M-Pesa Global, through its partnership with TerraPay, has revolutionized cross-border money transfers for Kenyan customers. This service enables over 32 million M-Pesa users to send money directly to mobile numbers and bank accounts in Bangladesh and Pakistan, connecting them with more than 200 million people across these South Asian nations.
What is TerraPay?
TerraPay is an international money transfer provider that partnered with Safaricom to facilitate seamless remittances between Kenya and South Asia. The partnership, launched in July 2023, operates through TerraPay's group company Mobex (Kenya), a licensed money remittance provider. This collaboration allows M-Pesa customers to send real-time payments through TerraPay's extensive interoperable network.
Supported Countries
The M-Pesa TerraPay service currently supports money transfers to:
- Pakistan (Pakistani Rupee - PKR)
- Bangladesh (Bangladesh Taka - BDT)
Recipients receive funds in their local currency, making transactions convenient and straightforward.
Prerequisites for Using TerraPay Service
Before you can send money via TerraPay, you must:
- Be a registered M-Pesa customer
- Opt-in to M-Pesa Global services
- Have sufficient balance in your M-Pesa account
Transaction Limits and Fees
M-Pesa Global maintains the following transaction limits for TerraPay transfers:
- Minimum transfer: Ksh 101 per transaction
- Maximum transfer: Ksh 150,000 per transaction
- Daily limit: Ksh 300,000 per day
The service charges flat fees based on the transfer amount:
| Amount (Ksh) | Fee (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| 101 - 5,000 | 100 |
| 5,001 - 20,000 | 250 |
| 20,001 - 35,000 | 350 |
| 35,001 - 150,000 | 500 |
How to Send Money to Bangladesh and Pakistan
Method 1: Using the M-Pesa App
To Send to Mobile Number or Bank Account:
- Log in to the M-Pesa App using your chosen biometrics
- On the navigation bar, select Transact
- Select Global
- Choose either:
- Send to Mobile Number, or
- Send to Bank
- Select the country (Pakistan or Bangladesh)
- Enter the recipient's first name
- Enter the recipient's last name
- Enter the phone number or bank account number
- Enter the amount you wish to send
- Select the source of funds
- Select the purpose of the funds
- Review and confirm all details
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN
- You will receive a successful transaction message
Method 2: Using USSD (*334#)
- Dial *334# on your phone
- Select Send Money
- Select M-Pesa Global
- Select Send money abroad
- Choose either:
- Send to Mobile number, or
- Send to Bank account
- Select the destination country
- Enter the recipient's first name
- Enter the recipient's last name
- Enter their phone number or bank account number
- Enter the amount
- Select the source of funds
- Select the purpose of funds
- Review and confirm the details
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN
- You will receive a successful transaction message
Method 3: Using MySafaricom App
The MySafaricom App also provides access to M-Pesa Global services, following similar steps as the M-Pesa App interface.
Available Access Channels
M-Pesa customers can access TerraPay services through three convenient channels:
- M-Pesa App - Full-featured mobile application
- USSD code (*334#) - Works on any phone, even without internet
- MySafaricom App - Integrated within the broader Safaricom services app
Recipient Information
How to Obtain Recipient Details
The recipient must provide you with their mobile phone number or bank account number. TerraPay validates this information during the transfer process to ensure funds reach the correct recipient and prevent erroneous transactions.
Currency Conversion
Recipients receive funds in their local currency:
- Bangladesh: Bangladesh Taka (BDT)
- Pakistan: Pakistani Rupee (PKR)
The conversion is handled automatically during the transaction process.
Reversals and Transaction Corrections
Requesting a Reversal
If you need to reverse a transaction:
- Call the Safaricom contact center on 100 or 200
- Provide the transaction details and timestamp
- Only full reversals are supported (partial reversals are not available)
- Reversals must be requested within 30 days of the transaction
Important Notes:
- Partial reversals are not supported
- You can only reverse the full transaction amount
- Transactions older than 30 days cannot be reversed
Benefits of Using M-Pesa TerraPay
The service offers several advantages to M-Pesa customers:
- Reliable and Safe: Secure inbound and outbound remittance service
- Wide Reach: Access to over 200 million people in Bangladesh and Pakistan
- Multiple Options: Send to mobile numbers or bank accounts
- Real-Time Transfers: Fast payment processing
- Accessible: Available 24/7 through multiple channels
- Transparent: Clear fee structure and no hidden charges
- Validated Transactions: Recipient details are verified to prevent errors
