Getting an Opay ATM card, debit card, and account number can enable you to easily access and manage your finances on the go. As someone who is always travelling for work, I was looking for a convenient way to withdraw cash, make payments, and transfer funds without having to carry too much cash or rely only on my primary bank account. 

That’s when I came across Opay and decided to sign up. In this detailed guide, I will explain the complete step-by-step process of getting an Opay account, ATM card, and debit card so you can start enjoying the benefits of their digital banking services.

How to Set Up Your Opay Account

To get started with Opay, you need to first create an account. Here are the quick and simple steps to do so:

Step 1: Download the Opay App

The first thing you need to do is download the Opay mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store onto your Android or iOS device.

Step 2: Register for a New Account  

Once the app is installed, open it and tap on “Register” to begin the registration process. Enter your phone number and set a password to create your Opay account. 

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

You will then need to verify your identity by providing your valid ID details like your name, date of birth, etc. for security purposes. Opay will verify this information against government records.

Step 4: Add Basic Details

Next, add some basic details like your address, job details, etc. to complete your account profile. You can also upload a selfie for added verification later on.

How to Apply for an Opay ATM Card

Now that your Opay digital wallet account is set up, here are the steps to request an Opay virtual and physical ATM card

Step 1: Go to ‘Cards’ Section  

Open the Opay app and tap on the ‘Cards’ section on the home screen. 

Step 2: Select ‘Apply for ATM Card’

Look for the ‘Apply for ATM Card’ option and tap on it to initiate the application process. 

Step 3: Enter CKYC Details

You will be asked to provide your key identification details like your PAN number and Aadhaar number for Central KYC verification. 

 Step 4: Choose Card Type

Select whether you want a virtual or physical Opay ATM card. A virtual card lets you do online transactions right away!

 Step 5: Activate & Use Card

Your virtual card will be activated instantly for use. The physical card takes 7-10 days to deliver at the registered address.

How to Apply for an Opay Debit Card 

Step 1: Go to ‘Cards’ Section   

Just like for the ATM card, go to the ‘Cards’ section in the Opay app.

Step 2: Select ‘Apply for Debit Card’ 

Look for and tap on the ‘Apply for Debit Card’ option.

Step 3: Enter Details

Enter your basic details such as name, date of birth, email, etc. 

Step 4: Pay Issuance Fee

Pay a fee of Rs. 100-150 via various payment modes for debit card issuance.

Step 5: Verify Details 

Verify all the details you entered are correct before proceeding forward.

Step 6: Choose Card Type

Select whether you want a regular or premium Opay debit card. The debit card will be dispatched within 7-10 working days. Track it from the app.

How to Link Your Bank Account 

Step 1: Select ‘Link Bank Account’

Go to the ‘Profile’ section and tap on ‘Link Bank Account’.

Step 2: Verify Your Bank 

Select your bank from the list of supported banks.Enter the IFSC code and account number.

 Step 3: Initiate Verification

Opay will initiate a two-step verification process with your bank to link the account. 

Step 4: Deposit Verification Amount

Your bank will deposit a small amount for verification. Enter the amount on Opay.

Step 5: Account Linked Successfully

Once verified, your bank account will be successfully linked to your Opay wallet.

Now you can start using your Opay ATM card to withdraw and deposit cash from ATMs as well as make payments at stores:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I retrieve my OPay account?

To retrieve your OPay account registration number if you have lost it but still have access to the associated email address, follow these steps:

• Contact Opay support through their official channels, such as their website or customer service hotline. Inform them about your situation and provide your email address.
• Opay may ask you to provide additional information to verify your identity and account ownership, such as your full name, phone number, and other details associated with your account.
• Follow Opay’s instructions on retrieving your OTP (One-Time Password) using your email address.

If you have upgraded your account to Tier 3, you can request an affidavit stating that you are the owner of the lost SIM card and wish for Opay to transfer the funds to a new account. Send the affidavit through your verified email to ng-internalcontrol@opay-inc.com, ng-antifraud@opay-inc.com,customerservice@opay-inc.com, or ng-support@opay-inc.com.

How do I check my OPAY account balance? 

Go to the ‘Accounts’ section in the Opay app to view your current balance across all linked bank accounts and wallets.

