Have you ever wondered about the best ways to send money from Kenya to Nigeria?
Whether it’s for business, family support, or personal reasons, sending money across borders can be a daunting task.
But with the rise of fintech and a myriad of options available today, it’s become easier and more efficient. Let’s break it down for you.
Why Send Money from Kenya to Nigeria?
Both Kenya and Nigeria are powerhouses in their respective regions. Over the years, the reasons for sending money from Kenya to Nigeria and vice versa have diversified.
It could be trade ties as businesses explore new markets. Or perhaps a Kenyan student in Nigeria needing school fees.
Maybe you’ve got family in Nigeria and want to send them a gift. The needs are endless, but thankfully, so are the solutions.
Related: Best Apps to Send Money to Nigeria
Top 8 Ways to Send Money from Kenya to Nigeria
- M-Pesa – Best for Bank Transfers
- PayPal & Xoom – Best for Sending Small Amounts
- Western Union – Best for Business Transactions
- MoneyGram – Best for Cash Pickups
- Chipper Cash – Best for Favorable Exchange Rate
- Eversend – Best Fast Money Transfers
- YellowPay – Best for Online Transfers
- Bitnob – Crypto Powered
M-Pesa
M-Pesa, a household name in Kenya, primarily serves as a mobile money wallet.
While it doesn’t directly cater to international transfers, collaborations with platforms like WorldRemit have bridged this gap.
Features
- Partnered Solutions: While M-Pesa doesn’t directly facilitate sending money to Nigeria from Kenya, it’s seamlessly integrated with global platforms like WorldRemit.
- Mobile Convenience: Transfers can be initiated directly from a mobile device, making it handy for on-the-go transactions.
- Instant Notifications: Real-time alerts for all transactions.
Fees
Fees vary depending on the amount and the partner platform you use. Typically, there’s a percentage fee based on the transfer amount.
Pros
- Trusted and widely used in Kenya.
- Speedy transactions, often within minutes.
Cons
- Direct international transfers aren’t possible without third-party integration.
- Might have slightly higher fees due to double-platform involvement.
Check Out: How to Send Money from Ghana to Nigeria
PayPal & Xoom
PayPal is a global online payment giant. Partnering with Xoom, they’ve streamlined the process for how to send money to Nigeria from Kenya right into bank accounts or for cash pickups.
Features
- Seamless Integration: With Xoom under the PayPal umbrella, the synergy is undeniable, making the process of sending money from Kenya to Nigeria bank account straightforward.
- Multicurrency Support: Allows you to transact in various currencies, ideal for international transfers.
- Trackable Transactions: Real-time tracking of your money until it reaches the recipient.
Fees
Fees are based on the transfer amount and how you’re funding the transfer, whether through a bank, PayPal balance, or credit card.
Pros
- Reputable and globally recognized.
- Multiple withdrawal options for recipients in Nigeria.
Cons
- Fee structure can be a bit on the higher side.
- Some users might find it a bit complex initially.
Western Union
Western Union, a name synonymous with international money transfers.
Their vast network of agents and now, their online platform, make sending money from Kenya to Nigeria a familiar process.
Features
- Multichannel Access: Whether online, via mobile app, or physical locations, Western Union has made sending money from Kenya to Nigeria a piece of cake.
- Money Tracking: Unique MTCN tracking number for each transaction.
- Global Reach: With agents in more than 200 countries and territories.
Fees
Varies based on how you’re sending – online, via app, or in person – and the payout method.
Pros
- Established reputation worldwide.
- Wide range of cash pickup locations in Nigeria.
Cons
- Fees can fluctuate based on payment method and delivery options.
- Exchange rates may not always be the most competitive.
MoneyGram
Much like Western Union, MoneyGram offers both online and offline methods to transfer money from Kenya to Nigeria.
Their services are available in various locations, from banks to supermarkets.
Features
- Diverse Sending Options: Send online, from a mobile device, or at a kiosk.
- MoneyGram Plus Rewards: Loyalty program offering discounts and promotions.
- Instant Notifications: SMS notifications for both senders and receivers.
Fees
The fees are calculated based on the transfer method and where the money is being sent from and to.
Pros
- Swift and reliable money transfers.
- Competitive exchange rates.
Cons
- Limits on sending amounts may apply.
- Slightly higher fees compared to emerging fintech apps.
See Also: How to Send Money from India to Nigeria
Chipper Cash
An African fintech gem, Chipper Cash is designed to make cross-border transactions a breeze. It’s the go-to app to send money from Kenya to Nigeria for many.
Features
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy for anyone to navigate, making it a breeze to transfer money from Kenya to Nigeria.
- No-fee Transfers: Certain transactions are free, a significant advantage for regular users.
- Instant Settlements: Funds reflect immediately in the recipient’s account.
Fees
Typically lower than traditional methods. Exact fees depend on the transaction type and amount.
Pros
- Affordable with transparent fee structures.
- Rapidly gaining trust across Africa.
Cons
- Still new, might not have the established trust of older platforms.
- Transfer limits may be restrictive for some users.
Eversend
Sending money across Africa, especially from Nigeria to countries like Kenya, Cameroon, Zambia, and Uganda, can sometimes be a real hassle.
Eversend is changing the narrative, allowing you to send money conveniently and affordably to 7 African nations.
Features
- Eversend to Eversend: Transfer money instantly and for free between Eversend wallets in 7 different countries.
No hidden costs, no waiting times. If you’ve got a friend in Kenya or Rwanda, sending them cash is just a tap away. - Eversend to Mobile Money (MoMo): Your recipient doesn’t need an Eversend account to get funds. Send directly to their mobile money accounts in various countries.
How to Use
- Ensure your wallet is loaded.
- Open the app, hit “Send,” pick either “Eversend” for wallet transfers or “Mobile” for mobile money transfers.
