How to Send Money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money in Kenya (5 Easy Steps)

Let us be honest, figuring out how to send money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money can feel confusing the first time you try. You open your app, scroll through the menu, and pause for a second. Where’s the option for Airtel again?

It is not just you. Many people in Kenya, and even across other African countries, need to move money between different mobile networks. A cousin in Eldoret might be using Airtel. Your gas supplier in Kisumu? Also Airtel. It is part of daily life now.

Luckily, things have changed. In 2025, mobile networks in Kenya will work together better than before. You can move cash from M-Pesa to Airtel in less than a minute. No long codes, no funny tricks—just a Paybill and a phone number.

If you have ever tried to research on Google with the keywords – How to transfer money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money in Kenya – this blog is just for you. We will break this topic into easy chunks of information so that you do not have to second-guess ever.

How to Send Money to Airtel Money from M-Pesa Using Paybill (Official Method)

If you searched online for how to send money to Airtel Money from M-Pesa using Paybill, this is the method Safaricom and Airtel both recognise. It works on any M-Pesa phone, the SIM Toolkit, and the M-Pesa app.

Steps:

1. Open Lipa na M-Pesa on your app or SIM Toolkit.
2. Select Paybill.
3. When asked for the Business Number, enter 220220.
4. In the Account Number field, type the Airtel Money phone number of the person you are paying.
5. Enter the amount.
6. Confirm the details carefully.
7. Enter your M-Pesa PIN and press OK.

The recipient gets the money instantly through Airtel Money. You also receive a confirmation SMS from M-Pesa and Airtel after the transfer has cleared.

Note: The Paybill number 220220 does not change. It is the official Airtel Money deposit Paybill used nationwide for wallet loading and cross-network transfers.

Method 2 – How to Send Money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money Using *334#

If your phone is offline or you prefer the classic USSD menu, you can also transfer money through *334#. This works on all phones, including basic feature phones.

1. Dial *334# on your Safaricom line.
2. Select Send Money.
3. Choose Send to Other Network.
4. Enter the recipient’s Airtel phone number.
5. Enter the amount.
6. Confirm the details.
7. Enter your M-Pesa PIN.

This method is useful when the M-Pesa app is slow, your data is off, or you just want a simple offline option.

How to Send Money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money – Step-by-Step Guide

Many people still search online trying to figure out how to send money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money, especially when helping relatives or paying small bills across networks.

Consider for a moment that you are standing in line at a shop in Rongai or scrolling on your phone after dinner, and someone says, “Can you M-Pesa me to Airtel real quick?” Your answer to that would naturally be no, because you might feel it seems to be a network mismatch. But, in reality, you only need a couple of taps to complete the task in under a minute!

What to Do:

• Tap the M-Pesa icon or find it in your SIM menu
• Go to Lipa na M-Pesa
• Select Paybill
• When it asks for Business Number, type 220220
• Under Account Number, enter the Airtel phone number of the person you’re paying
• Add the amount
• Type in your PIN
• Hit OK and wait

That is it. You will get a text confirming the transfer. No complicated menus, no back-and-forth. And yes, if you’re wondering whether this also works on the Safaricom app or their website, it does. The path is slightly different, but the Paybill number remains the same.

You have just learned how to send money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money using Paybill. And honestly, once you have done it for the first time, it becomes your second nature.

For official confirmation, you can also check the Airtel Money Kenya page here for updated cross-network transfer details.

How to Send Money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money Without Charges

Now, let us talk about fees. They sneak up on you, right? You send KES 500, and suddenly your balance drops by more than you expected. That is why people keep asking, “How do I send money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money without charges?”

Here is the deal. Safaricom made some changes. If you’re sending KES 100 or less, you are in luck; it is completely free. No hidden deductions. Once you go over that, though, the usual M-Pesa rates apply. It is not outrageous, but if you send money often, it adds up.

Quick Fee Snapshot:

Knowing how to send money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money without extra fees can save you a lot over time, especially if you often support family members who use Airtel lines.

Want to avoid the charges?

• Try splitting payments into smaller amounts (under KES 100)
• Use the M-Pesa app. It sometimes gives cheaper or promotional rates
• Avoid peak hours if you are worried about failed attempts and retries

These tricks do not always apply, but they help.

How to Fuliza to Airtel Money from M-Pesa (Full Guide)

Many people try to send money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money using Fuliza, and the system can get confusing. Here is the simplest explanation of how it actually works in 2025.

You cannot Fuliza directly to Airtel Money using Paybill 220220 if your balance is completely zero. M-Pesa blocks the transaction.

However, Fuliza can cover part of the amount if you have at least a small balance. For example, if you need to send KES 300 and you have KES 80, Fuliza automatically tops up the remaining KES 220 and the payment goes through normally.

Smart Trick: If your balance is completely zero, buy KES 10 airtime using Fuliza and immediately reverse it. The refunded amount activates your balance and allows Paybill 220220 to work.

Once your balance is active, follow the Paybill steps again: 220220 → Airtel number → amount → PIN.

How to Send Money from M‑Pesa to Airtel Money via SMS

People often think there is a secret text message you can send to move money from M‑Pesa to Airtel. There isn’t. You still go through the normal menu. The “SMS” part is the message Safaricom sends after you’ve done it.

