Over 30 cross-border money transfer apps in Africa but what makes SendSprint worth your while?
Here’s everything you need to know before making SendSprint your go-to app to send money home in 2024.
What we will cover:
- What is SendSprint?
- What is SendSprint’s exchange rate today?
- Who does SendSprint cater to?
- How can I get started?
- How much does SendSprint charge?
- Is SendScript available on Android and iOS?
- How can i contact SendSprint?
- Is SendSprint secure?
- What alternatives are worth considering?
- Our Verdict
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is SendSprint?
Launched in 2021 by Damisi Busari (formerly with Flutterwave), SendSprint was designed for Africans in the diaspora who need a fast-processing option to send money and gifts home.
Users in the US, UK, and Canada can send funds at an affordable fee directly to Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, or South Africa—whether to mobile wallets, bank accounts, or, interestingly, cash pickups.
Initially focused on the UK, SendSprint has since expanded to serve African countries and, through its acquisition of Nobel Financial, now operates in the United States. This acquisition gives SendSprint access to Nobel’s established infrastructure and customer base, boosting its growth in the American market. Strong responses from users in the US and UK have helped SendSprint gain traction, bringing it closer to its 2022 goal of reaching 300,000 customers within the first 18 months.
With features like:
- Diverse currency support
- Recurring payments
- Business payment links
- Gift card solutions
- Built-in regulatory infrastructure for remittance businesses
We can say the remittance platform is almost without flaw.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Flat fees | The app’s exclusivity to Africans abroad creates an accessibility gap, as users within Africa cannot download or use it. |
Cash pickup option | The absence of a wallet limits flexibility, focusing solely on direct transactions. |
Payment Scheduling | Limited native app experience |
What is SendSprint’s exchange rate today?
At the time of this publication, below is the current SendSprint exchange rate for sending money to Nigeria to Ghana:
Nigeria:
- USD - 1703 NGN
- GBP - 2176 NGN
Ghana:
- USD - 16.30 GHS
- GBP - 20.65 GHS
One of SendSprint’s core promises is to offer fairer, more affordable exchange rates than most cross-border payment services. Given the high costs of sending money internationally, which can reach up to 8.5% in fees, this is a significant benefit.
You can check SendSprint’s and other Naira to Dollar exchange rates today on monierate.com.
Who does SendSprint cater to?
For SendSprint’s user base, here’s what they provide:
For individuals in the diaspora: Africans living abroad can send money directly to Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Transfers support multiple currencies like USD to NGN, Euro to KES, and USD to GHS.
For businesses: SendSprint enables businesses to make secure cross-border payments, bulk transfers, and instant settlements while ensuring compliance with U.S. remittance regulations. Businesses can quickly launch remittance services with built-in regulatory, payment, and anti-fraud infrastructure.
For freelancers and independent professionals: Freelancers can use SendSprint to receive payments securely from international clients through reliable payout channels, including local bank accounts, mobile money, and cash pickups.
For gifters: Through Sprint Connect, users can send in-kind gifts like Shoprite and Jumia gift cards for groceries, healthcare, and more. These partnerships with local businesses in recipient markets ensure seamless gifting.
Developer-friendly solutions: SendSprint also provides a suite of developer-friendly APIs with real-time integration support, allowing businesses to build scalable financial products tailored to the African market.
U.S.-based payment infrastructure: SendSprint’s infrastructure supports ACH, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and wire transfers, offering reduced failure rates and competitive services for businesses targeting U.S. customers.
Whether you’re an individual, business, or developer, SendSprint’s end-to-end solutions simplify cross-border transactions and remittance services with speed, compliance, and efficiency.
How can I get started?
Getting started with SendSprint is simple. Here’s a quick guide on how to use the platform:
- Head to SendSprint’s website or mobile app to set up your account.
- Select between personal transfers, gift cards, or business payments.
- Input your recipient’s information and the amount you want to send.
- Confirm your transaction details and pay through your preferred method—whether via Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or ACH.
- With real-time transaction monitoring, you can keep track of every transaction for added peace of mind.
How much does SendSprint charge?
SendSprint adopts a transparent flat-fee model, typically charging $5 per transfer. The fee is adjusted based on the sender’s currency, such as the equivalent in GBP for users in the UK.
