How to Transfer Money from Family Bank to M-PESA Using the PesaPap App (Step-by-Step Guide)

Move money from your Family Bank account to an M-PESA wallet in minutes—safely, reliably, and with full visibility of fees, limits, and confirmations. This guide focuses on Kenyan users who are mobile-first, often on Android, and want a clear, accurate walkthrough of the PesaPap Mobile App. You’ll see the exact flow to send to M-PESA, what you need before you begin, how to confirm success, and how to fix common errors or request reversals.

Because many people use M-PESA to pay suppliers, support family, or make time-sensitive repayments, you’ll also find practical tips on transfer limits, excise duty on fees, OTP/App PIN security, and a USSD fallback via *325# when data is unstable. If you manage loans (bank, SACCO, digital lenders, or other providers), moving KES into M-PESA efficiently helps you avoid delays or penalties. And if you’re researching online lenders or alternative credit providers (for example, nebankové spoločnosti poskytujúce pôžičky or a rýchly nebankový úver), use this flow to fund repayments while staying alert to fees and fraud risks.

Scan the Quick Steps (For Fast Completion)

Open PesaPap and log in using your App PIN, password, or biometrics.
Tap Move Money or Transfers > To Mobile or Send to M-PESA.
Enter the recipient’s Safaricom number (07XX/01XX or +2547XX) or choose from Contacts.
Select the source account (Current/Savings), enter the amount (KES), and add a reference.
Review the summary (recipient, amount, fees, total). Confirm with PIN/biometrics and complete any OTP.
Wait for the success screen, note the Transaction ID, and look for SMS from Family Bank/M-PESA.

Double-check the phone number and ensure your transfer fits M-PESA wallet/transaction limits and Family Bank’s PesaPap channel limits.

Confirm Prerequisites and Requirements Before You Begin

Get these items in place first to avoid failed or pending transactions:

Active Family Bank account registered on PesaPap with sufficient available balance.
PesaPap Mobile App installed from Google Play Store or Apple App Store, updated to the latest version.
Working login credentials or biometrics, and a device that can receive SMS for OTPs and notifications.
The correct recipient Safaricom number that is registered on M-PESA.
Awareness of fees, excise duty on fees, M-PESA limits (per-transaction, daily, wallet cap), and Family Bank in-app transfer limits.

Optional but recommended for a smooth experience:

Complete KYC with Family Bank and ensure your account has no restrictions or holds (AML/compliance checks).
Use a secure, up-to-date device with a screen lock; avoid public Wi‑Fi. This aligns with Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) safety expectations.

Understand Fees, Taxes, and Limits Before You Send

Every bank-to-M-PESA transfer attracts a Family Bank fee plus excise duty on that fee. Your transfer must also fit within M-PESA limits and any PesaPap app channel caps. Most transfers process in real time; they may occasionally pend during network congestion or system maintenance.

Item	Amount/Range (KES)	Applies To	Notes/Exceptions
Family Bank transfer fee	Tiered/flat (see official tariff)	Each bank-to-M-PESA transfer	Shown on the confirmation screen before you send.
Excise duty on fee	Prevailing % of fee	Added to fee	As per Kenyan tax law; verify current rate on official pages.
M-PESA per-transaction limit	Up to ~250,000	Single incoming amount	Cannot exceed the recipient’s remaining wallet capacity.
M-PESA daily limit	Up to ~500,000	Total daily activity	Check current limits with Safaricom PLC.
M-PESA wallet balance cap	Up to ~500,000	Max wallet balance	If full, the transfer fails or remains pending until space is freed.
PesaPap transfer limit	Set by Family Bank	Per transaction/daily	Can differ from branch limits; see app notices/Terms and Conditions.
Processing time	Real-time	Most transactions	May pend during maintenance or network issues.

Illustrative fee math (confirm exact amounts in-app before sending):

If the fee is KES 50 and excise duty is 20%, your total charge is 50 + (50 × 0.20) = KES 60, in addition to the amount you send.
Leave a small buffer in your account for fees and tax so your transfer amount isn’t reduced or rejected.

