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Send Money to Nigeria from the UK: Cheapest Apps Compared

Guide checked 10 November 2026 Ranked by amount received Indicative rates 8 providers compared
Best for everyday transfers
LemFi or Taptap Send: no transfer fee from UK debit cards, naira usually credited in minutes
Best for large transfers
Wise: mid-market rate with a visible fee, strong on larger sums
Fastest
Taptap Send: says most Nigeria transfers arrive in under 3 minutes
Lowest fees
LemFi, Taptap Send, Sendwave: no upfront fee on most transfers

Compare rates to send money from UK to Nigeria

£
These are indicative rates based on the mid-market rate, not live quotes from each provider. Always check the final rate in the provider's app before you send.
Provider Exchange rate Fee Recipient gets Action
#1

Wise

Under 10 mins · Mid-Market Rate
₦1,780.00
0.0% below mid-market
£1.13
₦442,998
Most received 		Send
#2

LemFi

Under 10 mins · Zero Upfront Fees
₦1,758.64
1.2% below mid-market
No fee
₦439,660
 Send
#3

TapTap Send

Under 10 mins · Zero Fees Always
₦1,754.37
1.4% below mid-market
No fee
₦438,593
 Send
#4

Grey

Under 10 mins · Multi-Currency Virtual IBANs
₦1,761.31
1.1% below mid-market
No fee
+ 0.5% deposit fee
₦438,026
 Send
#5

Western Union

Under 10 mins · Biggest cash pickup network
₦1,733.35
2.6% below mid-market
£1.99
₦429,888
 Send
#6

WorldRemit

Under 10 mins · Bank, Cash & Wallet
₦1,733.19
2.6% below mid-market
£1.99
₦429,848
 Send
#7

Xoom (PayPal)

Under 10 mins · Pay with PayPal
₦1,736.55
2.4% below mid-market
£2.49
₦429,813
 Send
#8

Remitly

Under 10 mins · High Promo Rate
₦1,720.37
3.4% below mid-market
£1.99
₦426,669
 Send

Ranked by the amount your recipient receives after the transfer fee, exchange-rate margin and any deposit or withdrawal fees. How we compare

The UK has one of the largest Nigerian communities outside Africa, and sending money from the UK to Nigeria is now fast and cheap if you pick the right provider. Most app-based services take a UK debit card or an instant bank payment and credit a Nigerian bank account in minutes.

How to send money from the UK to Nigeria: step by step

  1. Compare providers in our calculator to see the naira your recipient gets after all fees.
  2. Sign up and verify. You will need a UK address, a photo ID (passport or driving licence) and, for higher amounts, proof of address.
  3. Add your recipient's Nigerian bank details: full name as on the account, bank name, and 10-digit account number.
  4. Pay by UK debit card or an instant bank transfer (Faster Payments or Open Banking).
  5. Track the transfer in the app and keep the reference until it arrives.

Naira-only payouts

Under Central Bank of Nigeria rules for money transfer operators (January 2024, tightened from 1 May 2026), recipients in Nigeria are paid in naira. Apps cannot pay pounds or dollars into a Nigerian domiciliary account, and cash pickup is limited to small amounts.

Best apps to send money from UK to Nigeria

LemFi

Zero Upfront Fees Under 5 mins

LemFi is currently the leading consumer remittance app for transfers under $1,500 from the US, UK, and Canada to Nigeria. It offers $0 upfront fees on debit cards, instant delivery to OPay and commercial banks, and competitive exchange rates.

For £250: recipient gets ₦439,660, fee none, rate margin 1.2%.

Good forUse LemFi when sending between $50 and $1,500 using a debit card where immediate delivery to an OPay, PalmPay, or Nigerian commercial bank account is required.
Look elsewhere ifAvoid LemFi for corporate business payments requiring formal invoices, large wires over $10,000 without prior Tier 3 verification, or if the recipient needs cash pickup (LemFi pays into bank and wallet accounts only).
Bank accountOPay / PalmPay Pay: Debit cardPay: Bank transferPay: Apple Pay

TapTap Send

Zero Fees Always Instant

Taptap Send is an app-only money transfer service with no transfer fee on Nigeria transfers and an exchange rate that sits very close to the mid-market rate. On 8 November 2026 it was at or near the top of our table on the US, UK and Europe routes.

For £250: recipient gets ₦438,593, fee none, rate margin 1.4%.

Good forUse Taptap Send for everyday transfers to Nigerian bank accounts and wallets from the US, UK, Canada and Europe, paid by debit card.
Look elsewhere ifNot for cash pickup, for paying by bank transfer or credit card, or if you prefer a website to an app.
Bank accountOPay / PalmPay Pay: Debit card

Sendwave

Zero Fee Pioneer Under 10 mins

Sendwave is a zero-fee money transfer app owned by Zepz, the group behind WorldRemit. It pays naira into Nigerian bank accounts within minutes and its rates are consistently competitive, with a better rate for new customers and for larger amounts on some routes.

