How to Send Money from the UK to Nigeria Using PalmPay, OPay, and Moniepoint (2026 Guide)

How to Send Money from the UK to Nigeria Using PalmPay, OPay, and Moniepoint.

1. Register with a licensed international money transfer service.
2. Verify your identity.
3. Enter the recipient’s details.
4. Select PalmPay, OPay, or Moniepoint as the destination.
5. Fund the transfer from your UK bank account or debit card.
6. Confirm the transaction.
7. The recipient receives the funds in Nigeria.
8. Share receipt or screenshot of payment.

Transfer times can range from a few minutes to several hours depending on the provider, verification status, and payment method.

How to Send Money from the UK to Nigeria Using PalmPay, OPay, and Moniepoint (2026 Guide)

Every day, thousands of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom send money home to support family members, pay school fees, fund businesses, settle medical bills, or contribute to community projects.

Thanks to the growth of digital banking and mobile money platforms, receiving funds in Nigeria has become easier than ever. Instead of relying solely on traditional banks, recipients can now receive money through popular fintech platforms such as PalmPay, OPay, and Moniepoint.

If you’re wondering how to send money from the UK to Nigeria quickly, safely, and at competitive exchange rates, in this guide I will explain everything you need to know as

Why More Nigerians in the UK Are Using Fintech Platforms

Nigerians in the UK are using fintech platforms because traditional international transfers often involve:

• High fees
• Longer processing times
• Multiple intermediaries
• Less transparency

Digital financial platforms have changed the experience. Many recipients in Nigeria now actively use palmPay, Opay and Moniepoint

These platforms provide instant notifications, easy transfers, bill payments,  airtime purchases, QR payments, merchant transactions, savings and financial services. As a result, many UK-based Nigerians now prefer sending money directly to these platforms rather than traditional bank accounts.

Requirements for Sending Money from the UK

Before initiating a transfer, prepare the following:

Common IDs accepted include: UK Passport, Driver’s License, Residence Permit & National Identity Documents.

Step-by-Step Guide for Sending Money to PalmPay

Step 1: Create an Account

Register with a money transfer provider like the Taptap Send, Ace Money Transfer, Sendwave, Remitly, Wise, etc.  You’ll typically provide:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Residential address

Step 2: Complete Verification

Identity verification helps prevent fraud and money laundering. This usually takes a few minutes.

Step 3: Select Nigeria

Choose Nigeria as the destination country.

Step 4: Enter PalmPay Details

• PalmPay account name
• Account number
• Phone number (if required)

Step 5: Enter Transfer Amount

• Amount in GBP
• Amount recipient should receive in NGN

Review the exchange rate carefully before proceeding.

Step 6: Make Payment

Fund the transfer using:

• Debit card
• UK bank transfer
• Open Banking payment
• Credit card (where supported)

Step 7: Confirm and Send

Review the information and submit. The recipient receives a notification once funds arrive.

Step-by-Step Guide for Sending Money to OPay

The process is very similar.

Required Information

After sending, the recipient can:

• Transfer funds
• Withdraw cash
• Pay bills
• Buy airtime
• Make merchant payments

Step-by-Step Guide for Sending Money to Moniepoint

Moniepoint transfers are generally processed as standard bank transfers.

Information Required

Because Moniepoint functions as a banking service, many transfer providers treat it like any other Nigerian bank.

Comparison Table: PalmPay vs OPay vs Moniepoint

Estimated Transfer Timeline

Actual transfer times vary depending on:

• Provider
• Compliance checks
• Network availability
• Recipient verification status

How Much Does It Cost to Send Money & Exchange Rate Margin?

Costs usually consist of transfer fees.  Some providers charge flat fees, percentage fees and promotional zero-fee transfers.

The exchange rate is often where providers earn revenue. A provider may advertise low fees but recover profits through exchange rate differences.

In comparing on the cost and exchange rate margin, always compare:

• Exchange rates
• Delivery speed
• Final amount received, rather than focusing only on fees.

Common Reasons Transfers Fail

Occasionally, transfers may not be successful due to incorrect account number. A single digit error can delay payments. Also, a name mismatch can cause a transfer to be delayed. The recipient’s name should match with their registered account details.

Furthermore, incomplete verification is another major reasons why a transfer fail.  Additional identity documents may be requested. Moreso, certain transfers may undergo compliance screening before completion.

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

One of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing only on transfer fees. The cheapest way to send money to Nigeria is by using money that is in your Wise account and Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, the fairest rate and always show your fees upfront.

A provider may advertise a £0 transfer fee while offering a poor exchange rate. Another provider may charge a small fee but offer a much better exchange rate, resulting in more naira being received.

