This article describes how to open a PayPal account in Nigeria and it can be one of your payment gateways in Nigeria
PayPal is the world’s number one online money transfer platform and is used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide to send and receive money.
Also, PayPal doesn’t share your full financial information with sellers. And PayPal Buyer Protection covers your eligible purchases if they don’t show up or match their description.
For years, PayPal had basically shut Nigeria out due to our notoriety for internet-related fraud. As fraud detection techniques improved as well as Nigeria’s notion as the largest economy in Africa, PayPal has now lifted restrictions on Nigeria. Owning a PayPal account is quite simple and you can do that in two ways.
Requirements for Opening a PayPal Account in Nigeria
1. Firstly, you will need a valid email address
2. Secondly, you would also need a Visa or MasterCard linked to a Nigerian bank account or a Virtual Card. This could be a credit or debit card. This is necessary for verifying your PayPal account. The service would debit a tiny amount from the card and once you confirm the transaction, the account would be fully Verified.
3. Finally, please note that as of December 2018, Interswitch’s Verve card does not work with the service.
PayPal Website
PayPal Registration Interface
1. First thing you do is to go to www.paypal.com/ng
2. Then click on signup
3. Fill in your email address (doesn’t have to be Gmail or Yahoo. It could be [email protected])
4. Afterwards, type in your password and make sure it is one you can remember
5. Go to the next page and type other details such as names, date of birth, address and phone number.
6. Also when filling in your address make sure that it matches the same address details you filled in when you opened a bank account
7. It takes you to a page where you fill in your debit card details
8. Punch in your card nos, expiry date and the last 3 digits behind your debit card.
9. Then go to your email account and click on verify
10. Voila!! Your account is setup
11. Finally, test it by sending $10 to anyone or to your PayPal account abroad (if you have one)
12. You get debited in Naira or Dollars and you should get an alert from your local bank
Is PayPal working in Nigeria?
It is important to note that at the moment, you cannot receive payment from a Nigerian PayPal account, but there is a quick method I can show you
How to Recieve PayPal payments from Nigeria
Firstly, Visit the most feasible country PayPal you want yours to be domiciled.
For South Africa, it’s www.paypal.co.za,
For the US, it’s www.paypal.com/us,
For Lesotho, it’s www.paypal.com/ls,
and more, depending on your choice.
Secondly, Sign up for the business option, and fill in your business and personal details. For the business details, please choose INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS. Then you will be required to put in your legal Identities like NIN or Passport number.
You should use your personal details as they appear in your bank. Fill in your personal details, verify and move to the next page.
If you don’t know anyone in the country you want your account domiciled, you should go to yellow pages of that country to get pseudo credentials, while you use it alongside your real credentials in the personal details area.
Thirdly, Verify your email and lift your PayPal limit with a credit card.
You can get a working card at UBA or the Wema by Alat card, they work very well to date. Use it to verify your PayPal and lift the limit
Finally, Test your account by sending some funds to activate the account. You can get PayPal funds from freelancers and your account is set.
Please view other alternatives if you will like to receive payments from abroad
You need to know these alternative online payment services that would let you receive your funds in Nigeria:
Western Union
Payoneer
Cheque Bank
Wire Transfer
Money Transfer
2Checkout
Skrill
Do you have any questions on how to open a PayPal account?
105 Comments
May 15, 2019 at 7:02 PM /
Does it have option to receive money ?
May 15, 2019 at 7:30 PM /
Good evening and thanks for your question, as long as it is opened in Nigeria, you cannot receive payments
Nov 20, 2019 at 10:48 AM /
Please how can I open an account that would enable me receive money…I have a PayPal account but I can’t receive
Nov 20, 2019 at 11:39 AM /
Good afternoon, PayPal has restrictions in Nigeria, which means you cannot receive fund if you open your PayPal account in Nigeria, but there is a workaround, please read below
Firstly, Visit the most feasible country PayPal you want yours to be domiciled.
For South Africa, it’s http://www.paypal.co.za,
For US, it’s http://www.paypal.com/us,
For Lesotho, it’s http://www.paypal.com/ls,
and more… depending on your choice.
Secondly, Sign up to the business option, and fill in your business and personal details. For the business details, please choose INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS. Then you will be required to put in your legal ID like NIN or Passport number.
You should use your personal details as they appear in your bank. Fill in your personal details, verify and move to the next page.
If you don’t know anyone in the country you want your account domiciled, you should go to yellow pages of that country to get pseudo credentials, while you use it alongside your real credentials in the personal details area.
Thirdly, Verify your email and lift your PayPal limit with a credit card.
