So, how can you withdraw money from PayPal?
This post keeps getting updated and gives you current and most accurate information on how withdrawal from PayPal is done.
The Problem
A few years ago, PayPal withdrawal was one of the toughest things for most freelancers to get by.
Many clients and freelancing websites pay by PayPal. Therefore, getting this cash from the internet to M-Pesa, local bank account or a Kenyan ATM was a real struggle.
But things have just kept getting easier over the years.
This post will help protect you from scammers while directing you to Kenya’s most trusted PayPal withdrawal options.
The Truth
There are three real methods that you can use to withdraw money from PayPal in Kenya. These are:
- Equity Bank
- Payoneer – A trusted method that no longer works for new applications
- PayPal to M-Pesa
The only direct withdrawal method is withdrawing through Payoneer, the rest are all indirect.
Let’s now check out the viable options you have…
1. Getting Money from PayPal to your Equity Bank account
Equity Bank is currently one of the slowest options for withdrawing PayPal cash. It takes 3 days to get the cash in your bank account. However, it can be convenient for those who receive bigger payments e.g. $1,500+.
If you have a local dollar account, you can receive the money there, withdraw in dollars, then exchange the dollars at good exchange rates from a forex bureu.
You can still perfectly use it to receive money to your KES bank account.
For more about Equity PayPal withdrawal, click here.
2. Using the official PayPal to M-Pesa Service
There’s an official collaboration between PayPal, Safaricom and TransferTo. Check it out here. This came in April 2018 and was an answered prayer to most Kenyans.
You can use this method to send money from PayPal to M-Pesa. Or from M-Pesa to PayPal.
Transactions take between a few minutes and 3 days to complete. Smaller amounts ($200 and below) take minutes (even one minute in some instances). The system shows you how long it will take to process each transaction.
Read: How to Officially Withdraw from PayPal to M-Pesa
3. How to Withdraw Money from PayPal using Payoneer
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, this method was stopped by PayPal in 2014. It no longer works for new applications. People who were using it earlier can still continue using it.
Payoneer is a friendly payment processor that is accepted by many freelancing websites and online payment platforms.
Even PayPal itself used to accept it. It is the most trusted and ONLY method of withdrawing PayPal money directly. Here, I mean that you withdraw by going to PayPal and clicking “Withdraw”. The M-Pesa and Equity Bank methods are all handled by separate sites.
When you receive the cash in your Payoneer account, you can withdraw it from ATMs and banks worldwide, including here in Kenya.
Note that joining Payoneer through any of my affiliate links will earn you free $25 once your cumulative withdrawal adds up to $1,000. I’ll also receive a commission.
Currently, when you join Payoneer, you also automatically get the Global Payment Service. This is a fantastic service that you can use to receive money from different companies all over the world. For example, you’re given a US account number, just like a local US citizen would.
When US companies pay you using the Global Payment Service, the cash is deposited into your Payoneer account.
In case you already have a Payoneer account as you’re reading this and don’t have the Global Payment Service, simply send an email to Payoneer through their online contact form and they’ll get you sorted out real quick. You can also feel free to call or chat with them.
Once again, this PayPal withdrawal method was stopped in 2014 but Payoneer is still one of the best payment services. You can use it to receive money from your clients, without using PayPal.
Bottom line
All these methods are great for PayPal withdrawal in Kenya.
It may be advisable to have all these accounts ready since that way, if you have an emergency you can make a quick PayPal to M-Pesa withdrawal.
When withdrawing volumes of cash, you can use Equity Bank or Payoneer due to the low commissions. Remember PayPal to Payoneer no longer works for new applications.
The Equity option is also great for those who would want to access loans in future. You know how hard it is for freelancers to get big loans.
At the end of the day, the great thing is that these are legit ways through which you can withdraw money from PayPal in Kenya without being scammed.
NOTE: If you join Payoneer through this affiliate link, you get free $25 once you hit $1,000 in your Payoneer account. Also note that PayPal is not the best way to receive payments. You can consider Payoneer, Paxful, or TransferWise where applicable.
Have you tried any of the above PayPal withdrawal methods? What’s your favorite?
Hello
Kindly help,
Is there a way to delink a paypal account with equity and reconnect with a new paypal account?
Regards
Hi Denis,
Contact Equity for assistance on this.
I can confirm, the PayPal and Mpesa thing works perfectly. In less than 2 hours, I received my money.
That’s awesome, Wyclef!
I am having issues withdrawing from PayPal to equity even though in the past, I managed to withdraw severally. Could there be a problem with PayPal now? Reading this post has just reminded me of the collaboration between PayPal and Mpesa. I have to try it out, now that withdrawing to my equity bank is not working for me. Thanks a lot Mr Walter.
Hi Wayne,
Sorry about that. You’ll need to follow up with Equity.
Hi Walter,
Thanks for the good work you continue doing. Currently, PayPal is allowing one to link a bank account directly. This another important withdrawal option for users which I think you should update on this awesome article.
Thanks
Hi Pita,
Have you tried and proven this? Which bank did you use?
I”ve already linked my PayPal account with my Equity bank account. However, I’ve not made any transaction yet. Since this service was only available for US clients, I guess withdrawals will take the same time (three business/working days).
Alright. A few people are trying this out. Once I get full info I’ll update the post. Thank you!
Hi Walter,
So, I’d just like to be clear to see if I’ve got this straight because it can all be a bit confusing.
So when I go to the ATM with my Visa card in order to verify my PayPal account all I have to do is slip in my card and expect to see several options on the screen of which one would be “verify PayPal account”? And then I’d just simply press ‘yes’ and HEY PRESTO! My PayPal account is verified! ! !
Is this so? And how come I’ve never noticed that PayPal option before? Please explain, Walter.
Thank you,
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
No, you don’t do it that way.
You log in to PayPal, go to Wallet, click on “Link a credit card, fill card details, and get the requested code from your bank statement. You’ll use that code to verify. The process is quite clear from PayPal itself, when you start, you simply follow the prompts.
I just joined airbnb and seems the best choice at payouts are through paypal and through “Payoneer prepaid debit master card”.. You have mentioned that Payoneer are not taking on anymore applications,is this still the situation or can i sign up for Payoneer?
Hi Peter,
You can sign up for Payoneer. Feel free to click here to use my affiliate link to join. That way you’ll stand a chance of getting free $25 once your get to $1,000 on your Payoneer account.
It seems Payoneer has increased the requirement for the $25 referral bonus from $100 to $1000.
payoneer.com/refer-a-friend/
Hi Anon,
Yes, it has. Just updated the post as well.
hi Walter..glad to read your views and how much you have been of help to many people. Just want to inquire whether this site called “the panel station” is a genuine one or its a scam. Thanks ii advance
Thanks Queenter. It’s always a joy for me to see people succeed. Never heard of that site. You can google it for reviews.
Thanks a lot bro. This article have been very helpful to me and it is straight and simple to understand
Thanks Eric.
Hi, Thanks for your dedication in replying to the comments. I received some money via paypal and since I had no Equity Bank account, a friend suggested i use Epay. I am not sure if it worked right because I could not understand the ticket thing. Finally I transferred the money to their email. I have not received any response. When I write to them, I get no response, please help.
Hi Agnes,
Thanks for your comment.
You did not follow the right procedure, and that’s why you’re facing those challenges.
Let me call their attention to this and they’ll clarify further. They’re 100% legit and will aptly handle this soon.
Thanks Walter, I now know I am in good hands.
Hi, i have finally managed to do it. I ran into problems but it is all because i was new to the whole thing. Thanks a lot.
Told you they’re awesome! Glad you finally managed.
Hi Walter, how lo long does it take to get the money in the Mpesa? Just wondering coz sijapata after like 10 hours…But I managed to withdraw from Epay..
Walter, I still have not got the money…24hrs down
Thanks for reaching out to us through this forum. Being your first time, we appreciate you had challenges in figuring out how we operate. You withdrew your funds from your ePay account to M-pesa on Saturday when we had already closed (we close at 1pm and resume on Monday). I presume you have already been assisted this morning and that you have already received your money. I am sure the process should be more straight forward moving forward. Thank you for using our services.
Awesome Cza. All cleared up!
I believe all will be great henceforth, Agnes.
Hi walter, I got sorted out. Whoa, it was quite a trip for me..thanks anyway, so cooperative..
Awesome! Told you they were legit 🙂 Now things will be smooth from here.
Would it be a good alternative to use the withdraw service from Auction Essistance? It looks like you can withdraw from PayPal and they load your Payoneer card for a fee. I contacted them, but haven’t heard a response yet.
Never used their service. You can google for reviews.
Hi Walter, I must say that your write-up was quite helpful. I’m Nigerian and i plan on coming to kenya to open a paypal account as that’s the only mode of payment on a site i work with.
I will be very glad if you could please advise me on how to go about opening an Equity bank account. I dont mind securing an apartment as a proof of address. You can reply to my contact email. Thanks alot.
Hello,
How can I withdraw funds from paypal limited account after 180days are over. Have tried the equity bank procedure and does not work. I don’t have US bank account to do withdraw either.
Hi Charles,
You’ll need to use a US account.
Feel free to email me via my contact page in case you still get stuck.
