Lot of people want to learn the procedures and basic requirements to create and open PayPal account in Nigeria to verify, fund, send and receive money easily.
Are you one of them?
If YES, then this article is only what you need to read today.
In this time and age, not being able to receive and withdraw money with PayPal account is bad news to most of us internet marketers, affiliate marketers, freelancers, bloggers, and business owners whose interest is not just to spend but to make money online legitimately.
After reading this post to the end, you will create a verified PayPal account in Nigeria.
Going further, we should explain how PayPal came to be, what it is, and what it does.
What is PayPal?
PayPal, established in 1998 as Confinity and owned by eBay, is the world’s number one online money transfer platform and is used by millions of people in over 200 countries worldwide to send and receive money.
PayPal is an online payment solutions company that offers simplified and secure online payment without the need to reveal financial information or card details to the merchant, protecting users against fraud.
PayPal is safe for both buyers and sellers as all information that is communicated between your device and PayPal’s servers is secured and encrypted as long as the network you’re using is secured.
With PayPal, you can send money to anyone with an email address or a mobile phone number.
You can add multiple cards to PayPal, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and use whichever one you prefer when making a purchase.
On PayPal, assuming both the sending and receiving accounts are verified, neither has no open disputes and/or claims and neither has any other issues – there’s no limit on the total amount you can receive.
However, if someone sends funds from their bank account, it can take 2 to 3 days to be processed.
You can receive money on PayPal linking no bank account, but it’s very unlikely you could spend it unless you have verified your PayPal account with a card.
If the wrong email address is used, the funds go unclaimed and will be returned to the sender after 30 days.
If your account is not verified or you are a new seller on PayPal, funds may be held for up to 21 days while your payment is in a pending status.
It’s no news that PayPal does not accept Nigerians for some years now.
This restriction by PayPal was caused when some Nigerians used the payment platform to defraud many foreign buyers on eBay, Amazon, and Craigslist.
As of today, PayPal works and is now available to residents of Nigeria.
You can now open a personal account to send money, pay bills or shop online or a business account to receive funds online in Nigeria.
First Bank is the first and only PayPal partner in Nigeria. It is the only bank in Nigeria that allows PayPal account opening through the bank’s website.
Plans are being concluded to add Verve cards to the accepted cards for integration on PayPal.
What makes PayPal important?
There are many reasons you need and should have a working PayPal account in Nigeria.
PayPal is important and beneficial because:
- It is accepted in up to 200 countries.
- It is used in making purchases online, sending money abroad and in receiving international payments from affiliate networks and freelance sites.
- Once you register your card with PayPal, that is all. You will not need to enter it into any website you want to buy from.
- If you purchase an item with PayPal and the item is not as expected, you got cheated or scammed by a seller – with PayPal buyer protection, you can get your money back!
- PayPal is a trusted brand worldwide.
- You can add many debit/credit cards to your PayPal account for ease of payment.
- It is free to use! Account creation comes at no cost – you are not charged any service fee for creating a PayPal account. However, you’ll be charged a relatively trifling amount of money for linking a debit or credit card to your PayPal account.
- You can integrate PayPal into your website to raise funds towards a course or generate payments for a product or service.
- No restriction on payments to foreign destinations.
- You get discounts regularly from big brands around the world.
Disadvantages of PayPal
Here are some challenges that come with using PayPal.
- PayPal charges you to receive money.
- PayPal often freezes a user’s account.
- PayPal may hold on to your money.
- Zero assurance of account retrieval. As a holder, you have to be extremely cautious as it is practically impossible to recover the account in the event of suspension.
- You cannot hold over one account. If you’re opening a PayPal account, you have to be aware of the fact that no one person may hold two or more accounts.
- Unavailable to people below 18. If you’re below 18 years of age, it will be difficult for you to create a PayPal account.
PayPal Account Types
There are two types of PayPal accounts, namely Business and Personal.
Your choice of creating any of the above account types depends on what you are using the account for.
If you do not understand this before opening an account, you may easily get into trouble with PayPal.
1. Personal Account
If you are an individual and you want to open a PayPal account for personal use only, i.e., to send money or pay for services online, then the best option for you is going for the Personal Account.
If you also love playing games or shopping on websites online that accepts PayPal, purchase books from Amazon, payment for your internet bills, water bills and other private transactions, then the personal account is suitable for you.
It is easy to sign up for a personal account, as it requires just basic information.
