Branch Loan Kenya 2026: Rates, Limits & How to Apply

Branch Loan Kenya 2026: Rates, Limits & How to Apply

Branch is one of Kenya's most popular loan apps, with over 10 million downloads globally and a 4.5-star rating on Google Play. What sets it apart from most competitors is its license: Branch Microfinance Bank Limited is a CBK-licensed microfinance bank, not just a digital lender. That distinction matters for consumer protection.

The app offers loans from KES 250 to KES 100,000 (and reportedly up to KES 1 million for long-term loyal users), with repayment spread across weekly or monthly installments over 1-52 weeks. That installment structure is Branch's biggest differentiator. While Tala and most other apps demand lump-sum repayment after 21-30 days, Branch lets you spread the cost.

But flexibility comes at a price. This review breaks down what Branch actually costs, who it works for, and where you should look elsewhere.

How Branch Works

Like most Kenyan loan apps, Branch uses your smartphone data to build a credit profile. When you install the app and grant permissions, it analyzes your M-Pesa transaction history, phone usage, contacts, and SMS data. No payslips, no bank statements, no collateral needed.

Your first loan will be small. Most new users report a maximum of around KES 3,100 on their first application, regardless of their financial situation. This is by design. Branch starts conservative and increases limits based on repayment behavior.

The key difference from competitors is repayment structure. Instead of paying everything back in one lump sum after 21-30 days, Branch breaks your loan into weekly or monthly installments. If you borrow KES 10,000 for 12 weeks, you make 12 smaller payments rather than one large one. For many borrowers, that's the difference between repaying on time and defaulting.

Disbursement goes directly to your M-Pesa wallet, typically within 2-10 minutes of approval.

Branch Interest Rates and Fees (2026)

Branch charges between 17% and 35% interest per loan. The rate you get depends on your credit profile within Branch's system, the loan amount, and the repayment period. The annualized percentage rate (APR) ranges from 22% for longer-term loans to 229% for short-term small loans.

Here's what different loan amounts actually cost:

These are estimates at the 20% rate. Your actual rate may be lower (17%) or higher (35%) depending on your profile.

The fee structure is refreshingly clean. Branch charges zero processing fees, zero insurance fees, and zero late fees. The only additional cost is a 6% penalty applied to your outstanding balance if you fall behind on payments. Compare that to LendPlus, which charges 2% daily interest that keeps accruing on overdue balances.

Branch also includes free credit life insurance for all borrowers aged 18-65. If something happens to you, the outstanding loan balance is covered. None of the other major apps (Tala, Zenka, LendPlus) offer this.

Requirements to Get a Branch Loan

• Age: 18 years or older (must be under 65 for credit life insurance)
• ID: Kenyan National ID
• Phone: Android smartphone (Branch is NOT available on iOS in Kenya)
• M-Pesa: Active, registered M-Pesa account
• Permissions: You must grant Branch access to SMS, contacts, location, and phone data

The Android-only requirement is a limitation shared with Tala. If you use an iPhone, consider Zenka or LendPlus, both of which support iOS.

How to Apply for a Branch Loan (Step by Step)

1. Download the Branch app from Google Play Store. Search "Branch - Personal Finance Loans" or find it directly on Google Play. Do not download APKs from third-party sites, as fake Branch apps have been reported.

1. Create your account. Enter your phone number and verify with the OTP sent via SMS. Set up a PIN for security.

1. Register your National ID. Enter your ID number exactly as it appears on your card. Branch verifies this against the national identification system.

1. Grant app permissions. Branch will request access to SMS, contacts, call logs, location, and phone storage. These permissions are used for credit scoring. Denying any permission will result in a lower limit or outright rejection.

1. Wait for credit assessment. This usually takes 2-5 minutes. Branch analyzes your phone data and M-Pesa history to determine your initial limit.

1. Select your loan amount and repayment schedule. Choose any amount up to your approved limit. Then select your preferred repayment period (1-52 weeks) and whether you want weekly or monthly installments. The app shows you the exact interest charge and installment amount before you confirm.

