How to Create Opay Business Account and Upgrade It to Merchant (Step by Step Guide)

Many people today want to start receiving payments from customers or run a small business using Opay. Some people also want to apply for an Opay POS machine so they can begin earning daily income. However, what many do not know is that before Opay can give you a POS machine, your account must first be upgraded to a business or merchant account.

When I wanted to get my first Opay POS machine, I faced many challenges. I did not fully understand the difference between a personal Opay account and a business account. Because of that, I made mistakes that delayed my approval. At that time, there was nobody to guide me properly, and the process felt confusing.

That experience is the main reason I decided to write this. I want to save you from the stress, confusion, and mistakes I went through. I want to guide you clearly so you can get it right from the beginning.

When I later started working closely with Opay, I received proper training on how to create an Opay business account and how to upgrade it to merchant level. I also learned all the correct steps required to get approved without delay. Today, I want to share that same knowledge with you in a very simple way.

In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about creating an Opay business account and upgrading it to merchant level. I will explain it in a way that even someone with no technical knowledge can understand and follow easily.

Before I continue, let me properly introduce myself so you know who is guiding you.

My name is Prudent Joshua. I am a verified Opay Aggregator in Nigeria. I work directly with Opay to help individuals, shop owners, and business owners create their business accounts, upgrade to merchant level, and successfully get their Opay POS machines.

Over the years, I have helped many people complete their registration without stress. I understand the common mistakes people make, and I know exactly what Opay requires for fast approval. Everything I am sharing here comes from real experience, not guesswork or copied information.

If you are planning to get your own POS machine, I strongly recommend the Opay Android POS. It is fast, reliable, and very easy to use. It supports withdrawals, transfers, bill payments, and many other services that help you earn daily income.

You can get your Opay Android POS directly from me for ₦31,200 only. Payment on delivery is available anywhere in Nigeria.

If you want to get started or if you have any questions, you can message me directly on WhatsApp at 07025557344. I will guide you step by step until everything is successfully completed.

What is Opay Business Account

Opay Business Account is an account set up so business owners can handle payments from customers, keep track of sales, and complete business transactions.

It is distinct from the regular Opay Account, which is used for personal transactions.

The business account comes with an additional application called the Opay Business App, which can be downloaded on the Google Play Store for Android devices and the App Store for Apple devices.

Having an Opay Business Account makes it easier to apply for an Opay POS, track your sales on a daily basis, automate the process of having several cashiers, and makes it seamless to withdraw your funds.

Opay App vs. Opay Business App

Many customers get confused in this area.

Opay operates with two main applications:

1. Opay App: For personal transactions and payments, which include transferring money, making bill payments, and purchasing credit.
2. Opay Business App: This is for merchants, business owners, and POS agents.

If you want to use Opay POS and become an agent, you have to go with the Business App, and not the regular one.

That is why you will create your business account and upgrade it to a merchant.

Reasons Why You should Upgrade to Merchant Level

To access a POS machine, Opay have to confirm that you own a business or that you are an agent.

Upgrading to merchant is changing your account type from personal to business which after the upgrade, you can still access your account from Play Personal or Business App.

Once you become a merchant:

• You can apply for an Opay POS machine.
• You will be able to perform higher transactions.
• You can receive large payments without restrictions.
• You will get better support from Opay.

So, upgrading your account is a very important step for every Opay agent or business owner.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Create Opay Business Account and Upgrade It to Merchant

Now, let us go step by step.

I will explain everything exactly as I did it myself.

Step 1: Download Opay Business App

The first thing you need to do is to download the Opay Business App from your Google Play Store.

Open your Play Store and search for “Opay Business App.” or click here to download

You will see two similar apps — the normal Opay App and the Opay Business App.
Make sure you choose the one that has “Business” written clearly.

Once you are able to see it, press Install and allow it to download fully.

After it is done downloading, proceed and launch the application.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Opay Business Account

Once you open the application, press the Sign Up button.

A prompt will show requesting for your phone number.

Input your phone number that is active and press the Next button.

A One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your phone.

Input the OTP you receive.

After that, the app will prompt for your NIN.

Input your NIN and press Continue.

After that, follow the prompts on your screen to finish the setup.

If you have an Opay account, you should be able to use that. Just log into the application, and follow the steps that will come afterwards.

Step 3: Click on “Upgrade to Merchant”

After you log into the account, press on your profile picture/avatar on the top left of the dashboard.

Once you click it, you will see an option that says “Upgrade to Merchant.”

Click on it to continue.

Do not worry, it is very simple. Just follow the steps one after another.

Step 4: Proprietor Details

The first section is Proprietor Details.

This section will contain your personal details like name, phone number And Occupation.

Check the information carefully and make sure everything is correct.

Once you are sure that all the details are correct, click Continue.

Step 5: Proof of Residential Address

This is the second section.

Here, you will be required to enter your home address correctly.

Make sure you type the address exactly as it appears on your utility bill, because Opay will use that to confirm your identity.

You will also be asked to upload a utility bill such as your electricity bill, water bill, or waste bill.

