Kuda Bank Review and Guide for Nigerians

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Kuda Bank is a digital bank that offers a range of services to Nigerians, including savings accounts, debit cards, and loans. It's designed to be user-friendly and accessible, with a mobile app that allows you to manage your finances on the go.

One of the key benefits of Kuda Bank is its low fees. In fact, the bank charges no fees for transactions, withdrawals, or account maintenance. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to avoid unnecessary charges.

Kuda Bank also offers a range of features to help you manage your finances, including budgeting tools and savings goals. With these tools, you can track your spending and stay on top of your finances.

To get started with Kuda Bank, you'll need to download the app and create an account. This is a straightforward process that requires minimal documentation.

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What Monito Thinks

Kuda Bank is a great option for those who want to avoid hidden fees. It has no monthly maintenance fee, which means you can bank without worrying about extra charges.

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One of the standout features of Kuda Bank is its free domestic bank transfers. You get 25 of these per month, which is a huge convenience.

With Kuda Bank, you can also enjoy free ATM withdrawals at over 3,000 Nigerian ATMs. This means you can access your cash without incurring extra fees.

The bank's savings interest rate is a whopping 15%, which is a great incentive to save your money.

Account and Services

Kuda Bank offers a range of services to make managing your finances easier.

You can open a Kuda Bank account with just a few clicks, and it's free to do so. No hidden fees or charges.

Kuda Bank also offers a debit card that's linked to your account, allowing you to make purchases and withdrawals worldwide.

For your interest: Zero Balance Account

Open Account Guide

To open a Kuda Bank account, you'll need to meet the basic requirements.

You must be over 16 years old to qualify for a Kuda Bank account.

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To get started, you'll need a few essential documents. These include an email address, a Nigerian phone number, and a BVN (Bank Verification Number).

Having a smartphone with the Kuda App is also a must.

Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need to open a Kuda Bank account:

  • Email address;
  • Nigerian phone number;
  • BVN (Bank Verification Number);
  • Smartphone with the Kuda App.

Can Work Without BVN

Kuda Bank does not require a BVN to open an account, but providing one is optional.

If you choose not to share your BVN, your account will be limited to two free transfers per month.

The BVN is used as part of Kuda Bank's 'Know Your Customer' scheme to prevent fraud and confirm your identity.

This means the BVN cannot be used to access your other bank accounts in Nigeria.

You can still enjoy full services with Kuda Bank even without a BVN, but you'll need to make do with limited transfers.

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How to Contact

To contact Kuda Bank, you can reach out to their customer support team through various channels.

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If you're looking for immediate assistance, you can use the live chat feature within the Kuda app to chat with a representative directly.

Kuda Bank's website also has a help center where you can find answers to frequently asked questions.

You can also contact Kuda Bank by calling 01 633 5832 to speak with a representative.

If you prefer to communicate via email, you can send a message to [email protected].

Is Legit?

Kuda Bank is a fully-licensed bank in Nigeria, regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

It offers its services to over 1.4 million Nigerian clients.

Kuda Bank is founded in Lagos.

Outstanding amounts in your bank account up to 200,000 naira will be protected in the case of bankruptcy or disaster, thanks to insurance by the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

Quality of Products & Services

Kuda Bank is a financial technology company that's making waves in Nigeria, especially with its user-friendly app.

The Kuda app connects you to a debit card, helping you budget and save, and even offers microloans to credit-worthy clients.

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You can access over 3,000 ATMs across Nigeria without incurring any fees for the first three withdrawals per month.

After the free withdrawals, you'll be charged 35 naira per withdrawal for the rest of the month.

The Kuda App is completely free to download and use, and opening a bank account is also free of charge.

Kuda Bank's fee schedule is transparent and easy to understand, with no hidden charges or monthly fees.

Security & Reliability

Kuda Bank prioritizes security and reliability, and it shows in their use of 3-D secure physical and virtual debit cards. This means that your transactions are protected with an extra layer of security, giving you peace of mind.

Their 3-D secure technology ensures that your debit card transactions are safe from unauthorized access. This is a huge plus for anyone who wants to keep their financial information secure.

Kuda Bank's commitment to security and reliability is clear, and it's a big reason why many people trust them with their money.

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Features and Fees

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The Kuda App is free to download and it is completely free to open a bank account too. This is a great way to get started with your banking journey without any upfront costs.

Kuda Bank has an easy-to-understand fee schedule, which charges no monthly fees or hidden charges. This transparency is refreshing and helps you budget your finances with ease.

