How to Use Zap Insights: A Simple Guide to Spending Categories

Every time you send money on Zap by Paystack, you can tag the transaction with a category. Over time, those tags build a clear picture of where your money actually goes, and that picture is what powers Zap Insights.

Think of it as your money, organized in a way that finally makes sense.

Any money you spend getting from one place to the other.

• Bolt, Uber, or inDrive rides.

• Fuel purchases.

• Bus, danfo, or keke fares.

• Parking fees.

• Third-party car insurance or vehicle licensing.

Eating out or ordering in. It’s for whenever the food isn’t from your kitchen.

• Sit-down restaurants and fast food.

• Chowdeck, Glovo, or any food delivery apps.

• Canteen, shawarma, or quick bites.

Everything it costs to keep your home running. The regular bills, the unexpected fixes.

• Electricity (IKEDC/EKEDC), water and internet bills(Fibreone, FibreX, Starlink).

• Rent payments.

• Generator fuel and maintenance.

• Repairs (plumber, electrician, AC).

• Domestic staff salaries or Estate service charges.

Food and supplies you buy to use at home.

• Supermarkets and provision stores like Ebeano, Spar, Market Square

• Open market shopping.

• Bulk food purchases from GoLemon, Mano.

Money given directly to people either as appreciation or during a celebration.

• Birthday or wedding gifts.

• Tips to drivers or delivery riders.

• Aso-ebi contributions or spraying at events.

• Baby shower and bridal shower gifts.

Money you’re setting aside for your future.

• Transfers to PiggyVest or Cowrywise.

• Stock or crypto investments.

• Fixed deposits or pension contributions.

How you relax and enjoy yourself.

• Cinema tickets, concerts, events.

• Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music.

• Games, hobbies, gym memberships.

• Club memberships - think Padel, Country club memberships

Buying physical things.

• Clothes, shoes, accessories.

• Gadgets and electronics.

• Home items and appliances.

Giving to causes or your faith community.

• Tithes and offerings.

• Zakat or sadaqah.

• Donations to charities or NGOs.

Anything related to your physical health.

• Hospital visits or consultations.

• Pharmacy and prescriptions.

• Lab tests or dental care.

Looking and feeling your best.

• Salon, barber, hair appointments.

• Spa treatments and massages.

• Skincare and grooming.

Investing in knowledge.

• School fees or tuition.

• Online courses (Udemy, Coursera).

• Books and certifications.

Getting away from your usual environment.

• Flights (local or international).

• Hotels or Airbnb.

• Travel-related expenses.

Staying connected.

• MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile top-ups

• Data bundle purchases.

• Airtime sent to others.

Supporting people who depend on you.

• Monthly allowances to parents or siblings

• School fees for dependants.

• Medical or upkeep expenses.

Money that left your account but isn’t really your expense.

• Loans to friends or family.

• Work expenses you’ll be reimbursed for.

• Paying upfront for a group trip or dinner.

Some categories can feel similar. Here’s how to choose quickly:

• Restaurants & Food Orders: You ate it there or it arrived ready-to-eat.

• Groceries: You bought it to cook at home.

• Family Support: Ongoing or significant support for dependants.

• Tips & Gifts: One-off appreciation, celebrations, or generosity.

• Healthcare: A doctor, nurse, or pharmacist is involved.

• Personal Care: Grooming and self-care (salon, spa, barber).

Use this when money leaves your account but isn’t really your expense.

Think a work dinner you’ll claim back, lending your cousin money or covering the tab for your friend-group and waiting to be settled.

• Tag as you go: It takes two seconds and saves you from trying to remember what a transfer was for two weeks later.

• When in doubt: Pick the category that feels most right. You can always retag it later from your transaction history.