How to Send Money from M-Pesa to Equity Bank

Overview

You can send money from M-Pesa to an Equity Bank account in Kenya by using Equity Bank’s Paybill number via Lipa na M-Pesa, or by using M-Pesa’s bank transfer feature if Equity Bank is supported. Availability and exact steps can change, so check current options with Safaricom and Equity Bank.

Prerequisites

• An active M-Pesa line with funds available for transfer.
• An Equity Bank account (and the relevant Paybill number or bank transfer option provided by Equity Bank).
• Your Equity Bank account number or reference as required by the transfer method.
• A device with M-Pesa access (mobile, app, or USSD) and a secure PIN.

Paybill transfers to Equity Bank

If Equity Bank provides a Paybill service affiliation, you can send money through Lipa na M-Pesa as a Paybill payment.

Step-by-step (Paybill)

1. Open M-Pesa (USSD, app, or menu) and choose Lipa na M-Pesa.
2. Select Paybill as the payment type.
3. Enter Equity Bank’s Paybill number (as provided by the bank).
4. Enter your Equity Bank account number or reference (as required by the bank).
5. Enter the amount you wish to send.
6. Confirm with your M-Pesa PIN.
7. Wait for the confirmation message. The funds should arrive in your Equity Bank account once the transfer is processed.

Bank transfer options from M-Pesa to Equity Bank

Some users can transfer directly from M-Pesa to a bank account via the Move Money or Bank Transfer option, if supported for Equity Bank.

Step-by-step (Bank transfer)

1. Open M-Pesa and navigate to Move Money or Bank Transfer.
2. Select Equity Bank as the recipient bank.
3. Enter your Equity Bank account number and the amount to transfer.
4. Confirm the details and enter your M-Pesa PIN to authorize.
5. You should receive a confirmation. Funds are sent to your Equity Bank account and may reflect immediately or within minutes, depending on the service.

Fees, limits, and timing

• Fees: Transfer fees vary by method and amount. Check the current tariff on M-Pesa and any charges from Equity Bank for incoming transfers.
• Limits: Transfer limits apply to M-Pesa and to bank transfers. Confirm your daily/monthly limits with Safaricom and Equity Bank.
• Timing: Paybill transfers are typically near real-time. Bank transfers can be instant or take several minutes, or longer if there are processing delays.

Troubleshooting

If your transfer doesn’t go through:

• Double-check the Paybill number, bank, and the account/reference details you entered.
• Ensure you have sufficient funds in M-Pesa and that the recipient bank (Equity Bank) is the correct recipient.
• Confirm you’re using the correct Equity Bank Paybill number or the correct bank transfer path.
• If issues persist, contact M-Pesa support or Equity Bank customer service with the transfer reference.

Alternatives

• Use Equity Bank’s mobile banking app or online banking to initiate transfers from Equity to another bank or to receive funds.
• Visit an Equity Bank branch or agent if you need assistance with transfers or cash deposits.
• Consider other transfer methods offered by Equity Bank (e.g., QR transfers, payee-based transfers) if Paybill or direct M-Pesa transfers aren’t available.

Bottom line

Transferring money from M-Pesa to Equity Bank is commonly done via Paybill transfers or, where supported, via direct bank transfers from M-Pesa. Always verify the required Paybill or transfer details, be mindful of fees and limits, and confirm receipt after the transfer.