With a huge database of movies, TV series, and documentaries, as well as original content, Netflix is one of the leading streamers around the world. In Kenya, many Netflix subscribers have been wishing for a more convenient way to pay for subscriptions, and that is where M-Pesa Global comes in.
In this article, we are going to look at how one pays for Netflix through M-Pesa Global, how the service works, and other relevant details that a subscriber may want to know in Kenya.
1. What is M-Pesa Global?
MPESA Global is an extension of the M-Pesa mobile money service, which lets users transact across borders, such as send and receive money, pay for goods and services bought abroad, and subscribe to global platforms such as Netflix. M-Pesa Global allows Kenyans to conveniently pay for their Netflix subscriptions in a very simple and convenient way without the need for credit or debit cards.
M-Pesa Global supports multiple currencies in which users can convert using Kenyan Shillings to the required currency for any global payments, including USD, GBP, or EUR.
Key Features of M-Pesa Global:
- Global Payments: Users can make payments for a variety of services, including Netflix and e-commerce sites among others.
- Convenience: There is no need for a credit card; pay straight from your M-Pesa wallet.
- Security of Transactions: The service has ensured that the transactional activities are highly secured and thus safe for international use.
2. How to Pay for Netflix Using M-Pesa Global
Paying for Netflix using M-Pesa Global is easy and straightforward, making it the most hassle-free option available for Kenyans. Here is a step-by-step guide:
i. Create a Netflix Account
If you don't have a Netflix account, get yourself one. Go to the website and download either an application from the Google Play Store or from the Apple App Store. Choose your plan, which either is Basic, Standard, or Premium according to the number of screens and quality of video.
ii. Sign up with M-Pesa Global
Before you can pay for Netflix using M-Pesa, you have to activate M-Pesa Global:
- Dial *840# and follow the registration process shown for M-Pesa Global.
- Select "Activate" and follow the prompts to finish the registration.
Alternatively, activate M-Pesa Global through My Safaricom App as per below:
- Open the app, go to M-Pesa, then M-Pesa Global.
- Follow the steps to register for international payments.
iii. Attach a Virtual Visa Card to Your M-Pesa Global Account
Once you are listed on M-Pesa Global, you can create a virtual VISA card for paying for Netflix. Safaricom is in partnership with VISA allows users to create virtual cards for international online transactions. Here is how you can create the card:
- Dial USSD *334# then "Lipa Na MPESA"or open the MySafaricom App.
- Go to M-Pesa, then select "GlobalPay" under the M-Pesa Global section.
- Create a virtual VISA card with the prescribed limit.
- Details of the virtual VISA card, namely card number, expiry date, and CVV, will be sent to you via SMS.
iv. Pay for Netflix Subscription Using the Virtual Card
Now that you have your virtual VISA card linked to your M-Pesa account, you are good to go with making payment for your Netflix subscription:
- Sign in to your Netflix account; if you're a new user, register yourself.
- In the payment section, select "Credit or Debit Card" as the payment method.
- Enter the details of your virtual VISA card: card number, expiry date, and CVV.
- Confirm the payment; the subscription fee will be deducted from your M-Pesa wallet in Kenyan Shillings, converted into the needed currency.
That's all! Your Netflix subscription is paid with M-Pesa Global, and you can enjoy unlimited streaming.
3. Benefits of Using M-Pesa Global to Pay Netflix
M-Pesa Global confers the following desirable advantages on the users, especially those in Kenya, for paying for Netflix:
i. Convenience
M-Pesa Global saves them from maintaining a credit or debit card, which may not be possible for many of their citizens. M-Pesa, on the other hand, is very widely used, and therefore, perfectly serves the purpose.
ii. Real-time Transaction
M-Pesa Global payments are real-time. Once you have completed the process of making a payment, your subscription to Netflix begins without any delay.
iii. Secure Transactions
M-Pesa Global ensures the security of each transaction and saves users from possible fraud cases. The virtual VISA card provides additional benefits in terms of security since it is applicable for online payments only with a predetermined limit.
iv. Currency Flexibility
M-Pesa Global allows them to pay in a variety of currencies: that will mean Netflix payments will be taken from the needed currency, be it in USD, GBP, or EUR, and will automatically convert from KES.
4. Common Questions About Paying Netflix with M-Pesa Global
i. Is it possible to directly pay for Netflix using my ordinary M-Pesa balance?
No, normal M-Pesa cannot process international payments directly. However, with M-Pesa Global and the feature of a virtual VISA card, you will have the ability to use your M-Pesa balance to pay bills on Netflix and other global services.
ii. Do any extra charges apply when using M-Pesa Global to make Netflix payments?
While M-Pesa Global charges small currency conversion fees, these are minimal compared to traditional credit card or bank transfer charges. Always check current rates before you complete your transaction.
iii. Can I pay for other streaming services through M-Pesa Global?
Yes! Besides Netflix, M-Pesa Global can facilitate payments for services such as Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Spotify, and more through the use of the virtual VISA card.
iv. What if my Netflix subscription is due, and I don't have enough cash in my M-Pesa wallet?
In case you have insufficient funds in your M-Pesa balance, the transaction would automatically fail. Always ensure you have enough funds in your M-Pesa wallet before attempting any payment. You can always top-up your wallet at any time via Safaricom agents or through M-Pesa.
5. Other Handy M-Pesa Global Features
M-Pesa Global is more than just paying for your streaming services. Some of the other helpful things this service can do include:
i. International Money Transfers
M-Pesa Global lets its customers send money to any part of the world in over 200 countries. Whether through Western Union, PayPal, or directly to a recipient's mobile wallet in specific countries, M-Pesa Global does international transfers in style.
ii. Online Shopping
This allows for online shopping via a virtual VISA card on leading e-commerce sites like Amazon, AliExpress, and eBay. The creation of the virtual card enables international online shopping safely and easily in Kenya.
iii. GlobalPay for Businesses
Safaricom offers businesses willing to receive international customer payments a feature known as GlobalPay. This is ideal for Kenyan e-commerce sites and freelancers who work with clients abroad.