If you sent money from your Equity Bank account to M-Pesa by mistake, you can try reversing the transaction by following these steps.
How To Reverse Money Sent From Equity To Mpesa
Mistakenly sending money from your Equity Bank account to the wrong M-Pesa number can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are ways to reverse the transaction. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps, tips, and essential details to recover your funds effectively.
In this article, we will cover:
- Steps to reverse a transaction.
- Contact details for Equity Bank and Safaricom.
- Common mistakes to avoid.
- Tips for a successful reversal.
Let’s get started.
Why Do Money Transfer Errors Happen?
Errors when sending money can happen for several reasons:
- Typing the wrong M-Pesa number.
- Mistakenly transferring to the wrong recipient from your saved contacts.
- Double payments due to poor internet connections or system delays.
- Lack of verification before confirming the transaction.
Regardless of the reason, you need to act quickly to recover your money.
Steps to Reverse Money Sent from Equity Bank to M-Pesa
1. Identify the Transaction Details
Before you can request a reversal, gather the following information:
- The transaction reference number (found in the SMS from Equity or M-Pesa).
- The date and time the transaction occurred.
- The amount sent.
- The M-Pesa number to which the money was sent.
This information will make it easier for customer care agents to locate your transaction.
Contact M-Pesa Customer Care
M-Pesa is usually the first point of contact since the funds have already been credited to the recipient’s wallet. To initiate a reversal:
- Dial Safaricom’s Customer Care:
- 100 for Prepaid customers or 200 for Postpaid customers.
- Select the option to speak with an agent.
- Provide Transaction Details:
Inform the agent about the mistake and provide the details collected earlier (transaction reference number, amount, and recipient number). - Request a Reversal:
- Safaricom will freeze the funds if the recipient hasn’t used or withdrawn them.
- If the funds are still available, Safaricom will reverse them to your Equity account.
Important: M-Pesa reversals are not guaranteed if the recipient has already withdrawn or spent the money.
Contact Equity Bank Customer Support
If Safaricom is unable to help, you can escalate the matter to Equity Bank. Here’s how:
Call Equity Bank Customer Care
- Dial +254 763 063 000 (available 24/7).
- Provide your account details and transaction information.
- Request a reversal and explain the situation.
Visit an Equity Branch
If the issue isn’t resolved over the phone, visit your nearest Equity Bank branch with your ID, account number, and transaction details. Speak to a customer service representative to file a reversal request.
Use the Equity Eazzy Banking App
If you use the Equity mobile app:
- Log in to your account.
- Go to the Help/Support section.
- File a reversal request by submitting the transaction details.
Use Equity’s USSD Code
If you don’t have the app, you can use Equity’s USSD code:
- Dial *247# on your phone.
- Select Customer Support or a similar option.
- Request assistance with a reversal.
What Happens After a Reversal Request?
Once you’ve initiated the process, here’s what to expect:
- Verification: Both Equity and Safaricom will verify the transaction details to confirm your claim.
- Freezing of Funds: If the funds are still in the recipient’s M-Pesa wallet, they will be frozen during the investigation.
- Timeframe: Reversals usually take 1-3 business days, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Refund: If successful, the funds will be credited back to your Equity Bank account.
When Reversal May Not Be Possible
- Funds Already Withdrawn or Used:
If the recipient has already withdrawn the money or spent it, Safaricom and Equity cannot guarantee a reversal. - Delays in Reporting:
If you report the issue too late, the chances of recovery decrease significantly. - Recipient Disputes:
If the recipient disputes the reversal, the process may require legal action to resolve.
Proactive Tips to Avoid Sending Money to the Wrong M-Pesa Number
1. Double-Check the Recipient’s Number
Always confirm the M-Pesa number before completing a transaction.
2. Save Frequent Contacts
Save frequently used numbers in your phonebook to reduce manual errors.
3. Verify the Recipient Name
Equity and M-Pesa both display the recipient’s name before confirming the transaction. Take a moment to review this information.
4. Set Transaction Limits
If you are prone to errors, consider setting lower transaction limits on your Equity account or M-Pesa wallet to minimize potential losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Long Does It Take to Reverse Money Sent from Equity to M-Pesa?
The reversal process typically takes 1-3 business days but can be faster if the funds haven’t been withdrawn.
2. Can I Cancel a Transaction Immediately After Sending?
Unfortunately, once the funds leave your Equity account, the transaction cannot be canceled directly. You must follow the reversal process.
3. Will I Be Charged for a Reversal?
No, neither Safaricom nor Equity charges for a reversal request. However, this may vary depending on the nature of the transaction.
4. What Should I Do If the Reversal Fails?
If the reversal fails, consider negotiating with the recipient directly. You may need to involve legal authorities if the amount is significant and the recipient refuses to cooperate.
Important Contacts for Equity and M-Pesa
Service | Contact Information |
---|
Equity Customer Care | +254 763 063 000 |
Safaricom Customer Care | 100 (Prepaid) / 200 (Postpaid) |
Equity Social Media | Twitter: @KeEquityBank |
Safaricom Social Media | Twitter: @SafaricomPLC |