Hi walter,
I want to start working online. Can you advise on how to get US account?
Hi Shiru. If you’re talking about PayPal, you can just use a normal Kenyan account. Charles was asking about a PayPal account that was limited for 180 days. At that time, one would need to use a US account to access the cash. Right now you can access it via Equity Bank.
Hi Walter,
How can I withdraw money held by PayPal for 180 days through Equity?
I have tried but in vain.
Kindly help.
Hi Nelson,
Contact PayPal and ask them to allow you to do so.
Hi Walter,
What if I don’t have a US account?
Hi Jeff,
Contact PayPal and ask them to allow you to withdraw to M-PESA or Equity.
Hope this mail finds you well.
I am Henry and based in Uganda.
I have someone in USA who wants to send me some money but through paypal.
I have contacted, Equity Uganda and have told me, its Equity Kenya which is registered with paypal.
Unfortunately i don’t hold an account with Equity Kenya!!
How can you help me please, for i need your kind advice and solution.
Will be very grateful if helped ASAP.
Regards,
HENRY K.
Hi Henry. Can the person send the cash to you through other means or it’s strictly PayPal. If they can use other means it will be awesome. If not, you may consider using PayPal to MPESA agents. Here’s a post that can help you https://freelancerkenya.com/going-about-paypal/how-to-withdraw-money-from-paypal-in-kenya/
Dear sir it was my pleasure reading this post, it has all information i wanted to know, please tell me, i managed to open a kenyan account in Equity bank Kenya, because i’m Ugandan, now the process of creating a Paypal account you know they stick so much on Mobile phone number which is both verified by Paypal and Equity bank by sending an SMS to the phone number, now if i’m to use +256**************** then paypal will know this guy is Ugandan, still i have not yet started using equity online self service portal, i know they will also send multiple sms to my phone, don’t you think because its Ugandan number can lead to problem during the time of sending OTP, let me stop here but the truth is i’m in the boat heading to no where, i’m in the circle just seeing things moving and people talking please any help given to me will be highly appreciated.
Hi Eric,
Thanks for your kind words.
Now, I really don’t know what you can do in Uganda. I believe receiving from PayPal is alright but withdrawing may be the issue, right? Have you spoken to any other Ugandan freelancer to see how they do it? You can join this FB group and ask http://facebook.com/groups/writersafrica
Hey Walter,
What solution did you give Nakshi concerning providing proof of address to PayPal. I have the same problem. I would appreciate it if you got back to me via email. Thanks.
Hi Sammy,
I told her to talk to Moureen of http://paypaltompesaservices.com. She gave her lots of advise and assistance till the issue was fixed.
You can talk to her too. Her number is on the link above.
All the best.
Hi Walter,
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. My question is also about PayPal requiring proof of residential address otherwise they will put restrictions in my usage. They of course don’t accept P.O. Box addresses. They require utility bills, government issued statements etc.
I can’t for the life of me think of any of these documents that would have my residential address on it. What do I do? It has to be proof that is not older than six months. They have said they will limit my usage and I can’t imagine the repercussions. Do you have any suggestions of such a document? If not, what other option of payment can I use?
Thanks,
Nakshi
Hi Nakshi. Replied via email. All the best.
Hey Walter,
I am also a Ugandan working as a freelancer. I am currently using direct wire transfer but I am keen to set up a platform where my clients can reach me directly. I intend to use PayPal Kenya because Ugandan accounts cant even receive money, My issues are:
1. Can I open an Equity Kenya USD account while in Uganda or will I have to fly to Nairobi?
2.If I succeed in setting up an account and linking it to a Kenyan pay how do I verify me address in Kenya?
Hi Munyise,
Welcome here.
1. You can confirm that with Equity. Check out their contacts at http://ug.equitybankgroup.com/
2. This can be tricky as well. But confirm with number 1 above.
Sorry I’m not providing direct answers since I don’t really know how to go about the above from Uganda. Once you get the answers you can also post here for others to see. I’m sure it will be really helpful to our Ugandan audience.
Many thanks.
can I still withdraw using your mpesa services without verifying my account
Sorry I stopped the service Brayan.
Very informative Walter.I recently created a paypal account but I cannot verify it using my card number.How else can I verify my account?
Hi Maureen. You should be able to verify using your card. Make sure there’s at least Sh. 400 in the card.
Hallo Walter, I have used your services and was very impressed, thanks. There is something I would like to know: when you buy the paypal dollars from people which is the best place to sell them so as to make profit? I believe since you have done this for sometime you are in a position to advice.
Hi Pauline
Thanks for your comment. You can either sell to others or just withdraw to Equity Bank.
hello Mr wallter,am planning to start online work in due time but i was wondering if you will help me withdraw from paypal when i start receiving payments before i can follow the procedures of withdrawing myself
Hi Denis. Sure, I’ll help you out.
Hey man, that’s great Info. Many things have changed since then like No more Paypal to Payoneer transfers. Need to update this. Thanks
Thanks Tim. Updating it PAP!
Hallo Walter…
Just received this email…
We’re writing to let you know that changes we’ve made to comply with U.S. banking regulations may impact your ability to withdraw funds from your PayPal account. To ensure your future withdrawal attempts to a U.S. bank account are not impacted by these changes, we need your assistance in updating your current address information.
For security reasons, we can no longer accept a PO Box address on your PayPal account if you wish to withdraw funds to a U.S. bank account. This means if you have a PO Box as your address and you wish to withdraw funds to a U.S. bank account, you will need to provide a street address instead.
To prevent any delays in completing withdrawal transactions to your U.S. bank account, please update your account with a street address.
Does Kenya has ‘street address’? if not what can one do in this case? Thanks..
Bonface
Hi Bonface
Yes, you can use your physical address e.g. 123, Makongeni, Jogoo Road, Nairobi. It will then work perfectly.
Thanks for the information. I have been doing academic writing on a site crm.writershub.org. I am not sure if it is a legit site. They do not have a facebook page but instead they communicate using skype and e-mails only, can you please help determine if it is legit or not?
Hi
Sorry I have never heard of that site. I cannot ascertain whether or not it’s legit. Therefore I’d advise you skip it and try others that have good reviews.
All the best.
Thanks for the response though. A few weeks ago I received payment form them.
Hi Wmuhanga
I am glad to note that. Thanks for the update.
I am grateful this information.I started using online payment methods soon.Am interested in learning more..
Most welcome. Keep it here for more info.
Kudos walter, your blog looks awesome. I never knew we had such great potential in kenya. Also, I never imagined that there were any trustworthy fellows out there. I dream of owning my own blog someday. I think you should write about your success tips when it comes to blogging. It will be very helpful. I think it could also be important to update that epay-kenya has not yet resumed their services.
Nevertheless, am so glad I withdrew $22.10 today and got the cash instantly. I could not believe it. I never thought it was possible to withdrawal such minimal amount. I will keep with your services whenever the need arises.
You are really blessed. Thank you such much in helping kenyans with our paypal nightmare!
Thanks Janyce for your kindest words. I do my best to give clean, legit business. I have lots of info on blogging. Click here to grab a free blogging ebook I wrote.
ePay-Kenya have been in service. They are fully operational.
Thanks again for using my service.
Walter,
Good design – and great content – its very inspiring and we are redefining blogging in Kenya. And yes, guys can comfortably get their money from Paypal depending on any described choice above
Peter,
Thanks a lot for your compliment.
I am glad you agree with the above withdrawal methods.
And I second whatever Peter Mutiso says. The design is indeed inspiring
Thanks Patrick. I have redesigned it again between Peter’s comment and now 🙂
Very interesting article. Thanks for sharing this post. However, I was wondering how to SEND money using PayPal in Kenya. So far all I am reading discusses WITHDRAWALS. I have someone in India whom I would like to send some funds. Any assistance/advice would be much appreciated.
Ahmed,
Sending is easy. As long as your account is verified, put some money in the bank account attached to PayPal, log in to PayPal and send the cash.
PayPal will take money from your local bank and send it to the recipient.
Thanks
Try Equity bank, I use it and get my money in 3 to 5 days time, please stop misleading innocent kenyans.
Hi John,
Thanks for your comment. Equity is part of the list.
Blessings,
Walter
ive tried withdrawing from paypal to equity account but to no avail. i cannot link my card.
kindly advise
Hi Carol
What errors do you get?
Tried equity bank n they r great
Yeah, works fine.
Hi ,can I receive money sent via PayPal on my Airtel money?
Hi Mary,
Yes, you can receive on Airtel Money with my services.
Thanks
well ,actually I meant,,before I used to receive money from abroad via PayPal,to my safari com M-pesa, I was wondering if the same can apply with Airtel? thank you o
Hi Mary,
There must be some confusion here. You cannot receive money via PayPal to your Safaricom M-Pesa, unless someone withdraws and sends it to you.
So, you cannot receive via Airtel Money neither.
Thanks
Loved your article and the useful content contained in it. However, I would like to work online and seems like Odesk which apparently takes very long before confirming my job request is doing me a disservice. Could you please help me identify another legitimate online sites which I can work from please
Hi Kennedy,
Thanks a lot for your kind words.