Follow the Step-by-Step Guide in the PesaPap App

Step 1: Log in securely

Open PesaPap and authenticate with your App PIN, password, or biometrics (Fingerprint/Face ID). If prompted for an OTP via SMS, enter it before it expires to complete 2FA. This protects your account using encryption and strong authentication.

Step 2: Navigate to bank-to-wallet transfer

From the dashboard, tap Move Money or Transfers (labels can vary by version), then choose To Mobile or Send to M-PESA. If the option is missing, update the app in the store, or check Help/FAQ.

Step 3: Enter recipient details

Type the recipient’s Safaricom number in 07XX/01XX format or use international format +2547XX…. You can also pick from your Contacts if you’ve granted permission. Some app versions display a name lookup—if shown, verify the name matches the intended recipient to reduce errors.

Step 4: Specify transfer details

Select the source account (Current or Savings) if you have multiple Family Bank accounts.
Enter the amount (KES). Observe any minimum/maximum prompts shown in-app.
Add a helpful reference/narration like “rent March”, “fees Term 2”, or “invoice 2547”—useful for statements and disputes.

Step 5: Review and confirm

Review the summary: recipient number (and name if displayed), amount, and charges (fee + excise). Confirm using your App PIN/password/biometrics. Complete any OTP prompt to finalize.

Step 6: Verify completion

On success, you’ll see a confirmation with a unique Transaction ID/Reference. Take a screenshot or write it down. Expect an SMS notification from Family Bank and/or M-PESA. If you sent to someone else, ask them to confirm the M-PESA SMS or wallet balance.

Save time next time

Save frequent recipients as a beneficiary/favorite to reduce typing errors.
Keep notifications ON and update PesaPap regularly to benefit from security fixes and UI improvements.

Visual aids and small UI differences

Add annotated screenshots with numbered callouts for buttons like Move Money, To Mobile, and the confirmation screen.
Android/iOS layouts differ slightly, but the flow remains the same.

Confirm the Transfer Landed in M-PESA

Open Transaction History in PesaPap to verify the status and match the Transaction ID. On the wallet side, look for the M-PESA SMS; if you use the M-PESA app or SIM Toolkit, confirm the updated balance. For time-sensitive payments (rent, school fees, suppliers), share the Transaction ID so the recipient can track the payment easily.

Fix Common Errors and Failed Transactions

If something goes wrong, identify the cause quickly and take the right action. Use this table as your quick reference.

Error/Message	Likely Cause	What to Do Now	When to Contact Support
Invalid number/unregistered M-PESA	Wrong format or line not on M-PESA	Re-enter in 07XX/01XX or +2547XX; confirm with recipient	If it’s still blocked despite correct info
Insufficient funds	Balance doesn’t cover amount + fee + excise	Top up or reduce amount; leave a buffer for charges	If you’re sure funds are sufficient
Exceeded limit	Breaches M-PESA or PesaPap limit	Send a smaller amount or split across transfers	If your limits appear incorrect
Recipient wallet full	Wallet at/near cap	Ask recipient to free space, then retry	If failure persists after space is freed
Network/maintenance	Temporary downtime/congestion	Wait, then retry; check app/website notices	If pending beyond a reasonable window
OTP expired/incorrect	Delay or typo	Request a new OTP; ensure signal and correct SIM	If repeated OTP issues occur
Session timeout	Inactivity or app backgrounded	Log in again; keep the app active	If timeouts are frequent
Outdated app version	Old UI/flows	Update via Play Store/App Store	If issues persist after updating
SIM swap/SMS not received	Recent SIM change or SMS filtering	Wait for SIM activation; check SMS settings	If you suspect fraud or no SMS despite coverage
Duplicate attempt	Resending during pending	Check history first; avoid repeated taps	If you suspect double debit

Prevent repeats by saving beneficiaries, double-checking numbers, and splitting large amounts when near limits.
Keep screenshots and the Transaction ID to speed up support interactions.

