{"id":829,"date":"2026-10-22T11:53:27","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T11:53:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pouchers.io\/blog\/?p=829"},"modified":"2026-10-22T11:53:27","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T11:53:27","slug":"how-to-open-a-pounds-account-in-nigeria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pouchers.io\/blog\/how-to-open-a-pounds-account-in-nigeria","title":{"rendered":"How to Open a Pounds Account in Nigeria"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 7<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

Receiving British Pounds (GBP) in Nigeria is much easier than it was a few years ago. Back then, the thought of setting up a pounds account, receiving payments, and converting your money to naira was enough to discourage you. Now, with the right platform, you can open an account, <\/span>receive payments<\/span><\/a>, and convert your GBP to naira all in one place, without the usual hassle.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are looking for the best way to receive pounds in Nigeria, this guide is for you. You\u2019ll learn how to open a pounds account, the requirements, and how to receive your payments. Let\u2019s get started.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Do You Open a Pounds Account in Nigeria?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

You can <\/span>open a pounds account<\/span> in Nigeria through a traditional Nigerian bank or a digital finance platform like Pouchers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the steps for both options:<\/span><\/p>\n

Option 1: Open a pounds account with a Nigerian bank<\/b><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Choose a bank. Several Nigerian banks, including FirstBank, Access Bank, UBA, Union Bank, and Standard Chartered, offer <\/span>domiciliary accounts<\/span><\/a> in pounds. Compare their account opening requirements, minimum deposits, and transaction fees to find an option that suits your needs.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Gather your documents. Depending on the bank, you may need a valid ID, BVN, proof of address, passport photographs, and reference forms.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Complete the account opening process. Fill out the bank’s application forms and submit the required documents online or at a branch, depending on its procedure.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Meet the opening deposit requirement. Some banks require an initial deposit to activate your account. FirstBank, for instance, requires a minimum opening\/operating balance of \u00a350 for its standard domiciliary account. Confirm the amount with your chosen bank.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Get your account details. Once your application is approved, obtain your GBP account details and confirm how you can receive international payments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Option 2: Open a pounds account with Pouchers<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Pouchers is the best digital finance platform for opening a pounds account in Nigeria. With Pouchers, you can open a GBP account<\/a> and get it ready to receive payments in minutes. Here\u2019s how to go about it:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Step 1: Create or log in to your Pouchers account<\/b>\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/b><\/h4>\n

    Download the Pouchers app<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and create an account. If you already have an account, simply log in.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Step 2: Complete your KYC verification<\/b><\/h4>\n

    Verify your account by completing the KYC process in the app. You can follow the <\/span>Pouchers KYC verification guide<\/span><\/a> if you need help.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Step 3: Select GBP<\/b><\/h4>\n

    \"How<\/p>\n

    At the top of your Pouchers dashboard, select <\/span>GBP<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Step 4: Activate your GBP account<\/b><\/h4>\n

    \"How<\/p>\n

    Tap <\/span>Activate Wallet<\/b>, then select <\/span>Activate GBP Account<\/b> and tap <\/span>Activate Account<\/b>. Read and accept the Terms of Use to continue.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Step 5: Enter your personal details and verify your identity<\/b><\/h4>\n

    \"How<\/p>\n

    Provide your personal information exactly as it appears on your identification documents. Select an accepted ID, such as your NIN slip with a QR code, International Passport, or Driver\u2019s Licence, and complete the identity verification process. You\u2019ll also need to take a selfie with your phone.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Step 6: Provide your account information<\/b><\/h4>\n

    Once your identity verification is approved, enter the requested details about your source of funds, occupation, employment status, intended account purpose, and expected transaction volume. Accept the personal-use declaration and submit your application.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Step 7: Access your GBP account details<\/b><\/h4>\n

    \"How<\/p>\n

    Your GBP account details will be available in the Pouchers app once your application is approved. You can then share the relevant details with senders to receive pound transfers.<\/span><\/p>\n

    What You Need to Open a Pounds Account in Nigeria<\/b><\/h2>\n

    The requirements for opening a pounds account depend on whether you choose a traditional bank or a digital finance platform. Here\u2019s what to prepare for each option.<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Opening a pounds account with a Nigerian bank<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Most banks require documents to verify your identity and address before opening a <\/span>foreign bank account<\/span><\/a>. For example,<\/span> FirstBank<\/span><\/a> lists the following requirements for its standard domiciliary account:<\/span><\/p>\n