Safaricom warns Fuliza users after customer tries ‘opt-In, opt-out’ trick to raise limit

Safaricom has cautioned Fuliza users after a customer disclosed a method they attempted to boost their borrowing limit through the service's opt-in and opt-out options, ultimately leading to a limit of zero. The incident was shared by @starbuoy_007 on X on September 25, 2026, who explained that his strategy of opting in and out of Fuliza in hopes of increasing his limit proved counterproductive.

The user stated, "I tried a little trick of opting in and out to increase my Fuliza limit but ended up with a zero limit when I needed the service for transportation." Safaricom responded to the complaint, informing that opting out and rejoining the service triggers a new evaluation of the customer's eligibility and limit. The telecom giant warned, "Opting out of Fuliza and then reactivating it, the system will reassess your eligibility and adjust the limit accordingly."

They advised users to maintain regular usage of the service and avoid opting out if they wish to enhance their Fuliza limit. The published terms of Fuliza confirm that the overdraft limit is not fixed permanently and is subject to review, with Safaricom reserving the right to change it. The limit and approval of Fuliza requests are determined by the customer's credit score, and Safaricom may set minimum and maximum limits.

This means that a customer's previous limit does not guarantee the same limit after a new assessment. Safaricom's explanation reveals that opting out and rejoining the service can lead to a lower limit or, in the case of the user, a limit of zero. The company's terms also state that the company and its lending partners may use information from a customer's M-PESA and other Safaricom products in administering the service.

Fuliza is an overdraft facility provided through M-PESA, with the available amount depending on the customer's assessment based on various factors, including credit scoring.