On August 16, 2025, PayPal M-PESA will shut down, permanently closing the specific web link that facilitates money transfers between PayPal and M-PESA. To continue making PayPal withdrawals, users must switch to the official M-PESA app. This transition means anyone still using the old gateway will feel the impact of the PayPal M-PESA shutdown and must modify their withdrawal process well before the cutoff date.
First, it’s important to understand what’s changing. Kenyans and other M-PESA users previously linked their PayPal and M-PESA accounts through a browser-based portal at paypal-mobilemoney.com/m-pesa. This portal handled currency conversion and withdrawals. Safaricom has already announced that the website will shut down on August 16, 2025.
Therefore, anyone wishing to withdraw money after that date must use the in-app feature. Safaricom has clearly informed users that all transfers through the old portal will stop working, and the web service will no longer operate after the closing date. Instead, the company will require users to link their PayPal accounts directly under the Global Payments or Finance section of the M-PESA app.
It’s also critical to emphasize that security, compliance, and data protection will remain intact since the same service provider, Thunes (formerly TransferTo), supports the change. However, by conducting all transactions entirely within the app and eliminating browser delays or redirects, the process will become faster and more seamless.
If you haven’t linked your PayPal account to the M-PESA app yet, you must do so quickly. Open the M-PESA app (ensure it is up to date), locate the PayPal option under Global Payments, and follow the instructions to log in and approve the connection. Once the accounts link successfully, you will receive a confirmation SMS.
After linking, withdrawing money is simple: select PayPal in the app, enter the amount in USD, review the exchange rate and conversion fees (typically a 3% margin), and confirm. Depending on the amount and network conditions, funds usually arrive within minutes to a few hours. Using the app also helps you avoid phishing threats and unofficial platforms that may imitate the old web portal. After the shutdown, the former URL could host harmful websites posing as the legitimate service.
If you still use the webpage, your current method will become outdated once PayPal M-PESA closes. Switching early prevents downtime, guarantees uninterrupted withdrawal access, and protects your money.
In conclusion, the closure of PayPal M-PESA marks a significant shift from web-based link withdrawals to full in-app integration. Fortunately, the tools are already available, and the adjustment is simple: install or update the M-PESA app, connect your PayPal account through it, and complete withdrawals within the app. Don’t wait for the closure date—link your accounts now to avoid any service interruptions.
