M-Pesa Western Union is a money transfer service that allows M-Pesa registered customers to send funds globally through the Western Union network. Recipients can collect money at any Western Union location in their country or receive it directly into their bank accounts. The service leverages Western Union's extensive global money movement platform while maintaining the convenience and accessibility that M-Pesa users are accustomed to.
Key Benefits
- Fast and convenient: Send and receive cash quickly across regions through M-Pesa
- Easy accessibility: Available via the M-Pesa App and USSD *334#
- Local currency: Recipients receive money in their country's currency
- Wide reach: Available in all countries except sanctioned territories
- Free to receive: No charges for receiving money through Western Union to your M-Pesa account
Eligibility
The service is open to all M-Pesa registered customers in Kenya who have an active M-Pesa account.
Available Access Options
You can send money to Western Union through two primary channels:
- M-Pesa App - Available for smartphone users
- USSD Code *334# - Available for all mobile phones
Once registered, you can send money through either the M-Pesa App or USSD.
Step-by-Step Guide: Sending Money via M-Pesa App
- Log in to the App using your chosen biometrics
- Select Transact
- Select Global
- Select Send to Western Union
- Select the Recipient's Country
- Enter the recipient's details:
- First Name
- Last Name
- (Names should match their identification documents)
- Enter the amount you wish to send
- Select the Source of Funds
- Select the Purpose of Funds
- Confirm the details and select Send to Western Union
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN
- You will receive a successful transaction message
Step-by-Step Guide: Sending Money via USSD *334#
- Dial *334#
- Select Send Money
- Select M-Pesa Global
- Select Send Money Abroad
- Select Western Union Location
- Choose between Frequently Sent or New Recipient
- Enter the recipient's details:
- First Name
- Last Name
- Middle/Other names (if applicable)
- Enter the amount
- Select the Source of Funds
- Select the Purpose of Funds
- Confirm the details and select Send to Western Union
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN
- You will receive a successful transaction message
Transaction Limits
Amount Limits per Transaction
- Minimum: KSh 101
- Maximum: KSh 150,000
Other Limits
- Daily limit: KSh 300,000
- Monthly limit: KSh 1.5 million
- Yearly limit: KSh 18 million
Transaction Charges
The charges for sending money through M-Pesa Western Union are tiered based on the amount sent:
| Minimum (KSh) | Maximum (KSh) | Tariff |
|---|---|---|
| 101 | 5,000 | KSh 100 + Forex rates |
| 5,001 | 20,000 | KSh 250 + Forex rates |
| 20,001 | 35,000 | KSh 350 + Forex rates |
| 35,001 | 150,000 | KSh 500 + Forex rates |
Note: Forex rates apply based on the recipient's country and currency.
Important Information
Currency Conversion
Recipients will receive funds in their local currency. The exchange rate is determined at the time of the transaction.
Bank Transfers
Direct bank transfers are currently available in select countries including Germany, China, and the United Arab Emirates, with more countries being added progressively.
ISO Country Codes
When sending money, you may need to use ISO country codes - a 2-letter abbreviation for country names (e.g., ZA for South Africa, UG for Uganda, TZ for Tanzania, KE for Kenya).
Special Requirements for South Africa
When sending funds to South Africa, you will be required to input a secret word. The recipient must provide this secret word at the collection point to receive the funds.
Receiving Money
Safaricom has partnered with Western Union to ensure that receiving money through Western Union to your M-Pesa account is completely free.
Reversals and Corrections
If you make an error in your transaction:
- Full amount reversals are allowed
- Double payment reversals are allowed
- Contact customer care to request a reversal
- Partial amount reversals are not possible
