Send money to Nigeria with WorldRemit
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
- No minimum transfers.
- Wide range of destinations.
- Competitive exchange rate.
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Send money to Nigeria
Find a fast, easy way to transfer money to your loved ones in Nigeria.
Because of recent regulation changes from the Central Bank of Nigeria, your recipient will no longer be able to receive your transfer in Nigerian naira. However, they’ll still be able to receive it in US dollars.
With this in mind, the best way to send money to Nigeria largely depends on how much you’re sending and your payment method. Fast delivery makes WorldRemit and Ria strong picks for speed, while Xoom offers similar speeds at typically higher prices. Look to WorldRemit and MoneyGram for cash transfers that beat Western Union’s fees. Overall you’ll want to compare digital money specialists for strong exchange rates, low fees and fast turnaround to get the best deal on your transfer.
Compare international money transfers to Nigeria
Our table lets you compare the services you can use to send money abroad. Compare services on transfer speeds and fees, then click Go to site when you're ready to send.
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What's in this guide?
Can I still send NGN to Nigeria?
No, not at this time. Because of government restrictions on how funds can be received, money transfer services can only deliver US dollars to your recipient in Nigeria until further notice. Read the official document from the Central Bank of Nigeria for more details on the situation.
How to send money to Nigeria from the USA
Sign up and send money with a digital money transfer specialist in four steps:
- Sign up for a free account. Pick a provider and sign up for a free online account using your contact information, proof of ID and your preferred payment method.
- Provide transfer details. Submit your recipient’s contact information and pick a delivery method. If you’re transferring to a bank, you’ll need your recipient’s Nigerian bank account details.
- Confirm transfer details. Double-check your payment method, expected fees and destination.
- Save your receipt. Record your receipt’s confirmation number to track the progress of your transfer to Nigeria. Some money transfer providers send a text or email when your transfer is complete.
What’s the best way to send money to Nigeria?
Online money transfer providers usually offer the strongest exchange rates and lowest fees on money transfers to Nigeria. Some offer transfers straight to Nigerian bank accounts, while others allow the money to be picked up in US dollars in person. PayPal, banks and other options are available but come with high fees, weak rates and longer turnaround times.
Digital money transfer services
Companies like CurrencyTransfer specialize in foreign currencies, making them some of the most cost-effective transfers. Most offer transfers directly to your recipient’s Nigerian bank account, often in as little as a day or two.
Cash transfers
Restrictions in Nigeria make it difficult to send naira for cash pickup, so you’ll need to send US dollars. Services like MoneyGram allow you to transfer cash for pickup at a local branch in Nigeria — often in 15 minutes. While it’s a fast way to send money, you’ll pay for the convenience in weak exchange rates and high fees. If a cash pickup is necessary, compare digital services like WorldRemit or XE when possible to MoneyGram to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
Banks
Beware of high fees and wide margins on the exchange rate compared to digital and other options, especially when wiring money abroad. Your local bank will almost always be more expensive than other options, so shop around before wiring money.
Let’s crunch the numbers: Sending $1,000 to Nigeria
Let’s say you need to send $1,000 US dollars to friends or family. Here’s what you might face as far as fees and exchange rates as of Jan 7, 2021.
| Digital money transfer service | Cash transfer | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $0 | $3.99 |
| Exchange rate | 1 USD = 0.992 USD | 1 USD = 0.995 USD |
| Transfer speed | 1-2 day | Minutes |
| Amount received | $992 | $991 |
| Verdict | Best value but slower | Faster but slightly more expensive |
Both are very similar when it comes to total US dollars delivered, but the cash delivery option is faster – as long as the pickup location is open. Sending different amounts for pickup may lead to varying exchange rates and fees, so compare multiple options before sending.
How to get the most out of your money transfer
Weigh costs and fees against convenience, and learn how to compare money transfer providers that send to Nigeria to meet your needs:
- Exchange rates. The USD-NGN relationship fluctuates daily but typically only changes drastically once every few years. However, locking in an exchange rate now may save you money down the line.
- Transfer fees. Transferring money overseas nearly always requires fees, but they might be hidden in the exchange rate. When sending large amounts, it may be cheaper to pay a flat fee to secure a stronger exchange rate.
- Transfer limits. How much you can send varies by company, and different amounts can attract higher or lower fees. Shop around for the best deal on the amount of money you’re sending.
- Turnaround. Transferring money through a local bank can take a business week or longer. If you need the funds delivered quickly, seek out a digital specialist that offers instant transfers to Nigeria.
- Maximum limits. When exchange rates are favorable, sending more money can save you money in the future. If you plan to send large amounts of money to Nigeria, be sure to pick a provider that won’t limit you.
- Transfer methods. Whether you want money sent to a Nigerian bank account or picked up as cash at a local agent, narrow it down to a company that matches your preferred delivery method.
Emergency cash transfer to Nigeria
When it’s more important to get your money to Nigeria quickly, look for money transfer companies that support cash pickup in minutes. You can pay with a credit or debit card for fast pickup, but fees are higher than other methods.
