Because banks shouldn't hide your money in spreads.
We expose the real cost of every transfer — the spread, the fees, the delivery time — and rank providers by what actually lands in your recipient's account. No sponsored ordering. Ever.
Sending $1,000 to Nigeria
Hover any card to see exactly what it costs you.
7-Day Exchange Rate History
vs Traditional Banks
You save up to $75
on a EUR 1,000 transfer
Wise
BEST RATEBank of America
+5% markup + $35 wire fee
Wells Fargo
+4.5% markup + $25 wire fee
Sending money from France to Nigeria is straightforward once you know where the hidden costs sit. Digital providers like Wise, Remitly, and WorldRemit consistently beat French banks by 3–8% on exchange rates, putting significantly more Naira in your recipient's hands. This guide walks you through every step, from choosing a provider to timing your transfer for the best rate.
Our verdict: Use Wise or Remitly instead of your French bank — the exchange rate difference alone typically saves €20–€60 per transfer, and both deliver directly to Access Bank and Zenith Bank accounts in Nigeria.
Who Uses This Route — and Why It Matters
The EUR to NGN corridor is one of the busiest remittance lanes in Europe. Nigerian diaspora communities in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille send money home regularly — for school fees, family support, business capital, and property payments. If you're sending for the first time, the process looks simple but hides real costs in exchange rates and fees. This guide walks you through each step so you keep more Naira in the recipient's hands.
Step 1: Understand What You're Actually Paying
Before you pick a provider, learn to read the true cost of a transfer. Every service charges in two ways: a flat transfer fee (sometimes zero) and an exchange rate markup — the gap between the mid-market rate and what you actually receive. Most traditional banks in France hide 4–8% inside the rate and charge a wire fee on top. That combination can quietly cost €40–€80 on a €500 transfer.
Digital providers like Wise, Remitly, Revolut, and WorldRemit publish their exchange rates transparently. Use each provider's online calculator and enter the same EUR amount. Compare the NGN your recipient receives — not just the fee line — because a "zero fee" provider often recoups it through a worse rate.
Step 2: Know Nigeria's Exchange Rate Landscape Before You Send
This step is critical and specific to Nigeria. The Naira operates under a dual exchange rate system: the official NAFEX rate set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the parallel (black) market rate, which can differ by 10–25% depending on market conditions. Reputable international providers always use the official CBN/NAFEX rate — they are legally required to. Nigeria imposes no tax on inbound remittances, which is good news for your recipient, but the gap between the NAFEX and parallel market rates is significant enough that you should always confirm in writing which rate your chosen provider applies before confirming the transfer.
Step 3: Choose a Digital Provider Over Your Bank
For the EUR to NGN corridor, digital providers consistently beat traditional French banks by 3–8% on the effective exchange rate. Here is how to evaluate your options:
- Wise — Uses the mid-market rate with a small transparent percentage fee. Best for larger amounts where rate accuracy matters most.
- Remitly — Offers two transfer tiers: Express (minutes, higher fee) and Economy (3–5 business days, lower fee). Reliable for regular family support payments.
- WorldRemit — Strong Nigerian network coverage, good for recipients in smaller cities outside Lagos.
- Revolut — Competitive during weekday trading hours; avoid weekend transfers when Revolut applies a rate markup of around 0.5–1%.
Set up an account with your chosen provider, verify your identity with a valid French ID or passport, and link your French bank account or debit card as the funding source. Verification typically takes 10–30 minutes for first-time users.
Step 4: Enter Your Recipient's Bank Details Correctly
Nigerian bank account details require the account number (10 digits) and the bank name. Most major digital providers support direct delivery to the two largest retail banks in Nigeria — Access Bank and Zenith Bank — both of which have extensive ATM networks and mobile apps your recipient can use immediately upon arrival of funds. Double-check the account number digit by digit; a single error can delay your transfer by several business days while the provider investigates.
Step 5: Choose Your Transfer Speed
Use the instant or Express option when your recipient needs funds urgently — medical emergencies, rent deadlines, time-sensitive business payments. These typically arrive within minutes to a few hours and cost a small premium. Use the Economy or Standard option for regular, planned transfers like monthly family allowances; the rate is slightly better and the 1–3 business day delay rarely matters in predictable situations.
Step 6: Time Your Transfer and Set Rate Alerts
Exchange rates move daily. The EUR/NGN rate is most favorable during London and European market hours — roughly 09:00 to 17:00 CET on weekdays. Avoid transferring late Friday afternoon through Sunday, when liquidity drops and some providers widen their spread. Most providers, including Remitly and Wise, let you set a rate alert — enter your target NGN rate and receive a notification when the market hits it. For transfers above €1,000, waiting even 24–48 hours for a favorable rate can add thousands of Naira to what your recipient receives.
- Set rate alerts at least 3–5% above the current rate to catch meaningful movements.
- Transfers under €500 are rarely worth timing — just send immediately.
- Keep your transfer receipts; your recipient may need a reference number if funds don't arrive within the stated window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best EUR to NGN exchange rate?
The best rate comes from digital providers like Wise, which use the mid-market rate with a small transparent fee rather than a hidden markup. Always compare the NGN amount your recipient actually receives — not just the listed fee — across at least two providers before sending.
How long does it take to send money from France to Nigeria?
Express transfers via Remitly or WorldRemit typically arrive in minutes to a few hours. Economy or Standard transfers take 1–3 business days and usually offer a slightly better rate, making them ideal for planned, non-urgent payments.
What are the fees for sending money from France to Nigeria?
Fees vary by provider and transfer size, but digital providers typically charge 0.5–2% of the transfer amount, often with no flat fee on larger amounts. Traditional French banks can cost 4–8% once you factor in both the wire fee and the exchange rate markup.
Is it safe to use online money transfer services?
Yes — regulated providers like Wise, Remitly, Revolut, and WorldRemit are licensed by financial authorities in France and the EU and use bank-level encryption. Always verify you are on the provider's official website and that your account uses two-factor authentication before sending.