Netflix has become one of the most popular streaming platforms in Kenya, offering a wide range of TV shows, movies, and documentaries that are accessible on-demand. While many Kenyan families enjoy Netflix’s vast content, paying for subscriptions can sometimes be a hassle, especially when you don’t have a credit or debit card. Luckily, M-Pesa users can easily pay for their Netflix subscription using a simple and indirect method.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to pay for Netflix through M-Pesa, the benefits of using this payment method, and answer common questions related to Netflix subscriptions in Kenya.
What Are the Netflix Subscription Packages in Kenya?
Before diving into the payment process, it’s important to know which Netflix subscription package suits your needs. Netflix Kenya currently offers three main packages:
- Basic Package: The Basic package is the most affordable, offering access to Netflix’s wide range of content on one screen at a time. It costs Ksh. 700 per month.
- Standard Package: The Standard package allows streaming on two screens simultaneously and costs Ksh. 900 per month.
- Premium Package: The Premium package gives you access to Netflix on four screens simultaneously, with Ultra HD (4K) content where available. It costs Ksh. 1,200 per month.
Why Pay for Netflix Using M-Pesa?
In Kenya, M-Pesa is one of the most widely used mobile money services. It provides a quick, secure, and easy way for users to make payments. While Netflix does not have a direct Paybill number for M-Pesa transactions, you can still pay for your subscription using M-Pesa by first linking it to PayPal. Here’s why this method works:
- Convenience: M-Pesa is accessible to everyone in Kenya, whether or not you have a bank account. With M-Pesa, you can make payments directly from your mobile phone.
- No Need for Credit Cards: Many Kenyans don’t have credit or debit cards, but they can still use M-Pesa to fund their PayPal account, which can then be used to pay for Netflix.
- Secure Transactions: The PayPal-to-M-Pesa method ensures that all transactions are secure and that your financial information remains private.
Steps to Pay for Netflix Subscription via M-Pesa
Although Netflix does not have a direct M-Pesa Paybill number, you can still pay for Netflix using your M-Pesa account by linking it to PayPal. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open and Link a PayPal Account
Before you can pay for Netflix using M-Pesa, you need to create and link a PayPal account with your M-Pesa account.
- Create a PayPal Account:
- If you don’t have a PayPal account yet, go to PayPal Kenya and sign up for free.
- Follow the prompts to complete the registration process. You’ll need to provide your email address and a few other personal details.
- Link PayPal to M-Pesa:
- To link your M-Pesa account to PayPal, open the M-Pesa menu, select Lipa na M-Pesa, and then select Paybill.
- Enter Paybill Number 8000880 for PayPal, which will allow you to transfer money from M-Pesa to your PayPal account.
- Follow the instructions to complete the linkage between M-Pesa and PayPal.
Step 2: Add Money to Your PayPal Account Using M-Pesa
Once your PayPal account is linked to M-Pesa, you can easily add funds to your PayPal account using M-Pesa.
- Go to the M-Pesa Menu on your phone.
- Select Lipa na M-Pesa, then choose Paybill.
- Enter 8000880 as the Paybill Number for PayPal.
- Enter the amount you want to transfer from your M-Pesa account to PayPal.
- Complete the transaction and wait for the confirmation SMS from M-Pesa and PayPal.
This will deposit the amount you specified into your PayPal account, making it available for your Netflix subscription.
Step 3: Pay for Netflix Using PayPal
Now that you have money in your PayPal account, follow these steps to pay for your Netflix subscription:
- Log in to Your Netflix Account:
- If you don’t already have a Netflix account, you can sign up for one at Netflix.com.
- Once logged in, navigate to the Billing Section of your account settings.
- Select PayPal as Your Payment Method:
- In the payment section, select Pay with PayPal as your preferred payment option.
- Confirm Your Payment:
- Follow the instructions to confirm the payment. Netflix will charge the amount for your subscription from your linked PayPal account.
- Enjoy Your Netflix Subscription:
- Once the payment is processed, you can enjoy Netflix’s vast library of movies, TV shows, and documentaries!
Step 4: Monitoring and Managing Payments
Once you’ve paid for Netflix using PayPal via M-Pesa, you can keep track of your payments and subscription status through your Netflix account or PayPal account. You can always adjust or change your subscription plan, and you’ll receive an email notification for any upcoming billing.
Troubleshooting Common Payment Issues
Although the PayPal-to-M-Pesa method works seamlessly for most users, there may occasionally be issues. Here’s how to resolve them:
- Payment Failures:
- If your payment does not go through, check your PayPal account balance to ensure it has been credited correctly from M-Pesa.
- Ensure that the PayPal account is correctly linked to your M-Pesa account, and there are no issues with the M-Pesa Paybill number.
- Subscription Not Activated:
- If your Netflix subscription isn’t activated after the payment, contact Netflix support to confirm the status of your payment.
- Billing Discrepancies:
- If you notice any discrepancies in billing, you can log into your PayPal account to verify the transaction history and ensure that Netflix has charged the correct amount.
Paying for your Netflix subscription via M-Pesa in Kenya is a straightforward process once you link your M-Pesa account to PayPal. This method is particularly useful for those who don’t have access to international credit cards but still want to enjoy Netflix’s vast selection of entertainment. By following these simple steps, you can continue to enjoy Netflix on your terms without worrying about payment barriers.
Stay tuned for any updates from Netflix, as they may eventually introduce a Paybill number for direct payments through M-Pesa, simplifying the process even further.
