Netflix is not just a household name in Kenya; it is also the preferred streaming platform globally, attracting an audience of 282.68 million active users. Despite the growing number of video-on-demand streaming platforms in Kenya, from Viusasa to Showmax, Netflix still remains the popular streaming giant in the country. It is unlikely that you have never heard of its name, but if you have been using Netflix or perhaps want to join the bandwagon, understanding how to pay for your subscription is essential.
When it comes to paying for Netflix, you may know it, but it is actually to pay for your current plan using M-Pesa. However, it is not confusing to use a pay bill number as there is no Netflix Paybill number, and the platform has yet to integrate direct M-Pesa payment methods, which permit you to pay via a prompt on your phone. Instead, when it comes to paying for Netflix using M-Pesa, the only way to do so is by using a virtual card such as an M-Pesa Global card (Visa Card). If you aren’t familiar with the process, however, don’t worry. This guide has all the steps that you need to follow. So, let us find out.
What is Netflix
Netflix is an American streaming platform that was founded on August 29, 1997, by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph as a mail-order DVD rental service. However, it was not until 2007 that Netflix launched its Subscription as a video-on-demand platform. This has allowed subscribers to watch content on more and more devices, such as computers, phones, consoles, and TVs.
Since then, despite not being the first to venture into streaming, thanks to an aggressive business model and a rich catalog, Netflix has established itself in the sector. In 2016, the service officially arrived in Kenya and many other sub-African countries, and since then, the platform has become a go-to streaming platform for accessing quality entertainment.
How Much Do Netflix Subscriptions Cost?
Before we dive into the how of paying your current subscription, understanding all the Netlfix packages in Kenya and their respective process is essential that you pay for what matches your current play. Netflix offers four different streaming plans : Mobile , Basic, Standard , and Premium as follows:
| Plan | Price (KES/Month) | Devices Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | 200 | 1 |
| Basic | 300 | 1 |
| Standard | 700 | 2 |
| Premium | 1,100 | 4 |
How to Pay for Netflix Using M-Pesa Global
Since its launch by Safaricom, M-Pesa Global, also popularly known as M-Pesa Vis card, has become an easy solution for Kenyans who want to purchase various products online without using their Bank Cards. As you guessed, you can also use it to pay for your Netflix account. Here is how in 4 simple steps:
Step 1: Activate M-Pesa GlobalPay
If you already have an M-Pesa Visa card activated, that is good for you, but if you don’t have one, you must be sure that you get one in order, and we can continue with the rest of the process. Luckly enough, Safaricom, through the M-Pesa app ( available for both Android and iPhones on respective stores), has made it easier for anyone to register so long as they have an active M-Pesa account.
Download the app, sign in, go to the Financial section, search on Global Pay, and follow the instructions on-screen to get your card ready. At the end, you will receive a unique 16-digit number, an expiry date, and a CVV—just like a physical card ( Make sure to have these details down as we will use them later on, to pay for your plan)
Step 2: Choose Your Netflix Plan
If you have a Netflix account, you can proceed to Skip these steps, but if you don’t during the Registration process, make sure to select Netflix Plan, which I believe we had discussed earlier; as a reminder, Netflix in Kenya offers four plans as follows:
- Mobile Plan (KSh 200/month)
- Basic Plan (KSh 300/month)
- Standard Plan (KSh 700/month)
- Premium Plan (KSh 1,100/month)
Step 3: Link GlobalPay to Netflix
Log in to your Netflix account, go to “Payment Method,” and enter your virtual Visa card details. Make sure to enable “Repeat Payments” to avoid interruptions in your subscription. Once linked, your payment will be processed instantly, and your Netflix access will be activated immediately.
Step 4: Enjoy Uninterrupted Streaming
So long as the Repeat Payments mode is enabled in M-Pesa Global at the end of each month, your subscription will renew automatically, provided you have enough outstanding balance to cover the plan you are currently subscribed to.
Alternative Method( Using Paying via PayPal )
While we recommend that you stick to M-Pesa to pay for your Netflix package, PayPal is another reliable option if you don’t prefer this method. The first step to using this route is to ensure that you have an active PayPal account directly linked to your M-Pesa account. You can use the Paypal M-Pesa website to link both accounts.
Once your account is set up, you’ll need to fund it using the Paypal pay bill number 800088. Then, follow the prompts to transfer funds from your M-Pesa wallet to PayPal.However, if you are going to use this method, please note that PayPal charges a small fee for currency conversion and transactions, the same as M-Pesa.
To Pay for Netflix using PayPal, log in to your Netflix account, go to the “Payment” section, select PayPal as your payment method, and wait for the transaction to go through. You will be reconnected as soon as possible.
