7 Best International Money Transfer Apps for Nigerians
Imagine an Alaba trader with a daughter studying in the United States who had to queue in the bank for 30 minutes before sending money to his daughter in an emergency. Many things might go wrong before he could complete this transaction. The bank's network could frustrate him, and he spends more than two hours trying to send $100 to his daughter.
Amid this challenging transaction, his VIP customers would be calling non-stop for him to come back to the market. Instead, he becomes aggressive with everyone and ends up venting his frustration on the government.
International money transfer apps could have saved this situation. With any of these financial apps, he could send money to business partners, family, and friends worldwide from his smart device or phone at the market.
international money transfer apps and services offer smooth in-app onboarding that allows users to move their money without leaving their homes. However, with the number of international money transfer apps available, many people may find it daunting to pick the most suitable app for their transactions.
In this guide, we have compared the different features, delivery times, exchange rates, and other important features of many financial apps to highlight the six best international money transfer apps for Nigerians.
Best Online Money Transfer Apps to Use
Here’s a summary of these money transfer apps and the things we like about them:
1. WorldRemit: A multi-currency money transfer app with no hidden costs and offers service in more than 130 countries.
2. Wise: An effective money transfer app for personal and business customers with the mid-market exchange rate
3. Remitly: Excellent for people who want to make low-cost payments to their family and friends.
4. OFX: It offers a 24/7 phone service and ensures you receive personal support.
5. Western Union: The app allows you to transact business almost anywhere.
6. Pay4Me App: A seamless transfer app built for international students that offers the most competitive exchange rate and swiftness in every transaction.
7. Afriex: An intercontinental app that makes cross-border transactions simpler and fun.
We selected based on the Google Play store and Apple store rating data and customer reviews, including service efficiency.
WorldRemit
The WorldRemit app allows you to send money to your loved ones within minutes, while some transfers get to the recipients within 24 hours in any part of the world. In addition, when you introduce someone to the app, you receive a voucher for your subsequent transactions.
Pros
· No minimum transfer amount
· Easy-to-use website
· Large range of destinations
· Many transfer options
· Fast transfer option.
Cons
· Complex transfer fees
· Limits on large transfers to specific destinations
· Maximum transfer amounts
· Unpredictable fee structure
· No currency hedging options
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Features
1. Instant money transfers
2. Track your transfers
3. Real-time exchange rates
4. Zero fees on your first three money transfers
Fees and exchange rates: low, transparent fees and not completely predictable
Safety: Fully regulated
Speed: Most transfers arrive in 24 hours, while some happen within minutes
WorldRemit offers different transfer methods and accepts payment from payment platforms, but not Google Pay. The app monitor accounts for unusual activity.
When you accidentally transfer money to the wrong recipient, the app can recall your transaction if you can contact WorldRemit immediately.
How do I send money with WorldRemit?
Download the iOS or Android versions of the World Remit app.
· Login to your account and
· Choose the destination country
· Select the transfer method
· Enter the amount you want to send
· Add your recipient's information, including their name, contact information, and account details to the money being sent (if applicable).
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Wise
Wise has become an excellent choice for people who want to transact in less popular currencies with no hidden charges. The app offers users multi-currency accounts in over 80 countries at a transparent transfer fee.
Pros
· Mid-market exchange rates and transparent service fees
· 40% of transfers are instant, 80% are delivered within 24 hours
· Registered with FinCEN
· All services are available online or in the Wise app
· Personal, business, and enterprise level services are available
Cons
· No branch network
· Variable fees and limits apply
· Accounts are not interest bearing
· Services, fees, and delivery times vary based on the destination
· Transfers to bank accounts only
· A one-time fee to open a business account or get a debit card
Features
1. Multi-currency account
2. Wise Card
3. Wise Assets
4. Business Account
Fees and exchange rates: low, transparent fees and mid-market exchange rate
Safety: Fully regulated worldwide
Speed: most transfers are instant; 90% arrive in 24 hours
Wise links your debit card for easy transactions and offers no monthly fee or minimum balance before usage. Hence, you can use your Wise account for any financial transaction.
How do I send money with Wise?
Download the Wise app from the Google Play store or Apple store, or sign up with Wise online.
· Type in how much you'd like to transfer.
· The kind of transfer
· Fill in your details
· The details of who you're sending money to
· Review the details of your transfer.
· Choose your transfer type and how to pay
Remitly
Remitly works as a popular payout option on different currency routes, which can be transacted from 21 countries to at least a hundred countries.
Pros
· Multiple payment options
· Easy online and in-app payments
· Fixed transfer fees
· No minimum transfer limit
· Cash pickup option
Cons:
· No option for instant custom quotes
· Exchange rates vary by service and destination country
· Not all services are available in all countries
· Not suitable for large money transfers
Features
1. Two options for money transfers
1. Express Money Transfers
2. Economy Money Transfers
2. Website and Mobile Apps
3. Multiple Payment Options
4. Cash Pickup Option
5. Home Delivery Option
Fees and exchange rates: Transaction fees vary by destination country and service.
Safety: Fully registered and regulated.
Speed: Transaction delivery times vary
Remitly transfers work only for personal use and offer simple international transfers on common remittance routes. However, it does not allow business transfers or payments made from one send the country to another.
Read: How to Secure Funding for Your MSC in the USA
How do I send money with Remitly?
