How to Buy Airtime from Safaricom to Airtel
In Kenya, Safaricom and Airtel are among the most popular mobile networks, and it’s not uncommon for someone to want to buy airtime for an Airtel line while using Safaricom’s M-PESA service. Fortunately, there are several ways you can buy Airtel airtime using Safaricom, including using USSD codes, Paybill numbers, and third-party services.
This article will guide you through all the possible ways to buy Airtel airtime using Safaricom. Whether you want to buy airtime for yourself or for someone else, we’ve got you covered.
Why Buy Airtel Airtime Using Safaricom?
Buying Airtel airtime with M-PESA offers convenience, especially if you are a Safaricom user who wants to top up an Airtel line. Here are some key advantages:
- Cross-network Convenience: Easily purchase airtime for Airtel without switching to a different SIM card.
- Multiple Payment Options: Use M-PESA’s Paybill, USSD codes, or other third-party services to complete the transaction.
- Instant Transactions: The airtime purchase is completed in real-time, allowing you to use the airtime immediately.
Methods to Buy Airtime from Safaricom to Airtel
Below are different methods for purchasing Airtel airtime using a Safaricom line:
1. Using USSD to Buy Airtel Airtime with M-PESA
One of the easiest ways to buy Airtel airtime using M-PESA is through USSD. This option is especially useful because it doesn’t require an internet connection and is simple to use.
Here’s how to transfer airtime from Safaricom to Airtel using USSD:
- *Dial 334# on your Safaricom line.
- Select “Lipa na M-PESA” from the options provided.
- Choose “Paybill” as your payment method.
- Enter the Paybill number 220220, which is commonly used for cross-network airtime purchases.
- Enter “Airtel” as the account number, or enter the Airtel phone number you wish to top up.
- Enter the amount of airtime you want to purchase.
- Confirm the transaction, and you will receive a confirmation message once the transaction is successful.
2. Paybill Procedure to Buy Airtel Airtime
Another convenient way to buy Airtel airtime from your Safaricom line is by using the M-PESA Paybill option. The Paybill feature on M-PESA makes it possible to pay bills and buy airtime across networks.
Follow these steps to buy Airtel airtime using Paybill:
- Open the M-PESA Menu on your phone.
- Select “Lipa na M-PESA”.
- Select “Paybill”.
- Enter Paybill Number 220220 (used for cross-network airtime purchases).
- Enter your Airtel phone number as the Account Number.
- Enter the amount you wish to purchase as airtime.
- Confirm all the details and press OK to complete the transaction.
Once the transaction is confirmed, the Airtel line will be topped up instantly.
3. Buying Airtel Airtime Using Third-Party Services
Besides using the USSD and Paybill methods, there are also third-party services that you can use to purchase Airtel airtime from your Safaricom line. These services often provide added convenience as they allow you to buy airtime for multiple networks in one place.
Some of the popular third-party services that you can use are:
- Pesapal: Pesapal is a well-known payment platform that allows users to buy mobile airtime across different networks in Kenya, including Airtel. To use Pesapal, simply go to their website or mobile app, enter your Airtel number, and select M-PESA as your payment method.
- MyAirtime: MyAirtime is another platform that allows users to buy mobile airtime across networks. You can top up your Airtel line using Safaricom M-PESA directly on their platform.
- JamboPay: JamboPay is a popular payments solution in Kenya that facilitates cross-network airtime purchases.
- Tingg: Tingg is another website that you can use to directly purchase airtime. The web interface has different amout options to chose from.
These platforms make it easier to recharge Airtel numbers using M-PESA without having to worry about Paybill numbers or USSD codes.
4. Common Paybill Numbers for Cross-Network Airtime Purchases
If you plan to buy Airtel airtime from Safaricom frequently, it’s important to be familiar with the common Paybill numbers used for these transactions.
- 220220: This Paybill number is often used for buying Airtel airtime using M-PESA.
- 220223: This is another Paybill number that can be used for purchasing Airtel airtime using Safaricom M-PESA.
| Paybill Number | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 220220 | Cross-network airtime purchase |
| 220223 | Airtel airtime purchase from M-PESA |
Advantages of Using M-PESA to Buy Airtel Airtime
Using M-PESA to buy Airtel airtime has several advantages:
- Convenience: You don’t need to switch SIM cards or even carry multiple phones. You can use one phone and a single SIM card to top up airtime across networks.
- Reliability: M-PESA is a reliable platform, and transactions are completed in real-time, meaning you get your airtime without any delays.
- Secure: M-PESA ensures secure transactions. You do not need to worry about your money getting lost or the airtime not being delivered.
- Cross-network Transactions: M-PESA makes it easy to handle cross-network transactions without additional fees or hurdles.
Step-by-Step Summary: How to Buy Airtel Airtime from Safaricom
Below is a summarized step-by-step guide for buying Airtel airtime from your Safaricom line:
- *Using USSD Code (334#)
- Dial *334# on your Safaricom line.
- Select “Lipa na M-PESA”.
- Choose “Paybill”.
- Use Paybill number 220220.
- Enter your Airtel phone number as the Account Number.
- Enter the desired airtime amount.
- Confirm the details and proceed.
- Using M-PESA Paybill
- Go to the M-PESA menu on your phone.
- Select “Lipa na M-PESA”, then “Paybill”.
- Enter Paybill number 220220.
- Use your Airtel number as the Account Number.
- Enter the airtime amount and confirm.
- Using Third-Party Services
- Visit platforms like Pesapal or MyAirtime.
- Enter your Airtel phone number.
- Select M-PESA as the payment method.
- Confirm and complete the transaction.
Important Tips When Buying Airtime from Safaricom to Airtel
- Double-check the Paybill Number: Always confirm the Paybill number to avoid sending money to the wrong service.
- Ensure Correct Phone Number: When buying airtime for someone else, make sure you enter the correct Airtel phone number.
- Use Reliable Platforms: Always use well-known and reliable platforms such as Pesapal and MyAirtime to avoid scams or errors.
Note: The airtime purchased will be delivered instantly, and you should receive a confirmation message from both M-PESA and Airtel.
FAQs on Buying Airtime from Safaricom to Airtel
1. Can I transfer airtime from Safaricom to Airtel directly?
No, you cannot transfer airtime directly from Safaricom to Airtel. However, you can use M-PESA to buy Airtel airtime.
2. Which Paybill number is commonly used to buy Airtel airtime from Safaricom?
The commonly used Paybill number for buying Airtel airtime from Safaricom is 220220.
3. Can I buy Airtel airtime using the M-PESA app?
Yes, you can use the M-PESA app to buy Airtel airtime. Simply follow the same steps as you would using USSD.
4. Are there any charges when buying Airtel airtime with M-PESA?
There are no additional charges for buying Airtel airtime with M-PESA, but standard M-PESA transaction fees may apply depending on the amount you are transacting.
5. How long does it take to receive Airtel airtime after purchasing through M-PESA?
The airtime is delivered instantly after you confirm the transaction.
Conclusion
Buying Airtel airtime from Safaricom has never been easier. You can choose to use the USSD code, M-PESA Paybill, or reliable third-party services to complete the transaction. This cross-network airtime purchase ensures that you stay connected, regardless of which network you use the most.
Whether it’s for yourself or someone else, you can follow these easy steps to buy Airtel airtime with M-PESA. Just ensure that you enter the correct Paybill number, Airtel number, and amount to avoid any issues.
Now that you know how to buy Airtel airtime from Safaricom, you can enjoy seamless and convenient top-ups across networks whenever you need them.
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