How to View, Increase, or Restore Your Hustler Fund Limit

The Hustler Fund continues to empower over 26 million users with affordable credit, having disbursed KSh 72 billion as of mid-2025. Loan limits start low (from KSh 500) but can grow to KSh 50,000 for personal loans and up to KSh 150,000 for the enhanced Bridge Loan product, based on your repayment behaviour and savings.

Your limit is tied to a “Hustler rating” (A: highest, B: moderate, C: lowest), reviewed monthly or quarterly, rewarding timely repayments with higher access while penalising defaults.

Defaults remain a challenge, with rates over 68% leading to frozen accounts, but full repayment restores access without CRB blacklisting.

Below, I’ll outline practical steps for viewing your current limit, increasing it through good habits, and restoring it after issues, all accessible via USSD (*254#) or the M-PESA app’s Hustler Fund mini-app.

How to View Your Hustler Fund Limit

Checking your limit is quick and free, helping you track progress toward higher tiers. It’s available for both personal and bridge loans.

1. Via USSD (*254#):
   • Dial *254# on your Safaricom line (or equivalent for Airtel/Telkom).
   • Select “Hustler Fund” or “Loans & Savings.”
   • Choose “Check Limit” (under Personal Loan) or “Check Limit under Bridge Loan” if eligible.
   • Enter your M-PESA PIN to confirm. You’ll receive an SMS with your current limit, rating, and savings balance.
2. Via the M-PESA App:
   • Open the M-PESA app > Go to “Loans and Savings” > Select “Hustler Fund” mini-app.
   • Log in with your ID and phone number.
   • Tap “My Loans” or “Check Limit” to view details.

New users start at KSh 500–1,000; repeat borrowers see adjustments based on history. If your limit shows zero or frozen, it may indicate a default; thus, proceed to restoration steps.

How to Increase Your Hustler Fund Limit

Limits aren’t fixed; they’re dynamic, adjusted based on a scoring model where repayment (35% weight), usage frequency (25%), and savings (20%) are key.

President Ruto announced up to 100% increases in 2023, with savers getting doubles if balances exceed limits. Aim for A or B ratings to unlock Bridge Loans (up to KSh 150,000, 30-day repayment).

Eligibility for Higher Limits

• Personal Loan: KSh 500–50,000; requires consistent borrowing/repayment.
• Bridge Loan: For B1/B2-rated users only (not C); opt-in via *254# > Hustler Fund > Bridge Loans > Accept terms. Offers longer terms and structured savings (5% auto-saved per loan).

READ ALSO:Everything You Need to Know About the Latest Hustler Fund Updates

Practical Steps to Boost Your Limit

1. Borrow and Repay Early/Timely:
   • Request small loans via *254# > “Borrow” > Enter amount (up to your limit) > PIN.
   • Repay fully before the due date (14 days for Personal; 30 for Bridge) using *254# > “Repay” > Amount > PIN. Early repayment (e.g., Day 1) signals reliability, raising limits faster.
   • Cycle: Borrow → Use for income-generating activities → Repay → Repeat monthly. Users report limits growing from KSh 300 to 1,000 in weeks.
2. Build Savings:
   • 5% of each loan auto-saves; add voluntary deposits via the mini-app.
   • If savings > limit, get up to 2x boost. Reviews happen quarterly—check after 4 months.
3. Maintain Good Habits:
   • Avoid defaults (interest jumps to 9.5% after 15 days).
   • Use one SIM (3+ months active); frequent changes flag instability.
   • Clear external digital loans (e.g., Fuliza) to avoid internal flags.

Expect SMS notifications on adjustments. For groups, register via app for KSh 20,000–1,000,000 shared limits.

How to Restore Your Hustler Fund Limit After Default

Defaults freeze limits and drop ratings to C, blocking new loans until cleared with no partial access or automatic amnesty, though tied programmes like SHA offer incentives for settlement. Over 10 million defaulters owe KSh 5–6 billion, but repayment reactivates accounts within 24–48 hours. No CRB impact, but prolonged defaults (30+ days) reset scores to zero.

Steps to Restore

1. Check Outstanding Balance:
   • Dial *254# > “Check Loan Balance” or use mini-app > “My Loans.”
   • Note principal + interest (8% p.a. standard; 9.5% post-default).
2. Repay in Full (or Instalments):
   • Via USSD: *254# > “Repay Loan” > “Pay for Self” > Enter full amount (cents OK) > M-PESA PIN.
   • Partial payments reduce interest but require full clearance for unfreezing.
   • For help: “Pay for Other” > Add recipient’s number/ID > Amount > PIN (even if unregistered).
   • Use Fuliza if needed (integration ongoing).
3. Confirm and Rebuild:
   • Recheck the balance post-payment, as it should be zeroed out.
   • Wait 24–48 hours; then borrow a small amount to restart (e.g., KSh 500).
   • Opt into Bridge if the rating improves to B.
   • If delayed: Call 0800 700 700 or email support@hustlerfund.go.ke.

For hardships, visit Huduma Centres for counselling or petition local leaders for micro-grants. Clearing unlocks SHA premium financing within limits.

Final Thoughts

The Hustler Fund thrives on discipline: view regularly, repay promptly, save consistently, and watch limits rise from KSh 500 to 150,000, driving real hustles like stock-ups or emergencies.

With 600,000+ on bridge loans, it’s a pathway out of exclusion, but misuse traps users in cycles. Borrow wisely. Start with *254# today. For personalised help, share your rating or balance details.

Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.