How to Create a PayPal Account in Nigeria
PayPal is one of the world’s most trusted online payment platforms, widely used for sending money, paying for goods and services, and securing transactions across international platforms. However, many Nigerians often ask: Can I create a PayPal account in Nigeria?
The answer is Yes – you can create a PayPal account in Nigeria, but with some limitations. Nigerian PayPal accounts allow you to send money and make online payments, but they cannot receive payments directly.
This article explains step-by-step how to create a PayPal account in Nigeria, what you can use it for, and the alternatives available if you need to receive international payments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Create PayPal Account in Nigeria
1. Visit the Official PayPal Website
- Go to www.paypal.com/ng using your browser. This is the official PayPal Nigeria page.
2. Click on “Sign Up”
Choose the type of account you want to open:
- Personal Account – for individuals who shop online or pay for services.
- Business Account – for companies that want to integrate PayPal into their websites.
- For most Nigerians, the Personal Account is enough.
3. Fill in Your Details
Provide:
- Full name (must match your bank details)
- Email address
- Secure password
4. Enter Your Nigerian Address & Phone Number
- Provide your correct Nigerian address, mobile number, and date of birth.
5. Link Your Debit or Credit Card
PayPal Nigeria works with cards from banks like:
- GTBank
- UBA
- Access Bank
- Zenith Bank
- First Bank
- Chipper Cash
- Grey
Tip: A Dollar card (domiciliary account card) works better for international transactions.
6. Confirm Your Email and Card
- Check your email for a verification link.
- PayPal will charge a small fee (around $1.95) to verify your card.
- Enter the 4-digit code from your bank statement or SMS alert.
7. Start Using Your Account
Once verified, your account is ready. You can now use it to:
- Pay for Netflix, Amazon, eBay, and other services.
- Subscribe to international tools and apps.
- Shop safely on foreign websites.
Limitations of PayPal in Nigeria
- You cannot receive money directly with a Nigerian PayPal account.
- Funds cannot be withdrawn to Nigerian bank accounts.
- If you need to receive international payments, you have two options:
1. Open a PayPal Business Account (available for some businesses in Nigeria).
2. Use alternatives like Payoneer, Grey.co, or Wise for receiving payments.
Alternatives to PayPal in Nigeria
If you want to both send and receive international funds, try these:
- Payoneer – best for freelancers and businesses.
- Grey.co – provides virtual USD, GBP, and EUR accounts.
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) – affordable international transfers.
Final Thoughts
Creating a PayPal account in Nigeria is straightforward, but remember that it only supports sending money and making online payments. If your goal is to receive payments, you’ll need to use a PayPal Business account or alternatives like Payoneer.
PayPal is still very useful for Nigerians who want to shop online, subscribe to services, and make secure international payments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I receive money with a Nigerian PayPal account?
No, Nigerian PayPal accounts only allow sending money and making payments.
2. Which Nigerian banks work with PayPal?
GTBank, UBA, Access, Zenith, and First Bank all support PayPal.
3. How do I verify my PayPal account in Nigeria?
By linking your debit/credit card and confirming it with the 4-digit code PayPal sends after charging a small fee.
4. What is the best alternative to PayPal in Nigeria?
Payoneer and Grey.co are great options for receiving money from abroad.
