In the digital age, urgent financial needs can strike at any moment, and traditional banking methods may not provide the swift assistance required. The introduction of mobile loan services in Kenya has revolutionized accessibility to quick loans. With minimal requirements compared to conventional banks, these services offer faster and more convenient solutions for various financial necessities. Here’s an overview of some reliable mobile loan services available in Kenya as of 2025, each designed to help you access funds quickly and with minimal hassle.
1. SC JUZA by Standard Chartered
SC JUZA, developed by Standard Chartered, is a mobile app that empowers Kenyans to access loans of up to Ksh. 100,000 without the complexities associated with traditional loans. The process begins by downloading the SC JUZA app from the Google Play Store. Upon registration, users need to provide their personal information and Safaricom mobile number. This seamless integration with Safaricom ensures a user-friendly experience tailored to everyday financial needs.
The app charges an interest rate of 1.60% per month, with a processing fee of Ksh. 5.50%. The maximum loan duration is 61 days, and an additional service fee of 5.5% is applicable for loans not repaid within the first 30 days. This innovative service aims to make borrowing simpler, reflecting Standard Chartered’s initiative to meet the modern-day financial demands of Kenyans.
2. Branch
Branch, a for-profit company with a socially conscious mission, operates in San Francisco and Nairobi, offering quick loans through its Android app. Users can access Branch loans by downloading the app from the Google Play Store, filling out a form, and submitting it for a swift review. Branch utilizes existing social and transactional data from apps like M-PESA and Facebook to assess a user’s creditworthiness.
This unique approach enables Branch to evaluate daily expenditure, existing loans, and deposits, allowing users with limited digital footprints to start small and build their credit over time. Loan amounts range from Ksh. 250 to Ksh. 50,000 with repayment periods between two weeks and one month. Interest rates vary from 6% to 16%, decreasing as users establish a positive repayment history. Branch’s model promotes financial inclusivity and smarter borrowing practices.
3. KCB M-PESA
The KCB M-PESA account is a collaborative effort between Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Safaricom, providing a virtual mobile-based savings and loan facility. To activate the service, users can navigate through their M-PESA menu to the loans and savings option and select KCB M-PESA. The loan eligibility is influenced by the user’s M-PESA transaction history and savings within their KCB M-PESA account.
KCB M-PESA offers microloans ranging from Ksh. 50 to Ksh. 1 million with repayment periods of one, three, or six months. Interest rates depend on the repayment period, at 6% for one month, 5% for three months, and 4% for six months. This partnership blends the extensive reach of M-PESA with the reliability of KCB, enhancing financial accessibility for Kenyans.
4. M-Shwari
M-Shwari, launched in 2012 as a collaboration between CBA Bank and Safaricom, has become a widely adopted mobile loan service. To access M-Shwari, users need to navigate through their M-PESA menu, select the loans and savings option, and then choose M-SHWARI. Eligibility requires users to be over 18, have an active M-PESA account for at least six months, and update their M-PESA menu.
M-Shwari provides loans ranging from Ksh. 100 to Ksh. 20,000 with a 30-day repayment period and a 7.5% interest rate. Loans are disbursed via M-PESA and can be repaid through M-PESA or directly from the M-Shwari account. In cases of payment delays or defaults, a 7.5% facilitation fee is applied. M-Shwari’s seamless integration with M-PESA ensures a straightforward borrowing experience for millions of Kenyans.
5. Eazzy Loan by Equity Bank
Eazzy Loan, provided through Equitel by Equity Bank, represents a blend of traditional banking and modern digital solutions. To get started, users must open an Equity account and obtain an Equitel line. Loan applications can then be processed through the Equitel SIM toolkit by selecting the My Money option, followed by Loans, and following the provided prompts.
Eazzy Loan features flexible borrowing options with interest rates between 2% and 10% per month, depending on the loan amount. Loans range from Ksh. 1,000 to Ksh. 3 million, with repayment periods of up to 12 months. Delay in repayment incurs a 6% annual fee above the regular interest rates on the outstanding balance. Equity Bank’s robust financial infrastructure makes Eazzy Loan a reliable option for accessing quick funds.
6. Airtel M-Fanisi
M-Fanisi, offered to Airtel Money customers, presents a simple and effective mobile loan service. Registration is initiated by dialing *334#, selecting Loans, and then choosing M-Fanisi. This service provides loans repayable in 7, 14, or 30 days, with respective interest rates of 4%, 6%, and 10%, plus applicable excise duties on fees.
In addition to loans, M-Fanisi users can open fixed deposit accounts with interest rates ranging from 8.50% to 11.25% per annum, depending on the deposit duration. Savings accounts yield an annual interest rate of 7%. The ability to easily transfer funds between M-Fanisi and Airtel Money without additional charges enhances the service’s appeal. M-Fanisi caters to immediate financial needs while promoting savings and investment.
7. Loop by NCBA
Launched by Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA), now NCBA, in March 2017, Loop has evolved to include loans and overdrafts. Loop users can register by downloading the Android app or iOS app, or by visiting the Loop website. Loans of up to Ksh. 3 million and overdraft facilities up to Ksh. 100,000 are available.
