Finance & Investment

How to Send Money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

mpesa

Sending money across networks in Kenya is now easier than ever, thanks to interoperability between mobile money platforms like M-Pesa and Airtel Money. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process, associated fees, safety tips, and everything else you need to know.


Let’s Get Started: What You Need

Before initiating the transfer, ensure the following:

  • M-Pesa Account: Active and ready for use.
  • Sufficient Balance: Account must have enough funds, including transaction fees.
  • Recipient’s Airtel Money Number: Double-check the number to avoid errors.
  • M-Pesa PIN: Keep it secure and confidential.

Got everything? Great! Let’s dive into the process.


How to Send Money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money

Follow these simple steps to transfer money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money:

  1. Access M-Pesa Menu
    Open the M-Pesa menu on your phone via the SIM toolkit or Safaricom app.
  2. Select “Send Money”
    Choose this option from the menu.
  3. Choose “Send to Other Networks”
    This option allows you to send money to non-M-Pesa users.
  4. Select “Airtel”
    Specify Airtel as the destination network.
  5. Enter the Airtel Money Number
    Input the recipient’s Airtel Money number carefully.
  6. Specify the Amount
    Enter the amount you wish to send.
  7. Enter Your M-Pesa PIN
    Provide your secure PIN to authorize the transaction.
  8. Confirm Details and Send
    Double-check the recipient’s details and confirm the transaction.

Success! You’ll receive a confirmation message once the transfer is complete.


Fees and Transaction Limits

Sending money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money incurs a small fee based on the transaction amount. Here’s an overview of charges:

M-Pesa to Airtel Money Charges

Transaction Range (Ksh)Fee (Ksh)
1 – 49Free
50 – 5007
501 – 1,00013
1,001 – 1,50023
1,501 – 2,50033
2,501 – 5,00057
5,001 – 10,00090
10,001 – 20,000105
20,001 – 50,000108

Transaction Limits

  • Maximum per transaction: Ksh 250,000
  • Daily transaction limit: Ksh 500,000
  • Account balance cap: Ksh 500,000

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Sometimes, hiccups occur. Here’s how to handle them:

  1. Transaction Failed: Check your balance to confirm if the money was deducted. If not, retry. If deducted, contact Safaricom’s customer care.
  2. Wrong Number: Immediately contact Safaricom’s customer care (dial 100 or 456). If the recipient hasn’t withdrawn the funds, a reversal might be possible.
  3. Network Issues: Wait a few minutes and try again.

Safety Tips

Keep your money safe with these tips:

  • Keep Your PIN Confidential: Never share it, even with trusted individuals.
  • Verify Recipient Details: Double-check numbers before confirming.
  • Avoid Scammers: Politely decline help from strangers.
  • Use Official Channels: Report suspicious activity to customer care.

Benefits of Sending Money Across Networks

Here’s why sending money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money is convenient:

  • Seamless Transactions: No need for intermediary apps.
  • Wide Reach: Pay anyone, anywhere with Airtel Money.
  • Affordable Rates: Competitive fees make it cost-effective.

Mobile money interoperability is transforming how we send and receive money in Kenya. Make your life easier by mastering this simple process today! Share this guide with friends and family to help them take full advantage of cross-network transfers.