Airtel Money is rapidly becoming a darling of many Kenyan mobile wallet users. Data from the Communications Authority suggests that as of 2025, Airtel Money controls a market share of 8.9% in Q1 2025, marking its fifth consecutive quarter of growth and representing a significant jump from the previous 2.8% reported in earlier periods. This impressive growth trajectory reflects Kenyans’ increasing preference for more affordable mobile money solutions in an increasingly expensive digital payments landscape.
Therefore, if you’re a current subscriber to Airtel Money or planning to register for the service, you should know that Airtel Money has various transaction charges for each amount you send or withdraw. The best thing is that sending money from Airtel to Airtel, regardless of the amount, is entirely free a key competitive advantage that has contributed to its growing popularity. However, transfers to other networks or withdrawals attract specific fees that vary based on transaction amounts.
So, do you know all the Airtel Money charges as of 2025?
Airtel Transaction Limits
Airtel Kenya usually announces its new mobile wallet charges occasionally, and 2025 is no different from previous years. The maximum amount you can transact daily is capped at KSh 500,000, and the maximum amount per transaction is KSh 250,000. These limits position Airtel Money competitively with other mobile money services in the market.
Airtel Money is supported by a 90,000-strong agent network, making it more accessible to users across Kenya’s urban and rural areas. This extensive network addresses one of the key barriers that previously limited Airtel Money’s adoption compared to competitors.
What Are The Airtel Charges 2025?
To help you better comprehend the Airtel Money charges below, we have listed them in tables for all transaction ranges, ensuring you are up to date with the latest tariffs as of 2025.
Airtel to Airtel Transfers
One of the most significant advantages of Airtel Money compared to other mobile networks, like Safaricom or Telkom, is that you will not incur any fee when transferring money from Airtel to Airtel. It doesn’t matter whether you are carrying out a low or high-value transaction; it is a zero transaction charge across all amounts.
Here are the charges:
| Transaction Amount (KSh) | Charges (KSh) |
|---|---|
| 1 – 49 | Free |
| 50 – 100 | Free |
| 101 – 500 | Free |
| 501 – 1,000 | Free |
| 1,001 – 1,500 | Free |
| 1,501 – 2,500 | Free |
| 2,501 – 3,500 | Free |
| 3,501 – 5,000 | Free |
| 5,001 – 7,500 | Free |
| 7,501 – 10,000 | Free |
| 10,001 – 15,000 | Free |
| 15,001 – 20,000 | Free |
| 20,001 – 25,000 | Free |
| 25,001 – 35,000 | Free |
| 35,001 – 40,000 | Free |
| 40,001 – 45,000 | Free |
| 45,001 – 50,000 | Free |
| 50,001 – 250,000 | Free |
Airtel Money to Other Networks
In Kenya, there are three major mobile networks: Safaricom with M-Pesa, Airtel with Airtel Money, and Telkom with T-Kash. Transactions to these other mobile networks are not free and will attract fees as shown in the table below.
| Transaction Amount (KSh) | Charges (KSh) |
|---|---|
| 1 – 49 | 0 |
| 50 – 100 | 6 |
| 101 – 500 | 11 |
| 501 – 1,000 | 20 |
| 1,001 – 1,500 | 30 |
| 1,501 – 2,500 | 30 |
| 2,501 – 3,500 | 50 |
| 3,501 – 5,000 | 50 |
| 5,001 – 7,500 | 70 |
| 7,501 – 10,000 | 80 |
| 10,001 – 15,000 | 90 |
| 15,001 – 20,000 | 95 |
| 20,001 – 25,000 | 95 |
| 25,001 – 35,000 | 100 |
| 35,001 – 40,000 | 105 |
| 40,001 – 50,000 | 105 |
| 50,001 – 70,000 | 105 |
| 70,001 – 250,000 | 105 |
Airtel Money Withdrawal Charges
Like M-Pesa, Airtel Money has agent outlets located in various parts of the country through its extensive 90,000-agent network. The charges for withdrawals are typically higher than transfers to other mobile networks. For instance, when sending to other networks, an amount between KSh 60,000 to KSh 250,000 will attract a charge of KSh 105, while withdrawing the same amount from an agent will cost KSh 300.
