Did you know you can buy Airtel airtime directly with the money in your M-Pesa account? This guide will take you through the process of buying Airtel airtime via M-Pesa.
Airtel is one of the leading telecommunication networks in Kenya, providing some of the cheapest call rates and internet bundles. Buying Airtel airtime and loading it on your phone is easy. Simply purchase an Airtel scratch card from any Airtel agent or dealer near you, scratch it, and load it through the USSD format: * 130 * PIN#. However, you can also buy Airtel airtime via M-Pesa Paybill if you have money in your M-Pesa account; this is the most convenient way to buy Airtel airtime.
On the other hand, M-Pesa is the pioneer of mobile money and the biggest mobile money transfer service in Kenya belonging to Airtel’s rival, Safaricom. M-Pesa’s Paybill option enables subscribers to pay their bills. This includes buying airtime for Airtel and Telkom subscribers.
How to buy Airtel airtime via M-Pesa Paybill
Buying Airtel airtime via M-Pesa is easy. The process is similar to paying bills using the M-Pesa paybill option. You can either use Safaricom’s STK menu, MySafaricom app, M-Pesa app, or USSD code, *334# on your Safaricom line. Here is how to top up your Airtel line via M-Pesa using the M-Pesa STK menu:
- Open the M-Pesa STK menu
- Go to “M-Pesa”
- Tap on “Lipa na M-Pesa” then “Paybill”
- Tap on “Enter business number”
- Input “220220” as your business number and tap “OK”
- Enter your Airtel number as your account number
- Input the amount of airtime you wish to buy and tap “OK”
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN and tap “OK” to complete the transaction
- You will receive your airtime on your Airtel line instantly
Note that buying Airtel airtime on M-Pesa via the paybill number 220220 is not free. Ksh 1 will be deducted from your M-Pesa balance if you buy airtime worth between Ksh1 and Ksh49, and Ksh2 for airtime worth between Ksh50 and 100.