 How do I report a lost Opay card?

If your card is lost or stolen, login to your Opay account > Cards > Report Lost/Block Card. Opay will immediately block the card to prevent misuse.  

Conclusion

I hope this detailed step-by-step guide helped explain how you can easily obtain an Opay ATM card, debit card as well as link your bank account with the digital wallet account for securely conducting financial transactions on the go. Opay provides a seamless and user-friendly platform for cashless payments and money transfers. Do let me know if you have any other questions!

When I was a younger man just starting out in the world, I made some poor financial decisions that led to me getting blacklisted by the credit bureaus. At the time, I was working a lower-paying job and had taken out some loans and credit cards that I struggled to keep up with the payments on. Before I knew it, I had fallen behind and my accounts were sent to collection agencies. It was a stressful time and I felt like I had no way out of the deep hole I had dug myself into.

What a Credit Bureau Blacklist Means

So what exactly does it mean to be blacklisted by the credit bureaus in Nigeria? The three major credit bureaus – CRC Credit Bureau Limited, Credit Registry Services Limited (CRSL), and NIBSS Credit Bureau Limited – collect data on people’s borrowing and repayment histories and issues them credit reports and credit scores. When you default on a loan or other credit agreement, negative marks are placed on your credit report. 

If too many negative marks accumulate, or if you have a history of not paying debts, the credit bureaus will blacklist you. Being blacklisted means future lenders can see that you are a high credit risk, and it becomes virtually impossible to secure new loans, mortgages, or credit cards. Your BVN (Bank Verification Number) is associated with your credit report, so being blacklisted also makes it difficult to open new bank accounts.

It took me a while to understand the full consequences of being blacklisted, but once I did, I knew I had to take action to resolve it as soon as possible. I wanted to be able to access credit again someday if necessary and to rebuild my financial future. So I started doing research online on how the credit bureau blacklisting process works in Nigeria and what steps someone needs to go through to get their name removed.

How to Remove Your BVN From Credit Bureau Blacklist in Nigeria  

From what I read, the first step is to gather all the necessary documents. You will need

• Your valid ID card (national ID card, driver’s license, international passport)
• Recent utility bill as proof of current address 
• Proof of repayment/settlement letters from all previous lenders you defaulted on
• A letter requesting credit report review and blacklist removal 

I contacted all the lenders I had defaulted with to request proof of settlement or repayment letters. This involved negotiating payments in some cases to resolve the outstanding debts.

Submitting Your Credit Report Review Request

Once you have all the required documents compiled, you need to submit a credit report review request directly to the credit bureaus. Each bureau has its own process:

For CRC, submit documents to their head office in Lagos or any branch

For CRSL, submit online via their website or by post/courier  

For NIBSS Credit Bureau, submit online or to their office

In the letter, you need to politely and sincerely ask them to review your credit report due to the issues being resolved and remove your name from the blacklist. You’ll need to pay the applicable credit report review fees.

After submitting your request, you enter a waiting period where the credit bureau will review your credit report and verify all the documentation received. This process can take 4-6 weeks. It’s an anxious time as you wait to see if they will agree to remove the negative history and take you off the blacklist.

 There are a few possible outcomes once the credit bureau has finished reviewing your request:

 Blacklist removal approved: If they are satisfied all issues have been resolved, they will update your credit report and remove the blacklisting.

Request denied: If settlement letters are insufficient or other issues remain, they may deny the request. You’d need to address outstanding items.

Request pending: They may need more time or information. Follow up respectfully for updates. 

Partial removal: Some but not all negative history removed depending on individual lender response.

The goal is to get full blacklisting removal, but even partial improves your credit standing. Keep all documentation of the process.

In my case, it took several weeks of back-and-forth before I had secured all the necessary repayment proof letters. But once I submitted my complete request package, the waiting period was the hardest – wondering if it had worked. 

Thankfully, after a month, I received notice that CRC had approved my request and removed me from their blacklist! Seeing that updated credit report was such a relief.

Conclusion

As frustrating as the experience was, going through the blacklist removal process was worth it to get my financial future back on track. I hope sharing my journey provides helpful guidance for others in navigating the Nigerian credit bureaus. With effort and perseverance, you can resolve issues on your report over time.

