Make money on campus without buying a POS machine!

Some students may not be aware, but the Nigerian POS industry processes an average of roughly ₦3.48 trillion per month—and it continues to grow. Yet the biggest shift happening right now is simple: you no longer need a physical POS machine to start a POS business.

You only need your smartphone.

This change is leveling the playing field. It’s helping students earn from payment services without investing ₦50,000–₦120,000 in a POS terminal. And it’s giving young people access to a business that used to belong only to agents with deep pockets.

In this guide, I’ll show you—step by step—how to launch a POS business as a student using nothing but your phone and Nearpays SoftPOS. It’s faster than you think. And honestly, it’s one of the easiest side hustles on campus right now.

Let’s get into it.

Why a Phone-Based POS Business Works for Students

Students need income that is:

• Flexible
• Low-cost
• Easy to start
• Easy to scale
• Safe

A smartphone POS business checks every box.

With SoftPOS technology, you can accept card payments directly on your phone—no hardware needed. Customers tap their debit card on your phone, and the payment goes through instantly.

If your campus is like many across Nigeria, students constantly need to:

• withdraw cash
• send money
• pay for items
• buy food
• split bills

That means steady daily demand.

What You Need to Start

You’ll need:

1. A smartphone

Android phones work best since they support NFC, but most modern phones handle SoftPOS smoothly.

2. A Nearpays account

This gives you access to SoftPOS directly within the app.

3. Your valid ID (NIN, BVN)

All digital financial tools in Nigeria require simple verification.

That’s it.

You don’t need a POS machine, or wait days to have it activated, or spend on repairs and maintenance

How to Start Your POS Business in 5 Simple Steps

Step 1: Download Nearpays

Install the Nearpays app from the Play Store or App Store.

Step 2: Create your account

Follow the prompts, complete your KYC, and upgrade your tier for higher limits.

Step 3: Activate SoftPOS

Inside the app, go to SoftPOS, accept the terms, and you're ready.

Step 4: Start accepting payments

Customers tap their ATM card on your phone → payment goes through. You can also receive transfers and generate payment links.

Step 5: Charge a service fee

This is how you make your money.

Most student POS agents charge:

• ₦50 – ₦200 for withdrawals
• ₦10 – ₦50 for deposits/transfers
• Small fees for bill payments

Done well, this can earn you ₦2,000–₦10,000 daily on campus.

How Much You Can Earn as a Student POS Agent

Let’s keep it realistic.

If you serve:

• 25 customers daily → average fee ₦100 = ₦2,500/day = ₦75,000/month

If you scale to:

• 50 customers daily = ₦5,000/day = ₦150,000/month

If you place trusted friends in different halls or departments, your income multiplies.

And because you’re using SoftPOS, you’re not spending money on:

• machine repairs
• device rentals
• network issues from old terminals
• dispatch fees
• stolen POS devices

Everything runs on your phone.

Why Nearpays SoftPOS Is the Best for Students

Let’s be direct.

1. Zero cost to start

No device purchase.

2. Instant activation

You can start today.

3. Works anywhere on campus

Hostels, lecture halls, restaurants, events.

4. Safe and compliant

Transactions are protected with bank-level security.

5. Real-time transaction history

You always know where your money is.

6. CBN geotagging compliance

Nearpays automatically handles all location requirements—no stress about new regulations.

7. Save 50% on fees

Regular POS charges average of N50 for N10,000 card transactions while we charge N25 when you use the Nearpays SoftPOS

Tips to Grow Fast on Campus

1. Position yourself strategically

Hostel entrances, exam periods, class breaks—high traffic equals more money.

2. Offer extra services

• Airtime & data
• Bills (PHCN, GOtv)
• Dollar card funding for students who shop abroad

3. Build trust

Students will return to you if you’re fast, polite, and accurate.

4. Promote softly

Post in your class WhatsApp groups: “Available for withdrawals and transfers — Hostel C Block, Room 112.”

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a lot of capital to start a business as a student. You need the right tools.

A smartphone + Nearpays SoftPOS = a real business you can grow from day one.

Low cost. Low risk. High demand.

If you want a side hustle that fits your school schedule and still pays well, this is it.

Ready to Start?

Open your Nearpays account today and activate SoftPOS in minutes.

Turn your phone into a business.