How to Send Money from the UK to Nigeria (Best Apps to Use in 2024) Nairarush

Ever found yourself stuck, wondering how to send money from UK to Nigeria without losing a fortune in fees or exchange rates?”

If the answer is yes, then you’re not alone.

We live in an interconnected world, and money needs to move as fast as you do.

Whether it’s for family, friends, or business, we’re diving deep into the nitty-gritty of transferring pounds to naira efficiently and economically.

Are you ready to explore? Then, let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents

Best Apps to Send Money from the UK to Nigeria

Wondering about the best apps to send money from the UK to Nigeria? We’ve got you covered. After extensive research, we’ve come up with a list of trusted apps for you

Here is a comprehensive review of the best apps to send money to Nigeria from the United Kingdom:

1. WorldRemit

This app provides various options for transfer, including bank deposits and mobile money.

WorldRemit ensures a quick and secure way to send money to Nigeria from the UK.

Features

User-Friendly Interface: With WorldRemit, you get an app that’s easy to navigate, making your money transfer a breeze.
Multiple Transfer Options: Whether it’s a bank deposit, mobile money, or even cash pickups, WorldRemit has got you covered.
Speedy Transfers: In most cases, the recipient gets the money almost instantly.

Pros

Low Fees: You won’t break the bank when you send money through WorldRemit.
Competitive Exchange Rates: Get more value for your pound sterling in the Nigerian naira.
Instant Transfers: For the most part, the money gets to Nigeria pretty fast.

Cons

Some transfer methods may have higher fees, so you have to be careful when choosing.

2. TransferGo

Offering quick transfers, usually within a day, TransferGo has been around since 2012.

It’s easy to use and offers a straightforward way to send money from the UK to Nigerian bank accounts.

Features

Track Your Transfer: With this app, you can know exactly where your money is at all times.
Direct Bank Transfers: TransferGo also allows you to send money straight into the recipient’s Nigerian bank account.

Pros

Quick Service: Money usually lands in Nigeria within one business day.
Transparent Process: No hidden fees or nasty surprises here.

Cons

Exchange Rates: Competitive, but not always the best on the market.

3. Instarem

Founded in 2014, Instarem is a convenient choice for sending money to Nigeria from the UK.

It offers competitive exchange rates and has low fees. Money can be transferred directly to a Nigerian bank account.

Features

Competitive Exchange Rates: Instarem prides itself on giving you the most bang for your buck.
Low Fees: No need to worry about losing a chunk of your money to fees.

Pros

Reliable: Continues to be listed among the best apps for transferring money to Nigeria.
Easy to Use: You don’t have to be tech-savvy to figure this one out.

Cons

Limited Functionality: Mainly focuses on bank transfers, so not as many options as some would like.

4. Grey

While big names like Western Union have been around forever, Grey is the new kid on the block, bringing a modern, digital-first approach to money transfer.

It’s perfect for those who find traditional methods a bit on the slow side.

Features

100% Digital Transfers: Skip the bank queues; everything’s done on your mobile device.
Best Exchange Rates & Fees: They offer transparent, competitive rates, and no hidden fees.
Speedy Transactions: Your money goes from pounds to Naira in a snap.
Free P2P Transfers: If both sender and receiver have Grey accounts, transfers are free.
Instant Notifications: Stay in the loop with real-time alerts for all transactions.

Pros

Real-Time Tracking: Know where your money is at all times.
Quick Deliveries: Your recipient gets the money in minutes, not days.
No Hidden Costs: What you see is what you pay. Transparency wins.

Cons

Newcomer: Being relatively new, it may not have as widespread recognition yet.

See Also: How to Open Grey Account

5. Paysend

A newer app founded in 2017, Paysend allows for fast transfers, typically within a few business days. It’s simple to use and offers competitive rates.

Features

Simple and Affordable: PaySend keeps it straightforward. No hidden fees or complicated forms.
Mobile Wallet Compatibility: Not just bank accounts, you can send money directly to mobile wallets as well.

Pros

Low Fees: PaySend is one of the cheapest options out there.
Fast Transfers: Usually, within a few business days, your money is where it needs to be.

Cons:

Limited Transfer Options: Not as many options as some other apps on this list.

6. Remitly

Remitly is another solid pick for sending money from the UK to Nigeria.

With features like different transfer options and real-time tracking, it offers both low fees and competitive exchange rates.

