It has never been easier to send money to Nigeria from abroad. With a variety of mobile apps, you can move money quickly, securely, and at competitive rates, whether you’re supporting family, paying for services, or making investments. There are, however, some apps that offer better rates, faster transfers, or more payment flexibility than others.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you the top 10 apps to send money to Nigeria in 2024. Whether you’re sending funds from the U.S., Europe, or anywhere else, I’ll help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Sending money to Nigeria is now more streamlined with mobile apps offering faster transfers, lower fees, and multiple delivery options.
- Different apps cater to varying needs; some focus on speed, while others provide competitive exchange rates.
- Security, ease of use, and transfer limits are critical factors to consider when choosing the best app for your transactions.
Here are the top 10 money transfer apps for sending money to Nigeria.
1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Overview
Wise is renowned for its transparency and low fees, making it a favorite for many who need to send money across borders. It uses the real exchange rate (no markups), meaning you get more value for your money.
Features
- Transparent Fees: Wise provides full clarity on the costs of transferring money.
- Mid-Market Exchange Rate: No hidden margins; you receive the exact exchange rate as shown on Google.
- Fast Transfers: Most transfers to Nigeria are completed within 1-2 business days.
Pros
- Low fees.
- Transparent and mid-market exchange rates.
- Easy-to-use mobile app.
Cons
- May not be the fastest option for urgent transfers.
Personal Insight
I’ve used Wise several times to send money to family in Nigeria. The biggest appeal is the transparency—what you see is what you get. While it might take a bit longer than other services, the savings on fees are significant.
2. Remitly
Overview
Remitly has established itself as a reliable app for sending money to Nigeria, particularly for users in the U.S. and Europe. It offers two transfer options: Express (instant) and Economy (cheaper but slower).
Features
- Instant Transfers: Remitly’s Express option sends funds instantly.
- Lower Fees for Economy Transfers: Choose slower transfers for cheaper fees.
- Multiple Delivery Options: Funds can be delivered to Nigerian bank accounts, mobile wallets, or picked up in cash.
Pros
- Flexible transfer options.
- Fast delivery with Express.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons
- Higher fees for Express transfers.
Personal Insight
I’ve found Remitly to be a lifesaver when urgent transfers are needed. The Express option gets money into Nigerian bank accounts almost instantly, which is great for emergencies.
3. WorldRemit
Overview
WorldRemit stands out for its versatility, allowing users to send money to bank accounts, mobile wallets, or even for cash pickup. It’s an ideal option for those who want flexibility in how recipients receive funds.
Features
- Mobile Money Support: Send funds directly to mobile wallets like MTN MoMo in Nigeria.
- Cash Pickup: Available at numerous locations across Nigeria.
- Competitive Exchange Rates: WorldRemit offers reasonable rates, especially for larger transfers.
Pros
- Multiple delivery options.
- Fast transfers.
- Extensive payout network in Nigeria.
Cons
- Slightly higher fees than some competitors.
Personal Insight
I’ve personally used WorldRemit when needing to send money for immediate cash pickups. The process was seamless, and my recipient had no trouble collecting the funds within minutes.
4. PayPal
Overview
Though not specifically tailored to Nigeria, PayPal remains one of the most widely used platforms for international money transfers. Nigerians with verified PayPal accounts can receive funds, though it’s less common than other services.
Features
- Global Reach: Send money to virtually anywhere in the world.
- Secure Transactions: PayPal’s security features are industry-leading.
- Linked Bank Accounts: Funds can be withdrawn to Nigerian bank accounts through third-party services.
Pros
- Trusted and widely used.
- Secure and protected transactions.
Cons
- Higher fees for international transfers.
- Limited availability for Nigerian users without PayPal access.
Personal Insight
PayPal is my go-to for international payments, though its limited direct support for Nigeria makes it less attractive compared to other services.
5. Xoom (by PayPal)
Overview
Xoom is PayPal’s dedicated money transfer service, offering faster and cheaper transfers than its parent app. It’s specifically designed for sending money to countries like Nigeria.
Features
- Fast Transfers: Often instant or within minutes.
- Multiple Transfer Options: Send money to bank accounts, cash pickups, or mobile wallets in Nigeria.
- Integrated with PayPal: Use your PayPal balance to send money easily.
Pros
- Quick and easy transfers.
- Multiple delivery methods.
- Trusted by PayPal users.
Cons
- Higher fees than some competitors for large transfers.
Personal Insight
I’ve used Zoom several times for urgent transfers, and it’s incredibly fast. The integration with PayPal also makes it convenient for those who already use PayPal regularly.
