If you have unused Safaricom or Airtel airtime and would rather have the money in your M-Pesa account, there are several third-party services in Kenya that covers airtime-to-cash conversion.
This can also be useful when you accidentally purchase too much airtime, receive airtime that you don’t need, or simply want to turn excess airtime into spendable M-Pesa funds.
Based on the five apps that are considered best for Kenyans , this guide looks at Airtime Swap, Airtime 2 Pesa, CredoPesa, OLICKHOM and BambaSwap.
Important: Airtime-to-cash conversion is generally provided by third-party services rather than being a standard M-Pesa feature. Conversion services normally deduct a percentage of the airtime value, so you should always check the amount you will receive before confirming a transaction.
Quick Comparison: 5 Airtime-to-Cash Apps in Kenya
| App | Main service | Network information | Reported conversion/cash-back |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airtime Swap | Airtime to M-Pesa | Safaricom & Airtel | Website advertises about 80% |
| Airtime 2 Pesa | Airtime to M-Pesa | Safaricom | App advertises fast conversion |
| CredoPesa | Airtime to M-Pesa | Safaricom currently | 70% according to its website |
| OLICKHOM | Airtime to M-Pesa | Safaricom & Airtel | 75% Safaricom according to its website |
| BambaSwap | Airtime to M-Pesa | Safaricom | 70% according to its website |
Rates can change, so the amount displayed by the service immediately before you complete the swap should be treated as the relevant rate.
1. Airtime Swap
Airtime Swap is one of the apps appearing at the top of the screenshot you provided. Its stated purpose is to allow users to turn excess airtime into cash deposited to M-Pesa.
The app is listed on Google Play under Campus Vibe Kenya and currently has more than 50,000 downloads. Its Play Store listing says it converts excess airtime to cash loaded to M-Pesa and was updated in September 2026.
The service’s website currently advertises conversion of Safaricom and Airtel airtime to M-Pesa at an advertised rate of 80%.
Key features
- Convert airtime to M-Pesa
- Supports Safaricom and Airtel according to its website
- Advertises approximately 80% conversion
- Online/app-based service
- Designed for unused or excess airtime
- Advertises fast processing
How Airtime Swap works
The general process is:
- Open the Airtime Swap service.
- Select the relevant mobile network.
- Enter the airtime amount.
- Check the amount of M-Pesa you will receive.
- Follow the instructions provided by the service.
- Complete the airtime transfer.
- Wait for the M-Pesa payment.
The service says its conversion can be completed within seconds, although actual processing can vary.
Example
If a service is offering an 80% rate, KSh1,000 of airtime would theoretically produce approximately KSh800 in M-Pesa before considering any additional terms.
Always rely on the final amount displayed by the service rather than calculating from an advertised rate.
Illustration
Airtime Swap → Airtime → Conversion → M-Pesa
Illustration included in the downloadable five-app graphic below.
2. Airtime 2 Pesa
Airtime 2 Pesa is another application shown in your screenshot. It is designed around converting Safaricom airtime into M-Pesa cash.
Its current Google Play listing describes it as an airtime-to-cash conversion application and advertises conversion of Safaricom airtime to M-Pesa. It also lists other services including discounted airtime, data bundles, Bonga Points conversion and M-Pesa float purchases.
Interestingly, the current Play Store listing differs from the rating visible in the screenshot you supplied. The current listing shows 3.0 stars from about 1.48K reviews and 100K+ downloads, with the app updated in July 2026.
That is a good reminder that Google Play ratings can change over time.
Airtime 2 Pesa features
- Convert Safaricom airtime to M-Pesa
- Buy discounted airtime
- Purchase data bundles
- Convert Bonga Points
- M-Pesa float-related services
- Mobile application access
The developer advertises very fast processing, but users should still confirm the actual conversion rate and transaction conditions before submitting airtime.
How to use Airtime 2 Pesa
The basic process advertised by the app is:
- Open the application.
- Select the airtime-to-M-Pesa option.
- Enter the amount of airtime.
- Review the cash amount offered.
- Follow the instructions provided.
- Complete the airtime transfer.
- Check your M-Pesa account.
Is Airtime 2 Pesa legit?
The fact that an application is available on Google Play does not by itself guarantee that every transaction will be successful or that users will have no problems.
Before using it, check:
- Current Google Play reviews.
- Developer information.
- Current conversion rate.
- Support contacts.
- Transaction limits.
- Whether your network is supported.
- The exact amount you will receive.
3. CredoPesa
is another prominent name in the airtime-to-cash space.
CredoPesa currently operates through its website, mobile application and USSD service. Its website says users can convert airtime to M-Pesa in under one minute and can also redeem eligible Bonga Points.