Kindly click on the link below for a list of sites:
https://freelancerkenya.com/article-writing-websites/verified-sites-where-you-can-make-money-online-in-kenya-by-walter-akolo/
All the best 🙂
By the way Walter, what is it with I&M online system nowadays? You reload your Safaricard and they don’t update your balance??? Since back in June, they started by delaying, till u send them an email only then they would update it for you. Now it seems the service is being suspended? I sent two support emails- even called them…they said they are experiencing technical difficulties of which they are repairing. But days later, service is still not functioning. I am already late in doing some online purchases. How frustrating. Is anybody else undergoing this? Thank you.
Hi Samuel,
I have never heard of this issue. Thanks for letting us know and please keep us posted on how things work out.
Best,
Walter
Hi Walter. I am Samuel, and I have undergone all these processes and frustrations of waiting endlessly for Payoneer approval, PayPal saying “you can’t add a bank account at this time”, but patience and insistence won. I finally received the Mastercard 2 months ago. For those encountering the PayPal error, try calling them by phone and/or using the contact webform they use on their website repeatedly. Finally they will do a manual adjustment and add your US bank. Good luck!
Hi Samuel,
Thanks for your comment. I am glad you received your card.
You are on point about the PayPal error. Calling them is the simplest option, they sort it out on the call.
Have a good one 🙂
Hi samuel, thanks for sharing. I just called them and they helped add US a/c. however, i have not managed to withdraw from paypal to the US bank stating my account is not verified. they need paypal code which they provide by charging a small refundable fee.the problem is, my payoneer card is not funded therefore they can charge my ac.was hoping to transfer from paypal to US bank before I verify ac using payoneer.how did you handle that?
Hi Calvin,
Walter here.
Thanks for your comment and sorry for what you are going through. Right now your Payoneer card is not yet enabled to do private loads so you can’t verify using that. Kindly click on the link below and read about how you can easily verify your PayPal account using a local ATM.
https://freelancerkenya.com/going-about-paypal/paypal-in-kenya/
Best,
Walter
It worked. It worked!
Walter, I hate it when you are this good.
Mathenge
Oh. Oh.
I think I spoke too soon.
I attempted to withdraw 1 US dollar from the pay pal account into my US bank account and the transaction went through.
Then drama. My account was immediately limited and the transaction reversed.
I was asked to perform a series of security actions which included confirming my credit card account, change my security questions and a change of password, to which I duly complied to.
Did I do something wrong? Is the account now limited for the full six month period.
Haiya!
Shocked to read these two posts. First things are fine then the limitation!
PayPal must have read the “hate” part of your previous post 🙁
Anyway, with a limitation, you just have to go with the drill. Follow whatever they say and work closely with them.
Kindly click here and see if you committed any of the deadly sins that would warrant immediate limitation.
Let me know how things go.
Walter
Good evening Walter,
Finally, I have received my payoneer card after having requested for one through your link.
However, there is a procedure where I have to fill in my US bank details on my pay pal account’s profile section.
After filling in the details, I have on three occasions received the following message:
“You cannot add a bank at this time.”
Kindly let me know what I am doing wrong.
Hi Antony,
Thanks for asking. I also appreciate the fact that you used my link.
You are not doing anything wrong. Kindly click here to see exactly what you can do to sort that out.
Let me know how it goes.
Thanks,
Walter
Hi Walter,
when you Google the USD in KES rates you tend to get relatively high rates almost on a daily basis compared to the actual rates that payoneer offers. Google gives above 87/= but Payoneer fluctuates between 82 and 85 of course depending on the bank you are withdrawing from.
However, my question is, what is the actual payoneer withdrawal cost from local ATMs because on their webiste it is stated $3.15 but here I see you are saying it is $2.15. And the annual fee was it really scrapped off?
Lastly, which is the best local ATM to withdraw payoneer cash based on your experience and dollar rate?
Hi Matts,
You normally get the current rate with Google (or a Windows 7 Desktop Gadget). Of course MasterCard, just like all the other banks and services, picks its own rate, thus the Sh. 84 that has been there for some time.
We had the $2.15/3.15 debate with one commenter once. What we ended up realizing is that it is actually $2.15. When you withdraw, go to your account, click on “view transactions” and then click on your latest withdrawal. You’ll see it written “amount less charges of $2.15” or something like that.
I heard that MasterCard determines the dollar rates so you get the same rates across the ATMs.
Thanks Matts.
Hi Walter,good work you got on going there..I must say I have gained a lot..ok,am trying to apply for a payoneer mastercard card then this question of home street address comes up..I have gone through the various questions and answers you have provided to the other guys but am still not understanding something..please explain to me how I am to fill in the home street address slot considering the restricted number of characters required in that box..thank you
Hi Austin,
Thanks for your kind words.
Just put your actual street address there e.g. Makongeni, Phase 4, Jogoo Road. Don’t use P.O Box for now. Use that on email when they approve your application. You’ll just respond to their email stating that you’d prefer to receive via P.O Box and go ahead and give them the box they should use.
Don’t worry, they’ve delivered 100s of cards here so they’ll understand.
Cheers 🙂
Hey Walter, thank you so much..It has finally gone through 🙂
Great 🙂
I am happy to hear that.
Always feel free to ask questions, Austin.
Hi walter,thank you for the information,but do I need a paypal account and a payoneer account as well?
You are welcome Idah,
Yes, you need both accounts if you work online.
Thanks
Hi Walter,
My phone cannot support the payoneer app and I would like to know the currency exchange rate that I should use whenever I want to withdraw. Is there a site that I can get the right exchange rate? Kindly assist. Thanks.
Hi Anne,
Google can help you convert currency. Just Google, 1USD in KES and you’ll get the current dollar rate.
The MasterCard dollar rate is different though. Right now it is at Sh. 84 per dollar. There is no site that can help you calculate that. Whenever you withdraw, check your Payoneer account and see how many dollars came out then calculate what dollar rate you got them at. That’s how I personally do it.
I hope this helps.
Hi Walter.
I successfully linked my Coop bank visa card but i am not able to add my bank account because i do not know what the routing number is.
Kind Regards
Hi,
You can’t add your Kenyan bank account in PayPal, you can only use a US Bank Account.
Please refer to the post above on how to get the US Payment service.
Thanks,
Walter
Hey Walter, Im from Kenya and i used a routing number to add on paypal, and withdrew. how can i reverse that money? Thank you in advance.
Hi Joseph,
Contact PayPal support.
hi walter, can i use an airtel modem to work on iwriter?
Yes Rachel,
You can use an Airtel modem perfectly. In fact, it is the best.
Hey there,
Thanks for being honest. For more than three years now I have wondered about how to get money from my paypal account. I have been to all major banks in Kenya, and sometimes bankstaff look at me as though I had sprouted horns in my nose, whenever I enquired about paypal payment.
I had a oDesk payoneer card (this got lost) but recently I applied for another card. Hoping to get it any time from now. Last time it did not work for me because I did apply for a US bank account. I have already done that now. I have had to live many jobs because the employers insist on paypal payment only
The article is informative, candid and to the point.
Hi Tom,
Thanks a lot for your humbling words.
I am so sorry to know that you’ve suffered this long. I am happy though that you’ve found multiple solutions that work here in Kenya.
All the best and stay blessed
Hi Walter/Albert
I am also experiencing the same issue of # digits for PayPal code.How did you go about it bro?
Thank you
Hi Matts,
You need to go to the banking hall and get your statement. Take just the latest one. You’ll see PP*CODE1234. Enter the four digits and you’ll be through!
Let me know how it goes.
Hi Walter,
Thanks for the link. It was them and that’s how they carry out their transactions. I’ve seen that they are good to use in an emergency because they send within the same day it’s just that they’re are rather costly to be used regularly. I hope my Payoneer card comes soon.
Hi Anne,
I am glad you were sorted out.
Your Payoneer card will be in soon. Don’t worry.
Thanks.
Hi Walter,
i received my Payoneer card but it seems Paypal still is having issues as it’s not allowing me to add a bank account or even a new card. I tried chatting with Payoneer guys and what I understood is that I’m supposed to load some funds on the card for it to be accepted but they didn’t give me a clear way to do this. How do I go about using funds in my Paypal account to activate my Payoneer card?
Great to hear you finally received it Anne.
Kindly click here to see how to sort out the problem you’re experiencing.
Payoneer usually does not allow you to link your card till you have received some funds. Just use your local ATM cards for now with PayPal. The above link should help you with the bank account option.
Let me know if that helps.
Walter
Hi Walter,
Thanks a lot for the link. I followed the info and at first it didn’t work when they made the changes but the second time it worked yaaay :). I now have a US account. What is the next step to follow? Can I withdraw funds from Paypal to the account and use the payoneer card at a KCB ATM or how do I go about withdrawing?
Hi Anne,
That is brilliant news. I am glad it worked.
You cannot withdraw at a KCB ATM as of now but you can withdraw to the account, then use the Payoneer card at a Barclays, CfC, PesaPoint or I&M ATM.
