How to Send Money via MoneyGram to M-Pesa

MoneyGram, the world's second-largest money transfer platform, now facilitates money transfers to M-Pesa. This means you can send money from wherever you are straight to your recipient’s M-Pesa wallet in Kenya.

MoneyGram’s compatibility with M-Pesa makes it faster and more convenient for Kenyans living in over 90 countries to send money directly to friends and loved ones back home. 

This guide explains how to send money via MoneyGram to M-Pesa and how to withdraw money from MoneyGram to M-Pesa. 

How to Send Money from MoneyGram to M-Pesa

Initially, you could only send money via bank transfer or cash pick-up with MoneyGram. Currently, you can use the platform’s website or mobile app to make fast and convenient online money transfers. 

Here are the simple steps to take when sending money from MoneyGram to M-Pesa: 

Step 1: Download the MoneyGram App

If you don’t have the MoneyGram app, you can download it from the App Store or Google Play Store. 

Step 2: Register or Log Into Your Account

The next step is to log into your MoneyGram account. If you don’t have one, you can register in just a few minutes. You’ll be required to provide some information to verify your identity. 

Step 3: Enter the Recipient’s Information

This is a crucial step in the process where you provide information about your recipient’s details, including the destination. You’ll also specify the amount to be sent and how you want to send the money. 

MoneyGram allows you to send money via bank transfer, cash pickup, mobile wallet, debit card, and even home delivery in select countries.

In this case, you’ll choose Kenya as the destination and mobile wallet as your preferred transfer method. 

When using a mobile wallet as the transfer method, you’ll need to provide details like the recipient’s phone number and the mobile wallet service provider, in this case, M-Pesa. Ensure all the details are correct and the recipient’s name matches the name on their ID. 

Step 4: Choose Your Payment Method

You can choose to pay for the transfer via wire transfer from your bank account, via credit or debit card, or with cash if you’d like to visit a physical MoneyGram agent location. 

Step 5: Complete the Transaction

The last step is to verify all the details to ensure they’re correct. This is where you can make edits if necessary. The app shows you a summary of all the details, including the amount you’re sending and how much it costs. 

Ensure you confirm the transaction limits for MoneyGram to M-Pesa transfers before making the transfer. Additionally, M-Pesa has a limit for the amount of money a person can hold in their account. 

Your recipient can only hold up to Ksh.500,000 in their M-Pesa wallet, so ensure they have the capacity to hold the money you intend to send. 

Sending money to your friends and loved ones in Kenya via M-Pesa is fast and convenient, which makes it great for emergencies. However, it may not be the best method if you intend to send huge sums of money. In that case, you may want to consider a bank transfer or cash pickup.

How to Withdraw Money from MoneyGram to M-Pesa

Apps like MoneyGram allow you to receive money in Kenya via mobile wallet, cash pickup, or bank transfer. You don’t have to do anything to receive money via bank transfer or mobile wallet. 

If you are receiving money via M-Pesa, the money will be reflected in your account automatically within minutes. You can visit the nearest M-Pesa agent to withdraw the funds. MoneyGram does not charge you as the recipient for the transfer, but local tariff charges apply for withdrawals. 

How to Receive Money via Cash Pickup

Unlike bank transfers and mobile wallets, where the money is sent to you directly, you must visit a MoneyGram agent location when money is sent via cash pickup. 

MoneyGram has thousands of agent locations worldwide, so finding one near you shouldn’t be hard. The following are the steps you should take to collect your money from a MoneyGram agent:

1. Find an agent location: You can find the nearest MoneyGram location by using the website or mobile app. 
2. Complete the form: You may be required to fill out a receive form where you’ll enter the reference number given to you by the sender.
3. Collect the money: Once you’ve filled out the form, hand it over to the agent, along with your valid photo ID. Once your identity has been verified, you’ll be handed the money.

Benefits of Using MoneyGram for International Money Transfers

There are plenty of money transfer service providers to choose from, so why use MoneyGram? Here are a few advantages of using this legacy platform:

Speed

MoneyGram makes sending money to your loved ones a fast and seamless process. This is especially true if you’re sending the money directly to your recipient’s M-Pesa wallet. The money arrives within minutes and can be accessed immediately. Bank transfers tend to take longer to process. 

Reliability

MoneyGram is one of the oldest international money transfer platforms, meaning security is guaranteed, and you can rely on the platform. The MoneyGram website or mobile app allows you to access all the information before and during the transfer. 

Convenience

Another major advantage of using MoneyGram is the convenience. The platform is available in over 200 territories and countries globally, working with a network of reputable retailers and businesses. This means you can send money from virtually anywhere in the world and have it reach your recipient without a hitch. 

Final Thoughts

MoneyGram is a secure and reliable platform you can use to send money to your friends and family in Kenya. Besides, you can now use it to send money directly to your recipient’s M-Pesa wallet. 

However, MoneyGram is relatively expensive, so it’s important to consider other options when choosing a money transfer platform. There are plenty of digital remittance platforms you can consider, so you should take time to compare your options. 

With Monito’s real time comparison engine, you can find the best rates to send money to M-Pesa.