In Kenya, you cannot pay for Netflix with M-Pesa via the normal Lipa na M-Pesa paybill.
This is because Netflix doesn’t have a dedicated paybill payment option for Kenyans. Thus, you will need a payment card or a PayPal account to settle your Netflix bills.
This, however, doesn’t mean you cannot pay using M-Pesa, you just need to take a different route.
How to pay for Netflix using M-Pesa
1) M-Pesa Global Pay
This is a virtual Visa card linked to your M-Pesa account. You can activate it and use it for online transactions like Netflix subscriptions.
For this method, you will need to set up M-Pesa Global Pay, a service that allows you to have a virtual card that’s connected to your mobile money wallet.
This card functions like any other bank card, and you should be able to subscribe to services or merchants that accept Visa card payments, including Netflix, Facebook (for prepaid FB ads), etc.
Here’s how to activate and use it:
Activate M-Pesa Global Pay:
- Dial *840# on your phone and accept the terms and conditions.
- Alternatively, open the M-Pesa App, go to the Transact tab, and under the Pay section, select “Global Pay.”
- Agree to the terms and choose your card.
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN to complete activation.
- Ensure that Enable Repeat Payments is turned on.
Using M-Pesa Global Pay to subscribe to Netflix:
- Log in to your Netflix account via a browser
- Click on Account and go to Payment Plan Details
- Select Upgrade and choose a plan.
Netflix offers Kenyans four plans to choose from. Note that the free plan has since been removed.
- Mobile 480p: KES 200
- Basic 720-P: KES 300
- Standard 1080p: KES 700
- Premium 4K + HDR: KES 1,100
- Enter the card details (16-digit PAN number, expiry date, and CVV) from the M-Pesa GlobalPay virtual card.
- Submit the details.
Your outstanding balance will be settled from your M-Pesa, and all your future payments will be deducted automatically. You do need to ensure that Enable Repeat Payments is enabled for this card on your M-Pesa app.
2) PayPal with M-Pesa
You could also top up your Paypal account from M-Pesa using Paypal paybill, and then use it to pay for Netflix in Kenya. You will need a verified Kenyan PayPal account.
Here are the steps
- Create a PayPal account linked to your M-Pesa phone number (ensure names match for verification).
- Use M-Pesa to deposit funds into your PayPal account using the Pay Bill number 800088 with your phone number as the account number.
- Link your PayPal account to your Netflix for automatic payments.
Remember, both options require topping up your M-Pesa account to ensure sufficient funds for the Netflix subscription.