You'll have access to over 3,000 ATMs across Nigeria for free cash withdrawals, with three free withdrawals per month. This means you can manage your finances on the go without worrying about extra fees. After three free withdrawals, ATMs will charge you 35 naira per withdrawal for the rest of that month.

What Monito Likes About

I'm excited to share with you what I like about Kuda Bank. One of the standout features is that it offers 25 free domestic bank transfers per month, which is super convenient for those who need to send money regularly.

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Kuda Bank doesn't charge any monthly maintenance fee or hidden fees, which means you can save money on unnecessary charges. This is a big plus for those who want to keep their banking costs low.

With Kuda Bank, you can enjoy free ATM withdrawals at over 3,000 Nigerian ATMs, making it easy to access your cash when you need it. This feature is a game-changer for those who frequently use ATMs.

Kuda Bank also offers a feature called "Set rules to save whenever you spend", which helps you develop a savings habit by automatically transferring money to your savings account whenever you make a purchase. This is a great way to build your savings over time.

The bank applies a high 15% savings interest rate on your deposits, which is significantly higher than what many traditional banks offer. This means you can earn more interest on your savings with Kuda Bank.

Lastly, Kuda Bank offers short-term overdraft loans, which can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected expenses or financial emergencies. These loans are designed to be paid back quickly, with a daily interest rate of 0.3%.

Fees & Exchange Rates

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The Kuda App is free to download and it's completely free to open a bank account too. This is a huge relief, as you won't have to worry about any upfront costs.

Kuda Bank has an easy-to-understand fee schedule, which charges no monthly fees or hidden charges. This means you can bank with peace of mind, knowing exactly what you're paying for.

You'll be allotted three free withdrawals per month when using any of the 3,000 ATMs partnered with Kuda Bank. After that, you'll be charged 35 naira per withdrawal for the rest of that month.

Reviews and Ratings

Kuda Bank has an impressive number of positive reviews, with over 77,000 customers giving them four to five-star reviews. This is a testament to the bank's excellent service.

Customers praise the bank's excellent app for budget and savings management, as well as its modern app with instantaneous transfers and transactions. Many are also happy with the 25 free transfers per month.

The customer satisfaction score is a impressive 4.3/5 stars on both the Apple app store and Google Play store combined.

Customer Satisfaction Score

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Customers have given Kuda Bank a relatively high rating, with a combined 4.3/5 stars on the Apple app store and Google Play store. This suggests that many customers are satisfied with their experience.

Over 77,000 customers have taken the time to leave a review, giving Kuda Bank a four or five-star rating. This is a significant number, indicating that the bank has a large and engaged customer base.

Positive Reviews

Kuda Bank has received an impressive number of positive reviews from its customers.

Around 77,000 total four to five-star reviews have been given by Kuda Bank customers, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the service.

The Kuda Bank app is praised for its modern design and features, including instantaneous transfers and transactions.

Customers appreciate the app's ability to help with budget and savings management, making it an excellent tool for managing finances.

The app also offers 25 free transfers per month, a feature that customers frequently mention as a highlight of their experience with Kuda Bank.

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Kuda Bank's customer satisfaction score is 4.3/5 stars on the Apple app store and on the Google Play store combined, based on over 77,000 customer reviews.

Here are some specific features that customers love about Kuda Bank:

  • Excellent app for budget and savings management
  • Frequently happy with the 25 free transfers per month
  • Modern app with instantaneous transfers and transactions

Monito's Review

Monito reviewed Kuda Bank's services with a rigorous evaluation of several key criteria, including customer reviews, transaction costs, and business metrics.

Their evaluation involved analyzing over 77,000 total four to five-star reviews given by Kuda Bank customers, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.

Monito's experts also peer-reviewed Kuda Bank's score to ensure its accuracy and reliability.

Here are some of the key features that impressed Monito about Kuda Bank:

  • 25 free domestic bank transfers per month;
  • No monthly maintenance fee or hidden fees;
  • Free ATM withdrawals at 3,000 Nigerian ATMs;
  • Set rules to save whenever you spend;
  • Applies a high 15% savings interest rate on your deposits;
  • Offers short-term overdraft loans.

How Monito Reviewed

Monito's review process is a rigorous one, involving the analysis of several key criteria to assess the quality of a service.

Monito's experts analyzed customer reviews, a crucial aspect of any service.

The percentage cost of various transaction types was also a key factor in the evaluation.

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In addition, top-up options were examined to ensure users have convenient access to their money.

Access to customer service is also a critical aspect of Monito's review, with experts evaluating how easily users can get help when needed.

Business and legal metrics such as revenue, legal authorization, and company size were also taken into account.

Monito Scores are peer-reviewed by at least one expert to ensure accuracy and fairness.

