Sending money to Nigeria should be simple, safe, and fast. Whether you’re supporting family, paying for services, or handling business transactions, choosing the right platform matters. But with so many options, how do you know which one to pick? No worries—I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense, just like explaining a game plan to a friend.
Key Features of a Reliable Money Transfer Platform
Before diving into the list, here’s what we should look for in a good money transfer service:
- Security – Your money should be safe from fraud and scams.
- Speed – Some transfers are instant, while others take days.
- Fees – Look for low or no fees.
- Exchange Rates – Some services give better rates than others.
- Ease of Use – It should be simple to send money without headaches.
- Payment Methods – Options should include bank transfers, mobile wallets, and cash pickups.
Now, let’s explore 12 trusted platforms that make sending money to Nigeria easy and reliable.
1. Western Union
Why it’s great:
- Western Union has a large global network with thousands of locations.
- Supports bank deposits, cash pickup, and mobile money.
- Flexible payment options, including credit/debit cards and bank transfers.
Best for: Sending money to someone who prefers picking up cash in person.
2. MoneyGram
Why it’s great:
- Fast and available worldwide.
- Supports cash pickup, mobile money, and bank deposits.
- Available in many retail locations, making it easy to send money.
Best for: Those who prefer in-person transactions or need fast cash pickups.
3. Remitly
Why it’s great:
- Express (instant) and Economy (cheaper but slower) options.
- Supports mobile money, bank deposits, and cash pickup.
- Offers promotional exchange rates for first-time users.
Best for: First-time senders looking for a good deal and reliable delivery options.
4. WorldRemit
Why it’s great:
- Supports bank deposits, mobile money, and cash pickups.
- Fast delivery, often within minutes.
- Reasonable fees with competitive exchange rates.
Best for: Sending money in multiple ways, especially for cash pickups and mobile wallets.
5. Sendwave
Why it’s great:
- No fees for transfers.
- Fast transfers, often within minutes.
- Sendwave works with mobile money services like Opay and PalmPay.
- Easy to use with a mobile app.
Best for: People who want quick, fee-free transfers straight to a mobile wallet.
6. Taptap Send
Why it’s great:
- On Taptap Send, there are no fees on transfers.
- Direct deposits to mobile money accounts.
- Simple mobile app for easy transfers.
Best for: Mobile money users who want a fee-free option for fast transfers.
7. ACE Money Transfer
Why it’s great:
- ACE Money Transfer offers competitive exchange rates.
- Multiple payout options: bank deposits, mobile wallets, and cash pickup.
- Trusted by many African users.
Best for: Those who want flexible payout options with good exchange rates.
8. LemFi
Why it’s great:
- Zero fees on transactions.
- LemFi supports multiple currencies.
- Works well for Nigerians in the diaspora sending money home.
Best for: People looking for fee-free international transfers with multi-currency support.
9. Paysend
Why it’s great:
- Flat transfer fee of about $2.
- Direct transfers to bank accounts and mobile wallets.
- Fast transactions, often within minutes.
Best for: Those who want low-cost international transfers with simple pricing.
10. Skrill
Why it’s great:
- Allows sending money using a digital wallet.
- Low-cost transactions compared to traditional banks.
- Works well for online purchases and payments as well.
Best for: Digital-savvy users who want a multi-purpose wallet for sending money and online transactions.
11. TransferGo
Why it’s great:
- Fast transfers, sometimes as quick as 30 minutes.
- Competitive exchange rates.
- Supports bank deposits.
Best for: Those who need quick transfers to a bank account with good exchange rates.
12. Remitbee
Why it’s great:
- No fees for bank transfers over $500.
- Good exchange rates compared to banks.
- Remitbee works well for Canadians sending money abroad.
Best for: People in Canada who want affordable and reliable transfers.
Comparing the Best Options
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the right service:
Platform | Fees | Speed | Payment Methods | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Western Union | Varies | Fast | Bank, mobile, cash | Cash pickups worldwide |
MoneyGram | Varies | Fast | Bank, mobile, cash | In-person and urgent transfers |
Remitly | Low | Varies | Bank, mobile, cash | First-time users & flexible options |
WorldRemit | Low | Fast | Bank, mobile, cash | Multiple transfer options |
Sendwave | No | Fast | Mobile money | Instant, fee-free transfers |
Taptap Send | No | Fast | Mobile money | Fee-free mobile money transfers |
ACE Money Transfer | Low | Fast | Bank, mobile, cash | Competitive exchange rates |
LemFi | No | Fast | Multi-currency | No-fee transfers |
Paysend | $2 | Fast | Bank, mobile | Low-cost transfers |
Skrill | Low | Fast | Digital wallet | Online payments & money transfers |
TransferGo | Low | Fast | Bank deposits | Quick bank transfers |
Remitbee | No (over $500) | Fast | Bank deposits | Canadians sending money |
Your choice of money transfer platform depends on what matters most—speed, cost, or payout methods. For no-fee mobile transfers, Sendwave and Taptap Send are excellent options. If you prioritize favorable exchange rates, TransferGo or ACE Money Transfer might be the best fit. And for those who need cash pickup, Western Union or MoneyGram could be the right solution. No matter which you choose, all these platforms are secure and trustworthy for sending money to Nigeria.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Stay updated with the latest trends in African technology!
