Getting Started with PagaTech

Are you looking for a mobile money operator in Nigeria where you can easily make transactions, locally and even from abroad? You can check out the Paga account. 

PagaTech is one of the foremost mobile money operators in Nigeria and they have all you could need from a bank and even more. Let’s look at what PagaTech is.

What is PagaTech?

PagaTech, popularly called Paga, is one of the foremost Mobile Money Operators (MMO) in Nigeria with over 20 million users. They provide mobile payments and other financial services to Nigerians. You can use a Paga account to send and receive money using a phone number, email address, or bank account. You can also use a Paga account to pay utility bills, top up your airtime and, unlike Opay, Palmpay, KongaPay, and Fortis, you can use it to receive money from abroad.

The goal of PagaTech is to promote inclusive financial growth for the unbanked and underbanked communities. PagaTech users can easily make fund transfers through their mobile phones using an internet-enabled device, or through several Paga agents across the country (small kiosk shops, pharmacy stores, etc). The recipients can easily get the money without even having a Paga account.

Creating a Paga Account

You can use the Paga account by creating a profile through their website, mobile app, or USSD code, *242#. To create an account via their website by correctly filling out their KYC. Below is a snapshot of the information you need to provide while opening a Paga account.

You can also open a Paga account by downloading the mobile application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Download the Paga App for Android here and iPhone here. After downloading the app, answer the questions asked correctly, provide a means of identification. It is also important you take a selfie with a good and plain background to ensure your face is showing properly.

You can also visit a Paga agent to open a Paga account, you will provide your First name, Surname, and Phone number. You would also be asked for your NIN card and BVN, in line with the CBN regulation.

Lastly, dial *242# on your phone and follow the instructions to register without the internet. It is a quick and easy way to open a Paga account even without an internet connection. After you’ve successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation message and your 10-digit NUBAN number.

Funding Your Paga Account

You can fund your Paga Account using three major methods, ATM funding, bank transfer, or Paga agent. Let’s take a look at each one of them briefly:

Transferring Money from Your Bank Account:

Transferring Money from Your Bank Account

You can directly link your commercial bank account to your Paga account on the Paga app. This will allow you to directly transfer funds from your bank account into your Paga account. 

You can also transfer money to your Paga account from your banking app. Just like the same way you send money to other banks on your banking app, you can open your bank app, search for Paga, and enter your Paga account 10-digit NUBAN account number. You will directly receive the money on your Paga balance.

Depositing Cash at a Paga Agent

With over 50,000 Paga agents in Nigeria, you can easily locate one to fund your Paga account. Walk up to one with your cash and provide the phone number linked to your Paga account. The agent will instantly fund your account with the amount you deposited. You can also fund your account through the ATM Card Deposit via the PagaTech website.

What Are Paga Users Experiences?

Having explained some of the basic operations of the Paga account, this is where you get to see the real deal. I will take a cross-sectional snapshot of what the active users of the Paga account are saying. The Paga app is available on Play Store and App Store and below are their reviews.

Play Store:

There are more than 1 million downloads on the Google Play Store with a 4.2/5 stars ratings out of over 17.7k ratings.

App Store:

Out of over 1.9k+ on the App Store, Paga has 4.2/5 start reviews. Here are some very random reviews, old and new.

Conclusion

PagaTech has helped revolutionize Nigerian mobile money operations, prioritizing the unbanked and underbanked communities. This also serves as an advantage for SMEs in the country, giving them leverage for their business and helping them make income, e.g. a small business that also acts as a Paga agent.

Paga’s user-friendly platform makes it super easy to make transactions. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned user or just getting started, PagaTech offers a suite of features designed to enhance your financial well-being.

If, perhaps, you want to try out other mobile money operators in Nigeria, you can read about Parkway, Kegow, PocketApp, NowNow, FirstMonie, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Paga use BVN?

By the directive of the CBN, all mobile money operators in Nigeria are mandated to request the BVN of their users. Whether you are a new or existing Paga user, you are mandated to update your KYC (Know Your Customer) with your BVN (Bank Verification Number) and NIN (National Identification Number).

Is Paga a Bank or Wallet?

Paga is a mobile payment platform, and like other MMOs, it allows its users to transfer money electronically and make payments through their mobile devices or websites. The Paga is more than a wallet where you just keep your funds.

Is Paga approved by CBN?

Paga is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a mobile money operator and your deposits are also insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). This means your transfers are secured and your money is safe.

Can I Receive Fund Directly Into My Dollar Card?

Oh, Yes! You can easily receive money directly into your Paga dollar card. Some of the platforms that can be used to fund your Paga dollar card are the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Toronto Dominion Bank, Barclays UK, Paypal, Bet365, Binary – FX trading, Exness – FX trading, Global Blue–Duty-free, DavidShield – Insurance, etc. 

Where is the Paga Office Located?

The Paga head office is 176 Herbert Macaulay Way 3rd Floor, Yaba, Lagos. They also have branches in Ibadan, Abuja, Ilorin and Port-Harcourt. You can check here a detailed address of the locations.