Features

Real-Time Tracking: Know where your money is every step of the way.
Multiple Transfer Options: From bank deposits to cash pickups, Remitly offers it all.

Pros

Low Fees: You won’t feel robbed when you use Remitly.
Quick Transfers: The app is designed to get your money to Nigeria efficiently.

Cons

Availability: May not offer all services in every region.

7. Wise

Formerly TransferWise, Wise is widely recognized for its transparency and low fees. Your money is usually transferred within one business day.

Features

Real-Time Exchange Rates: Wise operates with the mid-market rate, giving you the most accurate conversion.
Transparent Fees: Upfront about what you’ll pay, no nasty surprises later on.

Pros

Cost-Effective: One of the most affordable ways to send money internationally.
Speed: Usually within one business day, your money is in Nigeria.

Cons

Usage: Mainly for bank transfers, so options are a bit limited.

8. Small World

app to send money from the UK to Nigeria

Being one of the oldest in the game doesn’t stop Small World from being effective.

It offers low fees and competitive exchange rates for sending money to Nigeria from the UK.

Features

Multiple Delivery Options: Bank, cash pickup, you name it. Small World offers it.
Competitive Rates: Gets you a lot of naira for your pound.

Pros

Reliable: Being in the game since 2005 means they know what they’re doing.
Speed: Fast transfers, often within one business day.

Cons

User Interface: Could be more modern, but it gets the job done.

9. Sendcash

This app specializes in fast transfers. You can expect the money to be in the Nigerian account within minutes.

Features

Direct to Bank: Send money straight into a Nigerian bank account.
Competitive Exchange Rates: Your pounds get a favorable conversion into naira.
Quick Transfers: Money usually gets to Nigeria in just a few minutes.

Pros

Speed: Almost real-time transfers, especially helpful for urgent needs.
Simple Process: No complicated steps; it’s as straightforward as it gets.

Cons

Limited Options: Mainly focused on bank transfers, so not much flexibility there.

10. Eversend

Like Small World, Eversend offers a reliable way to transfer money online. It also offers real-time tracking for your peace of mind.

Features

Mobile Wallet Transfers: Apart from bank transfers, you can send money to mobile wallets as well.
Low Fees: Keeps it affordable for you.

Pros

Real-Time Tracking: Always know where your money is.
Notification Updates: Eversend alerts you when the recipient gets the money.

Cons

Limited Reach: May not offer all services in every region.

11. Payoneer

Long-standing since 2005, Payoneer offers the convenience of sending money either to a bank account or a Payoneer account, accessed by a prepaid card.

Features

Prepaid Card: A unique offering, the recipient can get a Payoneer prepaid card to access the money.
Multi-Currency Support: Great if you’re dealing with various currencies.

Pros

Versatile: You can send money to a bank or a Payoneer account.
Fast Transfers: Usually processed within one business day.

Cons

Fees: While competitive, Payoneer’s fees can add up, depending on the transaction.

Check Out: How to Open Payoneer Account

12. Paystack

A Nigerian platform, Paystack is also a reliable means for people in the UK to send money to Nigeria. It usually ensures the transfer within one business day.

Features

Various Channels: Money can be sent directly to a Nigerian bank account or a Paystack account.
Fast Transfers: Often processed within one business day.
Secure Transactions: High-level security measures are in place.

Pros

Local Flavor: Founded in Nigeria, they know the market well.
Versatility: Gives you different ways to send money, making it convenient.

Cons

Limited to Bank and Paystack Accounts: Not as many delivery options compared to other services.

13. Deel

An easy-to-use app, Deel also offers real-time tracking. You can send money either to a bank account or mobile wallet in Nigeria.

Features

User-Friendly: Super easy to navigate; you’ll be a pro in no time.
Real-Time Tracking: Stay updated about your money’s journey from the UK to Nigeria.

Pros

Secure Transfers: Deel takes the security of your transactions seriously.
Quick Notifications: Get alerted as soon as the money arrives.

Cons

New on the Scene: Not as established as some other apps, but still reliable.

14. Flutterwave

Last but not least, Flutterwave, a Nigerian fintech company, provides low fees and competitive exchange rates.

It’s a reliable choice for sending money to Nigeria from the UK.

Features

Multiple Payment Options: Send money to a bank account or mobile wallet.
Low Fees: Competitive rates that won’t break the bank.
Quick Transfers: Generally, money arrives within one business day.

Pros

Home-Grown: Another Nigerian startup that understands the local terrain.
Flexibility: Whether it’s a bank account or a mobile wallet, you’re covered.

