Best Ways to Send Money to Nigeria from Abroad

Sending money to Nigeria from abroad has become faster, easier, and more convenient than ever before. Whether you're supporting family, paying for services, or handling business transactions, it’s essential to choose a transfer method that is reliable, affordable, and secure.

In this guide, we explore the best ways to send money to Nigeria, comparing speed, fees, accessibility, and convenience so you can pick the method that fits your needs.

1. Online Money Transfer Services

Digital remittance platforms are among the most popular ways to send money to Nigeria. They’re fast, easy to use, and often come with lower fees than traditional banks.

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

a) Real exchange rate (no markups)

b) Transparent, low fees

c) Direct transfer to Nigerian bank accounts

d) Ideal for both personal and business use

WorldRemit

a) Delivers to bank accounts, mobile wallets, or cash pickup locations

b) Fast and reliable, often within minutes

c) Available in over 130 countries

Remitly

a) Offers Express (minutes) and Economy (1–2 days) options

b) Allows transfers to banks, mobile wallets, and cash pickup points

c) Great for regular remittances

2. Mobile Apps for Instant Transfers

Mobile-first platforms have simplified global money transfers, especially for Nigerian users abroad.

Sendwave

a) Simple mobile app

b) No fees in many cases

c) Instant transfers to Nigerian bank accounts

Chipper Cash

a) Peer-to-peer payments between African countries and the diaspora

b) Free and instant transfers

c) Growing in popularity among young users

3. PayPal and Xoom

Xoom (by PayPal)

a) Allows fast transfers to Nigeria for cash pickup or bank deposits

b) Backed by PayPal’s security

c) Offers tracking and real-time notifications

Note: Traditional PayPal-to-PayPal transfers are restricted in Nigeria. Use Xoom for direct remittances instead.

4. Nigerian Fintech Platforms

Nigerian-owned platforms are building reliable bridges between the diaspora and local recipients.

Flutterwave’s Send App

a) Built for the Nigerian diaspora

b) Seamless transfers to Nigerian banks

c) Strong customer support and local understanding

5. Cryptocurrency (for Tech-Savvy Users)

Some Nigerians abroad are using crypto platforms to send value home quickly, especially where fiat channels are limited.

Popular platforms:

a) Binance, Paxful, Yellow Card

b) Fast, borderless, and low fees

c) The recipient must be crypto-literate and compliant with Nigerian regulations

Proceed with caution: Crypto is not ideal for all users due to volatility and regulatory concerns.

6. Traditional Bank Wire Transfers

Still used for large business payments or formal transactions.

a) High fees and slower processing times

b) Not ideal for small or urgent transfers

c) Useful when a paper trail is required (e.g., invoices, legal contracts)

How to Choose the Right Transfer Method

Consider these factors before picking a service:

Factor	What to Look For
Speed	Instant or same-day delivery
Fees	Transparent, low-cost transfers
Exchange Rate	Real or mid-market rates
Payment Method	Bank account, card, wallet, or cash pickup
Recipient’s Convenience	Bank access or mobile wallet availability

Conclusion

Finding the best way to send money to Nigeria from abroad depends on your priorities, whether it’s speed, cost, or ease of use. From digital platforms like WorldRemit and Wise to Nigerian fintech apps and even crypto, there’s a solution for every need.

Before you hit "send," take a moment to compare your options on nairaCompare because sending money should be simple, secure, and smart.