So here’s what really happens. You open Lipa na M‑Pesa, you choose Paybill, you punch in 220220, type the Airtel number, add your amount, and enter your PIN. Done. A few seconds later, you get that confirmation text. That SMS has the code, the number, and the time. It’s your receipt.

If there is ever a problem, that single message is what Safaricom will ask you for. Keep it safe or screenshot it before you clear your inbox.

How to Pay Airtel via M‑Pesa

Say your cousin’s Airtel line needs airtime, and all you’ve got is M‑Pesa. No stress. I have done it so many times.

You simply open the M‑Pesa app or SIM toolkit, tap Lipa na M‑Pesa, and choose Paybill. For the business number, you type 220220. Where it asks for Account Number, that is just the Airtel phone number you are paying for. 

Enter the amount, hit OK, type your PIN. In a few seconds, they’ll get their SMS. Works for prepaid and postpaid. No special tricks.

How to Add Money to Airtel Money

Loading Airtel Money isn’t complicated. If I’m near an Airtel agent, I just hand them my ID and cash; the balance reflects immediately. 

If I’m not near one, my bank app (Equity, KCB, Co‑op) lets me send funds straight to my Airtel wallet. It takes about a minute.

Or someone can use M‑Pesa Paybill 220220 with my Airtel number as the account. That drops directly into my Airtel Money too. Three different ways, same result.

How to Transfer Money from Airtel to M‑Pesa via M‑Pesa

This sounds funny, but it’s normal now. You’re actually sending from Airtel to a Safaricom number, and the money lands in their M‑Pesa wallet. 

On my Airtel line, I dial *222# or open the Airtel Money app, choose Send Money, pick “Other Network” or “Safaricom/M‑Pesa,” type the recipient’s number, enter the amount, and confirm with my PIN. Done. The other person gets an M‑Pesa SMS. No SIM swapping, no withdrawal first.

What Is the Paybill Number of the Airtel Equity Account?

If you are paying into an Equity account connected to Airtel, the Paybill is 247247. Same one is used everywhere.

I go into Lipa na M‑Pesa > Paybill, enter 247247, then the actual Equity account number, the amount, and my PIN. I always look at the name that pops up before pressing OK. If it’s wrong, I cancel. That’s the safest way.

How to Reverse M‑Pesa Sent to Airtel via M‑Pesa

Sent money to the wrong Airtel number? It happens. The main thing is speed. You can open the M‑Pesa app, find the transaction, and tap Reverse. Or text Reverse plus the transaction code to 456. Or call 100 and give them the code. But do it within 24 hours. The sooner you act, the better your chances of getting it back.

How to Withdraw Airtel Money from M‑Pesa Agent via SMS

Sometimes you are in a place with no Airtel shop but plenty of green M‑Pesa signs. Some agents handle both networks. Walk in, give them your Airtel number and ID. Airtel sends you a withdrawal code by SMS. You show it to the agent, and they give you the cash. Always keep that SMS until you’re done; it’s your proof.

M‑Pesa to Airtel Airtime Top‑Up

Need to buy Airtel airtime but only have M‑Pesa? Open Lipa na M‑Pesa, tap Paybill, type 220220, use the Airtel number as the account, enter the amount, and your PIN. The airtime appears instantly. No extra charge.

Questions and Issues Faced By People and How to Troubleshoot Them?

Even with a seamless system, hiccups are inevitable. Here’s what I have seen:

• No SMS confirmation: wait a few minutes, then check your M‑Pesa history.
• Wrong number: text Reverse [code] to 456 or use the app immediately.
•  Fuliza refused: you probably had zero balance; put in at least KES 10 and try again.
• Reversal stuck: call 100, quote the code, follow up until it clears.

I take screenshots of every transfer. It has saved me more than once. Even when you understand how to send money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money, a few issues, like delayed SMS or wrong numbers, can still appear from time to time.

FAQs

Can you Fuliza to Airtel Money?

Not directly. But Fuliza can cover your M‑Pesa balance first, then you send it to Airtel.

How long does a transfer take?

Usually under a minute. Sometimes the money arrives even if the SMS is late.

What are the charges?

Below KES 100 is free. Above that, it ranges from 10 to 25 shillings depending on the band.

Can I reverse money sent to Airtel?

Yes. App, SMS, or call 100. Act fast.

Why did my payment fail?

Most often, it is a wrong number, a weak network, or no balance. Try again after checking.

Conclusion

Since you have reached this point, I assume that you are now well aware of how to send money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money. Paybill 220220, double‑check the number, and keep your SMS.

Learning how to transfer money from M‑Pesa to Airtel Money once means you will never fumble again. Save this guide. Next time someone asks you, “How do I do it?” you will have the answer on hand. Once you get comfortable with how to send money from M-Pesa to Airtel Money, you will find it as simple as sending to another Safaricom number.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is for general awareness only. Smart Africa Guide is not affiliated with Safaricom, Airtel, or any financial institution mentioned. Always verify Paybill numbers, fees, and limits from official sources before making any transaction.

Varsha Asrani

Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.