Good forUse Sendwave for simple, fee-free transfers to Nigerian bank accounts from the US, UK, Canada and Europe, paid by debit card.
Look elsewhere ifNot for cash pickup or very large transfers, and compare first if you send regularly from the US, where Taptap Send was ahead on 8 November 2026.
Bank account Pay: Debit card

Wise

Mid-Market Rate 10–20 mins

Wise (formerly TransferWise) converts at the mid-market exchange rate and charges a visible fee instead of hiding a margin in the rate. That makes it one of the cheapest ways to send larger amounts to a Nigerian bank account, and the clearest on cost.

For £250: recipient gets ₦442,998, fee £1.13, rate margin 0.0%.

Good forUse Wise for larger transfers (roughly $1,000 and up), for paying Nigerian contractors or suppliers, or whenever you want to see exactly what you pay.
Look elsewhere ifAvoid Wise for small everyday transfers, where its fixed fee eats into the naira, and when your recipient needs cash pickup or a direct OPay or PalmPay credit.
Bank account Pay: Debit cardPay: Bank transferPay: ACHPay: Apple Pay

WorldRemit

Bank, Cash & Wallet Under 10 mins

WorldRemit is a long-established remittance company, part of the Zepz group alongside Sendwave. It sends naira to Nigerian bank accounts, mobile wallets and cash pickup points, and is a dependable option when your recipient needs cash.

For £250: recipient gets ₦429,848, fee £1.99, rate margin 2.6%.

Good forUse WorldRemit when your recipient needs a small naira cash pickup, or when you are sending from a country the app-first services do not cover.
Look elsewhere ifFor routine bank transfers, compare first: its rate margin is often wider than the zero-fee apps, and transfer fees can apply.
Bank accountCash pickup Pay: Debit cardPay: Credit cardPay: Apple PayPay: Bank transfer

Remitly

High Promo Rate 1–5 mins (Express)

Remitly is a large, US-listed money transfer company that sends to Nigerian bank accounts, mobile wallets and cash pickup points. Its new-customer rate is often the best on the market for a first transfer, and its standard rate has become very competitive on some routes.

For £250: recipient gets ₦426,669, fee £1.99, rate margin 3.4%.

Good forUse Remitly for your first transfer to take the new-customer rate, when your recipient needs a small cash pickup, or on routes where its standard rate is near the top of our table.
Look elsewhere ifDon't assume the first-transfer rate will last: compare again for later transfers. Avoid the slower bank-funded option when the money is needed today.
Bank accountCash pickup Pay: Debit cardPay: Credit cardPay: Bank transfer

Grey

Multi-Currency Virtual IBANs Instant swap

Grey gives Nigerians foreign accounts in US dollars, pounds and euros to receive international payments, plus currency conversion and payments abroad. It is aimed at freelancers, remote workers and people who need to pay for things overseas.

For £250: recipient gets ₦438,026, fee none, rate margin 1.1%.

Good forUse Grey to receive foreign income in Nigeria, convert between naira and foreign currencies, or pay for things abroad such as tuition or subscriptions.
Look elsewhere ifNot designed for people abroad sending money to family in Nigeria; a remittance app is better for that.
Bank account Pay: ACHPay: Bank transfer

Western Union

Biggest cash pickup network Minutes (cash) to same banking day

Western Union is the oldest and most widely recognised money transfer brand in Nigeria, with thousands of cash pickup points inside bank branches and the option to pay in person. It wins on reach and flexibility, not on price: for a plain bank transfer, app-first services usually deliver more naira.

For £250: recipient gets ₦429,888, fee £1.99, rate margin 2.6%.

Good forUse Western Union when your recipient needs to collect cash (up to about USD 200 equivalent), when you want to pay in cash or get help at an agent, or when you are sending from a country the newer apps do not cover.
Look elsewhere ifAvoid it for routine bank deposits where every naira counts: compare the amount received against LemFi, Taptap Send or Wise first. Avoid paying by credit card, which most card issuers treat as a cash advance.
Bank accountCash pickup Pay: Debit cardPay: Credit cardPay: Bank transfer

Xoom (PayPal)

Pay with PayPal Minutes for cash pickup

Xoom is PayPal's international money transfer service. You log in with your PayPal account, pay from your PayPal balance, bank or card, and Xoom pays naira into almost any Nigerian bank account or for cash pickup. It is convenient for PayPal users but rarely the cheapest option.

For £250: recipient gets ₦429,813, fee £2.49, rate margin 2.4%.

