PayPal and M-PESA are two essential payment platforms in Kenya, offering international and local money transfers, respectively. Linking your PayPal and M-PESA accounts provides the flexibility to move funds seamlessly between these services. This guide will walk you through the process of linking your accounts, withdrawing money from PayPal to M-PESA, and topping up your PayPal account using M-PESA.

Linking Your PayPal and M-PESA Accounts
Before you can transfer money between PayPal and M-PESA, you need to link your accounts. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare Your Accounts: Ensure you have a verified PayPal account and a registered M-PESA account. Both accounts should use the same email address and phone number.
- Access the Service: Visit the PayPal Mobile Money Service with M-PESA website and click on “Get Started”.
- Log In and Accept Terms: Sign in to your PayPal account and accept the terms and conditions.
- Link Your Accounts: Enter your M-PESA phone number, click “Link Your Accounts”, and then enter the confirmation code sent via SMS.
- Confirmation: Once confirmed, you will see your PayPal balance displayed in Kenyan shillings.
Withdrawing Money from PayPal to M-PESA
After linking your accounts, withdrawing money is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Log In: Visit the PayPal Mobile Money Service with M-PESA website and log into your PayPal account.
- Initiate Withdrawal: Click on “Withdraw from PayPal” and enter the amount you wish to transfer in Kenyan shillings. You’ll see the withdrawal fee (3% of the transaction) and the estimated processing time.
- Confirm Details: Click “Continue to Withdraw” and confirm the transaction.
- Receive Funds: You will receive a confirmation email from PayPal and an SMS from M-PESA, indicating the successful transfer.
Examples
- Example 1: Withdraw KES 10,000 from PayPal. You’ll pay a KES 300 fee (3%) and receive KES 9,700 in your M-PESA account. Processing time is about 2 hours.
- Example 2: Withdraw KES 50,000 from PayPal. You’ll pay a KES 1,500 fee (3%) and receive KES 48,500 in your M-PESA account. Processing time is around 4 hours.
Scenarios
- Scenario 1: Withdraw on a weekday during working hours and receive funds within the estimated processing time.
- Scenario 2: Withdraw on a weekend or public holiday and receive funds on the next working day.
Topping Up Your PayPal Account Using M-PESA
If you need to add funds to your PayPal account from M-PESA, use the Pay Bill option:
- Log In: Go to the PayPal Mobile Money Service with M-PESA website and log into your PayPal account.
- Initiate Top-Up: Click on “Top Up to PayPal” and enter the amount you wish to add in Kenyan shillings. You’ll see the top-up fee (4% of the transaction) and the estimated processing time.
- Get Pay Bill Details: Click “Continue to Top Up” and note the Pay Bill number and account number provided.
- Complete Payment: On your M-PESA menu, select “Lipa na M-PESA”, then “Pay Bill”. Enter the Pay Bill number, account number, amount, and your M-PESA PIN.
- Confirm Transaction: You will receive a confirmation SMS from M-PESA and an email from PayPal, showing the updated PayPal balance.
Examples
- Example 3: Top up KES 10,000 to PayPal. Pay a KES 400 fee (4%) and receive KES 9,600 in your PayPal account. Processing time is about 2 hours.
- Example 4: Top up KES 50,000 to PayPal. Pay a KES 2,000 fee (4%) and receive KES 48,000 in your PayPal account. Processing time is around 4 hours.
Scenarios
- Scenario 3: Top up on a weekday during working hours and receive funds within the estimated processing time.
- Scenario 4: Top up on a weekend or public holiday and receive funds on the next working day.
Conclusion
Linking PayPal and M-PESA accounts streamlines transferring money between international and local platforms, enhancing convenience and security. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the PayPal Mobile Money Service with M-PESA support team or visit their website and FAQ page for more information.
By following this guide, you can manage your online transactions efficiently, ensuring a smooth and secure experience with PayPal and M-PESA. Happy transacting!