Checking your M-PESA balance is quick, and one of the three ways costs nothing and needs no menu at all.
In the M-PESA app
Open the M-PESA app and your balance shows on the home screen (you may tap to reveal it). This is instant and free, which is the main reason to use the app over USSD for a quick check.
On the *334# menu
- Dial *334#.
- Choose My Account.
- Choose Show Balance.
- Enter your M-PESA PIN.
- Your balance is sent to you.
The USSD balance check works on any handset, not only a smartphone, which is why it is still the go-to for many people.
Read it off your last SMS
Every M-PESA confirmation SMS, for a send, a withdrawal, a paybill, prints your new M-PESA balance at the very end of the message. If you have transacted recently, you already have your balance without checking anything. Scroll to your last M-PESA SMS and read the last line.
A note on cost
If the balance looks wrong
If your balance is lower than you expected, the usual causes are a Fuliza auto-repayment (Fuliza takes what it is owed from any deposit before it reaches your wallet) or an M-Shwari or KCB M-PESA loan sweep. Check your last few SMS messages to see what was deducted.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my M-PESA balance?
Open the M-PESA app (free), or dial *334#, choose My Account, then Show Balance, and enter your PIN. Your last transaction SMS also prints your new balance at the end.
Does checking my M-PESA balance cost anything?
No. Checking in the M-PESA app is free, and the *334# balance check is also free. No legitimate service charges you to see your own balance.
Can I check my M-PESA balance without a smartphone?
Yes. The *334# USSD balance check works on any handset.
Why is my M-PESA balance lower than expected?
Usually a Fuliza auto-repayment or an M-Shwari or KCB M-PESA loan sweep took what was owed from a recent deposit. Check your last few SMS messages.
Resources
- For every M-PESA shortcut, see the M-PESA shortcodes guide.
- To find your own M-PESA number, see how to find your M-PESA number.