Good forUse Xoom when your money is already in PayPal, or when you want to send without opening a new account. It also suits small cash pickups at bank branches.
Look elsewhere ifAvoid it when the exchange rate matters most: specialist apps usually deliver more naira on a bank transfer. Avoid credit card funding, which can add cash advance fees.
Bank accountCash pickup Pay: Debit cardPay: Credit cardPay: Bank transfer

MoneyGram

Cash pickup at bank branches Minutes (cash), bank hours (deposit)

MoneyGram is a global money transfer network that pays out in Nigeria through partner banks, both as cash pickup over the counter and as deposits into most Nigerian bank accounts. It is dependable for cash and bank-branch collection, but its exchange rate margin is usually wider than the app-first services.

Good forUse MoneyGram when your recipient prefers to collect a small amount of cash at a bank branch, or when you want to pay in person at an agent.
Look elsewhere ifAvoid it for regular bank transfers if you want the most naira, and for amounts above the cash pickup cap, which must go to a bank account.
Bank accountCash pickup Pay: Debit cardPay: Credit cardPay: Bank transfer

For businesses, banks and money transfer operators

These providers do not serve individual senders, so they are not in the rate ranking above. They give businesses and financial institutions an API to pay out to Nigerian bank accounts, wallets and cash pickup points.

Swerve

B2B payout API

Swerve is a cross-border payout API for banks, money transfer operators, wallet providers, NGOs and corporates. Through one integration it disburses to bank accounts, mobile wallets and cash pickup points in 60+ countries, including Nigeria. It is not a consumer app.

Bank accountOPay / PalmPayCash pickup

How the money can arrive in Nigeria

  • Naira bank account. The standard route. Any Nigerian bank account, usually within minutes on app-based providers.
  • OPay, PalmPay and similar accounts. These have 10-digit account numbers and are supported by some apps, including Taptap Send. Check the list in your app.
  • Naira cash pickup. WorldRemit and Remitly offer cash pickup for small amounts (about USD 200 equivalent per payout), paid in naira, with ID required.
  • Pounds or dollars into a domiciliary account. Only by a direct SWIFT payment from your UK bank, not through remittance apps. Expect bank charges at both ends.

How to pay from the UK

  • UK debit card. Instant and free on zero-fee apps.
  • Bank transfer (Faster Payments or Open Banking). Usually arrives with the provider in seconds and is often used for larger amounts.
  • Credit card. Avoid where possible. Many card issuers treat money transfers as cash advances, with an immediate fee and interest.

Check the provider is authorised

UK money transfer providers should be authorised or registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can check any firm on the FCA Register before you send. Payment and e-money firms must safeguard customer money, but these balances are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme the way bank deposits are.

UK tax rules for sending money to family

  • There is no gift tax in the UK. Sending money to family in Nigeria is not taxed when you send it.
  • Inheritance Tax can apply to large gifts. If you die within seven years of a gift, it may count towards your estate for Inheritance Tax. Every year you can give away £3,000 (your annual exemption) without it counting, and regular gifts paid out of your normal income are also exempt if they do not reduce your standard of living. Keep a simple record of what you send.
  • The old "remittance basis" for non-doms ended in April 2025. If you previously relied on it, get advice, because the rules for foreign income changed.
  • Identity checks are normal. Providers must verify your identity and may ask where the money came from for larger transfers.

This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change; check with the relevant authority or an adviser for your situation.

Common reasons a UK to Nigeria transfer is delayed

  1. Recipient name does not match the bank account. Use the exact name shown in the recipient's banking app.
  2. Tier 1 account limits in Nigeria. Tier 1 accounts are limited to ₦50,000 per day and a ₦300,000 balance. At current rates that is under £200, so larger transfers can bounce.
  3. Extra checks on your first large transfer. Have your ID and proof of address ready.
  4. Weekend or late-night timing. Occasionally the receiving bank processes the credit later. Contact the recipient's bank with the transfer reference if it has not arrived after a few hours.

Sending money from UK to Nigeria: FAQ

What is the cheapest way to send money from the UK to Nigeria?

For everyday amounts, a zero-fee app such as LemFi, Taptap Send or Sendwave paid by UK debit card usually delivers the most naira. Compare the total naira received in our calculator, since the exchange rate matters more than the fee.

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

Paid by debit card or Faster Payments, app transfers to Nigerian bank accounts usually arrive within minutes. Taptap Send says most of its Nigeria transfers arrive in under 3 minutes.

Can I send pounds to a Nigerian domiciliary account?

Not through remittance apps, which must pay out in naira under CBN rules. A direct SWIFT transfer from your UK bank to the recipient's domiciliary account can arrive in foreign currency, at a higher cost.

Is there tax on money I send to Nigeria from the UK?

There is no UK gift tax. Large gifts can count for Inheritance Tax if you die within seven years, but £3,000 a year and regular gifts from normal income are exempt.

Can I send money from the UK to OPay or PalmPay?

Some providers support it. Taptap Send lists OPay and PalmPay as payout options for Nigeria. Check the bank list in your chosen app before sending.

How do I know a UK money transfer app is safe?

Check that the company appears on the FCA Register, read recent reviews, and only send to people you know. Never send money to someone you have only met online.

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