Fuliza is Safaricom’s innovative overdraft facility that allows Mpesa users to complete transactions even when they don’t have sufficient funds in their Mpesa account. Since its launch, Fuliza has become a popular tool for Kenyans who need to send money, pay bills, or buy airtime, but find themselves short on Mpesa funds at the time of the transaction. Initially, Fuliza was limited to payments through Lipa na Mpesa services, sending money to other Mpesa users, and purchasing airtime. However, Safaricom recently introduced a service allowing customers to withdraw money from Mpesa agents directly using Fuliza.
If you’re wondering how to withdraw Fuliza from an Mpesa agent, here’s a detailed guide.
Requirements To Access Fuliza
Before you can withdraw Fuliza funds from an Mpesa agent, ensure the following:
- Registered for Mpesa: You must be an active Mpesa user with a registered Safaricom line.
- Opted into Fuliza: You need to opt into Fuliza to access the overdraft service. You can do this by dialing *234# or using the Mpesa App.
- Sufficient Fuliza Limit: Ensure your Fuliza limit can cover the withdrawal you intend to make.
Fuliza Fees and Charges
Fuliza comes with specific fees, which you should be aware of before withdrawing:
- Access Fee: 1% of the withdrawal amount.
- Daily Maintenance Fee: If you do not settle the overdraft within the same day, a maintenance fee applies starting from the next day at 00:00 hours.
- Excise Duty: A 20% excise duty is charged on the access fee.
If you repay the borrowed amount before the day ends, you will only be charged the access fee and excise duty, avoiding daily maintenance charges.
Step-By-Step Guide To Withdraw Fuliza From An Mpesa Agent
Follow these simple steps to withdraw money using Fuliza at an Mpesa agent:
1. Access Mpesa Menu
- Option 1: Open the Sim Toolkit (STK) on your phone and navigate to the Mpesa menu.
- Option 2: Dial *334# to access the Mpesa menu directly from your phone.
2. Select ‘Withdraw Cash’ Option
- After opening the Mpesa menu, select ‘Withdraw Cash’ from the options available.
3. Enter Agent Number
- Provide the Mpesa agent number, which is typically displayed at the agent’s shop. This is a unique identifier for the agent.
4. Enter Store Number
- Input the store number or agent’s till number provided by the agent.
5. Enter Withdrawal Amount
- Enter the amount you wish to withdraw. If the amount exceeds your available Mpesa balance, Fuliza will automatically cover the shortfall.
6. Enter Your Mpesa PIN
- Input your Mpesa PIN to authorize the transaction.
7. Confirm Transaction Details
- Review the details of the transaction, including the amount, agent details, and any applicable Fuliza charges. If everything looks correct, proceed to confirm the transaction.
8. Accept Fuliza’s Request
- Fuliza will prompt you to accept its request to cover the amount that exceeds your Mpesa balance. Accept the request to finalize the withdrawal.
Additional Method: Using The Mpesa App
If you prefer using the Mpesa App for transactions, the process is just as straightforward:
- Open the Mpesa App on your smartphone.
- Navigate to the Withdraw Cash section.
- Follow the same steps as listed above, inputting the agent number, store number, withdrawal amount, and Mpesa PIN.
Key Points To Note:
- Repayment: Any money you receive in your Mpesa account will automatically be used to repay your Fuliza overdraft.
- Overdraft Limit: Fuliza’s limit varies depending on your Mpesa usage and Safaricom’s assessment of your creditworthiness.
- No Direct Fuliza Withdrawal: You cannot directly withdraw Fuliza funds into your Mpesa balance, but it will automatically cover shortfalls during any withdrawal request.
Withdrawing money using Fuliza from an Mpesa agent is now as simple as any other Mpesa transaction. Safaricom has made it convenient for users to access their overdraft service to meet immediate cash needs, whether for personal use or business transactions. Simply ensure you are registered for Fuliza, know your limit, and follow the outlined steps to withdraw cash from any Mpesa agent.
For more information or assistance, Safaricom’s customer service is always available to help.