To withdraw from PayPal, just add the bank account to “Profile” then be going to “Withdraw” whenever you want to withdraw it.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Hi Walter,
I have applied for the Payoneer card but i haven’t received it yet so in the meantime i’d like to use ePay. I have completed the registration and I’m even verified. Now to withdraw I receive mail telling me to go to a web address they’ve given me and select an item valued at the amount given then follow instructions. Is that the normal procedure to get the money or is this someone else who has intercepted their site and I’ll be purchasing stuff online that I don’t want nor need as opposed to getting my money? Please advice. Thanks.
Hi Anne,
Kindly contact ePay-Kenya support to confirm that. Below is their secure online contact link:
https://epay-kenya.com/contact.htm
They should be able to assist you perfectly.
Cheers 🙂
Hi Walter, I used your link to apply for the Payoneer card. The thing is, I did not see a check box to tick for me to automatically be registered for the US Payment Service. I will try sending them an email as you have suggested in earlier posts. After sending the email, is there anything else am supposed to do or is that it?
I also tried verifying my Paypal with my equity bank visa card with no avail. I am made to understand the Payoneer card can be used to do that.
Hi there,
After you send the email Payoneer guys will communicate back and tell you what to do.
You can’t verify PayPal with the Payoneer card: call Equity and ask them to enable your card for online transactions.
Walter
Hallo Walter, I have just applied for Payoneer card and it has been approved waiting for its delivery. My question is related to Paypal; how can i verify the account? Can i use payoneer card to verify? if not, which specific cards can i use to verify? Thanks…
Hi Bonface,
Thanks for your comment.
I am glad the Payoneer card has been approved.
To verify your PayPal account, you’ll need to use your local ATM, you can’t verify using the Payoneer MasterCard.
Here’s what you’ll do:
Check the back of your ATM card and call your bank to see if its enabled for online transactions. If not ask them how to do it or register with another bank such as Equity where the card is automatically enabled.
– Login to PayPal and click on “Link and Verify Credit Card”
– Follow the prompts.
Let me know how it goes.
Thanks for the response. Now, another question, I got this from payoneer, “Your card will be shipped by Regular mail”. Does this mean they will use my P.O Box, or what is this “regular mail”…..
Hi Bonface,
Thanks a lot for your question.
I can’t be sure. You’d have to ask them in a response and the good people there will sort you out.
Let me know how it goes.
Cheers 🙂
Hi Walter. I want to apply for this Payoneer US payment Service. But I have a few questions. First, how can I get them to send me the card via p.o box and not street address since street addresses are a myth in Kenya. Second, can I wait for the card and use it to verify my Paypal account in Kenya? Third, how long will I have to wait? Thanks
Hi,
1. Use street address on application. When they send you the approval mail. Respond by telling them to send via P.O Box and give them the details. They already know that so that’s no biggie.
2. You can’t use the card to verify your PayPal account. For that you’d need a local card. Simply do the following.
– Check the back of your ATM card and call your bank to see if its enabled for online transactions. If not ask them how to do it or register with another bank such as Equity where the card is automatically enabled.
– Login to PayPal and click on “Link and Verify Credit Card”
– Follow the prompts.
3. You will have to wait for a month.
Thanks
Much appreciated. I have just applied through your link and hope I will receive the bonus when my account is active. However, I am unable to apply for the US payment service because on clicking the link, a Microsoft outlook email starts. Do you apply for the Us payment service via email, if so what details do you send? Thanks
Thanks for applying through my link. You’ll also get the bonus!
For US Payment service, yes, you apply via email. Just say that you want to apply for the US payment service, one sentence is enough.
They’ll take it from there.
Thanks.
Hi walter, i have sent you an email about withdrawing from paypal. please respond. thanks
Hi Raphael,
I’ve responded accordingly. Always happy to help 🙂
Hi Walter, i need your help in withdrawing money from my paypal account. Just started some freelancing work and am being paid in euros. That said, i was wondering if you deal in euros. Thanks
Hi Samuel,
I will definitely sort you out here and yes, I can work with Euros.
Kindly send me an email at walter@freelancerkenya.com and I’ll give you further details on how we’ll work this out.
Regards,
Walter
Hi Walter.
Firstly, I’m begin to feel the beginnings of an addiction to your site. If it wasn’t for this page, I would be fretting and sulking about how I can’t get my money from paypal so thanks. On that note, I used your link for a payoneer card but I am wondering if I should give them my p.o box address instead of my physical address since they said they would send it via “regular mail”? Which did you use to get yours?
Hi Maya,
I am glad you found my site useful. I used my Box address. When you reply to one of their mails, just tell them you’d want to receive it via P.O. Box. They’ll ask you some few questions, answer them and you’ll get your card in a few short weeks.
Thanks once again and feel free to ask more questions.
UPDATE:
Avoid Nationhela At ALL costs. I had a balance of 1k and on Saturday I loaded my card with 12k, to my surprise When I checked my balance an hour later, it was 11k. I called them and they told me some crap about my card having a negative balance before I loaded it.
I called them continuously, yesterday I even went to their card center at Nation Center 8th Floor and talked to several of their agents. They promised me they would generate a statement end of day and update my balance accordingly.
As of now NOTHING. In their online portal all my last month’s transactions are not showing.
This is the 3rd time they are doing this to me. Last time I assured them I would not leave their offices if they did not give me my money. They eventually had to after they realised I wasn’t going anywhere, which is more proof that they know what they are doing and it may be deliberate planned system failures to steal a few hundreds or thousands from clients that may in the midst of many transactions go unnoticed. Unluckily for them I check every single line of my statement
What!!!
I know NationHela has disappointed people before but I never thought they could stoop this low.
I am so so so sorry Omar for what you’ve gone through. Thanks for updating us on that and I hope they up their game so that they can save their already tainted name.
I hope things are now sorted out.
Imagine The money was to buy my younger sister her wedding dress 🙁
Alhamdulilah(Thanks Be to Allah) I got my Payoneer card, unfortunately None of the U.S dollar ATMs were working. I had to settle for KSh at bad rates 🙁
I opened a USD account with Gulf African Bank (No monthly fees 😀 )
For large amounts I’ll be doing a bank transfer directly from Freelancer.com On oDESK it’s free to transfer to kenya 😀
Sorry once again about the money. I really hope all goes well.
I am happy to hear you finally got your card. The rates should be the best in the market so far.
Let us know how it goes with Gulf and the direct transfers.
Btw, out of topic,
Has anyone ever bought stuff from let’s say ebay or amazon?
If so, how much did you pay for import fees and agent fees e.t.c ? (For the Tax exempt stuff)
I’m scared of ordering something then have it end up stuck in KRA and eventually in some rich KRA boss’s kid’s bag
Hey Omar,
Unfortunately I have not bought anything from eBay. I’ve bought eBooks from Amazon but those do not require shipping. I think it should be smooth though.
You can try asking Felix Okoli of Make Money Kenya http://www.makemoneykenya.com/
He states that he’s bought lots of stuff from eBay.
Just go to his blog and look for his contacts on the contact page.
Let me know how it goes.
Hello Walter, it’s Zephania here, I applied for a Payoneer card through writerbay, but I have not received it. I did send screen-shots of my account on April 16th showing the balance to be paid. They have not responded to that mail up to now. Also what do you know about Webmoney? Is it useful to a Kenyan who may want to transfer money from a writing company like Writerbay?
Hi Zephania,
Sorry you’ve not received the card yet. It normally takes a month after approval for you to get it. You can talk to Payoneer support in case it takes too long.
Sorry I don’t know about Webmoney and how it works in Kenya. I know Payoneer and Moneybookers have worked well for Kenya for a long time.
Hello Zephania,
Webmoney offers mobile money services in Kenya……. they work with YU
Hi Reed,
I hope you good. Are they affordable? Have you tried them out?
Hi guys, awesome post By the way
This is my 4th Payoneer card I’m ordering. The first one was for oDESK, it apparently reached Kenya But I never got it, so they sent me another one, over an year later I’m yet to get it.
I then ordered The Freelancer One, this time they added a “Click here if you want your card delivered via P.O Box” Section, So I’m hoping I get This one this time round.
And Oh yeah, I ordered another via your link. If I get both I’ll decide which to keep, freelancer or This one(I’ll load 100$) for the bonus. The Freelancer Card is cheaper 9.95$ initial fee, then 1$ per Month if I’m not wrong.
Another Thing, a pal of mine, a developer who works on freelancer a lot told me he withdraws in U.S dollars from some Bank’s ATM here, I think he told me it was Chase Bank. He tells me you better better rates (Only significant if you are withdrawing over 200$)
Hi Omar,
Thanks for your comment.
4th Payoneer card? I really hope you get it this time around. About the fees, I believe Freelancer Payoneer card should be the same to the normal Payoneer Card, unless things have changed. The monthly fee is usually between $1 and $3 depending on your level of activity.
I’d really like to know which ATM withdraws in USD. Kindly confirm and let us know.
Cheers 🙂
I think it is chase bank, coz they offer their loans in Dollars only too
Hi Omar,
I’ve tried a Chase Bank ATM but it doesn’t withdraw in dollars, maybe there is a specific one somewhere. Ati they give loans in dollars? Will find out more about that.
Otherwise, once you clarify things, feel free to post back here.
