Compare your options to get the best possible deal when sending money from the US to Nigeria.
MoneyGram International Money Transfers
Send funds to more than 200 countries and territories around the world with a MoneyGram international money transfer.
- Pick up cash within minutes.
- Send a transfer from one of the 350,000 MoneyGram locations around the globe.
- Bank deposit available directly into your or the receiver’s account.
- Mobile wallet deposit available.
Compare international money transfers to Nigeria
Use our interactive table to compare transfer fees, exchange rates and other details for sending funds to Nigeria with our money transfer partners.
Save money on your personal or business international money transfer today. Fill in the form and you’ll be contacted by a foreign exchange expert to have an obligation-free discussion about your options.
With over 17 years of foreign exchange expertise and over $100 billion transferred, OFX can help with all your currency exchange needs, including:
- Buying property abroad
- Emigrating
- Regular overseas payments
- Risk management
- Forecasting
Sending money to Nigeria
When sending money overseas, you’ll typically need to create a free account with a money transfer provider. The process varies by company but generally requires you to provide your name, contact information and proof of identity. If you’re not paying for your transaction with cash, you’ll also provide your banking info in order to have the funds withdrawn from your account.
Once you’ve selected a payment option and entered the full details of your transfer, you make your transaction and wait for the funds to arrive. You’ll most likely receive a reference number or receipt that you can use to track the progress of your transfer.
Back to topHow do international money transfers work?
An international money transfer allows you to send money to friends, family and businesses overseas. Generally, it involves you sending cash or money from your bank account to an intermediary transfer service or bank, which then exchanges and sends the money to your recipient in another country — in this case, Nigeria.
Depending on the provider, you can initiate a money transfer in person, online or by phone. Your cash or bank account transfer is then either deposited into your recipient’s bank account or made available as cash for pickup at a location in their country.
Back to topBanks vs. money transfer companies
Many major US banks offer the option to send funds to Nigeria. But they typically charge high transfer fees and offer exchange rates that are significantly lower than the mid-market rate — or the rate banks and transfer providers use when trading among themselves.
A reputable money transfer specialist can often offer better exchange rates and charge lower fees, saving you money and putting more Nigerian naira into your recipient’s pocket.
Jonathan sends $1,000 to Nigeria
Jonathan wants to send $1,000 from the US to Nigeria to help his wife cover some of the costs associated with raising their children. His bank doesn’t send funds to Nigeria, so he is comparing the services of two money transfer companies — one that offers transfers that take place within minutes.
| Money Transfer Company A | Money Transfer Company B | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | 1 USD = 193.575 NGN | 1 USD = 193.787 NGN |
| Transfer fee | $6 | $81 for money in minutes; $12 for bank account transfers |
| Transfer speed | 2 business days | 1 hour for money in minutes; 4 business days for bank account transfers |
| Transfer options | Bank account deposit | Cash pickup, bank account deposit |
| Total NGN received | 193,575 NGN | 193,787 NGN |
Jonathan’s comparison shows that even a small difference in exchange rates can make a noticeable difference in the amount you transfer. Transfer fees vary greatly depending on the transfer method you choose.
How to compare transfer companies when sending money to Nigeria
By comparing a few elements of your transfer, you can ensure that you get the cheapest deal for your needs.
- Exchange rates. Nearly all providers skew exchange rates for a profit. Compare the rate you’re offered to the mid-market rate — the rate banks and transfer services use when they trade among themselves — and look for the smallest margin between them.
- Transfer fees. Find out whether the provider charges a flat fee or a percentage of your transfer. If you’re sending a large amount, ask whether you qualify for a fee-free transfer.
- Payment and delivery options. Some transfer companies allow you to pay with a credit card online, by phone or through an app. Others offer agent locations for cash payments and pickups. Also ask how your recipient can receive your funds: bank account, cash pickup, mobile wallet and more.
- Transfer speed. If it needs to be there fast, companies like Western Union and MoneyGram allow for quick cash pickups, often in minutes. If you have more time, you’ll get better rates and fees with an independent provider.
- Transfer limits. Your best option might depend on how much you want to send. For large transfers, weigh the best exchange rate — especially since providers encourage large transfers by offering low fees. For smaller amounts, consider the fees you’ll pay on top of the exchange rate.
