What to Do If You Accidentally Send Money to the Wrong Bank Account

Last updated: 3 August 2025

Step 1: Act Quickly

The sooner you realise the mistake, the better. Contact your bank immediately by phone or through their online chat. Banks may be able to recall the payment or freeze the funds if the receiving account hasn't moved them.

Step 2: Explain the Mistake Clearly

Give your bank full details: the date, amount, recipient’s name (if known), and the incorrect sort code or account number. If you used online banking, take a screenshot of the payment confirmation for your records.

Step 3: Bank Traces and Recovery Process

Under the UK's misdirected payments process, banks must investigate mistaken payments fairly and promptly. They’ll usually contact the receiving bank and ask the account holder for permission to return the funds. If they refuse, your bank should explain your options, including taking legal action.

  • If the funds are still in the recipient’s account, they can be returned quickly
  • If the money has been spent, recovery may be harder and could require a court claim
  • Banks should update you within 20 working days of your complaint

What If You’ve Been Scammed?

If you sent money to a scammer, this may be treated as fraud rather than a mistaken payment. Contact your bank and ask if they participate in the Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) Code — this protects victims of authorised push payment (APP) scams who acted in good faith.

Step 4: File a Complaint If Necessary

If your bank refuses to help or you feel they acted unfairly, you can escalate the issue to the Financial Ombudsman Service. This is a free, independent body that can investigate and potentially order the bank to return your money or offer compensation.

How to Avoid It in the Future

  • Double-check account numbers and sort codes before sending money
  • Use 'payee confirmation' tools that alert you to mismatched names
  • Send a small test payment before transferring large sums
  • Save trusted payees in your banking app for future transfers
  • Avoid typing account details manually when possible

Helpful Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Possibly. Banks can often recover funds if they haven’t been spent. If the recipient refuses, you may need to take legal action.
Banks usually investigate and respond within 20 working days, but this can vary depending on the circumstances.
Not necessarily. If the mistake was yours and the funds have been withdrawn, the bank isn’t obliged to refund you — but they should assist with recovery steps.