How to Send Money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money for Free

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is based on the methods and instructions available as of the writing date. The procedures and details may change over time, so verifying the steps with the respective platforms is recommended before proceeding with any transactions. The article provides general guidance on sending money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money without transaction fees.

Recently, the mobile money landscape in Kenya has witnessed a remarkable transformation with the advent of mobile money interoperability. This development has paved the way for seamless transactions between various networks, with Airtel Money and M-Pesa taking the lead. While some have met this advancement with enthusiasm, others seem less intrigued. Nevertheless, its convenience is undeniable, bridging the gap between Airtel Money and M-Pesa users like never before.

Key Takeaways

1. Mobile money interoperability in Kenya has revolutionized network transactions, with Airtel Money and M-Pesa leading the way.
2. Despite the convenience, sending money between platforms requires familiarity with specific codes and steps.
3. To send money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money, dial *234#, select the relevant options, enter recipient details, amount, PIN, and confirm.
4. To send money from Airtel Money to M-Pesa, dial 2221#, select options for language, money transfer, and recipient platform, enter details, PIN, and confirm.
5. Transaction charges apply, and M-Pesa customers can send funds to Airtel Money users with specific limits.
6. Implementing mobile money interoperability has reduced transaction fees and expanded possibilities for cross-network transactions.

The Not-So-Straightforward Process

However, as much as this interoperability promises to be hassle-free, sending money between these platforms is more complex than one might hope. Unlike accessing mobile money menus on your SIM Toolkit, you must familiarize yourself with specific codes and steps to successfully send funds from M-Pesa to Airtel Money. This article will guide you in navigating this process smoothly, shedding light on the intricacies of this cross-network transaction.

Method 1: Dialing Codes

One of the easiest ways to send money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money is by using the convenient dialing codes provided by both platforms. Here's how:

1. Dial *234# on your mobile phone.
2. Select option 1 for "Mpesa products."
3. Choose option 98 for "More Services."
4. Select option 8 for "Tuma Pesa popote."
5. Enter the recipient's Airtel mobile number.
6. Enter your M-Pesa PIN when prompted.

Method 2: Mpesa Menu

1. Dial *334# from your M-Pesa registered line.
2. Select Send Money.
3. Select Send to other Network.
4. Enter the Airtel mobile number (or other network user’s) you want to transfer money to.
5. Enter the amount you want to send.
6. Enter your M-Pesa PIN.
7. Confirm the details and complete the transaction

Method 3: M-Pesa PAYBILL

Follow these simple steps to transfer money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money using the M-Pesa menu:

1. Access your phone's M-Pesa menu.
2. Select "Pay Bill."
3. Enter the business number 220220.
4. Use your Airtel phone number as the account number (AIRTXXXXXX).
5. Input the desired amount for the transaction.
6. Enter your M-Pesa PIN and send the payment.

Method 4: Tupay App

Tupay, a reliable mobile money app, offers a seamless solution to send money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money without transaction fees. Follow these steps to utilize the Tupay app:

1. Download and install the Tupay App from http://bit.ly/tupayapp.
2. Register using your M-Pesa registered mobile number and activate your account.
3. Select "Send Money" within the app and then choose "Airtel Money."
4. Opt for either "Other" to send to a single Airtel money beneficiary or "Bulk" for multiple beneficiaries.
5. Choose your preferred payment mode (in this case, Mpesa).
6. Complete the payment and a notification will be sent to you.

Reduced Charges and Benefits

Thanks to mobile money interoperability, the charges for sending money between M-Pesa and Airtel Money have seen a remarkable reduction of up to 75%. This translates to significant savings for users. Previously, transactions between these networks incurred higher fees, making cross-network transactions less appealing. With this advancement, the transaction fees have become more reasonable, fostering a greater willingness to utilize this convenient service.

Airtel Money Charges to M-Pesa

Airtel Money users also benefit from reduced charges when sending money to M-Pesa. For instance, sending an amount between Ksh. 100 and Ksh. 500 now costs Ksh. 11, a substantial decrease from the previous Ksh. 44. Additionally, the Central Bank of Kenya has approved a decrease in Airtel Money charges for sending Ksh. 1,100, now at Ksh. 15, down from Ksh. 25. This positive change encourages users to explore the enhanced convenience of cross-network transactions.

Here’s M-Pesa to Airtel Transaction Charges:

Maximum Limits and Key Considerations

It's important to note a few key considerations when using this service:

1. The maximum account balance in your M-Pesa account is Ksh. 100,000.
2. The maximum amount you can transact in a day is Ksh. 140,000, with each transaction capped at Ksh. 70,000.
3. Your M-Pesa account must be active to perform transactions.
4. Transacting directly from an agent outlet to the recipient's account is impossible.

READ ALSO: M-PESA Tuma Popote: How To Send Money From M-PESA To Other Networks (Telkom and Airtel)

Conclusion

The collaboration between Airtel Money and M-Pesa has bridged the gap and significantly reduced the associated charges. Sending money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money has become more accessible and affordable. With a simple USSD code and a few easy steps, users can transfer funds seamlessly and take advantage of the benefits of this innovative service.

FAQs about Sending Money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money

1. Is there a fee for transferring money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money? No, all the methods mentioned in this article allow you to send money for free.
2. Are there any limits on the amount I can transfer? Transaction limits vary based on your chosen method and the platforms' regulations.
3. Do I need to have an Airtel Money account to receive funds? The recipient should have an active Airtel Money account to receive the transferred funds.
4. Can I reverse a transaction if I make a mistake? Unfortunately, mobile money transfers are irreversible, so it's important to double-check the details before confirming.
5. What should I do if I encounter issues during the transaction? If you encounter any problems, reach out to customer support for assistance.
6. Is my personal information secure during the transaction? Yes, both M-Pesa and Airtel Money prioritize the security of your personal and financial information.