You can get a working card at UBA or the Wema by Alat card, they work very well till date. Use it to verify your PayPal and lift the limit
Finally, Test your account by sending some funds to activate the account. You can get paypal funds from freelancers and your account is set.
Apr 17, 2020 at 8:15 AM /
I opened an ls account but am having difficult in linking it with my local bank. What if I use the Nigerian app will my ls account be blocked?
May 6, 2020 at 2:01 PM /
Please contact your Bank
May 4, 2020 at 4:42 PM /
Actually the first site after visiting a couple today that isn’t trying to rip-off others cause they know know how to open a PayPal account that receives and make payments. Haven’t left a comment on any website in my life. But I had to do this one. Its been a pleasure man, Keep it up.
May 6, 2020 at 1:59 PM /
Thanks for your comment, hope you are suxxessfully in opening your PayPal account?
May 8, 2020 at 6:33 AM /
Can paypal account created from first bank receive payment
May 10, 2020 at 12:20 PM /
Yes, a Paypal account can be created with First Bank
Jun 12, 2020 at 11:33 AM /
So of I create a PayPal account in Nigeria,I still have to connect it to a different country before I can send and receive money.
If I know someone in Canada what are the procedures.thank you
Jun 12, 2020 at 11:07 PM /
Create the Paypal account in Canada and connect them to a Canadian account
Jun 14, 2020 at 1:14 AM /
If PayPal decides not to make it possible to receive payments in Nigeria, don’t you think it is a risky thing to try to bypass the restriction? I don’t know if you understand what I mean. I wouldn’t like a situation where the company would suddenly freeze my account, under the accusation of me trying to play smart.
Jun 18, 2020 at 12:17 PM /
If you have an account outside Nigeria then why not open a PayPal account with it
Jun 18, 2020 at 8:40 AM /
Please I don’t have an ATM card for now because it’s expired can I use account number for it?
Jun 18, 2020 at 12:16 PM /
You will need an ATM card
Jun 21, 2020 at 4:24 PM /
Please I opened a PayPal account before how can I close it
Jun 27, 2020 at 1:21 PM /
In specific circumstances, an account will not be allowed to be closed until issues are solved.
If you still have a remaining PayPal balance, pending funds or unresolved issues you will not be able to close your account. Once the money has been transferred and the issues have been resolved, the account can be closed.
The instructions to delete the account differ slightly depending on if your PayPal is titled as ‘personal’ or ‘business’. Follow the instructions below depending on which type of PayPal account you wish to close.
Closing Down a Person PayPal Account:
Log in to your PayPal account.
Click on the Settings menu next to Log Out.
Under the Account Options section, click the Close your account button.
If requested, enter your bank details.
Click the Close Account button.
Closing Down a Business PayPal Account:
Log in to your PayPal account.
Click on the Profile button next to Log Out.
Click on the Profile and Settings button.
Click on Account Settings.
At the top of the Account Settings page, you will see a Close Account button next to Account type.
Click the Close account button to delete your PayPal account.
Thanks for your intelligent question, I hope this helps
Jul 7, 2020 at 1:07 PM /
Honestly, I still find this PayPal issue of receiving and withdrawing fund from it still confusing and clumsy. Can someone in USA open a working PayPal account for me and activate it and send it back to Nigeria for me to use in receiving and withdrawing money??? Please I need your urgent reply. Thank you.
Jul 7, 2020 at 7:47 PM /
YOu can do that, but money will be withdrawn to the bank account domicilled in USA
Jul 8, 2020 at 10:30 PM /
I want to know if I can pay for services and goods from the Nigerian created PayPal account
Jul 9, 2020 at 10:55 AM /
Yes please, you can pay for services and goods with a Nigerian PayPal account, thank you for your intelligent questions
Jul 28, 2020 at 3:56 AM /
Please I ones open a PayPal account but I. Did not activate it, please it still be activated now or I should open a new account?
Jul 31, 2020 at 3:09 PM /
You can still activate it
Jul 28, 2020 at 10:48 AM /
Can I create a PayPal account with my access bank and be able to receive and withdraw funds
Jul 31, 2020 at 3:10 PM /
Yes you can, but you cannot withraw funds
Aug 1, 2020 at 2:02 PM /
please how else can I receive money to my naija dom account
Aug 6, 2020 at 10:36 AM /
You can try World Remit
Aug 2, 2020 at 11:00 PM /
[email protected] pls when I tried opening a PayPal Us account it requested for a Us number which I don’t have pls how should I go about it
Aug 4, 2020 at 12:51 PM /
If I open a PayPal account in Nigeria and get paid in it. How do I withdraw the money?
