Yes, Ria Money Transfer can send money directly to Nigerian bank accounts
Ria operates in Nigeria and offers direct bank deposits to accounts held at major Nigerian banks. You send money from the United States (or another country where Ria operates), and the recipient's bank account in Nigeria receives the funds. The money does not go to a cash pickup location or mobile wallet first — it lands in their actual bank account.
The process takes place through Ria's partnership with Nigerian banks and local money transfer networks. Ria handles the currency conversion from US dollars (or your sending currency) to Nigerian naira, and the receiving bank handles the final deposit into the recipient's account.
Key Takeaways
- Ria sends money directly to Nigerian bank accounts at major banks including GTBank, Access Bank, First Bank, and UBA, among others.
- You need the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and bank routing code (also called sort code) to complete the transfer.
- Transfer time is typically one to three business days, though Ria's website will show you the exact timing and exchange rate before you confirm payment.
- Ria charges a flat fee plus a percentage of the amount sent; the exact cost depends on the amount and your sending method (online, mobile app, or in-person at an agent location).
- You can send money online through Ria's website, through their mobile app, or by visiting a Ria agent location in person.
What information you need from the recipient
Before you start a transfer, ask the recipient for their banking details. You will need: their full name (exactly as it appears on their bank account), the name of their bank, their account number, and their bank's sort code or routing code. The sort code is a six-digit number that identifies the specific branch.
If the recipient is unsure of their sort code, they can find it on their bank statement, in their mobile banking app, or by calling their bank directly. Providing incorrect details will delay the transfer or cause it to be returned, so it is worth taking time to verify this information before you send.
Some recipients may also have a Bank Verification Number (BVN), which is a ten-digit identifier used in Nigeria. Ria may ask for this, though it is not always required. If you have it, providing it can speed up the process.
How to send money through Ria
You have three ways to send: online through Ria's website, through the Ria mobile app, or in person at a Ria agent location. Online and the app are the fastest routes if you already have a bank account set up with Ria or a linked debit card.
If you choose to send online or through the app, you will enter the recipient's banking details, the amount you want to send, and your payment method. Ria will show you the exchange rate, the fee, and the total amount the recipient will receive in naira. You review these details, pay the fee, and the transfer begins processing.
If you visit an agent location in person, you bring cash or a debit card, provide the recipient's details to the agent, and they process the transfer for you. This route takes longer because the agent must enter the information and process the payment manually, but it is an option if you do not have online banking set up.
Timing and fees
Ria typically delivers money to Nigerian bank accounts within one to three business days. The exact timing depends on the receiving bank and whether the transfer is processed during business hours. A transfer sent on a Friday evening may not arrive until Tuesday, for example, because Nigerian banks do not process transfers over the weekend.
Ria's fee structure includes a flat fee (which varies by amount) plus a percentage of the total sent. A $100 transfer might cost $5 to $8 in fees, while a $500 transfer might cost $12 to $18. The percentage decreases as the amount increases. Ria shows you the exact fee before you confirm, so you know the total cost and the exact amount the recipient will receive.
The exchange rate Ria offers is set at the time you initiate the transfer. If the naira weakens against the dollar between the time you send and the time the money arrives, the recipient still receives the amount locked in at your transfer time — Ria absorbs the currency risk, not you.
Which Nigerian banks accept Ria transfers
Ria works with most major Nigerian banks, including Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Access Bank, First Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Zenith Bank, FCMB, and Stanbic IBTC. If you are unsure whether a specific bank is on Ria's list, you can check on their website by entering the bank name, or you can contact Ria's customer service.
Smaller or regional banks may not be included in Ria's network. If the recipient banks with a smaller institution, ask them whether they can receive transfers from Ria, or consider whether they have an account at one of the major banks as an alternative.
What happens if the transfer fails or is delayed
If the receiving bank rejects the transfer because of incorrect account details, the money is returned to your Ria account or refunded to your original payment method. This process can take five to ten business days. Once you receive the refund, you can correct the recipient's details and send again.
If the transfer is delayed beyond the stated timeframe, contact Ria's customer service with your transfer reference number. They can check the status with the receiving bank and tell you whether the money is still in transit or whether there is a problem. Most delays are caused by the receiving bank's processing queue, not by Ria.
Keep your transfer confirmation number and receipt. If there is ever a dispute about whether the money arrived, you will need this documentation to prove you sent it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to a Nigerian account if I do not have a US bank account?
Yes. You can visit a Ria agent location in person and pay with cash or a debit card. The agent will process the transfer for you. You do not need a bank account of your own, though you will still need the recipient's complete banking details.
What is the maximum amount I can send to Nigeria in one transfer?
Ria's limits vary by sending method and your account history. Online transfers typically have a higher limit than in-person cash transfers. Check Ria's website or ask at an agent location for the current limits. If you need to send more than the limit allows, you can send multiple transfers.
Does the recipient need to do anything to receive the money?
No. Once the transfer arrives at their bank, it is automatically deposited into their account. They do not need to pick it up, claim it, or take any action. They will see the deposit in their account balance and can use the money when ready.
What if the recipient's bank account is frozen or closed?
If the account is frozen, the bank will reject the transfer and it will be returned to you. If the account is closed, the same thing happens. In either case, you will receive a refund within five to ten business days. The recipient will need to resolve the account issue with their bank before you can send again.
Can I cancel a transfer after I have sent it?
Once a transfer has been processed and sent to the receiving bank, you cannot cancel it. If you need to stop it, contact Ria when ready with your transfer reference number. If the money has not yet arrived at the recipient's bank, Ria may be able to recall it, but this is not may provide. The sooner you contact them, the better your chances.