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Branch Loan App Review : Fast, Flexible Loans For Kenyans On The Move

· 7 min read
Brian Otieno
Brian Otieno
Financial Realist and Fintech Analyst

As of 2025 Branch is one of the most downloaded mobile loan apps in Kenya.It offers instant,collateral-free loans to individuals and small businesses via a user-friendly mobile app.Branch has amassed over 50 million downloads globally and created a strong presence in Kenya,Branch has positioned itself as a go-to option for borrowers seeking credit without paperwork or guarantors.

It doesn't matter whether you are a student covering exam fees,mama mboga seeking to restock or a boda boda rider fixing a puncture or seeking to renew your license.Branch is a mobile money first,mobile app that promises quick access to funds,directly to your M-PESA.

How Branch Works​

Branch uses a data-driven approach to assess credit worthiness.Instead of asking for payslips or collateral,it analyzes your phone activity,M-PESA usage and repayment profile to create a credit profile for you.

Here is the simplified process of applying a loan with branch:

  1. Visit Branch's website to learn more about their terms and how to download their mobile app 👉 Branch's Mobile Loans Website.
  2. Register using your Safaricom number and other details such as your name and national ID.
  3. Using the provided information Branch will perform CRB checks and assess your phone activities in order to determine your loan eligibility.
  4. After assessment,Branch will assign you a loan limit from which you can select the desired loan amount and repayment period.
  5. After you have applied and got yourself approved,the loan amount is then disbursed to your Branch Wallet.
  6. You can directly spend the money from within the Branch Wallet or Send it to your M-PESA.

Eligibility Requirements For Applying For A Loan With Branch​

Branch has standard eligibility requirements for any borrower seeking financing through their platform.The eligibility requirements are outlined below.

Eligibility RequirementDetails
CitizenshipMust be a Kenyan Citizen
AgeMust be age 18 and over
IDMust have a valid Kenyan National ID
Mobile NetworkActive Safaricom line with M-PESA
Income ProofNot required,but regular M-PESA activity helps
Credit HistoryPositive CRB status is preferred

Branch Loan Application Features​

Branch loan app offers several convenient wallet, savings, rewards,and loan application features designed to enhance user experience and financial management

💼 Wallet Features​

  • In-App Wallet - manage your loan balance,repayment schedule and other transaction history directly within the app.
  • Instant Disbursement - loans are disbursed instantly to your Branch In-App Wallet from which you can quickly access.
  • Top-Up options - Add funds to your Branch In-App wallet for faster repayments or emergency use.
  • M-PESA Integration - Branch's In-App wallet has seamless integration with M-PESA,for example you can deposit directly to the In-App wallet via an STK push prompt.
  • Transaction Alerts - Receive realtime SMS alerts and in-app notifications for loan disbursements,repayments and due dates.

🏦 Savings Feature​

  • In-App Savings - The Branch loan app also has a savings feature that enables users to save money within the app,encouraging financial discipline and helping build emergency funds.Furthermore users can earn interests of up to 12% per annum on their savings.

🎁 Reward Feature​

  • Loyalty Rewards - users can earn rewards and bonuses for timely repayments and consistent use,the reward can be redeemed for discounts or better loan terms.

💸 Loan Application Features​

  • Quick Loan Application - simple registration using your Safaricom mobile number and national ID.
  • Data-Driven Credit Assessment - uses phone metadata and M-PESA activity to evaluate credit worthiness.
  • Flexible Loan Amounts - choose loan amounts based on your eligibility and repayment capacity.
  • Repayment Flexibility - multiple repayment options including in-app and M-PESA Paybill.
  • Loan Progression - Timely loan repayments increase your loan limits and improves terms.

Branch Loan Limits And Progression​

Branch uses a tiered system.This is whereby the borrowers's loan limits and repayment periods increases overtime depending on their repayment history:

  • First Time Borrowers - usually get loan offer ranging from KSh 250 to KSh 2000 over a one week period
  • Returning Borrowers - Returning borrowers get their tier upgraded to even up to over KSh 70,000 over a 6 month period,depending on their repayment history
  • Progression - timely repayments is the key to higher loan limits and longer repayment periods

Example​

A boda boda rider who repays KSh 1,500 on time may qualify for KSh 3,000 next time and a longer repayment window.

Interest Rates And Fees​

Branch's interest rates and fees varies based on your loan amount and duration:

  • Monthly Interest - 10% to 20%
  • APR - can range from 130% to 180% annually if rolled over
  • Late Fees - 1% to 2% daily on overdue balances
  • Transparency - All fees are disclosed before a borrower gets approved for a loan application
tip

Always check on the total repayment amount before accepting a loan offer.A KSh 5,000 loan at 15% monthly interest rate will mean KSh 5,750 repayment amount after 30 days.

Impact Of Defaulting​

Defaulting Branch loans can lead to:

  • CRB Listing - you can get a negative CRB rating score which can affect future borrowing,even from other lenders
  • Reduced Loan Limits - your loan limits may be reduced or you may get locked out of the service completely
  • Debt Collection - Branch may escalate to third party loan recovery agencies
  • Stress - Missed repayments can trigger SMS reminders and emotional strain
tip

Borrow responsibly.If you are unsure about your repayment ability,opt for a smaller and manageable amount.

Repayment Options​

Branch loans offers two main repayment methods:

1. In-App repayment​

This is a repayment method that is done within Branch Loan App:

  • Open Branch App
  • Tap "Repay Loans"
  • Enter phone number and repayment amount
  • Once you proceed an STK push will be initiated to the phone number you entered
  • Confirm the M-PESA PIN and the amount will be sent to Branch automatically

2. M-PESA Paybill​

Branch also has an M-PESA Paybill number that you can use to repay to your loans:

  • Go to Lipa Na M-PESA
  • Select Paybill and enter 998608
  • Enter Account Number: Your Safaricom number registered with Branch
  • Enter Amount and M-PESA PIN

Always repay early to improve your credit score and access higher loan limits.

Benefits Of Timely Loan Repayments​

  • Access higher loan limits and longer repayment periods
  • Maintain a positive credit profile and CRB score
  • Avoid financial stress and strain caused by unrepaid loans

You can think of timely loan repayments as building a reputable credit profile.Every timely repayment is a vote of trust.

Branch Loans Pro Tips​

  • Borrow only what you can repay within your income cycle
  • Always repay early to build trust and unlock better terms
  • Compare Branch loans with other apps before choosing as Interest Rates and Terms tend to vary across apps
  • Avoid rollover traps - rollover fees can compound debt quickly

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)​

Here are some few Frequently Asked Questions about Branch

Question: How fast is loan disbursement?
Answer: Within minutes after approval - money is deposited to your Branch wallet from which you can spend or send it to your M-PESA

Question: Can I repay early?
Answer: Yes.Early repayment is not only possible but also encouraged as it builds a stronger credit profile and unlocks access to better loan terms in future.

Question: Can I borrow multiple loans?
Answer: No.You can only have one existing loan at a time that must first be cleared before you can reapply.

This is a non-exhaustive list of Branch loan app FAQs.You can find out more in their website 👉 Branch Loans FAQs

Conclusion​

Branch is a reliable,data-driven loan app that empowers Kenyans with fast,flexible credit.Its high loan ceiling and instant disbursement can make it a great service for urgent need,but users need to borrow wisely to avoid rollover debt and CRB issues.

If used responsibly,Branch can be a stepping stone to a better financial future and access to formal credit.

note

This review is for informational purposes only.It does not constitute financial advice or guaranteed loan approval.Always read Branch's terms and consult a licensed financial advisor if needed.Borrow responsibly.