Cheapest Ways to Send Money from UK to Nigeria in 2025(Updated)

Sending money from the UK to Nigeria doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right money transfer platform, you can avoid bank markups of up to 6% and save thousands of naira on every transaction. This 2025 guide breaks down the cheapest, fastest, and most reliable options for sending pounds to naira — backed by real exchange data and transparent fee comparisons.

Why Avoid Traditional Banks

Traditional UK banks charge between 3%–6% in total costs through hidden markups and fixed fees. For example, sending £1,000 via a traditional bank can cost you £30–£60 more compared to digital transfer platforms.

Online money transfer services like Africhange, Remitly, and Sendwave offer transparent pricing, mid-market rates, and near-instant delivery to Nigerian bank accounts.

Top 5 Cheapest Ways to Send Money from the UK to Nigeria

1. Africhange (Best Overall for Instant Transfers)

Africhange offers zero transfer fees, instant delivery, and competitive exchange rates that often beat the market.  It has become one of the most popular UK-to-Nigeria money transfer apps for speed and transparency.

Key Features:

• Zero transfer fees — no hidden costs

• Instant transfers (less than 1 minute)

• Transparent exchange rates — what you see is what you get

• Student Advantage Program for discounted student transfers

• Referral rewards — earn £20 for every friend who sends £100+

• Licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as an IMTO

  Best for: Instant, fee-free transfers to Nigeria

   

  2. Remitly (Most Popular Among UK Users)

  Remitly ranked the cheapest provider in 39.7% of UK–Nigeria transfer searches in 2025.
  
  It offers two main options:

Key Features:

5. Western Union (Best for Cash Pickups)

Western Union remains a trusted option with 150+ million users worldwide, ideal for receivers without bank accounts.

Key Features:

• Extensive agent network across Nigeria

• Multiple payment methods (bank transfer, debit/credit card)

• Instant cash pickup

• Highly regulated and reliable

  Best for: Cash pickups and multi-channel payment options

Cost Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Service 

Compare Total Costs: Always check both transfer fees and exchange rates. A "free" transfer with a poor exchange rate may cost more than a small fee with better rates. 

Consider Delivery Speed: Express transfers cost more but arrive within minutes. Economy options take 1-5 days but save money. 

Check Delivery Methods: Ensure your chosen provider supports your recipient's preferred method—bank deposit, cash pickup, or mobile wallet. 

Use Comparison Tools: Visit nairaCompare's money transfer comparison tool to compare real-time rates across multiple providers before sending. 

Money-Saving Tips for 2025

Time Your Transfers: The GBP/NGN exchange rate fluctuates daily. Over the last 7 days, the GBP to NGN rate averaged 1,950.90 with a high of 1,966.64 and a low of 1,942.98. Monitor rates and transfer when favorable. 

Send Larger Amounts Less Often: Fixed fees have less impact on larger transfers, making bulk transfers more economical than frequent small amounts. 

Choose Bank Transfers: Bank-funded transfers typically offer better rates than debit or credit card payments, though they take longer to process. 

Safety and Regulation

All listed providers are fully licensed and regulated:

Your funds are protected by bank-level encryption, fraud monitoring, and verified compliance standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the current GBP to NGN exchange rate? 

As of October 2025, the mid-market rate is approximately 1,942-1,957 NGN per GBP. Always compare provider rates against this benchmark. 

Q: How long do transfers take? 

Express services deliver within minutes to hours, while economy options take 1-5 business days, depending on the provider and payment method. 

Q: Are these services safe? 

Yes. All mentioned providers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and relevant Nigerian authorities, ensuring your money is protected. 

Conclusion 

The cheapest way to send money from the UK to Nigeria depends on your priorities—speed, delivery method, and transfer amount.

Africhange leads with zero fees and instant transfers, while alternatives like Remitly and Sendwave offer competitive options. Start by comparing your options on nairaCompare's send money tool to ensure you get the best rates and save money on every transfer in 2025.