OPay is a leading digital financial platform in Nigeria, offering mobile payments, transfers, bill payments, airtime recharge, savings, loans, and more. Creating an OPay account is fast and straightforward—here’s how to do it under different circumstances:
How to Open an OPay Account on Phone
Using the OPay Mobile App (Recommended)
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Download OPay from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
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Tap Create New Account and enter your phone number, then request and input the OTP sent to your phone.
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Provide your name, date of birth, email, and create a secure password; agree to the terms and complete registration.
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On first launch, explore app features: send/receive money, buy airtime and pay bills. Registration often takes less than 24 hours for basic accounts.
Using USSD Code (without smartphone or app)
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Dial *955# on your phone (or as indicated in your region).
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Choose the option to register a new account.
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Enter your name, email (optional), create a PIN, and confirm.
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You’ll receive your OPay account number via SMS; this limited-tier setup works without BVN or email.
How To Open An OPay Account Without a Phone Number
You must have access to a valid mobile phone number to register with OPay. This is a mandatory requirement for OTP verification and transaction alerts—registration cannot proceed without it.
If you want to open an account for someone else who doesn’t have a phone number, you can’t—each OPay account requires a phone number tied to the user.
How to Open an OPay Account for Another Person
Creating an account on behalf of someone else is possible if you have:
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Their phone number
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Their name and date of birth
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Access to receive the OTP for account confirmation
Process:
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Download and install the OPay app (or use USSD).
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Register using their phone number and receive the OTP.
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Fill in their details—the name and date of birth must match a valid ID for a possible future upgrade.
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Create a password and complete the registration. You must receive execution clearance (OTP) on their SIM to finalise the setup.
How to Open an OPay Account Without BVN
What Happens If You Skip BVN?
You can still register and use OPay without providing your BVN; OPay supports Tier 1 accounts. You’ll have limited access but can perform basic transactions such as:
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Airtime/data purchase
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Bill payments
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Transfers up to ₦50,000 per day
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Maximum account balance of ₦300,000.
Step‑by‑Step:
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Register via the app or USSD as described above (phone number, OTP, personal info).
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When prompted to link BVN or bank account, simply skip or select “No Bank Account” if allowed.
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Optionally, upload a valid ID (e.g. National ID, driver’s license, passport) for verification. Account review usually completes within 24 hours.
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Begin using the Tier 1 account with applicable transaction limits without linking BVN.
Upgrade Later If Needed:
To increase limits or place more funds, upgrade to Tier 2 or Tier 3 by supplying your BVN, NIN, photo ID, and possibly a utility bill via the app’s “Upgrade” feature.
Summary Table
| Scenario | Steps & Requirements | Limitations / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| On Phone via App | Download app → Enter phone number → OTP → Enter personal info → Create password | Full access features after upgrade |
| Via USSD *955# | Dial code → Register → Provide name/PIN → Receive account number via SMS | Tier 1 only; no email required |
| Without Phone Number | Not possible — phone number is mandatory | OTP required |
| For Another Person | Must have their phone number, receive OTP, and complete registration | Final confirmation must be on their SIM |
| Without BVN | Can register ✗ skip BVN → supply ID optionally → Tier 1 account created | ₦50k daily limit; ₦300k max balance; limited features |
Why OPay Account Without BVN Still Works
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OPay enables mobile banking access to underserved users who lack BVN or formal bank accounts.
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Regulatory compliance: CBN allows limited-tier accounts without BVN, capped at ₦300,000 balance to prevent fraud.
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If more features or higher limits are needed, users can upgrade later by providing BVN and ID.
Tips for Smooth Registration and Use
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Ensure your phone number is active and can receive SMS/OTP.
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Use strong passwords and keep login details secure.
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Upload a clear photo ID for faster verification, especially if using the app.
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Upgrade when ready to remove limits and gain access to savings, loans, POS features.
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Keep your BVN current—it’s required for full access and compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an OPay account without a smartphone?
Yes. Use the USSD code *955# to register via basic phone—no app required.
Is BVN required to open a Tier 1 account?
No. You can open and use a limited Tier 1 account without BVN.
What limits apply to non-BVN accounts?
Daily transaction maximum ₦50,000; total balance capped at ₦300,000.
Can I register for someone using my email?
Email is optional; phone number is mandatory. The account must receive the OTP sent to that number.
How long does BVN upgrade take?
Typically, less than 24 hours if ID upload and BVN match correctly.
Final Words
Opening an OPay account is fast, easy, and accessible—even without BVN or smartphone. Whether you use the mobile app or the USSD method, you get access to digital financial tools, bill payments, and transfers. As your needs grow, simply upgrade your account with BVN to unlock full features and higher transaction limits.
By following this guide, you can confidently register an OPay account under any of the common scenarios and start benefiting from seamless mobile financial services today.
