How to Buy Airtel and Telkom Airtime Using M-Pesa (2026 Guide)

We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of a late-night intense conversation on your Airtel line, or you’re about to join a Zoom meeting using your Telkom data, and then—boom—”Your account balance is insufficient.” You check your pockets; no scratch cards. You check the time; the local shop is closed.

But then you remember your Safaricom line has some “mulla” in the M-Pesa wallet. In 2026, being on a different network doesn’t mean you’re stranded. You can buy airtime for other network users directly from your Safaricom phone in seconds.

Whether you want to buy airtime from M-Pesa to Airtel or top up a Telkom line for your “shaggs” (rural) home router, this guide has you covered with the fastest Paybill numbers and USSD codes.

1. How to Buy Airtel Airtime via M-Pesa

Since there isn’t a direct “Airtel” button inside the Safaricom SIM toolkit, you have to use a “bridge” service. In 2026, these are the two most reliable ways to get your M-Pesa to Airtel airtime.

Option A: Using Paybill 220220 (Pesapal)

This is the most popular method because it’s fast and almost always online.

1. Go to your M-Pesa Menu or open the M-Pesa App.
2. Select Lipa na M-Pesa > Pay Bill.
3. Enter Business Number: 220220.
4. Enter Account Number: AIRTXXXXXX (Replace XXXXXX with your Airtel number, e.g., AIRT0733123456).
5. Enter the Amount and your M-Pesa PIN.

Option B: Using USSD Code *264# (Credo Faster)

If you don’t want to type long Paybill numbers, this shortcut is a lifesaver.

1. Dial *264# on your Safaricom line.
2. Select the option “Buy Airtime for Other Number.”
3. Choose Airtel.
4. Enter the recipient’s phone number and the amount.
5. You will receive an M-Pesa prompt (STK Push) to enter your PIN.

Pro Tip: Managing multiple lines can be expensive. If you find yourself constantly topping up, why not earn that airtime money back? Check outsurveymoney.co.ke, where Kenyans are earning extra KES just by answering simple questions. It’s an easy way to make sure your Airtel or Telkom line never hits zero.

2. How to Buy Telkom Airtime via M-Pesa

Telkom users have a slightly different set of shortcuts. If you are buying Telkom airtime from M-Pesa, use these verified 2026 methods.

Option A: The Official Telkom Paybill (777711)

This is the direct “official” bridge.

• Business Number: 777711
• Account Number: Your Telkom Phone Number (e.g., 0770123456).
• Verdict: This is usually the fastest method as it doesn’t go through a third-party aggregator.

Option B: Using Paybill 921000 (InstaLipa)

In 2026, many Kenyans prefer this because it is often advertised as “zero-fee” for small amounts.

• Business Number: 921000
• Account Number: Your Telkom Number.

3. Summary Table of Paybill Numbers

Save this table or take a screenshot. It’s the “cheat sheet” you’ll need when you’re in a rush to create PayPal account payments or just stay connected.

To Buy Airtime For	Paybill Number	Account Format
Airtel	220220	AIRT[Phone Number]
Telkom	777711	[Phone Number]
Airtel (Alternative)	921000	[Phone Number]
Any Network	939939	[Phone Number]

4. Are There Transaction Charges?

This is the #1 question every Kenyan asks. “Si Safaricom will eat my money?”

In 2026, the fee structure has been harmonized.

• Service Fees: Most third-party Paybills (like 220220) charge Ksh 0 (Free) to use their service.
• M-Pesa Charges: However, M-Pesa still charges its standard Paybill rates. For example, sending Ksh 100 might cost you a small transaction fee of around Ksh 5–Ksh 15 depending on current Safaricom tariffs.
• The Bonus Catch: Note that when you buy airtime via M-Pesa for another network, you do not earn Bonga Points on that transaction. Similarly, the Airtel recipient usually won’t get “Tubonge” or “Extra” airtime bonuses that come with direct scratch card top-ups.

5. Troubleshooting: What to do if Airtime isn’t Received

Sometimes the system “hangs” (delays). If your airtime hasn’t arrived after 5 minutes, check the following:

1. Check the Prefix: If you used Paybill 220220, did you remember to type AIRT before the number? If you just typed the number, the system might not know where to send the money.
2. M-Pesa Message: Did you get an M-Pesa confirmation? If you didn’t, the transaction didn’t go through.
3. Network Lag: Cross-network bridges sometimes have a 2-3 minute lag during peak hours (like 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM).
4. Contact Support: If the money left your M-Pesa but no airtime arrived, call the Paybill provider. For 220220, you can contact Pesapal support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still have questions about moving your “mulla” across networks? Here are the answers to what Kenyans are asking most in 2026.

1. Can I buy Airtel or Telkom data bundles directly from M-Pesa?

In 2026, you generally have to buy airtime first, then dial the respective network’s USSD code (e.g., *544#) to buy bundles. However, if you use the My Airtel App, you can select “Buy Bundle” and choose M-Pesa as your payment method at the checkout. This triggers an STK push on your Safaricom line to enter your PIN.

2. What is the minimum and maximum amount I can buy?

• Minimum: You can buy as little as Ksh 5 through most Paybill services like 220220.
• Maximum: Most aggregators (Pesapal, InstaLipa) have a limit of Ksh 5,000 per transaction. If you need more, you’ll have to perform multiple transactions.

3. I sent airtime to the wrong number. Can I reverse it?

This is tricky. Unlike sending money to a person, airtime purchases through Paybills are often final and non-reversible once the credit hits the other network.

• Prevention: Always use the “Hakikisha” pop-up to double-check the number.
• Action: If it was a large amount, contact the service provider (e.g., Pesapal at 220220) immediately, though success is not guaranteed once the airtime is consumed.

4. Why did I get an M-Pesa message but no airtime?

Don’t panic! This “delay” is usually due to one of three things:

• The “AIRT” Prefix: If you used Paybill 220220 and forgot the “AIRT” prefix in the account number, the system doesn’t know where to send it.
• System Congestion: During peak hours (evenings and month-ends), the bridge between Safaricom and other networks can take up to 10 minutes.
• Maintenance: Occasionally, Telkom or Airtel systems undergo maintenance. If it takes longer than 30 minutes, contact Safaricom Customer Care or the Paybill owner.

5. Are there extra “hidden” costs?

The Paybill service itself is usually free, but you will pay the standard M-Pesa Paybill transaction fee to Safaricom. In 2026, these fees are tiered; for example, buying Ksh 100 worth of airtime might cost you between Ksh 0 and Ksh 15 in M-Pesa charges depending on the specific Paybill’s agreement with Safaricom.

6. Can I use Fuliza to buy airtime for other networks?

Yes! In 2026, if you have an active Fuliza limit, you can use it to complete a Paybill transaction for Airtel or Telkom airtime. This is a life-saver when you are “broke” but need to stay online for a business call.

7. How can I get free airtime?

While “free” is rare, you can earn your top-up money by sharing your opinions. Platforms like surveymoney.co.ke allow Kenyans to earn KES which they can then use to top up any network via M-Pesa. It’s a great way to keep your secondary lines active without touching your salary.

Conclusion

Staying connected across networks in Kenya has never been easier. Whether you are using a Paybill or a USSD code, you can move your “mulla” where it’s needed most. Now that you know how to keep your lines active, you can get back to your hustle—whether that’s freelance work or earning on surveymoney.co.ke. Stay up to date with the latest mobile money features by reading this comprehensive guide to M-Pesa in 2026.