Frequently Asked
Questions

What is Makeba?

Makeba is an app that let's people and businesses, pay and transfer money easily at a low cost.

Who can I send money to?

You can send money to anyone you know with a Makeba account in Cabo Verde. If the person you want to transact with doesn't have a Makeba account yet, invite them using your personal referral code and you will earn rewards when that person signs up for a monthly plan. Find your personal referal code in the Makeba app menu.

Who can I pay?

You can pay with Makeba at any participating business or online store. To find a participating business, download the Makeba Money app and choose “Find Businesses” in the side menu.

Where can I withdraw and deposit cash?

At any participating business location or BAI-CV bank. To find a Makeba cash point, download the Makeba Money app and choose “Find Businesses” in the side menu.

How long does it take to receive money?

If you are transacting with another Makeba user, the transfer only takes a few seconds. The same goes for depositing and withdrawing cash.

Please note that bank transfers usually take 1-3 days to complete, which is standard for bank transfers.

Are there any fees for transferring money?

Receiving money with Makeba is always free.

There is a fee for sending money internationally and within some territories - which is paid for by the sender. You are always able see how much a transfer will cost before sending it.

Our goal is to make sending money as cheap as possible. Explore our monthly plans to see what option fits your budget and needs the best.

How do I sign up?

It’s easy. Download Makeba Money from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and follow the onscreen instructions. You will need to have a smartphone and a photo ID handy. In order to create a new account, we'll ask you a series of questions designed to confirm your identity.

Can I use Makeba without a smartphone?

Not yet. But we are working on it, support for USSD phones will be added as soon as possible, it's a top priority for us!

Can I cancel a payment or transfer?

No. Once you have approved the transaction the money is transferred instantly to your recipient’s account and cannot be canceled.

How do I verify my identity in person?

To deposit or withdraw cash from your Makeba account please verify your identity in person at a BAI bank or one of our partner locations - remember to bring a government issued ID document and your phone. Partner locations map

How do I enable cash services on my account?

Can I use Makeba abroad?

Makeba is currently only available in Cabo Verde. More countries are coming soon.

How will the person I send money to be notified?

They will receive an alert from the Makeba Money app on their mobile phone.

How do I check my balance?

Is my information secure?

Yes. We use the latest encryption technology to protect your account and ensure that your data remains private. If you suspect that your account has been compromised, change your password and secret code right away, then contact us so we can freeze your account.

Why does the Makeba app ask for permission to refresh/run in the background on my phone?

In order to alert you of new messages, money transfers and other activities on your account Makeba works best when it is allowed to run even when you're not actively using the app.

Is it safe to pay anyone?

Makeba is intended for use by people and businesses who trust each other. Be careful when making payments to people you don't know. Transactions cannot be canceled once they have been approved by you.

Can I change my phone number?

Please contact us if you need to change the phone number associated with your account.

Frequently Asked Questions