Updated 29 October 2026
Updated October 2026. Absa vs KCB: on the Central Bank of Kenya’s August 2026 bank-by-bank table, Absa lent at an average of 13.83% a year and KCB at 14.78%, against a market average of 14.34%. That makes Absa the cheaper borrower’s bank on average by 0.95 percentage points. Below we compare Absa vs KCB on loan cost, worked repayments, mobile banking, paybill and SWIFT codes, and who each bank suits.
Absa vs KCB: key figures side by side
| Metric | Absa | KCB | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average lending rate (Aug 2026) | 13.83% | 14.78% | CBK |
| Gap to market average (14.34%) | -0.51 pts | +0.44 pts | CBK |
| Rank by cost (of 36) | not stated | not stated | CBK table |
| Indicative rate range | 11.63% to 17.15% | 13.21% to 17.28% | Published premiums over CBR |
| Mobile loans | Timiza | KCB M-Pesa | Bank sites |
| M-Pesa paybill | 303030 | 522522 | Bank / Safaricom |
| SWIFT code | BARCKENX | KCBLKENX | Bank sites |
| Deposit insurance | 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.
KCB Bank Kenya in brief
KCB Bank is Kenya’s largest bank by assets and has the widest branch and agent footprint of the big lenders. It offers salary-backed personal loans, mobile credit through KCB M-Pesa, vehicle asset finance, mortgages and business loans. Its paybill 522522 is the most widely used bank paybill in the country. KCB Group is also listed on the NSE, so its customers can follow its results and dividends publicly. Estimate a loan on our KCB 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 | KCB monthly | Total interest difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSh 200,000 over 24 months | KSh 9,587 | KSh 9,676 | KSh 2,158 more at KCB |
| KSh 500,000 over 36 months | KSh 17,048 | KSh 17,279 | KSh 8,326 more at KCB |
| KSh 1,000,000 over 60 months | KSh 23,180 | KSh 23,675 | KSh 29,664 more at KCB |
On a KSh 1 million, five-year loan, the average-rate gap adds up to about KSh 29,664 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 KCB: which should you choose?
- Cheapest average loan: Absa (13.83%). Start your quotes there.
- Quick mobile credit: Absa offers Timiza; KCB offers KCB M-Pesa. Mobile loans are usually priced differently from branch loans, so check the fee before borrowing.
- Depositing from M-Pesa: Absa paybill 303030, KCB paybill 522522, 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 KCB?
On CBK’s August 2026 data, Absa had the lower average lending rate at 13.83%, against 14.78% at KCB. Your own rate depends on your credit profile.
What are the M-Pesa paybill numbers for Absa and KCB?
Absa: 303030; KCB: 522522. Use your bank account number as the account number.
Are deposits at Absa and KCB 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.
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