From August 16, 2025, all PayPal–M-Pesa transfers will only be done via the official M-Pesa mobile app. The old PayPal Mobile Money Transfer website by Thunes will be discontinued. We covered this story a few week back and you can read more about it here.
If you’ve been withdrawing or depositing through the old site, this guide will walk you through how to link your PayPal account to the M-Pesa app, how to withdraw from PayPal to M-Pesa, how to deposit from M-Pesa to PayPal and Important tips to avoid delays.
Download or Update the M-Pesa App
You need the official Safaricom M-Pesa Super App (latest version) which is available on both Android and iOS.
- Android users can download it from the Google Play Store (https://rebrand.ly/mpesaandroid).
- iOS users can get it from the App Store (https://rebrand.ly/mpesaios).
Link Your PayPal Account in the M-Pesa App
After downloading the M-Pesa app, the process of linking your PayPal and M-Pesa app is easy and straightforward.
- Open the M-Pesa app and log in.
- Tap “Grow” on the bottom menu.
- Select “PayPal” from the list of mini apps.
- Tap “Link Account”.
- Sign in to your PayPal account.
- Confirm the link.
Important: Ensure your PayPal name must match your M-Pesa name. I had difficulties linking my PayPal and M-pesa accounts in the beginning because of this but I have soi far managed to link the two even though I did not make any changes.
How to Withdraw from PayPal to M-Pesa
Open the M-Pesa app and navigate to “Grow” then “PayPal”.
- Select the “Withdraw from PayPal” option.
- Enter the amont in USD
- You will see the conversion in Kenya shillings and the current exchange rate.
- If happy with what is presented, proceed to confirm the withdrawal.
You will get the money in your M-Pesa account in a few minutes but there may be some delays in some cases.
How to Deposit from M-Pesa to PayPal
Depositing money to your M-Pesa is as simple as the withdrawal process’
- Open the app and navigate to “Grow” and then “PayPal”.
- Select Top up to PayPal.
- Enter the amount in Kenya shillings.
- You will see the conversion in USD and the exchange rate applicable.
- Review all this and confirm the transaction.
Tip: Deposits reflect instantly or within a few minutes.
Important Notes for Smooth Transfers
- Name Matching – If your names don’t match exactly, you may face difficulties linking yout M-Pesa and PayPal. It can still happen but this is just something to be aware of.
- Account Verification – Your PayPal account must be verified (linked to a card or bank).
- Limits – M-Pesa daily limit is KES 500,000; single transaction limit is KES 250,000.
- Alternative Option – You can still transfer from PayPal to Equity Bank for large amounts especially if you already have an Equity bank account.
PayPal–M-Pesa FAQs (2025)
Q: Is the PayPal–M-Pesa service ending?
No. Only the old website is shutting down. The service continues via the M-Pesa app.
Q: Will fees change?
Safaricom and PayPal have not announced any fee changes. Standard conversion rates still apply.Q: Can I still use the Thunes site?
No. It will be disabled after August 16, 2025.
Also Read: M-Pesa Send Money and Withdrawal Rates for 2025
