Safaricom Explains How Kenyans Can Check Fuliza Limits and Improve Their Chances of Getting More

Safaricom has explained how M-Pesa customers can check their Fuliza overdraft limits and what may help them qualify for an increase, offering guidance to Kenyans who depend on the service to complete transactions when their mobile money balances run low.

The telecommunications company shared the information on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while responding to a customer who wanted his Fuliza limit increased.

In its response, Safaricom clarified that customers cannot simply choose the amount they want to borrow. Their limits are assessed through a credit evaluation process, and an increase is not guaranteed, even for customers who regularly use the service.

The company also provided a USSD procedure customers can follow on their phones to refresh their limits and check whether their borrowing capacity has changed.

A customer identified as Brian Mutuku had contacted Safaricom through its official Facebook page to complain about his inability to secure a higher Fuliza limit.

Responding to the query, Safaricom explained that the decision to increase the overdraft limit rests with the bank responsible for the credit assessment.

The company advised Mutuku to continue using Safaricom services and check his limit through the available menu.

“Hi Brian, thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately, an increase of the overdraft limit is solely in the discretion of the bank. Continue using Safaricom services for a chance to increase your limit,” the company stated.

Safaricom then directed him to dial *334#, select option 00 for Fuliza, and choose “Refresh My Limit.” The customer should then wait for a message from the service.

The procedure gives customers a way to check their limits without visiting a Safaricom shop or making a formal request for a particular borrowing amount.

However, refreshing a limit does not automatically result in an increase. Customers may find that their available limits remain unchanged after completing the process.

Fuliza limits are determined through a credit assessment that considers a customer’s financial activity and repayment behaviour. Factors associated with the assessment include M-Pesa transaction patterns and the customer’s use of Safaricom services.

Repaying outstanding balances promptly and maintaining consistent account activity may help customers improve their chances of qualifying for a higher limit. Nevertheless, Safaricom did not specify the exact transaction volumes, repayment records or waiting period required for an increase.

This means customers should not assume that sending or receiving a particular amount of money will automatically unlock a higher borrowing limit.

The company also did not announce a fixed date on which individual limits would be reviewed. Customers therefore need to check their accounts periodically rather than expect an increase immediately after using the refresh option.

Fuliza is an overdraft service available through M-Pesa that enables eligible customers to complete certain transactions even when their wallets do not contain enough money to cover the full amount.

Launched in January 2019, the service operates through a partnership involving Safaricom, KCB Bank and NCBA Bank. It has become a familiar option for customers who need to complete payments before receiving additional money.

Kenyans use Fuliza for various everyday expenses, including transport, groceries, utility payments and small-business transactions. For some users, it provides short-term access to funds when an unexpected expense arises or money runs out before payday.

Unlike a conventional loan that requires a separate application, Fuliza is accessed through M-Pesa by eligible registered customers. However, the convenience of accessing the overdraft does not mean the borrowed money is free.

The service applies charges to outstanding balances, including daily maintenance fees under its applicable tariff structure. Amounts owed are recovered automatically from money subsequently received in the customer’s M-Pesa account, subject to the service’s repayment arrangements.

Customers should therefore check the applicable charges and their outstanding balances before relying on the facility repeatedly. Continued borrowing without timely repayment can leave less money available when funds enter their wallets.

For customers hoping to obtain a higher limit, Safaricom’s latest guidance points to two practical steps: continue using its services and use the official USSD menu to refresh the limit.

To check, dial *334#, select option 00 for Fuliza, choose “Refresh My Limit” and wait for the response message.

The key point is that the process allows customers to review their limits, but the decision to grant an increase remains subject to the relevant credit assessment. Safaricom has not promised that every customer who follows the steps will receive a higher amount.