NCBA Bank has introduced free PesaLink transfers of up to KES 1,000 through its NCBA NOW App, while transactions above that amount will attract a flat KES 20 fee.
The revised pricing replaces multiple transaction bands with a simpler structure designed to make interbank transfers more predictable for customers.
Under the new model, a customer sending KES 1,000 or less pays nothing, while any transfer above KES 1,000 costs KES 20. Transfers between NCBA accounts remain free.
PesaLink enables customers to move money instantly between accounts held at participating banks in Kenya. Through the NCBA NOW App, customers can transfer as much as KES 999,999 in real time.
The pricing change comes as Kenyan banks seek to make digital account-to-account payments more competitive and affordable. Lower charges on small-value transfers could also encourage customers to use bank accounts more frequently for everyday payments, including sending money to family, paying suppliers and settling bills.
“Customers can now transact with greater confidence, knowing exactly what the transfer will cost,” Dennis Njau, Group Director, Retail Banking at NCBA, said.
The new structure gives customers a clear cost advantage on smaller transfers. A KES 500 PesaLink transaction is now free, while a KES 10,000 transfer costs KES 20.
NCBA said the move is part of its broader strategy to improve the affordability, convenience and security of digital banking as more customers shift routine transactions away from traditional banking channels.
The bank expects the simplified pricing to drive greater adoption of PesaLink and digital payments, particularly among customers making frequent low-value interbank transfers.