Cheers 🙂
Hi all. I hope I can be of help here. ePay is an agent of Chase Bank and we have been with the bank for 12 years now and never heard of USD ATM or USD load facilies. I will however make one phone call tomorrow (Monday 1st July) to the Head office to confirm this and will certainly post the response here.
Hi Esther.
Thanks a lot for the comment. We will appreciate your most valued feedback tomorrow.
Blessed Sunday.
As promised, here is the confirmation: USD ATMs, negative; Loans in USD, positive.
Thanks a lot Esta for making the clarification.
Hi Walter,
It’s me once again. I got the bonus this morning $25 did you get? I am now fine and happy.
Hi Dennis,
I am sure it feels really great to have gotten that. I am happy for you also.
Yes, I also got the bonus at the exact same time when you got yours. Payoneer guys are doing an awesome job 🙂
Good evening Walter,
System test complete. Payoneer took their close to $30 today. Our local KCB ATM never worked with my card. I had to go to next town to look for another ATM machine, I did find Barclays and I asked the soldier to allow me use their ATM. He did, I was glad. I withdrew the money with no difficult. I am now waiting for my $25 bonus. I now want to be very serious with freelancing now that have confirmed the system is working fine. I am even planning to find time and have writing refresher training.
Thanks for bringing me this far.
Hey Dennis,
Great to hear you’ve completed the test. It seems like not all KCBs work but good to hear you managed with Barclays.
Are you sure you used my affiliate link to apply? You and I should have received the $25 immediately like the tonnes of others who have used my link. In case you did, you may need to contact Payoneer support they sort you out.
Good to hear that you are willing to get time and do some training.
As always, it was my pleasure to be of help.
God be with you always 🙂
Year I used a link in this blog I know how Affiliate marketing works so I couldn’t have gone anywhere. You need to know that I didn’t load all the money to the card since I was testing the system. So am sure it has not reached $100 but you wait in a few days I will load again and the bonus will come.
Oh okay Dennis. I’m sure that now that you’ve found out it’s working fine you’ll be using it for all your PayPal needs.
Cheers 🙂
Hi Walter, its me
I did exactly how you directed me to do. I loaded my card but they’ve not cut their annual fee why? because i thought that is the first thing they should do. Another thing is this, in addition to the $30 the card is supposed to chew, how much can I add to that I can the $25 bonus. In this case $70 or $100. I want to walk to our Local ATM with caution which banks you mean any ATM as long as Mastercard branded you mean equity, KCB or Coop this are only banks in my village.
Thanks
Hi Dennis,
Unless they changed their system today, they should cut the $30 activation fee. Just log in to Payoneer and see how much is there.
To get the free $25, load $100. After you withdraw you’ll get the $25.
All ATMs with MasterCard signs should work apart from Equity. So, in your case, KCB should do. Others to look out for include I&M, CfC, Barclays or PesaPoint.
Let me know how it goes.
Cheers
hey i am new to freelancing and i want to link my paypal account to m-pesa how do i go about it
Hey Erastus,
Sorry you cannot link your PayPal account to M-Pesa. You can only link to a Kenyan bank account that has a Visa card.
For withdrawal, you can either use PayPal to M-Pesa services or a Payoneer card.
Good afternoon Walter,
I have just visited ePay.com and found the following message on their home page.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
We regret to inform our customers that we will be suspending Paypal withdrawal services with effect from Monday 8th April 2013. We will announce the resumption in due course. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Do we have a problem here that we should be aware about?
What are your thoughts.
Regards.
Antony.
Hi Antony,
Yes, they have posted that update and just like it says, they’ll inform us when they resume their services.
I also put up the update on top of this post and another one to make readers aware.
ePay-Kenya always does a great job and I’m sure they’ll be back soon.
Cheers 🙂
Hi walter, I love the articles.
I have a problem i’d like you to help me with. I have an account on freelancer.com and the payoneer mastercard. some clients however pay me through paypal. i cannot be able to withdraw cash from paypal to my mastercard, yet it is verified. I have contacted freelancer and they say it should be able to.
I am still waiting for payoneer to respond to the US payment system. In the mean time, how can i get my cash from pay pal to payoneer?
Thank you.
Hi Anne,
Sorry for the challenge you are facing.
The only way to send money from PayPal to Payoneer is through the US Payment service. Once they respond to your request, they’ll tell you exactly how you should do it. You can initiate a live chat with Payoneer right now and they’ll tell you the status of your US Payment service application.
Meanwhile, you can use my services or other PayPal to M-Pesa services to get your cash. In a few days/weeks, you should have your US Payment service and will be able to withdraw cash easily from PayPal to Payoneer.
I hope that helps.
Okay now! I have the payoneer card with me I have activated fine! but I don’t understand anything more than that. I have tried going paypal to send money there but don’t understand a thing. Guys if you’re still there just tell me how to proceed I have been depending on you so much anyway complete the job. Help me load this card.
You know I thought this card was just like the local ATMs but its very different, my friend said this is a smart card is it true? Mine is also very brittle than a local ATM, which is abit hard. Anyway if anyone doesn’t have this card let them know they’re missing something nice. In fact, this month I have freelanced very little this month but when I saw this card was motivated, I have to fill it with money.
Vipi Dennis,
Good to hear you got the card. Below are some simple steps to help you:
– Activate the card with the instructions you received
– Use the US Payment service details you were given to add US Bank account on PayPal
– When withdrawing cash, click on Withdraw then send to that bank account
– You can also link the card to Fiverr (if you are a level 2 seller), Freelancer, Elance etc.
Let me know how it goes.
Walter
Hey walter..You mentioned that 30 Dollar is charged to your payoneer account once you load that amount…What if you load less than 30 dollars to the account will it still be charged?
Hi Gabriel,
I believe they’ll still cut in bits till you reach $30.
Feel free to initiate a live chat with them to clarify some more. Here is their support link (scroll down for live chat)
http://www.payoneer.com/contactUs.aspx
Thanks
Just open both right now. Both will be active immediately but you’ll get your Payoneer card in a month.
Your Co-op card should work fine. Just do as the article says.
It will take you 1 month 3 days to make the first withdrawal then the rest will be in 3 day intervals. More details on these methods in the article below:
https://freelancerkenya.com/withdrawal-methods/nationhela-review-is-this-the-paypal-withdrawal-method-kenyans-have-been-looking-for/
As new as I am in Freelancing between opening PayPal account and Payoneer/US Service account which one should I start with which one takes long to own. Exactly how many days will take for me to withdraw after I start applications. I have Co-op bank Visa atm card can I use this or I need to open a fresh co-op junior innovators account. Your help is appreciated.
I have loved the article as the newest freelance writer you can imagine how help full in this blog from all bloggers and their posts. thank your very much on my way to payoneer
Great to hear you love the blog. Payoneer will sort you out great.
Hi Walter,
Hope you have been well. Just collected my Payoneer card today, activated it and added it to my Paypal account and waiting confirmation but all is ok. I give God the glory for that. I’m sure it will help me save almost 2k per withdrawal now. Apart from the $30 one time payment, kuna zingine? Anything else I should do/know?
Thanks sana sana!
Hi Benleem,
I am happy you got your card and have activated it.
Apart from the 30, check out the rest in the link below.
https://freelancerkenya.com/withdrawal-methods/nationhela-review-is-this-the-paypal-withdrawal-method-kenyans-have-been-looking-for/
Note that I have indicated there that the annual fee was scrapped. Payoneer have been giving me conflicting info about that so assume it’s still on till I get the final verdict.
Thanks
I think payoneer still charges the $30 because I was charged when I got my card recently. But it is worth it because after that, the charges will be negligible.
Hi Angie,
Thanks for your comment.
Yes, it seems they do. I have reinstated the charge in my post after many people confirmed. Check out their other charges through the link below:
https://freelancerkenya.com/withdrawal-methods/nationhela-review-is-this-the-paypal-withdrawal-method-kenyans-have-been-looking-for/
Hi Walter,
Everything’s fine now; I’m finally verified! In fact, I’ve just made my first withdrawal through Payoneer. I’ll keep you informed when I get the money in my hands after ATM withdrawal. By the way, which companies are the best to write for? Any ideas besides Elance, Freelancer and iWriter? You seem like the person who’d know more. If you continue like this, we’ll vote you in for president!
Thanks and regards,
Hi Albert,
I am happy that all is well. How did you manage?
You can also try out Fiverr.
Thanks for the kind words. I really appreciate.
Well, I’m already exhausted with the whole Paypal thing; that aside, I’m on M-banking but it’s giving me just three digits. Is there a way to check my statement online (guess I should be asking my bank this)? Well, I may have to go to the banking hall for the statement or wait for it in my mail. I’ll keep you posted. Thank you very much!
Albert,
Sorry about the hustle. The good thing is that you do it once and forget about it. Don’t give up yet.
In case 3 digits still appear, you can contact PayPal support and ask them for assistance.
Yeah, please keep me posted on your progress.
Hi Walter,
According to Paypal, the code should look like this: PayPal*1234 CODE or PP*1234 CODE
However, what I’ve gotten is *123 i.e. a star and only three digits. How do I go about it? Do I just key it like it is? I’ve already tried twice and failed. The third fail would make them dismiss my card. What should I do?
