Updated: January 2026
Why Choosing the Right Remittance Service Matters
Sending money home shouldn’t cost you a fortune. Fees, exchange rates, and delivery speeds vary widely — even small differences can add up when you’re sending regularly to Nigeria. The best service delivers more Naira in your loved one’s bank account or wallet, with transparent costs and reliable speed.
This page compares Wise, Remitly, and Western Union — three of the most popular services in 2026 — so you can decide what’s fastest, cheapest, and most reliable for your needs.
We update this page monthly with live exchange rates and current fees to keep you on top of the best options.
Comparison at a Glance (UK & US to Nigeria)
Note: Fees and exchange rates fluctuate frequently; this snapshot should be updated monthly for accuracy.
| Provider | GBP → NGN | USD → NGN | Typical Fees | Transfer Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | ₦1,950 | ₦1,620 | ~0.6%–0.9% (transparent) | 1–2 business days | Lowest total cost |
| Remitly | ₦1,900 | ₦1,580 | Low / promo-free options | Minutes (Express) – 3 days | Speed & flexibility |
| Western Union | ₦1,820 | ₦1,500 | Variable (method-dependent) | Minutes – 2 days | Cash pickup |
1. Wise — Best for Transparency & Lowest Total Cost
Overview: Wise offers some of the most transparent pricing, using the mid‑market exchange rate with fees displayed upfront.
Why Choose Wise
- Accurate pricing: You see the exact fee & rate before you send.
- Competitive exchange rates: Close to real‑market rate with no hidden markups.
- Predictable: Ideal for regular transfers where total cost matters.
Typical Performance
- Exchange Rate: Mid‑market with no hidden markup.
- Fees: Low and transparent; sometimes zero for promotional offers.
- Speed: ~1–2 business days.
Best For: Everyday remittances, predictable costs, budgeting monthly transfers.
2. Remitly — Fast & Flexible Transfers
Overview: Remitly offers competitive rates and delivery speed options, including Express (minutes) and Economy (cheaper, slower).
Why Choose Remitly
- Fast option available: Express transfers can arrive in minutes — helpful in emergencies.
- Low visible fees: Often lower than traditional banks; sometimes free promos for first transfers.
- Varied delivery choices: Bank deposit, mobile wallet, cash pickup depending on country.
Typical Performance
- Exchange Rate: Small markup compared to mid‑market.
- Fees: Low; promotional zero‑fee offers possible.
- Speed: Minutes (Express) to 3+ days (Economy).
Best For: Urgent transfers, flexibility in delivery options.
3. Western Union — Wide Reach & Cash Pickup
Overview: A legacy service with global coverage and options for online transfers, agent locations, and cash pickup.
Why Choose Western Union
- Huge agent network: Great when recipients need in‑person cash pickup in Nigeria.
- Multiple send/receive methods: Online, app, agent, cash option.
- Speed: Often near‑instant or same day depending on payout method.
Typical Performance
- Exchange Rate: Markup above mid‑market; varies by send/receive method.
- Fees: Variable – depends on region, payment method, and payout type.
- Speed: Minutes to 2 days.
Best For: Cash pickup needs, diverse send options, wide global reach.
How This Comparison Is Kept Up to Date
To ensure this guide remains accurate and useful, we review and update it every month using:
- Current exchange rates for GBP→NGN and USD→NGN
- Published fees and pricing from each provider
- Typical delivery speeds based on provider data and user experience
Because rates and fees change frequently, we encourage readers to always check final amounts before sending.
How to Choose the Right Service
Quick decision guide
- You send regularly and care about cost: Wise.
- You need money delivered quickly: Remitly (Express) or Western Union (cash pickup).
- Recipient lacks bank access: Western Union or Remitly mobile wallet/cash pickup.
Cedar Equities: Smart Use of Remittances
Did you know? Many Nigerians in the diaspora send billions home annually — and choosing the right remittance service can free up thousands in savings.
At Cedar Equities, we help you invest your remitted funds into secure Nigerian real estate and portfolio services that preserve and grow your wealth.
Explore Cedar Equities Services
[Link to your service page]
Monthly Update & Disclaimer
Exchange rates and fees change daily based on markets, provider pricing, and regulatory shifts. We aim to update this page every month to reflect the current landscape with fresh data
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