1. Who can open a Diaspora account?

• A Beninese Living abroad

2. Why should I Open a Diaspora account?

• It  important to open a Diaspora account to facilitate access to the specialized services and products and concessions offered to Diaspora customers
• Access to experts on matters Diaspora.
• Regular updates on investments opportunities available for Diaspora customers.

3. If someone already has an existing account with Ecowas Diaspora House and relocates abroad, can they change it to Diaspora account? What is the procedure and requirements?

• One would have to open a new Diaspora account  and  we  link the two accounts in order to allow access to both accounts

4. If I am a regular  Ecowas Diaspora Banking Customer who travels frequently, do I qualify to be a Diaspora customer?

• No, the best option would be to fill a Travel Notice Form to activate your Cards for use abroad.

5. What is the process of opening a Diaspora account?

• Download the application forms for your account type from our website under the Downloads section.
• Fill in the form
• Specify the currency of the account
• Attach copies of your Beninese Identification/a valid passport (first Page, second Page, last page and the renewal page if the PP has expired).
• Attach a current colored passport size photo
• Attach a copy of a utility bill (e.g. Electricity, Telephone bill etc.) or bank statement confirming your current postal address.
• Have the documents certified by either 
  • Notary Public
  • Commissioner for Oaths at the Supreme Court of Benin

• In case of use of an authorized  Ecowas Diaspora Banking Agent, the documents may be forwarded to the bank by the agent.

6. How long does it take for an account to be opened?

• The turnaround time for Opening an account is 24 to 48Hrs once we receive the filled in form and all the required documentation.

7. How will I be notified about the account Opening?

• You will receive an email or sms notification from the bank.
• Kindly send an email to our group email address diasporabanking@ecowasdiasporabank.com if for any reason, you have not received the confirmation after three days

8. Can I give someone authority to operate my account?

• Yes you can give someone mandate to operate your account on your behalf.
• Kindly fill an Agent Nomination form available on our downloads section and send it to the diasporabanking@ecowasdiasporabank.com or through our agents

9. How do I get my ATM Card and Pin?     

• We have partnered with DHL and EMS for the shipping of the ATM Card and Pin
• For Security reasons, we ship the ATM Card and Pin Separately.
• The cost of shipping the items is borne by the customer.
• We also offer an alternative of allowing the customer to nominate someone to collect their card and Pin

10. Can I nominate someone to collect my ATM and PIN on my behalf?    

• Yes you can
• Download a collection form from the Downloads Section and indicate the details of the person you have nominated to collect your instruments. Send a Scanned copy of the signed collection form to our group email address diasporabanking@ecowasdiasporabank.com  

 
11. How do I update my Contact Details?

• Scan and send us a signed Change of contacts form available on our Downloads Section to enable us update your details in the system for future correspondences

12. What do I need to do incase my ATM Card Expires?

• Download the Card renewal form from the Downloads. Send a Scanned copy of the signed collection form to our group email address diasporabanking@ecowasdiasporabank.com  

13. What happens when my ATM Card is blocked?

• You have used a wrong password to log in more than three times. Ask for a password reset if you have forgotten your password. If you can remember your password, ask for it to be unlocked. Requests for unlocking password should be sent via email to diasporabanking@ecowasdiasporabank.com 

14. How does an account go dormant?

• An account becomes dormant if there are no customer initiated transactions for a period of 6 consecutive months

15. How do I activate a dormant account

• To reactivate your account, kindly fill a dormant reactivation available on our Downloads Section and send it to the diasporabanking@ecowasdiasporabank.com  or through our agents
• You can send secure mail instructions for reactivation of account.

16. As a Cooperative Diaspora Customer do I get access to internet Banking?

• Yes, the account is automatically linked to internet banking during account opening.

17. If I have more than one account in  Ecowas Diaspora Banking, can I access all of them on the internet banking platform?

• Yes, you can add your other accounts on your own using  the internet banking platform or send secure mail instructions for us to link the accounts

18. How do I access my Account Balance? 

• You can view your account transactions and statement through the internet banking platform. 

19. Where Can I Find  Ecowas Diaspora Banking  Agents?

• On Our Website- Insert Direct Link

20. How can I contact the  Ecowas Diaspora Banking office?
Ecowas Diaspora House 
Rue 609, Gbegamey lll  
Cotonou. 
Email: diasporabanking@ecowasdiasporabank.com 
Tel: 
+229 21 31 36 42   / +229 31 31 45 08

OR 
Contact our 24/7 Call Centre on: 
Email: customerservice@ecowasdiasporabank.com
                                                                                    
Money Transfers

21. How do I send funds direct to my Benin Diaspora Account from abroad?

NOTE THAT THIS OPTION IS NOT APPLICABLE FOR NON BENINESE

• You can wire the funds to your account through our correspondent banks (insert direct link to correspondent banks).

BANK NAME: THE  Ecowas Diaspora Banking LIMITED
BRANCH NAME: DIASPORA BRANCH
BRANCH CODE: 11254
BP: 6966, 00100 COTONOU, BENIN
SWIFT CODE: KCOOKENA

22. What are the Money transfer Options available on the Internet Banking Platform?

• Transfer from your account to your other account in  Ecowas Diaspora Banking (Transfer to Self). 
• Transfer from your account to another person’s  Ecowas Diaspora Banking account.
• Transfer from your account to another account in a Beninese bank.
• Transfer from your account to another bank Outside Benin (Swift)
• You can also write a secure mail and give us instructions for Funds transfer instructions. 

NB:  We encourage customers to adopt a Do it yourself (DIY) policy, it is easier, faster and customer is able to take charge of transactions in his/her account.

23. Can a third party deposit money into my account?

• Yes
• Through the various money transfer options e.g. Internal Funds transfer, Swift and Bank Deposits
• They can also deposit through our Paybill Number at 400200