When I first started my journey as an online entrepreneur in Nigeria a few years ago, I was struggling to find a reliable source of online income. Having worked regular 9-5 jobs, I wanted more freedom and flexibility. That’s when I came across the concept of affiliate marketing. As someone based in Nigeria, I was curious – could affiliate marketing really work here and help me generate a stable online income? That marked the beginning of my research into the best paying affiliate programs in Nigeria. 

In this article, I’ll share my learnings and experience of promoting different affiliate programs in Nigeria over the years, along with the top performing networks and merchants. I’ll outline specific steps you can take to get started with affiliate marketing in Nigeria and make money. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how this model works as well as actionable strategies to build your own successful affiliate business.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where an affiliate partner promotes products or services of merchants and earns a commission for every verifiable sale, registration, or action generated from their unique affiliate links. 

Affiliate networks serve as intermediaries between merchants (also known as advertisers) and affiliates to track commission-able clicks, orders, registrations, or actions from referring web properties. 

Some key aspects of affiliate marketing include:

• Affiliates promote products/services owned by merchants and get paid based on commissions for generating sales or approved actions. 
• Affiliate networks host affiliate programs and track clicks, sales, leads and other metrics for payment of commissions. 
• Affiliates can join multiple affiliate programs from different merchants in related or unrelated categories. 
• Commission rates vary by program but are usually a percentage of the sale amount or a fixed fee per action/lead.
• Affiliate promotions can be done via websites, emails, social media, forums and other online properties owned by the affiliate.

Benefits of Getting Into Affiliate Marketing in Nigeria

There are several benefits that make affiliate marketing a viable choice for online entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Some of the key pros include:

No upfront costs: Unlike other online business models, affiliates don’t have to develop or hold inventory, pay for manufacturing, or cover other significant startup costs. The only requirement is a means to promote programs online.

Flexible schedule: Affiliate marketing allows you to build an online income working on your own schedule from anywhere. You aren’t tied down to regular working hours. 

Revenue streams: Successful affiliates can earn income from multiple merchants and programs. 

Growing industry: Affiliate marketing is a thriving global industry. As internet and ecommerce adoption accelerates in Nigeria, this field will experience more growth in the coming years.

Low risk: Affiliates don’t have to invest heavily or take on financial risks. The costs are just your time until the business becomes profitable.

For these reasons, affiliate marketing presents a very viable option to earn stable online income in Nigeria. Let’s explore the top programs further.

Best Affiliate Networks to Join in Nigeria

The largest and most popular affiliate networks in Nigeria include:

Clickbank

Clickbank is one of the oldest and biggest affiliate networks globally. It hosts thousands of digital products in categories like health, business, relationships etc. Standard commission rates are 50% with potential to earn up to 75%. They also provide tracking, optimization tools and payouts every 14 days which is ideal for African affiliates. 

Amazon Associates 

Amazonaffiliate program opens up the massive inventory of Amazon including books, consumer electronics, clothing and more. Standard commission rates are 4-10% with potential to earn repeats on customer purchases. Tracking and payouts are automated throughAmazon. Sub-Saharan African affiliates have been paid reliably for years. 

CJ Affiliate by Conversant 

Formerly Commission Junction, CJ is well suited for Nigerian affiliates promoting physical products. They have good merchant coverage across categories like fashion, consumer electronics, sports and more. Standard commission rates are 30-50% with payouts processed every month. Their affiliate tools are feature-rich.

Rakuten Marketing (LinkShare)  

Rakuten offers access to brands across retail, travel, digital products and more. Commission rates average 10-15%. They provide tracking, custom links, reporting and analysis to help optimize campaigns. Affiliate support and cross-border payments are reliable on this network. 

ShareASale 

ShareASale opens access to thousands of international and homegrown merchants for Nigerian affiliates. They track sales of physical products ordered both within and outside Nigeria. Payouts are processed monthly with options suited for African countries. Commission rates range from 30-50% typically.

These are globally accessible networks with a strong Nigerian affiliate community. Carefully researching programs on them will lead to finding quality, high paying offers locally too.