The current CredoPesa website states that its airtime conversion fee is 30%, meaning the customer receives 70% of the airtime value in cash. It currently says that Safaricom airtime is supported, with Airtel and Telkom support planned.
CredoPesa rates
According to the service’s current information:
- Conversion fee: 30%
- Cash received: 70%
- Minimum conversion: KSh20
- Maximum conversion: KSh8,000
- Current supported network: Safaricom
For example, if you converted KSh1,000 worth of airtime at a 70% cash-back rate, you would receive approximately KSh700.
The exact amount should always be confirmed before the transaction.
How to convert airtime using CredoPesa
CredoPesa provides several access methods.
Option 1: Use the app
- Open CredoPesa.
- Select Convert Airtime.
- Enter the airtime amount.
- Follow the instructions.
- Complete the airtime transfer.
- Receive the M-Pesa payment.
Option 2: Use USSD
CredoPesa currently advertises *702*88# as its USSD access method.
This can be particularly useful for people who do not want to rely entirely on a smartphone application.
Other CredoPesa services
Besides airtime conversion, the platform advertises:
- Bonga Points to M-Pesa
- Discounted airtime
- Data bundles
- Transaction history
- Referral services
Its current Google Play listing shows 100K+ downloads and about 4.5 stars from approximately 1.05K reviews.
4. OLICKHOM – Airtime to M-Pesa
is another established name appearing in your screenshot.
OLICKHOM says users can convert Safaricom or Airtel airtime into M-Pesa through its application, website or USSD channels.
The service currently lists *702*55# and *658*58# as USSD access options.
OLICKHOM Safaricom conversion rate
According to the current OLICKHOM website, the service offers 75% cash-back for Safaricom airtime.
For example:
| Airtime | Approx. cash at 75% |
|---|---|
| KSh100 | KSh75 |
| KSh500 | KSh375 |
| KSh1,000 | KSh750 |
| KSh2,000 | KSh1,500 |
| KSh5,000 | KSh3,750 |
These are illustrative calculations based on the advertised 75% rate; the actual amount displayed during a transaction should be checked first.
How to convert airtime using OLICKHOM
According to OLICKHOM’s instructions:
- Open the OLICKHOM app or dial its USSD.
- Select Convert Airtime to M-Pesa.
- Enter the number containing the airtime.
- Enter the M-Pesa receiving number.
- Enter the amount.
- Review the amount you will receive.
- Follow the supplied instructions to transfer the airtime.
- Wait for the M-Pesa confirmation.
OLICKHOM says the service can be accessed through both the app and USSD, which makes it convenient for users without smartphones.
Other OLICKHOM services
The platform also advertises:
- Airtime purchases
- Airtel airtime
- Bundles
- Bonga Points conversion
- Agent services
- Bulk SMS
- Merchant services
- Electronics and other digital services
The current Google Play listing shows 50K+ downloads for the OLICKHOM app.
5. BambaSwap – Airtime to M-Pesa
is another service shown in your screenshot.
BambaSwap specifically markets itself as an airtime-to-M-Pesa conversion service. Its website says users can exchange eligible Safaricom airtime for M-Pesa cash.
BambaSwap conversion rate
BambaSwap currently states that its conversion fee is 30%, meaning customers receive 70% of the airtime value in M-Pesa.
For example:
- KSh100 airtime → about KSh70
- KSh500 airtime → about KSh350
- KSh1,000 airtime → about KSh700
- KSh5,000 airtime → about KSh3,500
BambaSwap’s FAQ currently gives a minimum conversion amount of KSh150 and maximum of KSh5,000, although another page on its site displays KSh50 as a minimum. Because of this discrepancy, users should check the amount accepted on the actual conversion page before proceeding.
How BambaSwap works
The service describes the process as:
- Visit BambaSwap or open the app.
- Select Convert Airtime to Cash.
- Enter your Safaricom airtime amount.
- Enter the phone number holding the airtime.
- Review the expected M-Pesa amount.
- Follow the instructions.
- Receive the M-Pesa payment.
BambaSwap says its service operates 24/7 and that conversions can take less than a minute.
Which Is the Best App to Convert Airtime to Cash?
There isn’t necessarily one best service for everyone.
Your choice should depend on conversion rate, supported network, transaction limits, speed and current user experience.
Best for advertised conversion rate
Airtime Swap currently advertises an approximately 80% rate on its website, although users should confirm the rate at the time of conversion.
Best for multiple access options
OLICKHOM provides an app, website and USSD options, and supports Safaricom and Airtel according to its current website.
Best for additional digital services
CredoPesa offers airtime conversion alongside Bonga Points redemption, discounted airtime and data-related services.
Best-known dedicated conversion option
BambaSwap has been operating as an airtime-to-M-Pesa service for several years and currently advertises 70% cash-back.