For example:

The cheapest option is usually the provider that delivers the highest amount of naira after all fees and exchange rate adjustments have been applied.

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

In many cases, transfers can arrive within minutes. However, speed depends on several factors.

Transfers may be delayed if:

• The sender is using the service for the first time
• Additional identity verification is required
• There is a mismatch in recipient information
• The transfer is flagged for compliance review
• Banking networks are temporarily unavailable

A transfer that normally arrives within minutes can occasionally take several hours if additional checks are needed.

Because of this, it is always advisable to send important payments before they become urgent.

How To Send Money to Nigeria Using Taptap Send?

Which is better for receiving money from abroad: PalmPay, OPay, or Moniepoint?

If the recipient operates a business, Moniepoint may provide greater flexibility. If the recipient mainly needs spending and transfers, PalmPay or OPay may be more convenient.

Do I need a Nigerian bank account to receive money from the UK?

Not necessarily. Many Nigerians now rely heavily on fintech platforms for their financial activities. If the chosen transfer provider supports wallet delivery, recipients may be able to receive funds directly into platforms such as PalmPay or OPay.

For Moniepoint users, the process usually works through the account number attached to the customer’s profile. The most important requirement is ensuring the recipient’s account is active, verified, and capable of receiving incoming transfers.

What happens if I send money to the wrong PalmPay, OPay, or Moniepoint account?

This is one of the most expensive mistakes a sender can make. Once funds have been successfully credited to the wrong account, reversing the transaction can be difficult and may require investigations by both the transfer provider and the receiving institution.

Before confirming any transfer:

• Verify the recipient’s name
• Verify the account number
• Confirm the platform
• Call the recipient if necessary

Taking thirty seconds to verify details can save weeks of recovery efforts.

Can Someone in the UK Send Money to My OPay Account?

Yes, someone in the UK can send money to your OPay account, provided they use an international money transfer service that supports transfers to Nigeria. In most cases, the sender does not transfer money directly through the OPay app from the UK. Instead, they use a remittance platform to send funds, which are then deposited into your OPay account.

To receive the money successfully, the sender will usually need:

• Your full name as registered on OPay
• Your OPay account number
• Your phone number (in some cases)

Once the transfer is processed, the funds are credited to your OPay account and can be used for transfers, bill payments, airtime purchases, or cash withdrawals. Once your transfer is processed from the UK, the recipient should see the funds reflected in their OPay balance immediately. However, if they run into login issues or screen freezes when checking their balance, they can follow this quick guide on how to fix OPay session timeout errors to restore access to their account.

For Nigerians living at home, OPay has become one of the most convenient ways to receive support from family members abroad because the money can be accessed immediately through the app.

How Can I Send Money from the UK to a Nigerian Bank Account?

Sending money from the UK to a Nigerian bank account is now easier than ever thanks to digital remittance services.

The process generally involves:

1. Creating an account with a money transfer provider.
2. Verifying your identity.
3. Entering the recipient’s bank details.
4. Specifying the amount to send.
5. Paying with your UK bank account or debit card.
6. Confirming the transaction.

The recipient can receive the money in virtually any Nigerian bank account, including:

• Access Bank
• GTBank
• First Bank
• Zenith Bank
• Fidelity Bank
• Moniepoint

Many transfers are completed within minutes, although first-time transfers may take longer due to identity verification requirements.

Can OPay Do International Transfers?

This is one of the most misunderstood questions. OPay itself is primarily designed for domestic financial transactions within Nigeria. While you can receive funds originating from abroad through supported remittance channels, OPay is not typically used by customers as a direct international money transfer platform in the same way people use dedicated global remittance services.

In simple terms, OPay can serve as a receiving destination for international remittances. OPay is not generally used as a standalone platform for sending money directly from Nigeria to every country in the world.

Many people confuse receiving international funds with performing international transfers. These are two different services.

Can PalmPay Receive Money Internationally?

Yes, PalmPay users can receive money sent from abroad when the transfer provider supports delivery to PalmPay accounts. The sender simply chooses the appropriate transfer method and enters the recipient’s PalmPay information.

This makes PalmPay attractive because recipients can:

• Access funds immediately
• Transfer money to other accounts
• Pay bills
• Purchase airtime
• Make merchant payments

For many Nigerians, PalmPay has become an alternative to traditional bank accounts for receiving money from family members overseas.

Does OPay Work in the UK?

No, OPay does not currently operate as a full retail banking service for UK residents. A person living in the UK generally cannot open and actively use OPay as a local UK banking account.

However, UK residents can still send money to Nigerian OPay accounts through international money transfer providers. This distinction is important because many people assume OPay has UK banking operations simply because funds can be sent into Nigerian OPay accounts.

