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The short answer
A completed transfer to the wrong account cannot be reversed by FirstBank on its own, because the money now sits in another customer's account. Report it to FirstContact at once (firstcontact@firstbanknigeria.com or the numbers on FirstBank's site) with the amount, date, time, recipient account and transaction reference; FirstBank then contacts the receiving bank, which seeks the recipient's agreement or applies its own process, and you can escalate to the CBN's Consumer Protection Department if the bank does not resolve your complaint.
Typing one wrong digit, picking the wrong bank from a list or reusing an old beneficiary can send money to a stranger. The first hour matters most: the sooner the receiving bank knows, the more likely the money is still in the account. This guide sets out what to do, what FirstBank can and cannot do, and how to escalate. It is general information, not legal advice.
Why the bank cannot just pull it back
Once a transfer completes, the money belongs in the recipient's account at their bank, often a different bank from FirstBank. FirstBank can ask that bank to act, but it does not control the other account. The receiving bank will normally contact its customer, and whether it can return the money depends on the funds still being there, the recipient's response and that bank's own process. If the recipient refuses and the bank cannot act without consent, the remaining route is a legal one.
A transfer that failed but still debited you is a different problem: that is a failed transaction, not a wrong transfer, and is covered in First Bank failed transaction disputes.
Steps: the first hour
- Screenshot the transfer receipt showing amount, date, time, recipient name, account number, bank and transaction reference (session ID).
- Call FirstContact. FirstBank's USSD page lists +234 807 019 4190, 02-014485500 and 02-019052326; the FAQ also lists 0700FIRSTCONTACT (0700-34778-2668228) and 0708-062-5000. Say clearly that you sent money to the wrong account and ask for a complaint reference number.
- Email the same details to firstcontact@firstbanknigeria.com so there is a written record with a time stamp.
- If the recipient is a FirstBank customer, say so; the bank can act within its own systems faster.
- Visit your branch if asked, with ID. Banks sometimes ask the sender to sign an indemnity or a written claim; FirstBank does not publish its form, so ask what is needed.
What to give the bank
- Your details
- Account name and number, phone and email on record.
- The transfer
- Amount, date and time, channel (FirstMobile, *894#, internet banking, branch).
- The recipient
- Account number, bank and the name shown when you sent it.
- Reference
- Session ID or transaction reference from the receipt.
- What you intended
- The correct account you meant to pay, if relevant.
If the recipient contacts you
Sometimes the person who received the money calls you. Be careful. Ask them to go to their own bank and request the reversal there, so the money comes back through the banking system. Do not give them your PIN, an OTP or card details, and do not accept a 'refund' to a different account. A common scam runs the other way: someone sends you money 'by mistake' and pressures you to send it back to a new account. Our guide to the wrong transfer scam explains how it works.
Escalating if it stalls
The CBN's complaints page says customers should first complain to their bank, and allow it time to respond, before going to the CBN's Consumer Protection Department. The page refers to two weeks under its earlier help-desk circular. If FirstBank has not resolved your complaint by then, write to the Director, Consumer Protection Department, CBN, Central Business District, Abuja, delivered at the CBN head office or any branch. Include:
- Your name, address, phone and email.
- FirstBank and the receiving bank, and your account details (never your PIN or password).
- The date and history of the transaction and the amount.
- Copies of your receipt, complaint emails and the bank's reference number, as proof you reported it to the bank first.
See also escalating a First Bank complaint.
Worked example
Example only. Bisi meant to send ₦85,000 to her landlord but typed one digit wrong and the money went to another person at a different bank. She called FirstContact within 20 minutes, emailed the receipt and got a reference. FirstBank wrote to the receiving bank, which contacted its customer; the customer agreed and the ₦85,000 was returned. Had the recipient already spent it, the outcome could have been very different, which is why speed matters. Bisi's ₦50 stamp duty and transfer fee on the original transfer may not be refunded; ask.
How to avoid it next time
- Always read the name the app shows after you enter the account number, before you approve.
- Save regular recipients as beneficiaries and check the bank in the saved details.
- For a large first payment, send a small amount first and confirm it arrived.
- Avoid sending money while distracted or in a hurry.
Where Pryme fits
Pryme shows the recipient's name before you approve any transfer, and the Personal Assistant prepares payments that you check and approve before anything moves. See sending money and the Personal Assistant.
Questions people ask
Can First Bank reverse a wrong transfer?
Not on its own once it has completed. FirstBank contacts the receiving bank, which seeks the recipient's agreement or applies its own process. Report it immediately.
How long does a wrong transfer reversal take in First Bank?
FirstBank does not publish a timeline. It depends on the receiving bank and the recipient. If the bank does not resolve your complaint, the CBN page allows escalation after you have given it time, referring to two weeks.
What if the person refuses to return my money?
Keep your complaint with both banks open, escalate to the CBN Consumer Protection Department, and consider legal advice; recovery without consent may need a court order.
Who do I call at First Bank for a wrong transfer?
FirstContact: +234 807 019 4190, 02-014485500 or 02-019052326 (from FirstBank's USSD page), or email firstcontact@firstbanknigeria.com.
Sources
- FirstBank: USSD *894# Quick Banking · accessed Oct 2026
- FirstBank: Frequently asked questions · accessed Oct 2026
- CBN: Consumer Protection complaints management · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.