Reverse or Dispute a Problem Transfer the Right Way

Sent to the wrong number? Act immediately. Reversal success often depends on whether funds have been withdrawn. Start with Family Bank support and provide your account number, Transaction ID, incorrect phone number, amount, and timestamp. If advised, also contact Safaricom/M-PESA so a wallet-side reversal request can be initiated.

No M-PESA SMS but PesaPap shows success? Allow a short window for delays, then verify in your Transaction History. If still pending or missing, contact Family Bank with your Transaction ID and do not resend until the status is clear.

Document everything: success screen, SMS, Transaction ID, recipient number, date/time, and narration/reference.
Ask about expected timelines and how the bank will communicate outcomes or credits.

Use Reliable Alternatives When the App or Internet Fails

When data is patchy, switch to USSD. It’s quick, reliable, and doesn’t require an internet connection.

USSD fallback via *325# (high-level flow):

Dial *325# on your registered Safaricom line.
Select Transfers/Move Money.
Choose To M-PESA.
Enter the recipient’s number, amount, and confirm with your PesaPap PIN.

Channel	Speed	Availability	Costs/Fees	Best For
PesaPap App	Fast (real-time)	Requires mobile data; may be affected by maintenance	Bank fee + excise duty	Everyday transfers with full review screen
USSD *325#	Fast	No data required; works on basic phones	Standard fees apply	Low data or weak-signal situations
Branch/Contact Centre	Moderate to slow	Business hours (branch)	May vary by service	Complex issues or dispute resolution

Note: Bank-to-M-PESA differs from using the Family Bank PayBill to deposit from M-PESA to your bank account—that’s the opposite direction.

Keep Your Money Safe: Security and Privacy Best Practices

Protect your funds with layered security and cautious behavior. Fraudsters exploit rushed transactions—slow down just enough to verify details and keep your credentials private.

Install PesaPap only from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, verifying the publisher is Family Bank PLC.
Use a strong device screen lock and enable biometrics and 2FA inside PesaPap.
Never share your OTP, PIN, or passwords. Family Bank will not ask for them via calls/SMS/social media.
Check the recipient’s number and name (if lookup appears) before confirming.
Beware of phishing and SIM swap red flags; report suspicious activity immediately.
Review app permissions (Contacts, SMS) and the bank’s Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

Apply Tips for Your Situation (Personal, Business, Student)

Tailor your approach so transfers are smooth, traceable, and budget-friendly.

Personal users

Save frequent recipients and add clear references like “rent”, “school fees”, or “family support”.
If paying loan installments (bank, SACCO, digital lenders), set calendar alerts so payments land before the due time.

Micro/small businesses

Split large payouts to respect M-PESA and PesaPap limits, and label references with invoice numbers or staff IDs.
Export statements for bookkeeping and compliance audits (KYC/AML readiness).

Students/young professionals

Send a small test amount to new recipients to verify the number before larger transfers.
Track fees and excise so you don’t come up short on critical payments.

Loan-related note: If you’re comparing non-bank lenders online—terms you might search include nebanková pôžička kde naozaj požičia, nebankové spoločnosti poskytujúce pôžičky, nebanková pôžička schválenie online ihneď, pôžičky online nebankové, nebankové, spoločnosti ktoré poskytujú pôžičky, rýchly nebankový úver, nebanková pôžička pre každého, nebankové pôžičky pre každého, porovnanie nebankových pôžičiek, nebankové pôžičky kde naozaj požičajú nové, zoznam nebankových pôžičiek, or nebanková pôžička 2025—evaluate interest, total cost, and repayment channels carefully. Use this PesaPap-to-M-PESA flow to pay on time, and always confirm receipt via SMS/Transaction ID.

Get Quick Answers to Frequent Questions

What are the current per-transaction and daily limits?
They’re determined by both Safaricom (M-PESA) and Family Bank. M-PESA enforces per-transaction, daily, and wallet balance caps, while Family Bank sets PesaPap in-app limits. Check the latest values in-app or on official tariff/FAQ pages.

