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Fuliza Complete Guide — Charges, Limits & Alternatives
Updated April 2026 — HelaBora
What is Fuliza?
Fuliza is an M-Pesa overdraft facility launched by Safaricom in partnership with NCBA (formerly CBA) in January 2019. It allows you to complete M-Pesa transactions even when your balance is insufficient — up to your pre-approved limit.
Key stats: - 33+ million Kenyans use Fuliza - KES 2.2 billion borrowed daily across all users - It is the most-used credit product in Kenya
How Fuliza Works
- -. When your M-Pesa balance is too low for a transaction, Fuliza automatically kicks in
- -. The shortfall is covered as an overdraft
- -. You're charged a daily access fee of 1.083% on the outstanding balance
- -. Any M-Pesa money you receive auto-repays the Fuliza balance first
- -. You must repay within 30 days or face additional penalties
Fuliza Charges Explained
The daily access fee is 1.083% of the outstanding amount per day. This translates to:
| Amount | 1 Day | 7 Days | 14 Days | 30 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KES 1,000 | KES 11 | KES 76 | KES 152 | KES 325 |
| KES 5,000 | KES 54 | KES 379 | KES 758 | KES 1,625 |
| KES 10,000 | KES 108 | KES 758 | KES 1,516 | KES 3,250 |
| KES 50,000 | KES 542 | KES 3,791 | KES 7,581 | KES 16,250 |
Annualised, this is approximately 395% APR — making Fuliza one of the most expensive borrowing options in Kenya.
How to Check Your Fuliza Limit
Dial *234# on your Safaricom line, then select "Fuliza M-PESA" to see your current limit.
How to Increase Your Fuliza Limit
Your limit is determined by an algorithm based on: 1. M-Pesa usage — more transactions = higher limit 2. Repayment history — repay Fuliza on time to build trust 3. M-Pesa balance patterns — consistent balances help 4. Safaricom airtime usage — regular top-ups contribute 5. M-Shwari/KCB M-Pesa history — good repayment on these helps too
There is no manual way to request a limit increase. The algorithm reviews your profile regularly.
Cheaper Alternatives to Fuliza
If you need money for more than 1-2 days, almost anything is cheaper than Fuliza:
| Lender | Cost on KES 10,000 (30 days) | vs Fuliza |
|---|---|---|
| Hustler Fund | KES 67 | Save KES 3,183 |
| M-Shwari | KES 750 | Save KES 2,500 |
| KCB M-Pesa | KES 893 | Save KES 2,357 |
| Branch | KES 1,400 | Save KES 1,850 |
| Tala | KES 1,500 | Save KES 1,750 |
| Fuliza | KES 3,250 | — |
When Fuliza Makes Sense
Fuliza is only cost-effective for very short periods (1-3 days) when you know money is coming. Examples: - You need to pay for something today and your salary hits tomorrow - You're KES 500 short on a Paybill payment and will repay within hours
For anything longer, use the Hustler Fund, M-Shwari, or a SACCO loan instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Fuliza charge per day?
Fuliza charges 1.083% of the outstanding balance per day. On KES 10,000, this is approximately KES 108 per day or KES 3,250 over 30 days.
How do I increase my Fuliza limit?
Use M-Pesa regularly, repay Fuliza on time, maintain consistent M-Pesa balances, and use Safaricom services. The limit is algorithmically determined — there is no manual increase request.
Is Fuliza expensive?
Yes. Fuliza costs approximately 395% APR, making it one of the most expensive borrowing options in Kenya. Cheaper alternatives include Hustler Fund (8% APR), M-Shwari (~90% APR), and SACCO loans (10-14% p.a.).