Need to clear your Aella Credit loan immediately to avoid late fees or improve your credit score? You’re in the right place. This complete guide provides the exact steps for instant repayment in Nigeria.
We’ll walk you through every approved method, from using the Aella app to direct bank transfers and USSD codes. As a Nigerian borrower, understanding these proven methods is key to managing your finances smartly and maintaining a good relationship with your lender.
Follow these expert tips for a seamless, instant loan repayment process tailored to the Nigerian financial landscape. Let’s get your debt settled quickly.
Requirements / What You Need
Before you initiate an instant repayment, ensure you have the following ready. This preparation prevents failed transactions, which can be common with network issues or incorrect details.
- Your Smartphone with the Aella App Installed: This is the most direct method. Ensure your app is updated to the latest version from the Google Play Store to avoid glitches.
- Your Registered Phone Number & Aella Account Details: You must use the phone number linked to your Aella account for any USSD or app-based transaction.
- Sufficient Funds in Your Repayment Account: Ensure your bank account, wallet (like Opay or Palmpay), or card has the exact loan amount plus any applicable interest and fees. Remember, some bank transfers attract a small ₦50 – ₦100 transfer fee.
- Stable Internet Connection (for App/Online Banking): If you’re using a cyber café, ensure it’s secure and you log out completely from all platforms after your transaction.
- Your Loan Reference Number: For direct bank transfers or customer service follow-up, you will need your unique loan ID from your Aella account or statement.
A key point Nigerians often misunderstand: repaying the exact “outstanding balance” is different from the initial borrowed amount. Always check your Aella app for the current total due, which includes accrued daily interest, to avoid an incomplete payment.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these clear, numbered steps to repay your Aella Credit loan instantly using the most reliable methods available in Nigeria. The goal is to get a confirmation notification immediately.
Step 1: Log into Your Aella App & Navigate to ‘Repay Loan’
Open the Aella app on your smartphone. Enter your PIN or use biometrics to log in. Once on the dashboard, look for a button labeled “Repay Loan,” “Pay Now,” or “Make a Payment.” This is usually prominently displayed. If the app is slow to load, a common issue with Nigerian network fluctuations, be patient and avoid tapping multiple times to prevent errors.
Step 2: Confirm the Exact Outstanding Balance
The app will display your total outstanding amount. Do not assume this is your original principal. It includes the accrued daily interest up to that moment. Carefully verify this figure, as paying even ₦50 less can result in a failed or incomplete transaction, leaving your loan status unresolved.
Step 3: Choose Your Preferred Payment Method
Aella typically offers in-app options like Debit Card, Bank Transfer, or Wallet (e.g., Opay). Select the one most convenient for you. For card payments, have your ATM card details ready. If you choose bank transfer, the app will generate a unique account number (usually a Providus or Wema Bank virtual account) for you to pay into.
Step 4: Authorize the Payment
Enter your card PIN, USSD code, or app password to authorize the transaction. Ensure you have a stable data connection or are on WiFi at this point. A common delay in Nigeria is waiting for the “Transaction Successful” pop-up. Do not close the app until you see this confirmation. You may receive a debit alert from your bank before the Aella confirmation updates.
Step 5: Wait for & Save Your Payment Confirmation
A successful payment will generate an on-screen receipt and a confirmation SMS to your registered number. Screenshot or note down the transaction reference ID. While the loan should reflect as settled instantly, sometimes Nigerian banking systems cause a 5-10 minute lag. If your dashboard doesn’t update within 30 minutes, use your saved reference ID to contact Aella support via the app chat.
Alternative Methods
If you cannot access the Aella app due to phone issues, app errors, or simply prefer other channels, these alternative methods are available. Each is suited for different scenarios common in Nigeria.
1. Direct Bank Transfer via Internet/ Mobile Banking: This is the best alternative if your app is malfunctioning but you have online banking access. Log into your bank’s app (like GTWorld, Zenith, or AccessMore), and make a transfer to the unique repayment account number provided in your Aella loan details or via the “Bank Transfer” option within the Aella app. Always include your loan reference number as the beneficiary. This method is instant but requires you to know the exact outstanding balance.
2. USSD Code (*) Banking: Ideal for areas with poor internet or for those without smartphone banking apps. Use your bank’s USSD code (e.g., *737#, *966#, *822#) to transfer funds to the provided Aella repayment account. Ensure you have your bank’s USSD transfer PIN ready. This is a reliable offline method available across all states, from Lagos to Sokoto.
3. Visit a Partner Agent or Office: For those who prefer physical transactions or need assistance, you can visit an accredited Aella agent or their office in major cities like Lagos (Victoria Island) or Abuja. Call their customer service line first to confirm the current procedure and required documentation to avoid multiple trips.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with the right steps, instant repayments can hit snags due to typical Nigerian banking and tech challenges. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most frequent issues.
Problem: “Transaction Failed” but Money Was Debited
This is a common and stressful issue where you get a debit alert from your bank but the Aella app shows payment failed. It’s often caused by a delay in the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).
Solution: Do not panic or attempt to pay again. First, wait 1-2 hours as the system may auto-reconcile. If the status doesn’t update, take a clear screenshot of your bank debit alert showing the transaction ID, amount, and time. Use the “Contact Support” feature in the Aella app or email support@aellacredit.com with these details. They typically resolve such reversals or reconciliations within 24-48 hours.
Problem: App Crashes or “Portal Down” Error
You try to log in or initiate repayment and the app keeps crashing, shows a white screen, or displays a “portal down for maintenance” message, especially on month-ends when traffic is high.
Solution: Immediately switch to an alternative method. Use the Direct Bank Transfer option using your bank’s mobile app or USSD code, as detailed in the Alternative Methods section. The unique repayment account number is often sent via SMS or email when you took the loan. This bypasses the faulty app entirely.
