Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money, and Zamtel Kwacha are the three mobile money services available in Zambia in 2026. All three are regulated by the Bank of Zambia and allow users to send, receive, withdraw, and pay bills using a basic phone. This guide compares their charges, network coverage, USSD codes, transaction limits, and which one is best suited for different needs — so you can choose without guessing.
Quick Answer: Airtel Money has the largest agent network and the widest range of features. MTN Mobile Money offers the cheapest same-network transfers, including free transfers up to K150. Zamtel Kwacha is government-owned, has the smallest network, but is a solid option for Zamtel subscribers. For most Zambians, Airtel Money or MTN Mobile Money will be the better choice.
What Is Mobile Money in Zambia?
Mobile money in Zambia is a financial service that allows users to store, send, receive, and withdraw money using a mobile phone — without needing a bank account. All three major networks in Zambia — Airtel, MTN, and Zamtel — operate their own mobile money platforms. As of 2025, mobile money adoption in Zambia stands at 58.5% of adults, up from 14% in 2015, according to the Bank of Zambia. Mobile money transactions in Zambia surged to K452 billion in 2023, representing a 50% increase from the previous year.
Since January 2025, all mobile money transactions in Zambia are subject to the Mobile Money Transaction Levy (Act No. 25 of 2024), a ZRA levy charged on top of operator fees. The levy applies on a sliding scale from approximately 0.04% to 0.21% of the transfer value and is included in the totals shown in the fee tables below. If you also use mobile money to access credit, see our guide to the best instant mobile money loans in Zambia.
Airtel Money Zambia (2026)
How to Access Airtel Money
- USSD code: *115#
- App: My Airtel App (Android and iOS)
- Registration: Visit any Airtel outlet or authorised agent with your NRC
- Customer care: 111
- Official site: airtel.co.zm/airtel_money
Airtel Money Deposit Charges
All deposits into an Airtel Money wallet are free of charge for amounts between K5 and K20,000.
Airtel Money Withdrawal Charges
The following withdrawal fees are effective from September 7, 2024:
| Amount (ZMW) | Withdrawal Charge |
|---|---|
| K1 – K150 | K2.50 |
| K151 – K300 | K5.00 |
| K301 – K500 | K10.00 |
| K501 – K1,000 | K20.00 |
| K1,001 – K3,000 | K35.00 |
| K3,001 – K5,000 | K55.00 |
| K5,001 – K10,000 | K60.00 |
Airtel Money Transfer Charges (Same Network)
Sending money to another registered Airtel Money number:
| Amount (ZMW) | Charge (incl. levy) |
|---|---|
| K1 – K150 | K0.50 |
| K151 – K300 | K1.00 |
| K301 – K500 | K1.00 |
| K501 – K1,000 | K1.50 |
| K1,001 – K3,000 | K2.80 |
| K3,001 – K5,000 | K4.00 |
| K5,001 – K10,000 | K5.50 |
Airtel Money Transfer Charges (Other Networks / Wallets)
Sending money to MTN, Zamtel, or unregistered numbers:
| Amount (ZMW) | Charge (incl. levy) |
|---|---|
| K1 – K150 | K2.58 |
| K151 – K300 | K5.10 |
| K301 – K500 | K10.20 |
| K501 – K1,000 | K15.00 |
| K1,001 – K3,000 | K20.00 |
| K3,001 – K5,000 | K30.00 |
| K5,001 – K10,000 | K50.00 |
Airtel Money Wallet-to-Bank Transfer Charges
| Amount (ZMW) | Charge |
|---|---|
| K1 – K150 | K2.50 |
| K151 – K300 | K3.50 |
| K301 – K500 | K5.00 |
| K501 – K1,000 | K15.00 |
| K1,001 – K3,000 | K20.00 |
| K3,001 – K5,000 | K30.00 |
| K5,001 – K10,000 | K50.00 |
Other Airtel Money Charges
- Bill payments: FREE
- Airtime top-up: FREE
- Balance enquiry: FREE
- Registration: FREE
- Monthly fee: FREE
- Reversals: FREE
Airtel Money Transaction Limits
- Daily limit (Tier 1): K20,000
- Daily limit (Tier 2): K100,000
- Max per session: K10,000
MTN Mobile Money Zambia (2026)
How to Access MTN Mobile Money
- USSD code: *303#
- App: My MTN MoMo App (Android and iOS)
- Registration: Visit any MTN service centre or authorised agent with your NRC
- Customer care: 303
- Official site: mtn.zm
MTN Mobile Money Deposit Charges
All deposits into an MTN MoMo wallet are free of charge.
