M-Pesa Sending Limits 2026: Transaction Limits, Daily Caps & Balance
Complete guide to M-Pesa transaction limits in Kenya as of 2026. Covers per-transaction limits, daily sending caps, maximum balance, and how to increase your M-Pesa limit.
By PesaMarket Research Team · Last updated February 2026
The M-Pesa sending limit is KES 150,000 per transaction and KES 300,000 per day. Your maximum M-Pesa account balance cannot exceed KES 300,000. You can receive up to KES 300,000 per transaction.
M-Pesa Transaction Limits at a Glance
Safaricom sets transaction limits on all M-Pesa accounts to comply with Central Bank of Kenya regulations. These limits apply to all M-Pesa users regardless of how long they have had their account.
| Transaction Type | Minimum | Maximum per Transaction | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Send Money (to M-Pesa) | KES 1 | KES 150,000 | KES 300,000 |
| Withdraw (Agent) | KES 50 | KES 150,000 | KES 300,000 |
| Withdraw (ATM) | KES 200 | KES 20,000 | KES 40,000 |
| Lipa na M-Pesa (Buy Goods) | KES 1 | KES 150,000 | KES 300,000 |
| Paybill | KES 1 | KES 150,000 | KES 300,000 |
| Receive Money | KES 1 | KES 300,000 | No limit |
Maximum M-Pesa Account Balance
Your M-Pesa account balance cannot exceed KES 300,000 at any time. If someone sends you money that would push your balance above this limit, the transaction will fail. This is a regulatory requirement from the Central Bank of Kenya.
If you regularly hit the balance limit, consider moving funds to a linked bank account or M-Shwari savings.
How to Check Your M-Pesa Limit
Dial *234# and select 'My Account' to see your current balance and transaction history. Your remaining daily limit is not displayed but resets at midnight every day.
Business M-Pesa (Lipa na M-Pesa) Limits
M-Pesa business accounts (till numbers and paybill) have higher limits than personal accounts. Business tills can receive up to KES 150,000 per transaction with no daily cap on total received. Paybill accounts have even higher limits depending on the business registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum amount I can send via M-Pesa?
- You can send up to KES 150,000 in a single M-Pesa transaction. The daily sending limit is KES 300,000. These limits apply to all personal M-Pesa accounts.
- Can I increase my M-Pesa transaction limit?
- Personal M-Pesa accounts have fixed limits set by CBK regulations. You cannot increase them beyond KES 150,000 per transaction. For higher limits, consider registering for a business M-Pesa account (till or paybill).
- What happens if I exceed my daily M-Pesa limit?
- The transaction will be declined with a message saying you have exceeded your daily limit. Your limit resets at midnight. You can try again the next day.
- Is the M-Pesa ATM withdrawal limit different?
- Yes. M-Pesa ATM withdrawals are limited to KES 20,000 per transaction and KES 40,000 per day. This is lower than agent withdrawals (KES 150,000 per transaction).
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