PayPal to M-Pesa in Kenya

Does PayPal still work with M-Pesa?

Yes. Kenyan users can link a PayPal account to an M-Pesa account and move money between them. You can withdraw PayPal funds to M-Pesa and you can top up PayPal from your M-Pesa balance. This is how many freelancers and online sellers in Kenya get paid by international clients.

The important update is how you do it. A separate PayPal Mobile Money website used to handle linking and withdrawals. A notice reported in Kenyan media said that service was discontinued on 16 August 2025. Transfers now go through the official M-Pesa app, not through old web pages.

Why the "PayPal M-Pesa login" warning matters

Many people search for "paypal mpesa login", and scammers know it. Fake sites copy PayPal and M-Pesa pages to steal your password, PIN or one-time codes. Do not log in to PayPal or M-Pesa through links in messages, adverts or unfamiliar websites. Use the official M-Pesa app and the official PayPal app or website that you open yourself. No legitimate service needs your M-Pesa PIN sent to anyone.

What you need before you start

• A registered M-Pesa account on a Safaricom line.
• A PayPal account set up for Kenya.
• The same name on both accounts. Mismatched names are a common reason for failed transfers.
• An up-to-date M-Pesa app.

Withdrawals are done in US dollars, so if your PayPal balance holds other currencies, you may need to convert it to USD first.

How to withdraw PayPal to M-Pesa

1. Open the official M-Pesa app and log in.
2. Look for the global or international services section and choose PayPal. The exact menu names can change.
3. If it is your first time, link your PayPal account by following the prompts.
4. Choose Withdraw and enter the amount in USD, up to your available USD balance.
5. Check the amount you will receive in shillings and confirm with your PIN.

You should get an M-Pesa confirmation message once it completes.

How to top up PayPal from M-Pesa

Use the same PayPal option inside the M-Pesa app and choose the top-up option, then enter the amount and confirm. Top-ups are useful for paying online without a bank card.

Fees and exchange rates to check

Exchange rates and conversion charges apply when moving between US dollars and shillings. Some Kenyan guides report a conversion fee of about 3 percent, but you should rely on what the M-Pesa app and PayPal show you before you confirm, because fees change. After the money lands in M-Pesa, withdrawing cash at an agent has its own fee; see our M-Pesa charges guide. Keep your M-Pesa statement as proof of income.

Common problems

If a withdrawal fails, check that the names on PayPal and M-Pesa match, that your number is a Safaricom line, that your PayPal account has no limits or holds and that you are using the latest app. If it still fails, use official customer support for Safaricom or PayPal, not social media "agents" who offer to fix it for a fee.

Getting paid from abroad

If you do online work for international clients, read our guides to freelance platforms and USA online jobs for Kenyans. For a free way to earn through M-Pesa without PayPal, see the ZangCash agent guide.

Checked against Safaricom and PayPal information as reported in Kenyan media and guides, October 2026. Steps, menus and fees can change, so confirm everything inside the official M-Pesa app before moving money.

Frequently asked questions

Can I withdraw PayPal to M-Pesa in Kenya?

Yes, by linking your accounts through the official M-Pesa app and withdrawing in USD.

Does it cost money?

Conversion and exchange rate costs can apply. Check the amount shown in the app before confirming.

Why did my withdrawal fail?

Often the names on PayPal and M-Pesa do not match, or the number is not a Safaricom line.

Is the old PayPal Mobile Money website still available?

A notice reported in media said it was shut down in August 2025. Use the M-Pesa app and avoid unofficial sites.

Disclosure: some links on this site are affiliate links to ZangCash. See our affiliate disclosure.