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How to Carry Out all M-PESA PayPal transactions 2024 

February 9, 2024

Customers who use both PayPal and M-PESA together can transfer money between their individual M-PESA accounts and PayPal accounts using this money transfer service, making them eligible to perform M-PESA PayPal transactions.

M-PESA PayPal users can only manage their accounts in Kenyan shillings; they can only top up and withdraw money in US dollars (USD).

If a user wants to withdraw from their M-PESA PayPal balance and they have different currencies in their M-PESA PayPal account, they must convert those currencies into US dollars. Navigate to the PayPal account’s “Manage Currencies” section to convert the money.

Only users in Kenya who have registered Android smartphones, Google (PayPal) accounts, and M-PESA Paypal accounts are eligible for this service.

In this article, we have compiled everything you need to know as regards performing M-PESA PayPal transactions. 

What is M-PESA PayPal?

Customers who use both PayPal and M-PESA together can transfer money between their individual M-PESA accounts and PayPal accounts using this money transfer service.

Understanding the PayPal to M-PESA Service 

A ground-breaking financial innovation, the PayPal to M-PESA service combines the global reach of PayPal with the local dominance of M-PESA. 

The combined efforts of PayPal, Safaricom—the business that created M-PESA—and Thunes, a cross-border payment network, have enabled this synergy.

This section explores how the service operates and what you need to do to get started.

How the Service Works 

The primary objective of this service is to streamline money transactions. Kenyan users can now transfer money between their M-PESA and PayPal accounts with ease. Through the partnership, consumers can keep their local transactions in Kenyan Shillings (KSh) through M-PESA and handle international US Dollar (USD) transactions through their PayPal accounts.

The Partnership between PayPal, Safaricom, and Thunes 

Through the combination of Thunes worldwide payment infrastructure and Safaricom’s vast network, PayPal has been able to expand its capabilities and enable Kenyan users to link their financial worlds. 

This collaboration represents a significant advancement in digital payments by giving consumers a dependable and effective way to participate in the global economy while continuing their local financial operations.

Eligibility Criteria for Users 

You must tick a few items in order to use the PayPal to M-PESA service. Only individuals who live in Kenya and have an M-PESA account registered may utilise the service. 

In addition, to use the service, you need an Android device and a Google (PayPal) account. Fulfilling these prerequisites creates the ideal environment for a trouble-free money transfer.

Step-by-step Guide on Creating a PayPal Account

Go to the PayPal website: 

Go to PayPal’s official website first. You have to first register for an account if you’re new to PayPal.

Log in and provide your credentials: 

Press the ‘Sign Up’ button. A form requesting your information will appear. It asks for your name, email address, and a strong password. Your login information is what will allow you to use PayPal services.

Save Your Password: 

After entering the required data, save your password. Keep in mind that this password is essential for all upcoming logins, so be sure to safeguard it.

Enter the phone number associated with your M-PESA account: 

The next step is to connect your PayPal and M-PESA accounts. Type in the phone number linked to your M-PESA account.

Verification Code: 

Following the submission of your information, Thunes, in collaboration with M-PESA, will text your mobile number with a 4-digit verification code. This is an essential step in protecting and authenticating your account.

Whole Account Connection: 

To finish the account linking process, enter the verification code that you have received. Now that you have this, you may use your PayPal account and start M-PESA transactions.

Read also: How to Send Money Between Equity Bank & MPESA 2024

Go to the Official Site for Partnerships: 

Visit the website for the M-PESA PayPal cooperation.

Get Started with Linking: 

The website has a “Get Started” button. The linking process is started by clicking this.

Enter Your PayPal Credentials to Log In: 

If you already have an account with PayPal, enter your login information. You can make one by following the instructions above if you require assistance.

Put Your Mobile Number for Safaricom Here:

This is where your M-PESA account’s mobile number comes in handy. Take care when entering it to guarantee proper linking.

SMS Verification Code:

Your phone will text you a verification code. This step is to verify that your account is legitimate.

Give Permission: 

In order to access your PayPal account, the website will ask for permission.

To allow this access, click “Agree”. Ensuring the seamless operation of account transfers is crucial.

Linkage Confirmation: 

Your PayPal and M-PESA accounts are now formally connected once you’ve finished these procedures. You’ll receive a notification confirming the successful.

