Send money to Nigeria from the U.S.

Sending money to Nigeria can be easy, especially since you have several safe options. You can choose the best option by considering a few factors, like the remittance speed, your recipient's present location in Nigeria, your country of residence, and your funding method. Let's take a look at the top four options:

• International bank transfer: This remittance method involves your bank taking money from your checking or savings account and wiring it to your recipient's bank account in Nigeria. To complete this bank transfer, you must have the recipient's international bank account number (IBAN) and their SWIFT/BIC code. An international bank transaction is a safe remittance option, but it usually takes several business days to get to your recipient's bank. Also, you and your recipient must have active bank accounts to use this method.

• Money transfer agents: A traditional money transfer agent can ensure your money transfer goes smoothly by acting as a facilitator between you and your recipient in Nigeria. With the help of this third-party service, your recipient in Nigeria may receive their money quicker than with a bank transfer or other remittance method. However, you may pay high fees and miss out on great currency exchange rates.

• International money orders: The primary benefit of this money transfer option is that you can use it just like a paper check. Just purchase a money order at your local bank, post office, retail store, or another available vendor. Then, you simply mail it to your recipient, who can trade it for Nigerian naira (NGN). However, you must depend on the historically slow international mail service that has a reputation for occasionally losing mail. Depending on your mail carrier, your recipient could wait a long time for the remittance to reach Nigeria. You could turn to an expedited service to quicken the process, but it can be very expensive.

• Ria: This online money transfer service provides a safe, simple, fast, and affordable method for sending money to Nigeria — and over 165 other countries worldwide. By selecting Ria, your remittance could reach your recipient in Nigeria as fast as 15 minutes, depending on your choice of funding the money transfer. The exceptional exchange rates and low fees with no hidden costs are budget pleasers. They help your money go further, which is ideal for both you and your recipient.

As a Ria user, you can complete your money transfer on the website, the app, or in person by visiting one of the thousands of participating sites globally. We also offer several receiving options, so you can pick the one that works best for your loved one. You can deposit the money directly in their Nigerian bank or arrange a pickup at a trusted partner location.

It can take anywhere from a few minutes to five business days to send money to an overseas location — including Nigeria. However, how long it takes depends on several factors, such as:

1. Transaction type

2. Payment method

3. Where you’re sending money from

4. Whether Ria requires additional information for security purposes

5. When you initiate the transfer

Some currencies or transfer methods are only available during local business hours. If you set up a Nigeria remittance outside of typical business hours, on a holiday, or on the weekend, you could experience delays.

If you’re looking for the fastest way to send money to Nigeria with Ria, you may want to use a debit or credit card for your transaction. These methods may incur additional fees, so be aware of that. However, they also typically finalize the same day they’re completed.

And if time isn’t a concern, consider setting up a bank transfer instead. This option usually takes three to five business days and comes with fewer fees.

The cost of sending money to Nigeria depends on several key factors, such as:

1. The payment method you use

2. The payout method (that is, the way your intended recipient gets the money)

3. Transfer amount

4. Currency exchange rates

Bank remittances are usually the most affordable option, while credit and debit card transfers can come with additional fees. This is especially true with credit card payments, as some credit card companies will charge extra. Keep in mind, though, that international money transfers usually come with certain charges — regardless of how you go about it.

As an international remittance service, Ria strives to keep our rates and fees as low as possible on money transfers to Nigeria and other countries. We do that by working with financial institutions worldwide to get you the lowest possible fees and best exchange rates. At times, we also have promo codes to cut down on some of the more unavoidable fees.

The overall transfer amount includes all fees. If you want to see the cost of sending money to Nigeria, here are your options:

1. Before you complete the transfer (but after you’ve logged into your account): You can see what it costs to send money to Nigeria via the app or website. Simply log into your account and go to “Send” or “Send Money.” Then, select your destination country, how much you want to send, your payout currency, and your payment and delivery methods.

2. Before you initiate a transfer (without logging in): You can go to Ria’s website for an estimate of what it will cost.

Both options can help prevent you from being surprised by any fees or charges associated with sending money overseas.

We offer several ways to track your money transfer to Nigeria, but the easiest option is to use our Track a Transfer tool, which provides real-time updates of your transfer — no matter where you are.

