Want a functional virtual card? Here are the top 5 providers in Nigeria

In recent years, the demand for virtual cards in Nigeria has surged due to the increasing need for secure and seamless online transactions. 

Moreover they have become particularly useful for Nigerians subscribing to services like Netflix, Apple Music, Amazon, Google Play, Facebook Ads, and international shopping platforms like AliExpress and eBay.

With restrictions on international payments using traditional bank-issued naira debit cards, many Nigerians now have no choice but to rely on virtual cards to pay for these services requiring foreign currency. 

They provide flexibility, enhanced security, and access to global merchants without needing a physical account or card, making them an essential financial tool.

They also help freelancers and business owners receive and make payments across borders without the hassles of currency restrictions. As fintech companies expand, several providers now offer functional virtual cards tailored to the Nigerian market. Just in case you need one, here are five of the best options available today.

Cardtonic

Cardtonic is a leading fintech company in Nigeria and Ghana, offering a wide range of services, including buying and selling gift cards, paying bills, purchasing gadgets, and providing virtual dollar cards for seamless international transactions.

The virtual dollar card from Cardtonic stands out for its affordability and flexibility. It allows users to fund the card in Naira at some of the best conversion rates in the market, making it an excellent option for international payments.

Furthermore, the card is globally accepted across major platforms like Amazon, Adobe, Aliexpress, Airbnb, Apple Music, Canva, Coursera, Capcut, ChatGPT, eBay, Facebook, Fiverr, Linkedin, Medium, Netflix, Paypal, Spotify, Starlink, Temu, Upwork, and Udemy.

To get a Cardtonic virtual dollar card, you only have to pay a card’s creation fee of $1.5 without any hidden charges. There’s also no payment of maintenance charges for your Cardtonic virtual dollar card as seen on other platforms.

To get a Cardtonic virtual card:

• Sign up on the Cardtonic app
• Complete the KYC verification by submitting your details and a valid ID.
• Fund your wallet
• Generate your card

Grey 

Grey is a fintech platform that enables Nigerians to access USD virtual cards for easy international payments. It’s especially beneficial for digital entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers who require a secure way to pay and receive money globally.

The platform simplifies international transactions with its virtual dollar card, supporting multiple currencies including NGN, USD, and GBP. Creating a card is affordable at $4, and you receive $1 back in your account after setup. Users can fund their cards with as little as $2, with a maximum of $2,500 allowed per transaction.

What sets Grey apart is its zero maintenance fees coupled with competitive exchange rates. This makes it an ideal choice for various needs, from online shopping to subscription services. The virtual cards are widely accepted on most international platforms, including popular services like Airbnb, and Spotify, plus educational platforms such as Coursera and Udemy. 

Additionally, Grey’s low transaction fees make it a cost-effective option for anyone engaged in frequent cross-border transactions.

To get a Grey virtual card:

• Sign up on the Grey website or mobile app.
• Complete KYC verification by submitting your details and a valid ID.
• Fund your Grey account through a bank transfer.
• Generate a virtual card

GeePay

GeePay is an emerging fintech platform by Raenest that provides virtual dollar cards in USD, GBP, and EUR, specifically designed for international transactions. It’s an excellent solution for freelancers, remote workers, and digital entrepreneurs who earn in foreign currencies, making it especially beneficial for Nigerians seeking a flexible global payment option.

The platform allows users to easily make payments on popular services like PayPal and Payoneer. One of its standout features is the ability to seamlessly receive payments from foreign clients, enabling users to spend those funds directly through their virtual card. This card is widely accepted on international platforms, simplifying online services, subscriptions, e-commerce transactions, and advertising payments.

Getting started with GeePay is straightforward: the virtual USD card costs $3 to create, and you’ll need a minimum of $2 to fund it. Additionally, GeePay supports withdrawals to local banks and mobile money accounts in over 100 countries, further enhancing its versatility for global payments.

