Bottom line: For Canada-to-Nigeria transfers, the useful number is what arrives after all fees and FX conversion. Provider availability and payout rules can change, so compare a live quote each time.
Current comparison snapshot
| Provider / option | Best for | Current facts | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Transparent bank-deposit benchmark | Wise currently shows a 1,000 CAD Nigeria example costing CAD 7.66 from a Wise balance or CAD 8.72 by bank transfer, with higher costs for Interac and cards. Wise sends NGN to local bank accounts. | The fees shown are a current example and can change. Wise is less useful if the recipient specifically needs cash pickup or mobile wallet. |
| Remitly | Bank deposit, cash pickup or mobile wallet | Remitly currently advertises no fees on Canada-to-Nigeria transfers and offers bank deposit, cash pickup and mobile wallet. Its displayed welcome FX rate applies to the first CAD 500 for eligible new customers under current terms. | A “no fee” transfer can still have FX cost. Compare the NGN recipient amount after the welcome rate expires. |
| WorldRemit | Multiple Nigeria payout methods | WorldRemit offers bank transfer, cash pickup and mobile money for Nigeria and currently advertises fee-free transfers when sending in NGN. It says 90% of Nigeria transfers are sent to local partners within minutes. | Partner handoff speed is not a guarantee of recipient availability. Verify the exact receive method, rate and arrival estimate. |
Nigeria is a strong example of why “zero fee” is incomplete
Both Remitly and WorldRemit currently promote fee-free Nigeria transfers, while Wise publishes a visible service fee and mid-market rate. The only fair comparison is the exact NGN the recipient receives for the same total CAD outlay.
Recipient method can outweigh a small price difference
Wise is primarily a local-bank-account route for Nigeria, while Remitly and WorldRemit publish cash pickup and mobile-wallet options. If the recipient needs cash or mobile money, a slightly more expensive route can still be the practical winner.
Use a repeat-customer quote before choosing a default provider
Promotional rates can distort first-transfer comparisons. If you expect to send regularly, run a second comparison without relying on a new-customer FX promotion and save the winner for your typical transfer size and payout method.
Provider pages checked for this comparison
These links go to the providers’ own current product or route pages. Re-check them before applying or purchasing because pricing and promotions can change.
What to compare
Do not compare brands on one promotional number. Put the products side by side using the same assumptions and the factors that affect your recurring cost and ability to use the product.
How to make the decision
- Compare the same CAD send amount.
- Check that the recipient payout method is supported.
- Compare the exact NGN amount delivered.
- Review transfer limits and verification requirements.
- Re-check the quote before every material transfer.
Calculate the cost at your transfer amount
Flat fees and exchange-rate markups behave differently as the transfer size changes. Use the amount-specific calculators below, then replace the example assumptions with the live provider quote.
See the FX markup cost reference →
CanadaStarter methodology
We prioritize total cost, eligibility, practical usability and downside risk. We separate temporary promotions from ongoing terms and prefer primary provider disclosures for fees and eligibility. We do not treat a higher affiliate payout as evidence that a product is better.
Because financial products, insurance policies, telecom plans and promotions change frequently, use this guide to narrow the field and then confirm the final terms on the provider’s official website before applying or purchasing.
Sending money to someone in another country
Use this primary source alongside our comparison when checking rules, consumer rights or government guidance.
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada →Frequently asked questions
Can the best provider change from one transfer to another?
Yes. Pricing can vary with transfer size, funding method, promotions and currency conditions.
Is cash pickup always more expensive than bank deposit?
Not necessarily. Payout pricing differs by provider and corridor, so compare the total delivered value for the method your recipient needs.