- “Hedging” options. Ask whether you can schedule payments ahead of time or protect your transfer against market fluctuations with a limit order or forward contract.
- Customer support. Most companies offer customer service by Internet chat, phone, in person or by email. Make sure help will be available if you need it.
The exchange rate determines how much one country’s currency is worth in another currency. When a country’s currency is strong, it yields more money when exchanging it in a country with a weak currency. Most countries’ exchange rates are flexible, which means they can change from moment to moment. Factors that influence the exchange rate include interest rates, economic stability and inflation.
Options for sending money to Nigeria from America
- Bank transfers. Many major US banks will allow you to wire money to banks in Nigeria.
- Online money transfer services. It’s simple and convenient to send an online money transfer to Nigeria from the comfort of your home.
- Providers with cash pickup. Companies like Western Union and MoneyGram offer the option of cash pickups from thousands of agent locations across Nigeria.
- Checks and money orders. Although not a quick option, you could send an international check overseas, obtained from your bank or US Postal Service.
Emergency cash transfers in Nigeria
You might need to send an emergency cash transfer to Nigeria — for example, if a friend traveling through the country loses their wallet. But when you need to transfer funds urgently, your fastest possible transfer will often be your most expensive option.
Carefully review the exchange rate and transfer fee against your needs so that you understand exactly how much it will cost you.
Cash pickup locations
Western Union, MoneyGram and Ria provide the three largest money transfer networks in the world, with thousands of agent locations around the globe. You’ll need to pass your transaction reference number on to your recipient to allow them to pick up your funds. They’ll also need to bring along a photo ID.
Find a money transfer location near you
Tips for picking up cash in Nigeria
Whether picking up funds in Nigeria or anywhere else around the world, take a few simple safety precautions to prevent yourself becoming a target for thieves.
- Call ahead. Learn the company’s business hours and choose a safe time to pick up your cash. Daylight hours are best.
- Bring a friend. Carrying money when alone can be dangerous. Ask a friend to come along.
- Deposit your money immediately. The likelihood of losing your money to theft or simple carelessness grows the longer you have it with you. Go straight to a bank and deposit your cash as soon as possible.
- Keep your cash hidden. Place your money in your purse or wallet before leaving the office. Carrying cash out in the open could make you a target.
Cash pickup locations in Nigeria
Lagos
Worldremit
ACCESS BANK – SABO BRANCH
Address: 290 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba100246, Lagos, Nigeria
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +234-01-277 0069
DIAMOND BANK
Address: 34 Ladipo Oluwole Ave, Ikeja101241, Lagos, Nigeria
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +234 700 300 0000
ECOBANK
Address: Mushin, 118 Agege Motor Rd, Lagos, Nigeria
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +234 704 145 0672
Moneygram
UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA
Address: RD NNS Quorra Harbour Lagos
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +234-01-5872143
UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA SEME BORDER – #04
Address: Abuja Badagry Express Way Seme Border FCT Lagos
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +234-01-2311061
UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA
Address: Luth Road 1 Idi Araba Lagos
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +234-01-8114353
Western Union
ALABA MAIN
Address: 1 Agudosi Street Alaba International Market Alaba, Lagos
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +234-01-7613794
KEYSTONE BANK AKOKA
Address: 23 St Finbarrs College Rd Yaba Yaba Lagos Yaba, Lagos 234
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +234-1-7432454
SKYE BANK SHOMOLU BRANCH
Address: 6 Bajulaiye Street Shomolu Lagos, Lagos
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +234-1-2703090
Kano
Worldremit
ACCESS BANK – MUR MOHAMMED WAY
Address: 146, Murtala Mohmd Way, 700222, Kano, Nigeria
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +234-01-733 2000
DIAMOND BANK
Address: Bank Rd, 101241, Kano, Nigeria
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +234 700 300 0000
ECOBANK – KANO – BELLO ROAD
Address: E Bello Rd, 700281, Kano, Nigeria
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +234 704 145 0080
Moneygram
ACCESS BANK PLC – SOKOTO – KANO ROAD
Address: Kano Road 27 Sokoto, 840252
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +234-1-12712012