Problem: Incorrect Outstanding Balance Displayed
The amount shown in the app seems too high, or you believe you’ve made a part-payment that isn’t reflecting, leading to confusion about the correct sum to pay.
Solution: Before paying, manually calculate your obligation. Check your SMS or email for your original loan schedule. Contact Aella support via the in-app chat before making the payment to request a statement or clarification. Making a payment based on a wrong figure can result in an incomplete settlement, leaving a small residual debt that continues to accrue interest.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Understanding the full cost and timeline is crucial to ensure your repayment is truly complete and instant. The primary cost is your outstanding balance, which includes your principal plus the accrued daily interest up to the second you repay.
Official Fees: Aella Credit does not charge a separate “repayment fee.” However, your bank or payment platform might. A direct bank transfer typically costs between ₦50 – ₦100. Card payments on the app may attract a small processing fee (usually ₦100). These are bank charges, not Aella’s.
Unofficial Fees & Warnings: Be extremely cautious if using an agent or a cyber café assistant. They may try to add an unauthorized “service charge” of ₦500 or more. There is no official agent fee for loan repayment. Always insist on seeing the exact amount on the app before they proceed.
Timeline: A successful repayment via the app, USSD, or online transfer should reflect in your Aella account instantly or within 5-10 minutes. If it doesn’t update within 30 minutes, use your transaction reference to follow up with support. Delays beyond an hour are uncommon and usually point to the “failed but debited” issue requiring customer service intervention.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
As you seek to repay your loan, stay vigilant against common Nigerian financial scams designed to steal your money and personal information.
- Fake Agents and Unauthorized “Help”: Ignore individuals on social media, WhatsApp, or even in markets claiming to be “Aella agents” who can help you repay at a discount or clear your debt for a fee. Aella does not use freelance individual agents for loan repayment collection. Any payment to a personal account is a scam.
- Phishing Links and Fake Portals: Do not click on links in SMS or emails claiming your loan is overdue and directing you to a “quick repayment portal.” These often mimic Aella’s website. Always log in directly through the official Aella app or website you originally used.
- WhatsApp/Telegram “Customer Support”: Aella’s official support is through the in-app chat and verified email (support@aellacredit.com). Be wary of unsolicited messages from numbers claiming to be Aella support asking for your OTP, banking details, or app PIN. Legitimate support will never ask for these.
- Pressure to Pay into a Personal Account: Under no circumstance should you make a loan repayment to a bank account bearing an individual’s name (e.g., “John Doe”). All legitimate repayment accounts are in corporate names (e.g., “Aella Credit Limited”).
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Once your instant repayment is confirmed, the update is universal. Your cleared loan status is reflected across all Aella’s platforms and is recognized by their partner institutions and credit bureaus in Nigeria.
Where This is Accepted: Your successful repayment is immediately logged with major Nigerian credit bureaus like CRC Credit Bureau and FirstCentral Credit Bureau, improving your credit score. This positive record is accepted by other lenders, landlords running background checks, and even some employers during financial verification. Within the Aella ecosystem, it makes you eligible for future, possibly larger, loan offers.
Your Next Steps:
1. Download Your Loan Statement: Immediately after repayment, go to your Aella app to download and save your official statement showing a zero balance. This is your proof of settlement.
2. Check Your Credit Report (Optional but Recommended): After 30 days, you can request a free credit report from a bureau to confirm the update. This is a prudent financial habit.
3. Understand the Limitation: Repaying one loan instantly does not automatically qualify you for a new loan the same day. Aella’s re-eligibility algorithm considers your overall history and current financial behavior, which may require a short waiting period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I repay my Aella loan at a bank branch?
No, you cannot walk into a regular bank like Zenith or UBA and repay your Aella loan over the counter. Aella operates digitally. However, you can use your bank’s mobile app, USSD code, or internet banking to transfer funds to the unique repayment account provided by Aella. This is the equivalent of a bank branch payment but done electronically from anywhere.
I repaid but my loan limit hasn’t increased. Why?
Aella’s system needs to fully process your repayment and reassess your profile. While your balance clears instantly, your credit limit may take a few days to a week to refresh. Your new limit depends on your updated repayment history and their current assessment algorithm. Consistent on-time repayments over multiple cycles typically lead to limit increases.
Does Aella charge a penalty for early repayment?
No, Aella Credit does not charge any penalty or extra fee for repaying your loan early or instantly. You are only required to pay the outstanding principal plus the interest that has accrued up to the exact day and time of your repayment. Early settlement is financially beneficial as it stops further daily interest charges.
What happens if I pay less than the outstanding balance?
Your repayment will be considered incomplete or partial. The system will not mark your loan as settled. The remaining balance will continue to accrue daily interest, and you may still be liable for late fees on the unpaid portion. Always ensure you pay the exact total shown in your app’s “Repay Loan” section.
How long does it take to get a receipt after repayment?
You should receive an electronic receipt instantly within the Aella app upon successful payment. A confirmation SMS is also usually sent within minutes. If you don’t get it, check your app’s transaction history or statement section. If nothing appears after 30 minutes, contact support with your bank transaction ID.
Can I use Opay or Palmpay to repay my Aella loan?
Yes, you can. If you have funds in your Opay or Palmpay wallet, you can use it to fund the repayment within the Aella app. When you select the payment method, choose “Card” and input your wallet’s virtual card details. Alternatively, you can use your wallet app to make a bank transfer to Aella’s provided account number.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available procedures. While we strive for accuracy, loan repayment processes, fees, and platform interfaces are subject to change by Aella Credit. We are not affiliated with Aella Credit or any financial regulatory body. Always confirm details directly through the official Aella app or customer service before proceeding with any financial transaction. The author assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.