Setting up and Linking Accounts 

Prior to taking advantage of this service, you must set up and link your M-PESA and PayPal accounts.

This is how to begin:

Step-by-Step Account Setup 

First of all, it is necessary to have an M-PESA account that is registered. Any agent store in Kenya offers M-PESA enrollment. It’s also very easy to register for a PayPal account; just go to PayPal.com and follow the registration instructions.

Linking Your PayPal and M-PESA Accounts 

Linking the two accounts is the next important step after they are both active. This is a one-time procedure that gets future transactions started. Go to the official PayPal to M-PESA website and follow the instructions to link your accounts. 

To authenticate the connection, log into your PayPal account, input your M-PESA phone number, and wait for a confirmation code to be issued to your mobile device.

By completing these procedures, a conduit for simple and effective transactions is created between your local and foreign financial platforms. A seamless customer experience is guaranteed by the service, whether adding or withdrawing money.

Transacting with PayPal and M-PESA 

The PayPal to M-PESA service is about daily transactions that enable consumers to efficiently manage their finances, not only how simple it is to link accounts. 

The procedure is made to be simple and effective, regardless of whether you need to take money out of your PayPal account and deposit it into your M-PESA wallet or want to utilize M-PESA to top off your PayPal balance.

Withdrawing from PayPal to M-PESA

Transferring funds from PayPal to M-PESA is a simple procedure. This is how you can get to your money:

Detailed Withdrawal Process 

To initiate a withdrawal:

  • Enter your login information to use the PayPal to M-PESA web service.
  • Go to the ‘Withdraw’ area to see the amount of USD you have available.
  • After you’ve confirmed your choice, enter the amount you want to withdraw in USD.
  • Examine the transaction information, making note of the exchange rate, the projected processing time, and the amount in KSh.
  • If you approve the withdrawal, money will be transferred to your M-PESA account.

Processing Time and Withdrawal Limits 

Depending on the amount of the transaction, it may take as little as two hours or as long as three days for the funds to appear in your M-PESA PayPal account. 

For your convenience, this anticipated processing time is given up front.

Moreover, standard M-PESA PayPal transaction restrictions guarantee that all transfers follow regulatory maximums for compliance and security.

How to Top Up Your PayPal Account 

Topping up is just as simple as withdrawing:

  • Go to the M-PESA Paypal website and choose “Top Up funds.”
  • Use the tool provided to get the comparable amount in KSh after entering the desired transfer amount in USD.
  • Navigate to the M-PESA menu, choose ‘Lipa na M-PESA,’ then ‘Pay Bill,’ and input the given company number.
  • The money will be transferred to your PayPal account once you complete the transaction with your M-PESA PIN.

Transaction Processing Time and Steps

M-PESA PayPal account top-ups are often handled instantly, although occasionally they may take up to four hours. The exchange rate is included in the transparent process so you always know exactly how much you are sending in both currencies.

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Understanding Transaction Times and Fees

Average Processing Time: 

There is some variation in the time it takes for the money to appear in your M-PESA Paypal account. Generally, depending on the transaction value, it can take anything from a few minutes to up to three calendar days.

Factors Affecting Transaction Speed: 

A number of factors, including the transaction value and the volume of transactions currently handled by M-PESA PayPal, might affect the processing time.

Transaction Fee Structure: 

Pay attention to any costs that may apply while taking out cash. These costs are often subtracted from the total amount withdrawn and represent a little portion of the transaction amount. 

Withdrawals: 

A 3% transaction fee is charged on the amount converted from USD to KES when you withdraw money from your PayPal account into your M-PESA account. Top-Ups: There is a 4% transaction fee when you use your M-PESA balance to top up your PayPal account. Standard M-PESA transaction fees are also applicable.

Due to PayPal and Safaricom’s cooperation, users in Kenya can now complete this transaction quickly and securely, meeting their immediate cash demands.

Additional Information and Alternatives

Although the PayPal to M-PESA service has made managing finances easier for Kenyan consumers, it’s important to keep track of customer service updates and look into other affordable options for sending money outside.

Customer Support and Troubleshooting 

If you encounter issues or have questions regarding the PayPal to M-PESA service, multiple support channels are at your disposal:

Channels for Assistance and Support

  • Call Support: 

Contact Safaricom’s customer service at 100 or 200 for assistance, or dial +254 722 002100 for prepaid customers and +254 722 002.200 for post-pay customers.

