Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about trading safely with FiapPay. Can't find your answer? Message our support team.

What exactly is FiapPay?+

FiapPay is an automated escrow service that runs inside WhatsApp. When you buy or sell online, on WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, FiapPay holds the buyer's Mobile Money payment securely and only releases it to the seller once the buyer confirms delivery. It removes the risk of paying a stranger upfront or shipping without guarantee of payment.

How do I get started as a seller?+

Message the FiapPay bot and type Register. You'll instantly receive a vendor code, then add your 9-digit MoMo payout number and confirm it. After that, just type Bill 50000 (your agreed amount) to generate a payment link for any buyer. See the full How It Works guide.

What are the WhatsApp number requirements?+

To use FiapPay, your WhatsApp number must have 9 digits (for example, 6 76 24 08 39). Numbers with 8 digits, such as 76 24 08 39, are not supported.

Additionally, for payments, your WhatsApp number must be linked to an active MTN MoMo or Orange Money account from which funds will be debited. Please note that this requirement does not apply to vendor accounts, as vendors may link a different mobile money account to their profile.

However, we strongly advise vendors to use 9-digit WhatsApp numbers linked to an MTN MoMo or Orange Money account if they intend to make payments in the future. Please note that FiapPay does not support float payments at this time.

What is the Release PIN?+

When a buyer pays, the bot issues them a confidential 4-digit Release PIN. The seller cannot be paid until the buyer enters this PIN (by typing Release 4821). It's the buyer's guarantee, funds stay locked until they're satisfied. Keep it private until you've inspected your goods.

What if there is a disagreement?+

Either party can type Dispute (with the PIN) to lock the transaction for mediation. Our team independently reviews evidence from both the buyer and the seller. We don't take sides, we fairly decide based on the evidence and release, refund (net of non-refundable fees), or split the funds accordingly.

Is my Mobile Money safe?+

Absolutely. We integrate only through official Mobile Money APIs. We never ask for your secret MoMo PIN, you only enter it on your network provider's official USSD prompt. FiapPay never sees or stores it.

Whose name appears on my Mobile Money transaction?+

For now, all Mobile Money debits and credits are processed solely by TAKWID GROUP (CamPay), our licensed payment aggregator. On your MTN MoMo or Orange Money statement, the transaction will appear under TAKWID GROUP (CamPay), not under FiapPay or Los Bebes Inc. This is completely normal and expected.

What are the transaction limits?+

Standard (Tier 1) accounts can escrow up to 50,000 FCFA per transaction (150,000 FCFA per day). Verified businesses (Tier 2) can process up to 500,000 FCFA per transaction (2,000,000 FCFA per day). High-volume merchants can request custom limits. See Pricing & Limits.

How long do payouts take?+

Payouts are instant and automated. The moment the buyer enters the Release PIN, the funds are disbursed directly to the seller's Mobile Money account via the official network APIs, no manual processing, no waiting.

Which networks are supported?+

We support both MTN Mobile Money and Orange Money across Cameroon. The networks can be mixed, a buyer can pay with MTN while the seller receives on Orange, or vice-versa. Our system handles the bridging automatically.

Are there any hidden fees?+

None. We charge a flat, transparent 5% platform fee, split evenly (2.5% added to the buyer, 2.5% deducted from the seller). The bot shows the exact buyer charge and seller payout before anyone commits. No subscriptions, no setup costs. Fees are non-refundable once a payment is processed (see the refund question below).

How much do I get back if my transaction is refunded?+

The agreed price net of non-refundable fees and mobile-money costs. Not returned: the 2.5% buyer fee already included in what you paid, the mobile-money collection cost incurred on deposit (2% of the price), the cost of sending the refund (1%) and a refund-handling fee (1%). Example: on a 100,000 FCFA item you paid 102,500 FCFA; a refund returns 96,000 FCFA. A partial split is computed on the same basis. The bot tells you the exact refund amount before you pay, type Fees. These are costs the networks and aggregator have already charged; FiapPay does not absorb them. Full details in our Terms of Service.

What happens if the wrong PIN is entered?+

FiapPay allows a limited number of PIN attempts. After too many incorrect tries, the transaction is automatically locked, a dispute is opened, and an administrator is alerted to investigate possible fraud. This protects your funds from anyone trying to guess the PIN.

Can I get a refund after releasing the PIN?+

No. Releasing the PIN is a final, irreversible action that sends funds to the seller immediately. That's why you should only release after receiving and inspecting your goods. If something is wrong, open a Dispute instead of releasing. Full details are in our Terms of Service.

Is FiapPay a bank?+

No. FiapPay is a technology platform, not a bank, microfinance institution, or licensed Payment Service Provider. All Mobile Money transactions and escrow holds are processed and custodied by our licensed aggregation partner (CamPay) in line with applicable COBAC regulations. FiapPay orchestrates the escrow lifecycle but does not independently hold your funds.

What languages does FiapPay support?+
Can I put FiapPay escrow inside my own app or marketplace?+

Yes. FiapPay has a public REST API for platforms: register your vendors, create an escrow at checkout, and release it when your buyer confirms delivery in your own app. Your buyers and vendors never leave your product, and you can add your own commission on top of our 5% and keep all of it. We never take a percentage of what you charge. Access is granted per platform after a short review, not by self-service signup. See the API documentation for the full contract and how to apply.

The bot and this website are fully bilingual in English and French. You can switch language anytime from the bot menu or the toggle at the top of this page.

Still have questions?

Our support team is happy to help on WhatsApp.

Contact Support