Payment Methods in Kenya: M-Pesa, Cards & Mobile Money (2026)

Transitioning from cash to digital payments in Kenya’s e-commerce sector offers significant advantages. Digital payments provide convenience, enhance safety and security, promote financial inclusion, result in cost savings for businesses, generate valuable data insights, facilitate cross-border trade, and improve government revenue collection through a digital trail. To make this transition successful, collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, e-commerce platforms, and mobile network operators is essential. Overcoming challenges such as infrastructure development, consumer education, and regulatory frameworks will unlock the full potential of Kenya’s e-commerce sector, fostering economic growth.

List of payment methods in Kenya

M-PESA is a mobile money transfer service that allows users to send and receive money, pay bills, and make purchases using their mobile phones.

Airtel Money is a mobile money transfer service offered by Airtel Kenya.

Equitel is a mobile banking platform offered by Equity Bank. Users can send and receive money, pay bills, and access other banking services through their Equitel SIM card.

Co-operative Bank of Kenya offers a mobile banking service that allows users to access their bank accounts, transfer funds, pay bills, and make purchases using their mobile phones.

This is a partnership between Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Safaricom’s M-Pesa. Users can access banking services such as savings accounts, loans, and insurance through their KCB M-Pesa account.

PesaLink is a real-time interbank money transfer service that allows users to send and receive money between different banks in Kenya.

PayPal

PayPal is an online payment platform that allows users to make payments and transfer funds internationally. Kenyan users can link their PayPal accounts to their local bank accounts for easy withdrawal and deposit of funds.

Visa

Visa is widely accepted as a payment method in Kenya. It can be used for both online and offline transactions, including shopping, dining, and other services. Many businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, accept Visa cards. Additionally, Visa cards can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs in Kenya.

MasterCard is extensively utilized as a payment option in Kenya, accepted at diverse establishments including supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, and online retailers. Numerous banks in the country issue MasterCard debit and credit cards, facilitating easy payments. The process involves presenting the card at the point of sale or entering details for online transactions, with some merchants supporting contactless payments. MasterCard prioritizes security, incorporating features like EMV chip technology and tokenization to safeguard against fraud and unauthorized transactions. Beyond retail transactions, MasterCard can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs in Kenya, though fees may apply. In essence, MasterCard offers a secure and convenient payment solution for individuals in Kenya, enabling both local and international purchases.

American Express

American Express is another popular payment method in Kenya, similar to Visa. It offers credit cards and allows users to make payments at a wide range of merchants and service providers.

Diners Club International is a payment method that is accepted at select merchants in Kenya. It offers credit cards that can be used for making payments both online and offline.

UnionPay

UnionPay is a popular payment method in Kenya, especially among Chinese tourists and businesses. It allows users to make payments using UnionPay cards at various merchants and service providers.

Equity Bank EazzyPay is a mobile payment platform offered by Equity Bank in Kenya. It allows users to make payments using their mobile phones at various merchants and service providers.

Co-operative Bank MCo-op Cash is a mobile payment platform offered by Co-operative Bank of Kenya. It allows users to make payments using their mobile phones at various merchants and service providers.

Google Pay

Google Pay is a digital wallet platform that allows users to make payments using their mobile phones. It is accepted at select merchants in Kenya.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service offered by Apple. It allows users to make payments using their iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches at select merchants in Kenya.

Samsung Pay

Samsung Pay is a mobile payment and digital wallet service offered by Samsung. It allows users to make payments using their Samsung smartphones at select merchants in Kenya.

Accepting International Card Payments in Kenya

Whether you sell to customers in Kenya from abroad, or run a business there selling to international clients, accepting the right payment methods is critical for conversion. M-Pesa is the default for most Kenyan consumers, but international card acceptance still matters for cross-border sales. A hosted payment link gives you a branded checkout page that supports cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Shuttle Links Checkout gives you a branded payment page that you can send by email, SMS or chat. It works with any compatible payment provider. Talk to us about coverage in your region.

Accepting Payments in Kenya as a Platform

For software platforms serving merchants in Kenya, supporting local payment methods like M-Pesa and mobile money is essential for conversion. You integrate once, and each merchant connects a compatible gateway.

Shuttle connects platforms to 40+ payment providers across multiple countries. See how it works for platforms or book a discovery call.