Kenya Bank Transfer Fees Calculator
Compare PesaLink, RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement), EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) & M-Pesa charges across major banks (2025)
?? Don't know what these mean? Click the blue info box below to learn!
Calculate Transfer Fees
Understanding Bank Transfers in Kenya
What is PesaLink? A payment platform created by Kenya Bankers Association that connects all major banks. It's like M-Pesa but for bank-to-bank transfers. Real-time, 24/7, and much cheaper than old methods.
Why is RTGS expensive? RTGS is designed for very large corporate and business transactions (KES 1 million+). It's processed through Central Bank of Kenya's high-security system, hence the higher fee.
Should I ever use EFT? Probably not. EFT is the old, slow method. Since PesaLink became available, there's rarely a good reason to use EFT anymore - PesaLink is faster, cheaper, and works 24/7.
Is my money safe? Yes! All these methods are regulated by Central Bank of Kenya and are very secure. PesaLink is managed by banks themselves through IPSL (Integrated Payment Services Limited).
This calculator provides estimates based on 2025 bank tariffs. Fees may change - always check with your bank.
Official Resources:
� Central Bank of Kenya - KEPSS/RTGS
� Kenya Bankers Association (KBA)
� KCB Bank - PesaLink Information
Data sources: Individual bank tariff guides (KCB, Equity, Co-operative, Standard Chartered, SBM, Absa), Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya Bankers Association
Complete Kenya Bank Transfer Fees Comparison 2025 - All Banks, All Methods
Bank transfer fees in Kenya vary dramatically by bank, transfer method, and amount. Choosing the wrong method can cost you hundreds or thousands of shillings unnecessarily. Here's the complete breakdown.
M-Pesa to Bank Transfer Fees (All Major Banks 2025)
| Bank | KES 100-2,500 | KES 2,501-5,000 | KES 5,001-10,000 | KES 10,001-25,000 | KES 25,001-150,000 | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Banks (via M-Pesa) | KES 0 (FREE) | KES 0 (FREE) | KES 0 (FREE) | KES 0 (FREE) | KES 0 (FREE) | Instant |
?? M-Pesa to bank transfers are FREE for all amounts up to KES 150,000. This is the cheapest way to move money!
Bank to M-Pesa Withdrawal Fees (2025)
| Bank | KES 100-500 | KES 501-1,000 | KES 1,001-2,500 | KES 2,501-5,000 | KES 5,001-10,000 | KES 10,001-25,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KCB Bank | KES 50 | KES 55 | KES 60 | KES 80 | KES 110 | KES 130 |
| Equity Bank | KES 0 (FREE) | KES 0 (FREE) | KES 28 | KES 30 | KES 45 | KES 55 |
| Co-operative Bank | KES 28 | KES 28 | KES 44 | KES 56 | KES 88 | KES 117 |
| NCBA Bank | KES 28 | KES 30 | KES 40 | KES 60 | KES 80 | KES 110 |
| Absa Bank | KES 33 | KES 33 | KES 33 | KES 55 | KES 88 | KES 121 |
| Standard Chartered | KES 55 | KES 55 | KES 75 | KES 95 | KES 120 | KES 150 |
| Stanbic Bank | KES 50 | KES 60 | KES 70 | KES 90 | KES 130 | KES 180 |
?? Cheapest Bank to M-Pesa: Equity Bank
FREE withdrawals up to KES 1,000/transaction. For larger amounts, Equity charges 50-60% less than competitors.
Example Savings: Withdraw KES 10,000 monthly: Equity (KES 45) vs Standard Chartered (KES 120) = Save KES 900/year!
Mobile Banking App Transfer Fees - Same Bank (2025)
| Bank | Transfer Method | Fee (Same Bank) | Processing Time | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KCB Bank | KCB Mobile App | FREE | Instant | KES 999,999 |
| Equity Bank | Eazy Banking App | FREE | Instant | KES 1,000,000 |
| Co-operative Bank | MCo-op Cash App | FREE | Instant | KES 999,999 |
| NCBA Bank | NCBA Mobile App | FREE | Instant | KES 500,000 |
| Absa Bank | Absa Kenya App | FREE | Instant | KES 1,000,000 |
| Standard Chartered | SC Mobile App | FREE | Instant | KES 5,000,000 |
? All banks offer FREE same-bank transfers via mobile apps. This is the best way to pay friends/family at the same bank!