  • Social Media: 

Engage with customer care on platforms like Twitter (@Safaricom_Care and @SafaricomPLC) and Facebook (@SafaricomPLC).

  • In-Person: 

Visit any Safaricom shop for face-to-face help with your queries.

Exploring Cheaper Alternatives to PayPal 

Even while PayPal is quite handy, there are costs that are with transactions and currency conversion and can mount up. As a result, it makes sense to take into account other money transfer services that can provide more affordable fees.

List and Brief Overview of Alternatives like Remitly, WorldRemit, Wise, and Paysend

Remitly:

Remitly, a company that offers minimal costs and reasonable currency rates, makes it easy to send money quickly to over 170 countries, including Kenya. Additionally, it allows direct mobile money payments to M-PESA.

Visit website

WorldRemit:

This UK-based service offers choices for bank transfer, cash pickup, or mobile money, including M-PESA, and enables customers to send money to over 130 destinations worldwide.

Visit website

Wise:

Wise, formerly known as Transferwise, offers an affordable international money transfer platform with transparent fees and an actual mid-market exchange rate.

Visit website

Paysend:

Paysend, a relatively new competitor in the market, is a good substitute for PayPal because it allows money transfers to M-PESA wallets at a reasonable cost.

Visit website

To make sure you select the greatest solution for your needs, constantly use comparison engines like Monito to find the most recent and affordable rates while thinking about these alternatives.

Check out: Latest way to Buy Airtel Airtime on MPesa 2024

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I have to create an account to use this service?

Yes. You need to have registered PayPal and M-PESA accounts.

  • To register for M-PESA, visit any M-PESA agent outlet across Kenya.
  • To register a PayPal account visit (paypal.com).

How do I link my M-PESA Account to PayPal? (New PayPal Accounts)?

Visit the PayPal website at https://www.paypal-mobilemoney.com/M-PESA  then click on the ‘Login’ menu on the top right of the page and follow the instructions.

  • Log in to your PayPal Account
  • Enter your M-PESA account phone number.
  • Accept the terms and conditions.
  • Enter the 6-digit confirmation code sent from Safaricom to the mobile number associated with your M-PESA

The customer will be using the same link to withdraw funds from a PayPal account to an M-PESA account and deposit funds to a PayPal account from an M-PESA account.

How do I withdraw to M-PESA?

The Withdraw service from PayPal allows you to transfer funds from your PayPal account to your linked qualifying M-PESA account.

  • Log on to your PayPal account using the link https://www.paypal-mobilemoney.com/M-PESA.
  • Select Withdraw.
  • Enter the amount to withdraw from your PayPal Account in USD and click ‘withdraw.’ Note that you will only be able to withdraw up to the available USD balance amount in your PayPal account.
  • You will be redirected to a page showing the amount to be received in Kenya Shillings, the exchange rate used for the currency conversion, and an estimation of the transaction processing time.
  • Click ‘Confirm’ to confirm and complete the withdrawal Transaction. 

Conclusion 

Upon concluding our examination of the PayPal to M-PESA service, it is apparent that the financial transaction landscape is undergoing swift change. 

The collaboration between M-PESA and PayPal is evidence of the creative efforts being made to link local and international markets, enabling Kenyan citizens to interact with the global economy more easily than before.

The capacity to effectively manage finances across several platforms is crucial in today’s linked society. 

By acting as a dependable link between foreign e-commerce and local currency transactions, the PayPal to M-PESA service facilitates international transactions while giving users financial control and convenience.

The availability of alternatives such as Remitly, WorldRemit, Wise, and Paysend allows people who are concerned about transaction costs to choose the most economical and appropriate service for their requirements. 

It’s easier to compare various services when you have tools like Monito at your disposal, so you can make an informed choice that fits your financial objectives.

Being knowledgeable and flexible will be essential as we embrace the future of money transfers and navigate this changing industry. 

Using services like M-PESA and PayPal to integrate your payments can make your transactions easier, one click at a time, whether you’re paying for services, transferring money to loved ones, or conducting online business.

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Oluwatobi Olowe
Oluwatobi Olowe

Tobi Olowe has over 3 years of experience as a content writer specializing in Tech discoveries, site optimization, building content that rank well and boosting overall site performance.

Articles: 168

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