Across Kenya, everyday financial behaviour is rapidly evolving as customers increasingly rely on digital tools to manage their money.
From paying bills to sending funds instantly, mobile financial services have become central to daily life.
However, while digital payments have simplified transactions, many customers still face occasional short-term cash flow gaps when balances run low but essential payments cannot wait.
In response to these realities, digital financial solutions have emerged to help customers complete urgent transactions even when their M-PESA balance is insufficient.
One such service is Fuliza M-PESA, a mobile overdraft facility offered by Safaricom in partnership with NCBA Bank.
The service allows subscribers to complete transactions when their M-PESA balance is insufficient.
Whether it’s airtime purchase, bill payments, or money transfers to other users, customers can transact as much as they want as long as the amount being transacted is within the allocated limit.
Transfer limits and charges
According to NCBA Bank, Fuliza M-PESA attracts specific charges for usage in addition to normal M-Pesa transaction charges.
Customers are charged a 1 percent access fee when the overdraft is used, alongside a daily maintenance fee on the outstanding balance. The daily maintenance fees are structured according to the borrowed amount:
- Sh0–100: One-time fee of Sh2
- Sh101–500: Sh5 per day
- Sh501–1,000: Sh10 per day
- Sh1,001–1,500: Sh20 per day
- Sh1,501–2,500: Sh25 per day
- Sh2,501–70,000: Sh30 per day
Repayment occurs automatically when customers deposit money into their M-PESA accounts. The funds first go toward clearing any outstanding Fuliza balance.
Customers who fail to clear their overdraft within 30 days temporarily lose access to the service. However, access is restored immediately once the outstanding balance is fully repaid
Flexible Usage for Customers
One of the key features of Fuliza M-PESA is its flexibility. Customers can use the overdraft multiple times provided they remain within their allocated limit.
Each registered M-PESA mobile line qualifies as a separate Fuliza account. The service assigns a limit to every eligible line, which is periodically reviewed based on how frequently customers use Safaricom and M-PESA services and how consistently they repay the overdraft.
How to activate Fuliza Overdaft
Customers must first be registered on M-PESA and have an active Safaricom line. Activation is done through the Safaricom menu by dialing *234# and selecting the Fuliza M-PESA option to opt in.
Customers can increase their Fuliza limit over time through regular use of Safaricom and M-PESA services and by repaying overdraft balances promptly.
Maintaining consistent usage patterns and timely repayments signals responsible usage, which can lead to higher limits during periodic reviews.
Also Read: Why every small business owner needs the NCBA Business Saver Account
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