Sending money to the wrong account can be stressful. While you unfortunately can’t usually reverse a bank transfer once it’s sent, there are steps you can take to try to recover your funds.
This guide explains your options depending on the type and status of your payment.
Was your payment a SEPA Direct Debit?
If your payment was made via SEPA Direct Debit, the refund process is different and often much easier.
👉 How to request a SEPA Direct Debit refund
Sent a payment by mistake? Here's what to do
Once you’ve confirmed a transfer, it cannot be automatically cancelled. Recovery depends on the recipient and their bank. Here are your options:
Option A: Contact the recipient directly (Recommended)
If you know who received the money, reach out and ask for a return. This is usually the quickest and most effective method.
Option B: Request a payment recall
If direct contact isn’t possible, we can send a formal recall request to the recipient’s bank.
- How it works: We send an official request to the beneficiary bank, asking them to reverse the transaction. The bank then asks the recipient to return the money.
- Important: Consent is required — the funds can only be returned if the recipient agrees.
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Timeline:
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SEPA: Up to 3 weeks for a response from the recipient bank.
- If no response is received, the recall is automatically rejected.
- SWIFT: No fixed timeframe.
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SEPA: Up to 3 weeks for a response from the recipient bank.
- Fee: €15, charged whether the recall is successful or not.
How to request a recall
To request a recall (Option B), please contact our support team as soon as possible.
- Messaging: Log in at Holvi.com and start a conversation.
- Contact form: Submit a request here.
Please include these details to speed up the process:
- Date of the payment
- Exact amount
- Recipient's name
- Payment reference or message
- A clear reason for the recall/investigation (e.g., "Wrong IBAN," "Incorrect amount sent").
We’ll do everything possible to help you recover the funds — but please note that success depends on the cooperation of the recipient and their bank.
Key points to remember
- Contacting the Recipient: This is your best and fastest option.
- No Guarantees: We will do everything we can to help, but we cannot guarantee that your funds will be returned. Success depends on the recipient and their bank.
- Act Fast: A recall may not be possible at all if your transfer was made too long ago.
- Recall Fee: We charge a non-refundable service fee of €15 for initiating a payment recall. This fee will be included in your next service fee invoice, regardless of the outcome.
See also:
What are SEPA transfers and how do they work?