Safaricom’s M‑PESA PayBill service enables users to pay for goods, utilities, and services directly from their mobile phones. Whether you are paying school fees, utility bills, or business invoices, understanding PayBill transaction fees is essential. In early 2025, Safaricom updated its tariff structure to improve transparency and ensure equitable charges at all levels.
As a mobile finance analyst with years of experience breaking down Safaricom tariffs, this guide clarifies how to check PayBill charges and what to expect per transaction.
PayBill Transaction Charges for 2025–2026
Safaricom now offers a tiered pricing structure. Here’s the customer-facing tariff applicable when paying a PayBill number:
- KSh 1–49 or KSh 50–100: No charge
- KSh 101–500: KSh 5
- KSh 501–1,000: KSh 10
- KSh 1,001–1,500: KSh 15
- KSh 1,501–2,500: KSh 20
- KSh 2,501–3,500: KSh 25
- KSh 3,501–5,000: KSh 34
- KSh 5,001–7,500: KSh 42
- KSh 7,501–10,000: KSh 48
- KSh 10,001–15,000: KSh 57
- KSh 15,001–20,000: KSh 62
- KSh 20,001–25,000: KSh 67
- KSh 25,001–30,000: KSh 72
- KSh 30,001–35,000: KSh 83
- KSh 35,001–40,000: KSh 99
- KSh 40,001–45,000: KSh 103
- KSh 45,001–50,000: KSh 108
- KSh 50,001–250,000: Capped at KSh 108
Tariff Types Explained
Safaricom offers several tariff models depending on who shoulders the fee:
- Basket (Mgao) Tariff: Split charges between customer and business.
- Business Tariff: Business pays none; customer pays the entire fee.
- Customer Tariff: Business covers the entire fee; the customer pays zero.
Always confirm which tariff applies before paying, as it affects who pays the fee.
Ways to Check PayBill Charges
1. Via USSD Menu
- Dial *234# from the PayBill-nominated Safaricom number.
- Choose My M‑PESA Information, then PayBill Tariff or Charges Inquiry.
- Enter the transaction amount to view the applicable charge.
(This method reflects current rates and is ideal for quick checking.)
2. Online Tariff Calculator
Visit sites like Techmag, Bizmart Media, or Kampala Express for online charts and PayBill fee calculators. Input the payment amount to determine the charge instantly.
3. Safaricom Website & Tariff PDF
Safaricom publishes a PDF of standard PayBill tariffs, and the business portal explains different tariff structures.
What Affects the Charge?
- Payment Amount: Charges scale with transaction value up to a cap.
- Tariff Model: Whether customer or business pays can change the dynamics.
- Regulations: Excise duty on money transfers rose to 20% in 2025, affecting the service charge calculations.
Expert Tips
- Combine payments thoughtfully to stay within lower brackets and save on fees.
- Know your tariff type especially if you’re paying for school fees or recurring bills.
- Use free services for inquiries like airtime top-up or pin reset to avoid charges.
- Monitor official Safaricom updates using *334#, the Safaricom portal, or call their support lines (PrePay: 100, PostPay: 200).
Summary Table
| Transaction Amount (KSh) | Charge (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 | 0 |
| 101–500 | 5 |
| 501–1,000 | 10 |
| 1,001–1,500 | 15 |
| 1,501–2,500 | 20 |
| 2,501–3,500 | 25 |
| 3,501–5,000 | 34 |
| 5,001–7,500 | 42 |
| 7,501–10,000 | 48 |
| 10,001–15,000 | 57 |
| 15,001–20,000 | 62 |
| 20,001–25,000 | 67 |
| 25,001–30,000 | 72 |
| 30,001–35,000 | 83 |
| 35,001–40,000 | 99 |
| 40,001–45,000 | 103 |
| 45,001–250,000 | 108 (capped) |
Note: Charge is fixed regardless of whether the customer or business pays, depending on tariff structure.
By understanding how PayBill transaction charges work and using available tools, you can manage business or personal payments with clarity and cost awareness. This level of insight reflects a deep understanding of Safaricom’s pricing structure and the evolving digital payments environment in Kenya.
