With more and more Kenyans working online, payment platforms such as Wise, PayPal, and Payoneer continue to be great enabling factors in making those hard-earned dollars accessible, almost instantly.
In this direct-to-the-point guide, we take you through the steps of transferring money from PayPal to Mpesa in Kenya, just as we did in our Skrill to Mpesa guide.
Transferring money from PayPal to Mpesa
Today, it’s become much easier to withdraw money from your PayPal account, anytime. Before, you had to rely on agents who were basically individuals paying you in cash in exchange for you sending them an equivalent amount in PayPal.
They made money by charging a set fee. And sadly, not all of them were trustworthy.
One reputable company then was Chura.co.ke, but their money transfer service was later shut down.
Then Equity Bank came to the rescue. However, this service wasn’t instantaneous, as it took 3-5 business days before money reached your account. (Equity Paypal service is now instant)
But it’s 2024, and there are much better, faster, and safer options. Though Equity Bank seems to have better rates, PayPal to Mpesa helps you transfer your money within minutes. It’s now possible to receive money from Equity within one business day, so you’ve got options.
And now to the most popular choice: Mpesa Paypal.
What is it?
Mpesa Paypal is a money transfer service offered by Thunes in collaboration with Paypal and Safaricom that enables you to move money between these two accounts.
This partnership has revolutionized the way money is transferred in and out of the country, particularly for those involved in online work and digital businesses.
Linking your PayPal and M-Pesa accounts
To transfer funds from PayPal to M-Pesa, you need to have a registered verified PayPal account that’s linked with your M-Pesa.
To link your Mpesa number to your PayPal account, follow these steps:
- Visit Paypal to Mpesa official website by Thunes.
- Click on ‘Get Started’ button
- A popup appears that prompts you to log in to your PayPal account.
Once logged in, you can proceed to link your accounts. First, you need to agree to the terms and conditions, then press the button that says Agree and Connect.
Next, you will be asked to enter your M-Pesa registered mobile number, after which you should click on ‘Link your accounts’.
A four-digit verification code will be sent to your M-Pesa registered mobile number as a security measure. Enter this code to complete the linking process.
That’s it. Your Mpesa is now linked to your PayPal, and you are ready to transfer money between these two accounts seamlessly.
Reasons why your Mpesa account couldn’t be linked
Sometimes this process may not be completed, and in turn, you get an error. Such PayPal to Mpesa errors are often due to the following reasons:
- Mismatch of names: If the names for your Mpesa number do not match those in your PayPal account, you will not be able to link your account.
- Unverified PayPal account: If your account is brand new, and is not verified yet, you won’t be able to link it to Mpesa.
If you encounter persistent errors, it’s advisable to contact customer support.
Withdrawing money from PayPal to M-Pesa
After successfully linking your PayPal and M-Pesa accounts, you can now withdraw money from your PayPal account. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your account from the PayPal to M-Pesa login page
- Click on Withdraw from PayPal
- Enter the amount you wish to withdraw in USD.
- Confirm your transaction to complete the withdrawal process.
Topping up your PayPal account via M-Pesa
The PayPal to M-Pesa service also allows you to top up your PayPal account from your M-Pesa account.
Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to your account from the PayPal to M-Pesa login page.
- Click on ‘Top Up to PayPal’.
- Enter the amount you would like to top up in USD.
You’ll then be given the exact amount that you need to pay via Mpesa. On your phone, follow these steps:
- Go to your M-PESA menu and select “Lipa na M-PESA” then the Pay Bill option.
- Enter Business Number 800088 and your
- Enter your phone number as the Account Number.
- Enter the amount shown to you on PayPal to the Mpesa website.
- Enter your M-PESA PIN and click Send.
- The top-up amount will then be updated in your PayPal account.
The top-up process from M-Pesa to PayPal is usually instant, making your funds available for immediate use.
Paypal to Mpesa FAQs
How long does it take?
Transfers from PayPal to M-Pesa are generally instant (usually within minutes) but can take up to 3 hours in some cases.
What are the fees?
Both PayPal and M-Pesa have nominal fees for transactions, which vary depending on the amount being transferred.
The transfer fees are already incorporated into the exchange rate.
Is it secure?
Yes, both PayPal and M-Pesa use robust security protocols to ensure your financial data is safe.