Aug 6, 2020 at 10:37 AM /
You cannot withdraw from a Nigerian PayPal account
Aug 5, 2020 at 3:29 AM /
I tried opening PayPal account but I have a problem with postcode. I reside in Abuja. Please which Postcode will I fill in?
Aug 6, 2020 at 10:38 AM /
This link will help you: https://nigeriazipcodes.com/2939/abuja-town-area-zip-codes/
Aug 8, 2020 at 10:55 AM /
can someone open an account and link it with u.s account to open for u.s paypal
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:51 AM /
Yes please you can do that, but change your IP Address to a US IP
Aug 9, 2020 at 1:23 AM /
Thanks for the problem solve God will continue to bless you favour will not be far from you. What you just solved now some websites are asking for money before they can help.
Aug 10, 2020 at 11:50 AM /
Thnaks so much, I am happy to hear that
Aug 12, 2020 at 2:55 AM /
Can I use the same email address to open both the Nigeria account and south Africa account??
Aug 23, 2020 at 11:16 AM /
No, it is not possible
Aug 27, 2020 at 6:12 AM /
Thanks so much sire for the article, it’s helped so much.
I’m in dire need of a PayPal account that I can use to receive funds from the States.
I offered a service for someone over there and she said she can only pay me through PayPal.
I don’t know how to change my IP address and I don’t have anyone in the States I can use his/her account. Please how do I go about this?
I’ll really appreciate you dropping your WhatsApp contact so as for me to contact you easily on this issue.
Thanks so much
Aug 29, 2020 at 12:01 AM /
You can ask her to try Worldremit or Transferwise
Aug 27, 2020 at 6:21 AM /
Thanks so much sire for the article. I’m in dire need of a PayPal account that I can use to receive funds from the States. I offered a service for someone over there and she said she can only pay me through PayPal. I don’t know how to change my IP address and I don’t have anyone in the States I can use his/her account. Please how do I go about this? I’ll really appreciate you dropping your WhatsApp contact so as for me to contact you easily on this issue.Thanks so much
Aug 28, 2020 at 11:58 PM /
I have this question.
1) if I open a PayPal account in Nigeria, can I use it to receive money. Also can I withdraw money from there.
2) if I cannot withdraw money , how then do I withdraw money since I can receive.
3) you advised to open PayPal using another country , if I do that, do I still need to open Nigeria own so that I can withdraw money from there.
4) if I open PayPal account through another country, how do I use it. Do I transfer money from my local bank or PayPal account in Nigeria to that foreign PayPal account I opened.
Please kindly answer them one after the other.
Thanks
Aug 29, 2020 at 12:00 AM /
Do I open PayPal account in Nigeria and also with foreign country so that I can receive , send and withdraw money.
Sep 10, 2020 at 12:54 PM /
Thank you very much for this work. God will bless you for not hoarding information. So many sites I visited needed money but you gave out the information freely, God bless you richly.
Please my question is that I did a job online for freelance and PayPal is the option for receiving money and I don’t have anyone overseas. What other options can I give to them to pay me or can I open account with GTB since I hear that GTB makes overseas transactions easy. Thank you in anticipation of your prompt response.
Sep 10, 2020 at 4:24 PM /
This article will be beneficial to you: https://www.anatech.com.ng/best-way-to-receive-international-payments-in-nigeria/
Sep 18, 2020 at 12:17 AM /
I really love this post it made me set up my paypal account that receives and issues payment here in Nigeria.
Oct 14, 2020 at 5:46 PM /
Please am really in need of a PayPal account cause am on the brink to start working for a group abroad and the only platform they pay to is PayPal. But from the above comments I realized that PayPal doesn’t allow Nigerians to receive and withdraw funds and I don’t have anyone abroad to link my account with please I need your advice on this
And also at the end if there is a way out hope zenith Bank will work swiftly and smoothly with PayPal thank
Oct 14, 2020 at 6:08 PM /
I believe this article will help you: https://www.anatech.com.ng/best-way-to-receive-international-payments-in-nigeria/
Oct 23, 2020 at 1:07 PM /
Hi, i want to open a Paypal account, but i don’t have a first bank account.
I only use Unity Bank account and i have just one verve atm card only.
My question is, can i link my verve card to my paypal account and do they accept Unite Bank.
Please, let me know.
thanks…
Oct 25, 2020 at 8:22 PM /
Thank you very much. This has been very helpful. My question is, how can one withdraw from the account? I mean the PayPal account domiciled in another country.