RTGS & EFT Fees - Different Bank Transfers (2025)
| Bank | RTGS (Over KES 1M) - Same Day | EFT (Under KES 1M) - Next Day | PesaLink (Instant, Any Amount) | Cheapest for Large Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KCB Bank | KES 1,200 | KES 52 - 110 | KES 55 | PesaLink (instant + cheap) |
| Equity Bank | KES 1,050 | KES 30 - 70 | KES 45 | PesaLink (KES 45 flat!) |
| Co-operative Bank | KES 1,300 | KES 50 - 115 | KES 50 | PesaLink recommended |
| NCBA Bank | KES 1,100 | KES 35 - 90 | KES 40 | PesaLink (KES 40 flat!) |
| Absa Bank | KES 1,320 | KES 55 - 110 | KES 50 | PesaLink recommended |
| Standard Chartered | KES 1,500 | KES 110 - 150 | KES 60 | PesaLink (still expensive) |
| I&M Bank | KES 1,650 | KES 120 - 180 | KES 65 | Most expensive overall |
?? Smart Money-Saving Strategy for Large Transfers
Problem: You need to send KES 500,000 from KCB to someone with Equity Bank account.
? Expensive Way: RTGS (KES 1,200 fee)
? Smart Way 1: PesaLink (KES 55 fee)
- Instant transfer using PesaLink on KCB mobile app
- Savings: KES 1,145 (96% cheaper!)
? Smart Way 2: FREE Method
- Step 1: Transfer KCB ? Your M-Pesa (Bank to M-Pesa: KES 110 fee)
- Step 2: M-Pesa ? Recipient's Equity Bank (FREE)
- Total cost: KES 110 (91% cheaper than RTGS!)
- Bonus: Can split into multiple smaller withdrawals to reduce fees further
For amounts under KES 150,000: Always use the M-Pesa route - it's FREE!
10 Smart Ways to Reduce Bank Transfer Fees in Kenya
Kenyans waste thousands of shillings yearly on unnecessary bank fees. Here's how to minimize or eliminate transfer costs entirely.
1. Use M-Pesa as the Middle Man (FREE Transfers)
The Strategy: M-Pesa to bank transfers are FREE for all amounts up to KES 150,000. Use this to bypass expensive inter-bank fees.
Example: Send KES 50,000 from KCB to Equity Bank
- Direct RTGS/EFT: KES 110 fee
- Via M-Pesa: KCB ? M-Pesa (KES 110) ? Equity (FREE) = KES 110 total
- Even better: If you already have M-Pesa balance, sending to any bank is FREE!
?? Savings: Can save 100% of inter-bank fees if you already have M-Pesa balance
2. Consolidate to One Bank for Your Circle
The Reality: Same-bank transfers are FREE on mobile apps for all banks. Different bank transfers always have fees.
Smart Strategy:
- If you regularly send money to family, all use the same bank
- Equity Bank has the most branches (190+) and free bank-to-M-Pesa
- Co-op Bank is strong in rural areas
Example Savings: Family of 4 sending KES 20,000/month between accounts:
- Different banks: KES 55 � 12 months = KES 660/year wasted per person = KES 2,640 family total
- Same bank: KES 0 (FREE)
?? Savings: KES 2,640+/year for typical family
3. Use PesaLink Instead of RTGS/EFT
What is PesaLink: Instant bank-to-bank transfers through mobile/internet banking. Works 24/7 including weekends and holidays.
Cost Comparison (Sending KES 100,000 to different bank):
| Method | Fee | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| RTGS (at branch) | KES 1,200 | Same day (8am-3pm only) |
| EFT (at branch) | KES 110 | Next working day |
| PesaLink (mobile app) | KES 40-55 | Instant (24/7) |
?? Savings: KES 1,145 per large transfer (96% cheaper than RTGS!)
4. Split Large Withdrawals to Save on Bank-to-M-Pesa Fees
The Hack: Bank-to-M-Pesa fees increase with amount. Split withdrawals to stay in lower fee brackets.
Example at Equity Bank:
- Withdraw KES 10,000 at once: KES 45 fee
- Withdraw KES 5,000 twice: KES 30 � 2 = KES 60 (MORE expensive)
But for larger amounts:
- KCB: Withdraw KES 10,000 at once = KES 110
- KCB: Withdraw KES 5,000 twice = KES 80 � 2 = KES 160 (worse)
- KCB: Withdraw KES 2,500 four times = KES 60 � 4 = KES 240 (much worse!)
?? Strategy: Check your bank's fee tiers. Generally, withdrawing the full amount at once is cheapest.
5. Open an Equity Bank Account for Cheapest Bank-M-Pesa Movement
Why Equity: FREE bank-to-M-Pesa withdrawals for amounts under KES 1,000. Cheapest fees above that.
Annual Savings Calculation:
If you withdraw to M-Pesa 4 times/month (KES 5,000 each):
- Standard Chartered: KES 95 � 4 � 12 = KES 4,560/year
- KCB: KES 80 � 4 � 12 = KES 3,840/year
- Equity: KES 30 � 4 � 12 = KES 1,440/year
?? Savings: Up to KES 3,120/year vs Standard Chartered!
Bonus: Equity also has lowest minimum balance (KES 0) and no monthly fees for basic accounts.
6. Keep Some Balance in M-Pesa for FREE Bank Deposits
The Secret: M-Pesa to bank is FREE (up to KES 150,000), but bank to M-Pesa costs money. Keep emergency funds in M-Pesa instead!
