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Does Paypal Work in Nigeria in 2024?

September 21, 2024

PayPal has gained worldwide popularity for online transactions, from shopping on online marketplaces to receiving payments for freelance jobs.

Many people in Nigeria wonder if they can use PayPal to manage their financial needs, which has raised the question of whether PayPal Works in Nigeria.

Over the years, people have come to trust PayPal’s operations due to their speedy and efficient transaction process, thereby acquiring and retaining loyal customers.

But is it so in Nigeria? Are their services efficient in Nigeria as in other parts of the world? Do they even have a good presence here?

This article examines these questions and provides legitimate and clear responses as to whether PayPal is available for operation in Nigeria, how it works, and how well it integrates with local banks.

Is PayPal Legitimized in Nigeria?

Yes, PayPal is available in Nigeria. In Nigeria, people can send money and buy things online, among other transactions. However, it is essential to understand that PayPal’s services in Nigeria have peculiar features and limitations.

Although the service is available, its full functionality is restricted compared to other countries.

Check out Best Apps to Sell Google Play Gift Cards in Nigeria 2024

Does PayPal Work in Nigeria?

Yes, it does, but with certain limitations. PayPal permits Nigerian users to create and use accounts for payment purposes, including receiving money from other countries. However, not all the features of PayPal are available within Nigeria. They include;

1. Receiving Money: PayPal accounts from Nigeria cannot receive money directly. Technically, one can receive money from other PayPal users, but to receive money in Nigeria, there’s a limit on transferring it to a Nigerian bank account.

2. Withdrawal: Withdrawing money via PayPal directly into a bank account in Nigeria is also problematic. Although several people have been able to connect their PayPal accounts with their bank accounts, the process is never smooth, and there are a couple of extra hoops to go through.

3. Transactions allowed: While PayPal accounts are allowed in Nigeria, only a few transactions, such as online purchases and money transfers, can be performed with them; however, compared to other countries, there might be some limitations on other features, like receiving payments for goods and services sold online.

4. Currency Conversion: While PayPal allows various currencies worldwide to make and receive transactions, the conversion rates and associated fees might pose issues. Reviewing such areas of concern will be wiser while using PayPal for any transaction in Nigeria.

Which Bank Uses PayPal in Nigeria?

Several banks and other financial institutions in Nigeria support PayPal transactions, although the procedures are somewhat more complicated than in other countries.

A number of these banks and services that facilitate PayPal transactions in Nigeria include:

1.  Access Bank: Access Bank is one of the many banks through which the facilitation of services related to PayPal transactions is provided. They can connect their Access Bank accounts to their PayPal accounts for easy transaction flow.

2. GTBank: GTBank offers support for PayPal in linking customer accounts to the bank for online purchases and transfers.

3. Zenith Bank: Zenith Bank is an alternative to the above for Nigerians interested in using PayPal. The bank allows users to link a PayPal account for online transactions.

4. Other Banks: Some other Nigerian banks might also facilitate different services with PayPal. It would be a good idea to contact your bank for specific verification and requirements.

How Do I Withdraw Money from PayPal to a Nigerian Bank Account?

Due to some restrictions, withdrawing from PayPal to a Nigerian bank account is difficult. Here is a step-by-step guide to assist in the process.

1. Link Your Bank Account:

  • Sign in to PayPal: Log into your account via the PayPal website or the mobile application.
  • Go to Wallet: Click “Wallet” to manage your bank accounts and cards.
  • Link a Bank Account: Click “Link a bank account” and enter your Nigerian bank details. PayPal often requests your bank name, account number, and routing number.

2.  Verify Your Bank Account:

  • Verification Process: PayPal may require that you verify your bank account. This is normally done when PayPal deposits a few small, negligible amounts into your bank. You are supposed to confirm these deposit amounts to complete the verification process.

3.  Transfer Funds:

  • Transfer Funds: Once your bank account is linked and verified, go to “Transfer Funds.”
  • Select Transfer Option: Click on the option to transfer funds from PayPal to the bank account.
  • Enter Amount: Enter the amount you want to withdraw and confirm the transaction.

4.  Processing Time:

  • Wait for Completion: Transfers from PayPal to a Nigerian bank account may take some days, pending the business days. It depends on your bank and PayPal’s processing time.

5.  Account for Fees:

  • View Fees: Note that PayPal may charge transfer fees, while your bank may charge for incoming international transfers.

Read also How to Reverse M-Pesa Transaction to a Wrong Pay bill

Can I Receive Money Using PayPal in Nigeria?

Yes, you can receive money through PayPal in Nigeria. Nigerians can use the platform for receiving purposes based on inbound payments for services offered or freelancing work, among other personal transfers. However, there are a few limitations and considerations:

1.  Account Type:

  • About Personal and Business Accounts: The receiving capability of PayPal accounts in Nigeria may be present but could be restricted depending on whether your account was created as a personal or business.

