Why Your Bank Transfer Is Pending for Hours (And What to Do) 2026

Why Your Bank Transfer Is Pending for Hours (And What to Do)

We have all been there. You are at a supermarket, a restaurant, or trying to pay for an emergency, and you click “send” on your banking app. Instead of a “Successful” message, you see “Pending” or “Processing.” Your money has left your balance, but the person you are paying hasn’t received it.

This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you are in a hurry or need to prove you have made a payment. At Relief.ng, we understand the anxiety that comes with “hanging” money. This guide will help you understand why do bank transfers takes too long in Nigeria and the exact steps you should take to resolve the issue.

Why This Happens: Common Causes of Transfer Delays

In the Nigerian banking system, a transfer isn’t just a straight line from your phone to the receiver. It travels through several “checkpoints,” including your bank, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), and the receiving bank.

Here are the main reasons for delays:

NIBSS Network Congestion: Think of NIBSS as a digital highway. During holidays, month-ends (salary days), or weekends, too many transactions are trying to pass through at once, causing a “traffic jam.”
Bank Server Downtime: If your bank or the recipient’s bank is doing maintenance or experiencing a technical glitch, the transfer will stay pending.
Security Checks: If you are sending a large amount that is unusual for your account, the bank’s security system may pause the transfer for manual review to prevent fraud.
Poor Internet Connectivity: Sometimes, your phone’s network “cuts off” just as you hit send, leaving the transaction in a state of confusion between your app and the bank’s server.

BVN Issues in Nigerian Banks: How to Resolve Them Step by Step

Account Restricted in Zenith Bank? Reasons & How to Fix It in 2026

How to Retrieve Money Debited but Not Received in GTBank Online (2026 Guide)

Step-by-Step Solution: What to Do When a Transfer Is Pending

If your transfer has been pending for more than 30 minutes, follow these steps:

1. Check Your Transaction Status Correctly

Don’t just rely on the pop-up message. Go to your Transaction History or Statement in the app.

If it says “Successful,” the issue is likely with the receiving bank.
If it says “Pending” or “Processing,” the money is still within the system’s pipeline.

2. Do Not Attempt the Transfer Again Immediately

This is a very common mistake. If you try to send the money again while the first one is “pending,” you might end up being debited twice once the network clears. Wait at least 2 to 4 hours before trying again.

3. Contact the Receiving Bank (If your bank says “Successful”)

If your bank shows the transaction was successful but the receiver hasn’t seen the money, the receiver needs to contact their bank. They should provide the Session ID (a long number found on your receipt) to their bank’s customer care to help them track the incoming funds.

4. Contact Your Bank (If it stays “Pending” or you are debited)

If the money is debited but not received after 24 hours, reach out to your bank’s official support:

X (Twitter) or Facebook: Message their verified “Help” handles (e.g., Access Bank Helps, GTBank Help).
Email: Send the transaction receipt, date, and amount to the bank’s official support email.
In-App Support: Most apps like Zenith, UBA, or Kuda have a “Report an Issue” button directly on the transaction receipt.

How Long It Usually Takes

Instant Transfers: Usually take seconds to 5 minutes.
Pending Transfers (Network issues): Often resolve themselves within 1 to 4 hours.
Automatic Reversals: If the transfer fails completely, the money should return to your account within 24 hours.
Inter-bank Disputes: If the money is stuck between two different banks, it may take 3 to 5 working days to be fully resolved.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Deleting the Receipt: Always save a screenshot of the pending transaction. It contains the Session ID or Reference Number the bank needs to help you.
Insulting Customer Care: While you are stressed, being polite to the customer service agent often gets you faster help than being aggressive.
Sharing Details Publicly: Never post your account number or the transaction receipt in a public comment on social media. Scammers are watching!

Important Safety Warnings

Beware of Fake Support: Scammers create fake bank pages on Facebook and X. Always look for the Blue Verification Tick.
Never share your PIN, OTP, or Password: No bank official will ever ask for these to “fix” a pending transfer. If they ask, they are thieves.
Relief.ng is an information platform. We will never ask you for your account details or money to solve a transfer issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do bank transfers takes too long during the weekend? Most bank staff are off-duty, and transaction volumes are high because everyone is out shopping or partying. If a glitch occurs, there are fewer people to manually fix it until Monday.

2. Can I cancel a pending transfer? Generally, no. Once you have authorized a transfer with your PIN, it is in the hands of the banking network. You have to wait for it to either go through or fail and be reversed.

3. What is a Session ID? It is a unique 30-digit number that identifies your transaction across all Nigerian banks. It is the most important “evidence” you have for a transfer.

4. My app says “Transaction Failed” but I was debited. What do I do? Don’t worry. This is a “dispense error.” In most cases, the bank’s system will realize the error and return your money automatically within 24 hours.

Conclusion

A pending transfer is a test of patience, but in 99% of cases, your money is safe. The Nigerian banking network is robust, but it can get overwhelmed. By staying calm and following the official reporting channels, you will get your money back or ensure it reaches its destination.

Is your transfer currently stuck? Which bank are you using, and how long has it been pending? Share your experience in the comments, and let’s help each other stay informed!

Relief.ng provides guides and information to help Nigerians solve payment problems. We are not a bank and do not have access to your bank accounts. Always contact your bank’s official customer service for direct assistance.