How to Create a Pre-Pay Account on the OBRS in Botswana

Learn how to create a pre-pay account on Botswana’s OBRS, deposit funds through FNB or EFT, use the correct reference number, and pay for CIPA online services.

The Online Business Registration System (OBRS) has made it easier for individuals and businesses in Botswana to access company registration and other services online. However, not everyone is able to make online payments using a bank card. To accommodate users who cannot use bank cards, the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) provides a pre-pay account, previously known as a deposit account.

A pre-pay account allows you to deposit money into your OBRS account in advance. Once CIPA credits the funds to your account, you can use the available balance to pay for transactions and services on the OBRS.

This can be particularly useful for entrepreneurs, companies, business registration agents and other frequent OBRS users who regularly need to pay for services but prefer to fund their account through a bank deposit or electronic funds transfer (EFT).

What Is a Pre-Pay Account on the OBRS?

A pre-pay account on the OBRS is a payment method that allows you to add funds to your OBRS account before completing a transaction.

It was previously referred to as a deposit account. Instead of entering bank card details every time you need to pay for a service, you can deposit money into the designated CIPA account and have the funds credited to your OBRS account.

The balance can then be used when paying for services available through the Online Business Registration System.

For users who frequently conduct business registration transactions, this can provide a convenient alternative to card payments.

Who Can Use a Pre-Pay Account?

The pre-pay account is particularly useful for OBRS users who:

• Cannot use a bank card to make online payments.
• Prefer making payments through an FNB branch or ATM.
• Prefer paying through EFT.
• Frequently use CIPA’s online services.
• Register companies or business names regularly.
• Act as business registration agents or consultants.
• Need to keep funds available for future OBRS transactions.

Rather than making a separate card payment for every transaction, you can deposit funds and use the balance when you need to make payments on the OBRS.

How to Create a Pre-Pay Account on the OBRS

Creating a pre-pay account is done through your existing OBRS account. The process involves accessing your billing details, adding a new payment method and selecting the pre-pay account option.

Follow these steps.

Step 1: Visit the CIPA Website

Start by visiting the official CIPA website and accessing the Online Business Registration System.

CIPA official website

Log into your OBRS account using your existing login credentials.

If you have not yet created an OBRS profile, you will need to complete the appropriate registration process before you can manage your payment methods. You can learn more about creating an individual profile on the Online Business Registration System or creating an organisation profile on the Online Business Registration System.

Step 2: Click on Your Name

After logging into the OBRS, look at the top-right corner of the screen.

Click on your name to open the available account options.

Step 3: Select “MANAGE BILLING DETAILS”

From the menu that appears after clicking your name, select:

MANAGE BILLING DETAILS

This section allows you to manage the payment methods associated with your OBRS account.

Step 4: Click on “Actions”

Within the billing details section, locate the Actions option.

Click on Actions to access the available billing and payment options.

Step 5: Click on “Payment Methods”

Select:

Payment Methods

This will display the payment methods currently available on your OBRS account.

Step 6: Click on “Add”

Click the Add button to create a new payment method.

This will allow you to select the type of payment method you want to add to your OBRS account.

Step 7: Select “Pre-pay Account”

From the available options, select:

Pre-pay account

This is the option that allows you to use funds deposited into the CIPA account for future OBRS payments.

Step 8: Click “Submit”

After selecting the pre-pay account option, click:

Submit

Your pre-pay account details should then become available for use when making deposits and future payments through the OBRS.

The Most Important Step: Use Your Pre-Pay Account Number as the Reference

When depositing money into the CIPA account, the reference is extremely important.

You must use your Pre-pay Account Number as the reference when making the deposit.

This allows CIPA to identify the account to which the money should be credited.

Why Is the Reference Number Important?

If you deposit money without using the correct pre-pay account number as the reference, CIPA may not be able to correctly identify your OBRS account.

As a result, the funds may not be credited to your OBRS account.

Therefore, before making a deposit, make sure you have your correct Pre-pay Account Number available and enter it exactly as required.

This is one of the most important things to remember when using the OBRS pre-pay payment method.

How to Deposit Money Into Your Pre-Pay Account

Once you have created the pre-pay payment method, you can deposit funds into the designated CIPA bank account.

According to the provided CIPA guidance, funds can be deposited through:

• FNB branches
• FNB ATMs
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

When making the deposit, remember to use your Pre-pay Account Number as the reference.

The reference connects the payment to your OBRS account and helps ensure that the money is allocated correctly.

How Long Does It Take for Funds to Reflect?

CIPA’s guidance indicates that deposits made at FNB branches or ATMs will be credited to the OBRS account within 24 hours.

EFT payments are also processed within 24 hours after CIPA receives the funds in its FNB account.

This means you should not necessarily expect a deposit to become available immediately.

If you are planning to submit an urgent business registration or another CIPA transaction, it is sensible to deposit the required funds in advance rather than waiting until the last minute.

How to Pay Using Your Pre-Pay Account

After CIPA has credited your deposited funds to your OBRS account, you can use the balance to pay for services.

When you reach the payment stage of an OBRS transaction:

1. Select the available payment methods.
2. Choose Pre-pay ACCOUNT.
3. Confirm the payment.
4. Complete the transaction using the funds available in your pre-pay account.

The pre-pay balance can therefore function as a convenient funding source for OBRS transactions.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Reference?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when funding a pre-pay account is failing to use the correct account number as the payment reference.