| Transaction Amount (KSh) | Charges (KSh) |
|---|---|
| 1 – 49 | 10 |
| 50 – 100 | 15 |
| 101 – 500 | 25 |
| 501 – 1,000 | 25 |
| 1,001 – 1,500 | 25 |
| 1,501 – 2,500 | 25 |
| 2,501 – 3,500 | 44 |
| 3,501 – 5,000 | 55 |
| 5,001 – 7,500 | 70 |
| 7,501 – 10,000 | 95 |
| 10,001 – 15,000 | 135 |
| 15,001 – 20,000 | 150 |
| 20,001 – 25,000 | 160 |
| 25,001 – 35,000 | 160 |
| 35,001 – 40,000 | 240 |
| 40,001 – 45,000 | 260 |
| 45,001 – 50,000 | 270 |
| 50,001 – 70,000 | 300 |
| 70,001 – 250,000 | 300 |
Important Note for Agent Withdrawals
For those looking to carry out agent withdrawals, you must have your National ID card or Kenyan passport with you. This requirement is part of Kenya’s know-your-customer (KYC) regulations designed to enhance financial security and prevent fraud.
Is Airtel Money Cheaper than M-Pesa?
Airtel Money and M-Pesa are the two leading mobile money wallet players in Kenya’s digital payments ecosystem. As of 2025, M-Pesa still dominates the space with the largest market share, but Airtel Money remains the more affordable option for transactions, which helps explain its consistent growth trajectory.
Both platforms allow sending between KSh 1 to KSh 250,000 with a maximum daily transaction value of KSh 500,000. Where Airtel Money is significantly superior compared to Safaricom’s M-Pesa is that all transfers between Airtel to Airtel users are completely free, regardless of amount. In contrast, Safaricom charges transaction fees for all networks, including Safaricom-to-Safaricom transfers, except for amounts below KSh 100.
When comparing transaction fees for withdrawing from agent outlets, Airtel Money consistently offers better value across all transaction bands. For example:
- Withdrawing KSh 40,000 from an Airtel Money agent attracts a fee of KSh 240, while withdrawing the same amount from an M-Pesa agent attracts a fee of KSh 278
- Sending KSh 1,000 across networks costs KSh 20 on Airtel versus higher charges on M-Pesa
- Withdrawing KSh 1,000 costs KSh 25 on Airtel Money—KSh 6 less than M-Pesa
How to Register for Airtel Money
Getting started with Airtel Money is straightforward:
- Visit any Airtel agent outlet or retail shop
- Present your original National ID or passport
- Complete the registration form with your personal details
- Provide your preferred PIN for account security
- Activate your account by following the SMS instructions
The registration process is free, and you can start transacting immediately after activation.
FAQs
How much does Airtel Money charge for sending money?
The amount Airtel Money charges for sending varies depending on the transaction type you are undertaking. Sending money from Airtel to Airtel users remains free of charge for all amounts, while sending money to other mobile networks attracts charges from KSh 6 to KSh 105, depending on the quantity.
How much does it cost to transfer 100 shillings from M-Pesa to Airtel?
It costs KSh 7 to transfer 100 shillings from M-Pesa to Airtel Money.
What is the maximum amount Airtel Money can hold?
Airtel Money can hold a maximum amount of KSh 500,000 as of 2025.
Conclusion
Well, we hope this guide has helped you understand all the fees involved with Airtel Money charges in Kenya as of 2025. The amount that Airtel charges is directly subtracted from your outstanding balance and varies based on the Transaction tariff that you are in, as we have explored in the article.
