M-Pesa Global Transaction Limits and Charges: Complete Guide

The service is open to all active M-Pesa registered users and provides a convenient alternative to traditional international money transfer methods.

M-Pesa Global Transaction Limits

M-Pesa Global operates within the standard M-Pesa transaction framework, following the limits approved by the Central Bank of Kenya:

Current Transaction Limits (Effective September 2023):

• Maximum Per Transaction: KSh 250,000
• Maximum Daily Transaction Limit: KSh 500,000 per day
• Maximum M-Pesa Account Balance: KSh 500,000
• Minimum Transaction: KSh 1

These limits apply to all M-Pesa Global transactions, whether sending to East Africa, Southern Africa, or Asia. The limits do not include transaction fees, which are charged separately.

Important Notes on Limits:

• Customers can make multiple transactions up to the daily limit of KSh 500,000
• The per-transaction limit of KSh 250,000 remains fixed
• These are the same limits that apply to domestic M-Pesa transactions
• Transaction limits were increased from the previous KSh 150,000 per transaction to enhance convenience for customers and businesses

M-Pesa Global Destinations

M-Pesa Global currently supports money transfers to the following regions and countries:

East Africa

• Rwanda
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Botswana
• Burundi

Southern Africa

• Zambia
• Malawi

Asia

• Bangladesh
• Pakistan

Recipients in these countries must have active mobile money accounts with their respective service providers to receive funds. Money is received in the recipient's local currency based on prevailing exchange rates.

Receiving International Money Through M-Pesa Global

M-Pesa customers can also receive funds from abroad directly into their M-Pesa accounts through various international partnerships.

Key Features of Receiving Money:

Eligibility:

• Must be a registered M-Pesa user
• If not registered when money is sent, you have 21 days to register and access the funds
• Must be a Safaricom subscriber

Process:

1. Sender initiates transfer from their country through M-Pesa Global or partner services
2. You receive an SMS notification when funds arrive
3. Funds are credited directly to your M-Pesa account in Kenyan Shillings
4. You can immediately use the funds to:
   • Withdraw cash at any M-Pesa agent
   • Send money to other users
   • Pay bills via Lipa Na M-Pesa
   • Buy airtime
   • Make purchases

No Receiving Charges: There are no charges for receiving international money transfers via M-Pesa. However, standard M-Pesa charges apply when you subsequently use the funds (withdrawals, send money, etc.).

Maximum Receiving Amount:

• Approximately KSh 70,000 per transaction for international transfers
• Daily, monthly, or yearly limits may vary depending on the country and partner service used

M-Pesa Global Transaction Charges

Important Pricing Information:

1. Exchange Rates: M-Pesa Global transactions involve currency conversion. Exchange rates are determined by Safaricom's international money transfer partners and are displayed before you complete the transaction.
2. Transaction Fees: Specific transaction fees for M-Pesa Global vary depending on:
   • The destination country
   • The amount being sent
   • The partner service used (TerraPay, direct M-Pesa Global, etc.)
   • Current exchange rates
3. Fee Transparency: Before confirming any M-Pesa Global transaction, you will be shown:
   • The exact amount the recipient will receive in their local currency
   • The applicable exchange rate
   • All transaction fees
   • The total amount to be debited from your M-Pesa account
4. Rate Updates: Exchange rates and charges are updated regularly. TerraPay, one of M-Pesa's partners, updates rates daily at 0000 hrs GMT.

Terms and Conditions Highlights

When using M-Pesa Global, you agree to specific terms and conditions:

Key Terms:

1. Service Availability: M-Pesa Global is available to all active M-Pesa registered users
2. Transaction Authorization: By initiating a transaction, you affirm you are the account owner with authority to conduct the transaction
3. Currency: All transactions are denominated in Kenya Shillings from the sender's perspective
4. Beneficiary Terms: Recipients are subject to terms of their local mobile money provider
5. Transaction Limits: Daily, monthly, or yearly limits may vary by destination country and partner service
6. Liability: Safaricom's liability is limited as per the agreement terms

Important Restrictions:

• Cannot deposit money directly into another M-Pesa customer's account at an agent outlet
• Minimum withdrawal at agent outlet is KSh 50
• Must provide accurate recipient information (incorrect details may result in failed transactions)