Practical Ways to Get Free Money to M-Pesa in Kenya

Introduction

“Need extra cash in your M-Pesa? You’re not alone. Every day, millions of Kenyans boost their income using their phones. Want to turn yours into a money-making tool? By 2025, thousands of Kenyans will use seven proven methods to get free money into M-Pesa. Let’s explore them. You might be thinking, “Free money? That sounds too good to be true.” But here’s the truth: we’re not talking about getting rich overnight. There are real ways to get free money to mpesa—between KSh 1,000 and KSh 5,000 a month—by using your phone smartly.”

This bizz guide includes:

• Earning cashback and rewards at major shopping sites.
• Apps that pay you for watching ads and videos.
• Smart ways to earn through referral programs.
• Legitimate contests and giveaways.
• Maximising benefits from loyalty programs.
• Tips to avoid common scams.
• Real strategies to boost your earnings.

Make Money Through Cashback & Rewards Programs

Shopping Apps That Pay You Back

• Jumia Kenya: Shop and earn up to 5% cashback on selected items. With M-Pesa, you get instant cashback. It’s super convenient.
• Kilimall: Their “Smart Shopper” program offers 2-8% cashback. During sales, it can reach 15%.

Banking Apps With Real Rewards

• KCB M-Pesa: Save regularly to earn up to 5% annual interest. Plus, get bonus rewards for maintaining your balance. New users can get a KSh 200 welcome bonus by saving KSh 1,000 for 30 days.
• M-Shwari: Lock your savings longer to earn interest and loyalty points. Some users report earning up to KSh 500 monthly just by saving.

Bill Payment Rewards That Actually Work

• DPO Paybill: Get up to 3% cashback on electricity, water, or internet bills. Sometimes, they double the cashback during promotions.
• Safaricom Home Fibre: Earn Bonga Points for paying your internet bill on time. Convert these points to M-Pesa cash at a rate of 1 point = KSh 0.30.

Pro Tips to Maximize Your Cashback

1. Use cashback apps with loyalty programs. For instance, shop on Jumia with your KCB card to earn both cashback and bank rewards.
2. Major shopping events, like Black Friday, often have doubled cashback rates.
3. Some platforms offer higher cashback for certain methods. M-Pesa payments often earn extra points.

What Can You Expect?

• Regular shopping: KSh 200-500
• Bill payments: KSh 100-300
• Banking rewards: KSh 200-400
• Total potential: KSh 500-1,200 monthly

Earning Free Money in Kenya By Watching Ads & Completing Tasks

Making money by watching ads or doing simple tasks is becoming popular in Kenya. It’s an easy way to earn extra cash in your free time. Here’s a look at the best platforms and some tips to boost your earnings.

Ad-Watching Platforms

1. Toloka

A microtask platform that includes watching short videos and other simple tasks.

Pros:

• Straightforward tasks
• Flexible working hours
• Direct M-Pesa withdrawals

Cons:

• Mixed reviews about pay rates and account management

Tips:

• Engage consistently for higher earnings and complete your profile for better-paying tasks.

2. Ad Earn Cash

This app is simple. It pays users for watching ads and offers instant M-Pesa payouts.

Features:

• User-friendly interface
• Instant withdrawals
• Daily login bonuses

3. InboxDollars

An international platform offering rewards for watching videos, completing surveys, and more.

Highlights:

• Multiple earning options
• Payments via PayPal (linkable to M-Pesa)

Note: While it’s global, it requires a PayPal account for payouts.

4. Swagbucks

A popular way to earn rewards by watching ads, taking surveys, or doing other tasks.

Pros:

• Flexible task variety
• PayPal payouts transferable to M-Pesa

Bonus: Watch for seasonal promotions and bonuses.

5. MyPoints

Earn points by watching videos, shopping online, or completing surveys.

Redemptions:

• Gift cards
• Cash (via PayPal, transferable to M-Pesa)

Task-Oriented Platforms

1. Wowzi

Offers small payouts for tasks such as surveys, product reviews, and app testing.

Earnings:

• Surveys: KSh 100-300
• Product reviews: KSh 200-500

2. Remotasks

Users complete tasks like image annotation or content moderation after initial training.

• Tip: The better you perform, the more tasks you receive.

3. Clickworker

Provides tasks like writing, categorizing data, or proofreading.

Features:

• Flexible hours
• PayPal payouts (M-Pesa compatible)

Maximizing Your Earnings

• Join Several Platforms: This gives you more tasks and better pay.
• Set Aside Daily Time: Regular effort can lead to big earnings over time.
• Keep Informed: Check social media and forums for new or high-paying tasks.
• Take Part in Promotions: Many platforms have bonuses for completing tasks or reaching goals.

