How To Get Paid On Amazon KDP In Nigeria

Introduction.

If you’re looking to publish your books or e-books on Amazon and make some extra income, you’ve probably come across Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. But, if you’re living in Nigeria, you might be wondering how to get paid for your hard work.

It’s a common question among Nigerian authors, and today, we’re going to break it down step by step.

Getting paid on Amazon KDP from Nigeria isn’t as complicated as it may seem, but there are a few important things to know. From setting up your account to choosing the right payment method, I’ll walk you through it all.

You’ll find out what options are available, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to make sure your payments come through smoothly every month.

The Basics of Amazon KDP and Payment Options

To start off, let me briefly explain what Amazon KDP is and how it works. KDP is a platform that allows you to self-publish books and sell them on Amazon.

Whether it’s a novel, a non-fiction guide, or even a children’s book, KDP provides the tools to get your work out there. Once your book is published, you earn royalties based on the sales—simple as that.

Now, when it comes to payments, Amazon offers a few different options for authors around the world, including those in Nigeria.

But, there are a couple of key things you should be aware of before you start expecting that sweet payout.

Setting Up Your Amazon KDP Account

Before worrying about getting paid, the first step is to set up your Amazon KDP account. This is a straightforward process.

You’ll need an Amazon account (if you don’t have one already), and then you’ll head over to the KDP website to create a publishing account.

During the setup, you’ll be asked to provide your tax information, banking details, and some personal information.

Here’s where you can run into some confusion as a Nigerian author because the payment methods available for Nigerians are limited compared to other countries.

Payment Methods for Nigerian Authors

The two primary methods for getting paid through Amazon KDP are:

Direct Deposit (EFT – Electronic Funds Transfer)
Check (in U.S. dollars)

For Nigerian authors, the preferred and most reliable method is Direct Deposit, but this requires setting up an international bank account that supports receiving payments from overseas.

Pros and Cons of Each Payment Method

1. Direct Deposit (EFT).

Pros:

Faster payment processing (usually 1-2 business days).
Lower fees compared to checks.
Convenient; you don’t have to wait for a physical check to arrive.
More secure than receiving a paper check.

Cons:

Not all Nigerian banks support international transfers (you may need to find a specific bank or set up a service like Payoneer).
Some setup steps can be a bit tricky if you’re unfamiliar with international banking.

2. Check (in U.S. dollars).

Pros:

Doesn’t require a bank account that accepts international transfers.
It’s a simple process if you’re more comfortable with checks.

Cons:

Payment takes much longer (usually 4-6 weeks).
There are high fees to cash international checks in Nigeria.
The check may get lost or delayed in the mail.

How Do I Set Up Direct Deposit in Nigeria?

Setting up direct deposit is a little tricky in Nigeria, but it’s very possible if you know which services to use.

To receive payments via direct deposit, you’ll need to set up an account with a bank that can process international payments. The most common service used by Nigerian KDP authors is Payoneer.

Here’s how you can set it up:

Sign Up for Payoneer:
You can create a Payoneer account online. Payoneer gives you access to an international bank account in USD, which you can link to your Amazon KDP account.
Link Your Payoneer Account to Amazon KDP:
Once your Payoneer account is set up, you’ll receive a routing number and account number. Enter these details into your Amazon KDP payment settings.
Verify Your Payoneer Account:
Amazon will make a small deposit into your Payoneer account to verify that everything is set up correctly. Once verified, you’ll be able to receive your payments directly into your Payoneer account.
Withdraw Funds:
After the funds are deposited into your Payoneer account, you can either withdraw them to your local Nigerian bank account or use the funds for online purchases.

How Long Does it Take to Receive Payments?

Once you have everything set up, your Amazon KDP royalties will be paid monthly, with payments usually being processed around the 15th of each month.

If you’ve chosen Direct Deposit, the funds should appear in your account within 1-2 business days. However, if you’re receiving a check, it can take weeks to arrive and then more time to cash it.

The Issue with Bank Transfers in Nigeria

One important thing to note is that most local Nigerian banks don’t support receiving international wire transfers directly into your account.

This is why services like Payoneer are essential. Without these services, receiving payments from Amazon KDP can be more of a hassle, which is why I recommend setting up an account with Payoneer right from the start.

Common Issues Nigerian Authors Face

While setting up payments on Amazon KDP in Nigeria is fairly simple, there are a few issues Nigerian authors often encounter.

Banking Limitations – Not all banks in Nigeria support international payments, and those that do may charge high fees or offer poor exchange rates.
Delayed Payments – Even when using services like Payoneer, there can be delays, especially when withdrawing funds to local accounts.
Account Verification – Sometimes, Amazon may require additional documentation to verify your bank or Payoneer account. This can delay the payment process.
Currency Exchange Fees – Payoneer and other services often charge a fee for converting foreign currency (USD) into Naira, which can eat into your earnings.

FAQs

1. Can I get paid directly to my Nigerian bank account?

Unfortunately, most Nigerian banks don’t support receiving international payments. To get paid directly, you’ll need a Payoneer account or another similar service.

2. How do I sign up for Payoneer?

Simply go to the Payoneer website, fill in your details, and you’ll get access to an international bank account. After that, link it to your Amazon KDP account.

3. How long does it take to get paid?

If you’re using Direct Deposit, payments can take 1-2 business days to appear in your Payoneer account. Checks, on the other hand, can take several weeks to reach you.

4. Are there any fees for receiving payments?

Yes, Payoneer and other similar services charge fees for currency conversion and withdrawals. It’s important to read their terms so you know what to expect.

5. What happens if my payment doesn’t show up?

If you haven’t received your payment, check your payment details on Amazon KDP. If everything looks good, contact Amazon’s support team to help troubleshoot the issue.

Conclusion.

Getting paid on Amazon KDP as a Nigerian author can be a bit tricky at first, but once you have the right setup, it’s relatively smooth sailing.

Services like Payoneer make it much easier to receive payments, and with a little effort, you can start seeing your hard-earned royalties in your account.

So, if you’re ready to start publishing your book and earning money, are you prepared to tackle the payment process?