Hi Albert,
Did you get the statement from an ATM? Make sure the date and time is right. It should start exactly as PayPal instructed and I believe they should all be digits, no star. You may need to rush to the ATM again and get another statement to just clarify.
I would also advise you register for M-banking, that way you’ll be receiving SMS notifications of your account activities. Personally I got the text with the code in less than one minute.
Kindly keep me posted.
Hi Walter,
Albert again. I just used the 16-digit number at the mid-section of my card and it went through. They’ve just charged the $ 1.95. Let me wait for it in my statement. If it goes through, I’ll link and let you know asap.
Thanks.
Great.
I wanted to tell you that. If you live near a shopping center, you can go to the ATM and pick a mini-statement for the code.
Let me know how it goes.
Which Bank did you use to verify because My Co-op Visa debit card is not working
Hey Marcus,
I used Co-op bank. Simply visit any branch and fill a free form to give your ATM card online access.
Cheers 🙂
Hi Walter,
Like you told me – see 22/08/2012 – I’ve gone to my bank and asked for online banking, which has been granted. However, as I try to use the Equity Bank Visa Debit card, for paypal verification, I get the message, ‘Card Number: You have entered an invalid or partial credit or debit card number. Please check your entry and try again.’ What could be the problem? I thought my verification problems would be over by now. For the card number, I’m using the number right below my name. Please advise.
Regards,
Albert.
Hi Walter, am now at least relieved after my Paypal verification using nation hela card went through. The question is how can i log in to my nationhela account
Hi reedfanuel,
I am so happy that it went through :). I believe it’s not been an easy journey for you.
To log in, go to http://www.nationhela.com/ and click on “Access my Account”. Use the password they sent you on SMS.
Remember to also apply for the Payoneer card and the US Payment Service.
Hi Walter. Just received mail from Payoneer approving my card and they will be sending it by late next month. They also sent another mail with US Payment Service information (BANK NAME, ACCOUNT TYPE, ACCOUNT,ABA(Bank Routing Number)) but I have to verify.
To verify this service and begin receiving payments:
I have to complete the US Payment Service Questionnaire
Submit a copy of government-issued photo ID
Did you all go through this process? What did you fill in the questionnaire.
Thanks.
Hi, Benleem i never went through such process. I just got an email with the date when they expected the card to be shipped.
Hi Benleem and Reedfanuel
Yes, with US Payment Service you have to fill in the questionaire. Reedfanuel, are you on the US Payment Service program? If not you need to apply through the link below:
http://www.payoneer.com/USPService.aspx
It is better if you receive both the US Payment service and your card at the same time.
Benleem, just fill it in with the correct information. Is there a specific question that you find difficult?
Feel free to ask any questions?
Benleem,
I also had to send a copy of my ID. It shouldn’t be a biggie. It should take you less than 10 min to do everything.
All the best 🙂
Hi Walter,
I’m in the same boat as Benleem.
My question is what direct link do I put in showing an example of my products, services or other online activity?
I write articles part time but I receive and send the articles via email so I don’t have a link as such.
Hi Carol,
Thanks for your question.
Do you write the articles for clients from Freelancer, Fiverr or any other website? If you do, then give them the link to your profile page.
I hope that helps.
Hello Walter, I see you bought a domain…congrats!! I Great site for Kenyan Freelancers. I visit quite frequently to update myself. Thumbs Up!
Hi George,
Yes, I did. Planning on doing some more upgrades in future.
Thank you very much for your support. Keep visiting and invite your friends. There are even better things coming up.
Walter, after the hassle i decided on buying nationhela card. hope it will work well for verifying my paypal account though their paypal withdrawal services have been stopped. My question is about the password. Is it the one given during registration ?
Hi reedfanuel,
Yeah it is the one. You should have it on text.
It should work out fine.
Hi Walter, the issue with using the KCB cards has been a daunting task. I have not succeeded in activating my Paypal account. The KCB bank told me that the card are already activated for online transactions so their was no need to activate it.
Hi reedfanuel,
Sorry for the hustle with KCB. Have you tried verifying again. If it is already activated it should work fine.
Thanks
Hey walter, let me quote u, u said getting online access, does it mean the KCB online banking. does it look like this;
https://onlinebanking.kcbbankgroup.com/kcbonline/modelbank/unprotected/bindPassword.jsp
Reed,
No, not that. Just the normal VISA card being given online access (enabled to make online transactions). It works out fine in other banks and should have been the same with KCB.
If you want speed, you can try out NationHela or open an account with another bank such as Co-op.
thanks walter, i will visit KCB today again. You are great and very helpful indeed.
You are welcome. Keep me posted.
And what about the nationhela card how long does they take to process after making a purchase?
Sorry for that. I guess they want to market their general purpose card and therefore don’t grant access to the rest.
You can do the following:
1. Buy the General Purpose for 1k and some monthly fees 2. Buy the NationHela card for Sh. 500, get the Sh. 500 back in the card. Use it to verify PayPal after 3 days. This works fine and may be the easiest option. 3. Join Co-operative Bank, Young Innovators Account (Free to join, no monthly fees). Ask them to grant the card online access and use as soon as you receive your ATM card.
I really hope that things work out well.
Hi walter, i just called the KCB contactcentre and they told me that they i should buy the general purpose card for online use. this issue is proving to be hell-like. more recommendations?
@Walter and @Benleem, you guys are so great. Thanks for your support all through let me weigh all the options you have provided and find the best option. I will update you when am done with this thing. It is proving to be a daunting task but i will have to undertake the situation. About epay, Benleem, thanks for that good news. They have better services though their fees are high, but we looking forward for the drop.Thanks.
Totally agree Benleem, reed should weigh the options.
I personally use the normal Visa card. It took me less than 5 minutes to get online access and less than 3 minutes to verify PayPal. I have bought a lot of stuff online with the card with or without PayPal. Below is the link to KCB contact center. Call them now and see if they can grant you access without you having to go there.
http://www.kcbbankgroup.com/ke/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=123&Itemid=164
You can also use the NationHela card. Buy it for 500 and get the 500 back in the card. After 3 days you can use it to verify PayPal. Another free option for you there Reed. A friend of mine used it last week and had his PayPal verified in minutes.
Benleem, thanks for the good news about ePay. I can’t wait to hear about their new rates.
Many good things coming up on freelancing in Kenya!
The GPS from KCB takes about a week and it comes with a lot of advantages and you hardly need a bank account to use it-some use it as one. However, weigh your options and have Walter’s suggestions, above, in mind. There are so many ways of verifying Paypal. You can even talk to E-Pay for it and I believe it is much cheaper. Be wise about it.
That reminds me, the word in the street is that Epay will be making adjustments to their charges soon; can’t wait to see whether they beat the problematic Nationhela.
HI Walter, i visited KCB to grant my card an online access but i was surprised that their customer care do not know anything about Paypal. How should i go about it?
Yeah, most don’t know anything about PayPal. Have they granted your card online access? After they grant it, you’ll just go to PayPal and verify yourself. Their role in this is to just give access so that you can be able to make online transactions. Once they grant it you’ll be able to also make non-PayPal transactions. Many guys have successfully linked KCB Cards so don’t worry, it should work out.
No Walter, they haven’t. Today i have spend my day at K.C.B but never was it successful.its because they no nothing about it, may be if i could get a reliable person to seek help from. My question is, how can i explain to them so as they can understand or how is it done? I have funds hanging in paypal for long.pls help.
That’s so strange. It should take them minutes to do that. Behind your KCB card there should be some contact numbers. Those should lead you to their card center. Call them and ask them how you can go about getting online access.
Reedfanuel, do not ask them about a card to verify paypal. Ask for KCB Visa General Purpose Card and for just a thousand bomb, you will be ready to go. I used it to verify Paypal and do some online purchases. The person you contact is specifically from the Card Center and not the usual PR guys you find hapo mbele kwa bank. They will give you their contact including some way of accessing the cards hotline or customer experience center among other things.
How long does it take to process the KCB general purpose card? What about payoneer mastercard can it be used to verify paypal?
Hi reedfanuel,
KCB general purpose card is an option but not the only one. I normally ask why buy when you can get free. There are two cards which you buy for that 1k, the KCB one and another I&M one in case you want to buy. Feel free to either buy or use the one you already have as long as it is branded VISA. Both are in the article above.
You cannot use Payoneer Card to verify. After verifying PayPal with the option you choose (either free card or the bought ones) you can apply for a Payoneer Card and the US Payment service using the links in the article.
Keep us posted on how it goes.
Thanks for your comment Anthony and for airing out your preferred choice. So far Payoneer is the most cost effective method.
Personaly I wouldnt mind waiting up for three days to save the extra bucks that I would end up losing through epay. Payoneer is my choice. I just dont understand why local banks have been left behind by the new trends in international money transfer.
You can also withdraw from PayPal at http://www.kenyapesa.com cheaply and reliably. Receive your cash via Mpesa within 24 hours.
Thanks for your comment Isaac.
I normally advise readers to exercise caution when using services not endorsed by FreelancerKenya. I hope no one will have a negative experience using kenyapesa.
All the best in everything 😉
Thanks Walter.
We do our best to make sure all of our customers have a great experience while using our service.
