Nigerians without credit cards could find it easier to pay for international streaming services and digital tools following the launch of recurring payments through OPay Direct Debit by Brazilian payments technology company EBANX.
Announced on 22 October 2026, the integration makes EBANX the first global payments company to offer OPay Direct Debit, according to the companies.
Merchants using EBANX can enable OPay at checkout, allowing customers to authorise recurring deductions through the OPay app without having to approve each payment manually.
The service targets streaming platforms, software-as-a-service providers and other digital businesses. It addresses a gap between widespread mobile phone use and limited access to conventional credit cards in Nigeria.
EBANX cited World Bank figures indicating that about 5% of Nigerian adults own credit cards, while mobile phone penetration stands at 84%. The company also cited World Data Lab analysis indicating that consumers without credit cards account for 95% of online spending in Nigeria.
For businesses relying on card-based billing, this gap could prevent prospective customers from subscribing, even when they are willing to pay. OPay Direct Debit provides an alternative by allowing customers to authorise recurring payments through a digital wallet.
Elizabeth Wang, OPay’s chief commercial officer, said the partnership would make international digital services easier to pay for while allowing customers to retain control over their subscriptions.
Eduardo de Abreu, EBANX’s chief product officer, said the integration reflected the need to adapt payment infrastructure to consumer behaviour in emerging markets.
EBANX says it offers recurring alternative-payment solutions in 13 emerging markets across Africa, Asia and Latin America, potentially reaching more than one billion consumers who use digital wallets and account-to-account transfers.
However, the service will not be available automatically across all international subscription platforms. Merchants must use EBANX and enable OPay at checkout.
Wider adoption will depend on merchant participation, customer trust and clear processes for managing cancellations, failed payments and disputes.
The launch gives Nigerians without credit cards another way to pay for international subscriptions. Its longer-term impact will depend on how widely merchants adopt the payment option and whether customers continue to use it.
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