- Follow the prompts, and voila! Money sent!
Pros
- Multiple transfer options.
- Instant and free wallet-to-wallet transfers.
- Live exchange rate display for cross-border transfers.
Cons
- If the recipient is an Eversend user, only wallet transfers are available.
YellowPay
Need to send money from Kenya to Nigeria or vice versa without the usual hassles? YellowPay might just be your ticket. Fast, efficient, and cost-effective.
Features
- Seamless Transactions: Zero-cost and faster ways to send or receive money between Kenya and Nigeria.
- Receive and Withdraw Money: Even if you’re not a customer, you can still receive money. But, they need to sign up within 7 days, or the sender gets a refund.
How to Use
- Log into Yellow Card.
- Choose “Pay” then “Send”.
- Follow the prompts, and that’s it! Funds sent!
Pros
- Straightforward user interface.
- Zero hidden fees.
- Real-time transaction updates.
Cons:
- Recipients who aren’t Yellow Card users must sign up within 7 days to claim their money.
Bitnob
Bitnob is on a mission: Making intra-African transactions smooth, affordable, and instant.
From Kenya to Nigeria and vice versa, Bitnob ensures your money gets to its destination seamlessly.
Features:
- Affordable Fees: Bitnob offers a mere 1% fee for all intra-African transactions. Plus, competitive exchange rates!
- Accessibility: Available to anyone with a smartphone, enabling transfers in local currencies.
- Robust Security: Bitnob hasn’t compromised on safety. Users’ data and funds are well-protected.
How to Use
- Download Bitnob and ensure your wallet is funded.
- Tap “Transfer”, then “Transfer to Bank or Momo”.
- Complete the necessary fields and finalize the transaction.
Pros
- Extremely low fees for transactions.
- Ability to transact in local currencies.
- High-level security measures in place.
Cons
- Some might find the multiple transfer options a bit overwhelming at first.
There you have it! The best apps to send and receive money from Kenya to Nigeria.
Having known that, let’s take a look at the step-by-step guide on how to send money from Kenya to Nigeria.
Read Also: Best Apps to Recieve Money from the UK to Nigeria
How to Send Money from Kenya to Nigeria: A Practical 6-Step Guide
Choose a Platform
Decide on a money transfer service. Eversend, YellowPay, and Bitnob are popular options for cross-border transfers within Africa.
Sign Up & Verify
Register for an account on your chosen platform. Ensure you provide accurate details and go through any necessary verification processes.
Fund Your Account
Before initiating a transfer, ensure your account or wallet is funded.
This could be done via bank transfer, mobile money, or other available methods on the platform.
Enter Recipient Details
Specify the recipient’s information. This may include their phone number, bank account, or mobile money details, depending on the platform and transfer method.
Specify Amount
Input the amount you wish to send. Many platforms provide real-time exchange rates, allowing you to see the exact amount the recipient will get.
Confirm & Send
Review all transaction details to ensure accuracy. Once satisfied, confirm the transfer.
The recipient will receive the funds either instantly or within the platform’s specified time frame.
Receiving End: How to Receive Money from Kenya to Nigeria
While we’ve discussed sending, how to receive money from Kenya to Nigeria is equally crucial. The same apps often serve for both purposes
Platforms like Chipper Cash, Eversend, or the partnership between M-Pesa and WorldRemit can help Nigerians receive money seamlessly.
Knowing the best apps to receive money from Kenya to Nigeria is a game-changer for many businesses and individuals.
Safety Tips When Sending Money
Always remember: safety first! Regardless of whether you’re using an app to send money from Kenya to Nigeria or a more traditional method:
- Make sure you’re using verified platforms.
- Stay alert to common scams.
- ALWAYS double-check recipient details.
Sending Money to Nigeria from Kenya – FAQ
How long does it takes to send money from Kenya to Nigeria?
This depends on the method. Fintech apps are usually faster, often within minutes. Traditional banks might take a couple of days.
What are the fees involved?
Every platform has its fee structure. Always check before transacting.
Is there a limit to how much I can send?
This varies. While fintech apps might have daily or monthly limits, banks might allow for larger amounts in a single transaction.
Can I send money for cash pickup in Nigeria?
Yes, platforms like Western Union and MoneyGram offer cash pickup in Nigeria.
What’s the cheapest way to send money from Kenya to Nigeria?
Eversend and Bitnob offer competitive rates and low fees for cross-border transfers.
How long does it take to send money from Kenya to Nigeria?
Most transfers are instant, but some platforms may take a few hours to a day.
Can I receive money from Kenya to my Nigeria account?
Absolutely! Many fintech platforms support bank deposits in Nigeria from Kenya.
Which bank in Nigeria can receive money from Kenya?
Most major Nigerian banks accept international transfers from Kenya.
Which app is good to send money from Kenya to Nigeria?
Bitnob, Eversend, and YellowPay are reliable apps for sending money.
Can a Kenyan send money to a Nigerian bank account?
Yes, Kenyans can send money directly to Nigerian bank accounts using fintech apps.
How long does wire transfer take from Kenya to Nigeria?
Traditional wire transfers might take 1-5 business days, depending on the bank.
Which app can send money from Kenya to Nigeria?
Eversend, Bitnob, and YellowPay are top choices for sending money.
What bank can I use to receive money from Kenya to Nigeria?
Major banks like GTBank, Zenith, and Access Bank accept transfers from Kenya.
Conclusion
So, with all these ways, what’s the verdict? The best apps to send money from Kenya to Nigeria depends on your needs.
Some value speed, while others look for the lowest fees. Research, explore, and pick what’s right for you.
And as the fintech scene evolves, stay updated. Tomorrow, there might just be an even better way to transfer money from Kenya to Nigeria.
