Getting started with Remita on First Bank Mobile
Remita is a payment platform operated by Systemspecs that lets you pay government agencies, educational institutions, and other organisations directly from your First Bank account. To access it through First Bank Mobile, you log into your banking app, navigate to the payments section, and select Remita as your payment destination. The platform handles the transaction routing and confirmation.
First Bank Mobile is the app you download from Google Play (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS). Once you have installed it and logged in with your First Bank credentials, Remita appears as a payment option alongside other services like bill payments and transfers. You do not need a separate Remita account—your First Bank login is your access point.
Key Takeaways
- Download First Bank Mobile from Google Play or the Apple App Store, then log in with your First Bank online banking username and password.
- Remita payments are made directly from your First Bank account through the app's payments menu, with no separate registration required.
- Common Remita payments include school fees, tax payments, and government agency charges, each with its own Remita Service Type Code (RRR).
- Transaction confirmation appears in your First Bank Mobile statement and as a Remita receipt, which you should keep for your records.
- If a payment fails or does not appear in Remita's system, contact First Bank customer service with your transaction reference number.
Step-by-step process for paying through Remita
Open First Bank Mobile and log in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) and look for "Payments" or "Pay Bills." Select "Remita" from the list of payment options. The app will ask you to enter the Remita Service Type Code (RRR)—this is a unique identifier for the organisation or service you are paying. For example, school fees have a different code than tax payments.
Enter the amount you want to pay and review the payee name to confirm it matches where your money is going. Tap "Confirm" or "Proceed." First Bank Mobile will deduct the amount from your account immediately and generate a transaction reference number. This reference number is your proof of payment—write it down or take a screenshot. Remita will send a confirmation receipt to the email or phone number associated with your account.
The payment typically reaches the receiving organisation within one to two business days, though some government agencies process Remita payments the same day. Check your First Bank Mobile statement to see the transaction listed under your payment history.
Finding the correct Remita Service Type Code for your payment
Every organisation that accepts Remita payments has a unique Service Type Code (RRR). If you do not have this code, you cannot complete the payment through Remita. The organisation you are paying—whether a school, tax authority, or government agency—should provide this code on their website, in an email, or on a payment notice they sent you.
If the organisation does not provide the code, contact them directly by phone or email and ask for their Remita Service Type Code. Do not guess or use a code from a similar-sounding organisation, as your payment will go to the wrong place and you will have to request a reversal. Some schools and agencies list their Remita codes on their payment pages or in student portals.
Once you have the correct code, keep it saved in a note or document so you do not have to search for it each time you make a payment to that organisation.
What happens if your Remita payment fails or does not go through
If First Bank Mobile shows an error message during payment, the transaction usually does not leave your account. Check your account balance to confirm the money is still there. If the balance has been deducted but you did not receive a confirmation receipt, the payment may be pending—wait 24 hours and check again.
If the payment was deducted from your account but Remita shows no record of it, contact First Bank customer service immediately. Have your transaction reference number ready. First Bank can trace the payment and either complete it or reverse it back to your account. This process typically takes three to five business days.
If you entered the wrong Remita Service Type Code and the payment went to the wrong organisation, you will need to request a reversal from that organisation through Remita's system. This is more complicated than a failed payment, so contact First Bank and the receiving organisation together to sort it out. Keep your transaction reference number and any confirmation receipts.
Security and fraud protection when using Remita
First Bank Mobile uses encryption to protect your login credentials and transaction data. When you make a Remita payment, the connection between your phone and First Bank's servers is encrypted, meaning your account details are not visible to Remita or the receiving organisation—only the payment amount and your transaction reference are shared.
Never share your First Bank Mobile login credentials, PIN, or one-time passwords (OTP) with anyone, including First Bank staff or Remita representatives. First Bank will never ask for these details by phone, email, or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from First Bank or Remita and asks for your password, it is a scam.
Always verify the payee name shown in First Bank Mobile before confirming a payment. If the name does not match the organisation you intended to pay, cancel the transaction and double-check the Remita Service Type Code. Keep your transaction receipts and First Bank statements as proof of payment in case a dispute arises later.
Common Remita payment types and what to expect
School fees are among the most common Remita payments. Universities, secondary schools, and vocational institutions use Remita codes to collect tuition and other charges. When you pay school fees through Remita, the school receives the payment and updates your student account within one to two business days. Keep your Remita receipt as proof of payment in case the school's records do not update immediately.
Tax payments and government agency fees also use Remita. These include property taxes, business registration fees, and licensing charges. Government agencies typically process Remita payments within one business day and send a receipt to your registered email. Some agencies require you to print or download the Remita receipt as proof of payment for official records.
Utility bills and other service payments may also be available through Remita, depending on which organisations in your area use the platform. The process is the same: enter the code, confirm the amount, and wait for the confirmation receipt.
Troubleshooting common issues with First Bank Mobile and Remita
If First Bank Mobile will not let you access the Remita option, check that you are logged in and that your account has sufficient funds. Some accounts have payment limits set by First Bank—if your payment exceeds this limit, the app will reject it. Contact First Bank to increase your payment limit if you need to make larger Remita payments.
If you cannot find the Remita option in First Bank Mobile, make sure you are using the latest version of the app. Go to Google Play or the Apple App Store, search for "First Bank Mobile," and tap "Update" if an update is available. Older versions of the app may not have Remita integrated.
If you receive an error message saying "Invalid Service Type Code," the code you entered does not exist or is formatted incorrectly. Double-check the code with the organisation you are paying and try again. Remita codes are case-sensitive and must be entered exactly as provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register for Remita separately if I use First Bank Mobile?
No. Your First Bank Mobile login is your access to Remita. You do not need a separate Remita account or registration. Simply log into First Bank Mobile and select Remita from the payments menu.
Can I get a refund if I pay the wrong organisation through Remita?
Refunds are possible but require the receiving organisation to process a reversal request through Remita. Contact the organisation immediately with your transaction reference number and explain the error. The process can take one to two weeks. This is why confirming the payee name before you tap "Confirm" is important.
What if First Bank Mobile shows the payment as successful but the organisation says they did not receive it?
Contact First Bank customer service with your transaction reference number. First Bank can check whether the payment left their system and trace it through Remita to the receiving organisation. If the payment is stuck in transit, First Bank can help complete it or reverse it. Keep your First Bank statement as proof.
Is there a limit to how much I can pay through Remita on First Bank Mobile?
First Bank sets daily and monthly payment limits on mobile accounts. These limits vary by account type and your transaction history. If your Remita payment exceeds your limit, the app will show an error. Contact First Bank to check your current limit or request an increase.
How long does it take for a Remita payment to reach the organisation?
Most Remita payments reach the receiving organisation within one to two business days. Some government agencies and schools process payments the same day. Check with the organisation for their specific processing timeline, and keep your Remita receipt as proof of payment until they confirm receipt.