Tactics to Succeed with Affiliate Marketing in Nigeria 

Now that the key foundations are clear, here are some effective strategies to actually make money from affiliate marketing within Nigeria:

Choose Programs Wisely

Do extensive research on high paying programs with proven sales performance in your niche before promoting. Track affiliate reviews to spot commissions, approval rates and payment speed. 

Build Niche Websites or Blogs 

Focus your affiliate business around dedicated niche websites or blogs that attract quality traffic. Ranking high quality content is crucial for regular organic traffic and conversions over time. 

Leverage Social Media 

Leverage major social media platforms actively by posting engaging affiliate content and developing a following to market approved affiliate links to as they remain an important sales and traffic driver.

Develop Email List 

Building an opt-in email list is important to promote affiliate offers through regular customized email newsletters to past visitors and subscribers for repeat purchases. 

Create attractive, optimized product landing pages for your top affiliate offers with clear calls to action, high quality content and social proof to boost conversions from your referrals. 

Be Patient & Consistent 

Building a profitable affiliate business takes time, effort and consistency. Stick to a regular posting routine, test new campaigns and keep optimizing websites, ads, landing pages and more based on data to realize steady long term earnings.

Combining the tactical steps above with dedication, discipline and analytics-driven

Conclusion 

Thanks for reading to the very end. I hope this article has helped you to choose the best Affiliate marketing company to get started with. With time, you will earn 6 figures income from Affilliate marketing. 

Have you grown frustrated from constant phone calls and notifications from predatory loan apps in Nigeria? You’re not alone. Loan apps can be extremely persistent with their marketing efforts, calling at all hours of the day. In this article, I’ll walk through simple steps you can take to block these annoying loan app calls on both iPhone and Android phones.

When I was a university student a few years ago, I would get 5-10 calls per day from different loan apps. It was incredibly frustrating, especially since many of the callers would not take no for an answer and kept insisting I take out a loan. The ringing and notifications disrupted my classes and sleep. I needed to find a solution to get them to stop.

How Loan Apps Get Your Number 

Most loan apps acquire phone numbers through data aggregation companies that collect contact information in bulk. They often buy lists of numbers from other companies or collect them through website forms. This allows them to spam call massive numbers of potential customers all at once.

How to Identify Apps Behind the Calls

The first step is to identify which specific loan apps are behind the calls. Check the caller ID if available or ask the representative which company they’re calling from. Make a list of the top culprits so you know what numbers/apps to block. Common offenders in Nigeria include Okash, Carbon, FairMoney, and Kuda.

Check with Your Mobile Network 

Your mobile network may offer tools to identify and block spam callers. For example, MTN and 9Mobile allow you to check calls from unknown or private numbers on your online account dashboard. This can help uncover which apps may be harassing you.

Download Caller ID Apps

If your default dialer doesn’t show caller identities, try downloading third-party caller ID apps like Truecaller. These apps maintain massive databases of phone numbers to help you identify suspected spammers. Just be wary of their own data collection policies.

How to Block Loan App Calls on iPhone

The iPhone makes it relatively simple to block specific phone numbers from contacting you. Here are the steps:

1. Open the Phone App and Go to Recents 

Tap on the list of recent calls to view call logs and caller IDs.

2. swipe left on the unwanted number 

This will reveal a button to block the number.

3. Tap “Block this Caller”

The number will now be added to your blocked list to prevent future calls and messages. 

4. Block additional numbers as needed

Repeat the above steps for each loan app you want to block. Be sure to note down numbers for any new callers in the future.

How to Block Loan App Calls on Android

While the exact blocking process varies by Android device and carrier, here are the general steps:

• Long press on the notification to view call details.
• Look for an option to “Block number” or add to your blocked list. 
• As with iPhone, be sure to log numbers of any new callers you encounter over time.

How to Block loan apps  via Your Carrier 

If the above on-device methods don’t work or you want an extra layer of protection, contact your carrier directly to enable call blocking. Options include:

• MTN Caller ID: Check calls from unknown or private numbers online. Report harassing callers.
• 9Mobile Spam Filter: Make requests to block numbers or groups like “loan providers.” Takes 24-48 hours. 
• Airtel Caller ID: View call logs online and block specific domestic or international numbers. 

Explain the process to your carrier rep politely but firmly. Carriers want to reduce spam as much as customers.

