How to Send Money Using M-Pesa Global to an International Bank Account

Prerequisites Before You Start

Before sending money internationally via M-Pesa Global, ensure you have:

1. An active M-Pesa account registered with Safaricom
2. Sufficient funds in your M-Pesa wallet
3. The recipient's complete bank account details (account number, bank name, branch details)
4. Access to either the M-Pesa App or USSD code *334#
5. Your M-Pesa PIN for transaction authorization

Sending Money to International Bank Accounts Using the M-Pesa App

Step 1: Opt-In to M-Pesa Global

You must first opt-in to M-Pesa Global before you can send money internationally.

1. Download and open the M-Pesa Super App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Log in using your M-Pesa credentials or biometric authentication
3. Navigate to the M-Pesa Global section
4. Select the opt-in option for M-Pesa Global services
5. You will receive a confirmation SMS from Safaricom once successfully opted in

Step 2: Access M-Pesa Western Union Service

1. Open the M-Pesa App
2. Navigate to the "Services" tab or "M-Pesa Global" section
3. Select "Western Union" or "Send to Bank Account"
4. Choose your destination country

Step 3: Enter Recipient Details

1. Select "Bank Account" as the delivery method
2. Enter the recipient's full name (as it appears on their bank account)
3. Input the complete bank account details:
   • Bank name
   • Account number
   • Branch details (if required)
   • SWIFT/BIC code (for international transfers)
4. Provide recipient's contact information (phone number and address may be required)

Step 4: Enter Transfer Amount

1. Input the amount you wish to send in Kenyan Shillings (KES)
2. The app will display:
   • The amount recipient will receive in their local currency
   • Exchange rate applied
   • Transfer fees
   • Total amount to be debited from your M-Pesa account

Step 5: Review and Confirm

1. Carefully review all transaction details
2. Verify recipient information is correct
3. Confirm the total cost including fees
4. Enter your M-Pesa PIN or use biometric authentication to authorize the transaction

Step 6: Track Your Transfer

1. You will receive two SMS confirmations:
   • M-Pesa transaction confirmation
   • Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) from M-Pesa Global/Western Union
2. Share the MTCN with your recipient for tracking purposes
3. The recipient will receive the funds in their bank account according to the estimated delivery time

Sending Money to International Bank Accounts Using USSD Code *334#

For customers without smartphones or who prefer USSD:

1. Dial *334# from your Safaricom line
2. Select "M-Pesa Global" or "International Transfer"
3. Choose "Western Union" or "Send to Bank Account"
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to:
   • Select destination country
   • Choose bank transfer option
   • Enter recipient details
   • Input transfer amount
5. Review transaction details
6. Enter your M-Pesa PIN to complete the transaction
7. You will receive SMS confirmations including the MTCN

Sending to Specific Regions

Sending to South Asia (Bangladesh and Pakistan) via TerraPay

1. Access M-Pesa TerraPay through the M-Pesa App or USSD *334#
2. Select either Bangladesh or Pakistan as destination
3. Choose "Bank Account" transfer option
4. Enter complete bank account details or recipient phone number
5. Input amount (exchange rates and charges update daily at 0000 hrs GMT)
6. Confirm and complete transaction with M-Pesa PIN

Sending to China via Alipay

1. Access Alipay service through M-Pesa App Services Tab or USSD
2. Select "Send to Bank Account" option
3. Enter recipient's Alipay ID or bank account details
4. The system will verify the Alipay ID before processing
5. If incorrect details are entered, the transaction will not proceed
6. Complete transaction with M-Pesa PIN

Transfer Limits and Costs

• Transaction Limits: M-Pesa customer limits apply, typically ranging from KES 1 to KES 250,000 per transaction
• Daily Limits: Maximum of KES 500,000 can be transferred per day
• Exchange Rates: Prevailing foreign exchange rates apply and are updated regularly
• Transfer Fees: Vary depending on destination country and transfer amount
• No Charges for East Africa: Transfers to some East African countries may have no transfer fees

Important Security Tips

1. Verify Recipient Details: Always double-check bank account numbers and recipient names before confirming
2. Keep MTCN Secure: The Money Transfer Control Number is important for tracking and should be shared only with the intended recipient
3. Avoid Sanctioned Countries: The service is not available to sanctioned countries such as North Korea and Syria
4. Protect Your PIN: Never share your M-Pesa PIN with anyone, including Safaricom staff
5. Check Confirmation SMS: Always verify you receive both confirmation messages after completing a transfer

Benefits of Using M-Pesa Global for International Bank Transfers

• Convenience: Send money anytime from your mobile phone without visiting a bank
• Speed: Recipients receive money quickly in their local currency
• Wide Reach: Access to millions of bank accounts through Western Union's global network
• Accessibility: Available via both smartphone app and basic USSD *334#
• Real-time Rates: View exchange rates before confirming transactions
• Multiple Options: Choose between different service providers based on destination