M-Pesa, Kenya’s leading mobile money service, provides a convenient way for Kenyans to receive funds. But what if you’re in the USA and want to send money to a loved one in Kenya using M-Pesa? Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process.
Popular Money Transfer Services:
Several reputable money transfer services allow you to send money directly to M-Pesa accounts in Kenya. Here are some of the most popular options:
1. Western Union:
- Process: Set up an account online, choose Kenya as the recipient country, enter your desired transfer amount (up to $50,000), and select “mobile wallet.” Enter the recipient’s M-Pesa phone number, choose your preferred payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank transfer), and review fees and exchange rates before confirming the transaction.
2. WorldRemit:
- Process: Create an account or log in, enter the transfer amount, view exchange rates and fees upfront, and enter the recipient’s M-Pesa phone number. Make a secure online payment to complete the transfer, and both you and the recipient will receive confirmation messages.
3. Skrill:
- Process: Log in to your account, select Kenya as the recipient country, enter the withdrawal amount (automatically converted to Kenyan Shillings), and fill in the recipient’s details. Verify there’s enough balance to cover transfer fees, confirm the transaction, and receive immediate confirmations via email and SMS.
4. MoneyGram:
- Process: Locate a MoneyGram agent, provide the recipient’s M-Pesa phone number and full name with international code, and send cash for pickup via M-Pesa. The recipient receives an SMS notification upon transfer arrival and can withdraw cash from an M-Pesa agent.
Additional Considerations:
PayPal:
While M-Pesa and PayPal have a partnership, currently, it requires a Kenyan PayPal account linked to your M-Pesa for transfers. The process is similar to withdrawing from PayPal to a bank account.
Fees and Exchange Rates:
Compare fees and exchange rates between services before choosing. Look for promotions or discounts offered by some services to save on costs.
Transaction Times:
Transfer times vary depending on the service used. Online options generally offer faster processing compared to agent-based services.
Limits:
Be aware of any transfer limits imposed by the service or Kenyan regulations. Always check the terms and conditions before initiating a transfer.