How to Send Money from Airtel Money to M-Pesa in Kenya (Step-by-Step Guide)
In Kenya, mobile money services have revolutionized how we handle daily transactions. While M-Pesa remains the most widely used platform, Airtel Money continues to grow in popularity thanks to its competitive rates and easy accessibility.
But what if you need to send money from Airtel Money to a Safaricom M-Pesa number? Whether you’re paying a friend, supporting family, or making a business transaction, knowing how to do it efficiently can save time and hassle.
In this guide, we break down the steps, requirements, charges, and tips for successfully transferring money from Airtel to M-Pesa.
Requirements Before You Begin
Before you send money to an M-Pesa user, make sure:
- You have a registered and active Airtel Money account.
- Your Airtel Money wallet has sufficient balance.
- You know the correct Safaricom phone number of the recipient.
Step-by-Step Guide to Send Money from Airtel Money to M-Pesa
Here’s how to transfer funds from your Airtel Money wallet to an M-Pesa number:
Method 1: Using USSD Code
- Dial
*334#on your Airtel line. - Select “Send Money” from the menu.
- Choose “To Other Network”.
- Select “M-Pesa” or Safaricom.
- Enter the recipient’s M-Pesa number.
- Enter the amount you wish to send.
- Confirm details, then enter your Airtel Money PIN to authorize the transaction.
- You’ll receive a confirmation SMS once the money has been sent.
Method 2: Using Airtel Money App
If you prefer using the Airtel Money app:
- Open the Airtel Money app.
- Log in using your phone number and PIN.
- Tap “Send Money” and select “To M-Pesa”.
- Enter the recipient’s Safaricom number and amount.
- Review the transaction and confirm using your PIN.
- An SMS will confirm a successful transfer.
Airtel to M-Pesa Charges
Airtel offers some of the lowest inter-network charges in Kenya. Here’s a sample of typical fees:
| Amount (KES) | Airtel to M-Pesa Fee |
|---|---|
| 10 – 49 | Free |
| 50 – 100 | KES 6 |
| 101 – 500 | KES 12 |
| 501 – 1,000 | KES 15 |
| 1,001 – 2,500 | KES 22 |
| 2,501 – 5,000 | KES 33 |
| 5,001 – 10,000 | KES 55 |
| 10,001 – 20,000 | KES 77 |
Note: Fees may vary slightly depending on CBK regulations and Airtel’s latest updates. Always check the current rates by dialing
*334#> My Account > Tariff Inquiry.
Important Tips for Secure Transfers
- Double-check the number before confirming the transaction.
- Always save the confirmation message for reference.
- If you mistakenly send money to the wrong number, call Airtel Customer Care immediately via 100 or 0733 100 100.
- Transactions are instant, but in rare cases, may take a few minutes to reflect.
Why Use Airtel to M-Pesa Transfers?
- Convenience: No need to withdraw, then deposit again
- Speed: Money reflects almost instantly
- Accessibility: Works from basic phones or smartphones
- Cost-effective: Lower charges than traditional bank transfers
Need Help? Contact Airtel Customer Care
- Call: 100 (from Airtel) or 0733 100 100
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit: Nearest Airtel shop or agent
Final Thoughts
Sending money from Airtel Money to M-Pesa is simple, quick, and secure. Whether you’re paying bills, helping family, or running a business, this inter-network transfer feature gives you more financial flexibility.
Airtel Money continues to offer affordable, reliable, and nationwide access making it a powerful alternative to traditional mobile money services. Master this process and stay in control of your digital transactions with confidence.
