General
5 Platforms to Pay DSTV and Startimes Subscription in Nigeria
Many of us grew up watching Ben 10 on Cartoon Network or Monday Night Raw on WWE. These days, it’s more about catching the Champions League or staying updated with international news on Al Jazeera.
Regardless of what you enjoy, one thing’s clear. Cable TV has always played a big role in our entertainment.
A few years ago, paying for cable meant visiting an authorised outlet. But now, thanks to online bill payments, you can sort your Startimes or DSTV payment right from your phone or any mobile device.
This article will walk you through five of the best platforms in Nigeria where you can renew your subscription without ever stepping into a physical outlet.
5 Best Platforms to Pay DSTV and Startimes Subscription in Nigeria
Gone are the days of queuing at outlets just to renew your cable TV subscription. Now, you can pay for DSTV and Startimes in minutes, right from your phone. Below is a quick comparison of five trusted platforms: Cardtonic, MyDSTV, Startimes ON, your Bank App, and USSD, based on transaction charges, discounts, and how easy they are to access.
| s/n | Platforms | DSTV or Startimes | Transactions Charges | Discount/ Promo Prices | Accessibility |
| 1 | Cardtonic | Both | No | Yes | Mobile App or Website |
| 2 | myDSTV | DSTV | Yes | Yes | Mobile App or Website |
| 3 | Bank App | Both | Yes | No | Mobile App |
| 4 | Startimes ON | Startimes | Yes | Yes | Mobile App or Website |
| 5 | USSD | Both | Yes | No | Offline |
1. Cardtonic
Cardtonic isn’t just another bill payment platform. It’s an all-in-one solution built for speed, convenience, and real value. When it comes to renewing your DSTV or Startimes subscription, Cardtonic lets you do it in minutes without stress.
Just log in, tap on “Bills,” select your cable provider, choose a package, enter your smartcard number, and confirm the transaction. That’s it—subscription sorted.
But here’s what makes Cardtonic stand out: beyond fast cable payments, you get zero transaction charges, exclusive discounted packages, and occasional promo offers that reward you just for paying your bills.
It also does way more than cable TV. With Cardtonic, you can pay utility bills online, buy airtime, top up data, trade gift cards, and even manage a virtual dollar card for international payments—all in one clean, easy-to-use app or website.
If you’re looking for a trusted platform that makes bill payments quick, affordable, and rewarding, Cardtonic is your best bet.
2. MyDSTV App
The moment you own a DSTV, you automatically have a MyDSTV account, and you can use it to pay for your DSTV subscription.
You can access MyDSTV by logging in through the website or downloading the app on your mobile device. As a first-timer, you will need to provide essential details like the email address and phone number you used to register your DSTV. You also need to provide your smartcard number and confirm the account via email.
After logging in, scan the app and locate “Subscriptions.” Here, you will see the current subscription package you are on and a list displaying other packages. Make your choice, click on payment and proceed with the on-screen instructions.
3. Bank App
Many Nigerian banks now have mobile apps that you can use to carry out your online transactions, including paying for cable TV. Whether you want to pay for DSTV or Startimes, the process is entirely the same.
To get started, ensure your bank has a working app and offers utility payments. Use your bank details to log into the app. Search for the main menu or scroll through the dashboard and locate either “Bills or Utility.” Choose Cable TV and finally pick between DSTV or StarTimes. Provide all necessary details, like your smart card number and the subscription package you want.
Within a few minutes, depending on the bank’s network, you should have successfully paid for your cable TV online.
4. Startimes ON App
Startimes ON is a mobile app that allows you to make basic transactions and set up settings for your StarTimes decoder. To use Startimes ON to pay for your cable, you need to log in and link your decoder to the app.
You can link your decoder by inputting your smartcard number and confirming your login details. Afterwards, click on the “Me” icon, and a bunch of information regarding your subscription will be displayed there. Your package and the remaining valid subscription days will also be shown on the screen.
If the subscription has expired, it will also be displayed. In this case, you should click on “Pay” in the top right corner of the app. A list of Startimes subscription prices and packages will appear. Select the one you want and click “next.”
You will be presented with a variety of payment methods. You can decide to finalise your payment using your mobile wallet, like Cardtonic, or your bank card. The speed and efficiency of this payment depend on the network used to carry out the transaction.
5. USSD
Using USSD to pay for cable TV depends on the bank you intend to use and your phone network, Airtel or MTN.
To pay for DSTV or Startimes using USSD, confirm that your bank supports cable TV subscriptions via USSD and ensure your mobile network is active.
To get started, dial your bank’s USSD code and follow the on-screen prompts until you’re asked to choose between DSTV and Startimes. Select your preferred option, pick the bouquet you want, enter your bank PIN, and confirm the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paying Cable TV Subscriptions in Nigeria
- Can I Top-up My DSTV Subscription Online in Nigeria?
Yes, you can top up your DSTV subscription online in Nigeria. By using online bill payment platforms like Cardtonic, MyDSTV, or your bank app, you can renew your subscription right from your phone.
However, if you pay for a new DSTV subscription package before your current one expires, the new package won’t activate until the existing one ends.
- What is the Best DSTV Subscription for me?
DSTV has five subscription packages. The best one for you depends on your viewing preference and your budget. To increase viewing channels and cost, you can choose Yanga, Confam, Compact, Compact Plus, or Premium. Each package includes a list of channels you can access, as well as additional benefits. You can visit the DSTV website to get more information.
- Can I Subscribe to Startimes Using My Phone?
Yes. You can subscribe to Startimes on your phone. With platforms like Cardtonic, you can easily log in, click on cable TV and make payments for your Startimes subscription. Using Cardtonic makes the process fast, easy, and reliable.