Cons

User Interface: While functional, the UI could be more intuitive.

15. Payday

Payday is another fantastic option, especially for those dealing with multiple currencies.

It’s a cross-border solution that lets you send money not just in Naira but in up to 20 different currencies.

Features

Multi-Currency Support: GBP, EUR, USD—you name it.
Low Fees & Competitive Rates: They pride themselves on affordable transfers.
“Send Money” Feature: Makes sending Naira from the UK to Nigeria straightforward.

Pros

Versatility: Great for businesses or individuals who deal in multiple currencies.
Cost-Effective: Keeps your wallet happy with its low fees.
User-Friendly: The interface makes international transfers a breeze.

Cons

Limited Information: The platform could offer more detailed features on its service for a more informed choice.

And there you have it, folks. Each app comes with its own set of perks and limitations, but they all get the job done.

Which one you choose will depend on your specific needs and what you prioritize—be it low fees, speed, or multiple transfer options.

With any of these apps, you can send money from the UK to Nigeria without breaking a sweat.

Now, let’s see other options and services that make sending money to Nigeria from the UK swift and seamless.

See Also: How to Open a Dollar Account in Nigeria

Best Money Transfer Services from the United Kingdom to Nigeria

1. Western Union

Western Union is the granddaddy of money transfer. Been around since 1851, folks! It’s a global name you can’t miss if you’ve ever had to send or receive money from UK to Nigeria.

Features

Transfer Methods: You’ve got options like bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and even cash if you’re old school.
Receiving Options: Your people in Nigeria can get their money via bank deposit, mobile wallet, or cash pickup.
Fees & Exchange Rates: These vary but usually hover between 1% and 5% depending on how you’re sending the money.

Pros

Widespread Availability: This service is like Coca-Cola; it’s everywhere, including Nigeria.
Multiple Receiving Options: Especially handy if your recipient prefers one method over another.
User-Friendly App: User experience? Check.

Cons

Fees Can Be High: Depending on how you’re sending that money, you could lose a decent chunk in fees.

2. MoneyGram

MoneyGram isn’t far behind Western Union. A solid choice if you’re looking for robust options for money transfer from the UK to Nigeria.

Features

Flexible Sending Options: Do it online, in-person, or via their app. Your choice.
Speed: They’re not playing games; transfers usually complete in minutes.
Fees & Rates: Costs are generally competitive, but they do vary.

Pros

Accessibility: Easy to find and use, both online and offline.
Security: Takes the safety of your money seriously.
Trackable: You can keep tabs on your money until it hits its destination.

Cons

Fees May Vary: The quicker you want it, the more you might pay.
Limited Delivery Options: Compared to Western Union, your receiving options are a bit limited.

3. RIA

RIA is the underdog that specializes in international money sending. If you’re looking to send money from the UK to Nigeria, they make it easy.

Features

Speed: Same-day options available.
Fees: They’re competitive, especially for bank transfers.
Security: They’ve been doing this for a while, so they know how to keep your money safe.

Pros

Convenient Locations: Plenty of pick-up locations for that cash.

Cons

Online Interface: Not the easiest to navigate. Could do better there.

So, there you have it—our take on Western Union, MoneyGram, and RIA.

Each has its own flavor and style, but at the end of the day, all three can help you get your money from Point A (e.g. London) in the UK to Point B (e.g. Lagos) in Nigeria.

Check Out: Best Dollar Account Apps in Nigeria

Understanding Sending Money from UK to Nigeria

Sending money to Nigeria from UK isn’t just about clicking a few buttons and voila—your money is transferred. Several factors make this a complicated task.

For starters, the exchange rates between the British Pound (GBP) and the Nigerian Naira (NGN) can fluctuate like the wind, affecting how much the recipient actually gets.

Moreover, the Central Bank of Nigeria has its hands in currency value, often intervening in the market. This affects both official and parallel (or black market) exchange rates.

So, if you’re thinking about how to send money from UK to Nigeria bank accounts or other methods, understanding these nuances is crucial.

Read Also: How to send Money from USA to Nigeria

Factors to Consider Before Sending Money

Before you send money from the UK to Nigeria, you need to consider a few things:

Exchange Rates

Keep an eye on the exchange rate between the Pound and the Naira. Even a tiny fluctuation can make a massive difference in the amount your recipient will get.

