Top Payment Gateways in Nigeria for global and local businesses

Nigeria has one of the largest digital economies in Africa, with businesses relying on payment gateways to process transactions efficiently. Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, a fintech startup, or a service-based business, choosing the right payment gateway is crucial for smooth operations. Here are the top payment gateways in Nigeria, starting with Elemipay.

1. Elemipay – Best for Multi-Country Payments

Elemipay is a powerful payment gateway designed for businesses that want to collect and disburse payments across Africa. It supports multiple payment methods, including bank transfers, online banking, mobile money, and card payments.

Key Features

• Supports Visa, Mastercard, online banking, and mobile wallets.

• Seamless payouts to bank accounts and mobile wallets across Nigeria and Africa.

• Multi-currency support, making it ideal for businesses with regional operations.

• Secure and PCI-certified for fraud prevention.

• Flexible integration via API, dashboard, invoices, and payment links.

Pricing

• Transaction fees: 1.5% to 6%, depending on the country and transaction type.

• Payout fees: Flat rate per withdrawal.

Elemipay is perfect for businesses that need a scalable, secure, and Africa-focused payment solution.

2. Paystack – Best for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Paystack is one of the most popular payment gateways in Nigeria, offering fast and secure online payments for businesses of all sizes. It is widely used by e-commerce platforms, freelancers, and startups.

Key Features

• Accepts debit/credit cards, bank transfers, USSD, and QR codes.

• Easy setup with no coding required.

• Fraud detection tools for secure transactions.

• Seamless integrations with WooCommerce, Shopify, and other platforms.

Pricing

• 1.5% per local transaction (capped at ₦2,000 for Nigerian cards).

• 3.9% per international transaction.

Paystack is great for startups and SMEs that want an easy-to-use and affordable payment gateway.

3. Flutterwave – Best for International Payments

Flutterwave is a leading pan-African payment platform that enables businesses in Nigeria to accept payments from local and international customers. It offers multiple payment methods, including cards, mobile wallets, and bank transfers.

Key Features

• Accepts Visa, Mastercard, USSD, bank transfers, and mobile money.

• Supports over 150 currencies, including USD, NGN, and GBP.

• No-code payment links for businesses without a website.

• Advanced security to prevent fraud and chargebacks.

Pricing

• 1.4% per local transaction (capped at ₦2,000).

• 3.8% per international transaction.

Flutterwave is ideal for businesses looking for a secure and globally recognized payment gateway.

4. Monnify – Best for Bank Transfers

Monnify is a bank-focused payment gateway that allows businesses to collect payments directly through bank transfers. It is commonly used by fintech startups and businesses that require instant settlements.

Key Features

• Accepts instant bank transfers with unique account numbers.

• Lower transaction fees compared to card payments.

• Automated reconciliation for easy accounting.

• API integration for businesses that want custom solutions.

Pricing

• 1% per transaction, capped at ₦100 per transfer.

Monnify is a great option for businesses that primarily receive payments through bank transfers.

5. DPO Group – Best for Hospitality and Travel Businesses

DPO Group is a leading online payment processor for businesses in the travel, hospitality, and service industries. It provides multi-currency payment solutions for businesses serving international clients.

Key Features

• Accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and mobile wallets.

• Multi-currency support for global transactions.

• Secure fraud prevention tools.

• Works well for hotels, airlines, and e-commerce platforms.

Pricing

• Custom pricing based on business type and transaction volume.

DPO Group is ideal for businesses in tourism and hospitality that require multi-currency support.

6. CinetPay – Best for Subscription-Based Businesses

CinetPay is a Francophone Africa-focused payment gateway that supports businesses in Nigeria with secure and automated payment processing. It is particularly useful for businesses with recurring billing models.

Key Features

• Accepts Visa, Mastercard, mobile wallets, and bank transfers.

• Recurring billing for subscription-based businesses.

• Secure transactions with fraud prevention tools.

• APIs available for easy integration.

Pricing

• Competitive fees based on transaction type.

CinetPay is best for businesses that need a reliable payment solution for recurring transactions.

7. Dusupay – Best for Cross-Border Payments

Dusupay is a multi-country payment gateway that allows businesses to collect and send payments across multiple African countries. It is widely used for remittances, e-commerce, and online services.

Key Features

• Supports Visa, Mastercard, mobile money, and bank transfers.

• Cross-border payments to multiple African countries.

• Easy API integration for businesses and platforms.

• Instant settlements to bank accounts and wallets.

Pricing

• Varies based on transaction type and country.

Dusupay is a great option for businesses handling cross-border transactions across Africa.

Choosing the Right Payment Gateway for Your Business

When selecting a payment gateway in Nigeria, consider the following:

✅ Target customers – Are they using bank transfers, cards, or mobile money?

✅ Business model – E-commerce, subscription, international payments?

✅ Scalability – Do you need a gateway that works across multiple African markets?

✅ Fees – Compare transaction costs to maximize profitability.

• For businesses needing a multi-country solution, Elemipay is the best choice.

• For local transactions and SMEs, Paystack is a top pick.

• For businesses with international customers, Flutterwave is a strong option.

• For bank transfer payments, Monnify offers the best rates.

• For cross-border payments, Dusupay is highly recommended.

• For hospitality businesses, DPO Group is ideal.

• For recurring payments, CinetPay provides automated billing solutions.

No matter your business type, selecting the right payment gateway ensures secure transactions and a smooth customer experience.