- How Much is Startimes Subscription Per Month?
Depending on the package you are opting for, Startimes Subscription prices per Month range from as low as 2000 Naira to 16000 Naira. The subscription package chosen will determine the number of channels you can access.
5. DSTV vs Startimes: Which One Should I Go for?
DSTV offers a variety of entertainment, while Startimes is highly affordable. The final choice depends on your preference and budget.
Conclusion
Paying for your DSTV or Startimes subscription doesn’t have to involve queues or a trip to the nearest outlet. With platforms like Cardtonic, MyDSTV, Startimes ON, your Bank App, and USSD, you can sort your cable TV bills right from your phone—anytime, anywhere.
Each option has its own perks, but if you’re looking for speed, zero charges, extra rewards, and an easy way to pay utility bills online, Cardtonic ticks all the boxes. It’s simple, secure, and built to make your life easier.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its development partnership with Kano and Jigawa States, as part of its long-term commitment to development and reform in northern Nigeria.
The Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission Abuja, Ms Cynthia Rowe, recently completed high-level engagements with governors of both states as well as senior government officials and civil society leaders.
The discussions underscored the UK’s modern approach to development as a genuine partnership with Nigeria, which prioritises state-led ownership and sustainable development that delivers lasting impact through strengthening systems and partnerships grounded in investment, trade, climate financing, technical expertise and joint accountability.
According to a statement, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, via the British High Commission, said Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most significant development partners, adding that the engagements underlined the strength and ambition of the bilateral relationship reaffirmed during the recent UK-Nigeria State Visit.
In Kano, Ms Rowe met with Deputy Governor Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo and senior officials, including the newly confirmed Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the State Government. The visit recognised Kano’s progress on climate finance, health system reform and private sector investment supported through UK technical assistance.
In Jigawa, she met with Governor Umar Namadi and heads of key ministries, departments and agencies. The meeting celebrated more than 25 years of UK-Jigawa partnership, one of the most longstanding bilateral development relationships at the subnational level in Nigeria. Discussions covered the state’s continued progress on health systems reform, agriculture, and governance and the path forward under UK technical assistance.
Since 2022, PLANE has supported Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa to strengthen state-led education delivery systems, working through Ministries of Education, SUBEB and key agencies. Its RANA+ foundational learning packages have reached 1.4 million pupils across the three states, alongside wider system strengthening.
Speaking on this, Ms Rowe said, “For more than 25 years, we have worked side by side with state governments, including Jigawa and Kano states, their communities, and civil society to build stronger health systems, improve learning outcomes for millions of children, support farmers to grow their businesses, and help states attract the investment they need to thrive.
These visits have reinforced our confidence in what this partnership can achieve. We are working together to deliver lasting change, and deepening a relationship built on genuine mutual respect and shared ambition for Nigeria’s growth and development.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on data sharing to enhance economic productivity.
This was done at a meeting at CBN Head Office in Abuja, where the weather body led by its Director General, Mr Charles Anosike, on Wednesday, highlighted the importance of integrating weather and climate data into economic research, especially in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and transportation.
He noted that extreme weather events can reduce agricultural productivity and threaten food security.
He added that the collaboration aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises food security through major agricultural investment, including the cultivation of 10 million hectares of land and the distribution of mechanised equipment.
Mr Anosike cited a 2026 World Bank report that showed that extreme weather driven by climate change is significantly affecting global food security, with more than 87 million people facing hunger in East and Southern Africa and 52 million in West and Central Africa.
He also referenced the latest Berkeley Earth Report, which projects that 2026 is likely to be the fourth warmest year on record, a trend that continues to shape agricultural and energy market projections.
In his remarks, Mr Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate of the CBN, said the signing of the MoU marked an important step in strengthening the partnership between two key national institutions whose mandates intersect in data, research, and policy support.
He emphasised that, in an increasingly complex and dynamic economic environment, timely and reliable data remain essential for effective policy decisions.
According to him, the Economic Policy Directorate relies heavily on timely and credible statistical information from NiMet, saying that such data are critical for inflation monitoring, agricultural sector assessment, and broader economic policy advisory functions.
He described the initiative as both timely and important, adding that strong institutional partnerships are essential for strengthening evidence-based policymaking and improving the robustness of national data systems.
At the close of the event, Mr Anosike and Mr Sani Abdullahi signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Tunji Disu, has ordered an immediate nationwide ban prohibiting Point-of-Sale (POS) operators from running their businesses within a 200-metre radius of any police station, divisional headquarters, or police formation across Nigeria.
This directive, released via an internal police wireless message, addresses critical systemic challenges regarding extortion and corrupt financial practices within law enforcement facilities.
The order is to be strictly enforced nationwide, with senior officers overseeing various formations to be held accountable for any breach of the directive.
The Nigeria Police Force stated that the measure is intended to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the policing system.
The decision comes after an alarming proliferation of POS businesses near police facilities, with investigations and public complaints revealing that some operators were actively complicit in facilitating extortion, bribery, and illegal cash transfers forced upon civilians or suspects during police encounters.
Under the directive, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), State Commissioners of Police (CPs), and heads of formations will be held vicariously liable for any breach within their jurisdictions.
The IGP’s order states: “Any officer or POS merchant found flouting the 200-metre operational boundary or colluding in illicit transactions will face immediate disciplinary and criminal actions under extant laws.
“If you are a POS agent or looking into regulatory compliance for financial services in Nigeria, let me know. I can provide details on current Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) radius registration guidelines or share methods to report officer misconduct directly to the Force Headquarters.”
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