M-Pesa Agent Commission | Rate and Structure

Across Kenya and many parts of Africa, M-Pesa has transformed mobile banking by providing a dependable way to send money, pay bills, and save. If you’re thinking about becoming an M-Pesa agent, it’s important to understand how the commission system works.

Agents earn a percentage for every transaction they handle, like deposits and withdrawals. The earnings depend on the amount transacted and the commission structure set by Safaricom, giving agents a great opportunity to make money while offering an essential service.

Agents play a key role by helping customers deposit or withdraw cash and earn commissions for their work, acting as the bridge between Safaricom and its users.

M-Pesa Agent

An M-Pesa agent acts as a middleman between Safaricom and its customers, helping people deposit or withdraw money easily. They run their services from physical shops or kiosks known as agent outlets.

Safaricom supports agents with resources like commission guides, branded materials, and helpful tools to ensure smooth operations.

How does M-Pesa work?

M-Pesa, created by Safaricom, is a mobile money service that lets people manage their finances straight from their phones. It connects a SIM card to a digital wallet, making transactions quick, safe, and easy.

Users can add cash to their M-Pesa account by visiting any M-Pesa agent, like a local shop or retailer, and they can take out cash from their account at an agent location or ATM. With M-Pesa, there’s no need to carry physical money because users can store funds in their account and use them for transactions.

M-Pesa also makes it easy to send money to other users, pay for services, or shop with M-Pesa merchants—all from a mobile phone. Transactions are processed instantly, and users receive an SMS confirmation for each one, ensuring everything is quick, safe, and convenient.

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How Much Commission Does an M-Pesa Agent Earn Per Transaction?

An M-Pesa agent’s earnings per transaction depend on whether it’s a deposit or a withdrawal and the amount involved. Deposit commissions are generally lower compared to what agents earn from withdrawals.

With the updated rates, agents now earn between Ksh 50 to Ksh 100 on even the smallest deposits. This makes the M-Pesa agent business highly rewarding, especially when set up in busy areas with lots of people passing through.

Choosing the right location with high foot traffic can significantly boost your profits.

M-Pesa deposit commission rate chart 2025

Safaricom occasionally updates the commission rates for M-Pesa transactions. These changes are made at their discretion, but the company ensures agents are notified in advance to prevent misunderstandings.

Below is the latest breakdown of M-Pesa deposit rates:

Deposit Bands (Ksh) Agent Commission (Ksh)
50 – 1004
101-5108
511 – 1,0109
1,011 – 1,51010
1,511 – 2,51011
2,511 – 3,51012
3,511 – 5,01014
5,011 – 7,51020
7,511 – 10,01028
10,011 – 15,01040
15,011 – 20,02055
20,021 – 25,02071
25,021 – 30,02087
30,021 – 35,020103
35,021 – 40,020 119
40,021 – 45,020 135
45,021 – 50,020150
50,021 – 70,000190
70,001 – 150,000 190

M-Pesa withdrawal commission rate chart 2025

As an M-Pesa agent, you’ll earn more from withdrawal transactions since they offer higher commissions than deposits. Here’s the latest breakdown of the commission rates for withdrawals:

Transaction amount (Ksh)Commission (Ksh) (For registered customers)Commission (Ksh) (For unregistered customers)
10 – 49N/A N/A
50 -100 5N/A
101 – 500 88
501 – 1,000 1010
1,001 – 1,500 1212
1,501 – 2,500 1515
2,501 – 3,500 2020
3,501 – 5,000 2525
5,001 – 7,5003030
7,501 – 10,000 3535
10,001 – 15,000 4545
15,001 – 20,000 6060
20,001 – 25,000 6565
25,001 – 30,000 7070
30,001 – 35,000 7070
35,001 – 40,000100N/A
40,001 – 45,000 150N/A
45,001 – 50,000 180N/A
50,001 – 150,000 200N/A

M-Pesa Transaction Charge when Using an ATM

Taking cash out with an ATM card comes with fees, depending on how much you withdraw.

  • If you withdraw between 200 Ksh and 2,500 Ksh, you’ll pay a fee of 35 Ksh.
  • For withdrawals from 2,501 Ksh to 5,000 Ksh, the charge is 69 Ksh.
  • If you take out between 5,001 Ksh and 10,000 Ksh, the fee is 115 Ksh.
  • For amounts ranging from 10,001 Ksh to 35,000 Ksh, you’ll pay 203 Ksh.

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How to Increase M-Pesa Commission

To boost your M-Pesa commission, there are two effective strategies you can use. First, choose a location with good foot traffic. The more people who visit your shop, the more transactions you’ll make, which leads to higher earnings.

Make sure your shop is in a busy area, but also ensure it’s clean, well-decorated, and offers great customer service. A pleasant environment will draw in more customers and encourage them to return.

Second, consider getting an aggregated Safaricom M-Pesa line. This line type was introduced to help agents avoid fraud, ensuring that no one claims more than their fair share of commission.

Both new and existing agents can apply for aggregated lines, and they come with the advantage of earning a larger commission. With an aggregated line, you get 80% of the commission, while 20% goes to your principal agent. This is much better than the 40% less you’d earn with a regular line.

How to Check your M-Pesa Agent Commission

If you’ve figured out how to boost your M-Pesa commissions, the next step is learning how to check and withdraw them. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you do just that:

  • Open your Safaricom App.
  • Tap the option labeled “Show my commission balance.”
  • Enter your M-Pesa PIN when the prompt comes up.
  • Wait for a confirmation SMS with details of your commission balance.

How to Withdraw Your M-Pesa Commission

Once you’ve checked your balance, withdrawing your commission is simple:

  • Confirm that your agent account has enough float.
  • Go back to your Safaricom App.
  • Select “Withdraw commissions.”
  • Input the agent’s number.
  • Enter your M-Pesa PIN to complete the process.

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FAQs on M-Pesa Agent Commission

How much float do I need to become an M-Pesa agent?

To start, agents require a minimum float of around Ksh 100,000, depending on their location and expected transaction volumes.

Is there a monthly target for M-Pesa agents?

Yes, Safaricom often sets monthly transaction targets. Agents who meet or exceed these targets may qualify for bonuses.

Can agents earn commissions from deposits?

Yes, although deposit commissions are lower compared to withdrawals.

Do agents incur any costs?

Agents must maintain their float balance and may incur costs for rent, licenses, or additional equipment.

Conclusion

Agents play a vital role in delivering important financial services, earning commissions while helping Safaricom serve its large customer base. To boost your earnings as an agent, it’s crucial to understand how the M-Pesa commission system works. Using tools like the Safaricom M-Pesa commission chart and keeping your float well-managed can make a big difference in growing your income.

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Peace Akujuobi
Peace Akujuobi
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