How to Buy Airtime, Data and Pay Electricity and TV Bills Online in Nigeria
Buy airtime, data, electricity tokens and TV subscriptions from your phone in under a minute. What to check before you pay, how to avoid paying the wrong account, and how developers can add bills to their own app.
You should not need to queue at a shop to buy data or pay for light. From your phone you can buy airtime, data, electricity tokens and TV subscriptions in under a minute.
Step by step
- Choose a platform that lists everything you need: the networks (MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile), the electricity companies and the TV providers.
- Enter the number. For airtime and data, that is the phone number. For electricity it is the meter number. For TV it is the smartcard number.
- Check the name before you pay. For meters and smartcards, look for a screen that shows the customer name first, so you know you are paying the right account.
- Pay from a wallet you have topped up.
- Keep the reference or token. For electricity, the token is what you enter on the meter.
Tips to save money and avoid trouble
- Compare the price of the same data plan across platforms before you buy. Prices can differ.
- Choose by how long you need it. Daily, weekly and monthly plans suit different people. See our guide to choosing a data plan if you are unsure.
- Start with a small top-up until you trust a platform.
- Save the reference in case you need to follow up.
- Check refunds. A good platform returns your money automatically when a payment fails.
For developers and sellers
If you want to sell airtime and data, or add bills to your own app, the same service is available by API. See bill payments, the airtime API, the data bundle API, the electricity token API and the TV subscription API. Our guide on starting a VTU business walks through the details.
Pay a bill in a minute. Create a free account, top up your wallet and buy airtime, data, power or TV.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to pay electricity by token online?
Yes, if you use a platform that shows the account name first and gives you the token and a reference. Always confirm the name matches before you pay.
What happens if a payment fails?
On IdentifyOrg the money returns to your balance automatically when a payment fails.
Can I buy for someone else?
Yes. Enter their phone, meter or smartcard number.
Can I add bills to my own app?
Yes, through the bills API. Developers can test it with free test keys first.
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