MTN Mobile Money Transfer Charges (Same Network — Registered Users)
| Amount (ZMW) | Transfer Charge |
|---|---|
| K5 – K150 | FREE |
| K150 – K300 | K0.50 |
| K300 – K600 | K0.80 |
| K600 – K1,200 | K1.00 |
| K1,200 – K3,000 | K2.00 |
| K3,000 – K5,000 | K3.00 |
| K5,000 – K10,000 | K4.00 |
| Above K10,000 | K5.00 |
MTN Mobile Money Transfer Charges (Non-Registered / Other Networks)
| Amount (ZMW) | Transfer Charge |
|---|---|
| K5 – K150 | K5.00 |
| K150 – K300 | K10.00 |
| K300 – K600 | K15.00 |
| K600 – K1,200 | K25.00 |
| K1,200 – K3,000 | K35.00 |
| K3,000 – K5,000 | K60.00 |
| K5,000 – K10,000 | K80.00 |
| Above K10,000 | K80.00 |
MTN Mobile Money Withdrawal Charges
| Amount (ZMW) | Withdrawal Charge |
|---|---|
| K5 – K150 | K2.50 |
| K150 – K300 | K5.00 |
| K300 – K600 | K10.00 |
| K600 – K1,200 | K20.00 |
| K1,200 – K3,000 | K30.00 |
| K3,000 – K5,000 | K50.00 |
| K5,000 – K10,000 | K70.00 |
| Above K10,000 | K70.00 |
Zamtel Kwacha Zambia (2026)
How to Access Zamtel Kwacha
- USSD code: *344#
- Registration: Visit the nearest Zamtel outlet or authorised agent with your NRC
- Customer care: 2121
- Available to both Zamtel prepaid and postpaid subscribers
- Official site: zamtel.zm/mobile_money
Zamtel Kwacha is operated by Zamtel, which is a government-owned telecommunications company. It is the smallest of the three mobile money networks in Zambia by market share, but it is fully Bank of Zambia regulated and supports the same core services: sending, receiving, withdrawing, depositing, and bill payments.
Zamtel Kwacha Key Features
- Transfer e-money to registered and unregistered Zamtel subscribers
- Transfer to other networks (Airtel and MTN)
- Deposit and withdraw at any Zamtel outlet or authorised agent
- Pay utility bills (ZESCO tokens, water, DStv) via *344#
- Pay merchants using merchant code via *344#
Note: Zamtel does not publish a detailed public tariff sheet online. Visit your nearest Zamtel outlet or dial *344# for current charges. As of the most recent publicly available data, Zamtel Kwacha withdrawal fees are comparable to Airtel and MTN for most transaction bands.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Airtel Money vs MTN MoMo vs Zamtel Kwacha
| Feature | Airtel Money | MTN Mobile Money | Zamtel Kwacha |
|---|---|---|---|
| USSD Code | *115# | *303# | *344# |
| Deposit charge | Free | Free | Free |
| Min withdrawal charge | K2.50 | K2.50 | Comparable |
| Same-network send (up to K150) | K0.50 | Free | Varies |
| Cross-network send (up to K150) | K2.58 | K5.00 | Varies |
| Bill payments | Free | Free | Free |
| Airtime top-up | Free | Free | Free |
| Wallet-to-bank transfer | Yes (K2.50+) | Yes | Yes |
| Daily transaction limit | K20,000 (Tier 1) / K100,000 (Tier 2) | Set by Bank of Zambia | Set by Bank of Zambia |
| Mobile app | Yes (My Airtel App) | Yes (My MTN MoMo App) | Limited |
| Agent network size | Largest in Zambia | Large | Smaller |
| International transfers | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Ownership | Private (Airtel Africa) | Private (MTN Group) | Government-owned |
Which Mobile Money Is Cheapest for Sending Money in Zambia?
