Fuliza has become one of the most widely used mobile overdraft services in Kenya, yet many users still misunderstand how Fuliza limits are determined and more importantly, how (or whether) they can be increased. A common myth is that opting out and then opting back in resets or boosts your Fuliza limit. In reality, this behavior can work against you.
Also, anyone who promises to help you increase your Fuliza limit is a conman. No one can do that.
Why Fuliza Limits Differ for Everyone
According to Safaricom, Fuliza limits are not assigned randomly. They are generated through an automated credit scoring system that evaluates your financial behavior over time. This system continuously analyses several variables tied to your M-PESA usage and repayment patterns.
Key factors that determine your Fuliza limit include:
- M-PESA transaction history (how frequently do you use M-Pesa? What is the volume of your transactions?)
- Consistency of usage (how regularly you transact)
- Savings and balance patterns (Do you for instance have accounts such as M-Shwari or KCB M-Pesa where you save and have money?)
- Loan repayment behavior, including Fuliza and other mobile loans
- Duration of Safaricom line activity (you should have used your line for at least six months, the longer the better.)
In simple terms, Fuliza rewards consistency, reliability, and responsible financial behavior. If you frequently transact, repay overdrafts promptly, and maintain steady usage of M-PESA, your limit is more likely to increase over time.
Why Opting Out and Back In Hurts Your Limit
Some users assume that opting out and then opting back into Fuliza “resets” the system and gives them a fresh chance at a higher limit. This is incorrect.
When you opt out:
- Your usage history becomes inactive in the scoring model
- You interrupt your behavioral data trail
- You signal inconsistency in usage patterns
When you opt back in, the system does not treat you as a new user with a clean slate, instead it treats you as a user with interrupted activity. This disruption can slow down or even reduce your chances of a limit increase.
Bottom line: Staying consistently opted in and using Fuliza responsibly is far more beneficial than cycling in and out of the service.
What is Fuliza and How Does It Work?
Fuliza is an overdraft facility offered through M-PESA that allows you to complete transactions even when you have insufficient funds in your account. Instead of declining the transaction, Safaricom covers the shortfall up to your assigned limit.
For example:
- If you have KES 50 and need to send KES 200
- Fuliza covers the KES 150 difference
- Your M-PESA balance becomes negative (-150)
You are then required to repay the amount, usually with a daily usage fee depending on how long the overdraft remains unpaid.
How to Use Fuliza
Using Fuliza is seamless because it is embedded within M-PESA:
- Attempt any transaction (Send Money, Paybill, Buy Goods)
- If your balance is insufficient, Fuliza automatically prompts you
- Accept the Fuliza terms
- The transaction is completed using your overdraft
There is no separate process required once you are opted in.
How to Opt In to Fuliza
To start using Fuliza:
- Go to your M-PESA menu
- Select Fuliza M-PESA
- Choose Opt In
- Accept the terms and conditions
Once completed, your account will be assigned a limit based on your current profile.
How to Check Your Fuliza Limit
To check your available Fuliza limit:
- Open M-PESA on your SIM toolkit or App
- Go to Fuliza M-PESA
- Select Check Limit
You will see:
- Your total limit (let’s say you have a limit of KES 1000 overdraft)
- Available balance (let’s say out of that KES 1000, you have already borrowed KES 100, your Fuliza limit balance will be KES 900. This means you can go ahead and borrow the whole or a part of the remaining KES 900 when need arises.)
- Outstanding balance (This refers to the amount you owe Fuliza. In this case, your outstanding balance will be KES 100)
What is the Fuliza Code?
To access Fuliza easily, use the USSD code *334#
Select Option 4: Loans and Savings
Next, select Option 1: Fuliza M-Pesa
Go ahead and follow the prompts to choose what you want to do with Fuliza.
How to Check Your Fuliza Balance
To view how much you owe:
- Dial *334#
- Select option 4: Loans and Savings
- Choose Option 1: Fuliza M-Pesa
- Select Option 2: My Fuliza Balance. Wait for the system to send you an SMS for your balance.
Alternatively, you can check directly in the M-PESA app under the Fuliza section.
How to Increase Your Fuliza Limit
There is no manual way to request a limit increase. However, you can influence the system positively by:
- Repaying Fuliza promptly (preferably within a day or two)
- Using M-PESA frequently
- Avoiding defaults on other mobile loans
- Maintaining a steady transaction pattern
- Keeping your line active over time
Consistency is critical. The algorithm favors users with predictable and responsible financial behavior.
How to Opt Out of Fuliza
- Dial *334#
- Select Option 4: Loans and Savings
- Choose Option 1: Fuliza M-Pesa
- Scroll to the end and reply with 98: (TO SHOW MORE OPTIONS)
- Select Option 9: Opt Out. Wait for the system to send you a message confirming you have opted out of Fuliza.
Important: You must clear any outstanding Fuliza balance before opting out.
Fuliza is built on a behavioral scoring system, not manual adjustments or shortcuts. Opting out and back in does not improve your chances of a higher limit; in fact, it disrupts the very data that the system relies on to evaluate you.
If your goal is to increase your Fuliza limit, the strategy is straightforward: stay opted in, use the service consistently, and repay on time. Over time, the system will recognize this pattern and adjust your limit accordingly.
