What is a transfer code, and why does it matter?

The short answer

A transfer code is a short code shown on the payment screen of your transfer. When you pay, you paste it in the Interac message box, or in the narration of a bank transfer. We use it to match your payment to your transfer.

Without the code, your money can reach us but sit unmatched. So the code is one of the most important things you copy.

Where the code comes from

When you start a transfer in Cowris and choose to pay by Interac e-Transfer or by bank transfer, your transfer code shows on the payment screen.

• For CAD to NGN, the screen is Pay by Interac e-Transfer. The code is on the line called Message.
• For NGN to CAD, the screen is Pay by bank transfer. The code is on the line called Narration.

Each line has a Copy button. Tap it, then paste the code in your bank app.

Always copy the code from the payment screen of the transfer you are paying for.

Why the code matters

We match each payment with three things:

1. The amount. You send exactly the amount on the screen.
2. The transfer code in the message or narration.
3. The name of the sender. You pay from your own bank account, in your own name.

When all three line up, we can match your payment to your transfer. Then we send the money to your recipient.

If the code is missing, we still have the amount and the name. The code is how we match your payment to your transfer. Without it, matching takes longer.

Where to paste the code

Interac e-Transfer (CAD to NGN)

1. On the Cowris screen, copy the four lines: amount, email, security answer and message.
2. Open your own bank's app. Go to Interac e-Transfer and send money.
3. Send to the email on the screen, for the exact amount, with the security question and answer shown.
4. Paste the transfer code in the message box.
5. Go back to Cowris and tap I've sent it.

For the full steps, see our guide to sending money to Nigeria with Interac e-Transfer.

Bank transfer (NGN to CAD)

1. On the Cowris screen, copy the amount, bank, account number, account name and narration.
2. Open your own bank app. Transfer that amount in naira to the account shown.
3. Paste the transfer code as the narration, the note on the transfer.
4. Go back to Cowris and tap I've sent it.

How to find your code again

You can leave the payment screen and come back.

1. Open Transactions.
2. Tap your transfer.
3. Tap Pay now or See payment details.

The code is on the Message line for an e-Transfer, or the Narration line for a bank transfer. It is also in the email we sent you when you started the transfer.

If you forgot to add the code

Do not send the money again.

1. Email help@cowris.com at once.
2. Include your transfer code, the amount, the time you paid and a screenshot of your payment from your bank.
3. Our team will try to match your payment by hand.

If your payment is not matched yet

Sometimes a payment takes a little time to reach us. Before you contact us:

1. Check that you sent exactly the amount shown.
2. Check that the transfer code was in the message or narration.
3. Check that you paid from your own bank account.
4. Tap I've sent it if you have not. You see "We're watching for your payment".
5. Wait a few minutes. Bank transfers can take a few minutes to reach us.

Still waiting? Email help@cowris.com with your transfer code, a screenshot or receipt of your payment, the amount and the time. Do not pay a second time.

Tips to get it right every time

• Copy, do not type. Use the Copy button on the screen. A typed code can have a wrong letter.
• Check the message box before you send. Make sure the code is there before you confirm the payment in your bank app.
• Use the right code. Copy it from the payment screen of the transfer you are paying for.
• Keep the email. The email we send you when you start a transfer has your code and the payment details.
• Pay from your own account. The code works with your name. If the names do not match, we may hold your transfer while our team checks it.

Keep your sign-in details private

The transfer code goes in a message to Cowris. Your password and your sign-in codes are different. Keep those private. Never share your password or a sign-in code with anyone who calls or messages you. If someone asks for them, stop. Read how to spot a money transfer scam.

Quote the code when you ask for help

When you write to help@cowris.com about a transfer, put the transfer code in your email. It helps our team find your transfer.

The rate and fees

There are zero fees on every Cowris route. See the current rate in the app. Your rate is held for up to 60 minutes once you start a transfer. The amount on the payment screen is the exact amount to send, so copy it as it is.