Transfer Speed

Sometimes you need the money to arrive fast, especially for emergencies. Knowing how quick a service can transfer money from the UK to Nigeria is a game-changer.

Transfer Fees

Most providers aren’t running a charity; they charge for their services. You need to know how much that is.

Ease of Use

Finally, whether you’re sending money via a mobile app, website, or in-person, the process should be easy and straightforward.

When it comes to how to send money to Nigeria from the UK, several providers can help you with that. But not all are created equal.

Now, let’s take a deeper look into some of the most reliable ones:

Related: Cheapest Apps to send Money to Nigeria

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Send Money from the UK to Nigeria

Sending money to Nigeria from the UK can be broken down into these simple steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Transfer Service

First things first, you need to pick the transfer service that ticks all your boxes. Go for one that offers a good exchange rate, low fees, and quick transfer times.

With apps like WorldRemit, PaySend, and the rest we’ve talked about, you’re spoiled for choice.

Step 2: Sign Up and Create an Account

To send money from UK to Nigeria, you’ll need an account with your choice of app.

This usually involves giving your email, setting up a password, and sometimes verifying your identity. Make sure you’ve got your documents ready if they ask for it.

Step 3: Add Recipient Details

Once you’re in, you’ll need to put in details of who you’re sending money to.

That’s usually their name, bank account number, and sometimes even a phone number.

Make sure to double-check so you’re not accidentally making someone else richer!

Step 4: Enter Transfer Details

Next up, you input how much you want to send. Most apps that send money from UK to Nigeria will show you the exchange rate and fees upfront.

Don’t forget to look for any promo codes that could save you some cash.

Step 5: Choose Payment Method

Time to decide how you’ll fund the transfer. This could be directly from your bank account, via a debit or credit card, or even a digital wallet. Just pick the one that’s most convenient for you.

Note: If you’re using money transfer services from the UK to Nigeria like Western Union, you can also fund your transfer using cash.

Step 6: Review and Confirm

Before you hit that send button, go over everything one last time.

Make sure all the details are correct, and you’re comfortable with the fees and the exchange rate.

Step 7: Hit Send

Once you’re all set, hit that send button. Most apps offer real-time tracking, so you can follow your money as it makes its way to Nigeria.

Step 8: Get Confirmation

You’ll typically get a notification or an email confirming that the money has been received. Some apps even notify the recipient, which is a nice touch.

And there you go! Eight simple steps to send money from the UK to Nigeria.

It might seem like a lot at first, but once you’ve done it a couple of times, it’ll be as easy as pie.

Read Also: Best Virtual Card in Nigeria

Tips for a Better Money Transfer Experience

If you want your experience of sending money from the UK to Nigeria to be smooth, remember these tips:

Always check the latest exchange rates.
Factor in the total cost of the transfer (fees + exchange rate).
Look out for hidden fees for specific payout options like cash pick-ups.

Transferring Money from UK to Nigeria – FAQs

Can I send money for cash pickup in Nigeria?

Yes, services like Western Union and MoneyGram offer cash pickup in Nigeria.

What’s the cheapest way to send money from the UK to Nigeria?

Wise (formerly TransferWise) usually offers low fees and good exchange rates.

What’s the fastest way to send money from the UK to Nigeria?

MoneyGram and Western Union often complete transfers within minutes.

How long does it take to send money from the UK to Nigeria?

Depends on the service, but it can be from minutes to a couple of days.

Can I receive money from the UK to my Nigeria account?

Yes, most international transfer services and banks support this.

Which bank in Nigeria can receive money from the UK?

Major banks like GTBank, Zenith, and Access Bank can receive international transfers.

Which app is good to send money from UK to Nigeria?

WorldRemit and PaySend are popular choices for easy and quick transfers.

Can I use Cash App to send money from the UK to Nigeria?

No, Cash App currently doesn’t support international transfers to Nigeria.

Can a British send money to a Nigerian bank account?

Yes, services like Western Union and Remitly enable transfers from the UK to Nigeria.

How long does wire transfer take from UK to Nigeria?

Wire transfers typically take 1-5 business days, depending on the bank.

Conclusion

Navigating how to send money from UK to Nigeria doesn’t have to be a minefield.

By choosing the right provider and paying attention to exchange rates, fees, and transfer times, you can ensure your money gets to where it needs to be without any hiccups.

So whether you’re figuring out how to receive money from the UK to Nigeria or looking for the best apps to send money from the UK to Nigeria, this guide has got you covered.