If you’re looking to grow your money through savings and investment, this blog post is for you! We’ll explore the top seven saving apps in Nigeria, detailing what I like and what I don’t like about each. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, these platforms offer exciting opportunities to help you make the most of your money.
Saving apps are transforming how Nigerians manage their finances. They make it easy to save, invest, and grow your money without the usual hassles. With just a few taps on your phone, you can start building your wealth.
These apps offer various features, from high-interest savings accounts to investment opportunities in local and foreign markets. Whether you’re saving for a rainy day or planning a big investment, there’s an app for you. With that in mind, we’ve selected the 7 best saving apps in Nigeria to compare all the features and opportunities of each one!
Saving Apps in Nigeria: understanding the risks
While saving apps provide great opportunities, it’s important to understand the risks involved. Not every platform is regulated or offers the same level of security. Always check if the app is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Here are some risks to consider:
- Platform Stability: Some apps may not be financially stable. If they go down, you could lose access to your funds.
- Investment Risks: Investments come with risks. You might not get back what you put in, especially with volatile markets.
- Data Security: Ensure the app has strong security measures to protect your personal information.
Do you need dollars to invest in saving apps in Nigeria?
No, you don’t need dollars to start investing. Many apps allow you to deposit in Naira and convert it to dollars within the platform. This means you can easily access foreign investments without opening a dollar bank account.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Deposit Naira into your account.
- Use the app’s currency conversion feature to switch to dollars.
- Start investing in foreign stocks or other assets.
Top 7 Savings Apps in Nigeria
Now that you’re aware of the risks and what’s needed, we’ve selected the 7 best savings apps in Nigeria to compare all the features and opportunities of each one below.
1. AF Investor 2.0
AF Investor 2.0 is a top choice for Nigerians looking to invest in local stocks. Owned by a reputable investment bank, it offers a user-friendly web platform and a mobile app. You can invest in stocks, treasury bills, and commercial papers.
One of the standout features is its web version, which is reliable and easy to navigate. However, some users have reported issues with the mobile app in the past, although it has improved recently. Overall, it’s a solid option for serious investors.
2. Optimus by Afrinvest
Optimus is another excellent platform from Afrinvest. It provides a wide range of investment options, including U.S. stocks and mutual funds. What I love about Optimus is its competitive interest rates and the ability to deposit dollars directly.
This flexibility makes it appealing to many investors. The platform is designed to cater to various investment needs, whether you’re saving in Naira or dollars. With its seamless user experience, Optimus is worth considering for your investment journey.
3. Bamboo
Bamboo is popular for investing in foreign stocks. It’s user-friendly and offers educational materials to help you learn about investing. You can check out stock portfolios of top investors on the platform, which is a great way to get ideas.
In addition to foreign stocks, Bamboo also allows for treasury bills and dollar savings. If you’re looking to diversify your investments, Bamboo is a great option to explore.
4. Cowrywise
Cowrywise is a fantastic platform for those interested in mutual funds. It offers a wide range of mutual funds, both in Naira and dollars, making it a versatile choice for many investors. One of the best things about Cowrywise is its competitive interest rates, which can really boost your savings.
Another noteworthy feature is its Halal investment options, catering to those who prefer to invest without interest. This makes Cowrywise a great choice for Muslim investors looking for compliant investment opportunities.
- Wide Options: You can choose from several mutual funds, unlike some platforms that limit you to their offerings.
- Competitive Rates: Cowrywise consistently provides good rates, which is a big plus for savers.
- Halal Investment: Ideal for those looking for Sharia-compliant investment opportunities.
Overall, Cowrywise stands out for its diverse offerings and user-friendly interface. If you want to explore mutual funds, this app is definitely worth checking out.
5. PiggyVest
PiggyVest has revolutionized the online savings landscape in Nigeria. It’s one of the first platforms that introduced many Nigerians to the world of digital savings. On PiggyVest, you can save in both Naira and dollars, giving you flexibility.
However, one downside is that sometimes the dollar savings feature may not be reliable. Users have reported instances where they couldn’t access dollars when they needed them most. Despite this, the platform remains user-friendly and is known for its ease of use.
- Ease of Use: The app is straightforward, making it easy for anyone to navigate.
- Innovative Savings Features: PiggyVest offers features like “Save Small Small,” which helps you save little by little.
- Community Trust: Many people trust PiggyVest because it has a solid reputation in the market.
While there are some hiccups with dollar availability, PiggyVest continues to be a go-to app for many Nigerians looking to save and invest.
6. RiseVest
RiseVest is another popular option, especially for those interested in dollar investments. It allows users to invest in portfolios that include real estate and stocks. This means you can diversify your investments without much hassle.
One thing to note is that when you invest with RiseVest, you’re pooling your money with other investors. This means you don’t have direct control over individual investments. However, the platform offers decent rates, making it an attractive choice for many.
- Diverse Portfolios: You can invest in different asset classes, including real estate.
- Decent Returns: The platform offers competitive returns on investments.
- Community-Based Investments: Investing in a pool allows for better risk management.
For those looking to invest in a variety of assets without much complexity, RiseVest is a solid platform to consider.
7. I-Invest
I-Invest is a comprehensive platform that covers a wide range of investment options. Whether you’re interested in stocks, Eurobonds, commercial papers, or treasury bills, I-Invest has got you covered. It’s supported by Sterling Bank, which adds to its credibility.
One of the main attractions of I-Invest is its user-friendly interface. You can easily navigate through different investment options without feeling overwhelmed. This makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced investors.
- All-in-One Platform: You can find various investment options in one place, reducing the need to switch between apps.
- Solid Support: Being backed by a reputable bank gives users peace of mind.
- User-Friendly Interface: The app is designed to be intuitive, making it easy for anyone to use.
If you’re looking for a platform that offers everything under one roof, I-Invest is definitely worth checking out.
Ready to explore your options of saving apps in Nigeria?
There are numerous saving apps in Nigeria that cater to different investment needs. From Cowrywise’s mutual funds to PiggyVest’s savings features, and RiseVest’s diverse portfolios, each platform has its unique strengths.
As you explore these options, consider your investment goals and risk tolerance. Make sure to do your research and choose the app that aligns with your financial aspirations.
Don’t forget to take the first step today! Sign up for one or more of these platforms to start your investment journey. Whether you want to save for a rainy day, invest in stocks, or explore real estate, there’s an app out there for you. Happy investing!
I have 13 years of experience in customer service at one of Brazil’s largest banks, including 5 years as a general branch manager. I am a specialist in banking products and services with a proven track record in team leadership and business development. I am also a holder of Brazilian certifications CPA-10 and CPA-20.