How much are the fees and excise duty?
You’ll see the exact fee and excise duty before confirming. Tariffs can change, so always rely on the PesaPap summary or official pages for current charges.

How long do transfers take?
Typically real-time. During maintenance or network congestion, the status may show pending. Avoid repeating the transfer until you verify the outcome.

Can I send to an unregistered or inactive M-PESA line?
No. The recipient must be registered and active on M-PESA. Otherwise, the transfer will fail.

What if the recipient’s M-PESA wallet is full?
They must withdraw or send out funds to create space. Retry once their balance is below the wallet cap.

Can I cancel a transfer after confirmation?
You can’t cancel directly, but you can request a reversal through Family Bank (and potentially Safaricom). Act immediately and provide your Transaction ID.

How do I retrieve my Transaction ID later?
Open PesaPap > Transaction History or download a statement. Keep SMS alerts as a backup.

Is there a difference between Android and iOS?
Minor UI differences exist, but the path remains the same: Move Money > To Mobile > Enter details > Confirm > SMS.

Can I use this to repay loans?
Yes. Many lenders accept M-PESA repayments. Plan around limits/fees and keep proof of payment. If you’re exploring alternatives, conduct a careful comparison and confirm repayment channels before borrowing.

Reference a Quick Glossary of Terms

PesaPap: Family Bank’s mobile banking app (Android/iOS) for transfers, bill pay, and account services.
M-PESA: Safaricom’s mobile money wallet for sending, receiving, and paying in KES.
Move Money/To Mobile: In-app paths to initiate bank-to-wallet transfers.
OTP (One-Time Password): SMS code to verify device or actions.
App PIN: Secret code used to authorize PesaPap transactions.
Transaction ID/Reference: Unique identifier for a completed transfer—useful for support and reconciliation.
Beneficiary: Saved recipient profile for faster, safer repeat transfers.
Excise Duty: Tax applied to transfer fees under Kenyan law.
KYC/AML: Know Your Customer/Anti-Money Laundering compliance checks.
Wallet Limit: The maximum balance and transaction caps enforced by M-PESA.

Contact Support the Smart Way

Choose the right contact and have the right details ready to resolve issues quickly.

Provider	Channel	Operating Hours	What to Have Ready
Family Bank	In-app Help/Live Chat, Contact Centre, Website, Branch	Contact Centre often 24/7 for app/card issues	Account number, Transaction ID, recipient number, amount, date/time, your ID
Safaricom (M-PESA)	Customer Care (via Safaricom line), MySafaricom App, Website, Shops	Varies by channel	Recipient number, M-PESA SMS details, your ID, Transaction ID (if available)

Start with Family Bank for app debits, pending transfers, and reversals. Engage Safaricom for wallet capacity issues, name/number checks, or M-PESA SMS confirmations.

Cope with Low Data or Poor Connectivity

Network constraints shouldn’t stop a critical transfer. Use these tactics when the signal or data is weak.

Switch to USSD *325# for a data-free transfer flow.
Move to a stronger signal area, and retry outside peak times or announced maintenance windows.
Enable data saver, close background apps, and update PesaPap over Wi‑Fi to keep the app stable and secure.
Keep a short offline checklist of the steps to avoid missing fields when you’re in a hurry.

Stay Updated as the App Evolves

Menu labels and paths can change as PesaPap updates. Always read in-app notices/release notes and verify fees/limits against the latest official tariff pages from Family Bank and Safaricom PLC. If something looks different post-update, consult Help/FAQ or contact support before proceeding.

Conclusion

Transferring from Family Bank to M-PESA via PesaPap is straightforward when you prepare well: confirm prerequisites, follow the on-screen steps, check fees and limits, and verify the success SMS and Transaction ID. With smart security habits, a dependable USSD fallback, and clear troubleshooting and support routes, you can move money confidently—whether you’re paying family, suppliers, or settling a loan—while keeping every transaction secure, compliant, and traceable.