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App Review

The Kuda Bank app is a game-changer for managing your finances. It offers an annual interest savings rate of up to 15% on your savings.

One of the standout features is the 'Save + Spend' feature, which lets you set aside a percentage of your spending in a savings pot. You can customize the percentage rate in the app's settings.

Here are some of the great features you can expect from the Kuda Bank app:

  • No maintenance fees, transfer fees, ATM fees, or bill payment fees;
  • Earn up to 15% annual interest on savings that you set aside;
  • Apply for short-term overdraft loans from the app;
  • Set daily, weekly, or monthly savings rules to build wealth;
  • Spend with a physical card, virtual card, or Pay ID;
  • Set personal rules to save whenever you spend;
  • Categorize and track your spending habits.

Users rave about the app's budget and savings management capabilities, as well as the 25 free transfers per month.

International and Local Options

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Kuda Bank offers a range of international and local payment options to its customers.

You can link your Kuda Bank account to your international account for seamless transactions, allowing you to send and receive money across borders with ease.

On a similar theme: FINCA International

Money Transfers

Kuda Bank offers a convenient money transfer service that's easy to use and affordable. You can initiate transfers from the app and send money directly to a Nigerian bank account or a friend's account by entering the details on the mobile app.

With Kuda Bank, you get 25 free domestic transfers per month, which can be a big help if you need to send money regularly. After that, you'll be charged 10 naira per transfer.

You can also send money without providing an account number, thanks to Kuda's unique payment link feature. This makes it easy to send money to anyone with a smartphone.

The maximum transfer limit with Kuda Bank is 50,000 naira per transfer, which should cover most of your needs. You can also upgrade your account to increase this limit if needed.

It's worth noting that Kuda Bank has a maximum balance limit of 300,000 naira, so be mindful of that if you're planning to send large amounts of money.

International Money Transfers

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International money transfers can be a bit tricky, especially in Nigeria.

If you want to receive money from abroad, you'll need to have it in US dollars, as Nigerian banks can't accept international remittances in naira.

You'll need to open a US dollar account with a traditional Nigerian bank to receive international payments.

Kuda Microfinance Bank only operates in naira, so that's not an option for receiving international payments.

Nigerian Digital Cards Compared

Kuda Microfinance Bank and VBank are two popular digital banks in Nigeria that offer a range of services and fees.

Both Kuda Bank and VBank have a monthly fee of ₦0, which is a great starting point for anyone looking to save money.

Kuda Bank has an ATM fee of ₦0, while VBank charges ₦35 per ATM withdrawal. This could add up quickly if you're not careful.

Card delivery is also free for Kuda Bank customers, but VBank charges a fee of ₦1,000.

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If you're looking for a hassle-free experience, Kuda Bank's app has a higher rating on the App Store, with a score of 4.3/5 compared to VBank's 4.0/5.

Here's a quick comparison of the two banks' fees and services:

I hope this comparison helps you make an informed decision about which digital bank is right for you!

African Challenger Raises $55M Valued at $500M

Kuda Bank, a Nigerian FinTech startup, has raised $55 million in a Series B funding round at a $500 million valuation.

This significant investment was co-led by Valar Ventures and Target Global, with participation from Strategic Business Investor and past angel investors.

Kuda Bank is aiming to expand into other countries across Africa, with a goal of becoming a pan-African bank.

The bank's initial business model was designed to offer banking products still available with legacy banks, but it's now shifting to provide more digital services.

Kuda Bank's Overdraft product is a unique feature that pre-qualifies active users for credit, and it's been successful, with over 200,000 qualified users and $20 million in credit extended in the second quarter.

Valar Ventures, one of the investors, has expressed confidence in Kuda's growth, citing the bank's rapid expansion in the past four months.

Financial Products

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Kuda Bank offers a range of financial products that make managing your finances easier.

You can enjoy 25 free domestic transfers per month, which is a great feature for those who need to send money to friends and family regularly.

The bank also offers a 15% savings interest rate, which is a great way to grow your savings over time.

One of the standout features of Kuda Bank's financial products is the zero hidden fees policy. This means you won't be charged any extra fees for things like ATM withdrawals or transfers.

The bank's user-friendly app allows you to track your expenses and stay on top of your finances.

Here are some key features of Kuda Bank's financial products:

Angel Bruen

Copy Editor

Angel Bruen is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for precision. Her expertise spans a variety of sectors, including finance and insurance, where she has honed her skills in crafting clear and concise content. Specializing in articles about Insurance Companies of Hong Kong and Financial Services Companies Established in 2013, Angel ensures that each piece she edits is not only accurate but also engaging for the reader.

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