Important note:
If the address you enter does not match the one on your utility bill, your upgrade request may be rejected.

After completing this section, click Continue.

Step 6: Emergency Contact

The next section is Emergency Contact.

This is just like adding your Next of Kin.

Type in the full name and phone number of a trusted person that Opay can contact in case of an emergency or verification.

Once you are done, click Continue.

Step 7: Business Details

Now, this is where many people make mistakes.

You will see a form asking for your Business Details.

Here you need to fill in the following:

• Your business name
• Business category
• Type of business
• Storefront photo

Start by typing your Business Name.
You can use your shop name, for example, BBANK CONNECT, Prudent Ventures, or any name you like.

Then click on Industry Category.

Click on Got it.

You will see many categories such as Electronics, Fashion, Food, etc.

If you find your exact business type there, select it.
But if you cannot find it, do not panic — I will tell you what to do.

Step 8: Selecting Business Category (Important Tip)

If you do not see your exact type of business on the list, scroll up and look for “Electronics and —” category.

When you click it, you will see a subcategory like “Phone and Accessories.”

Choose that one.

Then fill in other details like turnover, address, and so on.

When you see the option for Business Size or Range, choose ₦20 million – less than ₦100 million.

After filling in everything correctly, click Continue.

Step 9: Upload Your Storefront Photo

At this stage, you will be asked to upload a photo of your shop front.

If you have a physical shop, simply go outside and snap the front view clearly showing your shop name or signboard, and upload it.

If you selected a different category that does not match your real business, just upload a clear photo of a similar shop (for example, a phone and accessories store).

Make sure the photo looks neat and real.

After uploading, click Continue.

Step 10: Confirm Business Address

Now, you will see an option that says “My business address is the same as my residential address.”

If your shop address is the same as where you live, simply toggle the button to green. (To avoid confusion, use one address for your business and residential, So just toggle it)

Then click Continue.

Step 11: Review and Submit

Finally, you will see a summary of all the information you entered.

Go through it carefully to confirm everything is correct.

If you notice any mistake, go back and correct it.

Once you are satisfied, click Confirm.

After that, click on the red-marked and click Submit button.

You will now see a message like this:
“Congratulations! You have successfully submitted your upgrade for review.”

That means your application has been sent to Opay for approval.

After Submitting Your Merchant Upgrade

After submission, Opay will review all the details you entered — your NIN, address, utility bill, business photo, and contact details.

If everything is correct, your account will be upgraded successfully.

Once approved, you will receive a message that your Opay Business Account has been upgraded to Merchant level.

But if you made a mistake, your request may be rejected.
Do not panic if that happens — simply correct the issue and reapply.

What Happens After Upgrading to Merchant Level

Once your upgrade is approved, you will now have full merchant privileges.

This means you can:

• Apply for an Opay POS machine.
• Start receiving payments as a business.
• Track all your business transactions in one place.
• Access merchant tools on your Opay dashboard.
• Enjoy better transaction limits.

You can also visit any Opay Aggregator like BANKIBUSINESS.COM or Prudent Joshua to get your Opay POS machine by calling or chatting them on Whatsapp with this phone number 070255573.

Most Common Reasons for Opay Merchant Upgrade Rejection

Your upgrade as a merchant in Opay may be declined for one or several of the following reasons based on my experience:

• Wrong address – The one in your utility bill does not match the address you inputted.
• Store front photo does not exist (clear or not real) – The photo does not represent any legitimate business.
• Wrong business category – Your selected business type does not correlate with the photo of the shop you are assuming to be yours.
• Invalid emergency contact – The number goes to a dead phone or is unreachable.
• NIN verification failed – The NIN provided does not exist or is incorrect.

If your application does get declined, just fix the problem and try applying again and again.

How Long Does It Take For Opay To Approve Merchant Upgrade?

In my experience, Opay responds to your upgrade request in less than 48 hours.

However, in some situations, there are pending requests which means it might take longer than normal.

Rest assured, if you filled the submission with correct data, it will make the approval process much more smoother for you.

What Can Be Done To Minimize Errors During The Application Process

• The phone number used should belong to you, and should be real, linked to your NIN.
• Ensure that your NIN details are accurate and contain no mistakes.
• Use a legitimate home address that you live in and that is complete.
• Provide a clear shop picture
• Provide a utility bill that is not older than three months.
• Be sure to review before clicking ‘submit‘

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

When I started using Opay for my business, I was confused about many things. I downloaded the wrong app at first, used the wrong address, and waited several days without approval.

But when I understood the process clearly, everything became very easy. That is why I wrote this article — to help others who may be going through the same confusion.

Creating an Opay business account and upgrading it to merchant is not hard at all if you follow the steps carefully.

Remember:

• Use correct details.
• Upload clear photos.
• Follow instructions exactly.

Once you do these, you will get approved quickly and can start enjoying all the benefits of being an Opay merchant.

This Article was written by Me Prudent Joshua based on the information gathered from Opay and my personal experience as an Opay aggregator for BANKIBUSINESS.COM