To send money on M-Pesa, open the M-Pesa app, choose Send money, enter the number and amount, then confirm with your PIN. If you have no data, dial *334# and select Send money. Amounts up to KSh 100 are free. The highest single transfer is KSh 250,000.
Ways to Send Money
You can send from the M-Pesa app, the Safaricom app, USSD (*334#), or the SIM toolkit menu. You need money already in your account. The recipient can be on M-Pesa or another network.
Using the M-Pesa app
- Open the app and sign in.
- Tap Send and request, then Send money.
- Enter the phone number or pick it from contacts.
- Enter the amount.
- Confirm with your PIN or fingerprint. You will get an SMS once it goes through.
Using the Safaricom app
- Open the app and select Send money.
- Enter the number or choose from contacts.
- Enter the amount and confirm.
- Enter your PIN. Wait for the SMS.
Using USSD (*334#)
- Dial *334#.
- Select Send money.
- Enter the phone number.
- Enter the amount.
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN and confirm.
Using the SIM toolkit
- Open the SIM toolkit and select M-Pesa, then Send money.
- Enter the phone number, amount and PIN.
- Check the details carefully on the confirmation screens before accepting.
Always read the recipient name on the final prompt. That is your last chance to cancel if the number is wrong.
Sending to Someone Without M-Pesa
If the recipient has no M-Pesa account, they receive an SMS with a voucher code. They take the SMS, their ID and their phone to an M-Pesa agent to collect the cash. If they lose the SMS, they can call 100 or 200 and ask for it to be resent.
Send Money Charges (2026)
Fees are the same whether you send to another M-Pesa user or to a registered user on another network.
| Amount sent (KSh) | Fee (KSh) |
|---|---|
| 1 to 100 | Free |
| 101 to 500 | 7 |
| 501 to 1,000 | 13 |
| 1,001 to 1,500 | 23 |
| 1,501 to 2,500 | 33 |
| 2,501 to 3,500 | 53 |
| 3,501 to 5,000 | 57 |
| 5,001 to 7,500 | 78 |
| 7,501 to 10,000 | 90 |
| 10,001 to 15,000 | 100 |
| 15,001 to 20,000 | 105 |
| 20,001 to 250,000 | 108 |
These rates come from Safaricom’s published consumer tariff. Confirm the latest figures on Safaricom’s official site before sending large amounts. Paying a business (Paybill or Buy Goods) uses different charges.
Limits
| Limit | Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Maximum per single transaction | 250,000 |
| Maximum daily transaction total | 500,000 |
| Maximum account balance | 500,000 |
| Minimum agent withdrawal | 50 |
The balance limit also applies to the person receiving the money.
Sending to Other Networks
You can send to Airtel Money or T-Kash using the same Send money option. Just enter their phone number. The fee matches the M-Pesa to M-Pesa rate. The receiving network has its own rules, so confirm with them for large amounts.
If You Send to the Wrong Number
Forward the confirmation SMS to 456 within 24 hours. Safaricom will process the reversal request and reply by SMS. You can also start a reversal from the M-Pesa app or through Safaricom’s Zuri chatbot. Once the money has left, you cannot cancel it yourself.
Practical Notes
- USSD and SIM toolkit work without data. The apps need data for the first login.
- You must be registered for M-Pesa before you can send.
- Double-check the number and name before confirming.
- For amounts over KSh 20,000 the fee stays at KSh 108, so larger single transfers cost relatively less.
Common Questions
How much does it cost to send KSh 1,000?
KSh 13. Anything up to KSh 100 is free.
What is the highest amount I can send?
KSh 250,000 in one go, and up to KSh 500,000 in total per day.
Can I send without data?
Yes, using *334# or the SIM toolkit.
Can I reverse a payment after confirming?
Only by requesting a reversal within 24 hours by forwarding the SMS to 456 or through the app.
That covers the main ways to send money on M-Pesa in 2026, along with the current fees and limits. Always verify the final amount and recipient name on the confirmation screen before you enter your PIN.