For example, simply depositing money into the CIPA bank account without identifying your specific pre-pay account could create difficulties when the payment needs to be allocated.

The safest approach is to:

• Log into the OBRS before making the payment.
• Locate your Pre-pay Account Number.
• Copy the number carefully.
• Use it as the payment reference.
• Keep your deposit or EFT confirmation.
• Allow the stated processing period before assuming the payment has failed.

Keeping proof of payment is also useful if you need to follow up about a deposit that has not appeared in your OBRS balance.

Why Use a Pre-Pay Account?

There are several practical reasons why an OBRS user may prefer a pre-pay account.

1. An Alternative to Bank Card Payments

The main advantage is that users who cannot use bank cards can still fund their OBRS transactions.

This makes the system more accessible to people who prefer traditional banking channels.

2. Convenient for Frequent OBRS Users

If you regularly submit applications through CIPA, maintaining a balance in your pre-pay account can make the payment process more convenient.

Instead of arranging a separate payment every time, you can deposit funds in advance and use the available balance when needed.

3. Useful for Business Registration Agents

Business registration consultants and agents who handle multiple applications may find the pre-pay system particularly useful.

Having funds available in the account can help simplify the payment process when submitting multiple OBRS transactions.

4. Better Payment Planning

Pre-funding an account can also make it easier to budget for upcoming company registration and other CIPA-related transactions.

You can deposit an amount that you expect to use and then monitor the balance as transactions are completed.

Important Tips When Using the OBRS Pre-Pay Account

Before depositing money, consider the following recommendations.

Always Confirm Your Account Number

Do not rely on memory when entering your pre-pay account number.

Check your OBRS account and make sure the number you use as the payment reference is correct.

Keep Your Proof of Payment

Save your bank deposit slip, ATM confirmation or EFT confirmation.

This documentation can be useful if you need to investigate a payment that has not been credited.

Allow Enough Processing Time

CIPA indicates that deposits and EFT payments are processed within the stated 24-hour period.

Therefore, avoid waiting until the exact moment you need to submit an application before funding your account.

Check Your OBRS Balance

After the processing period, log into your OBRS account and confirm that the deposited funds have been credited.

Do not assume that a successful bank transfer automatically means that the money is immediately available for an OBRS transaction.

Select the Correct Payment Method

When completing a transaction, remember to select Pre-pay ACCOUNT as your payment method.

Having money in the account does not mean the system will necessarily select the pre-pay account automatically.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several simple mistakes can cause unnecessary delays when funding an OBRS pre-pay account.

Avoid the following:

• Using the wrong reference number.
• Forgetting to include the Pre-pay Account Number.
• Assuming funds will reflect immediately.
• Making a payment without keeping proof of payment.
• Selecting the wrong payment method during an OBRS transaction.
• Depositing money into the account without first confirming your pre-pay account details.

The most important rule is simple: use your Pre-pay Account Number as the reference when making the deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an OBRS pre-pay account?

An OBRS pre-pay account is a payment method that allows you to deposit money in advance and use those funds to pay for transactions on the Online Business Registration System.

Was the pre-pay account previously called a deposit account?

Yes. CIPA’s guidance refers to the pre-pay account as the replacement for what was previously called a deposit account.

Why do I need a pre-pay account?

A pre-pay account is particularly useful if you are unable to use a bank card to pay for OBRS transactions. It also provides a convenient option for users who regularly conduct transactions through the system.

How do I create a pre-pay account?

Log into the OBRS, click your name in the top-right corner, select MANAGE BILLING DETAILS, click Actions, select Payment Methods, click Add, choose Pre-pay account, and then click Submit. For more information about changing profile details on the OBRS or changing a password on the OBRS, follow the relevant guides.

Where can I deposit money?

According to the provided CIPA instructions, you can deposit funds at FNB branches or ATMs. EFT payments are also supported.

What reference should I use when depositing money?

You should use your Pre-pay Account Number as the reference.

How long does it take for the money to reflect?

CIPA’s guidance states that funds deposited at FNB branches or ATMs are credited within 24 hours, while EFTs are processed within 24 hours after receipt in CIPA’s FNB account.

Can I use my pre-pay balance to pay for OBRS services?

Yes. Once the funds have been credited to your OBRS account, select Pre-pay ACCOUNT as your payment method when making a payment on the OBRS.

Final Thoughts

Creating a pre-pay account on the Botswana OBRS is a relatively straightforward process and provides an important alternative for users who cannot make payments using bank cards.

The process can be summarised as follows:

1. Log into the OBRS.
2. Click your name in the top-right corner.
3. Select MANAGE BILLING DETAILS.
4. Click Actions.
5. Select Payment Methods.
6. Click Add.
7. Select Pre-pay account.
8. Click Submit.
9. Deposit money into the designated CIPA account.
10. Use your Pre-pay Account Number as the payment reference.
11. Allow the payment to be processed.
12. Select Pre-pay ACCOUNT when paying for an OBRS transaction.

The reference number is particularly important. Using the correct Pre-pay Account Number helps ensure that CIPA can identify and credit the payment to your OBRS account.

For entrepreneurs and businesses regularly using Botswana’s Online Business Registration System, setting up the pre-pay option can make it easier to manage payments and continue accessing CIPA services without relying exclusively on bank card payments.