Fuliza is an incredibly useful service provided by Safaricom that allows you to complete M-Pesa transactions even when your balance is insufficient. If you’re looking to send money to another number using Fuliza or need to pay for services, this guide walks you through the process. We’ll cover everything from activation to sending and withdrawing Fuliza funds.
What is Fuliza?
Fuliza is a mobile overdraft service that allows M-Pesa users to complete transactions when their balance is insufficient. It’s a convenient feature, especially for those who frequently use M-Pesa for business, personal payments, or bill settlements but find themselves short of funds at times. Fuliza provides a temporary credit limit, which is determined based on your M-Pesa usage, history, and Safaricom’s terms and conditions.
The great thing about Fuliza is that you can use it repeatedly as long as you remain within your credit limit, making it an essential tool for many M-Pesa users.
How to Activate Fuliza on Your M-Pesa Account
Before you can begin using Fuliza to send money, you need to activate it. Here’s how to get started:
- Using USSD Code:
- Dial
*334#on your phone. - Go to Option 4: Loans and Savings.
- Select Option 1: Fuliza.
- Opt-in by selecting “Yes” to get started.
- Dial
- Alternatively, Use USSD Code
*234#:- Dial
*234#. - Choose Option 0: Fuliza M-Pesa.
- Select “Yes” to accept the terms and conditions.
- Select Option 1 to confirm.
- Dial
After following the steps, your Fuliza service will be activated.
How to Fuliza Money to Another Number
Now that you have Fuliza activated, you can start sending money even if your balance is insufficient. Here’s the step-by-step guide to sending money to another number using Fuliza:
- Go to the M-Pesa Menu:
- Open the M-Pesa menu on your phone.
- Select “Send Money”.
- Enter the Recipient’s Phone Number:
- Enter the phone number to which you wish to send money.
- Enter the Amount:
- Enter the amount you want to send based on your Fuliza limit.
- Enter Your M-Pesa PIN:
- After entering the amount, enter your M-Pesa PIN and click OK.
- Pop-up Message:
- If you have insufficient funds in your M-Pesa account, a pop-up message will appear, asking if you want to Fuliza the balance with an access fee and a daily fee (ranging from Ksh 0-30, depending on the outstanding balance).
- Confirm the Transaction:
- The pop-up will give you the option to proceed. Click “Yes” to send the money.
- Confirmation Message:
- After confirming, you will receive a confirmation message showing your total Fuliza outstanding balance and the due date of the loan.
How to Pay for Tokens Using Fuliza
You can also use Fuliza to pay for services, such as purchasing tokens. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the M-Pesa menu.
- Choose Lipa na M-Pesa Pay Bill.
- Enter 737373 as the business number.
- Input your KPLC meter number as the account number.
- Enter the amount you wish to spend.
- Key in your M-Pesa PIN and click Send.
- A Fuliza pop-up message will appear. Select Option 1 to use Fuliza for payment.
- You will receive an SMS confirming the transaction and the number of tokens purchased.
How to Fuliza to Your Own M-Pesa Account
Currently, you cannot Fuliza money to your own M-Pesa account. Fuliza is only available for transactions with other M-Pesa registered numbers or for paying for goods and services via the Lipa na M-Pesa service.
Fuliza Charges
Fuliza is essentially an overdraft facility, and it comes with fees. There are two types of charges:
- Access Fee: A one-time fee for accessing the overdraft.
- Daily Maintenance Fee: Charged on the outstanding balance.
Below is a breakdown of Fuliza charges:
| Min (Ksh) | Max (Ksh) | Tariff Charges (Ksh) | 20% Exercise Duty (Ksh) | Total Charges (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 101 | 500 | 2.5 (free for first 3 days) | 0.5 | 3 |
| 501 | 1,000 | 5 (free for first 3 days) | 1 | 6 |
| 1,001 | 1,500 | 18 | 3.6 | 21.6 |
| 1,501 | 2,500 | 20 | 4 | 24 |
| 2,501 | 70,000 | 25 | 5 | 30 |
The charges increase with the amount you borrow, and it’s crucial to repay your Fuliza loan quickly to avoid accumulating additional fees.
How to Withdraw Fuliza Money
You can withdraw Fuliza funds directly from any M-Pesa agent. Here’s how to withdraw your Fuliza money:
- Go to the M-Pesa menu.
- Select “Withdraw Cash”.
- Choose “Withdraw from Agent”.
- Enter the amount to withdraw and click OK after entering your M-Pesa PIN.
- When prompted to confirm Fuliza, click Proceed.
- Fuliza and withdrawal charges will be displayed.
How to Fuliza Money to Another Number – FAQs
- Does Fuliza affect my CRB status?
Yes, if you fail to repay your Fuliza loan within 30 days or exceed your credit limit, your name may be reported to the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) for blacklisting. - Who qualifies for Fuliza?
To qualify for Fuliza, you need to be an active M-Pesa user with a Safaricom line for at least six months. Your credit limit is based on your M-Pesa activity. - How many accounts can I have with Fuliza M-Pesa?
Each M-Pesa registered line is treated as a separate account, and each line can access Fuliza.
Conclusion
Fuliza is a convenient tool for M-Pesa users, allowing them to send money, pay for goods and services, and withdraw funds, even when their balance is insufficient. Whether you’re using it to pay for utilities or send money to another number, Fuliza provides a quick and easy solution. Remember to manage your Fuliza credit wisely to avoid excessive charges and enjoy the flexibility it offers.
Good luck with using Fuliza!