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The short answer
You can receive money from abroad into Zenith Bank by SWIFT wire (Zenith's SWIFT code is ZEIBNGLA, or ZEIBNGLAXXX in 11 characters) or through one of the money transfer operators Zenith pays out for, such as Western Union, MoneyGram, WorldRemit and Sendwave. Zenith's IMT page says transfers can credit your domiciliary or naira account, a USD account is created automatically if you do not have one, and cash pickup is available up to $10,000 in dollars.
There are two main ways money from abroad reaches a Zenith Bank customer: a bank-to-bank SWIFT wire, and a payout through an international money transfer operator (IMTO). They differ in what the sender needs, how long the money takes and what currency you end up holding.
Route 1: SWIFT wire into your account
A SWIFT wire is sent by the sender's bank to Zenith through the SWIFT network, of which Zenith says it has been a member since June 1998. Give the sender:
- Beneficiary bank
- Zenith Bank Plc
- SWIFT/BIC
- ZEIBNGLA (11-character form ZEIBNGLAXXX), as listed by Remitly's SWIFT directory
- Bank address
- 87 Ajose Adeogun Street, Zenith Heights, Victoria Island, Lagos (same directory)
- Beneficiary name
- Exactly as on your Zenith account
- Account number
- Your 10-digit Zenith account; a domiciliary account for dollars, pounds or euros
- Purpose
- A short, plain description such as 'family support' or 'invoice 104'
Zenith's own SWIFT page did not print the code, so confirm it with Zenith on 01-292 7000 before giving it to a sender who is moving a large sum. Some foreign banks also ask for an intermediary or correspondent bank for dollar wires; ask Zenith which to quote for the currency being sent. Our guide to Zenith's SWIFT code and sort code goes into detail.
Which account to use
Send foreign currency to a domiciliary account in the same currency if you want to keep it as dollars, pounds or euros. If a dollar wire is sent to a naira account, it will be converted at the bank's rate on the day. See the Zenith domiciliary account.
Route 2: money transfer operators
Zenith's International Money Transfer page lists the operators it pays out for. As listed in October 2026 they include:
- Western Union and MoneyGram (cash pickup available)
- WorldRemit and Thunes (bank account credit)
- Sendwave and Lead Remit (First Apple), listed with pickup
- Boss Revolution and Smallworld, listed with both pickup and USD domiciliary credit
- Cashpot, Transfer Zero and Sterling Currency Exchange (credit to USD domiciliary accounts)
- Flutterwave, Naira Gram, Global Currency, Venture Garden, Simplify Synergy, ACE Money Transfer and FUNTECH
The page says payouts can go to your domiciliary or naira account, that a USD account will be created automatically for a customer who does not have one, and that walk-in cash collection is possible up to $10,000, paid in dollars. Zenith adds that it does not set the conversion rates, which are automated, and that there are 'no hidden fees'. Fees are mainly paid by the sender to the operator, so the sender should check the operator's quote, including the exchange rate, before paying.
SWIFT or operator: which to ask for
| SWIFT wire | Money transfer operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Sender needs | Your name, account number, SWIFT code, bank address | Your name, phone, and account number or pickup choice |
| Cost to sender | Sending bank's wire fee, sometimes intermediary deductions | Operator's fee plus its exchange-rate margin |
| What you receive | The currency of the account credited | Account credit or cash, mostly USD per Zenith's page |
| Best for | Larger sums, business payments, tuition refunds | Family support, smaller regular sums |
Worked example (illustrative only)
Example: a relative in the US sends $500. By wire, the sending bank charges a $30 fee and a $15 intermediary deduction is taken on the way, so $455 arrives in your Zenith dollar account. Through an operator, the sender pays a $5 fee and the full $500 is credited to your USD account. The fees here are invented to show how deductions work; the sender should compare real quotes on the day.
Collecting cash: what to bring
For cash pickup Zenith's page asks for your BVN and one of: international or Nigerian passport, driver's licence, permanent voter's card or NIMC card. Walk-in customers must be over 18. Money transfer counters open 8am to 4pm on weekdays, not on weekends or public holidays. You will also need the transfer's reference number from the sender.
Why a transfer may be delayed
- The beneficiary name does not match the account name.
- A dollar wire was sent to a naira account number, or the wrong currency account.
- The sender's bank used an intermediary that returned the payment.
- Compliance checks asked for the purpose or source of funds.
- A public holiday in either country.
Our guide on delayed or returned foreign transfers covers each fix.
Where Pryme fits
If you are paid from abroad often, local account details can be cheaper and faster than SWIFT. A Pryme account provides USD, GBP and EUR account details alongside naira, money stays in the currency it arrived in, and Swap converts only when you choose.
Questions people ask
What is Zenith Bank's SWIFT code for receiving money?
ZEIBNGLA, or ZEIBNGLAXXX in its 11-character form, as listed in Remitly's SWIFT directory. Confirm with Zenith before a large transfer.
Can I receive dollars in my Zenith naira account?
A dollar transfer sent to a naira account is converted at the bank's rate. Zenith's IMT page says a USD account is created automatically for IMTO payouts if you do not have one.
How much cash can I collect from abroad at Zenith?
Zenith's IMT page says customers can receive up to $10,000 in cash, paid in dollars, with BVN and valid ID.
Which money transfer companies pay into Zenith Bank?
Zenith's IMT page lists Western Union, MoneyGram, WorldRemit, Sendwave, Thunes, Flutterwave, Smallworld, Boss Revolution and others.
Sources
- Zenith Bank: Zenith International Money Transfer · accessed Oct 2026
- Remitly: Zenith Bank Plc SWIFT code ZEIBNGLAXXX · accessed Oct 2026
- Zenith Bank: SWIFT (corporate banking) · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.