The relationship between fintech partnerships and financial performance has attracted increasing attention as commercial banks increasingly rely on external technology providers to enhance digital capabilities, develop innovative financial products, and improve operational efficiency. This study examined the association between fintech partnerships and perceived financial performance among commercial banks listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in Kenya, drawing on transaction cost economics (TCE) and a positivist research philosophy. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to managers responsible for digital transformation, information technology, strategy, and operations across all 11 NSE-listed commercial banks. Of the 110 questionnaires distributed, 84 valid responses were obtained, representing a response rate of 76.4%. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and simple linear regression. A strong and statistically significant positive association was identified between fintech partnerships and perceived financial performance (r = 0.820, p < 0.01). The regression analysis further indicated that fintech partnerships significantly predicted perceived financial performance (R² = 0.672, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that stronger collaboration between commercial banks and fintech firms is associated with improved perceptions of financial performance. In particular, partnerships involving digital payment systems, application programming interfaces (APIs), and joint product development may provide avenues for strengthening banks’ digital capabilities and competitive positioning. However, the effectiveness of such partnerships is likely to depend on appropriate governance structures, risk-management mechanisms, data-security arrangements, and regulatory compliance. The findings provide empirical support for fintech partnerships as a potentially important strategic mechanism through which listed commercial banks in Kenya can respond to technological change while enhancing their perceived financial performance.