Have you ever tried to withdraw money or pay for something with your bank account in Nigeria, and the money left your account—but the person or machine didn’t receive it?
That’s called a debit without credit, and it’s very common in Nigeria.
It can happen through:
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ATM withdrawals
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POS (Point of Sale) transactions
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Bank transfers
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Online payments
What Does “Debited But Not Credited” Mean in Nigeria?
When you see that money has left your account but the person or merchant you sent it to didn’t receive it, it means the transaction failed, but you were still debited.
This is sometimes called:
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Reversed transaction
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Failed transaction
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Transaction error
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Chargeback needed
It can happen when you:
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Withdraw cash from an ATM but don’t get the cash
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Pay with a POS machine and it says “declined” or “failed” but money is removed
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Send money via bank transfer but the receiver didn’t get it
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Buy something online, but the website shows “payment failed”
This situation can be frustrating, especially if it’s a large amount of money or you need the funds urgently.
Common Reasons for Debit Without Credit in Nigeria
Network Errors or Downtime
Most banks in Nigeria depend on network connectivity to process payments. If the network fails during the transaction, the money may leave your account, but the payment won’t go through.
POS or ATM Malfunctions
POS machines or ATMs that are faulty or disconnected from the bank’s server may process a debit but fail to complete the transaction.
System Delays or Processing Errors
Banks may experience technical delays, especially during high-traffic periods. The money might eventually be credited, but it can take hours or days.
Incorrect Account or Payment Details
If you send money to the wrong account number or select the wrong bank, the transaction may fail, but your account could still be debited.
Failed Third-Party Payment Gateways
When using apps like Flutterwave, Paystack, or Opay, sometimes the third-party service crashes or fails to communicate properly with your bank.
First Steps to Take If Money is Debited but Not Credited
Don’t panic. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Wait 24 Hours
Most Nigerian banks will automatically reverse a failed transaction within 24 hours. So the first step is to wait and monitor your account.
Step 2: Check Your Transaction History and Receipt
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Take a screenshot or save the SMS/email of the transaction.
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Check your mobile banking app for the transaction reference number.
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Note the time, date, amount, and location of the transaction.
Step 3: Contact Your Bank’s Customer Support
Use any of these methods:
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Call customer care (e.g., GTBank: 0700 48266 6328, Zenith: 012787000)
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Use in-app live chat
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Send email to your bank’s support
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Visit the nearest bank branch
How to Officially Report a Failed Transaction to Your Bank
Each Nigerian bank has a formal way to report failed transactions.
What You’ll Need to Report:
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Your full name
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Account number
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Transaction amount
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Date and time
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Transaction reference (RRN or narration)
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POS terminal or merchant name (if applicable)
Reporting Methods:
Bank Reporting Channel GTBank *737# → Complaint, WhatsApp: 09060001601 Zenith Bank Email: [email protected] Access Bank App complaint form or call 0700 300 0000 UBA LEO chatbot or [email protected] First Bank Use their mobile app or call 0700FIRSTCONTACT Always request a complaint ticket number after reporting.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Reversal in Nigeria?
Transaction Type Reversal Time ATM withdrawal Within 24–72 hours POS payment Within 24–72 hours Bank transfer Up to 5 working days Online payment 24–48 hours depending on gateway If your issue is not resolved after this time, escalate to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the Consumer Protection Department (CPD).
How to Escalate Complaints to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
If the bank delays or fails to return your money after several days, you can escalate the complaint to the CBN.
How to File a CBN Complaint:
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Write a formal letter of complaint
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Attach evidence (screenshots, receipts, complaint ticket)
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Send via email: [email protected]
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Or submit through the official portal: https://www.cbn.gov.ng
CBN will contact your bank and ensure the issue is resolved.
Tips to Prevent Debit Without Credit in Nigeria
Prevention is always better. Here are smart steps to avoid these issues.
1. Always Confirm Network Before Transacting
Avoid using POS or ATMs that show “network error” or appear slow.
2. Keep Receipts and Take Screenshots
This helps you prove the transaction in case of a failed process.
3. Use Banks or POS With Reliable Networks
Choose banking services or POS agents known for strong and stable network connections.
4. Use Mobile Banking Instead of Third-Party Apps
Using your bank’s official mobile app may reduce errors compared to unregulated third-party apps.
5. Stay Present During POS Transactions
Do not leave the POS agent until you get confirmation of success or failure.
Real-Life Example: What Sola Did When His Money Was Debited But Not Credited
Sola, a university student in Ibadan, tried to pay for food using a POS at a restaurant. The transaction failed, but his ₦5,000 was debited.
What he did:
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Waited 24 hours — no refund.
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Called GTBank customer care — got a complaint ticket.
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Visited his bank branch — showed the POS slip.
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Got his money back in 3 days.
Lesson: Always report and follow up. Banks respond when you provide evidence.
What If It Keeps Happening?
If this happens often, it could mean:
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Poor banking infrastructure
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Faulty debit card
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Network provider issues
You may consider:
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Changing your ATM card
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Upgrading your mobile banking app
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Using a more stable bank
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Reporting persistent issues to the CBN
Pros and Cons of Using POS vs Bank Transfers in Nigeria
Feature POS Bank Transfer Speed Instant (mostly) Instant Risk of failure Higher Moderate Refund time 24–72 hrs 1–5 days Network issues Common Less common Convenience Available everywhere Needs internet Conclusion: Take Control of Your Transactions
Debit without credit can be scary and frustrating, but you can recover your money if you follow the right steps:
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Stay calm and give it 24 hours
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Report to your bank immediately
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Follow up with complaint tickets
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Escalate to CBN if necessary
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Prevent future issues by being smart with transactions
Always document everything and keep your bank accountable.
FAQs – Debited But Not Credited in Nigeria
1. What does it mean when I’m debited but not credited?
It means money left your account, but the payment or transfer failed.
2. Will the bank return my money automatically?
Yes, most banks reverse failed transactions within 24–72 hours.
3. What if the money is not returned?
Report to your bank. If unresolved, escalate to the Central Bank of Nigeria.
4. Can I get my money back if I used a POS?
Yes. Keep the POS receipt and report to your bank with details.
5. How long should I wait before reporting?
Wait 24 hours. If not reversed, report it immediately.
6. Can I sue a bank for failed transactions?
Only after all resolution steps fail. It’s better to report to CBN first.
7. What is the RRN number?
RRN stands for Retrieval Reference Number. It’s used to track your transaction.
8. Is this a common problem in Nigeria?
Yes, especially with ATMs and POS systems.
9. Can mobile apps like Opay cause this too?
Yes. Always monitor transactions and follow up if needed.
10. Is there a fee for reversal?
No. Reversals are free. The bank must return your full amount.
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