A personal PayPal account has certain restriction from the amount of funds you receive into it, to how much you can spend.
During verification (later when you are already using your account) only two documents may be required of you – a government issued ID (preferably your Nigerian Passport or Driver’s License) and your proof of address (NEPA Bill or Bank Statement).
2. Business Account
This account applies to businesses that want to receive payment from their customers online using PayPal, either by integrating it on a website or using other means.
A PayPal business account allows you to add certain employees, like your accountant, access to the account for accounting.
This privilege is not available for personal accounts.
If you have a registered business in Nigeria, you may try a business account, otherwise a personal account is fine.
Using a business PayPal, you’ll have the privilege to send payment simultaneously and instantly to more persons than you can with a personal account.
Opening a PayPal business account or personal account is free, unless you choose to upgrade your account.
There are no startup costs, termination fees, or monthly maintenance fees for the standard version of these accounts.
The major difference between the two is the transaction fees.
So, once you have decided on the type of PayPal account you should open, the next step is taking action by creating an account that sends and receives money in Nigeria using our guide.
Requirements to Open a PayPal Account in Nigeria
These are PayPal account eligibility requirements in Nigeria:
- Your name is required. It has to be your legal name that is on your birth certificate and documents.
- Your Mobile Phone or PC.
- Your email address that’s not linked with other PayPal account.
- A working phone number.
- A strong password.
- A Debit or credit card not yet linked with any other PayPal account. Only Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Verve is not accepted.
- Your address/location will be required.
- A valid means of Identification (Passport, National Identification Card, Driver’s License, Permanent Voters Card).
- Your business name, information, document and address will be required (for business account).
Only provide truthful and accurate information or else you will lose your account no matter how much you have in it.
How to Create a Verified PayPal Account in Nigeria
Getting verified means more security for you.
When you’re sending and receiving money, “Verified” status is your stamp of approval.
It lets other PayPal members know you’re a confirmed user with a current, active bank account.
Since PayPal limitation is something that knocks out Nigerians from the global economy, the best way to create a PayPal account in Nigeria that sends and receives funds without limitation is to open an account as a Nigerian with a foreign business location.
Since Nigeria PayPal is limited, sign up using other countries that have full access to PayPal.
For this guide, the countries I recommend are:
- Lesotho (www.paypal.com/ls)
- Kenya (www.paypal.com/ke)
- South Africa (www.paypal.co.za)
- Mozambique (https://www.paypal.com/mz/home)
- UAE (www.paypal.com/ae)
- UK (paypal.com/uk)
- US (www.paypal.com/us)
- Iceland
The registration process is the same for each of the above gateways.
However, I will use the Lesotho PayPal gateway as a guideline for this post.
Steps to Creating PayPal Account in Nigeria
Here are the right steps to create a verified PayPal account that sends and receives money in Nigeria:
1. Visit PayPal Site
First, open paypal.com/ls on your Chrome browser, either on PC or Smartphone.
Once the page finishes loading, go to the site menu at the top right of the page and click “Sign Up” to set up your account.
2. Choose Business Account
To send and receive money, select Business Account and click “Continue” to proceed.
3. Enter Your Email Address
To sign up, you will be asked for your email address.
Make sure you use a valid Gmail or custom email, do not use a Yahoo mail.
Ensure you have access to the email address because PayPal will send important information to you through it.
4. Create Password
On the next page, create a strong unique password for your account and remember not to lose the password or share it with anyone.
When you’re done entering your password, click the Continue button to proceed to the next page.
5. Describe Your Business
Here, your business contact, details, address, and phone number are required.
The next screen that opens will require you to enter your personal information.
Now note:
- Name: Enter your first name and last name the exact way they appear on your valid ID card.
- Business name: You can enter your name here again or if you have a registered business, you can input the name in this section.
- Phone number: Click the country flag/country code, then change it to Nigeria. Enter your Nigeria phone number without 0 e.g., +2348123456789.
- Postal code: Enter your postal code. If you don’t know it, search your location postal code on Google.
- Business Address: You can choose to use your residential address as your business address too.
- Currency: Choose the currency you want to receive payment in. It is advisable to select US Dollars.
When done filling the form tick on the Agree and Continue, then submit.
On the next page, describe your business with a relevant keyword by specifying the product or service you offer.
If you have a website, try to add it.
6. Enter Your Personal Information
Another important step for opening a PayPal business account is to identify yourself.