The cheapest mobile money service for sending money in Zambia depends on which network the recipient is on.
If both sender and recipient are on MTN: MTN Mobile Money is the cheapest. Transfers up to K150 are free. Transfers between K150 and K5,000 are cheaper on MTN than Airtel for same-network transactions.
If both sender and recipient are on Airtel: Airtel Money same-network transfers are low but not free for any amount. The minimum charge for a K1–K150 Airtel-to-Airtel transfer is K0.50.
If sending across networks (Airtel to MTN or vice versa): Airtel Money charges less for cross-network transfers up to K1,000. For a K500 cross-network transfer, Airtel charges K15.00 versus MTN’s K25.00.
Bottom line: MTN wins for same-network small transfers. Airtel wins for cross-network transfers up to K1,000. For larger amounts, the difference narrows.
Which Mobile Money Has the Best Coverage in Zambia?
Airtel Zambia has the largest agent network in the country, making it the easiest service to find a withdrawal point in both urban and rural areas. Lusaka, the Copperbelt, Eastern Province, and Southern Province all have dense Airtel Money agent coverage.
MTN Mobile Money has strong coverage in urban centres including Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, and Livingstone, with growing rural presence.
Zamtel Kwacha coverage is tied directly to Zamtel outlet and agent locations, which are concentrated in provincial capitals and government service areas. In some rural districts, Zamtel agents may be harder to find than Airtel or MTN agents.
Verdict on coverage: Airtel Money has the widest physical agent network across Zambia.
The ZRA Mobile Money Levy — What You Need to Know
Since January 1, 2025, all mobile money transactions in Zambia attract a government levy under the Mobile Money Transaction Levy Act No. 25 of 2024. This levy is collected by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) through the mobile money operators.
The levy applies on a sliding scale:
- Small transactions (e.g. K5–K150): approximately 0.04%–0.08% of the transfer value
- Larger transactions (e.g. K5,000–K10,000): approximately 0.15%–0.21% of the transfer value
The levy is included in the total charges already shown in the fee tables above (for Airtel Money). The levy is separate from the operator’s service charge and appears as part of the total deducted from your wallet at the time of transaction.
You do not need to pay the levy separately. It is automatically deducted when you complete a transaction.
How to Register for Mobile Money in Zambia
How to Register for Airtel Money
- Visit any Airtel outlet or authorised Airtel Money agent
- Bring your valid National Registration Card (NRC)
- Complete the registration form at the agent
- Set your PIN when prompted via *115#
- Registration is free
How to Register for MTN Mobile Money
- Visit any MTN service centre or MTN MoMo agent
- Bring your valid NRC
- Complete the registration and set your PIN
- Alternatively, dial *303# and follow the self-registration prompts
- Registration is free
How to Register for Zamtel Kwacha
- Visit the nearest Zamtel outlet or authorised agent
- Bring your valid NRC
- Complete the registration
- Access the service via *344#
- Registration is free
What Can You Pay With Mobile Money in Zambia?
