M-PESA is a popular mobile payment system that has revolutionized the way people in Kenya and other countries transfer money.
With M-PESA Paybill, businesses and organizations can receive payments from their customers easily and securely.
However, there may be times when a Paybill transaction needs to be reversed due to various reasons such as a wrong payment or a dispute.
In this article, we will discuss how to reverse an M-PESA Paybill transaction and the steps you need to take to ensure a successful reversal.
We will also cover the situations where a reversal is possible and the timeframe within which you can initiate the reversal process.
Whether you’re a business owner or an M-PESA user, understanding the Paybill reversal process can save you time and money, and help you resolve payment-related issues effectively.
How to reverse M-PESA Paybill transaction using SMS short code
You can reverse money sent to the wrong M-PESA Paybill by forwarding the M-PESA transaction SMS to 456.
After sending the SMS to the M-PESA reversal code 456, the refund will be made within 24 hours.
How to reverse M-PESA Paybill transaction by calling customer care
You can also reverse an M-PESA Paybill transaction by calling customer care on 234 or 100.
Also, you can try calling 191 and ask the Safaricom customer care to initiate a reversal of the transaction you made to the wrong paybill number.
You must provide the following details for a reversal of the M-PESA transaction;
- Your full name
- The M-Pesa Transaction ID
- The time you made the transaction
- Your ID number
Other methods;
You can also reverse an M-PESA Paybill transaction by contacting the merchant that you sent the money to mistakenly.
M-PESA reverse process
One of the features of M-PESA is the ability to reverse a transaction that has been sent to the wrong recipient.
Here’s how the M-PESA reverse process works;
- The sender of the transaction realizes they have sent money to the wrong recipient and contacts M-PESA customer care immediately or sends the M-PESA transaction SMS to 456.
- The customer care representative will ask the sender for details of the transaction, such as the recipient’s phone number, the amount sent, and the transaction code.
- The customer care representative will then contact the recipient of the transaction and inform them that the money was sent to them in error.
- If the recipient agrees to return the funds, they will be asked to follow a few steps to initiate the reversal process. These steps may include dialing a specific code on their phone or visiting an M-PESA agent.
- Once the reversal process is initiated, the funds will be returned to the sender’s M-PESA account.
M-PESA mobile money service
M-PESA is a mobile money service that was launched in Kenya in 2007 by Safaricom, the largest mobile network operator in the country.
The service has since been rolled out to other countries in Africa and beyond.
M-PESA enables users to send and receive money, pay bills, buy goods and services, and save money using their mobile phones.
M-PESA has revolutionized the way people in Kenya and other countries access financial services.
The service has made it possible for people who previously had no access to formal banking services to send and receive money, pay bills, and save money using their mobile phones.
The success of M-PESA has also led to the growth of other mobile money services in Africa and beyond.
Here’s how M-PESA works;
- Registration: To use M-PESA, one needs to register with their mobile phone number and a valid identification document like a national ID or passport. Once registered, one can access their M-PESA account through their mobile phone.
- Deposits: To deposit money into their M-PESA account, users can visit any M-PESA agent or use the M-PESA app to link their bank account or card to their M-PESA account.
- Sending money: To send money to another M-PESA user, the sender enters the recipient’s phone number, the amount to be sent, and a personal identification number (PIN) to authorize the transaction. The recipient receives the money instantly on their mobile phone.
- Withdrawing money: To withdraw money from their M-PESA account, users can visit any M-PESA agent or use an ATM that supports M-PESA transactions.
- Paying bills: Users can use M-PESA to pay bills like electricity, water, and TV subscriptions, as well as purchase goods and services from M-PESA partners.
- Saving money: M-PESA users can also save money in their M-PESA account and earn interest on their savings.
M-PESA FAQs
Q: What is M-PESA?
A: M-PESA is a mobile-based financial service offered by Safaricom, Kenya’s leading mobile network operator. It allows users to send and receive money, pay bills, and purchase goods and services using their mobile phones.
Q: How does M-PESA work?
A: To use M-PESA, a user needs to register with Safaricom and activate the service on their mobile phone. Once registered, users can deposit money into their M-PESA account at an authorized agent location or through their bank account. They can then use their M-PESA account to send money to other M-PESA users or pay for goods and services.
Q: What are the fees for using M-PESA?
A: The fees for using M-PESA vary depending on the type of transaction and the amount of money being transferred. Safaricom provides a detailed fee schedule on their website.
Q: Is M-PESA secure?
A: M-PESA is considered a secure platform as it uses advanced encryption technologies to protect user data and transactions. However, users should always take precautions to protect their personal information and ensure they are transacting with trusted parties.
Q: Can I use M-PESA to receive payments for my business?
A: Yes, M-PESA provides a service called Lipa Na M-PESA that allows businesses to accept payments from customers using their M-PESA account.
Q: Can I withdraw cash from my M-PESA account?
A: Yes, users can withdraw cash from their M-PESA account at authorized agent locations or ATMs.
Q: How do I check my M-PESA account balance?
A: Users can check their M-PESA account balance by dialing *234# on their mobile phone or by using the M-PESA app.
Q: What happens if I send money to the wrong M-PESA number?
A: If you send money to the wrong M-PESA number, you should immediately contact Safaricom customer support to report the error. In some cases, it may be possible to reverse the transaction. However, it is important to ensure you have the correct recipient information before sending any money.