To get a GeePay virtual card:

• Sign up on the GeePay website or mobile app.
• Verify your identity with a valid government-issued ID.
• Fund your GeePay wallet using a bank transfer, card deposit, or payment from international clients.
• Request a virtual USD card

Eversend

Eversend provides a reliable solution for Nigerians seeking seamless international transactions through its multi-currency virtual cards. Ideal for freelancers and remote workers, Eversend allows users to create USD virtual cards that can be utilized on global platforms such as Google Ads, PayPal, Apple, and various e-commerce sites.

With operations across Africa, the UK, and Europe, Eversend is especially useful for those managing subscriptions, advertising, and business expenses. The platform offers competitive exchange rates, ensuring users receive the best value when funding their virtual cards.

The app features enhanced security options, allowing users to create multiple cards, as well as freeze or delete them if compromised. A nominal fee of $0.35 applies for failed transactions due to insufficient funds. Each virtual dollar card linked to your Eversend wallet can be used for online spending in USD and remains active for up to 3 years before expiration. 

To get an Eversend virtual card:

• Install the Eversend app from your device’s app store.
• Create an account and verify your identity with a government-issued ID.
• Deposit funds into your Eversend wallet via bank transfer or card payment.
• Generate a virtual card in the app and start using it instantly.

Klasha

Klasha is a fintech company that specializes in cross-border transactions, making it an ideal choice for Nigerians who shop on international e-commerce platforms. With Klasha’s virtual cards, users can easily pay for goods and services in foreign currencies while funding their accounts in naira.

This functionality is especially beneficial for those looking to shop on popular global retailers like ASOS, Zara, Amazon, Shein, AliExpress, and Netflix.

The virtual dollar card offered by Klasha is not only affordable, costing just $2 to create, but also boasts instant card issuance and seamless integration with Nigerian bank accounts. This allows for a smooth and efficient process when making cross-border payments.

Additionally, the Klasha app enhances the user experience by providing features such as competitive exchange rates, spending analytics, real-time transaction notifications, and detailed transaction histories. Overall, Klasha is a no-brainer for anyone engaged in international shopping or managing a business.

To get a Klasha virtual card:

• Sign up on the Klasha website or mobile app.
• Verify your identity with a government-issued ID.
• Load your account using a bank transfer or card payment.
• Request a virtual card and start transacting immediately.

Read also: Klasha launches instant Pay to China service for fast cross-border payments between China and Africa

ALAT by Wema

ALAT by Wema is Nigeria’s pioneering fully digital bank, designed to provide users with modern banking solutions. One of its standout features is the availability of virtual naira and dollar cards, which serve as an alternative payment method for international transactions. 

What sets ALAT apart from other providers is that its virtual cards are directly linked to a digital banking account. This integration allows users to seamlessly manage both traditional banking and online payment activities from a single platform. The virtual dollar card enables Nigerians to make payments for international services and subscriptions, free from restrictions.

To use the virtual card, users must have a Wema Bank account. ALAT’s offerings simplify online purchasing and subscription payments for platforms like Netflix, iTunes, and Spotify without the need for a physical card. These cards are compatible with popular apps and services, and users benefit from the absence of unnecessary fees.

Within the Alat app, users can easily create, manage, liquidate, or block their virtual cards as needed.

To get an ALAT virtual card:

• Download the ALAT app and sign up for an account.
• Verify your account by submitting your BVN and a valid ID.
• Fund your ALAT account through bank transfer or direct deposit.
• Apply for a virtual card under the card section of the app and activate it.

In conclusion,

Spending your money should not be as difficult as making it in today’s digital world. Virtual cards have significantly simplified cross-border payments, making them much easier than in the past. These cards are particularly valuable for Nigerians facing increasing restrictions on traditional naira cards for foreign transactions.

Fortunately, numerous fintech companies, such as Grey, GeePay, Eversend, ALAT by Wema, and Klasha, offer reliable and secure virtual cards. These financial tools empower users to shop, subscribe to services, and make payments internationally.

Each provider offers unique benefits, allowing users to choose based on their specific needs, transaction limits, and funding options. Before choosing a virtual card provider, it’s crucial to consider factors such as fees, supported currencies, and global acceptance.