All three mobile money services in Zambia — Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money, and Zamtel Kwacha — support the following payments at no extra charge beyond the transaction fee:
- ZESCO electricity tokens — buy prepaid electricity tokens directly from your wallet
- DStv and GoTV subscriptions — pay monthly TV subscriptions (see our full DStv and GoTV packages guide)
- Water bills — pay Lusaka Water, NWASCO-regulated utilities
- School fees — many schools and colleges accept mobile money payments
- NAPSA contributions — employers and self-employed persons can remit NAPSA
- ZRA taxes — pay certain ZRA obligations via mobile money
- Airtime top-up — top up your own or another person’s airtime
- Merchant payments — pay at shops, restaurants, and service providers using merchant codes
Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Money in Zambia
Which mobile money is most used in Zambia?
Airtel Money is the most widely used mobile money service in Zambia, based on agent network size and subscriber numbers. MTN Mobile Money is the second-largest. Zamtel Kwacha has a smaller user base but is growing.
Can I send money from Airtel Money to MTN Mobile Money in Zambia?
Yes. Cross-network transfers between Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money, and Zamtel Kwacha are supported in Zambia. Cross-network transfers attract higher charges than same-network transfers.
What is the USSD code for Airtel Money in Zambia?
The USSD code for Airtel Money in Zambia is *115#.
What is the USSD code for MTN Mobile Money in Zambia?
The USSD code for MTN Mobile Money in Zambia is *303#.
What is the USSD code for Zamtel Kwacha in Zambia?
The USSD code for Zamtel Kwacha in Zambia is *344#.
How do I check my Airtel Money balance in Zambia?
Dial *115#, select “My Account,” then select “Check Balance.” You can also check your balance on the My Airtel App.
How do I check my MTN Mobile Money balance in Zambia?
Dial *303#, select “MTN Mobile Money Balance,” enter your PIN, and you will receive a balance notification by SMS.
Is mobile money safe in Zambia?
Yes. All three mobile money services in Zambia — Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money, and Zamtel Kwacha — are regulated by the Bank of Zambia under the National Payment Systems Act. Your wallet funds are protected. Always keep your PIN private and never share it with anyone, including agents.
Can I use mobile money in Zambia without a smartphone?
Yes. All three services are accessible on any basic mobile phone via USSD codes (*115# for Airtel Money, *303# for MTN MoMo, *344# for Zamtel Kwacha). A smartphone is not required.
What happens if I send money to the wrong number in Zambia?
Contact your mobile money customer care immediately. Airtel Money reversals are free if reported promptly. MTN Mobile Money also supports transfer reversals. The sooner you report the error, the higher the chance of recovery. For Airtel Money, call 111. For MTN, call 303.
What is the ZRA mobile money levy in Zambia?
The ZRA mobile money levy is a government tax on mobile money transactions introduced in January 2025 under the Mobile Money Transaction Levy Act No. 25 of 2024. The levy is automatically deducted at the time of transaction and ranges from approximately 0.04% to 0.21% of the transfer value. You do not need to pay it separately.
Which mobile money is best for sending large amounts in Zambia?
For large same-network transfers (above K5,000), MTN Mobile Money charges K4 to K5, while Airtel Money charges K5.50. For cross-network transfers above K5,000, Airtel Money charges K50 versus MTN’s K80. Airtel Money is cheaper for large cross-network transfers.
Summary: Airtel Money vs MTN Mobile Money vs Zamtel Kwacha in Zambia (2026)
The three mobile money services available in Zambia in 2026 are Airtel Money (*115#), MTN Mobile Money (*303#), and Zamtel Kwacha (*344#). All three are free to register, charge no deposit fees, and support bill payments and airtime top-ups at no additional cost.
Choose Airtel Money if: you need the widest agent network, cheaper cross-network transfers, or want to use the My Airtel App for convenience.
Choose MTN Mobile Money if: you and the people you send money to are mostly on MTN — same-network transfers up to K150 are free, making it the cheapest for frequent small transfers between MTN users.
Choose Zamtel Kwacha if: you are already a Zamtel subscriber and primarily transact within the Zamtel network or near Zamtel outlets.
Charges are subject to change. Always verify current fees by dialling your provider’s USSD code or visiting an authorised agent before transacting. Data in this article reflects publicly available tariffs as of early 2026.
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