What you do here is to personalize your account.
Enter your Date of Birth, Nationality (Nigeria), Identity Document and Number, Home Address, and then submit.
7. Email Confirmation
On the next page, PayPal will welcome you to their platform and show you a summary of all the features of your account.
This is a sign that you have successfully set up your PayPal business account.
Your email address is what you will use for any transaction you make through PayPal.
Before you can begin sending or receiving money on your account, you’re required to confirm your email address.
You will see your PayPal account balance and some other information.
Scroll around or down and Click See details.
On the next page, you will see all your details, go through it and make sure all the information is correct. Then click Submit.
Go to your email inbox and look for PayPal confirmation email.
Open the mail and click “Confirm Your Email” button.
You will be redirected to your PayPal login page.
Your email address will display by default.
Just enter your valid password and then click “Confirm Email Address” to login to your account.
8. Identity Verification
After verifying your email address, PayPal will need some proof from you to verify your identity and address.
Ensure to upload and submit the required documents.
9. Link and Confirm Credit or Debit Card
In order to withdraw your PayPal funds to your Nigeria bank account, verify your PayPal account by linking your ATM card.
You cannot link your account except you own one in the US.
PayPal users from other parts of the world can only link their card.
To link your card on your PayPal account in Nigeria:
- Make sure you have funds on your Visa card, First Bank Mastercard or UBA Prepaid Card.
- Login to your Lesotho PayPal account and click on “Link a Debit Card”.
- Enter your card details appropriately and click done. A sum of $1 will be deducted from your card. This means you have successfully linked your card.
- Click on the verify debit card and another $2 will be deducted. You will see a prompt that is asking you to input a code sent to you. This amount will later be released back into your account within 2 weeks.
- Now check the debit alert sent to you. Within the debit alert details you will see something like PP*4576CODE, it means 4576 is the code requested for, now input the code in the space provided in your Lesotho PayPal account.
- Once successful, you can start receiving money and sending out.
With this Lesotho PayPal account that you have created, you can receive funds and sell it for cash to those who will buy.
Steps to Send Money with PayPal in Nigeria
Here are the steps to send money with PayPal in Nigeria:
- To send money, login in to your account.
- You will see “Send Payment” on the top menu. Click on it.
- Enter the details (name or email) of the recipient.
- Enter the amount you want to send. If you have many cards added to your account, choose which one you want to pay with.
- Once you are ready, send!
Steps to Withdraw Money from your PayPal in Nigeria
Once you have linked your cards to your PayPal account, follow these steps to withdraw your money to your Nigeria bank account:
- Visit the PayPal Dashboard by signing in – paypal.com/ls.
- On the Dashboard, click on “Withdraw Funds”.
- On the next screen, click on “From” and choose your PayPal Balance.
- Then next, click on “To” and choose your linked card.
- Next, type in the amount and click on the “Continue” button.
- On the next page, a review of your transaction will be displayed on your screen. To confirm this transaction, simply click on “Transfer” to have the money sent instantly to your CARD.
It’s important to always remember that PayPal usually says the funds will be transferred to your Bank account within 5 to 7 business days.
However, in most cases, the transfer is mostly instant and you can check your balance at any ATM or via your Mobile App.
How do I add money to my PayPal account with a debit card?
To transfer money from a bank account, log into PayPal and navigate to your wallet.
Now, click “Transfer Money,” and select the “Add money to your balance” option.
With the app, the process is even easier.
You click on your balance and select “Add Money.”
Ways to Fund Your PayPal Account in Nigeria
Here are the best and safest ways to fund your PayPal account in Nigeria:
1. Transfer from Friends
One of the easiest ways to always fund your PayPal account is to ask your friends that also have a PayPal account to send it to you.
To receive the PayPal funds, you need to give them the email address you used in creating your PayPal.
If this is your first transaction, endeavor to ask the sender/or your friend when sending you PayPal fund, to select “No Address” because sending the funds to your account with Address attached will make PayPal withhold it for seven (7) business days or more.
2. Fund from Debit Card
A safe means of funding your PayPal account in Nigeria is via a debit card.
All you need to do is to contact your bank to get a debit card that works with US dollars.
When you’ve gotten the debit card, add the card to your account and make sure that there’s Naira equivalent in your debit card.
To fund your PayPal account in Nigeria via the debit card, I recommend you use banks that have a mobile app or good USSD platform so that you make bank transactions directly on your smartphone.
