How to Buy Airtel Airtime via M-Pesa

Airtel Kenya subscribers can buy airtime directly from their M-Pesa account without a scratch card or pin.

The process takes under a minute and works on both the M-Pesa app and USSD. The airtime reflects instantly and you receive an M-Pesa confirmation SMS plus an Airtel receipt.

Method 1: Using the M-Pesa App

Open the M-Pesa app on your phone and log in with your PIN.

1. Tap **Lipa na M-Pesa**.
2. Select **Buy Goods and Services** — some versions list this simply as **Buy Airtime**.
3. Enter Airtel's paybill number, **404100**.
4. When prompted for the account number, enter the Airtel phone number you want to top up. It does not have to be the SIM in the same phone.
5. Enter the amount. The minimum purchase is KSh 5 and the maximum is KSh 150,000.
6. Confirm the details and enter your M-Pesa PIN.

You will get an M-Pesa transaction message first, then a second SMS from Airtel confirming the airtime balance.

Method 2: Using USSD

Dial `*334#` on the phone with your M-Pesa line.

1. Choose **Lipa na M-Pesa**.
2. Select **Pay Bill**.
3. Enter business number **404100**.
4. Enter the Airtel number as the account number.
5. Enter the amount and confirm.
6. Enter your M-Pesa PIN when asked.

Alternatively, dial **`*126#`** and select the option for buying airtime, then choose Airtel. Follow the on-screen prompts and enter your PIN.

Charges and Limits

There is no M-Pesa transaction fee for buying airtime. You only pay the face value of the airtime. M-Pesa caps a single airtime purchase at KSh 150,000, and your overall M-Pesa wallet limit applies — KSh 500,000 for a single transaction and KSh 500,000 total balance.

If the deduction goes through but the airtime does not arrive, do not buy again. Call Airtel customer care on **111** from an Airtel line, **+254733100100** from another network, or **8** via the Airtel app, and quote your M-Pesa confirmation code. Airtel usually resolves such cases within a few hours with a refund or a top-up.