How to send money without a bank account in Nigeria

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From market traders in Lagos to freelancers in Port Harcourt, an increasing number of Nigerians are turning to fintech wallets, Point of Sale (POS ) agents, and mobile money services for fast and secure transfers. Limited access to banking services, frequent app downtimes, and high transaction fees have made traditional banks less convenient for many people.

Thanks to mobile apps and agent networks, sending money has become as easy as using your phone number. Whether you’re paying a family member, buying goods, or funding a small business, there are now several safe and verified alternatives that don’t require a bank account.

This guide explains why you might need to send money without a bank account and walks you through the most reliable ways to do it safely in Nigeria.

Why you might need to send money without a bank account

There are millions of Nigerians today who are unbanked or underbanked, meaning they have little or no access to traditional banking. But even those with accounts often face delays, app downtime, or transfer limits.

Here are some common reasons you might need to send money without using a bank:

• Limited banking access: Rural areas often lack reliable bank branches or ATMs.
  
• App or network failures: Bank apps frequently go down, delaying urgent transfers.
  
• Convenience: Fintech wallets and POS agents process transactions instantly.
  
• No paperwork required: You can register and start sending money using just your phone number.
  
• Helping others: It’s easier to send funds to traders, artisans, or dependents who don’t have accounts.
  

The good news is that new fintech and mobile payment systems make it easy, fast, and secure to transfer money anytime, anywhere in Nigeria.

How to send money without a bank account in Nigeria

Below are the most practical and verified methods for sending money without a traditional bank account. These options are grouped into three categories: mobile and fintech-based methods, physical and hybrid options, and digital asset or alternative tools.

A. Mobile and fintech-based methods

This category includes apps and mobile wallets that work entirely online. They provide Nigerians with the simplest way to send and receive money, eliminating the need to visit a bank. All you need is a smartphone, a data connection, and a verified account.

These fintech platforms, such as OPay, PalmPay, Moniepoint, and Paga, allow you to create a digital wallet, deposit cash, and send funds instantly to another wallet or phone number. Most offer 24/7 transfers and low transaction fees.

1. Mobile wallet apps

Mobile wallet apps have become one of the most popular ways to send and receive money in Nigeria. With just your phone number, you can open an account, add funds, and transfer money instantly. You can fund your wallet through a POS agent, debit card, or cash deposit, and the recipient will receive the funds directly in their wallet.

How to use:

1. Download a wallet app like OPay, PalmPay, or Moniepoint.
   
2. Register using your phone number or NIN.
   
3. Fund your wallet via an agent or debit card.
   
4. Send money to another wallet or phone number.

Pros: Fast, 24/7 transfers, cashback rewards.
Cons: Requires a smartphone and internet access.

Read more: Top 7 digital banks in Nigeria

B. Physical and hybrid options

This group covers offline or semi-digital methods that combine cash handling with simple tech tools. These options are ideal for people who don’t use smartphones, live in rural areas, or prefer in-person services.

They include POS agents, mobile money centres, and international cash pickup points that enable sending or receiving funds without a traditional account.

2. POS and agent banking services

POS agents are available in nearly every neighbourhood in Nigeria, from city centres to rural towns. You can visit a POS kiosk, hand over cash, and the agent will transfer it to the recipient’s wallet or phone number. Both sender and receiver get instant confirmation via SMS.

How to use:

1. Locate a nearby POS agent (Moniepoint, OPay, Firstmonie).
   
2. Provide recipient details and the transfer amount.
   
3. Pay cash; the agent processes the transfer.
   
4. The recipient gets a confirmation text.
   

Pros: Convenient, easy, and widely available.
Cons: Agent fees apply; not all areas have network coverage.

See more: How to get a POS terminal machine for your business in Nigeria

3. Remittance pickup points

If you’re sending or receiving money from abroad, international remittance services are a secure option. Recipients in Nigeria don’t need a bank account; they can collect funds in cash at partner branches or fintech agents.

How to use:

1. The sender initiates a transfer abroad via Western Union.
   
2. The recipient receives a tracking number, Money Transfer Control Number(MTCN).
   
3. Visit a nearby agent location with a valid ID (e.g., NIN or voter’s card).
   
4. Collect the funds in cash, in Naira or USD.
   

Pros: Trusted and ideal for cross-border transfers.
Cons: Exchange rate differences and small service fees may apply.

See more: Western Union teams up with MFS Africa to enable cross-border mobile money transfers in Africa

C. Digital asset and alternative tools

This category includes modern money transfer tools that go beyond cash or fintech apps. They’re perfect for people who prefer digital assets or prepaid options offering privacy, speed, and flexibility. These include crypto wallets for global transfers and prepaid debit or gift cards for digital payments.

4. Crypto wallets (e.g., Binance, Bybit)

Cryptocurrency is another fast-growing way for Nigerians to send and receive money without banks. Using crypto wallets, you can send money anywhere in the world within minutes, and recipients can convert it to Naira through P2P (peer-to-peer) platforms.

How to use:

1. Create a wallet on Binance or Bybit Pay.
   
2. Buy or receive crypto (like USDT or Bitcoin).
   
3. Send funds via the wallet address or QR code.
   
4. Convert crypto to Naira using verified P2P traders.
   

Pros: Instant, borderless, and low-fee transfers.
Cons: Price volatility and the need for caution when always using verified exchanges.

Related article: Nigeria’s crypto builders chart four pillars for the next chapter in Africa

5. Prepaid debit cards and gift cards

If you want to send controlled amounts or digital gifts, prepaid cards and gift cards are a convenient option. These platforms let you load money onto a virtual or physical card and share the card details or gift code with the recipient. They can use it for online purchases or cash out through fintech apps.

How to use:

1. Buy a prepaid or virtual card on Mastercard or Jumia vouchers.
   
2. Load it with cash or a wallet balance.
   
3. Share the card or voucher code with the recipient.
   
4. The recipient uses or redeems it online.
   

Pros: Ideal for gifting or budgeting purposes.
Cons: Limited for large cash transfers and may attract small fees.

Safety tips for sending money without a bank account

Before you use any of these platforms, keep these security practices in mind:

• Use only verified fintech apps, such as those available on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
  
• Double-check agent credentials and keep receipts after every transaction.
  
• Never share your PIN, password, or OTP with anyone.
  
• Confirm the recipient’s phone number or wallet ID before sending.
  
• Avoid offers that sound “too good to be true,” especially with crypto or gift cards.
  
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for all apps and wallets.

Remember: Convenience should never come at the cost of security. Stick to trusted and licensed providers when sending money without a bank account.

You no longer need a bank app or debit card to send money in Nigeria. Whether you use a mobile wallet, POS agent, crypto wallet, or prepaid card, these tools make transfers faster, easier, and more accessible, even in areas without traditional banks.

Pick the method that suits your needs:

• Mobile wallets for daily convenience,
  
• POS agents for quick cash transfers,
  
• Remittance and crypto for international payments, or
  
• Prepaid cards for flexible gifting.
  

In today’s Nigeria, your phone is your bank, and sending money has never been this simple.

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