Over 20 million Kenyans still use basic (non-smartphone) phones. Most loan app comparisons assume you have an Android phone — but the reality is that some of the best loan products in Kenya are accessible via USSD codes that work on any phone, from a KES 1,000 basic handset to the latest smartphone. This guide covers every major USSD-based loan option in Kenya for 2026.

What Is USSD Lending?

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) loans work by dialling a short code like *334# or *254# from any phone — no internet connection, no app download, and no data required. The loan application, approval, and disbursement happen entirely through the phone's call interface, with money going directly to your M-Pesa wallet.

USSD lending is actually faster than app-based lending in many cases — there is no app to open, no account to log into, and no loading screen to wait for. You dial, you answer a few prompts, and money appears in your M-Pesa.

The Top 10 USSD Loan Products in Kenya

1. Hustler Fund — *254# (Cheapest)

Detail	Value
USSD Code	*254#
Interest rate	8% per annum (0.67% per month)
Loan range	KES 500 – KES 50,000
Term	14 days
Processing time	Instant
CRB reporting	No

The Hustler Fund is by far the cheapest USSD loan in Kenya at 8% per annum. First-time users start at KES 500–1,000 and build to KES 50,000 over successive cycles. No app, no internet, works on any Safaricom line. Dial *254# to register and apply.

2. M-Shwari — *334# (Most Popular)

Detail	Value
USSD Code	*334# → M-Shwari
Interest rate	7.5% per month (+ 2% facility fee)
Loan range	KES 100 – KES 50,000
Term	30 days
Processing time	Instant
CRB reporting	Yes

M-Shwari via the M-Pesa USSD menu (*334#) is Kenya's most-used USSD loan product, with over 30 million eligible users. No separate registration needed if you already use M-Pesa regularly. Requires 6 months of M-Pesa activity for initial approval.

3. KCB M-Pesa — *334# (Highest Limits)

Detail	Value
USSD Code	*334# → KCB M-Pesa
Interest rate	8.64% per month
Loan range	KES 50 – KES 1,000,000
Term	1–6 months
Processing time	Instant
CRB reporting	Yes

KCB M-Pesa offers the highest USSD loan limit in Kenya — up to KES 1,000,000 for qualified users — accessible entirely through the M-Pesa menu. A national ID is required for higher amounts. The 6-month repayment option makes large amounts manageable.

4. Equity Eazzy Loan — *247# (Best Rate for Bank Customers)

Detail	Value
USSD Code	*247#
Interest rate	14% per annum (1.17% per month)
Loan range	KES 100 – KES 3,000,000
Term	1–12 months
Processing time	Instant
CRB reporting	Yes

Equity Bank's USSD banking code gives access to Eazzy Loans at 14% per annum — one of the cheapest rates available on any platform in Kenya. Requires an active Equity Bank account. Dial *247# on any phone linked to your Equity account.

5. Timiza (Absa) — *848# (Competitive Bank Rate)

Detail	Value
USSD Code	*848#
Interest rate	6% per month
Loan range	KES 200 – KES 150,000
Term	7–90 days
Processing time	Instant
CRB reporting	Yes

Timiza by Absa Bank is one of the better-value USSD loans, combining a competitive 6% monthly rate with up to 90-day terms. Accessible to any Safaricom subscriber — no Absa bank account required for initial access, though higher limits require more information.

6. Fuliza — *334# (Overdraft Facility)

Detail	Value
USSD Code	*334# → Fuliza, or automatic during low-balance M-Pesa transactions
Fee structure	Daily maintenance fee: KES 2–30/day depending on balance
Loan range	KES 100 – KES 70,000
Term	Flexible (repay when M-Pesa funds arrive)
Processing time	Instant (auto-applied)
CRB reporting	Yes

Fuliza is unique — it is an overdraft facility that kicks in automatically when you try to complete an M-Pesa transaction with insufficient funds. No separate application. However, the daily fees make it extremely expensive for anything beyond 1–3 day use. Always repay Fuliza the same day if possible.

7. MCo-opCash (Co-operative Bank) — *667#

Detail	Value
USSD Code	*667#
Interest rate	~6% per month
Loan range	KES 100 – KES 200,000
Term	30 days
Processing time	Instant to 1 hour
CRB reporting	Yes

Co-operative Bank's USSD banking platform offers emergency loans to account holders via *667#. Like Equity, you need a Co-op Bank account, but once set up, the loan process is entirely USSD-based and works on any phone.

8. Stanbic Bank — *290#

Detail	Value
USSD Code	*290#
Interest rate	Varies (typically 8–12% per month)
Loan range	Up to KES 300,000
Term	Up to 6 months
Processing time	Same day
CRB reporting	Yes

Stanbic Bank Kenya offers USSD banking via *290# for account holders, including personal loan access. Better suited for salaried employees with a Stanbic account.

9. NCBA Bank — *488#

Detail	Value
USSD Code	*488#
Interest rate	NCBA Loop rates apply
Loan range	Account holders — varies
Term	Up to 12 months
Processing time	Instant
CRB reporting	Yes

NCBA (the bank behind M-Shwari) also offers direct personal loans via USSD banking for account holders through *488#. Higher limits and longer terms than M-Shwari for NCBA customers.

10. Airtel Money Loans — *334# on Airtel (Airtel Network Only)

Detail	Value
USSD Code	*334# on Airtel line
Interest rate	Varies by product
Loan range	KES 100 – KES 50,000
Term	30 days
Processing time	Minutes
CRB reporting	Varies by product

Airtel Kenya users can access loan products via Airtel Money's USSD menu. The Timiza product is available to Airtel users as well as Safaricom. Check current Airtel Money loan products by dialling *334# on your Airtel line.

Comparison: Best USSD Loan by Use Case

Use Case	Best USSD Option	Why
Cheapest rate available	Hustler Fund (*254#)	8% per annum — nothing cheaper exists
Highest limit via USSD	KCB M-Pesa (*334#)	Up to KES 1,000,000
No bank account needed	Hustler Fund or M-Shwari	M-Pesa only — no bank required
Longest repayment term	KCB M-Pesa (6 months)	Or Equity Eazzy (12 months) if you have an account
No CRB check	Hustler Fund	Only major USSD product that does not check CRB
Emergency overdraft	Fuliza (*334#)	Automatic — no application needed

Tips for USSD Borrowers

• Always confirm the amount before entering your PIN — USSD transactions cannot be reversed after confirmation
• Save your confirmation SMS — this is your receipt and dispute evidence if anything goes wrong
• Set a calendar reminder for the repayment date — USSD products often do not send reminder notifications as reliably as apps
• Start with Hustler Fund if you have never borrowed digitally — cheapest rate, no CRB check, works on any phone

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a loan via USSD without M-Pesa?

Most USSD loans disburse to M-Pesa. Bank-based USSD loans (Equity *247#, Co-op *667#) can disburse to your bank account instead. Airtel Money users can access Airtel-specific USSD loan products without M-Pesa.

What is the maximum I can borrow via USSD without visiting a bank?

KCB M-Pesa via *334# offers up to KES 1,000,000 for qualified users — the highest USSD-accessible loan limit in Kenya without visiting a branch.

Do USSD loans work on any network?

Most M-Pesa products (*334#, *254#) require a Safaricom line. Equity (*247#) and Co-op (*667#) work on any network as long as the phone number is linked to your bank account. Airtel Money loans require an Airtel line.