Growing up as a child, I remember creating a savings box with my siblings where we would throw in small amounts, particularly money we received from family members or our parents. We also had a record book where we wrote down the names of everyone and the amount they had contributed. This was to ensure there were no future disputes over who put what and when.
Initially, we began saving with empty ‘Milo tins’. We would create a hole right in the middle of the tin and run a tape around the lid. Subsequently, creativity kicked in, and we constructed saving boxes, but not with wood; instead, we used cartons and a lot of tape. Come to think of it, I don’t think our savings ever exceeded N10,000, but that didn’t discourage us. We would save, spend, and start all over again.
As an adult, I no longer feel the need to store money in empty Milo containers and saving boxes as some would. Trust me when I say I have nothing against adults who do. However, I have come to realize that how we save matters even more than the art of saving itself. For most Nigerians, saving in Naira feels like trying to make a mountain out of a molehill, an overwhelming and difficult feat. This is due to the ever-fluctuating Nigerian economy, where the Naira continues to battle relentless devaluation.
The question on the minds of many Nigerians then becomes: how do I protect my hard-earned money amidst soaring inflation and economic uncertainty? The answer for a growing number of people lies in saving in dollars. In this guide, we will explore why saving in dollars isn’t just a financial trend, how to save in dollars in Nigeria, and practical tips to do it safely and efficiently.
Why Save in Dollars?
Before we dive in, let's revisit some of the reasons people save money. Broadly speaking, there are two main reasons people save money.
1. To Meet Financial Targets - This could include paying rent, school fees, Christmas shopping, acquiring a property, or sorting other relevant bills.
2. To Invest and Grow Wealth - Alternatively, many people save to multiply their income. This could mean earning interest on savings, reinvesting in income-generating assets, or simply preserving wealth for the long term.
When it comes to short-term goals such as meeting financial targets, saving in Naira may not seem like a bad idea. However, for long-term financial stability and growth, saving in dollars is often a smarter choice.
The US dollar is considered one of the most stable currencies in the world. Unlike the Naira, it is less affected by Nigeria’s political and economic swings. Saving in dollars means you are preserving the value of your money, shielding it from the effect of currency depreciation and inflation while unlocking global opportunities.
Practical Ways You Can Save Money in Dollars
For the average Nigerian, accessing and saving dollars is no longer a complex privilege reserved for the elite. Thanks to a combination of traditional banking and innovative fintech, you can start building your dollar reserve securely and through legal channels.
1. Through Domiciliary Accounts (The Traditional Method)
For decades, people have adopted domiciliary accounts for saving in dollars in Nigeria. A domiciliary account is a bank account designed for holding and managing foreign currencies. The Central Bank of Nigeria manages it, and this account allows you to not only store dollars but also receive international transfers and access funds.To open a domiciliary account, you will need to:
- Visit a bank that offers this service (virtually all major banks do)
- Submit various essential documents, such as a valid ID (International Passport, Driver's License, or National ID Card), proof of address, and a passport photograph.
2. Using Fintech Apps (The Modern Approach)
Fintech apps offer a more modern approach and have truly simplified the banking system. Platforms like Piggyvest, Cowrywise, and Grey allow users to open and operate digital dollar accounts with ease.
Ensure that the fintech app you choose is licensed, regulated, and widely trusted before saving large amounts. Remember, these platforms provide better flexibility than traditional banks and eliminate the need for paperwork. All you need to do to register is simply download the app, register, and fund your wallet in Naira. The amount will be converted to dollars using the current exchange rates.
Top Five Dollar Saving Apps in Nigeria
There are a variety of fintech platforms that allow you to save money in dollars and offer competitive rates. Here are the top five platforms that you can use to save money in dollars in Nigeria:
1. Piggyvest
Piggyvest is one of the most popular savings platforms in Nigeria. It allows you to convert your Naira to dollars directly using the ‘Flex Dollar’ feature. Users can fund their wallet, save in dollars, and even earn interest of up to 7% annually on their dollar savings.
2. Cowrywise
Cowrywise is another popular platform that provides access to different savings and investment options. Its dollar mutual fund feature enables you to save and grow money in USD, protecting your savings against depreciation. However, Cowrywise does not have a fixed interest rate on savings.
3. Sycamore
Sycamore’s MultiCurrency (MYC) wallet allows users to save and hold money in different currencies and grow it over time. You can store money in USB, GBP, EUR and NGN. The conversion is instant and you can easily switch between currencies depending on your needs. Sycamore offers up to 8% returns on dollar saving per annum, with interest accruing daily.
4. Chipper Cash
Chipper allows users to receive funds and send money across borders. It has a USD wallet and lets users convert funds, hold USD and cash out to domiciliary accounts. However, the platform doesn’t offer interest on stored USD.
5. Risevest
Risevest offers users the ability to save in a dollar wallet and also invest in dollar dominated assets. It lets users convert from Naira to USD or hold USD-based assets like stocks and real estate.
Tips For Saving in Dollars Safely
Saving in dollars can protect you from inflation but it also comes with certain risks. From shady platforms to hidden fees. To make the most from dollar savings, here are a few tips to consider:
- Choose fintech platforms that are regulated by the SEC or CBN.
- Beware of unrealistic promises.
- Use multicurrency wallets for flexibility.
- Consider the rates for conversion, withdrawal and any other hidden charges that may apply.
- Prioritize security when using financial platforms (enable two-factor authentication, keep your pins safe and avoid using public wifi when logging into your fintech app).
- Diversify your dollar savings across trusted platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About Saving in Dollars
1. Is savings in dollars legal in Nigeria
Yes, it is legal to save dollars in Nigeria through domiciliary accounts or regulated fintech platforms.
2. Is it legal to spend in dollars in Nigeria
Yes, you can spend in dollars in Nigeria especially for international payments. However, note that the official legal tender in Nigeria is the Naira. It is against the law for businesses to demand payment strictly in dollars for local goods and services.
3. Can I withdraw my savings in cash anytime?
It depends on the platform you use. Some apps allow direct USD cashouts into domiciliary bank accounts, while others let you convert back to Naira. You must know the withdrawal rules of your chosen platforms before committing your money.
4. Do these apps pay interest in dollar savings
Some apps pay interest on dollar savings while some do not. This is why you must always know the interest rate for whichever platform you decide to use.
5. How do I fund my domiciliary account?
You can fund your domiciliary account through cash deposits (i.e. taking physical USD notes to the bank and deposit) or international payments from family and friends abroad. For fintech platforms, you can fund with Naira and then convert directly to dollars and save.
Conclusion
Saving in dollars can be a smart way to protect your money from Naira devaluation. Fintech apps like: piggyvest, cowrywise, sycamore, chippercash and risevest have made it easier for Nigerians to convert their Naira to dollars and store it securely. However, it is important to understand the risk involved as no investment or saving strategy is 100% risk free. A sudden rise in Naira could reduce the value of your dollar savings and incur huge losses when converted back.