Here’s how to use this free online feature:

1. After logging into your Ria account: Once logged in, choose “Track” (from the app) or “Track a transfer” (from the website). Then, input the transfer’s unique personal identification number (PIN) to see its status.

2. Without logging into your Ria account: If you don’t have a Ria account, you can still use the Track a Transfer feature. You’ll still need the unique PIN, however. This enables both the sender and recipient to see the transfer status at any point.

Two things are worth noting.

1. If you reside in Australia, you must also provide your birth date and recipient’s country (Nigeria) to track the transfer.

2. As the sender, you’ll also receive emailed updates regarding the transfer’s status and any major changes.

There are several ways to send money to Nigeria safely and efficiently. Which method is the best for you is a personal decision — it all comes down to how fast you need the Nigeria money transfer to arrive, how you want your friends and family to receive it, and how you want to pay.

Bank transfers: You can use your bank to transfer money to a bank in Nigeria through an international wire transfer. With this method, there’s no cash involved — you simply instruct your bank to send money to your recipient’s bank account. 

To complete a wire transfer through your bank, you usually must provide your recipient’s name, address, contact information, and banking information. This includes their international bank account number (IBAN) and their bank’s SWIFT/BIC code. 

There are several drawbacks to using a bank transfer to send money to Nigeria. For one, both you and your recipient need to have bank accounts at institutions that allow international transfers. 

For another, they’re typically expensive. Some banks charge as much as $50 for the convenience of an international wire transfer to the sender. And a few charge a fee to the recipient as well. In addition, your bank may limit the amount of money you can send through this method.

Money transfer agents: Traditional money transfer agents allow customers to send money abroad using cash. These agents usually have offices you can visit to fund the transfer with cash. Your recipient can then visit the transfer agent’s office closest to them and receive the money as cash. 

Of course, one of the main drawbacks of using this method for sending money is that your recipient must live near a transfer agent’s office. Another is the fact that these agents sometimes have complicated pricing structures, and fees and exchange rates can vary widely.

Money orders: Sending an international money order is similar to sending a check through the mail. You can buy a pre-paid money order certificate from your local post office or bank and then send it directly to your recipient via international mail. They can then redeem the certificate for cash.

There are several big disadvantages to this money-sending method, mainly that it’s expensive and slow. 

Online money transfer services: Online money transfer services such as Ria make it easy to send money to Nigeria and more than 165 other countries around the globe. Ria charges no sneaky hidden fees, so your Nigeria remittance will go further. 

Ria also offers great exchange rates and allows you to send money through our convenient mobile app or any of the 500,000-plus participating locations. Send money with Ria now. 

Signing up for an account with Ria is easy. The exact steps you’ll take vary depending on your location and whether you want to use the app or website.

Create a Ria account via the app in the US or Canada:

1. Download the Ria app and tap the “Register” button.

2. Confirm your current country. 

3. Enter your email address and choose a password.

4. Agree to Ria’s Terms and Conditions.

5. Enter your full name, date of birth and phone number, then tap “Continue.”

6. Choose to subscribe to receive promotions, discounts, and other special offers or tap “Not now” to opt out.

7. Enter your mailing address and tap “Continue.”

8. Select and answer three security questions to protect your account.

Create a Ria account via the app everywhere else:

1. Download the Ria app and tap the “Register” button.

2. Confirm your current country.

3. Enter your phone number and verify it by entering the 6-digit code we send you.

4. Choose a password.

5. Agree to Ria’s terms and conditions.

6. Enter your full name, email address, and date of birth (we may also ask for your country of birth, nationality, occupation, and ID information).

7. Tap the “Continue” button.

8. Choose to subscribe to receive promotions, discounts, and other special offers or tap “Not now” to opt out.

9. Enter your mailing address and tap the “Continue” button.

Create an account via the website:

1. Visit riamoneytransfer.com.

2. Click “Register” in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

3. Choose your country of residence.

4. Click “Get started.”

5. Enter your phone number and the security code we send to your phone.

6. Choose a password. 

7. Enter your first and last name, date of birth, and email address.

8. Select whether you’d like to receive marketing messages from Ria.

9. Enter your address.

The type of money transfer method you choose determines the information you must provide to send money to Nigeria. For example, you need the recipient's IBAN for an international bank transfer and the person's address for an international money order.

