In the past, transferring money between different mobile networks in Kenya was a cumbersome process. When an M-Pesa user wanted to send money to an Airtel customer, the recipient had to physically visit an agent from the sender’s network within a week to withdraw the funds.
Enter the new era, where you just need to key in a code in your phone, enter the phone number and the amount and viola! The transaction is complete. Amazing, right?
Let us show you how exactly to do it:
Also Read:
How to Buy Airtime from Safaricom Mpesa to Airtel
How to Reverse Mpesa Sent to Wrong Number
MPesa Tuma Popote: How to Send Money From Safaricom to Airtel Money
The “Tuma Popote” service (meaning “Send Everywhere” in Swahili) allows M-Pesa users to transfer money to other networks, including Airtel Money.
How to Send Money From Safaricom to Airtel Money Infographic
Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to using this service:
1. Access M-Pesa Menu: Dial *334# from your Safaricom registered phone number.
2. Select “Send Money”: From the main menu, choose the “Send Money” option.
3. Choose Recipient Network: Select “Send to other Network” from the subsequent menu.
4. Enter Recipient’s Number: Input the Airtel mobile number of the recipient. Ensure you use the correct format (e.g., 0733XXXXXX or 254733XXXXXX).
5. Specify Amount: Enter the amount you wish to send in Kenyan Shillings.
6. Confirm with PIN: Input your M-Pesa PIN to authorize the transaction.
7. Review Transaction Details: Carefully check all the details presented, including the recipient’s number and the amount.
8. Complete Transaction: If all details are correct, confirm to finalize the transfer.
After completing these steps, both you and the recipient will receive SMS notifications confirming the successful transaction.
It’s important to note the following transaction limits for M-Pesa, which apply to all transfers, including those to Airtel Money:
– Maximum Daily Transaction Value: Kes 500,000 (Kenyan Shillings)
– Maximum Account Balance: Kes 500,000
– Maximum Amount per Transaction: Kes 250,000
How to Transfer Money from Airtel to Safaricom MPESA!
Need to do it the other way round by transferring money from Airtel Money to Safaricom?
How to Transfer Money from Airtel to Safaricom MPESA Infographic
Here’s how to do it!
1. Dial *334# on your Airtel line. This short code will open the Airtel Money menu on your device.
2. From the menu, choose the “Send Money” option. This will take you to the money transfer submenu.
3. Select “Send Money to Any Network.” Note that transfers within Airtel are typically free of charge.
4. Input the Safaricom number of the recipient. For security purposes, you’ll be asked to re-enter the number to confirm it’s correct.
5. Enter the amount of money you wish to send in Kenyan Shillings.
6. Enter your Airtel Money PIN to confirm and complete the transaction.
Transaction Limits for Airtel Money:
– Maximum Daily Transaction Value: Ksh 500,000
– Maximum Account Balance: Ksh 500,000
– Maximum Amount Per Transaction: Ksh 250,000
Please note that these limits are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check with Airtel for the most up-to-date information.
Send Money from Mpesa to Airtel Money Charges
As two of the leading mobile money services in the country, Mpesa and Airtel Money offer users the convenience of sending funds across networks.
However, it’s important for users to be aware of the associated costs when transferring money from Mpesa to Airtel Money.
Mpesa Transaction Charges
| Transaction Range (KSH) | Transaction Type and Customer Charges (KSH) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Min | Max | Transfer to M-PESA Users, Pochi La Biashara and Business Till to Customer | Transfer to Other Registered Mobile Money Users |
| 1 | 49 | Free | Free |
| 50 | 100 | Free | Free |
| 101 | 500 | 7 | 7 |
| 501 | 1,000 | 13 | 13 |
| 1,001 | 1,500 | 23 | 23 |
| 1,501 | 2,500 | 33 | 33 |
| 2,501 | 3,500 | 53 | 53 |
| 3,501 | 5,000 | 57 | 57 |
| 5,001 | 7,500 | 78 | 78 |
| 7,501 | 10,000 | 90 | 90 |
| 10,001 | 15,000 | 100 | 100 |
| 15,001 | 20,000 | 105 | 105 |
| 20,001 | 35,000 | 108 | 108 |
| 35,001 | 50,000 | 108 | 108 |
| 50,001 | 250,000 | 108 | 108 |
Airtel Money Transaction Charges
Airtel Transaction Charges
| Transaction bands and Limits | Airtel to Airtel Charges | Transfer to other Networks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min | Max | Charges | Charges |
| 1 | 49 | Free | 0 |
| 50 | 100 | Free | 0 |
| 101 | 500 | Free | 6 |
| 501 | 1,000 | Free | 11 |
| 1,001 | 1,500 | Free | 20 |
| 1,501 | 2,500 | Free | 30 |
| 2,501 | 3,500 | Free | 50 |
| 3,501 | 5,000 | Free | 50 |
| 5,001 | 7,500 | Free | 70 |
| 7,501 | 10,000 | Free | 80 |
| 10,001 | 15,000 | Free | 90 |
| 15,001 | 20,000 | Free | 95 |
| 20,001 | 25,000 | Free | 95 |
| 25,001 | 35,000 | Free | 100 |
| 35,001 | 40,000 | Free | 105 |
| 40,001 | 45,000 | Free | 105 |
| 45,001 | 50,000 | Free | 105 |
| 50,001 | 250,000 | Free | 105 |
Key Takeaway
Transferring money from Mpesa to Airtel Money is a straightforward process that enhances financial flexibility for users across different mobile networks in Kenya. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily send funds to Airtel Money recipients, bridging the gap between these two popular mobile money platforms.
While there are fees associated with cross-network transfers, the convenience and speed of this service make it a valuable tool for managing your finances in today’s interconnected world.
