Depositing money into M-Pesa is free. The usual way is to walk into any authorised M-Pesa agent with your phone and original ID. You can also move money straight from your bank account using USSD or the bank app, or receive it from Airtel Money or T-Kash.
Depositing Cash at an M-Pesa Agent
You need three things:
- Your Safaricom line with M-Pesa already registered
- The phone that has that line
- One original ID
Accepted IDs for deposits and withdrawals are a Kenyan National ID, Kenyan passport, foreign passport, military ID, or foreigner certificate.
Note that registration is stricter. Agents can only register new customers with a Kenyan National ID or Kenyan passport. If you have a foreign passport, military ID, or foreigner certificate, you register at a Safaricom shop or customer care desk.
Steps:
- Go to an authorised agent (look for the official green M-Pesa branding).
- Tell the agent how much you want to deposit and give them your phone number.
- Show your original ID.
- The agent sends the money from their agent phone to your account.
- You and the agent both get an SMS confirmation.
- Check your balance before you leave (M-Pesa app, *334#, or SIM toolkit).
Never give the agent your M-Pesa PIN.
Costs and Limits
All deposits are free. Safaricom does not charge a deposit fee.
Current limits:
- Maximum account balance: KSh 500,000
- Maximum daily transaction value: KSh 500,000
- Maximum amount per single transaction: KSh 250,000
These figures come from Safaricom’s published consumer tariffs. Confirm the latest numbers on Safaricom’s official site if you are dealing with larger amounts.
Depositing into Someone Else’s Account
You cannot. Agents only deposit cash into the account that matches the ID you present (your own registered account).
If you need to get money to someone else, deposit it into your account first, then send it to them. Amounts of KSh 100 or below are free to send. Higher amounts follow the normal send-money tariff.
Transferring from Your Bank Account to M-Pesa
Most banks let you push money from your account to your M-Pesa wallet. You need mobile banking activated and an active M-Pesa account.
General process:
- Dial your bank’s USSD code from the phone registered for mobile banking.
- Choose the option to send money to M-Pesa.
- Enter the M-Pesa number (usually your own).
- Enter the amount and confirm with your bank PIN.
- Wait for the SMS from M-Pesa.
Common bank USSD codes
| Bank | USSD Code |
|---|---|
| Equity Bank | *247# |
| KCB | *522# |
| Co-operative Bank | *667# |
| Absa Bank Kenya | *224# |
| NCBA Bank | *654# |
| Stanbic Bank | *208# |
| Standard Chartered Bank | *722# |
| Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) | *385# |
| I & M Bank | *458# |
| Family Bank | *325# |
| National Bank of Kenya | *625# |
| Postbank | *498# |
Codes can change. If one does not work, check the current code in your bank’s app. Your bank may charge its own fee for the transfer even though M-Pesa treats the incoming deposit as free.
Receiving from Airtel Money or T-Kash
Someone on Airtel Money or T-Kash can send money directly to your M-Pesa number. It arrives almost immediately. The sender pays the fee set by their network. You do not pay anything to receive it.
ATMs
Safaricom lists ATMs mainly for withdrawals. There is no standard official process for depositing physical cash into M-Pesa at an ATM. Some banks may offer limited cash-deposit options that credit M-Pesa. Check with your specific bank before relying on it. Agents and bank transfers are the reliable options.
If the Money Does Not Appear
Check your balance first. If the SMS says the deposit went through but the balance has not changed, note the agent’s number and the transaction reference, then call Safaricom on 100 (prepaid) or 200 (postpaid).
A Few Practical Points
- Keep your PIN private. Agents do not need it for a deposit.
- Only use agents with proper M-Pesa branding.
- Confirm the SMS and your balance before you leave the shop.
- Foreigners can deposit with a foreign passport, military ID, or foreigner certificate, but they register at a Safaricom shop rather than at a regular agent.
Common Questions
Is there any charge to deposit into M-Pesa?
No. Deposits are free.
What is the highest balance I can hold?
KSh 500,000. The daily transaction limit is also KSh 500,000.
Can I deposit without going to an agent?
Yes. Transfer from your bank using USSD or the bank app, or have someone send money to your M-Pesa number from another wallet.
Do I need my PIN at the agent?
No. The agent sends the money to you.
That covers the main ways to put money into M-Pesa in 2026. Agents are the most common for cash, and bank transfers are the most convenient if the money is already in your account. Always double-check the latest limits and any bank fees on the official channels.
