CBN Licensed Loan Apps in Nigeria (2025 Verified List)

Author: Casey Frost
CBN Compliance Researcher | Loan Safety Advocate | Nigerian Fintech Writer
📅 Published: July 2025

Worried about fake loan apps? You should be.

In Nigeria, hundreds of shady loan platforms operate without licenses—harassing users, invading privacy, and charging illegal fees. But you can avoid that risk.

This 2025 guide lists CBN-licensed loan apps in Nigeria—apps officially approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria to offer legal digital loans. You’ll learn:

✅ How to confirm if a loan app is CBN-licensed
✅ Which apps are truly approved and safe
✅ Red flags of fake apps to avoid
✅ How to report illegal loan apps in Nigeria

If you care about safety, transparency, and peace of mind, this list is your trusted map.

What Does “CBN Licensed” Mean?

It means the app is officially registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a:

• ✅ Microfinance Bank (MFB)
• ✅ Finance Company
• ✅ Digital Bank

Only these categories are legally allowed to lend money in Nigeria.

Why CBN Licensing Matters:

• 🛡️ You’re protected by Nigerian law and CBN regulations
• ❌ No contact harassment, threats, or blackmail
• 📋 Disputes can be resolved via the FCCPC or CBN complaint channels
• 🔐 Your personal data must be protected under NDPR (Nigeria Data Protection Regulation)

Always cross-check the CBN list of licensed financial institutions before applying for a loan.

Verified CBN-Licensed Loan Apps in Nigeria

Here are the most reliable, legally approved loan apps you can trust this year:

1. FairMoney MFB

• 🏢 Licensed as FairMoney Microfinance Bank
• 📱 10M+ downloads
• 🌍 Official Website: www.fairmoney.io/ng
• 🔐 CBN Licensed: ✅ Yes

2. Carbon (One Finance MFB)

• 🏢 Partnered with One Finance Microfinance Bank
• 📱 5M+ downloads
• 🌍 Official Website: www.getcarbon.co
• 🔐 CBN Licensed: ✅ Yes

3. Branch International

• 🏢 Licensed under Branch International Financial Services
• 🌍 Website: www.branch.com.ng
• 🔐 CBN Licensed: ✅ Yes

4. EaseMoni (Blue Ridge MFB)

• 🏢 Partnered with Blue Ridge Microfinance Bank
• 🌍 Website: www.easemoni.com
• 🔐 CBN Licensed: ✅ Yes

5. Aella Credit

• 🏢 Licensed as Aella Financial Solutions Ltd
• 🌍 Website: www.aellaapp.com
• 🔐 CBN Licensed: ✅ Yes

6. Renmoney

• 🏢 Licensed Microfinance Bank
• 🌍 Website: www.renmoney.com
• 🔐 CBN Licensed: ✅ Yes

7. Kuda Bank

• 🏢 Licensed as Kuda Microfinance Bank
• 🌍 Website: www.kuda.com
• 🔐 CBN Licensed: ✅ Yes

8. Lidya

• 🏢 SME finance provider
• 🌍 Website: www.lidya.info
• 🔐 CBN Licensed: ✅ Yes

9. Moniepoint MFB

• 🏢 Formerly TeamApt
• 🌍 Website: www.moniepoint.com
• 🔐 CBN Licensed: ✅ Yes

10. Accion Microfinance Bank

• 🏢 One of the oldest digital lenders
• 🌍 Website: www.accionmfb.com
• 🔐 CBN Licensed: ✅ Yes

CBN Licensed vs Unlicensed Loan Apps

Feature	CBN Licensed App	Unlicensed App
Legal Approval	✅ Yes	❌ No
Contact Harassment	❌ Not allowed	✅ Often used
Data Protection (NDPR)	✅ Enforced	❌ Often violated
CBN/FCCPC Complaint Option	✅ Yes	❌ No
Website/Contact Info	✅ Transparent	❌ Usually hidden

Red Flags of Fake or Unlicensed Loan Apps

Watch out for these signs of illegal or predatory lenders:

• ❌ No website or social media presence
• ❌ Not listed on CBN or FCCPC websites
• ❌ Require access to contacts, photos, or microphone
• ❌ Harassment on WhatsApp, SMS, or calls
• ❌ Poor reviews on Play Store (1-star ratings)
• ❌ Push loans to people without applying

Report suspicious apps here:

• CBN Consumer Complaints Portal
• FCCPC Complaint Page

FAQs – CBN Licensed Loan Apps in Nigeria

How do I know if a loan app is CBN approved?
Visit the official CBN-licensed financial institutions page. Look for the app’s name or its microfinance partner.

Are CBN-licensed loan apps safe?
Yes—they follow CBN rules on interest, data privacy, and dispute resolution.

Do CBN-approved apps call contacts?
No. Apps licensed under CBN & NDPR laws do not engage in contact harassment.

Can I report a fake loan app?
Yes—report to CBN or FCCPC using the links provided above.

Are these apps available to students or unemployed users?
Yes. Many apps assess phone usage, BVN, and repayment behavior—not just salary.

Is it safe to use loan apps not on the Play Store?
No. Always download from Google Play and confirm the CBN license.

How to Check CBN License Before Borrowing (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit cbn.gov.ng
2. Search the lender name or MFB partner
3. Check if they’re under “Licensed Microfinance Banks” or “Finance Companies.”
4. If not found, do not download or borrow

Related Articles

• Best Loan Apps in Nigeria 2025
• Loan Without BVN in Nigeria
• Loan Apps That Don’t Call Contacts
• Emergency Loan Apps in Nigeria

Borrow Smart, Borrow Legal

Choosing a CBN-licensed loan app is the smartest move you can make in 2025.

Apps like FairMoney, Carbon, Branch, and EaseMoni lead the way in transparent, regulated lending. You avoid blackmail, identity abuse, and illegal charges by using only verified, licensed apps.

Protect your money, your name, and your peace of mind.

Always verify licenses, check reviews, and never trust any app that hides its identity.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only. CBN licensing info is accurate as of July 2025. Always check CBN’s official site for updated lists before borrowing.

Author Bio:
Casey Frost investigates safe lending platforms in Nigeria and tracks fintech compliance to help users avoid scams and predatory apps. His research focuses on CBN-licensed loan apps, mobile lending safety, and digital finance education.