Oct 25, 2020 at 10:19 PM /
Kindly Withdraw to the bank account connected to the PayPal account domicilled in another country
Oct 30, 2020 at 4:58 PM /
Hi. I came across your article just now and I’m about to open a paypal via first bank app. My question is can I use the PayPal account for transactions above the $100 limit on Nigeria debit cards? Or transactions would still be restricted to the $100 limit
Oct 30, 2020 at 9:13 PM /
As at now October 30th 2020, the restrictions still apply, thanks for your inteligent question
Dec 29, 2020 at 11:24 PM /
Hi, I opened a PayPal account, the country I put is Lesotho but I put a Nigerian phone number along with my other true identity. Have paid for the card verification but is been two weeks now and I have not received the code. Dose it have anything to do with different county and county code number?
Dec 30, 2020 at 9:07 AM /
Yes, it will definetely have something to do with that
Dec 29, 2020 at 11:26 PM /
Hi, I opened a PayPal account, the country I put is Lesotho but I put a Nigerian phone number along with my other true identity. Have paid for the card verification but is been two weeks now and I have not received the code. Dose it have anything to do with different county and county code number.
Feb 4, 2021 at 3:13 AM /
Pls i opened a paypal acct here in nigeria nd i want to recieve payment from an app. Pls how do i withdraw it.
2 plz what if i connect another person’s bank or atm card with my paypal can i still withdraw
Feb 13, 2021 at 1:30 PM /
Sorry, You cannot connect anothers persons ATM to your Paypal account, thanks for your intelligent question
Feb 18, 2021 at 7:29 AM /
I am confused. If you want to transfer money to someone through bank deposit, you need that person’s account number, name etc. My problem now is how do you need to send money to another person through paypal.
What will the person send to you for you to work with?.
Feb 18, 2021 at 12:32 PM /
The person will send you his paypal email address
Feb 24, 2021 at 11:12 PM /
With the current ban on crypto will First Bank still be able to use Paypal wallet and can one withdraw or atleast shop online? and i also heard you can link your Paypal with any Master Card in Nigeria and it works. I have not seen it work though what’s your best advise if i have to get a working Paypal account in Nigeria
Mar 9, 2021 at 10:25 AM /
You can still shop online, but withdrawal is banned for Nigerians
Yes, you can link your PayPal to your Mastercard
Mar 8, 2021 at 7:04 AM /
Am trying to sign up PayPal account with my phone number in Nigeria, but is not going, Why??
Mar 9, 2021 at 10:26 AM /
Please let us know the error message you are getting
Mar 26, 2021 at 7:41 PM /
Dear Uche, I wish to have an account with Paypal that will enable me to withdraw here in Nigeria, because I engage in an online business which I want to withdraw some amount of money for other business in Nigeria, but with the current ban from CBN how can I go about it?
I need your assistance. Thanks
Apr 14, 2021 at 2:41 PM /
It is not possible to recieve payment with a Nigerian PayPal account
Apr 1, 2021 at 11:50 PM /
Please. Can someone use PayPal here in Nigeria for onlnine shopping that is up to 1000 dollars?
Apr 14, 2021 at 2:41 PM /
It Depend on your Bank, most bank restrict to $100 monthly
Apr 17, 2021 at 4:19 PM /
Thanks Uche for this info. I got to the stage to verify my card but decline…i used First bank, GTB and Standard chartered but all declined.
Your card was declined by the issuing bank. Please try a different card or contact your card issuer with questions.
Please what will you advice?
08035150646
Apr 20, 2021 at 9:52 AM /
I want to start selling on Etsy so I would need a PayPal account. Can I receive payment with the paypal?
May 10, 2021 at 4:09 PM /
Paypal accounts created in Nigeria cannot recieve payments
Apr 20, 2021 at 3:01 PM /
I opened a PayPal account while schooling abroad 2012. And now I’m trying to use it again, unfortunately it’s trying to send a security code to that country’s phone number I registered with but I have it no more coz I left the country since 4years ago. How can I still retrieve such account?
May 10, 2021 at 4:10 PM /
Check if it has another means of retrieval i.e an email address or a second phone number
Apr 21, 2021 at 11:40 AM /
I have a PayPal account with my student account while studying abroad. That’s bout 8years ago. But recently I’m trying to recover that old account instead of opening another. I used forgot password means so as to regain the account which was success but unfortunately again it requires sending another security code to the country’s phone number which I don’t have again coz I left the country 4years. So much my question is, how else can that account be retrieved? Is it still going to be useful?
May 10, 2021 at 4:11 PM /
Check if it has another means of retrieval i.e an email address or a second phone number
Apr 23, 2021 at 5:42 AM /
Good morning! Bro,Uche Anaga.l wish to make an enquiry on PayPal account in Nigeria.
