Here's the situation we're dealing with: Netflix is an international platform that primarily accepts international payment methods – think Visa, Mastercard, and foreign bank cards. Meanwhile, most of us are rolling with local payment solutions like OPay, which work perfectly for everything else we need to do, but when it comes to international subscriptions? That's where things get tricky.
You've probably been there – you're ready to binge-watch that new series everyone's talking about, you go to Netflix to subscribe, and then you hit that payment wall. You enter your regular debit card details, and it either gets declined or you get hit with crazy foreign transaction fees that make a ₦2,900 subscription feel like ₦4,000 or more.
And let's be honest about Netflix pricing in Nigeria right now. The Premium subscription plan is at ₦7,000 monthly, up from the initial ₦5,000, indicating a 40% surge. So we're already paying more than we used to, and then we have to deal with payment hassles on top of that? It's enough to make you want to just stick with terrestrial TV.
But here's the thing – there are ways around this, and OPay is actually part of the solution, though maybe not in the way you initially thought.
Understanding Your OPay Options
First, let me clarify something important about OPay cards. OPAY currently do not offer a MasterCard. OPAY offers two card via it app in Nigeria; the physical debit card and the virtual card which can be used for online transaction such as payment for streaming platforms like YouTube Premium, Apple Music and many more in Nigeria.
Now, I know what you're thinking – "But I thought OPay had a virtual Mastercard!" Well, Mastercard and fintech giant OPay announced a strategic partnership in May 2022, which marks a significant boost for wider financial inclusion and economic prosperity by opening up digital commerce to millions of people across Middle East and Africa. However, the implementation of this partnership for Nigerian users specifically for international payments like Netflix has been limited.
The good news? You can now pay for your Spotify, Netflix and Showmax subscriptions with your OPay according to their official Facebook page. But let me walk you through exactly how to make this work, because it's not as straightforward as it should be.
Method 1: Using OPay Virtual Card (When It Works)
So here's the first approach – using your OPay virtual card directly. An Opay virtual card is basically a digital version of a physical debit card but designed with online transactions in mind. This virtual card comes with its own 16-digit card number, expiry date, and CVV, just like your physical debit card.
Step 1: Get Your OPay Virtual Card
- Open your OPay app
- Look for the "Cards" section
- Apply for a virtual card if you don't have one already
- Wait for approval (usually takes a few minutes to a few hours)
Step 2: Fund Your Virtual Card
- Transfer money from your OPay wallet to your virtual card
- Make sure you have enough to cover the Netflix subscription plus any potential fees
Step 3: Try Netflix Payment
- Go to Netflix.com or open the Netflix app
- Choose your subscription plan
- Select "Credit/Debit Card" as payment method
- Enter your OPay virtual card details (16-digit number, expiry date, CVV)
- Try to complete the payment
Now, I have to be real with you – this method works sometimes, but not always. Netflix's payment system can be picky about which cards it accepts, and sometimes OPay virtual cards get declined for international transactions.
Method 2: The Netflix Gift Card Route (Most Reliable)
This is honestly the method I recommend most because it's the most reliable. You can easily use Netflix gift cards to pay for your subscription. Get step-by-step instructions on buying Netflix gift cards online in Nigeria and redeeming them.
Here's how it works:
Step 1: Buy Netflix Gift Cards
- Use your OPay account to buy Netflix gift cards from platforms like:
- Patricia.com.ng
- NairaBox
- Cardtonic
- Or other reliable gift card vendors
Step 2: Transfer Money to Buy the Gift Card
- Send money from your OPay wallet to the gift card vendor
- Purchase a Netflix gift card worth your desired subscription amount
- You'll receive the gift card code via email or SMS
Step 3: Redeem on Netflix
- Go to netflix.com/redeem
- Enter the gift card code you received
- The amount will be added to your Netflix account
- Your subscription will automatically renew using this credit
This method is bulletproof because you're not dealing with international card verification – you're just adding credit to your Netflix account.
Method 3: The Virtual Dollar Card Workaround
If you really want to stick with a card-based approach, here's another option that involves getting a proper virtual dollar card that works better for international payments.
Step 1: Get a Virtual Dollar Card from Another Provider Since OPay's international payment capabilities are limited, consider getting a virtual dollar card from:
- ALAT (Wema Bank)
- Changera
- Bitnob
- Payday
- Chipper Cash
Step 2: Transfer from OPay to the Dollar Card Provider
- Send money from your OPay account to your chosen provider
- Some of these platforms allow you to receive transfers from other Nigerian banks/fintechs
- Convert your naira to dollars on their platform
Step 3: Use the Dollar Card for Netflix
- Use the virtual dollar card details to pay for Netflix
- These cards are specifically designed for international transactions
Method 4: Using a Friend's International Card (With Permission)
Look, I know this sounds unconventional, but hear me out. If you have a friend or family member with a Nigerian bank account that has a proper Visa or Mastercard that works internationally:
Step 1: Transfer Money to Them
- Send the subscription amount from your OPay to their account
- Add a little extra to cover any fees they might incur
Step 2: They Pay for Your Netflix
- They use their card to pay for your Netflix subscription
- You can either share login details or they can pay for a gift card for you
Step 3: Set Up Regular Transfers
- If this works well, you can set up a monthly transfer arrangement
Pro Tips to Make Any Method Work Better
Timing Matters: Try making your Netflix payment during Nigerian business hours. Sometimes international transactions go through better when both the local and international payment systems are fully operational.
Start Small: If you're trying the direct card method, start with the basic Netflix plan first. Once you confirm it works, you can always upgrade.
Keep Receipts: Whatever method you use, keep records of your transactions. If something goes wrong, you'll need proof of payment.
Check Your Balance: Make sure you have a bit more than the exact subscription amount in your account to cover any surprise fees.
Be Patient: International payments from Nigeria can sometimes take a few minutes to process. Don't panic if it doesn't go through immediately.
What to Do If Nothing Works
If you've tried all these methods and you're still stuck, here are your fallback options:
Use Alternative Streaming Platforms: Consider platforms like Showmax, which is designed for the African market and accepts more local payment methods.
Share a Family Plan: Netflix allows multiple profiles on family plans. Consider splitting a family plan with friends or relatives.
Wait for Better Integration: Payment solutions in Nigeria are evolving rapidly. What doesn't work today might work in a few months.
The Bottom Line
The truth is, paying for Netflix with OPay in Nigeria isn't as straightforward as it should be, but it's definitely possible. The gift card method is your most reliable bet, while the virtual card method can work but might require some patience and possibly multiple attempts.
The key thing to remember is that you're not doing anything wrong if the payment doesn't go through on the first try. This is a system issue, not a you issue. The payment infrastructure between Nigerian fintech and international platforms is still catching up to where it needs to be.
My advice? Start with the gift card method because it works consistently, and then experiment with other methods once you have Netflix up and running. That way, you're not stuck without your entertainment while you figure out the payment puzzle.
And hey, once you get it working, you'll be the expert in your circle helping everyone else figure out how to get their Netflix subscription sorted with their OPay account. We're all in this together, navigating these digital payment waters in Nigeria.