What Is the Best App to Send Money to Nigeria from the UK?

There is no single best app for everyone. The ideal choice depends on:

• Exchange rates
• Fees
• Transfer speed
• Security
• Convenience
  

  Here Are Top App Comparison:

  App	Best For	Typical Speed	Key Features
  Sendwave	Best overall value & zero fees	Instant to minutes	Very competitive GBP to NGN exchange rates with zero transfer fees.
  LemFi (formerly Lemonade Finance)	Best for multi-currency accounts	Minutes	Offers both NGN and GBP virtual wallets, competitive rates, and direct bank transfers.
  ACE Money Transfer	Best for high exchange rates	Instant to 1 hour	Frequently offers promo rates and zero-fee introductory offers for UK-to-Nigeria transfers.
  TapTap Send	Best for fast mobile transfers	Instant	Straightforward app, zero transfer fees, and fast payout directly into Nigerian bank accounts.
  Remitly	Best for transfer speed options	Instant (Express) or 3–5 days (Economy)	Choice between instant transfers (debit/credit card) or lower-cost economy transfers.
  WorldRemit	Best for flexible payout options	Minutes	Supports direct bank deposits, airtime top-ups, and cash pickup options.
  Wise (formerly TransferWise)	Best for transparent mid-market rates	Minutes to 1 day	Uses the true mid-market exchange rate with a small, transparent upfront fee.

A good international money transfer app should provide:

• Competitive exchange rates
• Transparent fees
• Fast delivery
• Reliable customer support
• Strong security measures

Before choosing an app, compare how much naira the recipient will actually receive after fees and exchange rate conversions.

Which Nigerian Bank Has Branches in the UK?

Many Nigerians assume local Nigerian banks operate traditional branch networks across the United Kingdom. In reality, only a limited number maintain significant international operations like Fidelity Bank Plc which its UK branch name is FidBank UK Limited.  When choosing an institution for international banking, it is often more important to focus on: international transfer capabilities, foreign currency services and global payment infrastructure, rather than physical UK branch presence.

Most modern transfers can now be completed digitally without ever visiting a branch.

Which Countries Does OPay Work In?

OPay’s strongest presence remains in Nigeria. However, OPay actively operates consumer and merchant financial services across three main countries:

1. Nigeria: Its largest and core primary market, offering digital wallets, POS terminals, debit cards, savings, and peer-to-peer transfers.

2. Egypt: Serves as a regional hub focusing on payment gateway infrastructure (OPay Checkout), Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), and prepaid card services.

3. Pakistan: Offers digital wallets, POS payment solutions, and merchant acquiring services.

Corporate & Regional Hubs

While consumer banking services are centered in Nigeria, Egypt, and Pakistan, OPay maintains corporate, technical, or regulatory support offices in other jurisdictions:

• Singapore (Global Headquarters)

• Indonesia

• United Kingdom

However, international remittances can originate from several countries and be delivered into Nigerian OPay accounts through partnered transfer services.

The important thing to understand is that support for sending countries depends on the remittance provider being used, not solely on OPay itself.

(Note: Having a corporate office in a country does not mean retail digital banking is available to everyday consumers there).

Which Bank in Nigeria Allows International Transactions?

Most major Nigerian banks support international transactions, especially for receiving money from abroad. Examples include:

• GTBank
• Zenith Bank
• Access Bank
• UBA
• First Bank
• Fidelity Bank
• Stanbic IBTC

These banks generally provide:

• Foreign remittance services
• Dollar accounts
• International card services
• Cross-border payment support

Can OPay Receive Dollars?

This question requires clarification. Generally, recipients do not receive spendable US dollar balances directly in a typical OPay account. Instead, international remittances are usually processed and reflected according to applicable settlement arrangements and currency conversion requirements. The recipient ultimately receives value that can be used within the Nigerian financial ecosystem.

Always check current regulatory requirements and transfer provider conditions because currency settlement rules can change.

What Is the Easiest Way to Send Money to Someone Internationally?

The easiest way to send money internationally is through specialized digital money transfer platforms (such as Wise, Remitly, or Revolut), which allow you to complete transfers entirely online or via a mobile app within minutes without visiting a physical bank branch.

Comparison of International Transfer Methods

The easiest method is usually an online transfer platform because it allows you to:

• Register remotely
• Verify identity digitally
• Send money without visiting a branch
• Track transactions online

The entire process can often be completed within minutes from a smartphone.

What Is the Cheapest Way of Transferring Money Internationally?

The cheapest way to send money internationally depends on two core factors: how much you are sending and how you fund the transfer.

