How To Buy Airtel Airtime From M-PESA Without Charges In 2024

According to statistics report for the Q1 of 2021/22 shared by Communications Authority Of Kenya (CAK), there are currently 64.8 million active total mobile SIM subscriptions across the major network operators in Kenya namely Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom, Equitel and Jamii Telecom.

In regards to market share in the above sector, Safaricom leads the pack with 64.6% followed by Airtel (26.4%), Telkom Kenya (6.4%), Equitel (2.3%) and lastly Jamii Telecom (0.3%)

With the above data, it is clear as to the preference of the majority of Kenyans. Be that as it may, there are instances whereby cross network transactions are necessary such as mobile money transfers and airtime purchases

While for obvious reasons such transactions may incur additional charges, there exist alternative methods to avoid said charges.

Below, we highlight the various ways on how to buy Airtel airtime from M-PESA without incurring any charges.

*369# (Free)

This is the official network service code for Tingg that offers a variety of payment solutions ranging from buying and refilling of gas, internet subscriptions, utility payments, airtime purchases etc

To buy Airtel airtime from M-PESA using *369#

• Dial *369#
• Select option 4: Buy airtime
• Select option 3: Enter number
• Select option 2: Airtel
• Enter a valid Airtel number
• Enter amount

In the confirmation message, select option 1 to make payment via M-PESA and input your M-PESA pin to finalize the transaction.

Besides the Ussd option,Tingg also has an app that can be downloaded from the Playstore.

*264# (Free)

This is a Ussd service code for CredoFaster whose core business is to sell electronic airtime for all networks in Kenya.

To purchase Airtel airtime from M-PESA using *264#

• Dial *264#
• Select option 2: Enter mobile number
• Enter the recipient Airtel number
• Enter amount

In the confirmation message, select option 1 to confirm and proceed to input M-PESA pin to finalize the transaction.

*415# (Free)

This is the network code service for Jazapay which offers an easy and convenient way in the management of utility bills.

To buy Airtel airtime from M-PESA using *415#

• Dial *415#
• Select option 1: Buy airtime
• Select option 2: Other number
• Enter Airtel mobile number
• Enter amount (Min Ksh10 – Max Ksh 10,000)

Confirm the transaction details and input your M-PESA pin to finalize the transaction.

*483*8# (Charged)

This is a Ussd service offered by MyAirtime Ltd which can be used for airtime purchase, Airtel/Telkom float as well as KPLC tokens.

To buy Airtel airtime from M-PESA via *483*8#

• Dial *483*8#
• Select option 3: Buy airtime
• Enter Airtel mobile number
• Enter airtime amount (Min Ksh50 – Max Ksh100,000)

Confirm the transaction details and select option 1 to proceed with payment and input M-PESA pin to complete the transaction.

Other service providers that offer paybill options include;

• Pesapal – Paybill 220220
• Iquinn networks – Paybill 620622