Not everyone has access to a smartphone, which means they cannot borrow money through mobile loan apps. However, thanks to a few lenders offering USSD MPESA loans, it’s now possible for Kabambe holders to secure instant loans on their phones.
These services work as the mobile app options, only that you dial the USSD code and follow the prompts instead of installing an app. The best part is that you don’t need access to the internet or bundles just as much as you don’t need a smartphone.
This post shall look at the lenders offering loans via USSD codes, the rates and fees, loan limits, and terms. That should enable you to understand what you are getting into before applying for the loan.
Let’s get started!
In a rush? Here’s a table summary of 7 lenders offering free USSD MPESA loans in Kenya:
USSD MPESA Loans In Kenya Summary
| Lender | USSD Code | Loan Limit |
| Timiza | *848# | Ksh 50 – Ksh 150,000 |
| Okolea | *842# | Ksh 500 – Ksh 500,000 |
| KCB MPESA | *844# | Ksh 50 – Ksh 1M |
| Bayes | *879*99# | Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 50,000 |
| HF Whizz | *618# | Ksh 1,000 – Ksh 50,000 |
| Zenka | *841# | Ksh 500 – Ksh 30,000 |
| Pesa Pata | *269# | Ksh 500 – Ksh 20,000 |
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7 Lenders of Instant USSD MPESA Loans Reviewed!
Below are seven companies offering unsecured loans to Kenyans through USSD codes:
1. Timiza
Timiza, which Barclays Bank owns, promises loans via USSD to Barclays customers and those who don’t have an account with the customers.
Requirements and Registration
Timiza expects you to meet these minimum qualifications before applying for a loan via USSD:
- Have a valid Kenyan ID
- Be an active MPESA customer (at least six months)
- Good credit score with the CRB.
And for you to register for the Timiza loan, you need to dial *844# on your mobile phone and follow the prompts before submitting your loan request.
Once your loan is approved, it is usually deposited to your Timiza account, and for you to withdraw, you have to transfer the money to your MPESA first.
Loan Limits and Fees
Depending on your creditworthiness, Timiza offers loans starting from Ksh 50 to Ksh 150,000.
Timiza loans attract a low-interest rate of 1.17%, but rather, before applying for a loan, you need to pay a 5% service fee of the total loan amount.
2. Okolea
Okolea now offers you a USSD code for loans in Kenya. That’s in addition to their ever-growing mobile app. Okolea allows you to grow your loan limit over time, especially by transacting more with MPESA.
Requirements and Registration
All you need is to register by dialing *842# and fill out your personal information, including your phone number and names, as they appear on your ID and your ID number.
Okolea will then inform you of your loan limit, which you can respond to and apply. Once you do, you only need to wait for a few minutes to receive the money in your MPESA line.
Loan Limits and Fees
Okolea allows you to borrow from Ksh 500 to Ksh 500,000, depending on your creditworthiness. However, if you are a first-time customer, you will likely get a loan starting from Ksh 500.
However, there is a chance of growing your Okolea loan limit if you pay the loan on time and borrow frequently.
Okolea loans attract a 0.5% interest on the total amount you borrow, but long-term loans attract 180% annually.
3. KCB MPESA
KCB MPESA, in partnership with Safaricom, offers USSD loans to MPESA. Alternatively, you can head to your phone MPESA menu, pick loans and savings, then KCB MPESA, and follow the steps to apply for a loan. So, this option is for those who prefer not to use USSD or the app.
Requirements and Registration
All you need to get a loan with KCB MPESA is to dial *844# on your mobile phone and follow the following prompts. After the registration, you can request the loan limit you qualify for to initiate the disbursement.
Note that to be eligible for a loan with KCB MPESA, you need to have a good credit rating with CRB.
The good thing with KCB MPESA is that the disbursement is quick. It only takes a few minutes to have the money on your phone.
Loan Limits and Fees
KCB MPESA loans attract a low-interest rate of 8.64% of the loan amount, which can be anything between Ksh 50 and Ksh 1 million. Generally, you’ve 30 days to pay up.
4. Bayes
Bayes is the friend to run to if you have insufficient airtime or want to pay your bills or settle an emergency. The lender has been in existence through the mobile application platform for some time now. So, they enjoy a good reputation nationwide.
Requirements and Registration
If you want to get a loan with Bayes, all you need is to dial the MPESA USSD code *879*99# on your phone and follow the registration process.