· Download the app from the Google Play store or Apple store
· Create an account
· Choose the recipient and destination
· Select the transfer speed and payment method
· Enter the transfer details
· Review and confirm
· Fund the transfer
· Initiate and track the transfer
OFX
OFX app offers businesses, online sellers, and individuals a fast and easy currency exchange service. In addition, you can send money abroad or make international payments with your OFX app.
Pros
· Excellent customer service
· No additional fees when sending money over $10,000
· Access currency risk management solutions and products
· Sending larger amounts of money, where their rates are more competitive
· A comprehensive mobile approach
· Well-rated for customer service and experience
· No transfer fee
Read: How to Secure Funding for Your MSC in the USA
Cons
· Exchange rates with a variable markup
· Minimum transfer amount
· $15 transfer fee for any transfer amount less than $10,000 (not in U.S. or U.K.)
· No credit card
· 24/7 support doesn't extend to personal financial advice
· Holding account services for business customers only
· Some services can’t be accessed via the app
Features
1. Single Transfer
2. Recurring Transfer
3. Buy Now, Transfer Later.
4. Target Rate Transfer
5. Security
Fees and exchange rates: OFX offers no transfer fee applies but might include a markup
Safety: Fully regulated and authorized
Speed: Transfer happens within 24 hours
OFX offers international payment, currency risk management solutions, and multi-currency holding accounts for business customers. It works for people who transact high-value payments, including lower amounts.
How do I send money with OFX?
Download the OFX app from the Google Play store or Apple store
· Create your OFX account.
· Start your registration online or via the OFX app
· Verify your identity
· Enter your transfer details
· Send funds for your transfer
· Track your transfer.
Western Union
Western Union offers customers an easy way of cash collection payments worldwide. The international money transfer platform is the biggest on earth, with support for the app, online, and personal services.
Pros
· Fast transfers available
· You can fund a transfer with cash.
· Send to almost any country in the world
· Cash collection payments are almost instant
· Easy to register an account
Cons
· Not the cheapest
· Fees vary based on service and destination country
· Exchange rates include a variable markup
Features
1. Pick up cash
2. Track a transfer
3. Pay bills
4. Find locations
5. My W.U. Rewards
6. Refer a friend
7. Pay inmate
8. Mobile reload
Fees and exchange rates: The transaction fees vary by destination country and service with a markup
Safety: Fully authorized and regulated
Speed: Transactions can be available in minutes. Bank deposits take up to 2 days.
Western Union offers users a quote and their payment and delivery options in the app before they can confirm.
Read: How to Convert a U.S. Visit Visa to a Work Visa
How to send money with Western Union?
Download the Western Union app from the Google Play store or Apple store.
· Log in to the Western Union app.
· Tap 'Send money. ...
· Select a previous receiver or enter a new receiver's name and address.
· In the case of a bank transfer, verify your bank account and complete your transfer.
· Share the tracking number (MTCN) with your receiver for cash pickup.
Pay4Me App provides seamless financial transactions for international students and immigrants. In addition, the financial app allows users to make instant payments to schools, businesses, and loved ones without the lengthy and costly process of traditional banking and payment providers.
Pros
· Peer-to-peer financial support
· Easy to register an account
· Low, transparent service fees
· All services are available online
· 24/7 support
Cons
· Peer-to-peer transfer only in Nigeria (plans to expand to other countries)
· No fixed exchange rate
Features
1. Free instant peer-to-peer transfers
2. Loan feature
3. Fund wallet availability
4. Payment History
5. Real-Time Updates on Transaction Status
6. Referral Bonus
7. Cash backs and withdrawals
8. Active community, offers, and perks
Fees and exchange rates: Pay4Me App has no hidden transfer fee and offers the most competitive exchange rate
Safety: Fully authorized and safe to use
Speed: Transactions happen within 10 minutes, while transfers can take 24 hours to three days, depending on service.
Pay4Me partners with licensed and accredited money transmitters, banking partners, student loan companies, immigration firms, colleges, and universities.
Users pay in their local currencies when they can pay on the platform.
How to send money with Pay4Me?
· Download the Pay4Me App from the Google Play store or Apple store
· Sign up and login into your account
· Navigate to “Payments” and select your payment option
· Fill in your payment details and additional information.
· Proceed to the payment page and pay in your local currency using a bank transfer or Card.
· You'll get a confirmation mail from Pay4Me App.
Afriex
With most transactions delivered to recipients within minutes, Afriex has the twin advantages of speed and best-grade security with end-to-end encryption of all trades.
Additionally, the platform has users across four continents. In addition, Afriex is helping people worldwide send money to their loved ones and enabling business transactions.
Pros
· Fast transactions
· A reliable support system
· End-to-end encryption on all transactions
· A positive rating
· Operates in many countries
Cons
· Fail transactions can happen
· Response to customers could be delayed
Features
· Just Mobile App version
· Multi-currency account
· Track your transfers
· Instant money transfers
How to send money with Afriex
· Create an account
o Login to your account
· Choose the destination country
· Select the transfer method
· Enter the transfer details
· Review and confirm
· Fund the transfer
· Initiate and track the transfer
We understand how challenging international students are to receive money from home, especially when they don't have a great money transfer app. However, you should visit Across the Horizon if you want an affordable school in a beautiful country with an excellent study-work balance.