Have you ever found yourself in a tight financial spot where you needed a quick loan but didn’t know where to turn?
Or perhaps you’ve been saving up for a particular purchase, only to have an unexpected expense drain your account? The stress and anxiety of these situations can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling helpless and alone.
But what if I told you there was a solution that could help ease your financial worries and provide a mobile saving option?
Enter Mshwari, a revolutionary mobile banking service that has transformed how Kenyans manage their finances.
In this blog post, we’ll explore M-shwari, how it works, and the convenience it provides for those who use it.
How M-shwari Works
M-shwari is a mobile banking and savings solution that enables you to access financial services through your mobile phone. This innovative financial product allows you to save and borrow money while earning interest on saved funds.
It’s a collaboration between M-Pesa and the NCBA Bank, which has taken the Kenyan market by storm.
Mobile Banking
To join M-shwari, you must go to your M-PESA menu, select “My Account,” and “Update menu.” After that, navigate to the Loans and Savings section, select Mshwari, click “activate account,” and accept the terms and conditions.
Once your account is active, you can access various financial services such as depositing and withdrawing funds, transferring money to other users, and checking your account balance.
M-shwari offers a simplified mobile banking experience, allowing you to manage your finances efficiently. You can access your account anytime, and transactions are usually instant.
This means you can quickly pay bills, transfer funds, or access loans without a traditional bank account.
Savings
M-shwari offers a unique savings solution called the Lock Savings Account. There is no minimum savings requirement, and you are not charged any fees for this account. You can set your preferred savings goals and a timeline for achieving them, ensuring you remain committed to your financial objectives.
The Lock Savings Account lets you earn interest on your savings, allowing your money to work for you.
Moreover, funds saved in this account are protected from impulsive spending or potential theft, ensuring you stay on track to meet your financial goals.
Microloans
M-Shwari also offers microloans that enable customers to access credit from Kshs. 1,000 upwards at a 7.5% interest rate. These loans are available instantly, providing a convenient solution for unexpected expenses or business needs. The microloans feature caters to individuals with limited access to traditional banking services.
To apply for a microloan, you must have a good repayment history and an active M-PESA account.
Your M-PESA transaction history and M-Shwari savings record will determine the loan amount. Once your loan application is approved, the funds will be directly deposited into your M-Shwari account, and you can access them immediately.
How to Open An M-shwari Account
Eligibility
To open an M-shwari account, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Be a registered Safaricom Subscriber
- Be a registered Safaricom M-PESA customer
- Have an active Safaricom M-PESA account/line
Registration Process
Follow these simple steps to open your M-shwari account:
- Go to your M-PESA menu on your mobile phone
- Select “My account” and then “Update menu.”
- After the update, go back to your M-PESA menu
- Select Loans and Savings, then choose Mshwari
- Click on activate account and accept the terms and conditions
Remember to keep your personal information and PIN secure to avoid unauthorized access to your M-Shwari account.
Managing Your M-shwari Account
How to Deposit Funds to Mshwari
To deposit money into your M-Shwari account, follow these steps:
- Go to your M-PESA menu and select Loans and Savings
- Click on M-shwari
- Click on the Send To M-shwari option
- Choose the amount you want to deposit
- Enter your mpesa PIN, and the funds will be deposited from your M-pesa account to your M-shwari wallet.
You will receive a confirmation SMS shortly after.
How to Withdraw Funds from M-shwari
Withdrawing funds from your M-Shwari account is simple:
- Go to your M-PESA menu and select Loans and Savings
- Click on M-shwari
- Click on the Withdraw from M-shwari option
- Choose the amount you want to withdraw
- Enter your mpesa PIN, and confirm the transaction.
You will get an SMS confirmation for the withdrawal.
Saving Options and Interest Calculations
M-Shwari offers a Lock Savings Account with no minimum savings and no charges. With this account, you can set a target savings goal, choose the duration, and enjoy attractive interest rates based on your savings balance.
Aside from savings in your Lock account, M-shwari savings also accrue interest. Below is a chart illustrating the interest rates you get to enjoy depending on how you choose to save.
M-shwari Interest Rates
| Customer Saving Amount | M-shwari Interest Rate |
| KSHS 1-20,000 | 3% P.A |
| Ksh 20,0001 – 50,000 | 4% P.A |
| > Ksh 50,001 | 5% P.A |
Lock Savings Account
| Customer Saving Amount | Lock Saving Interest Rate |
| Ksh 1-20,000 | 3% P.A |
| Ksh 20,001 – 50,000 | 5% P.A |
| > Ksh 50,001 | 5% P.A |
How to Check Your M-shwari Account Balance
Checking your M-Shwari account balance is easy:
- Navigate to your M-PESA menu and select M-Shwari
- Click on Loan and Savings
- Choose M-Shwari Account
- Enter your PIN and confirm your request
Your account balance will be displayed on your screen, and you’ll receive an SMS notification.
Benefits and Impact of M-shwari
Financial inclusion and access to banking services
M-shwari enables you to access banking services through your M-PESA account, saving as little as Kshs.1 and accessing credit from Kshs. 1,000. This is especially beneficial in regions with limited physical bank branches.
Encouraging a savings culture
M-shwari offers interest on your savings, ranging from two percent to five percent. This encourages you to save more, creating a savings culture and promoting financial growth.
Empowering Micro-Entrepreneurs and small businesses
With M-shwari, micro-entrepreneurs and small business owners as you can easily access loans. This allows you to invest in your business without the need for traditional credit processes from banks.
Final Take on M-shwari
M-Shwari is revolutionizing mobile banking in Kenya, bridging the gap between traditional and digital banking. It provides accessible savings and loan options, fostering financial inclusion and supporting economic growth.
With its user-friendly platform, M-Shwari is not just a tool; it’s a catalyst for change, setting a global benchmark in the financial landscape.