Conclusion

With the right combination of on-device blocking, carrier tools, and third-party apps, you can dramatically reduce unwanted loan app calls on your phone. Note numbers as they come in so no potential spammers slip through the cracks. With persistence, you’ll restore peace and quiet to your phone.

When I was a university student in Nigeria a few years ago, I found myself in a difficult financial situation and needed some quick cash. In a moment of desperation, I downloaded a few loan apps without properly researching them. Little did I know the nightmare I was getting myself into. 

Within days, these apps had accessed my contact list and started sending harassing messages to all my contacts, threatening to publicly humiliate me if I didn’t pay back the loan. I was mortified. Even after paying off the initial amount multiple times over due to their exorbitant interest rates, the threats didn’t stop. My reputation and mental health were suffering. I had to find a way to get these predators off my back and protect my loved ones.

How these Predatory Loan Apps work

Loan apps that use aggressive collection tactics are considered predatory. Their main goal is exploiting financially vulnerable people for profit, not helping them. Some key things to know:

• Extremely high interest rates: Rates can be well over 100200% annually, ensuring you’ll keep paying far more than you borrowed. 
•  Lack of regulatory oversight: Many operate illegally without proper licenses in Nigeria. This allows abusive practices with no accountability.
• Invasive data access: By demanding contacts access, they gain power over your relationships and reputation to strongarm repayment. 
•  Harassment and threats: They will literally threaten anyone in your contacts if you miss a payment, trying to socially and emotionally manipulate you.
• Difficulty unsubscribing: There are usually no clear paths to opt out of their services and stop the harassment once you’ve taken the loan.

How to Protect Yourself and Contacts from these loan app

Here are some steps you can take if you’ve fallen victim to these predatory apps:

Delete the Apps Immediately

The first urgent step is uninstalling the apps from your phone completely. This stops them from accessing any further contact data or notifications. 

Change Your Phone Number  

Request a new phone number from your carrier. Provide details of the harassment and threats as the reason. A new number prevents further contact.

Send Cease and Desist Letters

Find the apps’ contact details online or from your loan documents and send formal legal letters demanding they immediately stop all contact and harassment. Cite laws against data misuse, threats, and invasion of privacy.

Contact Your Bank 

Inform your bank of the situation in case the apps try collecting via your bank details. Ask them to flag your accounts for extra fraud protection.

How to Protect Contacts and Reputation 

It’s also important to mitigate damage already done to relationships:

Send Explanatory Messages

Message all affected contacts to explain what happened, apologize for any distress caused, and assure them you’ve cut ties with these apps. Request deleting any messages received. 

Check-In Regularly  

Follow up individually with close contacts in the coming weeks to reassure them, thank them for understanding, and repair any distress to relationships. 

Monitor Social Media

Be vigilant on your own profiles and ask contacts to inform you if the lenders post any threats publicly. Take screenshots as evidence before reporting profiles.

Consider Legal Action

For severe reputational damage or ongoing threats, consult a legal advisor about harassment and privacy violation suits against the lenders. Document all evidence thoroughly.

Conclusion 

Thanks or r axing to the very end. Predatory loan apps are a menace that can severely impact victims’ lives in Nigeria. By promptly removing access and initiating the protection steps above, you can help avoid long term damage. Always research lending sources thoroughly before borrowing in future. With awareness and vigilance, no one needs stay helpless against these cyber loan sharks.

FAQs

How do I stop loan companies texting my contacts?

To stop loan companies from texting your contacts, you can take the following steps:

• Revoke contact permissions for the loan app in your phone’s settings. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Loan App > Permissions and toggle off “Contacts”. On iOS, go to Settings > Privacy > Contacts and turn off access for the loan app.
• Uninstall the loan app completely if you no longer need it. This will prevent any further contact access or messaging.
• Be cautious when granting permissions to loan apps. Only allow access to what is strictly necessary for the app to function.
• Choose reputable loan providers with a track record of respecting customer privacy.
• Pay back loans on time to avoid defaulting and triggering aggressive collection tactics

When I was a university student a few years ago, I found myself constantly in need of small amounts of money for expenses like transportation, food, and data. That’s when I discovered mobile loan apps and thought they were a quick fix to my cash flow problems. I downloaded a few from the Google Play Store and was approved for small loans within minutes since they didn’t require collateral or guarantors.