Make Money by Referring Friends to Financial Apps

Referral bonuses are an easy way to earn cash, especially with financial apps in Kenya. Sharing these platforms with friends can earn you rewards. It will also help them access valuable services.

Top Financial Apps with Referral Bonuses

1. Digital Wallets
   • M-Pesa: Sometimes offers referral bonuses. You earn when new users sign up, activate their accounts, and make transactions.
2. Lending Apps
   • Tala: Earn a percentage of the loan amount for your referral. It’s an easy way to promote a trusted lending app.
   • Branch: Similar to Tala. You get paid directly to your M-Pesa account when your referral takes a loan.
   • Mwananchi Credit: Offers 3% of the disbursed loan amount for each successful referral. Payments go directly to your M-Pesa account.
3. Money Transfer Services
   • WorldRemit: Receive a cash bonus in your M-Pesa account when your referral completes their first transaction.
   • PayPal: Known for online payments, PayPal also offers referral rewards you can easily withdraw to your M-Pesa account.

Smart Strategies to Maximise Earnings

1. Share Your Links Widely: Use Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp to spread the word. The more you refer, the more you earn.
2. Encourage Quick Action: Motivate your friends to sign up or make their first transaction quickly. This helps you unlock bonuses faster.
3. Join Multiple Programs: Diversify your income by joining referral programs from different apps. More apps mean more earning opportunities.
4. Watch for Promotions: Look out for special promotions or bonus campaigns. These often offer increased rewards for referrals during certain times.

With a little effort, referral programs can become a steady income stream. Plus, you connect your friends with trusted financial tools. Give it a try and watch your M-Pesa balance grow!

Enter Online Contests and Giveaways

Want to try your luck at winning some free M-Pesa cash? You’re in luck! Kenyan brands are giving away millions through social media, radio, and gaming platforms. 

Social Media

Instagram Opportunities

Instagram has become a goldmine for M-Pesa giveaways. Here’s how to win:

• Follow major Kenyan brands like Safaricom, KCB, and Jumia
• Turn on post notifications to never miss a contest
• Engage regularly with brand content (like, comment, share)
• Create genuine responses that stand out

Twitter Tactics

Twitter contests often offer quick wins. Smart strategies include:

• Use hashtags like #KOTGiveaway and #WinWithMPesa to find contests
• Set up alerts for keywords like “M-Pesa giveaway” and “Kenya contest”
• Follow influencers who regularly host giveaways
• Retweet and engage during peak hours (12pm-2pm, 7pm-9pm)

Radio & TV Shows That Pay

Traditional media still offers great winning chances:

• Classic FM’s “Morning Trivia”: Win up to KSh 10,000 via M-Pesa
• Kiss 100’s “Cash Call”: Daily opportunities for instant prizes
• Citizen TV’s interactive segments: Weekend jackpots via M-Pesa

Pro Tip: Save these show numbers in your phone to dial quickly when they announce contests!

Gaming Apps With Real Rewards

Turn your gaming hobby into M-Pesa money:

• Kenya Games: Earn points convertible to M-Pesa cash
• Prize Volta: Complete challenges for cash rewards
• M~Pesa PlayTime: Win while playing popular mobile games

Smart Tips to Increase Your Chances

Do’s:

1. Create contest-specific email addresses
2. Set daily reminders to check for new contests
3. Join contest notification groups on WhatsApp
4. Keep your M-Pesa account active

Don’ts:

• Never pay to enter legitimate contests
• Avoid sharing personal banking details
• Don’t fall for “too good to be true” prizes
• Skip contests requiring expensive purchases

Protect yourself with these guidelines:

• Verify contest sponsors through official channels
• Check if the brand has a history of running contests
• Read terms and conditions carefully
• Keep screenshots of your entries

Earn Through Crowdfunding and Donations

Crowdfunding is a great way to raise money for personal, social, or community projects. It connects fundraisers with donors. It helps individuals and organizations get funding easily. In Kenya, mobile payment apps like M-Pesa boosts crowdfunding. They make it more accessible and efficient.

Popular Crowdfunding Platforms in Kenya

1. M-Changa
   • M-Changa stands out as a leading crowdfunding site in Kenya. It funds medical bills, education, and community projects.
   • The platform integrates smoothly with M-Pesa, enabling quick donations and easy campaign management.
   • Donors can track their contributions. Fundraisers can send updates. This fosters trust and transparency.
2. PesaZetu
   • PesaZetu centres on community projects like building schools and providing clean water. It aims for social impact.
   • The platform keeps donors updated on how their money is spent, ensuring accountability.
3. Fundly
   • Fundly is not limited to Kenya, but it’s popular for social causes.
   • Users keep all the money they raise, even if they miss their target. This offers great flexibility.