If you pick Ria for a quick money transfer to Nigeria, here's what you'll need:

• Your recipient's full name according to how it appears on the person's government-issued ID

• The name of your recipient's city and province of residence

• The dollar amount you want to send as a Nigerian remittance

• Your payment information, whether it's bank account information, credit card numbers, or other details for an approved form of payment

• Payout information, such as the recipient's bank account details or the location for the cash pickup

In some cases, we may ask for additional information, like your recipient's phone number.

If you’re in the USA or Canada, you can set up a Nigeria money transfer from the Ria app or website. Start by signing into your existing account or create a new one if you don’t have one. If you haven’t verified your phone number or set up your online profile yet, you can do that now.

Since this is your first money transfer to Nigeria, you’ll need to add a new recipient to your account — that is, the person who will receive money in Nigeria. Adding a recipient is easy. Just provide basic information about them, such as their name, current location, and phone number. If you want to transfer money to their bank, input their bank account details as well.

Once you’ve added a recipient to your account, you can decide how much money to send them — either in your currency or theirs. At this point, you can also select the payout method. Remember, each payout method comes with its own advantages and fees.

With that done, simply choose your payment method for the Nigeria remittance. You can add a new payment method to your account on the website or the app.

Once you’ve completed that first transfer, the process becomes even easier as your recipient’s basic information is saved to your account. Ria doesn’t store your recipient’s bank account information, however, so you will need to input that again.

Some money transfers go through within minutes of setting them up. However, you might have to wait a few hours or days before your transfer is complete.

That’s where tracking your transfer comes into play. You can use the Track a Transfer feature for status updates on your Nigeria remittance. You’ll just need the PIN, which you can find in your account or the confirmation email you received after scheduling the transfer. Your recipient can also use this tool.

A standard money transfer to Nigeria doesn’t take very long to complete, though it depends on the payment and payout methods. If you’ve chosen a debit or credit card transfer, your recipient should receive money in Nigeria within minutes. A bank transfer, on the other hand, can take several business days to complete.

Certain factors may delay your transfer. For example, if you set up the transfer outside local business hours or on a holiday or weekend, it might take a little longer. In some cases, Ria will also request additional information from you for security purposes, which could cause additional delays.

Senders and recipients can use Ria’s Track a Transfer feature for real-time transfer updates. All you need is the transfer’s PIN and order number.

Senders can also use the Ria app to track the transaction — just tap the “Track” option. In addition, senders will be notified by email when their recipient has picked up or received the money — or if there’s another major status change.

You can receive money in Nigeria in one of two ways:

• Bank transfer: This remittance method allows you to receive a money transfer to Nigeria straight into your bank account. With this method, you can withdraw the money in naira immediately or leave it in your account until you need it. To ensure a smooth transfer, ensure the sender uses your bank's exact name and/or SWIFT code. Double-check with your bank if you are not sure about this information.

• Cash pickup: Ria has a network of over 4,000 partner locations across Nigeria where you can safely and conveniently pick up your cash. The only requirement is you show up with your government-issued photo ID as proof of your identity and the transfer PIN.

Your funding options for sending a remittance to Nigeria depend on your country of residence and electronic device (e.g., computer or smartphone). Let's break it down.

If you set up the money transfer on the website, you can pay with the following:

• Bank transfer (United States)

• Cash (United States)

• Debit or credit card ( United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, or Canada)

With the Ria app, you may be able to use one or more of these funding options.

• Bank transfer  (United States)

• Cash (Malaysia, Singapore, or the United States)

• Debit or credit card (United Kingdom, United States, Europe, Australia, Canada, or Malaysia)

• Fintoc or Sencillito (Spain, Austria, or Germany)

• Bancontact (Belgium)

• Klarna ( Spain, Germany, or Austria)

• Giropay (Germany)

• PayID (Australia)

• iDEAL (Netherlands)

• FPX (Malaysia)

For more details, refer to our complete list of all payment methods.

Unfortunately, you can't use Zelle to send money to Nigeria.

That's because Zelle currently works only with bank accounts based in the U.S. There's no way to make a money transfer to an international account. Both the recipient and the sender must have U.S.-based checking or savings accounts — as well as U.S. phone numbers.

Consider using an online money transfer service like Ria. Ria is quick, safe, and convenient. We offer great exchange rates, low fees (with no hidden charges), and a variety of payment and pickup options — all from our website or mobile app.