1.what type of bank account do l need to have before l can set up PayPal in Nigeria for the purpose of receiving payments for online transactions.
2.which banks in Nigeria are currently using PayPal?
May 10, 2021 at 4:11 PM /
Please note that you cannot receive payments with a PayPal account created in Nigeria
Apr 23, 2021 at 12:46 PM /
Good afternoon! I have just found out that people can’t receive payments and cash out money with PayPal account in Nigeria. Bro Uche, what are the other convenience means of receiving payments for online shopping. I need your advice.
May 10, 2021 at 4:12 PM /
You can try Flutterwave
Apr 24, 2021 at 6:06 AM /
Good morning! I have just found out that people can’t receive payments and cash out money with PayPal account in Nigeria. Bro Uche, what are the other convenience means of receiving payments for online shopping or particularly for ebook transactions? l humbly need your advice.
May 10, 2021 at 4:12 PM /
You can try Flutterwave
Apr 29, 2021 at 10:06 AM /
Sry can someone used another person’s company name to open a business PayPal account?.
May 10, 2021 at 4:13 PM /
That is not a legal means
May 3, 2021 at 2:22 AM /
Thank you so much, i was able to open one using an SA address, but please i would love to know if i can withdraw the cash in the account.
May 10, 2021 at 4:14 PM /
You may need a third party to withdraw the money for you
May 4, 2021 at 2:29 PM /
I opened a PayPal account 5 years ago, and kept receiving emails from them. Unfortunately I didn’t use the account for any transaction as there was no need at the time. Recently however, I have had need for it and tried logging Into the account. But Every time I try it doesn’t present me with the full page. It only gives me a page that says “send code to this number” with my phone number showing , When I click send, no code is sent ! Even when I click resend nothing is sent. And the page doesn’t have the other options of ” send to email account” etc. What do I do? I even tried opening a new/different account with different/new email and number but the codes are never sent. How do I resolve this please.
May 20, 2021 at 12:14 PM /
Why does PayPal don’t accept Verve card
May 31, 2021 at 10:24 AM /
Please I have successfully closed my Nigeria paypal account. Please can I still re-used the email for US or other receivable country paypal account
Jun 8, 2021 at 8:26 PM /
It cannot be used for another PayPal account
Jun 23, 2021 at 1:35 AM /
This is a great content indeed…..
I could remember when i started with my online journey back then that how to create a PayPal account was my biggest challenge…… I’m happy that you dropped this content here sir, thanks….
Thanks for sharing.
Jun 24, 2021 at 1:14 AM /
But can I receive payment into my PayPal account been created in nigeria ?
Jul 4, 2021 at 5:41 PM /
No, you cannot receive payment with a PayPal account created in Nigeria
Jul 1, 2021 at 6:59 AM /
Can I use a first Bank verve card to open and receive money on PayPal
Jul 4, 2021 at 5:40 PM /
No, it cannot recieve money on PayPal
Jul 14, 2021 at 9:42 AM /
Hi, pls I need ur help, I am an app developer and a blogger and I want to create a PayPal business account here in Nigeria that can enable me receive funds from Google admob, AdSense,and other websites in dollars how do I go about that. Like if I want to get paid by some websites they tell me to add my PayPal account and I live here in Nigeria. What do I do pls help. Like a monetization PayPal account to receive funds from abroad mostly in USD
Jul 30, 2021 at 6:35 PM /
Nigerian PayPal accounts cannot receive funds
Jul 14, 2021 at 10:23 AM /
Pls I want to open a monetization PayPal account
Nov 1, 2021 at 10:00 AM /
If somebody create PayPal acc for me in another country, is it the same email address and password he used that I will also use to operate with my phone here in nigeria
Nov 1, 2021 at 1:07 PM /
You are absolutely correct, it is the same email address and password you will use
Apr 11, 2022 at 1:27 AM /
[email protected], I open PayPal account in Nigeria but do not accept my GTB master card , what should i do?
Apr 29, 2022 at 10:42 PM /
How can one get pseudo credentials if possible drop the link to the yellow pages of cou tries that can recieve payment via PayPal thanks alot
Jun 7, 2022 at 2:11 PM /
Hi I want create PayPal account here please allow me
Jul 14, 2022 at 7:41 PM /
Thanks for the information you shared I appreciate your efforts for taking the time and sharing this content. It is really helpful thanks
Dec 13, 2022 at 4:13 PM /
Amazing blog. The ideas mentioned in this article are unique and worth trying. Thanks for sharing this detailed write-up, hope to read more similar content on my next visit.