M-Pesa’s growing popularity across Kenya, Tanzania, and recently Ethiopia has made it a vital financial tool for many, and now, with PayPal among its partners, you can use M-Pesa to top up your PayPal account.
Despite some claims about confusing documentation and clunky interfaces, this guide will show you how straightforward it is to deposit funds from M-Pesa into your PayPal account.
To top up your PayPal account using M-PESA, follow these steps:
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Link Your PayPal and M-PESA Accounts:
- Visit the PayPal Mobile Money Service with M-PESA website.
- Log in with your PayPal credentials.
- Enter your M-PESA phone number.
- Confirm the linking through the verification code sent to your phone.
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Top Up Your PayPal Account:
- Log in to the PayPal Mobile Money Service with M-PESA portal.
- Click on “Top Up.”
- Enter the amount in USD you wish to add to your PayPal account and click “Calculate” to view the equivalent amount in Kenyan Shillings (KES).
- On your phone, go to the M-PESA menu, select “Lipa na M-PESA,” then “Pay Bill.”
- Enter Business Number 800088.
- Use your phone number as the account number.
- Enter the calculated amount in KES.
- Confirm the transaction with your M-PESA PIN.
The funds should reflect in your PayPal account shortly after completing these steps.
Pros of Using PayPal with M-PESA:
- Fast Transactions: Quick transfers between accounts.
- Reasonable Withdrawal Limits: Flexibility in accessing funds.
- Enhanced Security: Two-factor authentication for account protection.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation and use.
- Low Fees: Only 1% of the transaction value is charged as fees.
Cons:
- Account Limitations: Kenyan users are allowed only one PayPal account per registered phone number.
- Customer Support Challenges: Limited support options if account issues arise.
- Cancellation challenges: Once a transaction has been initiated, it cannot be cancelled
For more detailed information, refer to the Safaricom M-PESA PayPal FAQ. You can also read our guide on the PayPal to M-pesa Withdrawal process.