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 even want to apply for an Opay POS machine, but they do not know that before Opay can give you a POS, your account must first be upgraded to merchant level.

I remember when I wanted to get my first Opay POS machine. I went through a lot of processes because I did not understand the difference between a personal account and a business account. I also made some mistakes that delayed my approval. That is why I decided to write this post — to save you from the stress I faced.

In this article, I will share how to create an Opay business account and upgrade it to merchant level, based on my personal experience and valid information gathered directly from Opay.

I will make the explanation very simple so that even a complete beginner can follow and complete the process successfully without confusion.

Before I continue, let me quickly introduce myself so you will understand that everything you are reading here is based on real experience and not just copied information.

My name is Prudent Joshua, and I am a verified Opay Aggregator in Nigeria.
I work directly with Opay to help people create their business accounts, upgrade to merchant level, and get their Opay POS machines without stress.

Over the years, I have helped many business owners, shopkeepers, and agents complete their merchant upgrade successfully and get their POS delivered to them.
So everything I am explaining in this article is from my personal experience and valid information from Opay.

If you are planning to get your own POS machine, I strongly recommend the Opay Android POS. It is very fast, durable, and easy to use for all kinds of transactions like transfers, withdrawals, and bill payments.

You can get your Opay Android POS from me at ₦31,200 only, and the good news is that Payment on Delivery is available anywhere in Nigeria.

For more details or to get your POS, kindly  chat with me directly on WhatsApp: +2347025557344

What Is Opay Business Account?

An Opay Business Account is an account designed for business owners who want to receive payments from customers, manage sales, and perform business-related transactions.

It is different from the normal Opay App that most people use for personal transfers, data purchase, or bill payments.

The Opay Business Account is created and managed using a separate app called Opay Business App. This app is available on the Google Play Store for Android users and on the App Store for iPhone users.

With this business account, you can easily apply for an Opay POS machine, track daily sales, manage multiple cashiers, and withdraw money easily.

Difference Between Opay App and Opay Business App

This is one area that confuses many people.

Opay has two main apps:

1. Opay App – For personal transactions like transfer, bill payment, and airtime top-up.
2. Opay Business App – For merchants, business people, and POS agents.

If you want to use the Opay POS or operate as an agent, you must use the Opay Business App, not the normal one.

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

Why You Need to Upgrade to Merchant Level

Before Opay can give you a POS machine, they must first verify that you are a real business owner or agent.

Upgrading to merchant means you are changing your account type from personal to business/merchant.

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 see it, click Install and wait for it to download completely.

After downloading, open the app.

Step 2: Create Your Opay Business Account

After opening the app, click on Sign Up.

It will ask for your phone number.
Type in your active phone number and click Next.

You will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your phone.
Enter the code exactly as you received it.

After that, the app will ask for your NIN (National Identification Number).

Enter your NIN correctly and click Continue.

Then follow the steps on your screen until your account is created.

If you already have an Opay account, you do not need to create a new one.
Simply log in with your existing Opay details and continue with the next steps below.

Step 3: Click on “Upgrade to Merchant”

After logging in successfully, click on your profile picture or the icon representing your photo at the top left corner of your 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

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.

(Screenshot here)

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 BBANKBUSINESS.COM or Prudent Joshua to get your Opay POS machine.

Common Reasons Why Opay Merchant Upgrade Is Rejected

Based on my personal experience, here are the most common reasons why Opay may reject your merchant upgrade:

1. Incorrect address – The address you entered does not match the one on your utility bill.
2. Unclear or fake storefront photo – The picture does not show a real shop.
3. Wrong business category – You selected a business type that does not make sense with your shop photo.
4. Invalid emergency contact – The contact number does not connect.
5. NIN verification failed – The NIN entered is incorrect or mismatched.

If your application is rejected, simply fix the issue and apply again.

How Long Does It Take for Opay to Approve Merchant Upgrade?

From my experience, it normally takes between 24 to 48 hours for Opay to review and approve your upgrade.

In some cases, it may take longer if they have many pending requests.

Just make sure you entered everything correctly, and you will be approved quickly.

Tips to Avoid Mistakes During the Process

1. Use a clear and real phone number that is linked to your NIN.
2. Make sure your NIN information is correct.
3. Use a real and complete home address.
4. Upload a clean and bright shop photo.
5. Use a valid utility bill that is not older than 3 months.
6. Double-check everything before clicking submit.

Following these simple tips will help you avoid rejection.

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.