How to Link M-PESA to PayPal in Kenya: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
By Admin   08 Apr, 2025

How to Link M-PESA to PayPal in Kenya: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Linking your M-PESA account to PayPal allows you to seamlessly transfer funds between the two platforms, facilitating online transactions and payments. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you set up and use this service.

Step 1: Ensure Eligibility

To link your accounts, you need:

  • A Kenyan PayPal account.
  • An active M-PESA account that is registered with Safaricom.

Step 2: Access the PayPal Mobile Money Service with M-PESA

Visit the official PayPal Mobile Money Service with M-PESA website.

Step 3: Log In to Your PayPal Account

Click on the "Log In" button and enter your PayPal credentials. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can sign up for one on the same page.

Step 4: Link Your M-PESA Account

After logging in:

  1. Enter your M-PESA registered phone number.
  2. A 4-digit verification code will be sent to your M-PESA number via SMS.
  3. Enter this code on the website to confirm and complete the linking process.

Step 5: Top Up Your PayPal Account Using M-PESA

To add funds to your PayPal account:

  1. On the PayPal Mobile Money Service website, click on "Top Up."
  2. Enter the amount in USD you wish to add and click "Calculate" to see the equivalent amount in KES.
  3. On your phone, open the M-PESA menu, select "Lipa na M-PESA," then "Pay Bill."
  4. Enter Business Number 800088.
  5. For the Account Number, enter your M-PESA phone number.
  6. Enter the calculated amount in KES and your M-PESA PIN, then send.

Funds typically reflect in your PayPal account within a few minutes but may take up to 4 hours.

Step 6: Withdraw Funds from PayPal to M-PESA

To transfer money from PayPal to M-PESA:

  1. On the PayPal Mobile Money Service website, click on "Withdraw.
  2. Enter the amount in USD you wish to withdraw.
  3. The equivalent amount in KES, along with the exchange rate and estimated processing time, will be displayed.
  4. Confirm the transaction.

Withdrawals can take between 2 hours to 3 calendar days, depending on the amount.

Fees and Limits

  • Top-Up Fee: A fee of 4% applies when adding funds from M-PESA to PayPal.
  • Withdrawal Fee: A fee of 3% applies when withdrawing from PayPal to M-PESA.
  • Transaction Limits: The maximum per transaction is KES 150,000, with a daily limit of KES 300,000, in line with M-PESA's standard limits.​

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

  • Name Mismatch: Ensure that the names on your PayPal and M-PESA accounts match exactly to avoid linking errors.
  • Verification Delays: If you don't receive the verification code, check your network signal or contact Safaricom support.
  • Transaction Delays: While most transactions are swift, some may take longer due to system processing times.

By following these steps, you can efficiently manage your funds between PayPal and M-PESA, enhancing your online payment experiences.​