Money Transferred But Not Received, My Transaction is Successful but the Beneficiary Has Not Received the Amount Yet
You just sent money to someone, your bank app says “Transaction Successful,” and you’ve even received a debit alert. But a few minutes later, you get a call or a message: “I haven’t seen the money.”
This is a common and stressful situation for many Nigerians. Whether you are paying for goods, sending money to family, or settling a debt, the gap between your “Success” message and their “Credit Alert” can cause a lot of tension. At Relief.ng, we know how this feels, and we are here to help you navigate this issue calmly and effectively.
Why This Happens: Common Causes of “Money Transferred but Not Received”
In Nigeria, a successful debit on your end doesn’t always mean an instant credit on the other end. Here is why:
- Inter-bank Communication Lag: When you send money from one bank (e.g., Access Bank) to another (e.g., GTBank), the message has to pass through the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). Sometimes the “message” gets stuck in the middle due to a network glitch.
- Receiving Bank Downtime: Your bank may have successfully sent the money, but the beneficiary’s bank might be having server issues, preventing them from “dropping” the money into the recipient’s account.
- Maintenance Windows: Banks often perform system upgrades at night or over the weekend, which can delay credit alerts even if the transfer was successful.
- The “Shadow” Credit: Sometimes the money is actually in the recipient’s account, but their SMS alert system is delayed.
Step-by-Step Solution: What to Do Next
If your money transferred but not received after some time, follow these steps to resolve it:
1. Wait for 24 Hours
Most of these “hanging” transactions resolve themselves within 24 hours. The banks run a reconciliation process at the end of the day to find transactions that didn’t complete and either push them through or reverse the money.
2. Get the Session ID
The Session ID is a 30-digit number found on your transaction receipt. It is the most important piece of evidence. It proves that the money has left your bank and is now with NIBSS or the receiving bank.
3. Ask the Beneficiary to Check Their Statement
SMS alerts are not always reliable. Ask the recipient to log into their mobile app or dial their bank’s USSD code to check their actual “Account Balance” or “Mini-statement.” Often, the money is there even without an alert.
4. Contact Your Bank (The Sender)
If 24 hours pass and the money is still not received, contact your bank. Give them the Session ID and ask them to confirm if the transaction was truly “Successful” or if it “Failed” later.
- Support Channels: Use your bank’s official WhatsApp, Email, or the “Report Issue” button inside your app.
5. Contact the Receiving Bank (The Beneficiary)
If your bank insists the transfer was successful, the beneficiary needs to contact their bank. They should provide the Session ID you gave them. Their bank can use that ID to “pull” the money if it is stuck in their system.
Read also:
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How to Reverse a Wrong Bank Transfer in Nigeria (2026 Guide)
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How Long It Usually Takes
- Same-Bank Transfers: Usually resolved within 1 to 12 hours.
- Inter-bank Transfers: Can take 24 to 72 hours (1 to 3 working days).
- Formal Disputes: If you have to log a formal complaint at the branch, it may take 3 to 5 working days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Retransferring Immediately: Don’t send the money again right away unless you are comfortable with being debited twice.
- Deleting Your Receipt: Your receipt is your only proof. Never delete it until the recipient confirms they have seen the money.
- Publicly Posting Details: Never post your Session ID or account number on the public comment section of a bank’s Facebook or X (Twitter) page.
Important Safety Warnings
- Beware of “Helpful” Strangers: Scammers search for keywords like “money transferred but not received” on social media to find victims. They will message you pretending to be bank staff.
- Protect Your Secrets: No bank official—not even the one helping you with a failed transfer—needs your PIN, OTP, or BVN to track a transaction.
- Relief.ng is an information portal. We will never ask you for your financial details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does a successful debit always mean the recipient will get the money? Not always. A debit means your bank processed it, but it can still get stuck at NIBSS or the receiving bank’s end.
2. What is a “Session ID”? It is a unique number for every transfer in Nigeria. It is like a tracking number for a courier package. You can find it on your E-receipt.
3. What if my bank says the money went through, but the other bank says they didn’t see it? This is where the Session ID comes in. Provide that ID to the receiving bank; it is the universal “proof” that they must investigate.
4. Will I get a refund if the recipient never gets the money? Yes. If the transaction eventually fails, the money must be returned to your account. If it doesn’t happen automatically, your bank will log a “dispense error” to get it back.
Conclusion
While it is stressful when money is transferred but not received, remember that the Nigerian banking system has clear rules for these situations. Most issues are just technical delays that fix themselves with a little time. Stay calm, keep your receipts, and use official channels.
Has this ever happened to you? Which banks were involved and how long did it take to resolve? Share your experience in the comments below to help others!
Relief.ng is an independent guide and information platform. We are not a bank or a payment processor. For specific issues regarding your funds, please contact your financial institution directly.