FBN – MUHAMMADU RIMI MKT
Address: Inside Muhammadu Rimi Market Kano
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +234-1-23419052667
DIAMOND BANK PLC – BUK MINI KANO
Address: Bayero University Kano Mini Kano
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +234-1-12716253
Western Union
UBN PLC HOTORO
Address: Hotoro Kano Kano, Kano 234
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +234-2716805
FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC
Address: Kano Bompai Branch Danta Road Kano, Kano State
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +234-64-633480
BOMPAI ROAD KANO BRANCH NEW
Address: 7 Bompai Road Kano State Kano, Kano State 23401
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +234-1-7616622
Abuja
Worldremit
DIAMOND BANK
Address: Plot 117, Adetoknubo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +234 803 885 5758
ECOBANK – JABI BRANCH
Address: Jabi Branch, Abuja, No. 1, Idris Ibrahim Crescent, Jabi, 900242, Abuja, Nigeria
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +234 704 145 0636
ENTERPRISE BANK – ABUJA CENTRAL 4
Address: Chisco Transport Nigeria Ltd, Utako900211, Abuja, Nigeria
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: +234 700 368 2265
Moneygram
DIAMOND BANK PLC-ABUJA NASS
Address: National Assembly Complex Abuja
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +234-1-12716253
FCMB – #231 – ABUJA – KUBWA FCT BRANCH
Address: KUBWA Plot 136B Gadonasco Layout Abuja
Hours: 8:10 AM – 5:15 PM
Phone: +234-1-4612624
DIAMOND BANK PLC – DEI DEI
Address: Building Material Market Dei-Dei Abuja
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +234-1-2716253
Western Union
WUSE MARKET BRANCH
Address: 19, Wuse Market Road Besides Management Office Abuja, Abuja 234
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +234-907-0003463
FIRST BANK
Address: Abuja Branch Plt5766 Abuja Keffi Road Mararaba Garki, Abuja
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +234-01-3052656
SKYE BANK GWARIMPA BRANCH
Address: Providence Plaza 3rd Ave Pa Michael Imodu Road Gwarimpa Abuja, Fct
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:0 PM
Phone: +234-1-2703090
pls someone went to send money for me in indian and i’m in nigeria how can he send the money to nigeria?
Hey Mike,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
The services featured on the page you’re on can have money transferred to Nigeria.
If you scroll down to the table, you can enter the amount and currency that you want to transfer and it should calculate how much the receiver would get.
Once you’ve chosen which one to use, you may click on “Go to site” to be directed to the service’s main website where you can start the transaction.
When you scroll further down, you can also find cash pickup locations on this page for Lagos, Kano and Abuja.
I hope this helps.
Best,
Maria
how do I send money from norway to nigeria without providing IBAN number
Hi Phillip,
Thanks for your question.
You may check this page to compare money transfer companies that will allow you to send money from Norway to Nigeria.
Kindly note that the IBAN number is required when sending to a bank account. If you are sending where the recipient will pick up the money at an agent location, online or by phone, there is generally no need for you to provide the IBAN number.
Cheers,
Anndy
I am trying to send money to Nigeria but they return my money. All money gram say they have the right. I did two large amount of money the same day. Only because have a dead to met what can I do?
Hi Lorraine,
Thank you for your inquiry.
When sending money overseas, you’ll typically need to create a free account with a money transfer provider. The process varies by company but generally requires you to provide your name, contact information and proof of identity. If you’re not paying for your transaction with cash, you’ll also provide your banking info in order to have the funds withdrawn from your account.
Once you’ve selected a payment option and entered the full details of your transfer, you make your transaction and wait for the funds to arrive. You’ll most likely receive a reference number or receipt that you can use to track the progress of your transfer.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
bank money transfer from india to Nigeria please tell me the process. And how long does it takes from india to receive it in Nigeria?
Hi Taylor,
For bank transfers, you can generally expect a transfer period of 2 to 5 days, sometimes even more depending on the provider. You could also look into an independent online transfer service, like the ones in the comparison table above, who may be able to get your money there faster.
Once you find a company that fits your needs, you can click “go to site” and initiate a transfer directly with them. You can confirm on the provider’s website that they can send from India to Nigeria.
Best regards,
Adrienne