Tips for Successful Crowdfunding

• Engage Your Social Network: Share your campaign on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. This will reach a wider audience.
• Leverage Personal Connections: Encourage friends and family to contribute and spread the word.
• Be Transparent: Regular updates on your campaign’s progress and funds can attract more donors.

Crowdfunding offers financial support and fosters community. It encourages collective backing for meaningful causes.

Use Loyalty Programs to Earn Free Money

Mobile Network Rewards

1. Safaricom’s Bonga Points

• You earn points for every Ksh 100 spent on M-Pesa, airtime, and bill payments.
• Redeem points for cash, airtime, data bundles, or goods at partner stores.
• Watch for promotions like “Maisha Ni M-PESA Tu,” which gives extra points for sending money, paying bills, or using Lipa na M-Pesa.

2. Airtel Money Rewards

• Airtel Kenya has a rewards program too. Users earn points for certain transactions.
• Points can be redeemed for airtime, data bundles, or discounts at partner shops.

Retail Chains

1. Naivas Supermarket

• Earn Ksh 1 for every Ksh 100 spent (1% cashback).
• Redeem points for discounts, vouchers, or special offers on groceries.
• Look for “double points” days or item-specific promotions to earn faster.

2. Carrefour

• Their loyalty program lets you accumulate points from purchases.
• Points can be exchanged for cash vouchers, discounts on electronics, or exclusive deals.
• Seasonal promotions like “Back to School” offer bonus points.

3. Quickmart Supermarket

• Quickmart’s loyalty cards let shoppers collect points on purchases.
• These points can be redeemed for discounts or cashback.

Petrol Stations

1. Shell Club

• Earn points for fuel, lubricants, or convenience store items at Shell using M-Pesa or card payments.
• Redeem points for fuel discounts, airtime, or car care products.
• Shell has campaigns where customers can earn bonus points or win prizes.

2. Total Energies Loyalty Program

• Customers earn points on fuel, vehicle services, and items at Bonjour stores.
• Points can be redeemed for discounts on fuel, car accessories, or free services.

Tips to Maximise Your Rewards

1. Join Multiple Programs: Sign up for loyalty schemes at mobile networks, supermarkets, and petrol stations. This boosts your rewards.
2. Track Your Points: Use apps or the program’s website to monitor your points. This way, you won’t waste any.
3. Combine Rewards with Promotions: Shop during sales for more rewards. Carrefour often gives triple points during holidays.
4. Redeem Points Regularly: Don’t let your points expire. Use them for discounts, airtime, or free fuel.
5. Utilise Partner Discounts: Check if your loyalty program partners with other businesses for extra savings.

Make the Most of Free Credit Offers with M-Pesa

M-Pesa services like Fuliza, M-Shwari, and Faraja often have free credit promotions. These offers encourage usage and provide cost-effective financial solutions.

1. Fuliza

Fuliza is an overdraft service. It allows M-Pesa customers to complete transactions even with a low balance. Typically, there are fees based on the amount borrowed. However, during promotions, some fees are waived. This means users can access funds without extra costs. It’s great for urgent payments or purchases.

2. M-Shwari

M-Shwari offers both savings and loans. Users can borrow from Ksh 1,000 to Ksh 1 million. Sometimes, promotions reduce or eliminate loan fees. They offer interest-free credit for a short time. Users also earn interest on their savings, making it a platform for both borrowing and saving. These promotions encourage consistent saving while providing low-cost credit.

3. Faraja

Faraja is a new service that lets customers shop on credit at select outlets. There’s no upfront payment, and there’s no interest for up to 30 days. Users can make purchases between Ksh 20 and Ksh 100,000. This service offers financial flexibility, especially for large or unexpected expenses.

How to Maximise Free Credit Offers

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Safaricom notifications for promotions.
• Use Wisely: Take advantage of interest-free periods for big or urgent payments.
• Plan Repayments: Repay on time to keep access to these credit services.

Ways to Get Free Money to M-Pesa in Kenya

Conclusion

Getting free money to M-Pesa is easy and possible. Kenyans can earn money through referral programs, cashback offers, ad-watching apps, and online contests. No initial investment is needed.

Apps like Tala and Branch offer bonuses for inviting friends. Jumia and Kilimall provide cashback on purchases. If you enjoy watching ads, try Toloka and Ad Earn Cash. They pay users for watching ads. Entering online contests can also bring cash prizes directly to your M-Pesa account.

By using these methods, you can increase your income steadily. To make the most of these opportunities, remember to:

• Stay updated on new programs and promotions.
• Use trusted platforms to avoid scams.
• Participate regularly to boost your earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions