absa and Stanbic and Standard Chartered insured?
Yes. As KDIC member banks, deposits are covered up to KSh 500,000 per depositor per bank if the bank is liquidated.
How are bank loan rates set in Kenya?
Under CBK’s Risk-Based Credit Pricing Model, variable shilling loans are priced as a reference rate (the Central Bank Rate, 8.75% from 7 October 2026, or KESONIA) plus a customer premium called K, with fees on top.
Prefer WhatsApp? Follow Business Radar on WhatsApp
Weekly, free. We only use your email for this newsletter and you can unsubscribe in one click. Privacy policy.