6. Sendwave
Overview
Sendwave is a favorite for sending money to Africa, including Nigeria. Its focus is on providing fast, fee-free transfers, making it an attractive option for small, frequent transfers.
Features
- No Fees: Send money to Nigeria without paying a dime in fees.
- Fast Transfers: Most transfers are delivered instantly.
- Mobile-Focused: Easy-to-use app for mobile transfers.
Pros
- No fees.
- Instant transfers.
- Easy-to-use mobile interface.
Cons
- Limited to smaller transfer amounts.
Personal Insight
Sendwave has become a staple in my money transfer routine, especially for sending small amounts to friends and family. The fact that there are no fees is a huge plus.
7. Ria Money Transfer
Overview
Ria Money Transfer is another popular app for sending money to Nigeria, offering both bank deposits and cash pickup services. It’s part of the Euronet network, which ensures extensive global coverage.
Features
- Fast Bank Deposits: Funds are deposited directly into Nigerian bank accounts, usually within minutes.
- Cash Pickup: Available at thousands of locations across Nigeria.
- Competitive Exchange Rates: Ria offers decent rates for large transfers.
Pros
- Reliable and fast transfers.
- Multiple delivery options.
Cons
- Slightly higher fees for smaller transfers.
Personal Insight
I’ve used Ria for larger transactions, and I’ve found it to be both reliable and fast. However, the fees can be a bit steep for smaller amounts.
8. Western Union
Overview
Western Union has been a trusted name in money transfers for decades. Its app allows users to send money to Nigeria for bank deposits or cash pickups, with a vast network of agents across the country.
Features
- Global Presence: Over 500,000 agent locations worldwide, including Nigeria.
- Fast Transfers: Most transfers are completed within minutes.
- Secure Transactions: Western Union’s long-standing reputation for security.
Pros
- Extensive agent network.
- Reliable and fast service.
Cons
- Higher fees compared to newer digital apps.
Personal Insight
Western Union is a household name, but I often reserve it for cases where other digital methods aren’t available. The fees are relatively higher, but its extensive network in Nigeria makes it dependable.
Learn more about Western Union
9. MoneyGram
Overview
Like Western Union, MoneyGram has a large network for sending money globally. Its app makes it convenient to send money to Nigeria for either cash pickup or bank deposits.
Features
- Wide Availability: Over 350,000 agent locations globally.
- Multiple Delivery Options: Send money for cash pickup or bank deposit.
- Fast and Secure: Transfers are usually completed within minutes.
Pros
- Reliable and trusted service.
- Multiple ways to send and receive money.
Cons
- Higher fees than digital-first apps.
Personal Insight
MoneyGram offers peace of mind when sending large sums, but I’ve found the fees to be a bit high for everyday transfers.
10. Revolut
Overview
Revolut has gained popularity as a multi-currency app with low-cost transfers. It’s ideal for users who want to send money to Nigeria while managing different currencies.
Features
- Multi-Currency Support: Hold and exchange multiple currencies within the app.
- Low Fees: competitive rates for international transfers.
- Instant Transfers: Most transactions are completed in minutes.
Pros
- Flexible and low-cost transfers.
- Multi-currency support.
Cons
- Requires more tech-savvy users.
Personal Insight
I love Revolut’s flexibility for holding and exchanging multiple currencies, but it’s not as beginner-friendly as some of the other options on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which app is the fastest for sending money to Nigeria?
Sendwave, Xoom, and Remitly’s Express option are among the fastest, often delivering funds instantly or within minutes.
2. What’s the cheapest way to send money to Nigeria?
Wise and Sendwave offer some of the lowest fees, particularly for small to medium transfers.
3. Is it safe to use these apps to send money to Nigeria?
Yes, all of the apps listed here follow strict security protocols, including encryption, to ensure your money reaches the intended recipient securely.
4. Can I send money to a Nigerian mobile wallet?
Yes, apps like WorldRemit and Sendwave support mobile wallet transfers to services like MTN MoMo.
Conclusion
The best way to send money to Nigeria in 2024 is through one of the numerous mobile apps available, each of which offers a unique combination of speed, convenience, cost, and cost. No matter what your preference is, there’s an option to fit your needs, whether you’re looking for lower fees, faster transfers, or specific payout methods. Remitly and Xoom offer speed for more urgent transactions, while Wise and Sendwave excel for budget-conscious senders.
Examine each app’s fees, exchange rates, and transfer times to make sure you’re making the right choice.
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