Fuliza, Safaricom’s overdraft service linked to Mpesa, has become a popular way for users to complete transactions even when their balance is insufficient. Whether you’re buying airtime, paying bills, or sending money, Fuliza allows you to borrow small amounts to complete your transactions. However, one common concern among users is how to increase their Fuliza limit. While Safaricom does not offer a direct method for increasing the limit, there are certain steps and strategies you can follow to potentially boost your limit.
In this guide, we will show you how to increase Fuliza limits and provide tips to help you manage your Mpesa Fuliza credit more effectively.
What is Fuliza and How Does It Work?
Fuliza is a mobile overdraft service that allows M-Pesa users to complete their transactions even when their Mpesa account has insufficient funds. It works by temporarily topping up your account to allow the transaction to go through. The money is automatically deducted from your Mpesa balance once you top up.
Fuliza’s loan limits are determined by Safaricom, based on factors such as your usage history, transaction frequency, and timely repayment of previous loans.
How to Increase Fuliza Limits
Increasing your Fuliza loan limit is not something you can do manually, as it’s up to Safaricom’s system to review and adjust the limit. However, there are strategies you can follow to potentially increase your Fuliza limit over time.
1. Ensure Timely Repayment of Fuliza Loans
One of the easiest ways to increase your Fuliza limit is by repaying your loans on time. Safaricom rewards customers who consistently repay their Fuliza loans, and this improves your chances of getting a higher limit. If you repeatedly fail to repay, your limit could be reduced, and your access to Fuliza may even be revoked.
To maintain a healthy Fuliza credit history, always aim to top up your Mpesa account as soon as possible to pay off the loan balance. Safaricom will then assess your repayment habits and may decide to increase your credit limit.
2. Be an Active Fuliza User
Another effective way to increase your Fuliza limit is by actively using Fuliza for your daily transactions. Safaricom takes note of customers who borrow and repay regularly, and they may increase your limit based on your usage frequency. Keep borrowing and repaying within your limit to build your relationship with Safaricom.
3. Opt Out and Opt In to Fuliza
If your Fuliza limit is not increasing fast enough, you can try opting out and then opting back in. This can sometimes prompt Safaricom’s system to review and potentially adjust your limit. Here’s how you can do it:
- *Dial 234# on your phone.
- Select “Fuliza Mpesa” from the menu.
- Choose the option to “Opt out”.
- After opting out, dial *234# again, select “Fuliza Mpesa”, and choose “Opt in”.
This process may take some time, and it’s not guaranteed that your limit will increase, but it’s worth trying if you’re looking to boost your Fuliza credit limit.
Alternatively, you can opt out and opt in using the MySafaricom app:
- Open the MySafaricom app on your phone.
- Select “Mpesa” from the menu.
- Choose “Fuliza Mpesa”.
- Select “Opt out”, and then go back to the Mpesa menu to select “Opt in”.
After completing this process, your Fuliza limit may be reassessed.
4. Maintain a Good Mpesa and Loan History
Safaricom determines your Fuliza loan limit based on your overall Mpesa usage. If you are a consistent M-Pesa user, regularly sending money, buying airtime, or paying bills, you may be rewarded with a higher Fuliza limit. Make sure you continue using Mpesa actively to build a strong transaction history.
5. Check Your Fuliza Limit Regularly
You can check your Fuliza limit at any time to see if it has increased. Here’s how to check:
- Dial
*234#. - Select “Fuliza Mpesa”.
- Choose “Check My Limit”.
Safaricom will send you a confirmation SMS with your Fuliza limit details. This is useful for tracking your progress and understanding if your limit has changed after making repayments or using Fuliza.
Fuliza Loan Limit for Businesses (Fuliza ya Biashara)
Fuliza is also available for business owners through Fuliza ya Biashara. This service allows businesses to access an overdraft facility to complete transactions even with insufficient funds. The loan limits range from Kshs. 1,000 to Kshs. 400,000, depending on your business’s usage and history.
To opt into Fuliza ya Biashara, dial *234# and follow the prompts. Business owners can also increase their Fuliza loan limit by maintaining an active business Mpesa account and repaying any Fuliza loan balances on time.
Fuliza Interest Rates and Charges
When you use Fuliza, you’ll incur a 1% access fee and a daily maintenance fee depending on the amount borrowed. Here’s an example of how the charges work:
| Amount Borrowed | Daily Maintenance Fee | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Kshs 0-100 | Kshs 0 | Kshs 0 |
| Kshs 101-500 | Kshs 2.5 | Kshs 3 |
| Kshs 501-1000 | Kshs 5 | Kshs 6 |
| Kshs 1001-1500 | Kshs 18 | Kshs 21.6 |
| Kshs 1501-2500 | Kshs 20 | Kshs 24 |
| Kshs 2501-70000 | Kshs 25 | Kshs 30 |
The charges vary depending on how much you borrow and how long you take to repay.
How to Increase Fuliza Limits – FAQs
What is the maximum Fuliza limit?
The maximum Fuliza limit varies from user to user and is based on M-Pesa usage, timely repayments, and Safaricom’s assessment. There is no set limit, but frequent, responsible usage can increase it.
Can I use Fuliza if I have an outstanding Mshwari loan?
Yes, you can use Fuliza even if you have an outstanding Mshwari loan, as they are two separate services. However, remember that both loans are deducted from your Mpesa account balance.
How do I know if my Fuliza limit has increased?
You can check your Fuliza limit by dialing *234# and selecting “Check My Limit”.
Conclusion
Increasing your Fuliza limit is not something that can be done manually, but with consistent Mpesa usage, timely repayments, and staying active on Fuliza, Safaricom may increase your limit over time. Be patient, follow the steps outlined above, and stay on top of your repayments to maximize your Fuliza limit.
Good luck with managing your Fuliza credit!