At first, the loans helped cover my short-term needs. However, it didn’t take long for the high-interest rates and penalties to pile up. Before I knew it, I owed upwards of 100,000 Naira to several different apps and was stuck in a debt trap. No matter how hard I hustled with side jobs, the repayment amounts always outpaced my income. It was a stressful situation that took me over a year to pay off completely. That’s when I realized how useless these apps can be if not used responsibly.

Why Loan Apps Are Tempting but Dangerous

There are a few key reasons why mobile loan apps seem appealing yet risky:

Instant Approval

Many apps promise quick loans within minutes without credit checks. This convenience ignores responsible lending practices.

Predatory Rates

While interest rates may start around 5% per month, late fees and penalties can surge them to over 100% annually. Users don’t realize how much they’ll ultimately repay.

No Financial Education

Borrowers are not informed on calculating total costs, budgeting, or alternatives like saving clubs. This sets them up for unmanageable debt spirals.

Digital Addiction

The ease of repetitive lending via apps can foster addictive, debt-driven behaviors similar to payday loans or gambling apps.

Alternative Strategies to Consider First

Before resorting to loan apps, try exploring lower-risk options:

Build Emergency Savings

Even 500 Naira per week can create a safety net for unexpected costs instead of high-interest debt. Cut unnecessary expenses.

Join A Savings Club (Ajo or Esusu)

Rotating savings groups provide interest-free credit from pool contributions and foster financial discipline.

Ask Family or Friends

Interest-free loans from trusted networks are safer than platforms designed to profit from your debt payments.

Consider More Regulated Lenders

Explore options like affordable microfinance banks which are subject to responsible lending oversight.

Reduce Expenses Through Budgeting

Track spending to identify unnecessary costs that can be cut to lessen future cash flow problems.

Tips to Get Out of the Loan App Debt Trap

If you’re already indebted, here are some strategies to escape:

Stop Taking Out More Loans

Resist the temptation of endless digital lending. Each new loan only increases repayment hardship.

Negotiate Payment Plans

Contact lenders to request more reasonable terms, interest waivers, or partial debt forgiveness if possible.

Consider Debt Consolidation

Find an affordable loan to pay off multiple high-cost debts and lower your monthly repayment burden.

Generate Side Income

Freelance gigs on platforms like Fiverr, jobs on ride-hailing apps, or selling goods can create extra cash flow for debt repayment.

Cut Expenses to the Bone

Minimize discretionary spending until your debts are cleared to allocate more funds to repayment each month.

Declare Bankruptcy as a Last Resort

In extreme cases, bankruptcy protections may provide relief, but it severely damages your credit profile.

Staying Loan App-Free for Good

Once debt-free, follow these habits to avoid apps in the future:

Automate Savings Deposits

Link your account to savings so a fixed percent is automatically transferred each payday into a separate savings account.

Build a Budget with Buffer

Estimate your expenses accurately with a 10-20% buffer for lifestyle inflation or unexpected costs rather than turning to loans.

Track Your Progress Publicly

Share savings and debt repayment goals on social media to leverage accountability from your network.

Lean on Support Systems

Enlist trusted friends or community groups to help stay on track when temptation arises by checking in regularly.

Conclusion

Loan apps are designed to exploit behavioral biases and keep customers in endless cycles of debt. With proactive financial education and alternatives like savings groups, regulated lenders, or reliable emergency funds, you can avoid their harmful traps. While self-discipline is required, focusing on core financial responsibilities like budgeting, expense tracking and responsible credit use will lead to greater prosperity over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some early warning signs I’m at risk of a loan app debt spiral?

Missing payments or using one loan to pay off another are red flags. Other signs include feeling stressed about accumulating costs, taking out larger and larger loan amounts, or using over half your paycheck for debt repayment each month.

What should I do if I’ve become addicted to mobile loan apps?

Seek help from a financial counselor or credit union to create a debt management plan. You may also find support groups for process or gambling addictions helpful since apps exploit similar psychological triggers. The priority is breaking the cycle safely without taking on further debt.