NCBA Bank has revised its Pesalink pricing structure, offering customers using the NCBA NOW App free instant interbank transfers for amounts of up to KES 1,000 and a flat KES 20 charge for transactions above the threshold.
The new pricing structure is aimed at making interbank transfers simpler, more affordable and predictable as more Kenyans shift to digital banking for everyday financial transactions.
Under the revised model, customers no longer have to navigate different transaction bands when sending money to accounts held at other banks. Transfers of up to KES 1,000 will attract no charge, while transactions above KES 1,000 will cost a flat KES 20.
The changes complement NCBA’s existing free transfers between NCBA accounts, giving customers a lower-cost option for moving money both within the bank and to other financial institutions.
The move comes against the backdrop of growing reliance on digital banking channels for payments such as rent, supplier invoices, family transfers and purchases. The Central Bank of Kenya says digital channels account for more than 80 per cent of banking transactions, highlighting the increasing preference for convenient, self-service financial services.
NCBA said the revised Pesalink pricing is intended to encourage more customers to adopt digital payments while providing a secure and real-time alternative for interbank transactions.
Speaking on the changes, Dennis Njau, Group Director, Retail Banking at NCBA, said the bank was focused on making banking simpler and more affordable.
“At NCBA, we are constantly looking for ways to make banking simpler, more affordable and more relevant to our customers’ everyday lives. The revised Pesalink pricing reflects our commitment to empowering customers with transparent and cost-effective digital payment solutions. Whether someone is sending a small amount to a loved one or making a larger business payment, they can now transact with greater confidence, knowing exactly what the transfer will cost.”
Pesalink enables customers to transfer money instantly between accounts held at participating banks in Kenya, with transactions processed in real time. Through the NCBA NOW App, customers can send up to KES 999,999, providing an option for both personal and business payments.
The revised charges could particularly benefit customers making frequent low-value transfers, who can now send up to KES 1,000 without paying a transfer fee. For higher-value transactions, the flat KES 20 charge offers a straightforward alternative to tiered pricing.
NCBA said the initiative forms part of its wider digital banking strategy, which focuses on combining convenience, affordability and security as customers increasingly manage their finances through mobile platforms.
The bank expects the simplified pricing structure to support greater use of digital channels while reducing cost barriers associated with everyday interbank payments.
Customers using the NCBA NOW App can now access the revised Pesalink charges, with free transfers up to KES 1,000 and a flat KES 20 fee for transactions above that amount.