The total cost of a transfer always consists of two parts: the upfront fee and the exchange rate markup (spread). A provider offering “zero transfer fees” often builds a 2% to 4% margin directly into a reduced exchange rate.

The Cheapest Options by Scenario

1. For Small-to-Medium Transfers (Under $5,000 / £4,000)

• Top Choice: Wise

• Why: Wise uses the true mid-market rate (the real rate shown on Google) with zero exchange rate markups. They charge a transparent upfront percentage fee (typically between 0.4% and 1% depending on the currency pair).

• Alternative: Revolut (offers fee-free currency exchange up to monthly limits on standard plans, though weekend rate markups apply).

2. For Large Transfers ($5,000+ / £4,000+)

• Top Choice: OFX or XE

• Why: For large sums (such as buying overseas property or business payments), percentage fees can grow expensive. Foreign exchange brokers like OFX offer $0 transfer fees and negotiate much tighter FX rate spreads for large volumes.

3. For Migrant Remittances & Family Support (Cash / Mobile Money)

• Top Choice: Remitly (Economy Tier), Sendwave, or LemFi

• Why: Specialized remittance platforms waive transfer fees on “Economy” delivery speeds and deposit funds directly into local mobile money wallets (e.g., M-Pesa, OPay) or offer local cash pickups.

4 Steps to Get the Lowest Cost Transfer

1. Fund with a Bank Transfer (ACH or Direct Debit): Avoid paying with a credit card or debit card. Credit card funding incurs processing surcharges from the app, plus credit card issuers treat transfers as high-interest cash advances.

2. Calculate Total Delivered Payout: Ignore advertised “zero fee” claims. Multiply your sending amount by the exchange rate offered to check the exact amount delivered in local currency.

3. Opt for Standard / Economy Speed: “Express” or instant transfers usually carry higher fees or slightly lower exchange rates. Choose 1–3 business day bank delivery when speed is not critical.

4. Use Independent Rate Comparison Engines: Check live rates across engines like Monito or CompareRemit before sending, as rates fluctuate daily.

Which App Can I Use to Send Money to Any Country?

While no single app can reach literally every single country due to global banking sanctions and local regulations, Western Union and Wise cover the largest global footprints for everyday transfers:

1. Western Union: Best for Universal Geographic Reach

• Coverage: Connects over 200 countries and territories.

• Best Used For: Sending money to virtually any destination, including remote regions where recipients do not have a formal bank account.

• Payout Methods: Direct bank deposits, mobile money wallets, and physical cash pickup at hundreds of thousands of global agent locations.

2. Wise: Best for Low Fees & Mid-Market Exchange Rates

• Coverage: Supports sending money to 140+ countries across 40+ currencies.

• Best Used For: Transparent bank-to-bank transfers without hidden exchange rate markups.

• Key Feature: Provides the true mid-market exchange rate with a clear, upfront conversion fee.

3. Remitly: Best for Remittances & Mobile Wallets

• Coverage: Serves over 170 countries.

• Best Used For: Migrants sending funds home to family via bank deposit, mobile wallet (e.g., OPay, M-Pesa), or cash pickup.

My Quick Recommendation As a Bank Operation Staff:

• To send to almost anywhere (including cash pickup): Download Western Union.

• To get the cheapest rates into bank accounts: Download Wise.

The best apps for global transfers are those that support multiple countries and currencies. When evaluating an app, consider:

• Global coverage
• Exchange rates
• Transfer limits
• Compliance requirements
• Customer support

The broader the international network, the easier it becomes to send money worldwide.

How Can I Send Money to Other Countries?

International transfers generally follow the same process:

1. Select destination country.
2. Enter recipient information.
3. Choose transfer amount.
4. Select payment method.
5. Confirm transaction.

Different countries may have different regulatory requirements, but the overall process remains largely similar.

Which App Can I Use to Receive Money Worldwide?

No single app works perfectly in every country.

The best receiving platform depends on:

• Country of residence
• Regulatory environment
• Available payment networks
• Supported currencies

For Nigerians, popular receiving options include traditional bank accounts, PalmPay, OPay, and Moniepoint.

Can OPay Receive Money from Foreign Countries?

Yes, OPay users can receive money that originates from foreign countries when the sender uses a supported international transfer service. The funds are delivered into the recipient’s OPay account after the transfer has been processed. This is one reason OPay has become popular among Nigerians who regularly receive support from family members abroad.

Is OPay Recognized Internationally?

