Safaricom customers can now use their Fuliza overdraft limits to complete international online purchases through the M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card, thanks to a newly introduced option available within My OneApp. The feature quietly appeared under the Global Payments section, despite Safaricom’s existing FAQs and official documentation continuing to state that Fuliza is not supported for GlobalPay transactions.
The update provides an additional funding source for customers making payments on international websites and subscription platforms such as Netflix, Spotify, Amazon and AliExpress. It also addresses a long-standing challenge where transactions would fail whenever users lacked sufficient funds in their M-PESA wallets.
At the same time, consumers may need to exercise greater caution, particularly where recurring subscriptions are involved, as charges can now potentially draw from Fuliza and attract overdraft costs.
What Is the New Fuliza GlobalPay Feature?
The M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card is Safaricom’s digital payment solution developed in partnership with Visa, enabling customers to shop and pay for services from international merchants using virtual card credentials linked directly to their M-PESA accounts.
Until recently, customers could only complete GlobalPay transactions if they had enough money in their M-PESA wallets to cover the purchase amount, exchange rate fluctuations and Safaricom’s foreign exchange markup. Any shortfall would result in the payment being declined.
The newly introduced option allows customers to link their virtual Visa card to their available Fuliza limits. Once enabled, GlobalPay transactions can automatically utilize Fuliza whenever the customer’s M-PESA balance is insufficient, reducing the likelihood of failed payments due to minor funding gaps. The feature is disabled by default and must be activated manually by the customer.
How to Enable Fuliza for M-PESA GlobalPay
Customers interested in using Fuliza as a backup payment source for international purchases can enable the feature directly within My OneApp. The process involves a few simple steps:
- Open the Safaricom My OneApp.
- Navigate to the Global Payments section.
- Select M-PESA Visa Card GlobalPay.
- Scroll below the currency cost estimator.
- Locate the option labelled Enable FULIZA for GlobalPay.
- Switch on the toggle.
- Read and accept the applicable terms and conditions.
After activation, eligible GlobalPay transactions can automatically access the customer’s available Fuliza overdraft limit whenever their M-PESA wallet balance is not enough to complete a purchase.
Customers who later decide not to use Fuliza for international transactions can return to the same dashboard and disable the feature at any time.
Why the Update Matters
The addition of Fuliza support addresses one of the most common frustrations faced by users of international payment services. Consumers often encounter transaction failures because exchange rate movements, foreign exchange markups or low wallet balances leave them a few shillings short of the amount needed to complete a purchase.
The new option provides an alternative source of funds, helping customers maintain uninterrupted access to digital services and global marketplaces.
This may be particularly useful for payments involving:
- Netflix subscriptions;
- Spotify Premium;
- Amazon purchases;
- Cloud storage services;
- Software subscriptions;
- Web hosting providers;
- Online learning platforms; and
- Artificial intelligence tools billed in foreign currencies.
For consumers who depend on these services for work, entertainment or business activities, the update offers added convenience and reduces the risk of service interruptions caused by failed payments.
The Biggest Risk: Subscription Charges May Use Fuliza Automatically
Although the feature can improve payment reliability, it also introduces a new consideration for customers who have recurring subscriptions linked to their GlobalPay cards.
Safaricom’s existing GlobalPay guidelines indicate that once card details are saved on a merchant’s platform and recurring billing is authorised, future subscription payments do not require customers to enter their M-PESA PIN. Charges are processed automatically during each billing cycle.
With Fuliza now available as a funding option, subscription renewals could potentially utilize a customer’s overdraft limit whenever their M-PESA balance is insufficient to cover the payment amount.
Examples of services that commonly rely on recurring billing include:
- Netflix;
- Spotify;
- Adobe Creative Cloud;
- Microsoft 365;
- Google One;
- Domain registration services;
- Website hosting providers; and
- Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms.
Customers who do not actively monitor their subscriptions may therefore find themselves accumulating Fuliza balances and incurring daily overdraft charges. Individuals seeking tighter control over borrowing may prefer to leave the feature disabled or regularly review active subscriptions.
What Is the M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card?
The M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card is a digital card issued through a partnership between M-PESA and Visa. It is linked directly to a customer’s M-PESA account and is designed exclusively for payments made to international online merchants.
The card can be used on websites and platforms that accept Visa payments, including Amazon, Netflix, AliExpress and various international software providers.
Safaricom advises customers making purchases from Kenyan online merchants, such as Jumia, to continue using the Lipa na M-PESA Buy Goods option instead of the virtual card.
Certain merchant categories remain restricted on GlobalPay. These include:
- Gambling websites;
- Gaming-related merchants in restricted categories;
- Cryptocurrency platforms; and
- Money transfer services.
The card is intended solely for making payments and cannot receive funds.
GlobalPay Charges and Transaction Limits
Safaricom charges a 3.5% foreign exchange markup on the value of international transactions processed through the GlobalPay card. The fee is calculated based on the prevailing exchange rate between the Kenyan shilling and the currency used by the merchant, such as the US dollar, British pound or euro.
There are no additional M-PESA transaction charges associated with GlobalPay purchases. Current transaction limits remain aligned with standard M-PESA thresholds and include:
- Minimum transaction amount equivalent to approximately US$1;
- Maximum amount of KSh250,000 per transaction; and
- Daily transaction limit of KSh500,000.
Customers should also note that in the event of a refund or reversal, the 3.5% foreign exchange markup is not reimbursed.
Important Rules Every GlobalPay User Should Know
Customers using the M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card should be aware of several operational requirements governing the service. The card expires after three years, with Safaricom sending reminders one month, seven days, three days and one day before expiry.
Cards that remain unused for three consecutive months become dormant. Once a card is cancelled, it cannot be renewed, and customers may only apply for a new virtual card after the applicable waiting period. In addition, only one GlobalPay card is permitted per customer ID within a 12-month period.
To avoid inactivity-related issues, Safaricom recommends completing at least one successful transaction every three months.
How to Stay Safe When Using GlobalPay
Customers can take several steps to minimise the risk of unexpected deductions and unauthorised charges.
It is advisable to regularly review all active subscriptions connected to the virtual card and cancel services that are no longer needed. Subscription cancellations must be completed directly through the merchant’s website, as disabling Fuliza or deactivating the card does not automatically stop recurring billing arrangements.
Users should also safeguard their card credentials, including the card number, expiry date and CVV. The GlobalPay CVV remains valid for only 30 minutes and should never be shared with third parties.
Where duplicate charges or unauthorised transactions occur, customers should first seek resolution with the merchant. If the matter remains unresolved, disputes can be escalated through the M-PESA App, Safaricom customer care channels, retail outlets or Safaricom’s formal dispute resolution process.
Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.