Important point about ratings
The ratings in your supplied screenshot should not automatically be treated as the current ratings. For example, the current Google Play listing for Airtime 2 Pesa shows a different rating from the one visible in the screenshot.
Airtime-to-M-Pesa Conversion Example
Suppose you accidentally buy KSh2,000 airtime and want to turn it into M-Pesa.
If a service offers:
| Advertised cash-back | Airtime | Approx. M-Pesa |
|---|---|---|
| 80% | KSh2,000 | KSh1,600 |
| 75% | KSh2,000 | KSh1,500 |
| 70% | KSh2,000 | KSh1,400 |
The difference can be significant.
That’s why you should compare the final amount offered by the services before sending your airtime.
Things to Check Before Converting Airtime to Cash
1. Check the conversion rate
Don’t assume that KSh1,000 airtime equals KSh1,000 M-Pesa.
Airtime conversion services normally retain a percentage as their fee or margin.
2. Start with a small amount
If you’re using a service for the first time, consider testing a small amount before attempting to convert a large airtime balance.
3. Verify the receiving number
Double-check the M-Pesa number before completing the transaction.
4. Never disclose your M-Pesa PIN
A legitimate transaction should not require you to disclose your private M-Pesa PIN to another person.
Never send your:
- M-Pesa PIN
- OTP
- Full banking credentials
- Account passwords
to someone claiming to be customer support.
5. Check the developer
When downloading an app, make sure you are installing the correct application. Look at the developer name, download history, reviews and support information.
6. Watch out for fake WhatsApp agents
Airtime-to-cash scams can involve people asking users to send airtime first and then disappearing.
BambaSwap itself has published warnings about fraudulent airtime-to-cash operators and advises users to be cautious about offers that appear too good to be true.
Is Converting Airtime to Cash the Same as Reversing Airtime?
No.
Airtime conversion is different from an official telecom reversal.
When you use an airtime-to-M-Pesa service, you are essentially selling or exchanging airtime through a third-party platform in return for M-Pesa.
For example:
KSh1,000 airtime → third-party converter → approximately KSh700–KSh800 M-Pesa
The difference represents the service’s conversion cost/rate.
What Happens If You Accidentally Buy Too Much Airtime?
If you accidentally purchase a large amount of airtime, don’t immediately send it to an unknown person offering to convert it.
Instead:
- Check whether the original transaction can be resolved through the provider you used to purchase the airtime.
- If conversion is necessary, compare established services.
- Check the current conversion amount.
- Test the service with a small amount.
- Keep transaction confirmations.
- Contact official customer support if the transaction doesn’t complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert airtime to M-Pesa in Kenya?
Yes. Several third-party services advertise the ability to exchange airtime for M-Pesa cash, including the five services discussed in this article.
Which networks can be converted?
This depends on the service. Airtime Swap currently advertises Safaricom and Airtel, while CredoPesa and BambaSwap currently state that they accept Safaricom airtime. OLICKHOM advertises Safaricom and Airtel conversion.
How much money do I get from KSh1,000 airtime?
It depends on the service’s current rate. Based on currently advertised rates, it could be approximately KSh700, KSh750 or KSh800, depending on the platform and transaction terms.
Can I convert Airtel airtime to M-Pesa?
Some services advertise Airtel support. Airtime Swap and OLICKHOM currently advertise Airtel airtime conversion, while other services may currently be Safaricom-only.
Does airtime conversion have a fee?
Yes, the conversion rate normally means you receive less cash than the face value of the airtime. For example, CredoPesa and BambaSwap currently state a 30% conversion charge, resulting in 70% cash-back.
Can I convert KSh10,000 airtime?
Not necessarily. Each platform has its own limits. For example, CredoPesa currently states a maximum of KSh8,000, while BambaSwap states a maximum of KSh5,000 on its FAQ.
Are these apps official Safaricom apps?
No. These are third-party services. Users should therefore independently verify the application and carefully review its terms before sending airtime.
Final Verdict
The five apps in your screenshot provide several options for Kenyans looking to convert unused airtime into M-Pesa cash in 2026.
Airtime Swap stands out for its currently advertised 80% rate and Safaricom/Airtel support. Airtime 2 Pesa focuses on Safaricom airtime conversion and has additional digital services. CredoPesa combines airtime conversion with Bonga Points and discounted airtime services. OLICKHOM offers app, website and USSD access and supports multiple networks. BambaSwap remains another dedicated airtime-to-M-Pesa option with a currently advertised 70% cash-back rate.
The most important thing is not simply choosing the app with the highest advertised percentage. Check the live conversion rate, minimum/maximum amount, supported network and current reviews before making the transaction.