How to send money to Nigeria without a bank account
Cash transfer services can help you if you’re unbanked or marginally banked. If you don’t have a bank account, look for a local company that supports storefronts for cash payments. These services include agent locations in other countries that allow your recipient to pick up cash without a bank account.
Nigeria’s exchange rates explained
The exchange rate determines how much one country’s currency is worth in another country’s currency. When a country’s currency is strong, it yields more money when exchanging it in a country with a weaker currency. Nigeria’s exchange rate often fluctuates when compared to the US dollar, so expect exchange rates today to be different from those you’ll see tomorrow. Factors that influence the exchange rate include interest rates, economic stability and inflation.
Today’s exchange rate USD to NGN
Can you Cash App Nigeria?
No. Venmo, Cash App, Zelle and similar services are all restricted mostly to the US. Cash App and Venmo do not work between Nigeria and the US. You’ll need to use a dedicated money transfer service, a bank transfer, a PayPal transfer or something similar to send money to Nigeria from the US. Use our comparison table to see what your transfer to Nigeria could cost.
Documents needed for sending to and receiving money in Nigeria
To send money to Nigeria from the US, you’ll need government-issued ID and other documents. The documents needed to pick up money in Nigeria may be different by company.
Documents to send money from the US
To send money from the US to Nigeria, you’ll need documentation and details that include:
- Identification. Most services require a driver’s license, passport or other government-issued ID. Some services allow you to send transfers without ID, but they may require your SSN.
- Payment method. Your service may accept credit or debit cards, cash, bank accounts or personal checks.
- Recipient information. Submit your recipient’s name as it appears on their ID, along with their phone number, Nigerian bank account and routing number if sending to their bank.
Documents to receive money in Nigeria
To pick up money in person, documentation can include:
- Transfer number. The person sending you money can forward the transfer’s confirmation details — called a PIN, a MTCN, a reference number or a tracking number, depending on the company.
- Government-issued ID. A Nigerian Passport or other ID issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) may be required to pick up your transfer in cash.
- Amount sent. You may need to know how much was sent, usually within 10% of the total.
- Sender’s information. Take along your sender’s full name, the sending country and their address, if known.
What to watch out for
Nigerian money transfer scams have been plaguing the money transfer world for many decades, and may be referred to as 419 scams, Nigerian Prince scams or overseas funds transfer scams. Typical signs of this scam include:
- The money needs to be sent urgently.
- The transaction requires confidentiality.
- A US- or UK-based person acts as a go-between for a foreigner with large amounts of money.
- Money is requested to cover a fee.
- Scammer claims they are being persecuted for religious beliefs and want to give their money away.
- Claims that your distant relative died, but you need to send money to cover fees in order to access their wealth.
If you suspect someone may be contacting you through one of these scams, contact the FBI if you are in the US to alert them of this fraud attempt.
Bottom line
Sending your hard-earned money to Nigeria shouldn’t cost a fortune. Compare transfer companies that specialize in foreign exchanges for the strongest rates, lowest fees and flexible delivery. For transfers to other countries, rely on our country-specific guides the next time you need to make a transfer.
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Ask an Expert
Can the recepient cash the sent money to Nigeria through moneygram in usd(dollar
Hi,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
When you are setting up a transfer through MoneyGram you will have the option to choose the delivery method and currency. If USD is an option, then your recipient will be able to receive the money in USD. According to MoneyGram’s website you can send USD for cash pickup in Nigeria, but confirm that before you pay and send the money.
I hope this clears things up.
Regards,
Zak
Please how can one send money from USA to Nigeria. Instant bank transfer as world remit has blocked my fiancé.
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for your comment and I hope you are doing well.
Sorry to hear that WorldRemit blocked your fiance. There are other international money transfer providers to Nigeria that you can consider using. Use the table above to compare money transfer providers in terms of fees, exchange rates and other features to help you find one that may be suitable for you.
Once you’re ready, you can use the ‘Go to site’ button to sign up with your preferred service provider and start using their service or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
A friendly reminder, observe the fluctuations of exchange rates as they can change anytime and read through the transfer process of the provider such as transfer fees, transfer options and transfer speed to set expectations for the receiver.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Best,
Nikki
Please how can I receive money from India to my Nigeria account
Hi Mary,
Thanks for contacting Finder.
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we don’t have a comparison page with a list of brands that allow you to send money from India to Nigeria. The companies listed above are available to people in the US only. You might want to check the Internet or your local area for any money transfer service provider who could accommodate your need.
Kind Regards,
Faye
I want the requirement needed to transfer money from Mexico to Nigeria by bank account
Hi Nathaniel,
Thanks for your inquiry.
To make a wire transfer, you need the following details from your recipient:
– full name
– bank account number
– bank routing number, SWIFT, BIC or IBAN codes (for international wire transfer)
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Bella
What is the easiest way I can receive money from Algeria while am in Nigeria
Hi Janet,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we don’t have a comparison page with a list of brands that allow you to send money from Nigeria to Algeria. The companies listed above are available to people in the US only. You might want to check the money service providers available in Nigeroa.
I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
Best,
Nikki