3. Buy from Online Exchanges
There are recommendable online exchangers in Nigeria.
However, the rate they offer per dollar varies, depending on the exchanger you’re using.
Also, you need to be careful not to fall into the hands of scammers who will take your money, and never send you the PayPal funds you paid for.
What if I don’t live in Nigeria? Can I send and receive money with a personal account?
Aside from Nigeria, if you live in a country that is restricted by PayPal, such as Ghana, you may still be unable to send and receive money with your personal account.
However, if you live in a country that is on PayPal approved list, you can open a PayPal account in that country and you will send and receive money.
Why is PayPal not accepting my Visa Card?
If your credit/debit card is being rejected by PayPal with the message “The card you entered cannot be used for this payment”, it’s likely:
- You’ve linked the card to a PayPal account, but have not yet confirmed it.
- You’ve exceeded your card limit with the PayPal system.
- Your email address is raising a red flag in PayPal’s system.
What documents do I need for PayPal?
To operate a Personal or Business PayPal account in Nigeria, you’ll need a copy of any government-issued identity documents, e.g., Voters Card, NMIC, CAC Document, Driver’s License, International Passport, Utility Bill, Bank Statement.
Can I transfer money from PayPal to Cash App?
There is no way to send money from PayPal to Cash App.
You can instead transfer money directly to your bank account and then to the Cash App — a process requiring a few extra steps.
How long does PayPal take to verify?
Until you verify your PayPal account, you may not fully use the service.
Having an unverified account puts limitations on some of PayPal’s most essential functions, including how much you can withdraw or transfer to your account.
Verification for a PayPal account will take around 2 to 3 days. If it takes longer than this, contact PayPal to help with more advice and solution.
Why does PayPal need my photo?
Your bank has your photo on its database. PayPal is treated as a bank and needs your photo to basically stop people funding terrorism and money laundering.
Why is there a fee on PayPal?
Fees are usually associated with using a credit or debit card to fund payments, sending money abroad, or using PayPal as a payment processor if you’re a vendor.
When sending money directly to another PayPal account, PayPal charges 5% of the transaction with a minimum fee of $0.99 and a maximum fee of $4.99. This assumes the transfer is funded by a PayPal balance.
How do I avoid PayPal fees?
Easy ways to decrease or completely avoid PayPal fees include:
- Opt to be paid less often
- Change how you withdraw your money from PayPal
- Use accounting software to lower PayPal fees
- Ask to be paid as a friend or family
- Accept other forms of payment
- Use a PayPal alternative
- Include PayPal fees into your payment equation as a tax deduction
How long does it take for a PayPal payment to clear in my bank account?
To transfer funds from your PayPal account to your bank account, it usually takes between 3 to 5 business days; weekends and holidays may affect the exact timing of when your money is deposited.
Also, additional holding periods may apply when transferring money depending on your bank account.
PayPal Contact Details
If you experience any strange transaction delays or have any complaints to make to PayPal, you can reach out to the platform’s desk via the following details:
Phone number: 1-402-517-4519
Active hours: 6:00 am PT–6:00 pm PT from Monday to Sunday.
You as well use the live chat feature from its message centre.
However, you need to be logged into your account to use it.
Can PayPal charge my bank account?
PayPal will automatically deduct money from your bank account when you make a purchase, unless you link another payment method and make that your default.
In Nigeria, you can receive PayPal funds into your GTBank account and as well send money into your account using your Naira MasterCard.
Other Nigeria banks that work perfectly with PayPal include:
- First Bank
- Zenith Bank
- Access Bank
- UBA
PayPal Alternatives in Nigeria
Aside from PayPal, use these online payment services to receive funds in Nigeria:
- 2Checkout
- Cheque
- Payoneer
- Skrill
- Stripe
- Western Union
- Wire Transfer
How can I get money from the USA to Nigeria?
These are the best money transfer services to send money to Nigeria from the USA.
- Sending Money to Family and Friends: Remitly.
- Best Exchange Rates: Wise (formerly known as TransferWise)
- Sending Cash to be Picked Up: WorldRemit.
- Paying in Person: Western Union.
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For most websites you browse today, you are likely to need a PayPal account to sell or buy a service and this only shows how popular and important the payment gateway is.
Having followed all instructions in this post, you should have created your own Nigerian PayPal, linked your card and verified your account.
If you have questions, please ask in the comments section below and a response will be made as soon as possible.
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