OPay has gained significant recognition within the African fintech industry due to its large customer base and growing digital payment ecosystem. If you are asking whether foreign companies, investors, and money transfer platforms recognize OPay, the answer is yes. However, if you are asking whether an OPay account functions like a multi-currency global bank account for everyday spending overseas, the answer is no, it operates primarily as a localized digital wallet within its operating markets.

While its strongest operations remain within Nigeria, the brand has become increasingly known among international remittance providers and users who send money to Nigeria.

How OPay Is Recognized Globally

• Investor & Industry Standing: Backed by major global venture capital firms (including SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Sequoia Capital China, and Dragonea), OPay achieved “unicorn status” with a valuation exceeding $2 billion.

• Global Payment Gateways: International Payment Service Providers (PSPs) like Adyen, Stripe, and Checkout.com integrate OPay. This allows global e-commerce merchants to accept payments from OPay users in markets like Nigeria, Egypt, and Pakistan.

• Inbound Remittances: International money transfer apps (such as Remitly, WorldRemit, ACE Money Transfer, and LemFi) integrate directly with OPay, allowing migrants in the UK, US, or Europe to send money straight to an OPay wallet in Nigeria or Pakistan.

Limitations on International Use

• Not a Global Bank Account: An OPay account opened in Nigeria cannot be used as a local bank account in Western countries (e.g., you cannot receive a direct UK BACS payment or a domestic US ACH transfer into an OPay account).

• Card Restrictions: OPay debit cards (Verve or Mastercard issued in Nigeria) are primarily tied to local central bank policies. They generally do not support international POS or ATM transactions abroad unless explicit cross-border functionality is supported under current FX rules.

From a recipient’s perspective, this recognition has helped expand compatibility with various remittance channels.

Which Country Owns the OPay App?

This question is frequently searched because people want to know who is behind the platform. The OPay app is owned by China-backed Opera Limited, with its global headquarters incorporated in Singapore and its primary operating market in Nigeria.

Can someone send money directly from the UK to PalmPay, OPay, or Moniepoint?

Many people assume they need a traditional bank account before receiving international transfers in Nigeria. In reality, recipients can receive funds through digital financial platforms such as PalmPay and OPay, while Moniepoint users can receive funds through their account number just like a conventional bank account.

The actual process depends on the money transfer provider being used in the UK. The sender normally initiates the transfer through a remittance service, enters the recipient’s details, and chooses the appropriate payout method. The money is then delivered to the recipient’s PalmPay, OPay, or Moniepoint account.

The key point is that UK senders do not need the recipient to visit a physical bank branch before receiving funds.

Is It Safe to Send Money to PalmPay, OPay, and Moniepoint?

Generally, yes. But to improve security, double-check recipient details, use licensed transfer providers (like the ones listed above), enable two-factor authentication, never share verification codes or OTPs with anyone, avoid public Wi-Fi when sending money and finally keep your banking credentials private.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money directly from a UK bank account to PalmPay?

Yes. Many international transfer providers allow funding from a UK bank account before delivering funds to a recipient’s PalmPay account.

Can I send money to OPay from the UK?

Yes. OPay recipients can receive money through approved international money transfer services that support wallet or account delivery.

How can I send money from the UK to Nigeria instantly?

Using a reputable digital remittance provider and sending to a verified PalmPay, OPay, or Moniepoint account can allow funds to arrive within minutes, depending on verification requirements and network availability.

Can PalmPay receive international transfers?

Yes. International transfers can be received when supported by the remittance provider being used by the sender.

Can OPay receive money from the UK?

Yes. OPay users can receive funds from abroad through supported international money transfer services.

Can Moniepoint receive money from abroad?

Yes. Moniepoint accounts can receive international remittances through providers that support transfers to Nigerian bank accounts.

What information do I need to send money to Nigeria?

You typically need:

• Recipient name
• Account number
• Phone number
• Transfer amount
• Payment method

Is Moniepoint a bank account or wallet?

Moniepoint functions more like a banking platform with account numbers and business-focused banking services.

How long does it take for a recipient to receive money?

Most transfers arrive within minutes, although compliance reviews and verification checks may extend processing times.

Which platform is best for receiving remittances?

It depends on the recipient’s needs:

• PalmPay is excellent for personal use.
• OPay is ideal for everyday transactions.
• Moniepoint is particularly strong for business users.

Final Thoughts

Sending money from the UK to Nigeria is no longer complicated. Whether your recipient uses PalmPay, OPay, or Moniepoint, modern financial technology has made remittances faster, more convenient, and more accessible than ever before.

The key is choosing a reputable transfer provider, verifying recipient details carefully, and comparing exchange rates before confirming the transaction. When done correctly, funds can move from the UK to Nigeria in a matter of minutes, helping families, businesses, and communities stay connected across borders.