How to Buy Airtel Airtime from M-Pesa

Last updated: 21 October 2026

Home / How to Buy Airtel Airtime from M-Pesa

Can you buy Airtel airtime with M-Pesa?

Yes. M-Pesa is on Safaricom and Airtel is a different network, but payment companies bridge the two. Your money leaves your M-Pesa balance and the airtime is credited to the Airtel number you enter.

Method 1: Pay Bill

Open the M-Pesa menu (SIM Toolkit, *334# or the M-Pesa app).
Choose Lipa na M-Pesa, then Pay Bill.
Enter the business number. Several Kenyan guides report 220220 (Pesapal) for Airtel top-ups.
Enter the Airtel phone number as the account number.
Enter the amount and your M-Pesa PIN.

Before you enter your PIN, check that the business name on the screen matches the service you expect. If it does not, cancel.

Other options

Some third-party services let you buy airtime for any network through WhatsApp or websites and pay with M-Pesa. Use only well-known services, check any fee they show and never share your PIN or one-time codes. Airtel Money users can also top up inside the Airtel app.

Mistakes to avoid

Check the Airtel number twice, because airtime sent to the wrong number is hard to recover. Keep the confirmation SMS in case you need to report a problem. If airtime does not arrive, wait a few minutes, then contact the service provider or customer care and see our reversal guide.

Costs

Paybill transactions can carry charges depending on the service, so check what the confirmation screen shows. See our M-Pesa charges guide for send and withdrawal fees.

Information checked from Kenyan news and official statements, October 2026. Paybill numbers, menus and rules can change. Always confirm the business name and account details on the M-Pesa confirmation screen before you enter your PIN.

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Frequently asked questions

Which paybill is used for Airtel airtime?

Several Kenyan guides report 220220 (Pesapal). Confirm the business name on screen before paying.

Is airtime instant?

Usually within minutes. Wait a few minutes before reporting a problem.

Can I buy Airtel airtime for someone else?

Yes. Enter their Airtel number as the account number.

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