This archive report was first published on 13 September 2019.
Published on September 13, 2019, Safaricom's Fuliza service has been a game-changer for many M-Pesa users, enabling them to complete financial transactions even when they don't have enough money in their account.
The service is available to all M-Pesa users, but the credit limit depends on one's credit ranking on the mobile money service and how long they have used M-Pesa.
According to Safaricom's website, users will be charged a 1% access fee and a maintenance fee on the outstanding balance. Normal M-Pesa transaction charges also apply.
MPesa transactions that can be completed with Fuliza include Lipa Na M-Pesa, buying goods, paying bills, and sending money. However, withdrawal of funds from your M-Pesa account is not available with Fuliza.
To check your Fuliza limit, follow these simple steps:
- Dial 234#
- Select 0, which reads Fuliza M-Pesa
- Select option 1, which reads Check my limit
Once you've checked your limit, you'll receive a confirmation from Safaricom showing how much you can use when you have insufficient funds to make an M-Pesa payment.
It's worth noting that the more times you use the Fuliza service, the more likely you are to have your limit increased. The limit is reviewed every three months.
MPesa users can also opt out of the Fuliza service, but only once their debt is fully paid up. Additionally, funds received or deposited into your M-Pesa account will automatically be deducted to clear outstanding Fuliza amounts.
As of May 2019, Fuliza had advanced Ksh.45 billion over the first quarter of the year, with 8.8 million customers using the service.
