Airtel Money Kenya has added bank-to-wallet transactions to its ‘Rudishiwa’ cashback campaign. Users will now get back 50% of the transaction fee as airtime, which can be used to buy data without expiry.
This update builds on earlier ‘Rudishiwa’ offers covering Paybill payments and agent withdrawals. It comes as Airtel tries to deepen customer loyalty by reducing the friction of mobile money fees, especially at a time when many users rely on transfers from bank accounts to fund daily mobile money use.
The offer applies to all transfers done via mobile banking apps, USSD, or internet banking across partnered banks. There’s no opt-in or subscription required.
The campaign first launched in 2023 with airtime refunds for agent withdrawals. In 2024, Airtel extended it to Paybill transactions, including utility payments (KPLC, water) and services on platforms like eCitizen.
The bank transfer cashback now targets the growing number of users who top up their mobile money wallets directly from bank accounts. Airtel says its system upgrade will support smoother performance across these use cases.
With over 110,000 agents, including retail partnerships with Naivas and major banks, Airtel is competing for wallet share in a mobile money market still dominated by Safaricom’s M-PESA. Airtel’s current daily limits range from KES 50 to KES 500,000.
Users on Airtel’s ‘Smarta Bundles’ continue to get a full refund—100%—on transaction fees, covering withdrawals, Paybills, and bank transfers.
The cashback is only offered in airtime, not cash.
