Transferring money internationally has become a necessity for many, especially for those looking to support family and friends abroad.
Kenya, with its widespread use of Mpesa, is a prime example of how mobile money has transformed financial transactions.
However, M-Pesa itself doesn’t handle international transfers, so you’ll need a third-party service.
This guide will walk you through the best ways to send money from the USA to Kenya via Mpesa, ensuring your funds arrive safely, swiftly, and affordably.
Services for sending Money from USA to Kenya via Mpesa
The first step in sending money to Kenya is selecting a reliable transfer service. Factors to consider include transfer fees, exchange rates, and delivery speed.
Services like Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit, MoneyGram, and Western Union stand out for their efficiency and competitive rates.
Each platform has its unique benefits, from low fees to fast transfer times, making it crucial to compare them before making a decision.
1) Wise
![Sending Money from USA to Kenya via Mpesa (Guide) 1 Sending money from usa to kenya via mpesa with Wise](https://money.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/sending-money-from-usa-to-kenya-via-mpesa-with-wise.webp)
Wise offers a transparent and cost-effective way to send money internationally.
By using the real exchange rate and displaying fees upfront, Wise ensures senders can make informed decisions.
This platform is praised for its straightforwardness and efficiency in facilitating international transfers.
2) Mpesa Global
![Sending Money from USA to Kenya via Mpesa (Guide) 2 Mpesa Global send money to Kenya via Mpesa](https://money.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mpesa-global-send-money-to-kenya-via-mpesa-e1708070282808.webp)
Mpesa Global is an extension of the renowned Mpesa service, allowing users to send money internationally directly to Mpesa wallets in Kenya.
Users can access Mpesa Global through the Mpesa menu on their mobile device, making international transfers straightforward and accessible.
To use this service you can use USSD code or mobile app.
Via ussd:
- Dial *840#
- Accept the terms and conditions to join
- Select send money abroad
Via Mpesa app:
- Open the Mpesa app
- Select M-PESA Global
- Accept the terms and conditions to join
- Select Send
3) Remitly
![Sending Money from USA to Kenya via Mpesa (Guide) 3 Remitly Sending Money from USA to Kenya via Mpesa (Guide)](https://money.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/remitly-send-money-to-kenya-mpesa-countries.webp)
Remitly is a popular money transfer service specializing in sending money internationally, including from the USA to Kenya.
Steps to send money with Remitly via M-Pesa:
- Create a Remitly account: Visit Remitly’s website or download their app. Sign up for a free account using your email address and create a password.
- Choose your transfer details:
- Enter the amount you want to send (USD).
- Select Kenya as the receiving country.
- Choose “Mobile Money” as the delivery method and select “M-Pesa” as the specific option.
- Enter your recipient’s full name and M-Pesa phone number.
- Select your preferred payout speed: Express (minutes) or Economy (1-3 business days).
- Choose your payment method: debit/credit card, bank transfer, or cash pickup (if available in your location).
- Review and confirm: Remitly will show you the total transfer cost, including fees and the estimated exchange rate. Review the details carefully before confirming your transfer.
- Pay for your transfer: Follow the prompts to pay for your transfer using your chosen payment method.
- Track your transfer: Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a tracking number. You and your recipient can track the transfer status through the Remitly website or app.
4) Sendwave
![Sending Money from USA to Kenya via Mpesa (Guide) 4 Sendwave send money to kenya via mpesa](https://money.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/sendwave-send-money-to-kenya-via-mpesa.webp)
Sendwave is a mobile app and online platform that allows you to send money internationally, with a strong focus on sending to Kenya. They offer quick, secure, and often cheaper transfers compared to traditional methods like banks.
Here’s how to send money with Sendwave via Mpesa:
Before you start:
- You’ll need a Sendwave account, which you can create on their website or app.
- You’ll need your recipient’s full name, phone number associated with their Mpesa account, and the amount you want to send.
Here’s the process:
- Download and install the Sendwave app or visit their website.
- Log in or create your account.
- Select Kenya as the recipient country and Mpesa as the payout method.
- Enter your recipient’s details (name and phone number).
- Choose the amount you want to send and review the exchange rate and fees.
- Select your payment method (debit/credit card, bank transfer, etc.).
- Review the transaction details and confirm the transfer.
- Receive a confirmation message from Sendwave once the transfer is complete.
- Your recipient will receive a notification and the money will be deposited directly into their Mpesa account.
Additional things to keep in mind:
- Sendwave has daily transfer limits and maximum wallet balances for Mpesa accounts. You can find these details on their website or app.
- Transaction fees may vary depending on the amount you send and your chosen payment method.
- Make sure you enter the recipient’s information correctly to avoid any delays or errors.
5) WorldRemit
![Sending Money from USA to Kenya via Mpesa (Guide) 5 WorldRemit send Mpesa money to Kenya](https://money.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/worldremit-send-mpesa-money-to-kenya.webp)
WorldRemit is a popular online money transfer service that allows you to send money quickly and securely to over 130 countries, including Kenya.
It’s a great option for sending money directly to M-PESA mobile wallets.
Here’s what you need to know:
About WorldRemit:
- Fast and convenient: Send money instantly or schedule transfers for later. Track your transfer status every step of the way.
- Secure: Uses industry-standard security measures to protect your money and personal information.
- Competitive rates: Offers competitive exchange rates and low fees compared to traditional banks.
- Wide reach: Send money to over 130 countries, including Kenya.
- Multiple payment methods: Pay for your transfer using a debit/credit card, bank transfer, or other options depending on your location.
How to send money to M-PESA via WorldRemit:
- Visit WorldRemit website: Go to https://www.worldremit.com/en-us and select Kenya as the destination country.
- Enter the transfer amount
- Choose “Mobile Money” as the receive method
- Select the Mpesa mobile money account as the mobile money partner. This option allows you to send directly to M-PESA wallets.
- Click continue to start your transfer process
- You’ll need the recipient’s full name and their 9-digit M-PESA mobile money number.
- Create an account or log in: If you’re a new user, create an account. Existing users can log in.
- Choose your payment method: Pay using your debit/credit card, bank transfer, or another available option.
- Review and confirm your transfer: Double-check all details before sending.
- Track your transfer: You can track the status of your transfer online or through the WorldRemit app.
Understanding Mpesa and its benefits
Mpesa, a mobile wallet from Safaricom, is the backbone of Kenyan mobile money transfers.
It allows Kenyans to receive, store, and spend money using their mobile phones, making it an indispensable tool for everyday transactions.
The service provides a seamless way for recipients in Kenya to get funds instantly, which they can then use to pay bills, buy goods, or withdraw cash.
Maximizing your transfer with promo codes
Look out for promo codes to reduce transaction fees. These can be entered during the transfer process, offering discounts and making your transfer even more cost-effective.
Comparing fees and exchange rates
Fees and exchange rates vary across services, directly impacting how much money the recipient gets. Services like Wise and Remitly offer competitive rates and transparency in fees, ensuring you get the best deal for your transfer.
Security measures for safe transactions
Security is paramount when transferring money internationally. All recommended services employ robust security measures, including encryption and fraud detection, to protect your funds and personal information.