2.  Limitations on Withdrawals:

  • Restrictions: While you can be credited, withdrawals directly to a Nigerian bank account may require some more steps and probably come with limitations.

3.  Verification:

  • Account Verification: To receive money on PayPal, your account must be fully verified. This includes linking your bank account or credit/debit card and verifying it.

How to Receive Money Using PayPal in Nigeria

Receiving money through PayPal in Nigeria is relatively quite easy. Here is how it works:

1.  Setting up Your PayPal Account:

  • Sign Up: If one doesn’t have a PayPal account, he can create one by signing up on the website or the app.
  • Confirm Account: To perform any further transaction activity with the account, one must confirm his bank account or card by linking it from the app or web.

2.  Share Your PayPal Email Address:

  • Provide Information: To receive money, you will share information about your PayPal email address with the sender related to the registered email you used to create your PayPal account.

3.  Get Paid:

  • Notification: Once someone sends money to you, you will receive a notification via email and within your PayPal account.
  • To Check Your Balance: You will log in to your account to see funds added to your PayPal balance.

4.  Transfer Funds (Optional):

  • To Bank Account: If you want to transfer money received to your bank account in Nigeria, follow the procedure discussed in the section “How Do I Withdraw Money from PayPal to a Nigerian Bank Account?”

5.  Fees and Conversion:

  • Consider Fees: PayPal may levies fees on receipt of money, while conversion rates may apply to conversion into currencies other than what was sent.

Can Nigeria PayPal Receive Money from US?

Of course, yes, a PayPal account in Nigeria can receive money from the US. It has been made possible for Nigerian recipients to receive payment through PayPal accounts in other countries, such as the United States.

This feature is mainly helpful if you are a freelancer, businessman, or individual who deals internationally.

Here’s how it works:

1.  Receive Payments: When anyone in the US transfers money to your PayPal account, the money sits in your PayPal balance. You will be notified by mail and on your PayPal account dashboard.

2.  Currency Conversion: When PayPal receives a payment in US dollars or another currency, the service automatically converts it to Nigerian Naira (NGN) at the prevailing currency conversion rate. This conversion service attracts charges.

3. Account Verification: Your PayPal account should be verified, meaning you have to add and confirm your bank account or credit/debit card to use all the functionalities effectively.

Also read about How to Carry Out MPESA PayPal Transactions 2024

Can I Withdraw Money from PayPal in Nigeria?

Yes, you can withdraw money from PayPal in Nigeria; however, there are several specific steps and considerations:

1.  Link a Bank Account: To withdraw money with PayPal to your bank account in Nigeria, you have to add and confirm your bank account on PayPal. You add a bank account to your PayPal account and confirm small deposit amounts PayPal sends to your bank.

2.  Withdraw Funds: Link your bank account, and then you can transfer your PayPal balance to that bank account. In PayPal, click “Transfer Funds,” select the amount you want to withdraw and confirm.

3.  Processing Time: A withdrawal may take a couple of business days to process since the process solely depends on PayPal’s processing time and the bank’s handling of international transfers.

4.  Fees and Charges: Be aware of potential fees from PayPal and your bank to withdraw the funds. PayPal may charge a fee for the transfer, while your bank could also charge you to accommodate receiving the international transfer.

Can I Receive Money Using PayPal Without Linking My Card?

Yes, you can receive money on PayPal without linking a card, but here is how:

1. Playback Account: You can receive money in your PayPal account without attaching a credit or debit card. The sender can transfer funds to your PayPal email address, which will be credited to your PayPal balance.

2. Complete Functionality and Withdrawal: While one can receive money without the inclusion of a card, one needs to attach a card or bank to be in a position to exploit all the functionalities that PayPal comes with. 

This includes withdrawing money into a bank account, paying through PayPal, or confirming an account.

3.  Verify It: PayPal requires verification for added security among many other benefits. This is done by linking a bank account or credit card to the PayPal account. In return, it ensures money is safely transferred since your identity will be verified.

4.  Other Options: Besides linking a card, you can use other options with a PayPal account, such as direct bank transfers or some of the services available on PayPal.

FAQs

Which Nigerian card works with PayPal?

visa credit card

Can I link my OPay card to PayPal?

You can’t directly transfer money from OPay to PayPal

Can I link my UBA debit card to PayPal?

UBA Plc has announced that its Debit and Prepaid Cards are now accepted on the PayPal gateway

Conclusion

PayPal operates in Nigeria, and Nigerians can use it to transact online and manage payments. However, partial restrictions are placed on the receipt and withdrawal of cash into the Nigerian bank account.

If you understand such restrictions, you will know what other banking options can support your PayPal transactions in Nigeria.

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Bright Emeka
Bright Emeka
Articles: 113

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