
Need to access your PayPal funds in Kenya? Whether you’re a freelancer, digital entrepreneur, or online shopper, moving your money from PayPal to M-Pesa is now simple and secure. Here’s a quick and easy guide to withdrawing funds directly into your mobile wallet.
Table of Contents:
Who Can Use the PayPal to M-Pesa Service?
- You must have a registered M-Pesa account with Safaricom.
- Your PayPal account must be Kenyan.
- The names on both accounts must match exactly.
- You need internet access and preferably an Android smartphone.
Step 1: Link Your PayPal and M-Pesa Accounts
Start by visiting the official PayPal Mobile Money portal.
- Log in using your PayPal credentials.
- Enter your M-Pesa-registered Safaricom number.
- Enter the SMS verification code sent to your phone.
Note: Ensure the full names on both accounts are identical to avoid errors.
Step 2: Convert Your PayPal Balance to USD
Only USD balances can be withdrawn to M-Pesa. To convert your currency:
- Log into PayPal and go to “Manage Currencies.”
- Convert your funds to USD.
Step 3: Withdraw Funds to M-Pesa
- Visit the PayPal M-Pesa portal.
- Click on the “Withdraw” tab.
- Enter the USD amount you wish to transfer.
- Review the exchange rate and estimated completion time.
- Confirm the transaction.
Transaction Fees & Limits
A 3% fee applies to each withdrawal, and the exchange rate is set by the platform.
M-Pesa limits: Ksh150,000 per transaction and Ksh300,000 per day.
Common Issues & How to Fix Them
- Held payments: New PayPal users might experience 21-day holds. Wait or ask the sender to confirm receipt.
- Name mismatch: Ensure your names match on both platforms.
- Currency errors: Convert your balance to USD before attempting to withdraw.
Useful Links