Anyone sending money across borders to family in Nigeria has likely faced steep transfer fees and sluggish delivery. The wait can drag on so long that relatives call to confirm it went through. So, what is the best way to send money to Nigeria? Choosing the right route makes a real difference.
Why Choosing the Right Money Transfer Matters
The most effective answer today is modern money transfer apps such as Ogvio. They move funds fast and securely, with clear pricing and competitive exchange rates. Some even add crypto support and loyalty-style rewards—similar to airdrops—so you get more than a basic bank transfer.
For safety, look for services that combine regulatory compliance (identity checks and transaction monitoring) with practical fraud protection, such as encryption, two-factor authentication, recipient verification, and clear dispute or support channels. Long-established providers like Western Union and MoneyGram are known for mature compliance programs, while app-first services like Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit, Revolut, and Ogvio typically emphasize in-app security controls and transparent tracking.
Cost and speed are usually tied together. Your total cost is usually the transfer fee plus the exchange-rate margin (the difference between the “real” rate and the rate you’re given). As a simple exchange-rate example, if the current rate were ₦1,500 per $1, then $100 would be about ₦150,000 before any fees or rate markup. Rates can move throughout the day, so the exact NGN amount can change between the time you start and complete the transfer.
Top Apps for Money Transfer to Nigeria
I’ve gathered the standout options for money transfer to Nigeria below to help you compare quickly and pick what works for your recipient.
| Service | Key Features | Typical Delivery Time to Nigeria | Typical Cost Notes (Fees + Exchange Rate) | NGN Payout Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ogvio | A next-generation money transfer app. | Often minutes to same day, depending on payout method. | Typically low and clearly shown in-app; total cost depends on the exchange-rate margin. | Often yes for Nigeria payouts, depending on the corridor and payout method. |
| Western Union | Globally trusted for sending and receiving. | Cash pickup can be in minutes; bank delivery can take 0–2+ business days. | Fees can be higher for speed and cash pickup; exchange rates may include a larger margin. | Yes for Nigeria payouts; availability varies by payout option. |
| MoneyGram | Quick, flexible transfers around the world. | Cash pickup can be in minutes; account delivery timing varies. | Costs vary by funding method and pickup vs. deposit; watch both fees and rate margin. | Yes for Nigeria payouts; options depend on the sending route. |
| WorldRemit | Clear pricing and a simple experience. | Often minutes to 1 business day, depending on payout method. | Competitive for many routes; total cost depends on both fee and exchange rate used. | Often yes where local payout options are available. |
| Wise | Low-cost, cross-border payments. | Often same day to 2 business days for bank deposits. | Commonly among the lowest overall for bank transfers due to tight exchange-rate margins; fees are itemized. | Often yes for NGN bank deposits where supported. |
| Revolut | A smart, dependable money app. | Varies by route and supported payout rails; can be fast, but not all corridors are available. | Cost depends on plan tier, funding method, and exchange conditions; check the in-app quote. | Varies by corridor and product availability. |
| Remitly | Known for speedy transfers. | “Express” options can be minutes; economy options can take 1–3 business days. | Pricing varies by speed tier; promotional pricing can be very competitive on smaller sends. | Often yes for Nigeria payouts, depending on payout method. |
For the cheapest option, it usually comes down to who gives you the best all-in quote at the moment you send (fee plus exchange-rate margin). Wise is commonly a low-cost pick for straightforward bank deposits because of its exchange-rate approach, while promotional offers or slower delivery options can make services like Remitly or WorldRemit come out cheaper for some transfers.
If you want the safest route, prioritize providers that show clear tracking, verify recipients, require identity checks for higher limits, and have strong fraud monitoring. Also avoid sending to unfamiliar third parties, and double-check recipient details before you confirm—most “lost money” issues come from incorrect payout information rather than the transfer app itself.
To send money from the USA to a Nigerian OPay account, the simplest path is usually a transfer that lands in the bank account details your recipient can use with OPay (many OPay users have a bank account number tied to their wallet). Follow these steps:
- Ask the recipient how they receive funds into OPay (for many users, this is a Nigerian bank account number linked to their OPay wallet).
- Choose a service that supports transfers to Nigerian bank accounts (this is commonly available with services like Ogvio, Wise, Remitly, and WorldRemit, depending on availability in your app and your state).
- Create an account and complete any required identity verification, especially if you plan to send larger amounts.
- Select “Nigeria” as the destination, choose bank deposit where available, and enter the recipient’s bank details linked to OPay.
- Review the final quote carefully (fees, exchange rate, delivery time, and the exact NGN amount the recipient should receive).
- Pay by bank transfer, debit card, or credit card (the funding method can change the fee and speed), then confirm and save the receipt or reference number.
To complete a transfer, you’ll typically need:
- Recipient’s full legal name (as it appears on their bank or payout profile).
- Recipient’s bank name and account number for bank deposits (or the exact payout option selected in the app).
- Recipient’s phone number for notifications or mobile-wallet-linked payouts (when applicable).
- Recipient’s city and a valid ID requirement for cash pickup (when cash pickup is used).
- Your payment method details (bank account or card) and your own identity information if the provider requests verification.
In Nigeria, the most common ways to receive money are bank deposit, cash pickup, and mobile-wallet-style access (such as using an OPay-linked account flow). The best receiving method depends on whether your recipient needs cash immediately, prefers funds in a bank account, or wants money they can use directly for bills, transfers, and everyday spending.
How much you can send depends on the provider, your funding method, and whether your account is verified. In practice, first transfers may start with lower caps, while verified accounts often get higher per-transfer and monthly limits; Western Union and MoneyGram can also allow higher amounts depending on the send method and required ID checks.
Several services can pay out in NGN for Nigeria (commonly including Western Union, MoneyGram, WorldRemit, Remitly, Wise, and Ogvio when their Nigeria payout rails are available). Restrictions can include limited payout methods by corridor, additional verification for higher amounts, and differences in NGN availability depending on whether you choose bank deposit or cash pickup.
If you’re ready to explore each choice and transfer money with confidence, let’s get started.