1. Confirm and receive funds. Once you accept the terms, money is sent to your M-Pesa within 2-10 minutes.

1. Repay via M-Pesa. You can repay through the Branch app or directly via M-Pesa Paybill 998608. Early repayment is accepted and can help increase your limit faster.

How to Increase Your Branch Loan Limit

Branch starts you low (around KES 3,100) and increases your limit based on behavior. Here's what actually moves the needle:

• Repay every installment on time. This is the most important factor. Even one missed installment can freeze your limit growth for months.
• Borrow regularly. Branch rewards active borrowers. Taking a loan, repaying it, and immediately borrowing again signals low risk.
• Don't always max out. Borrowing below your limit and repaying shows financial discipline.
• Keep M-Pesa active. Regular M-Pesa transactions (both incoming and outgoing) demonstrate financial activity that Branch uses in scoring.
• Avoid multiple outstanding digital loans. Branch can see loans from other lenders in your CRB report and phone data. Multiple active loans signal distress.
• Be patient. Reaching KES 100,000 takes most users 6-12 months of consistent borrowing and repayment. Some users report hitting the KES 1 million ceiling after 2+ years.

Typical progression for a good borrower: KES 3,100 (first loan) > KES 7,000 (second) > KES 15,000-20,000 (third or fourth) > KES 50,000-100,000 after 6-12 months.

Pros and Cons of Branch Loans

What Branch does well

• Installment repayment. Weekly or monthly payments over 1-52 weeks. This is Branch's strongest advantage. Most loan apps force you to repay everything in 21-30 days, which causes a lot of defaults.
• No hidden fees. Zero processing fees, zero insurance fees, zero late fees. The interest rate is the total cost. That 6% late penalty is the only additional charge.
• Free credit life insurance. If you die or become permanently disabled during the loan period, your balance is written off. No other major app offers this.
• Higher ceiling. KES 100,000 standard limit, with reports of KES 1M for veteran users. That beats Tala (KES 50K) and LendPlus (KES 30K).
• Low entry point. Loans start at KES 250, the lowest among major apps. Good for testing the app with minimal risk.
• Microfinance bank license. CBK-licensed MFB means stronger regulatory oversight than a standard digital credit provider license. Your deposits and data have more legal protection.
• Credit building. Branch reports to CRB, so timely repayments build your credit score for future bank loans and mortgages.

Where Branch falls short

• Low first-time limits. Around KES 3,100 for most new users, regardless of income or M-Pesa activity. If you need more than that immediately, Branch is not the answer.
• APR can be brutal. While 17-35% per loan sounds reasonable, the APR on short-term small loans can reach 229%. A KES 1,000 loan for 1 week at 35% interest costs KES 350, which annualized is extremely expensive.
• Android only. No iPhone app in Kenya. This locks out a portion of the market.
• Data harvesting. Like all Kenyan loan apps, Branch requires extensive phone permissions. Your SMS, contacts, call logs, and location data are all accessed and analyzed.
• Slow limit growth. Going from KES 3,100 to KES 100,000 takes months. If you need KES 50,000 now and have no Branch history, you won't get it.
• 6% late penalty. While there are no "late fees" per se, the 6% penalty on your outstanding balance adds up if you miss installments.

Branch vs Tala vs Zenka vs LendPlus

Bottom line on comparisons:

• Choose Branch if you want installment repayment and free credit life insurance.
• Choose Tala if you want the fastest possible disbursement and are fine with lump-sum repayment.
• Choose Zenka if you need iOS support and longer repayment terms (up to 6 months).
• Choose LendPlus if you want an interest-free first loan (repay within 5 days).

For a full ranking of all options, see our Best Loan Apps Kenya 2026 guide.

Is Branch Worth It?

Branch fills a real gap in the Kenyan digital lending market. The installment repayment model is genuinely useful. Many borrowers default not because they can't afford the loan, but because they can't come up with the full amount in 21-30 days. Branch solves that by spreading payments over weeks or months.