Traditional Flow (Expensive):
- Salary ? Bank account
- Need M-Pesa cash ? Withdraw (pay fee)
- Send to someone's bank ? Pay fee again or withdraw first
Smart Flow (FREE):
- Salary ? Bank account
- Withdraw KES 20,000 to M-Pesa once/month (one-time fee: ~KES 55)
- Keep in M-Pesa for emergencies
- Send to anyone's bank from M-Pesa ? FREE!
- M-Pesa to M-Pesa ? Also cheap
?? Savings: Pay withdrawal fee once, enjoy unlimited FREE bank deposits all month
7. Avoid Branch/Teller Transfers - Use Apps Instead
Shocking Reality: Same transfer costs 2-5x MORE at branch vs mobile app!
| Transfer Type | At Branch/Teller | Mobile App | Extra Cost at Branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same bank transfer | KES 55 | FREE | KES 55 wasted! |
| EFT to other bank | KES 110 | KES 50-55 | 50-100% more! |
| RTGS (over 1M) | KES 1,320 | KES 1,100 | KES 220 wasted |
?? Savings: KES 660-1,320/year if you do 1 transfer/month
Why the difference? Banks want to reduce teller workload, so they make apps cheaper. Take advantage!
8. For Business: Get a Current Account with Negotiated Rates
Business Hack: If you make 50+ transfers monthly, negotiate bulk rates with your bank. Most banks offer 30-50% discounts for high-volume customers.
Example Negotiation at KCB:
- Standard EFT fee: KES 55
- Negotiated rate (100+ transfers/month): KES 30
- Monthly savings: (KES 55 - KES 30) � 100 = KES 2,500/month
- Annual savings: KES 30,000!
What to ask for:
- Bulk transfer rate discount (for 50+ monthly transfers)
- Free PesaLink transactions
- Waived monthly account maintenance fees
- Dedicated relationship manager
?? Potential Savings: KES 20,000-50,000/year for active businesses
9. Time Your Transfers Right - Avoid Weekend/Holiday Fees
Little-Known Fact: Some banks charge extra for weekend/holiday processing through certain channels.
Smart Timing:
- PesaLink: Works 24/7, no weekend surcharge - always safe
- EFT: Sent on Friday processes Monday (no weekend work) - same fee
- RTGS: Not available weekends/holidays anyway
- M-Pesa: 24/7, no extra fees - always safe
Best Practice: For non-urgent transfers, wait until Monday if it saves you a trip to the branch!
10. Monitor Your Statements - Banks Make Mistakes!
Shocking Truth: 15-20% of bank customers are overcharged at least once per year due to system errors or wrong fee codes.
Common Overcharging Mistakes:
- Charged RTGS rate (KES 1,200) instead of PesaLink (KES 55) - KES 1,145 overcharge!
- Double-charged for same transaction
- Charged EFT fee for same-bank transfer (should be FREE)
- Old fee schedule still applied after bank reduced rates
- Wrong tier applied (charged KES 25K+ fee for KES 10K transfer)
What to Do:
- Check mobile app/internet banking weekly for all transaction fees
- Compare charged fee against published tariff guide (download from bank website)
- If wrong, screenshot and email: customercare@[bank].co.ke
- Call customer care immediately: most banks refund within 3-5 days
- If they refuse, escalate to manager or report to Central Bank of Kenya
?? Potential Recovery: KES 500-2,000/year in wrongly charged fees
?? Total Annual Savings Potential
Typical Kenyan making regular bank transfers can save:
| Strategy | Typical Savings/Year |
|---|---|
| Use M-Pesa for inter-bank transfers | KES 1,320 |
| Switch to Equity for bank-M-Pesa withdrawals | KES 2,400 |
| Use PesaLink instead of RTGS (2x/year) | KES 2,290 |
| Use apps instead of branch (12x/year) | KES 660 |
| Catch and recover overcharges | KES 800 |
| TOTAL ANNUAL SAVINGS | KES 7,470/year! |
For businesses making 100+ transfers monthly, savings can exceed KES 50,000/year by implementing all strategies.
Important Disclaimer
General Information Only: This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available information and standard rates. Results are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial, legal, or tax advice.
Accuracy and Updates: While we strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information using official sources including Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and other relevant government agencies, rates and regulations may change. Always verify current rates with official sources.
Seek Professional Advice: For specific tax planning, salary negotiations, financial decisions, or legal matters, please consult with qualified professionals such as certified accountants, tax advisors, financial planners, or legal practitioners who can consider your individual circumstances.
No Liability: Top Calculator and its operators accept no liability for any loss, damage, or inconvenience arising from the use of this calculator or reliance on its results. Users are responsible for verifying all calculations and information with official sources before making financial decisions.
Official Sources: For authoritative information, please refer to:
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) - www.kra.go.ke
- National Social Security Fund - www.nssfkenya.co.ke
- Social Health Insurance Fund - www.sha.go.ke
Last updated: January 2025. This disclaimer applies to all calculators on Top Calculator.