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How to Receive USD, GBP, or EUR in Nigeria Without a Domiciliary Account

Author Eyitemi Efole

Struggling to receive foreign payments without a domiciliary account? You're not alone. Whether you're freelancing, running a remote business, or getting money from abroad, needing a domiciliary account in Nigeria can be a big hassle.

 

But here’s the good news—you can now receive USD, GBP, and EUR in Nigeria without a domiciliary account. In this guide, we will explain the best platforms and services that help you do this easily and often at lower costs.

International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs)

These apps focus on sending money across borders quickly, often directly to Nigerian bank accounts or via cash pickup—no domiciliary account needed.

1. Remitly

Remitly is known for:

 - Fast transfers

-  Competitive rates

-  Payout options like bank deposits or cash pickup

You can receive money in minutes, though fees vary based on speed and location.

2. Taptap Send

Taptap Send is designed for sending money to Africa with:

- No hidden fees

- Fast delivery to Nigerian bank accounts

- Focus on small remittances

Note: Only certain countries and currencies are supported for sending.

3. Nala

Nala is mobile-first and ideal for users who want to:

- Send from the UK, US, or EU

- Receive into a Nigerian bank account

- Track transfers easily

Built for the diaspora, Nala is intuitive and fast.

4. Lemfi

Lemfi supports transfers from multiple countries and enables:

- Instant delivery to Nigerian bank accounts

- Competitive exchange rates

- Cash pickup options at select Nigerian banks

You can also use nairaCompare to compare Lemfi’s rate with other providers.

5. Sendwave

Sendwave focuses on zero-fee transfers to Nigeria:

- Send from the UK, US, and EU

- Receive directly to your Nigerian bank

- Simple app interface and instant delivery

It’s one of the fastest tools out there for small to medium remittances.

6. SendApp

SendApp is another rising IMTO with:

- Quick transfers

- Clean mobile UI

- Affordable fees for sending money home

It’s ideal for anyone who wants a fast, no-fuss way to send and receive money internationally.

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Online Payment Platforms

These platforms let you create virtual bank accounts in USD, GBP, or EUR, receive payments, and convert or withdraw directly to your Nigerian Naira account—no dom account required.

1. Geegpay

Geegpay offers virtual multi-currency accounts for USD, GBP, and EUR. Perfect for freelancers and remote workers, it provides:

- Free account setup

- Competitive exchange rates

- Free local withdrawals to Naira accounts

A virtual dollar card for international subscriptions and payments. You can invoice clients globally and receive payments directly into your Geegpay wallet.

 

2. Grey

Grey gives you virtual foreign accounts (USD, GBP, EUR) that are ideal for receiving global payments. The platform also offers:-

- User-friendly mobile and web apps

- Instant currency conversion

- Direct withdrawals to Nigerian banks

A fee may apply for currency exchange, but Grey is fast, reliable, and made for Africans in global business.

3. Payoneer

Payoneer is a globally trusted platform that supports:

- USD, GBP, and EUR account details

- Global acceptance (ideal for platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Amazon)

- Prepaid Mastercard for spending

Downside? Transaction and withdrawal fees can stack up, but it's super reliable for regular inflows.

4. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise is known for its transparent exchange rates and low conversion fees. Benefits include:

- Virtual multi-currency accounts

- Direct bank-to-bank transfers

- Mid-market exchange rates with no hidden fees

Note: You can’t withdraw directly to a Nigerian bank, but Wise is great for receiving funds into your foreign account and transferring to a supported third party.

5. Eversend

With Eversend, you can manage multi-currency wallets and:

- Send and receive international transfers

- Get a virtual dollar card

- Convert and withdraw funds to your Nigerian bank

It’s an all-in-one neobank designed for cross-border Africans.

6. Sendcash

Built by BuyCoins, Sendcash lets you receive foreign payments via a simple payment link.

- Great for freelancers or casual transactions

- Easy interface

- Fast payouts to Nigerian bank accounts

Heads up: There might be daily receiving limits, so it’s better suited for small to mid-size transfers.

Traditional Methods

 

Bank Transfers

Yes, foreign bank transfers to Naira accounts are still possible, though they:

- Get converted at the official bank rate

- May come with delays or restrictions

-Lack of transparency in fees and exchange rates

Still, it’s a last-resort option if your sender can’t use modern platforms.

Cash Pickup Services

Many banks, like Zenith Bank and GTB, offer cash pickup for foreign currency via platforms like Lemfi. Here’s what you need:

- A valid ID

- The Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN)

- Your full name as used in the transaction

Payouts are usually in USD, and you don’t need an account with the bank.

 

Other Alternatives

Gift Cards

When all else fails, some people receive gift cards and convert them to Naira using platforms like:

Platform

Supported Cards

Payment Method

Typical Rate (USD to NGN)

Cardtonic

Amazon, Steam, iTunes, etc.

Bank transfer

950 – 1,050 NGN

Useful for quick, informal payments—just be cautious about fraud.

Payment Gateways (Business Accounts)

Platforms like PayPal allow business accounts in Nigeria to receive international payments, but:

- It’s not supported for personal use

- Funds can’t be withdrawn to Nigerian bank accounts directly

- You may need to use intermediaries to access your money

It works, but it’s far from seamless.

 

Conclusion

You no longer need a domiciliary account to receive USD, GBP, or EUR in Nigeria. From virtual foreign accounts (Geegpay, Grey, Payoneer) to instant transfer apps (Lemfi, Nala, Sendwave), there are dozens of modern, efficient alternatives available.

Here’s what to consider before choosing one:

- Fees: Are they fixed or percentage-based?

- Exchange Rate: Use nairaCompare’s Send Money tool to check rates in real time

- Transfer Speed: Need it fast, or can it wait a few days?

- Ease of Withdrawal: Can you easily move funds to your Nigerian bank?

💡 Want to check the best exchange rate before receiving money? Use nairaCompare’s Send Money tool to compare transfer rates from different providers in real time. You can also convert currencies with the nairaCompare Currency Converter.

 

About Author

Eyitemi Efole

Eyitemi Efole is an aspiring marketer with a growing interest in brand management, strategy, and operations. Currently at nairaCompare, she contributes to campaign execution, public relations, and customer engagement to enhance brand awareness and growth. With experience in finance and insurance, Eyitemi is developing her skills in strategic planning, digital marketing, and team collaboration, aiming to help brands build credibility and connect with their audience.

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