The free credit life insurance is a legitimate differentiator. It costs you nothing and provides meaningful protection. The microfinance bank license also means Branch operates under stricter CBK oversight than standard digital lenders, which provides better consumer protection.

The main frustration is the low starting limit. If you need KES 20,000 today and have never used Branch, you're out of luck. You'll need to start at KES 3,100 and work your way up over several months. For immediate larger amounts, Zenka or M-Shwari are better options.

For short-term, small loans, the effective APR is high. A KES 1,000 loan for one week is expensive by any measure. Branch works best for larger amounts over longer periods, where the 17-20% interest rate is more reasonable compared to competitors.

I'd recommend Branch for borrowers who have struggled with the lump-sum repayment model on apps like Tala. If you've defaulted on a 30-day loan because you couldn't come up with the full amount at once, Branch's installment structure could be the difference. Start small, repay every installment on time, and build your limit over 3-6 months.

For more loan options, browse all available mobile money loans in Kenya.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I download the Branch loan app?

Search "Branch - Personal Finance Loans" on Google Play Store and download the official app by Branch International. The app requires Android. Branch is not available on iOS in Kenya. Avoid downloading APKs from unofficial sites, as there are fake apps that steal personal data.

What is the Branch loan limit for first-time borrowers?

Most first-time Branch users receive a limit of approximately KES 3,100. This is lower than what many borrowers expect, but Branch intentionally starts low and increases limits based on repayment behavior. After several successful repayment cycles, limits can grow to KES 100,000 and beyond.

How much interest does Branch charge?

Branch charges between 17% and 35% per loan, depending on your credit profile, loan amount, and repayment period. The APR ranges from 22% (for longer-term, larger loans) to 229% (for short-term, small loans). There are no additional processing fees or insurance charges.

Can I repay my Branch loan early?

Yes. You can repay your Branch loan early at any time through the app or via M-Pesa Paybill 998608. Early repayment can help increase your loan limit faster, as Branch sees it as a positive credit signal. Check the app for the exact early repayment amount, as interest may be calculated differently for early closure.

What happens if I miss a Branch loan installment?

Branch charges a 6% penalty on your outstanding balance for late payments. There are no separate "late fees." If you continue to miss payments, Branch will report the default to CRB, which can affect your ability to get loans from banks and other digital lenders. After extended non-payment, the debt may be referred to a collection agency.

Is Branch a licensed lender in Kenya?

Yes. Branch Microfinance Bank Limited is licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) as a microfinance bank. This is actually a stronger license than the digital credit provider license held by most loan apps (like Tala and Zenka). As a microfinance bank, Branch operates under stricter regulatory requirements, which provides better protection for borrowers.

Can I get a Branch loan with a bad CRB record?

Branch does its own internal credit scoring using phone data and M-Pesa history. A negative CRB listing may reduce your approved limit or result in rejection, but it's not always an automatic disqualifier. Some users with minor CRB issues report being approved for small amounts. Your best approach is to apply and see what limit is offered.

Does Branch work on iPhone?

No. As of 2026, Branch is only available on Android devices in Kenya. If you use an iPhone, consider Zenka or LendPlus, both of which support iOS. You can also use USSD-based options like M-Shwari and Fuliza that work on any phone.

How long does Branch take to send money?

Branch typically disburses funds to your M-Pesa wallet within 2-10 minutes of loan approval. During peak hours or network congestion, it may take slightly longer. If you haven't received funds after 30 minutes, contact Branch support through the app.

What is the Branch M-Pesa Paybill number?

The Branch M-Pesa Paybill number is 998608. You can use this to make loan repayments directly through M-Pesa without opening the Branch app. Enter the Paybill number, use your phone number as the account number, and enter the repayment amount.

---

Related Reviews

• Best Loan Apps Kenya 2026: 10 Legit Apps Compared
• Tala Loan Review 2026
• Zenka Loan Review 2026
• LendPlus Loan Review 2026
• iPesa Loan Review 2026
• Compare All Mobile Money Loans