This straightforward approach eliminates the hidden costs often associated with traditional remittance providers, ensuring users can send funds without worrying about additional deductions.
However, users must send a minimum of $10, £10, or CAD 10 per transaction. Notably, SendSprint doesn’t require deposits into a wallet. Instead, users can send money directly using payment options like MasterCard, Visa, ACH, AmEx, or their bank accounts.
Is SendScript available on Android and iOS?
Yes, but only for international markets focused on sending money home to Africa. SendSprint primarily targets users abroad, and as of this writing, users based in Africa have reported difficulties finding or downloading the app on mobile stores. To access it on Google Play Store or App Store, search for “Sprint Technology.”
SendSprint serves key markets in the UK and the U.S., offering access through both a mobile app and a website, providing users with flexibility for their transactions.
Is SendSprint secure-proof?
SendSprint is PCI DSS Level 1 certified, ensuring compliance and security across all supported regions. During signup, passwords are end-to-end encrypted, safeguarding user data.
The platform also uses advanced protocols to protect funds and offers two-factor authentication (2FA) for additional security. Real-time transaction monitoring helps detect and address unusual activity promptly.
How can i contact SendSprint?
For assistance, you can browse the FAQ and help section on the SendSprint website. For quicker support, email the team at hi@sendsprint.com.
What alternatives are worth considering?
By now, you’re familiar with the trade-offs of the SendSprint platform. While it provides an impressive range of features, it may lack options like wallet functionality, virtual cards, or unrestricted regional access.
Depending on your specific needs, it might be worth exploring other diaspora-focused money transfer services to find the one that suits you best. Consider alternatives such as:
They are also popular among the African diaspora for their competitive rates and extensive service areas.
Read Also: Grey Finance: Everything You Need to Know
Our Verdict
To be fair, SendSprint does a great job standing out with its unique value. It’s built to put your needs first, connecting African payments seamlessly and efficiently.
The fee structure is refreshing, the gifting feature is thoughtful, and recurring quick payments, plus business perks, make it a solid option. It’s secure too, which adds to its appeal.
If you can overlook some of the limitations we pointed out earlier—like with any payment platform—you’ll likely enjoy using SendSprint. It feels like there’s still plenty of room for growth, and we’re excited to see what they improve next.
FAQs on SendSprint
Is SendSprint available in the United States?
Yes, following its acquisition of Nobel Financial, SendSprint has expanded its services to the U.S., making it easier for users to send money to Africa.
What are SendSprint’s fees?
SendSprint charges a flat $5 fee per transfer, making it a cost-effective choice compared to traditional providers that charge percentage-based fees.
How quickly are transactions processed?
SendSprint processes transactions within 30 minutesor less.
Does SendSprint support business transactions?
Yes, SendSprint for Businesses offers tailored solutions for Africa-based and diaspora businesses, including features like instant settlement and USD payment options.
What security features does SendSprint offer?
SendSprint prioritizes security with two-factor authentication, real-time transaction monitoring, and 24/7 customer support.
Can I send money from Nigeria?
Currently, sending money from Nigeria through SendSprint is not available. But when it becomes possible, SendSprint will notify users promptly.
Where can the recipient collect the money sent?
For each country, SendSprint offers convenient collection methods, tailored to meet local needs:
Nigeria:
- USD Domiciliary Bank Account: Funds are deposited directly into the recipient’s USD domiciliary bank account.
- Cash Pickup: The recipient can collect cash from designated bank branches.
- Instant USD Domiciliary Bank Account: If the recipient doesn’t have a USD account, one is created instantly for the transaction.
Kenya:
- Mpesa Mobile Money Account: Funds are deposited into the recipient’s Mpesa mobile wallet.
- Bank Account: Funds can also be directed to a traditional bank account.
Ghana:
- Bank Account: Funds go directly into the recipient’s bank account.
- Mobile Money (MoMo) Account: Option to deposit into their MoMo account.
South Africa:
- Bank Account: Funds are deposited into the recipient’s bank account.
Does Sendsprint support domiciliary accounts?
No, Sendsprint does not support linking domiciliary accounts. Instead, you can provide the recipient’s bank details, enter your payment details during the transaction, and the recipient will receive the funds within 30 minutes.