Loan repayment periods range from 6 to 36 months, with interest rates varying based on the customer’s credit profile. Loop’s comprehensive financial services, including savings and investment options, make it a versatile financial tool for the digitally savvy Kenyan. By integrating traditional banking principles with digital convenience, NCBA Loop provides an adaptable financial solution for a diverse user base.
8. Timiza
Timiza, introduced by Absa Bank Kenya (formerly Barclays Bank Kenya), offers a streamlined digital banking platform designed for micro-loans. Users can register for Timiza by dialing *848# on their Safaricom line or downloading the Timiza app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. This service offers loans of up to Ksh. 150,000.
Loan eligibility is determined by the customer’s M-PESA transaction history, with a 6.17% charge on the loan amount (5% processing fee and 1.17% interest). The borrowed amount is repayable within 30 days. Timiza aims to provide quick financial relief for various needs, leveraging the extensive mobile network to ensure accessibility for many Kenyans.
9. Whizz
Housing Finance (HF) has also entered the digital loan market with its Whizz product. Customers can register by downloading the Whizz app from the Google Play Store. Whizz provides loans up to Ksh. 50,000, which are subject to an interest rate of 7.725%.
These loans must be repaid within 30 days, making Whizz an excellent option for short-term borrowing needs. Designed with user-friendliness in mind, Whizz aims to streamline loan processes, making it easier for users to obtain funds without the administrative burdens typically associated with traditional loans.
10. Airtel Kopa Cash
Kopa Cash, another service for Airtel Kenya customers, simplifies the loan application process. To qualify for Kopa Cash, customers must be Airtel subscribers for at least 90 days, have a registered Airtel Money account, and be active users of Airtel services like airtime, SMS, and data.
To access Kopa Cash, users dial *334#, select Loans, and choose Kopa Cash. This straightforward method ensures that Airtel customers can quickly obtain loans based on their usage history, providing a practical solution for urgent financial needs.
11. Little Pesa
Little Pesa caters to salaried employees by offering short-term loans through its mobile app. Users download the app from the Google Play Store, create an account using their Safaricom number, and provide necessary documents such as an ID copy and payslip. Once submitted, Little Pesa reviews the application and sets loan limits.
The service offers loans repayable over 7, 15, or 30 days, with interest rates of 4%, 6%, and 8% respectively. Loan limits are typically 30% to 50% of the employee’s net pay, capped at Ksh. 100,000. Little Pesa’s efficient approach ensures that salaried workers have access to necessary funds rapidly.
12. Tala
Tala is another prominent mobile loan service that requires Android users to download the app and create an account. After answering a few questions to determine eligibility, Tala reviews the user’s M-PESA transaction history to conduct a risk analysis.
Approved loans are sent via M-PESA, with repayment options including two installments within a month or a single payment at the month’s end. Interest rates vary between 11% and 15%, depending on the loan amount. Tala’s approach to evaluating digital transaction patterns helps ensure fair access to short-term loans for many Kenyans.
13. Safaricom Fuliza
Fuliza, though technically an overdraft facility linked to M-PESA, functions similarly to a short-term loan. Users can complete M-PESA transactions even with insufficient funds by signing up via the MySafaricom app or by dialing *243#.
The loan amounts depend on M-PESA usage patterns. Fuliza allows users to pay bills and purchase goods without delays due to lack of funds. The charges include a 1% access fee and a daily maintenance fee on the outstanding balance, ranging from Ksh. 2 to Ksh. 30 per day depending on the loan amount. The swift access to funds and flexible repayment options make Fuliza a vital financial tool.
14. Pesa iko MCo-opCash Salary Loan by Co-op Bank
The MCo-opCash Salary Loan service by Co-op Bank is tailored for customers receiving their salaries via Co-op Bank accounts. Users need to install the MCo-op Cash app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store or dial *667# on their phones.
Eligible customers can apply for loans up to 1.5 times their net salary, with a maximum limit of Ksh. 200,000. The loans come with an 8% upfront fee, deducted before the loan is deposited. Repayment periods are either one or three months, making this service suitable for salary-based financial planning.
15. NCBA Bank Mobile Loans
NCBA Bank Kenya provides mobile loan services to its customers through the NCBA NOW App and USSD. To qualify, customers must register for mobile banking services at an NCBA Bank branch. Loans can be accessed by dialing *488# or using the NCBA NOW App available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
NCBA mobile loans require a minimum balance of Ksh. 1,000, with loan amounts starting at Ksh. 1,000. Interest rates for these loans are 1.083% per month, plus a 4% processing fee. The loans are repayable within 30 days, offering a flexible and accessible borrowing option.
16. Family Bank PesaPap Loans
Family Bank’s PesaPap Wallet enables both customers and non-customers to access instant mobile loans. Users can register by dialing *325# or logging into the PesaPap App to open a PesaPap wallet. From the menu, users select My Loans, check their loan limit, and enter their MPIN to submit a loan request.
PesaPap Wallet loans incur a 6.62% facility fee, charged upfront. The app is available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, ensuring widespread accessibility. The service provides a practical and efficient solution for quick financial assistance, reflecting Family Bank’s commitment to innovation in the banking sector.
These diverse mobile loan services each offer unique features and serve different segments of the Kenyan population. Whether aimed at salaried employees, small business owners, or individuals with varying digital footprints, these quick loan options in Kenya make it easier for people to manage their finances and meet urgent needs effectively.
