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Reviewed and updated April 2026 by Chidi Okonkwo (EFN editorial team). Data verified against official sources and real-world testing. In this article, we will guide you through the process of withdrawing funds from Wise (formerly TransferWise) to your OPay account. As a Nigeria freelancer, it’s essential to understand how to manage your earnings efficiently, especially when receiving payments from international clients. With our step-by-step instructions, you will be well-equipped to withdraw your funds with ease.
Understanding Wise and OPay
💸 Quick Transfer Savings Calculator
Example: $800 transfer from Upwork to GTBank
- 🏦 Traditional bank: 4-5% fee + bad exchange rate = ~5% lost
- ✅ Wise: 0.5-1% transparent fee + mid-market rate = save ₦12,000 vs domiciliary account
→ Calculate Your Transfer (Free)
*Example estimate based on typical published fees. Live rates and fees vary — always check the provider's own calculator before transferring.
Wise is a financial technology company that offers international money transfer services. It enables users to send money across borders at lower fees compared to traditional banks. On the other hand, OPay is a popular mobile payment platform for Nigeria that allows users to manage their finances, make payments, and transfer money easily. Using Wise to receive payments and OPay to withdraw funds can be an efficient way to manage your freelancing income. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Wise Account
Before you can withdraw money to OPay, ensure you have a Wise account set up. Here’s how: Visit the Wise websiteor download the Wise app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.Create an accountby providing your email address and setting a password. Follow the prompts to verify your identity, including entering your National Identification Number (NIN).Add your bank detailsto receive payments. Ensure you input your Nigeria bank account details accurately to avoid any issues. Once your account is set up, you can start receiving payments from clients worldwide.
Step 2: Receiving Payments in Wise
After setting up your Wise account, you can start receiving payments. Here’s how to receive funds: Provide your Wise account detailsto your clients. They will need your Wise account email or specific bank details depending on how they wish to send you the payment.Check your Wise accountregularly to confirm you’ve received the payment. Wise will notify you once the money is available in your account. It’s essential to note that Wise allows you to hold multiple currencies, making it convenient to receive payments in different currencies before converting to Naira.
Step 3: Converting Your Funds in Wise
Once you have received payments in your Wise account, you may want to convert your funds to Nigeria Naira (NGN) before withdrawing. Here’s how to do it: Log in to your Wise accountand navigate to the “Balances” section.Select the currencyyou want to convert (e.g., USD or EUR).**Click on “Convert” or “Exchange” and choose Naira (NGN)**as your desired currency.Enter the amountyou want to convert and review the fees. Confirm the conversion. This step is crucial as it ensures you are withdrawing the amount in Naira, which you will need for your OPay account.
Step 4: Withdrawing Funds from Wise to Your OPay Account
Now that your funds are in Naira, you can withdraw them to your OPay account. Follow these simple steps: Log in to your Wise accountand go to the “Balances” section.Select your Naira balanceand click on “Withdraw.”Choose the withdrawal methodas your Nigeria bank account. Here, you will need to input your OPay account bank details.Enter the amountyou wish to withdraw and confirm the withdrawal. Wise will process your withdrawal, and the funds should reflect in your OPay account shortly. Make sure to check your OPay app to confirm the transaction.
Step 5: Using OPay to Access Your Funds
Once your funds are in your OPay account, you have various options to access or use them: **Transfer to a local bank:**You can easily transfer the funds to your preferred Nigeria bank account like GTBank, Access Bank, or Zenith Bank.**Make payments:**Use OPay for online purchases or pay bills directly from your account.**Withdraw cash:**You can withdraw cash from ATMs or OPay agents using your OPay account. Using OPay provides you with flexibility and convenience in managing your finances as a freelancer.
Conclusion
Withdrawing funds from Wise to OPay is a straightforward process that allows Nigeria freelancers to manage their earnings effectively. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your hard-earned money is accessible and ready for use. Always remember to keep your account details secure and monitor your transactions to avoid any discrepancies. Happy freelancing!
Related reading
Explore these in-depth guides from our editorial team:
- Freelancer Income Per Month: Understanding the Freelance
- 99Designs Payment Failed Nigeria (2026)
- Cleva Honest Review
- Platform Reviews
- Payments & Transfers
Sources & further reading
For more depth on these topics, these authoritative sources are worth bookmarking:
- Wise Mission Mid-market rate — authoritative reference.
- World Bank Remittance Prices — authoritative reference.
- FATF Cross-Border Payments — authoritative reference. Last verified April 2026.
Pro tip: For receiving USD payments, Wise is the cheapest option (0.6% fee vs PayPal 7.5%). Free US bank account included. Open free account in 5 minutes.