After registering, you should select the loan you qualify for and submit your application. Upon approval, the loan goes to your Bayes wallet, after which you can transfer to your MPESA for easy withdrawal and use.
Loan Limits and Fees
The minimum loan limit on Bayes is Ksh 1,000, while the maximum is Ksh 50,000, payable within 90 – 180 days.
Overall, Bayes loans attract an APR of 30% – 120 % depending on the amount your borrow and the repayment period. Additionally, Bayes loans have a service fee of 30% of the total loan amount.
More Free USSD MPESA Loans
5. HF Whizz
If you are looking for a stable and reliable loan provider, one you can borrow, repay and borrow again as you grow your loan limit, HF Whizz is the loan to lean on. The good news is that you can also save with an HF Whizz account.
Requirements and Registration
To access HF Whizz loan, you need to dial *618# on your phone, input your full names as they appear on your ID, set a four-digit pin, and then apply for the loan you qualify for.
Loan Limits and Fees
The loan limits are within Ksh 1,000 to Ksh 50,000 bracket, and all loans accumulate interest of 10%. But first, you need to deposit Ksh 200 minimum for HF Whizz to determine your credit eligibility.
After approval, the money goes to your HF Whizz wallet, and you can transfer it to your MPESA for withdrawal.
To grow your HF Whizz loan limit, you need to transact more using HF Whizz. That means saving and borrowing more using HF Whizz and repaying on time.
6. Zenka
Zenka’s popularity in the USSD world is just as widespread as in the mobile app world. Essentially, that’s because the lender offers customers flexible loan repayments and even the chance to pay via installments. So, it’s one of the most reliable lenders for USSD codes for loans in Kenya.
Requirements and Registration
You need to have a good credit score and have a Kenyan ID to qualify for a Zenka loan. And to get a loan with Zenka, you need to dial *841# and register by entering your official names and Safaricom number.
After that, you can borrow the amount you qualify for, select the repayment duration and submit your loan request. Once Zenka approves your loan, which takes a few minutes, it disburses the loan to your MPESA account.
Loan Limits and Fees
Zenka loans range from Ksh 500 to Ksh 30,000 with a repayment period of 61 – 180 days. However, you need to pay a one-time service fee of 9 – 30% of your total loan limit.
The loans attract 70.7% to 224.89%, which varies according to the loan amount.
7. Pesa Pata
Pesa Pata is a new entrant in the USSD loan market that promises its customers fantastic offers and flexible rates. It’s among the most reliable when offering MPESA loans through USSD.
Requirements and Registration
Pesa Pata expects you to have a good credit score and an ID to apply for a loan. You need to dial *269# on your phone and follow the subsequent steps to register for the loan.
But unlike most lenders, Pesa Pata expects you to deposit Ksh 100 for the loan application.
Loan Limits and Fees
Pesa Pata offers you loans starting range from Ksh 500 to Ksh 20,000. Its short-term loans attract an interest of 10% – 30%, while its long-term loans attract an interest of 186%.
The loan repayment period is between 30 days for the short-term loans and 365 days for the long-term loans.
Furthermore, the good news is that even if you fail to repay your loan on time, Pesa Pata does not charge any penalty for late repayment.
People Also Ask (About MPESA Loans on USSD)
1. How Do I Get A Loan With USSD Code?
Getting a loan through a USSD code is easy. All you need is the USSD number of the lender you want to borrow from and dial it on your phone.
Then, you need to register by following the subsequent steps. Once done, the lender will give you a loan limit that you qualify for, which you can apply for and for the disbursement.
2. Is There An iPesa Loan USSD Code?
Unfortunately, iPesa doesn’t have a USSD code that you can use to request a loan. So, if you want to ask for a loan with iPesa, you need to own a smartphone and download the iPesa loan app from Google Play, which you can use for the signup.
3. How Can I Increase My Loan Limit?
Generally, you can improve your loan limits using these intelligent hacks:
- Pay your loans before the due date or earlier
- Transact more using MPESA and Safaricom services like buying airtime and paying your bills
- Keep your MPESA messages
- Borrow more frequently
Also Read:
- Best Loan Apps in Kenya without Registration Fee
- Best Loan Apps in Kenya without CRB Check
- Emergency Loans in Kenya Via MPESA
Closing Remarks On USSD MPESA loans!
Above are the best USSD codes for lenders who give loans directly to your MPESA anytime and anywhere in Kenya.
All you need to enjoy the convenience of the mentioned loans is to own a mobile phone, have a valid ID, a registered Safaricom line, and an active MPESA account.