Sending money to the wrong bank account is one of the most frustrating mistakes anyone can make. Whether it happened through a bank transfer, USSD code, mobile app, or fintech wallet, the good news is this: your money is not always lost.
In this guide, you’ll learn exact steps to retrieve money sent to a wrong account in Nigeria, what to do immediately, how long it takes, and what the law says.
Can You Retrieve Money Sent to a Wrong Account?
Yes, it is possible, but it depends on:
- How fast you act
- The bank or fintech involved
- Whether the recipient cooperates
- The transfer method used
Banks in Nigeria follow strict procedures, and once money is credited, it cannot be reversed automatically without due process.
What to Do Immediately After Sending Money to a Wrong Account
Time is critical. Once you notice the mistake, do not wait.
1. Contact Your Bank or Fintech Immediately
Call customer care or visit the nearest branch.
Provide:
- Transaction reference number
- Date and time of transfer
- Amount sent
- Wrong account number
- Your account details
The earlier you report, the higher your chances of recovery.
2. Request a Transfer Recall or Reversal
Ask the bank to initiate a transfer recall.
What happens:
- Your bank contacts the receiving bank
- The receiving bank places a lien (temporary restriction) if funds are still available
- The recipient is contacted for consent
Banks cannot debit the recipient’s account without permission, unless ordered by a court.
How Long Does It Take to Retrieve Wrong Transfers?
| Situation | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Reported within minutes & funds untouched | 24–72 hours |
| Recipient already withdrew funds | Days to weeks |
| Legal action required | Weeks to months |
If You Sent Money to a Wrong Bank Account Number
Scenario 1: Account Number Does Not Exist
Good news
- The transaction usually fails or reverses automatically within 24–48 hours.
Scenario 2: Account Number Exists
- Money is credited
- Recovery depends on recipient cooperation
HOW TO RETRIEVE MONEY SENT TO A WRONG ACCOUNT ON OPAY
OPay is one of the fastest fintechs in Nigeria, but reversals still follow strict rules.
Steps to Take on OPay
- Open the OPay app
- Go to Help & Support
- Select Transfer Issues
- Choose Sent to Wrong Account
- Submit:
- Transaction reference ID
- Date & time
- Amount sent
- Wrong recipient details
What Happens Next
- OPay contacts the recipient
- Funds are placed on temporary hold (if untouched)
- Refund is processed only if recipient agrees
Timeline: 24 hours – 5 working days
If funds are withdrawn, recovery becomes harder.
HOW TO RETRIEVE MONEY SENT TO A WRONG ACCOUNT ON PALMPAY
PalmPay allows fast reporting, which improves recovery chances.
Steps on PalmPay
- Open PalmPay app
- Tap Me → Help Center
- Select Transfer Problems
- Report Wrong Transfer
- Upload transaction details
PalmPay Recovery Process
- PalmPay verifies transaction
- Recipient is notified
- Consent is requested
- Refund processed upon approval
PalmPay does not auto-reverse transfers.
Timeline: 1–7 working days
HOW TO RETRIEVE MONEY SENT TO A WRONG ACCOUNT ON MONIEPOINT
Moniepoint handles both personal accounts and POS merchants, which affects recovery speed.
Steps on Moniepoint
- Contact Moniepoint support immediately
- Submit:
- Transaction ID
- Amount
- Date & time
- Recipient account details
Important Note
- If the recipient is a Moniepoint POS agent, recovery may be faster
- If recipient withdraws funds, legal escalation may be required
Timeline: 2–10 working days
What If the Recipient Refuses to Return the Money?
This is where many people get stuck.
Legal Position in Nigeria
Under Nigerian law, keeping money sent to you by mistake is illegal and can be considered:
- Unjust enrichment
- Fraud (in some cases)
Steps You Can Take:
- Ask your bank to escalate the issue
- File a formal complaint
- Write a petition (through the bank)
- As a last resort, seek legal action
Most recipients return funds once they realize the legal consequences.
Can Banks Reverse Transfers Without Permission?
No, banks cannot debit someone’s account without:
- The recipient’s consent, or
- A court order
This is why speed and proper reporting are crucial.
How to Avoid Sending Money to the Wrong Account Again
Always confirm account name
Never ignore name mismatches.
Send a small test amount
Especially for large transfers.
Avoid rushing
Most errors happen due to haste.
Save frequent beneficiaries
This reduces manual entry errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I retrieve money sent to a wrong account after several days?
Yes, but recovery becomes harder if the funds have been withdrawn.
What if the recipient has already spent the money?
Recovery may require legal intervention.
Can banks track the recipient?
Yes, banks can identify the account holder but cannot share details directly with you.
Is sending money to a wrong account irreversible?
No, but it is not guaranteed either.
Final Thoughts
Sending money to a wrong account in Nigeria is stressful, but acting fast increases your chances of recovery significantly. Always report immediately, follow up persistently, and understand that banks must follow legal procedures.
If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it — it might save someone else from losing their money.