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Paying by bank transfer

Where the bank details are, what the payment reference is for, and what happens after you pay.

Bank transfer is the only way to pay on BukNau. When you book, the operator's bank details appear on your booking page along with a payment reference. Put that reference on your transfer so the operator can match the money to your booking.

  1. 1Book the listing. The operator's bank details and your payment reference appear straight away, and your dates are held for 30 minutes.
  2. 2Make the transfer from your bank app, internet banking or a branch. Put the payment reference in the transfer description.
  3. 3Tap “I've made the transfer”. Do it within 30 minutes of booking and the dates stay held for you while the operator checks.
  4. 4When the operator sees the money in their account they confirm the booking. You get a confirmation email and the booking shows as Confirmed.

Once you tap “I've made the transfer”, the operator has 2 days to find the money and confirm, or less if your trip starts sooner. The exact deadline is on your booking page. Took longer than 30 minutes? Your booking is not cancelled and you can still pay, but the dates are not held until you tap the button, so someone else could book them first. Every deadline is explained in “Timings”.

Only ever pay to the bank details shown on your BukNau booking page. Never pay to details sent by email, chat or text, even if they look like they come from the operator. Keep your transfer receipt.

If an operator says they cannot find your payment, they can raise a query on the booking. You will be emailed and asked for your receipt. A query that is not resolved within 3 days lapses in your favour.

Quick answers

Do I pay BukNau or the operator?

The operator, directly, by bank transfer to the details on your booking page. BukNau never holds your money and never asks you to pay BukNau.

Can I pay by card, PayPal or mobile money?

Not yet. Bank transfer is the only payment method, because it is the way money already moves for local operators. You can transfer from a bank app, internet banking or a branch.

How long do I have to pay?

Tap “I've made the transfer” within 30 minutes of booking and your dates stay held while the operator checks the money arrived — they have 2 days, or less if your trip starts sooner. The exact deadline is on your booking page. If you take longer, you can still pay, but the dates are not held until you tap the button.

Where is my payment reference?

On your booking page in My Trips, a few minutes after you book — there is a short hold of 30 minutes first. Put the reference in the description of your bank transfer so the operator can match it.

Someone emailed me different bank details. Should I use them?

No. Only ever pay to the bank details shown on your BukNau booking page. Operators cannot change the details on a booking by email or chat. If you receive different details, do not pay, and tell us straight away.

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For travellers. Last checked against the product on 2026-09-19.

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