Anyone with a question or concern about our services, feel free to contact me on the site.
Thanks for your response. All the best!
Hi Walter,
I just got my Payoneer card and the virtual US account, which I’ve already added to my PayPal account. However, PayPal has limited my account to zero for withdrawals, pending verification. Do you think you can advise me regarding the loading of the Payoneer card? Please PM me so we can talk about finer details. I’m stuck with money on PayPal and I don’t want to use e-pay again. As usual, thanks again for your wonderful insights.
Hi Albert,
Thanks a lot for your comment.
I am so happy you have received the card. It is quite easy to verify PayPal. What you need to do is first go to your bank and ask them to allow your debit card online access. You can choose either temporary or permanent access depending on your preference.
Next, go to PayPal and log in. You’ll see a link allowing you to verify your card. Click on that link and follow the instructions. You will need to have at least Sh. 200 for you to verify. PayPal will withdraw this cash from your bank and deposit it in PayPal. Your account will then be verified and you’ll be free to send and withdraw as much as you want.
All the best 🙂
Many thanks Walter,
I’ll do just that and start enjoying PayPal withdrawals. I’m so glad because I suffered so much in the past.
Continue with the good work.
Yeah,
I understand what you are saying. PayPal withdrawals in Kenya can be a hustle for someone who does not have this information.
Stay tuned to the blog. More great stuff coming.
Thanks and stay blessed.
Hi Walter,
I just got my Payoneer card and the virtual US account, which I’ve already added to my PayPal account. However, PayPal has limited my account to zero for withdrawals, pending verification. Do you think you can advise me regarding the loading of the Payoneer card? Please PM me so we can talk about finer details. I’m stuck with money on PayPal and I don’t want to use e-pay again. As usual, thanks again for your wonderful insights.
Thanks for the swift reply pal. Much appreciated 🙂
You are welcome. Please first of all log in to your Payoneer account and check out the fees which apply. The first withdrawal will be much less then the rest will be smooth. Cheers.
Nationhela.co.ke has SOLVED the Age Long Paypal Question.Use it to Withdraw from today Onwards
Thanks for your comment Kepher. Seems promising.
Thanks for the very informative updates guys. Walter, I have a question. I transferred cash from Paypal to Payoneer for the very first time some days ago. Today it reflected in my Payoneer account. Can I withdraw the money today or do I have to wait for a few days? Please let me know. Thanks.
Writer Msa,
Thanks for your comment.
You can go ahead and withdraw the cash now 🙂
Just spoke to a NationHela customer care dude and he told it is possible to top up my card with any Paypal account. I think it works. I’m still a little bit apprehensive but it happens every time there is a new kid on the block. Happened to me in 2009 when I started using Epay but I have never had a reason to mistrust them. I believe this will work as well. Otherwise I’m really happy for what is happening in our country. Thanks for your continued hardwork and industry, we are the reason everybody wants a chunk of us.
Thanks a lot Benleem for looking out. You have been so kind and it has been very sacrificial of you to dig out this information for us.
I have just read the article and it looks promising. Now what’s left is actual user reviews. From the few comments below that article, guys seem to be complaining of high charges.
I believe it is a great idea though and that it opens doors for more legit investors to come up and end this major PayPal withdrawal problem that has been with us. I’ll also be gathering more information about it and then add it on my blog with full details.
Thanks again Benleem and feel free to share more information as it comes.
I believe this, http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/-/1006/1479848/-/item/1/-/yrvtga/-/index.html
is a very interesting read for all of us. Pray it works for Kenyans with Kenyan Paypal accounts as that is the key. Praying hard!
Let me see how it goes. Thanks for the help.
Anytime. Remember for faster results you can use their Live Chat option.
Tell me how it goes 🙂
Thank you Walter for the feedback, but i see they don’t accept P.O Boxes in their application form, how about that. how will the card be delivered. thanks
Most welcome.
They accept P.O Boxes. Tell them on your email that you wish to use a P.O. Box. They’ll ask for some physical address details. You can give them your physical address, it’s alright for their record keeping reasons. An example would be Something like Makongeni, Block J4, Jogoo Road. After they get those details they’ll agree to send via P.O. Box.
Feel free to ask any more questions
Hi Walter, how does one apply for a Payoneer card? I would appreciate links. thanks
George,
Follow this link http://www.payoneer.com/EmailForm.aspx to send an email to Payoneer requesting for a MasterCard. They’ll reply with a few questions which you’ll need to answer properly.
Once they approve your card, even before you receive it in your mail, follow this link http://www.payoneer.com/USPService.aspx to apply for the US Payment service. Alternatively, you can still send them a 2 sentence email requesting for this service (note: do this after they approve your MasterCard)
Your card should arrive in your postal address within a month. By then your US Payment Service will have already been approved. You’ll be given instructions on how to add this US Bank to your PayPal and will then be able to start withdrawing cash through this service.
Feel free to ask any more questions
As usual, I put a disclaimer on offers such as the above. FreelancerKenya is not responsible for any losses that accrue from contacting personal commenters for services. You can do it at your own risk. All the best 🙂
Hit me up at thamu@ajabworld.net if you want to withdraw from paypal and skrill.
I have used e-pay to transact money to and from paypal account. I have also used moneybookers (skrill). Skrill is very convenient and the fee charged is low compared to others. I am looking for a way to withdraw from paypal to Skrill, so that I can then withdraw from skrill to my bank account here in Kenya. I have come across this post that claims you can attach a credit or debit card, then transfer funds from Paypal to Your card. http://nallabee.com/how-to-withdraw-money-from-paypal-in-kenya/
Check and confirm whether this is true and how are the charges
Hi Zeph,
Thanks for your comment. I have checked out your link. There are some things there that are not true.
1. You cannot transfer cash from PayPal to Skrill.
2. If you get the Payoneer card, you can use it to withdraw in MasterCard branded ATMs and not Visa.
I have indicated the fees in my post above but I always advise you crosscheck with ePay or Payoneer in case there are any increases. Personally I recommend Payoneer due to their extremely low fees and you can withdraw in any MasterCard ATM in whichever country you are in. Even if you are in Tanzania for a vacation, you can just go to a Barclays ATM and withdraw Tanzania Shillings!
Feel free to ask any more questions.
Thanks Walter, However, I have checked my Paypal and Skrill accounts and they both have an option of attaching a debit card. So I was wondering, is it possible to attach the same card in Paypal and Skrill, then transfer money from Paypal to the debit card, and then from the debit card to Skrill.
You are welcome Zeph.
They have the option of attaching debit cards. Sorry I am not sure if you can send the cash from your Payoneer debit card to Skrill. I believe you should so you can try it out and let us know.
One thing I can advise you is to eliminate middlemen as much as possible. PayPal to debit card will cost you something, debit card to Skrill will cost you something else then Skrill to bank will be another cost. You can eliminate these extra costs by just doing PayPal to card and withdrawing then deposit to your bank personally for free. On the other hand you can be doing Skrill to your bank account straight without going through anything else.
Another thing with Skrill is that they have a standard fee of Sh. 600 or something like that when you deposit to your account. Therefore avoid depositing small amounts since this amount is fixed whether you withdraw 20 dollars or 1000 dollars. You can confirm about the fee if it is still the same through your Kenyan bank, it may have changed.
lovely
Thanks
Mob blessings Walter – been googling the whole week looking for a solution to withdraw some money from my paypal account – can second you on the “No Kenyan Bank” can help you withdraw from paypal. Thanks for your help.
Thanks a lot Mungai for the blessings. I thank God for his wisdom.
I went through the same thing for sometime so when I got the right solutions, I decided to share with everyone. Share this post with your FB friends e.t.c. so that everyone may know these methods.
All the best 🙂
Is there any other way one can withdraw money from paypal without using epaykenya.com or payoneer?
Hi Reedfanuel,
I am not aware of another legitimate way? Have you had any problems with the two methods above?
Hey walter, always thanks for replying ma articles. you’re rely helpful to me.am goin’ to be straight to that question. am stuck. since 2009, i have been marketing online but i can’t be paid because i can’t even verify my account!!!!!. can u imagine that.! so in papal i opened my new account but i changed my country. i put there that am frm Kenya.after that i clicked on add account then i saw a word like ‘US account”. help ..
Kawumah,
You are most welcome. That’s why I created this blog in the first place.
Sorry for your frustrations.
You can simply contact Payoneer Support through the links provided in the article above. They will help you get a free MasterCard and a free US Payment Service which is sort of a virtual US Bank Account. Additionally, you’ll be given step by step instructions on how to add that account to PayPal. After this is all set up, you’ll be able to send cash from PayPal to your card and withdraw from any MasterCard ATM worldwide. You don’t even have to change the country, name or anything, just use the real ones.
how ca i open up a U.S account?…….. thanks…..
Hi Kawumah,
The above process will help you get a US Payment service which is similar to a US Bank Account. You’ll add it to paypal where it says “Add Account”. It will be treated exactly like a US Bank in many platforms. You can also check out different known banks such as Barclays and see how you can open an offshore account. Opening an actual US Bank account may require you to actually go to the US and open one. That’s as much as I know of it.
May I ask, what exactly do you want to open the US account for?
