How to Buy Safaricom Airtime with M-Pesa
There are three ways to turn M-Pesa money into Safaricom airtime. Two are Safaricom's own and charge full price. The third costs less. All of them are here, including the ones we do not run.
The short version
| Method | What you pay for KES 100 | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| USSD — *384*8484# | KES 100 | Seconds |
| M-PESA app → Buy Airtime | KES 100 | Seconds |
| Through a dealer (e.g. BingwaPay) | KES 89 | Under 30 seconds |
Method 1 — the USSD code
- Dial *384*8484# on your Safaricom line.
- Choose Buy Airtime.
- Choose My Number, or Other Number and type the number.
- Enter the amount, then your M-Pesa PIN.
No smartphone and no internet needed, which is why this is still the most used method in Kenya. You pay face value: KES 100 of airtime costs KES 100.
Method 2 — the M-PESA app
- Open the M-PESA app and tap Buy Airtime.
- Pick your own number or enter another one.
- Enter the amount and confirm with your PIN.
Same price as USSD, easier if you are topping up an unfamiliar number and want to see it on screen before confirming.
Method 3 — buy at a discount through a dealer
Safaricom pays dealers a commission. A dealer that gives part of that back sells you the same airtime for less than face value.
- Open BingwaPay and enter the Safaricom number to top up.
- Enter the amount of airtime that number should receive.
- Approve the M-Pesa prompt on your phone, or pay the Lipa na M-PESA till shown.
You pay KES 89 and the line receives KES 100 — the same airtime, the same validity, 11% less money. See the price for every amount →
Topping up someone else's number
All three methods support it. On USSD choose Other Number; in the app enter the number instead of your own; on a dealer site simply type the recipient's number in the number field. The airtime lands on their line and the confirmation comes to you.
If the airtime does not arrive
Keep the M-Pesa confirmation code. Every payment produces one, and it is the single piece of evidence that identifies your transaction. With Safaricom's own methods, contact Safaricom customer care. With a dealer, send the code to their support channel — a real dealer can look it up and complete the delivery.
Questions
What is the USSD code to buy Safaricom airtime with M-Pesa?
Dial *384*8484# and follow the prompts, or use Buy Airtime in the M-PESA app. Both charge full face value.
Can I buy airtime for another Safaricom number?
Yes. Every method here lets you enter a different number — choose the "for another number" option, or simply type the recipient's number.
Is there a charge for buying airtime with M-Pesa?
Safaricom does not charge a transaction fee for buying airtime from M-Pesa. You pay the face value of the airtime.
How do I pay less than face value?
Buy through a dealer that shares its Safaricom commission. BingwaPay charges KES 89 per KES 100, a 11% discount, delivered automatically.
Which method is fastest?
All of them are close to instant. The USSD code is fastest if you already know it by heart; a dealer takes a few seconds longer because M-Pesa must confirm your payment first.