Ria serves customers in more than 165 countries — meaning sending money to or receiving money in Nigeria is a breeze. You don't even need to have a bank account to use Ria — unlike with Zelle. Send money now with Ria. 

Currently, you can't use Venmo to send money to Nigeria. That's because only U.S. residents can use the app to send or receive money transfers.

Venmo may not work with international accounts. But Ria serves more than 165 countries around the globe — including Nigeria. Ria makes sending money internationally simple, quick, and secure. Your recipient in Nigeria could get the money transfer in as little as 15 minutes if you use Ria. Plus, there are no additional fees.  You are fully aware of all costs and the amount of Nigeria currency your recipient will get before you even complete the transfer.

Send money now with Ria.

Visit any Ria location, use our website, or log into our mobile app to send money directly to your recipient’s bank account in Nigeria. All you need is:

1. The recipient’s full legal name (as it appears on their bank account)

2. The name of the recipient’s bank 

3. The recipient’s bank account number or IBAN (international bank account number)

Ria will take care of the rest!

When sending money to Nigeria, it’s important to choose a secure and reputable provider. Look for licensed international money transfer companies that use encryption, offer reliable tracking, and have clear customer support. Ria Money Transfer offers a safe way to send money, with multiple payout options backed by strong security measures and decades of experience in global money transfers.

These four money transfer options provide a safe way to send money to your friend or loved one in Nigeria:

• International bank transfer: Your friend may wait a few business days. However, this method allows you to send funds from your checking or savings account to your friend's account without money leaving the banking system.

• International money order: Although sending an international money order is simple and convenient, the process is typically slower than a bank transfer. It may also come with a substantial postage cost.

• Third-party money transfer agent: This traditional remittance method may quickly get your money to your friend in Nigeria. However, varying fees and exchange rates may make this choice very expensive. For this reason, you can't count on getting a great deal.

• Ria: Since sending money using Ria is safe, fast, convenient, and easy, it offers all the benefits of other primary remittance services with affordable rates and no hidden fees. You can use Ria's website, app, or thousands of partner locations globally to send money to your friends or loved ones to receive in their bank accounts or a safe partner nearby.

Suppose you use Ria. In this case, these are the simple steps you need to follow to start a money transfer to your recipient in Nigeria with our website or app:

1. Start a free Ria account by providing your full name, birth date, and contact information in the spaces provided. The form may ask for other information, depending on the present country of residence.

2. Click the "Send" or "Send money" tab after completing step 1.

3. Pick "Nigeria" from the drop-down menu of eligible countries.

4. Type in the amount of the remittance you plan to send to Nigeria. Right after you do this, you'll see your exchange rate, Ria's fees, and the exact number of Nigerian naira you will send to your friend.

5. It's time to pick your payment option. Your choices will appear according to where you live and may include a linked bank account, debit card, credit card, or other options. If you want to use cash, you may visit a participating location near you.

6. Select how you want your friend or loved one in Nigeria to receive the money. Your friends can accept it as a deposit into their bank account or choose an in-person cash pickup at one of the convenient locations throughout Nigeria.

7. At this point, click "Continue."

8. In your Recipient List, add your friend's full name as it appears on the person's government-issued photo ID. Then, include the name of the Nigerian city and province where they reside.

9. Supply every detail needed for your delivery method, whether you provide the bank details or the cash pickup location your friend selected. Ensure that this information is 100% correct.

10. Enter your payment information.

If you prefer to pay cash for your remittance to a friend in Nigeria, drop by a participating 7-Eleven store and follow the PayNearMe guide. To complete this transaction, you must provide the barcode on the Ria webpage after setting up your money transfer to Nigeria.

If you use the Ria app, you can get the barcode by:

• Selecting the Fund Transfer button on the Fund Transfer page

• Choosing the transfer from the Activity Page and clicking Pay

You can print a copy of the barcode from the Ria website to show to the 7-Eleven clerk to finalize your money transfer. If you set up your transfer on the app, you can show the clerk the barcode on the app.

After you finish the remittance process, you will receive a personal identification number (PIN) to track your money transfer until it reaches your friend in Nigeria. Your friend can also use the pin to plan when to go to the bank or pickup location without frequently checking with you over the phone or the internet.