Hi, when you apply for a payoneer debit card from payoneer.com that will be solved.
am frm uganda. i have an account in kcb .can i use any of the above methods
Kawumah,
Yes, you can use the above methods. Make sure you visit KCB first so that they can activate your card for online transactions.
Wish you well 🙂
Hi,
Yes you can.
Morris
Hi Walter,
Is it possible to load one’s Payoneer card using a Debit card? I’m expecting my card soon and I intend to verify my Paypal account through it. I’m sure you’re aware that Paypal charges a refundable charge for verification.
Hi,
You can load your Payoneer card using a debit card but it has to be MasterCard and not Visa. You can’t verify your PayPal account through the Payoneer card, it will not work, just use your normal debit card, whether it is for Equity, Barclays e.t.c.
Yeah, PayPal charges a small 1.95 fee that they’ll deposit in your PayPal account.
Feel free to ask any more questions
Hi Walter,
I actually contacted them and my card is on the way they say by 01/08/12.
Let’s see how it goes I will report back of my experience with payoneer right here.
Regards
Gitonga
Hi Gitonga,
That’s great. Will be glad to hear how it goes once it arrives 🙂
All the best.
Hey Morris,
Just responding to your comment above. How’s your experience been so far?
Hello Walter,
it has become impossible for me to verify my PayPal. i don’t have any debit card but i have a payoneer card and i would like to use it to withdraw money. Can i use a family members card to verify PayPal? it is now impossible to withdraw money from PayPal to payoneer without first verifying the latter. i intend to receive the next payment via moneybookers instead of paypal and then send the payment to payoneer, which i can then use to verify paypal. then again, is it legal to remain with a unverified moneybookers/skrill account and be transferring payment to paypal.?
Thanks
Hi Pato,
Sorry about the challenge you’re facing.
Please DON”T use a family member’s card, unless they create an account under their names.
My best advice is you go and apply for an account in a good bank like Equity, get your card and use it to verify PayPal.
On your other query, you cannot send money from Moneybookers to PayPal.
Thanks
Thank you once again Morris for your link. Personally I am doing this
good review since I have been with them for a long time and they have
resolved all my issues well. Their customer service has been great. In
fact you can go to their contact page right now and start a chat with
their reps, they are very professional and helpful. That’s my personal
experience. I am objective though and will always keep a keen eye. In
case of any issues you’ll see it here. I advice you check for more
reviews from different sites to make an objective decision. I
RECOMMEND THEM FULLY. All the best!
Thanks.
Hi Walter,
Just snooping to gather more info on payoneer and I came across this thread http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=1326966 where someone discloses that their is a monthly fee of $3 and other hidden charges not revealed by payoneer. What is your take on this?
Morris
Hi Morris
Payoneer has some charges. They are all clearly written in their website. They have a page called “Pricing and Fees” where they lay it all out.
Thanks
mmmmmmhh..I see you recommend payonner, how long have u used their service?
Kindly have a look at http://www.complaintsboard.com/news-stories/ and let us know the chances of falling prey to them.
Good informative article you wrote here..though.
Hello Morris. Yes I recommend Payoneer. I have used their services for more than 6 months now. Thanks for the link. I have checked it out and believe Payoneer won’t easily fall to such. Thanks
Am sorry I gave the wrong link regarding payoneer, here is the correct one http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/payoneer-inc-c301692.html Kindly let us know what you think of this serious issues raised.
Hey Morris,
Payoneer is a trusted and a big company. The link you have provided has no information related to payoneer.
I totally agree Reed, I’ve now been with Payoneer for close to 1.5 years (the post was done in April 2012) and I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever.
Great article about withdrawing money from paypal in Kenya.
– Daniel Chege
Thanks Daniel. I checked out your blog and it is really great also.
Hi; thumbs up 4 the good job; ur an invaluable asset to the online community; barclays claim that they are able to directly charge deposits from paypal to your ban k account, is that true?; someone told me the same about kcb; could you please clarify that;what about the payment options in banks like equity and kcb;
Hi Steve.
Thank you very much, I really appreciate.
You may get some uninformed staff in Barclays, KCB e.t.c. who will tell you that. Here’s the truth. LET NO KENYAN BANK lie to you that they can help you to either deposit or withdraw from PayPal. An antifraud legislation has to be passed first for the banks to be allowed to deal with PayPal. The only thing you can do with your ATM card is to link and verify your account, period. The two ways above are the only legit ones in Kenya. Be sure that as soon as the Kenyan banks will be allowed to transact, you’ll see it here first.
Thanks a lot for your help!
You are most welcome.
Great stuff here freelancerkenya. Just a question, am new to freelancing so just opening my paypal account. Do they accept debit cards from Kenyan banks? Meaning can I link my debit card from my local bank to my paypal account? Or must it be a credit card? Have tried filling in the debit card info and it keeps on saying “error”.
Kindly advice.
Hi writermsa,
Thanks for the complement. Yes, they accept Kenyan debit cards. Go to your bank first and tell them to open your card for online transactions. This is free and will take you a few minutes.
Feel free to ask any more questions.
Hi.
i would like you to clarify more about how the card is shipped into the country… how should i write the physical address. I gave one but somehow the card has never arrived. so am told to provide another physical address.
thanks
Hi Nelson.
Good to read from you.
Now, the card is will be posted on your mail. The physical address is where you live, whereas the mailing address is the P.O. Box. This is just a formality. Let’s say you live in Example Estate, Mtihani Road, you can provide this as your physical address. They won’t send it there though, they’ll still send the card on your P.O. Box after 30 days.
Feel free to ask more questions.
Ikram,
You are most welcome. Feel free to check out my other posts which will help you earn more as a freelancer in Kenya.
Thanks
ok at the momemt dont have more to ask.THANK YOU so much for your kind help!
Hi Ikram,
You can use the card itself to buy things online as a Visa card. In short, you can use it independent of PayPal. As for PayPal, you can link the card with PayPal, that will just get your PayPal account verified but you won’t be able to either deposit cash with the card or withdraw with it. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Thanks
HI again,
just need some clarification, what do you mean by :”but you won’t be able to either deposit cash with the card or withdraw with it” ;say if i load my mpesa prepay safari card can i use it through paypal to purchase.hope not bothering with noob questions!
Ikram,
Do not hesitate to ask questions, I will answer all of them.
If you load the card you will just use the card to purchase, not PayPal, those are two different things. Purchasing through PayPal will require you to load your PayPal account. When there is cash in your PayPal account, then when purchasing something, just look for the PayPal button in the payment section.
In case you have money in the card, you can still buy stuff online. Instead of using the PayPal button, you will use the Visa/MasterCard section. Here, you will give your details such as the card number, name e.t.c. Check out this link for more about the card:
http://www.safaricom.co.ke/index.php?id=1229
The only part where the card and PayPal can cross fingers is when you want to verify your PayPal account. When you sign up with PayPal, you are given a withdrawal limit of $500. To lift this limit, you’ll need to link and verify your credit/debit card. You can use either that M-PESA Prepay Safari Card or any other ATM card to do this. You can also find out more on that from the links below from PayPal itself.
https://www.paypal-apac.com/th/security-centre/your-guide-to-verification.aspx
and
https://cms.paypal.com/cgi-bin/marketingweb?cmd=_render-content&content_ID=security/verification_faq
Feel free to ask any more questions Ikram
just want know if possible to use mpesa prepay safari card with paypal for buying anything online (overseas)
Hi Kenneth.
Thanks for mentioning that. I will check it out one of this days and if it is great, I’ll do a review on it. How much are its commissions?
Thanks
I have been using http://www.eazy-pay.com to withdraw my cash from paypal the offer fast services and also charge less commission.
Hi Freelancers,
Eazy-pay was one of the fake ones which failed in 2012. It is now offline.
Thanks all
Hey have Freelancer Kenya, I have a odesk payoneer card wil that allow me to withdraw money from my paypal account?
Hi Andrew,
Yes it will. Just follow the procedures above. Feel free to come back here for more help.
Thanks
Thanks for this rich information.God bless for sharing your ideas
Hi Evans,
You are welcome. You can keep coming back for more information.
Thanks
Am in the process of setting up something more concrete, so was hopping this will work in the mean time. As I have stated, mine is more of a barter trade thing and further more am there in person and the exchange takes place in real time(no waiting or sending through some media). Anyway thanks for giving me audience.
OK. I understand. So you don’t have any commissions or any charges? Someone just sends you money on PayPal and you give him in Kenya shillings? You are welcome. I like supporting Kenyan acts.
I don’t do it for free as such since there is PayPal charges to take care of. All I know is that we will meet somewhere where both of us will be satisfied i.e at the best opportunity cost.
That’s fine. All the best and thanks.
Here is a win-win solution to withdraw your money from Paypal. http://www.facebook.com/ajabworld.designs
Hi Moses. I have checked out your Facebook page. I hope you offer legit solutions. I always advice people to be careful when dealing with individuals so that they avoid any rip offs.
Some really great info you have provided here. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much Pastor Davis. I am always happy to help.
Hello.
I have just started using the hotlogo marketing website. Would you please cobfirm if its real and pays through paypal?
Regards
Hi Dylan. Sorry, it’s a scam.