Branch Loan App Review (2026)
Popular app with transparent, term-based pricing. Here’s our full review of Branch — loan limits, what it costs, the requirements, how to apply, and how it stacks up against the alternatives.
Loan limit
KES 250–70,000
Interest
~1.7–17.6% / month
Speed
Minutes
CRB
Checks CRB
What is Branch?
Branch is a mobile loan app in Kenya operated by Branch International. Popular app with transparent, term-based pricing. It’s designed for quick, small-to-medium loans disbursed straight to M-Pesa, with no collateral and no paperwork — you qualify from your phone based on your details and history.
Branch loan limits
Loan amounts typically run from about KES 250 to KES 70,000. Like every lender here, Branch starts you on a small limit and raises it as you borrow and repay on time — so consistent, early repayment is the fastest way to unlock bigger loans.
Interest and fees
Branch charges around ~1.7–17.6% / month, with no upfront registration fee. As with all app loans, interest is charged per short term rather than per year — so the effective cost is high if you repay late. Borrow only what you can clear by the due date.
Requirements
- Kenyan ID
- Branch app
- M-Pesa number
- Facebook/phone data for scoring
How to apply for Branch
- Download the official Branch app and register with your Kenyan ID and M-Pesa number.
- Allow the permissions it needs to assess your limit, and complete your profile.
- Choose your amount and term, then submit — approval is usually automatic.
- Receive the funds in your M-Pesa, typically within minutes.
Repayment and defaulting
Repay Branch through M-Pesa by the due date to keep your limit growing and your costs down. Because Branch reports to CRB, missing payments can get you listed and hurt your ability to borrow elsewhere. If you’re struggling, borrow less next time rather than rolling over debt.
Branch pros and cons
Pros
- Higher maximum limit
- Clear pricing per term
- No paperwork
Cons
- Reports to CRB
- First limits are small
Is Branch safe?
Branch is run by Branch International. The golden rule in Kenya: a legitimate lender never asks for an upfront payment before releasing your loan. Branch deducts nothing before disbursing. Only ever download the official app, and if anything asks for a “registration” or “processing” fee first, it’s a scam — see our guide to legit loan apps in Kenya.
Branch vs the alternatives
| App | Loan limit (KES) | Interest / fees | Speed | CRB? | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branch | 250 – 70K | ~1.7–17.6% / month | Minutes | Checks CRB | 4.5(3,498,682) | Get Branch |
| Tala | 500 – 50K | ~5–15% / month (by term) | Minutes | Checks CRB | 4.5(458,957) | Get Tala |
| Zenka | 500 – 30K | ~9–29% facilitation (by term) | Minutes | Checks CRB | 4.2(147,405) | Get Zenka |
| Koro | 500 – 50K | ~indicative — verify | Minutes | Checks CRB | 4.2(4,287) | Get Koro |
Branch compared with popular alternatives. Indicative figures — confirm current terms in each app.
KenyaLoanApps is an independent comparison site — we are not a lender and don’t issue loans. Some “Get app” links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no cost to you; this never affects our rankings or the figures shown. Loan terms change often — always confirm current details in the app. See our full disclosure.
Prefer to see the full field? Read our ranked list of the best loan apps in Kenya, or if you’re listed on CRB, the loan apps without CRB.
Branch — FAQ
Is Branch legit in Kenya?
Branch is operated by Branch International. Genuine lenders never ask for an upfront fee before disbursing — Branch deducts nothing before your loan lands. Always download only the official app and confirm it is a licensed digital lender.
How much can I borrow on Branch?
Loan limits typically range from about KES 250 to KES 70,000. You start small and your limit grows as you borrow and repay on time.
Does Branch check CRB?
Yes — Branch checks and reports to CRB, so repaying late can affect your credit record. If you’re listed, see our loan apps without CRB page.
How fast does Branch disburse?
Approved funds are typically sent to M-Pesa in minutes.
What are the requirements for Branch?
You’ll generally need: Kenyan ID, Branch app, M-Pesa number, Facebook/phone data for scoring.