Cheapest Way to Send Money to Nigeria from USA (2025 Guide)
Cheapest Way to Send Money to Nigeria from USA (2025 Guide)
By bankseermain | December 26, 2025
Sending money to Nigeria shouldn’t cost a lot. However, many people still pay more than they should.
I compared more than 18 transfer services and found the cheapest ways to send money to Nigeria from the USA in 2025. Whether you send $200 or $2,000, this guide helps you keep more naira in your family’s pocket.
The Real Cost of Sending Money to Nigeria
Before we look at providers, it helps to understand what you really pay.
When you send money, there are two main costs:
- The fee – the charge you see upfront
- The exchange rate markup – the hidden cost inside the rate
Some companies promote “$0 fees.” However, they often give you an exchange rate that is 3–5% worse than the real rate. As a result, you can lose $15–$25 on a $500 transfer.
The mid-market rate (the rate you see on Google) is the real exchange rate. Therefore, the closer a provider is to this rate, the more your recipient receives.
7 Cheapest Ways to Send Money to Nigeria (Ranked)
Below are the services that usually offer the best prices. Prices change, so always compare before sending.
1. Wise (TransferWise) — Best Overall
Wise is usually the cheapest overall option.
- Fees: about $4–6 for $500
- Exchange rate: real mid-market rate
- Speed: 1–2 business days
- Delivery: bank deposit
Why Wise wins:
Wise charges a small fee, but it does not add a hidden markup. As a result, more of your money arrives in Nigeria.
Best for: most transfers, especially $300+
2. Remitly — Best Mix of Speed and Value
Remitly offers good rates and fast delivery.
- Fees: $0–4 depending on how you pay
- Exchange rate: small markup
- Speed: minutes to 3 days
- Delivery: bank deposit, cash pickup, mobile money
Why choose Remitly:
You can get money there fast. In addition, new users often receive promotional rates.
Best for: urgent transfers and first-time users
3. Sendwave — Best for Small Amounts
Sendwave focuses mostly on African transfers.
- Fees: $0
- Exchange rate: 1–2% markup
- Speed: instant to minutes
- Delivery: bank deposit, mobile money
Why choose Sendwave:
Because fees are zero, it works well for small, frequent transfers. The app is also simple.
Best for: transfers under $300
4. WorldRemit — Best for Delivery Options
WorldRemit offers many ways to receive money.
- Fees: $1–4
- Exchange rate: competitive
- Speed: minutes to 2 days
- Delivery: bank, cash pickup, mobile money, airtime top-up
Why choose WorldRemit:
If the recipient does not have a bank account, you still have options.
Best for: cash pickup or mobile money users
5. Western Union — Best for Cash Pickup
Western Union has the largest network.
- Fees: $5–10
- Exchange rate: 2–4% markup
- Speed: minutes
- Delivery: cash pickup, bank deposit
Why choose Western Union:
Sometimes, the recipient needs physical cash fast. In emergencies, this helps.
Best for: urgent cash pickup only
Find Western Union locations →
6. MoneyGram — Western Union Alternative
MoneyGram works similarly to Western Union.
- Fees: $5–10
- Exchange rate: 2–4% markup
- Speed: minutes to same day
- Delivery: cash pickup, bank deposit
Why choose MoneyGram:
In some places, MoneyGram locations are easier to reach.
Best for: when Western Union is inconvenient
7. Xoom (PayPal) — Best for PayPal Users
Xoom is owned by PayPal.
- Fees: $0–5
- Exchange rate: 1–3% markup
- Speed: minutes to days
- Delivery: bank deposit, cash pickup
Why choose Xoom:
It connects easily with your PayPal account. It is not always the cheapest, but it is simple.
Best for: PayPal users who value convenience
Quick Comparison Table
| Provider | $500 Transfer (You Pay) | Recipient Gets (NGN) | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | ~$506 | ~₦780,000* | 1–2 days |
| Remitly | ~$500–504 | ~₦770,000* | Minutes–3 days |
| Sendwave | $500 | ~₦765,000* | Minutes |
| WorldRemit | ~$504 | ~₦765,000* | Minutes–2 days |
Rates change often. Always check live rates before sending.
How to Save Even More
Even small changes can save a lot over time.
1. Avoid Card Fees
Pay with bank transfer (ACH) when possible. Debit and credit cards often add 1–3% extra.
2. Send Larger Amounts Less Often
Because many fees are fixed, one larger transfer is usually cheaper than many small ones.
3. Watch for Promotions
Remitly and WorldRemit often run discounts. Therefore, check for promo codes before sending.
4. Compare Every Time
Exchange rates move daily. What was cheapest last month may not be the cheapest today.
5. Use BankSeer
Our free comparison tool checks top providers instantly. As a result, you always know which one is cheapest for your transfer.
Which Provider Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide:
- Choose Wise if you want the best value overall
- Choose Remitly if you need speed and fair pricing
- Choose Sendwave if you send small amounts often
- Choose WorldRemit if you need mobile money or cash pickup
- Choose Western Union only for emergencies and physical cash
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest way to send $1,000 to Nigeria?
In most cases, Wise offers the best total value. You pay a small fee, but you get the real exchange rate.
Can I send money instantly?
Yes. Services like Remitly, Sendwave, and WorldRemit can deliver instantly or the same day. Western Union and MoneyGram also offer fast cash pickup.
Is it safe to send money online?
Yes. These companies are licensed and regulated. For example, Wise is regulated by FinCEN in the US. Others, like Remitly and Western Union, are also long-established brands.
What do I need to send money?
Usually, you need:
- Recipient name that matches their ID
- Nigerian bank account number and bank name, or
- Phone number for mobile money, or
- Pickup location for cash
- Your valid ID and payment method
Start Saving Today
Stop overpaying on international transfers.
Use our comparison tool to check live rates and find the cheapest way to send money to Nigeria for your situation.
Compare Nigeria Transfer Rates Now →
Rates and fees can change at any time. Always confirm current pricing before sending. We may earn a commission when you use our links, but this does not change the rates you pay.