My Review of OPay: Is It Really Worth Your Time and Trust?
By Igbunu Lucky
When it comes to cashless payments in Nigeria today, there’s no denying that platforms like OPay have made an impact. But let’s be real—naija people don’t just jump on anything because it’s shiny or new. We like to test waters, weigh the pros and cons, and then decide whether a product or service deserves our hard-earned money. So, as someone who has been using OPay for a while now, let me break it down for you: the good, the bad, and the "ehh, e no too make sense" moments.
My First Encounter with OPay
When OPay first entered the Nigerian scene, I was skeptical. I mean, we’ve seen plenty of these mobile payment platforms come and go. But I remember one day vividly—a friend of mine was gisting about how she used OPay to pay for her keke ride in Lagos, and the driver even gave her a small discount. Me, I dey like awoof (who doesn’t?), so I decided to give it a try. After downloading the app, I was surprised by how easy it was to set up. Within minutes, I was already transferring money and paying bills like say I don dey use am since.
But ease of setup is one thing; the real question is whether it delivers consistently. Let’s talk about that.
The Good Stuff About OPay
1. Convenience We Love:
One thing OPay got right is how simple it makes payments. From sending money to paying for electricity bills, buying airtime, and even hailing a ride (remember OPay used to run ride-hailing services like ORide), it’s like having your own mini bank that follows you everywhere. You no longer have to queue at the bank or stress about carrying cash. For me, this was a game-changer, especially during the cash crunch earlier this year when banks were doing "network wahala."
2. Lower Charges:
If you’ve ever tried transferring money from your bank app to another bank, you know how annoying those N10 or N20 charges can be. With OPay, transfers within the app are free, and even when you’re sending to a regular bank, the charges are ridiculously low. For someone like me who sends money to vendors and family members regularly, the savings add up.
3. Access to Loans and Savings:
Now, this is one part I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did. OPay offers small loans (OPay Okash) and savings options that come with decent interest rates. It’s not like you’ll become Dangote overnight, but it’s a good option if you need quick cash for something urgent. I once used the loan service when my generator packed up unexpectedly—chai, e pain me o! But OPay came through.
4. Works Even in Rural Areas:
This is a big win. Unlike some banks and fintech platforms that don’t function well in rural places, OPay seems to thrive even where others struggle. I’ve used it in my hometown, where network issues are common, and it worked like magic. For a lot of people who don’t have access to traditional banking services, this app is a lifeline.
The Frustrating Parts of OPay
As much as I’ve praised OPay, it’s not without its issues. After all, nothing is perfect in this life.
1. Customer Service Wahala:
If you ever run into a problem on OPay—maybe your money hangs or a transaction fails—be ready for a mini battle. Their customer service isn’t as fast or responsive as it should be. I once had an issue where a transfer didn’t go through, but the money still left my account. It took over a week (and plenty of follow-ups) before the issue was resolved. For a financial service, that kind of delay is unacceptable.
2. Limited Features for Advanced Users:
For someone who just wants to pay bills or send money, OPay is great. But if you’re looking for more sophisticated features, like detailed expense tracking or investment options, you might feel limited. Some other fintech platforms are doing better in this regard.
3. Security Concerns:
Look, I’m not saying OPay isn’t secure—they have all the PINs and OTPs in place. But in a country like Nigeria, where fraudsters are always on the prowl, you can’t help but be cautious. There have been reports of people getting scammed through fake OPay accounts. While this isn’t entirely OPay’s fault, it shows that they need to do more in terms of educating users and beefing up security measures.
4. Network Glitches:
Ah, this one can be frustrating. There have been times when I tried to make payments, and the app just kept loading without success. It’s not a frequent occurrence, but when it happens, it’s enough to make you question why you didn’t just use cash instead.
OPay and the Nigerian Hustle
One thing I appreciate about OPay is that it understands the Nigerian hustle. We are a people who value speed, affordability, and reliability, and for the most part, OPay delivers on these fronts. Whether you’re a keke driver collecting fares or a student buying data for online classes, the app caters to everyone. However, as it grows, I feel like OPay needs to step up its game to remain competitive. The fintech space in Nigeria is getting crowded, with heavyweights like Flutterwave and Paystack offering different solutions.
Would I Recommend OPay?
Absolutely. For everyday transactions like paying bills, sending money, or buying airtime, OPay is a solid choice. It’s particularly useful for people who want to avoid the hassles of traditional banks. However, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive financial tool or you can’t tolerate occasional network issues, you might want to pair it with another app.
Is OPay Worth It?
For me, OPay has been a lifesaver in many situations, but it’s far from perfect. If you’re considering using it, my advice is simple: give it a try, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Always have a backup plan, especially when it comes to your finances.
So, that’s my two kobo on OPay. What about you? Have you used it before? Did it meet your expectations, or was it just one of those apps you deleted after a few weeks? I’d genuinely love to hear your experience—let’s gist!