Recommended Mobile Banking Apps in Kenya (2025)
Titus Morebu

Titus Morebu

Author

Recommended Mobile Banking Apps in Kenya (2025)

Discover the leading mobile banking apps in Kenya, compare features, security, usability & choose the best app for you in 2025.

As Kenya rapidly evolves into a digital-first economy, mobile banking apps have become essential tools for everyday financial activity. Whether you're transferring funds, paying bills, applying for loans, or investing, a great mobile banking app offers convenience, security, and innovation. Below is an up-to-date (2025) guide to the **top mobile banking apps in Kenya**, what makes them stand out, and how to pick the right one for your needs. πŸ“±

Why mobile banking matters in Kenya

  • Financial inclusion: Mobile banking helps bridge the gap for unbanked or under-banked populations across rural and urban Kenya.
  • Convenience & speed: Perform transactions 24/7—no need for branch visits or paperwork.
  • Cost efficiency: Lower transaction and operational costs relative to traditional banking.
  • Innovation & features: Many apps now bundle loans, investment, budgeting, and micro-insurance features.
  • Security improvements: Stronger encryption, biometric logins, and fraud detection are now standard in top apps.

How we evaluated the apps

To rank the best, we considered:

  • Feature breadth (transfers, loans, bill payments, investments)
  • Security measures (biometrics, encryption, fraud detection)
  • User interface & ease of use
  • Reliability & uptime
  • Reach & compatibility (Android, iOS, nonbank users)
  • Customer feedback & industry recognition

Top Mobile Banking Apps in Kenya (2025)

1. KCB Mobile / KCB App

KCB’s mobile app has recently been revamped with enhanced speed, security, and features. It supports self-onboarding, mini-apps, and personalized dashboards. The app remains one of the most downloaded in Kenya under the Finance category. πŸ“ˆ

  • Pay utility bills (Kenya Power, water, DSTV, GOtv) and rent directly from the app
  • Transfer funds between KCB accounts, other banks, and mobile wallets (M-Pesa, Vooma)
  • Access quick mobile loans of up to KES 300,000 via “KCB Mobile Loan”
  • Earn and redeem Simba Points for airtime, cash, and rewards
  • Modern biometric login, analytics dashboard, and mini-apps ecosystem

This app is particularly strong if you already bank with KCB or transact often across wallets.

2. Equity Mobile (formerly Eazzy Banking)

Equity Bank’s mobile app rebranded into “Equity Mobile,” offering a sleek interface and full integration with Equity’s ecosystem.

  • Account management: check balance, statements, and card settings
  • Loans, savings & fixed deposits within the app
  • Funds transfer (inter-bank, internal, mobile wallets)
  • Bill payments, airtime top-up & merchant payments
  • User-friendly design and onboarding even for non-Equity customers

Best for users who want an all-inclusive digital banking experience tied to one bank’s ecosystem.

3. NCBA NOW

NCBA’s NOW app allows even non-NCBA customers to interact with its services, expanding reach and usability.

  • Government payments (eCitizen), card management, and statements
  • Deposit, withdrawal, and transfer between NCBA and external accounts
  • Hide/unhide account balance, set or change card PIN
  • Simplified onboarding with digital KYC

Choose NCBA NOW if you often deal with government services or want flexible access.

4. M-Co-op Cash / Co-op Bank

The Co-operative Bank’s mobile banking offering, M-Co-op Cash, blends mobile money with banking services.

  • Register via *667# or the mobile app, link your Co-op salary account
  • Apply for salary-backed loans (1–3 months) with upfront fees and insurance built in
  • Fund transfers, bill payments, account management all within the app

Best when you’re a Co-op Bank customer or rely on salary-based borrowing.

5. Stanbic Mobile Kenya

Stanbic’s app offers a balanced set of features for personal and small business users.

  • Open new accounts, check balance, transfer funds across banks
  • Free M-Pesa → account transfers, pay bills, airtime top-up
  • Self registration, pin resets, secure login
  • Charges: mini statement (~KES 10), bill payment (~KES 36), RTGS (~KES 250), etc.

Good option if you want a dependable app backed by Standard Bank’s network.

6. SC Mobile Kenya

Standard Chartered’s SC Mobile app packs in over 70 services—from local transfers to portfolio management.

  • Transfer between SCB accounts and other banks via RTGS or Pesalink
  • Buy airtime, pay utilities, move money to M-Pesa or Airtel Money
  • Invest in mutual funds, fixed income in KES or USD
  • Track request status, view transaction history, full account control

Ideal for users who want full banking services including investment tools in one app.

7. UBA Kenya Mobile Banking

UBA’s mobile banking facilitates core banking services in a streamlined, mobile-first way.

  • Balance check, statements, fund transfers (interbank, intrabank)
  • Utility bill payments, airtime recharge, cheque book requests
  • User support via live chat within the app

8. Branch (mobile & loan app)

While not a bank, Branch provides mobile-first credit and payment features, bridging mobile banking and fintech services.

  • Quick digital loans (no paperwork or collateral)
  • Move money between Branch, M-Pesa, and bank accounts
  • Pay certain utilities without extra charges

Useful for those seeking fast microloans via mobile with minimal friction.

Feature Comparison Summary

App Best For Loan Facility Investments/Extras Ease of Use
KCB Mobile All-purpose banking & rewards Yes (up to ~KES 300k) Mini-apps, insights High
Equity Mobile Bank-centric users Yes Savings & deposits High
NCBA NOW Government services & nonclients Moderate Standard extras Good
M-Co-op Cash Salary-based loans & Co-op clients Yes Standard extras Good
Stanbic Mobile Simplified banking needs Limited Standard features Good
SC Mobile Full banking + investments Yes Investments, portfolio High
UBA Mobile Core banking users Limited Basic extras Good
Branch Quick loans & fintech users Yes Loan ecosystem Very easy

How to Choose the Right Banking App for You

Not all apps are equal for every user. Here’s what to prioritize:

  1. Bank relationship: If you already bank with KCB, Equity, NCBA, etc., their native apps offer seamless integration.
  2. Loan needs: If you occasionally need quick credit, apps offering mobile loans add value.
  3. Extra features: Do you need investment tools, analytics, or mini-apps?
  4. Security & trust: Look for biometric login, two-factor authentication, fraud alerts.
  5. Compatibility & reach: Works on both Android and iOS? Can non-customers register?
  6. Fees & limits: Consider transaction fees, loan interest, withdrawal limits, etc.

Tips to Use Banking Apps Safely

  • Always download from official stores (Google Play, Apple App Store).
  • Enable biometric login or strong PINs.
  • Never share your m-PIN, OTP or credentials.
  • Use secure networks (avoid public WiFi for transactions).
  • Keep your app updated to get latest security patches.
  • Monitor account alerts and set up notifications.

Final Thoughts

Kenya’s mobile banking ecosystem is rich and competitive. The best app for you depends on your banking relationships, feature needs, and usability preferences. For all-round performance, **KCB Mobile** and **Equity Mobile** stand out. For investment and advanced extras, **SC Mobile** shines. And if you’re seeking quick credit, **Branch** offers fintech flexibility.

Whichever app you pick, prioritize security, keep your credentials safe, and enjoy the full benefits of digital banking in Kenya. πŸš€

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Recommended Mobile Banking Apps in Kenya (2025)