The ability to send money from MPesa to Airtel Money without needing a withdrawal code is a game-changer for many Kenyans. Thanks to mobile money interoperability, introduced in 2022, transferring funds between different mobile money providers has become more seamless and convenient. Before this, sending money from MPesa to Airtel required the recipient to visit an agent and withdraw the money using a code within seven days. Now, with interoperability, funds can be sent directly to Airtel Money and accessed in real time.
Steps to Send Money from MPesa to Airtel Money Without a Withdrawal Code
Here’s a simple guide on how you can transfer money from MPesa to Airtel Money:
- *Dial 334# on your MPesa registered line.
- Navigate to the “Send Money” option in the menu.
- Select “Send to other Network” (This will allow you to send money to non-MPesa numbers).
- Enter the recipient’s Airtel mobile number.
- Input the amount of money you wish to send.
- Confirm the transaction by entering your MPesa PIN.
- Double-check the transaction details, ensuring the correct recipient number and amount, then proceed to complete the transfer.
Once you have successfully completed these steps, the money will reflect in the recipient’s Airtel Money account in real time.
MPesa Transfer Charges to Airtel Money
While interoperability has made the transfer process easier, it’s important to be aware of the charges involved when sending money from MPesa to Airtel Money. Below is a table showing the transaction fees based on the amount being transferred:
| Transaction Range (Ksh) | Charges (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| 1 – 49 | Free |
| 50 – 100 | Free |
| 101 – 500 | 7 |
| 501 – 1,000 | 13 |
| 1,001 – 1,500 | 23 |
| 1,501 – 2,500 | 33 |
| 2,501 – 3,500 | 53 |
| 3,501 – 5,000 | 57 |
| 5,001 – 7,500 | 78 |
| 7,501 – 10,000 | 90 |
| 10,001 – 15,000 | 100 |
| 15,001 – 20,000 | 105 |
| 20,001 – 35,000 | 108 |
| 35,001 – 50,000 | 108 |
| 50,001 – 250,000 | 108 |
As shown above, the charges vary depending on the amount being transferred, with lower amounts (up to Ksh 100) being free. The fees for larger transactions, particularly above Ksh 50,000, are capped at Ksh 108.
Conclusion
With mobile money interoperability in Kenya, transferring money from MPesa to Airtel Money has become faster and more convenient. No withdrawal code is needed, and the recipient can receive funds instantly. Always double-check the transaction details to ensure accuracy and be aware of the charges based on the amount you’re sending. This new system is not only user-friendly but also cost-effective, making mobile money transfers easier across different networks.
