Best Virtual Dollar Cards in Nigeria for International Payment (2023)

Whether you’re looking for the best virtual dollar card in Nigeria, the cheapest virtual dollar card in Nigeria, or tips on how to get a virtual dollar card in Nigeria, this comprehensive guide has got you covered.

The addition of different financial service providers has sparked a surge in the popularity of virtual dollar cards in Nigeria. While a number of fintech companies in Nigeria are opting to halt the availability of virtual dollar cards within the country, there’s a notable emergence of other providers stepping up to offer a diverse array of virtual dollar solutions.

Think of a virtual card as resembling a physical card in terms of appearance, but with the key distinction that virtual cards are exclusively designed for online transactions. Given the focal point of this article is centred around virtual dollar cards, it becomes imperative to delve into what exactly a virtual dollar card entails and why it holds significance.

Virtual Dollar Card Use in Nigeria

A virtual dollar card stands as a non-physical entity, yet its significance lies in its dollar-denominated nature, designed exclusively for facilitating online payments. Its utility becomes apparent, particularly in situations where the use of naira-denominated credit or debit cards in Nigeria is not viable.

The introduction of virtual dollar cards to the Nigerian landscape has been a transformative move, particularly enhancing the experience of online shopping and payments for Nigerians who frequently engage with global platforms such as Alibaba, Apple Music, Asos, Amazon, Ali Express, Facebook, Netflix, or even certification exams. Consider a scenario where conventional Nigerian ATM cards fall short in enabling purchases or subscriptions on digital platforms like Apple Music; this is where the prowess of virtual dollar cards shines, unfettered by such restrictions.

A standout advantage of virtual dollar cards is the convenience they bring to the table. There’s no need to make a physical visit to a bank to obtain one; a simple mobile app on your smartphone can facilitate the process. Furthermore, obtaining a virtual dollar card is characterized by simplicity, a marked contrast to the process involved in acquiring a physical dollar card. The latter may involve the intricate procedure of acquiring a domiciliary account, which often comes accompanied by its own set of documentation hassles.

In the current landscape, an array of providers within Nigeria are extending virtual dollar card services to Nigerians. This diversity ensures that you’ll discover an option that aligns seamlessly with your requirements. The flexibility even extends to the possibility of opting for multiple virtual dollar cards within Nigeria, a testament to the adaptability and convenience that this virtual solution brings to the table. If you’re in search of gift cards, read our comprehensive article on “Where Can I Buy Gift Cards in Nigeria?“

How to choose the best dollar card

Below we highlight essential factors you should consider when choosing a virtual dollar card provider in Nigeria:

Issuing Bank or Provider

When embarking on the journey to select the ideal virtual dollar card provider in Nigeria, one of the first and most crucial factors to consider is the issuing bank or provider. Opting for a reputable and well-established institution can significantly impact your overall experience.

Security

Security stands as a paramount concern when it comes to payments or transactions, and this holds true for virtual dollar card providers. Ensuring the safety of your funds during online transactions is of utmost importance. A critical evaluation of the security measures implemented by the provider is essential to ascertain the level of protection against potential data breaches while utilizing your virtual card.

User-Friendliness

The desire for a seamless user experience is universal. Opting for a platform with user-friendly navigation is pivotal, especially to cater to individuals who may be new to the virtual dollar card concept. Prioritize a provider that offers a straightforward and intuitive user interface, streamlining your payment processes with minimal complications.

Accessibility

Accessibility comes to the forefront in the context of customer support and international usability. An ideal virtual card provider should ensure easy access to responsive customer support, ready to address your inquiries promptly. Moreover, the virtual dollar card should empower you to engage in international transactions without geographical or temporal restrictions, amplifying its utility.

Card Limit and Fees

Understanding the card’s limits and associated fees is fundamental. Card limits vary, ranging from, say, $1000 to as high as $10,000. Your choice should align with your intended usage. Equally essential is comprehending the transaction fees imposed by the provider. Being informed about these fees equips you to calculate the potential costs tied to using your virtual dollar card for transactions.

How to Get Virtual USD Cards in Nigeria

Before we explore the top virtual USD cards available in Nigeria, let’s walk you through the process of obtaining one. Firstly, note that all Issuing banks or providers have different steps, so we made a general guide.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to acquire a virtual USD card in Nigeria:

1. Choose a virtual USD card provider. There are a number of different virtual USD card providers in Nigeria, so it’s important to choose one that is right for you. Some factors to consider include the fees charged, the features offered, and the level of customer support.
2. Sign up for an account with the virtual USD card provider. You will need to provide some basic personal information, such as your name, email address, and phone number. You may also need to provide some identification documents, such as a copy of your passport or driver’s license, your Bank Verification Number (BVN) and your National Identity Number (NIN).
3. Fund your virtual USD card. You can fund your virtual USD card with a variety of methods, such as a bank transfer, debit card, or credit card.
4. Start using your virtual USD card! Once your virtual USD card is funded, you can start using it to make online payments in dollars. You can use it to buy goods and services from international websites or to subscribe to online services.

Top 10 USD Virtual Cards That Work In Nigeria

Here are the best virtual dollar card providers in Nigeria in 2023:

1. Payday
2. Flip By FluidCoins
3. Chipper Cash
4. CashBuddy
5. Changera by Bitmama
6. ALAT By Wema
7. Fundall
8. Bitsika
9. Barter By Flutterwave
10. Wallets Africa

1. Payday

Payday offers a seamless solution for swift international payments. Its virtual dollar card simplifies international purchases and online payments. Open foreign accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR for free. Send and receive global payments within seconds. Payday’s virtual cards work wherever Mastercards are accepted, and there are currently no limits to its virtual dollar card.

2. Flip By FluidCoins

Fluidcoins stands as an application fueled by cryptocurrency, facilitating money transfers and savings effortlessly. Utilizing your Flip Tag or the Flip App, you can send and receive funds at your convenience, irrespective of location. Furthermore, this application offers a distinctive feature – the ability to save and increase your assets through Stablecoins (Cryptocurrency). Notably, it enables payments to merchants and online transactions via its crypto-powered virtual dollar cards.

The Flip virtual dollar card comes with a transaction cap of $1500. To begin utilizing this convenient option, simply download the Flip App and access the world of digital financial ease.

3. Chipper Cash

Chipper Cash extends virtual dollar cards that grant you the ability to engage in international online transactions. The process is straightforward: your Chipper wallet can be utilized to fund a Chipper Cash Visa virtual dollar card and the best part? This service comes at no cost to you. It’s important to note that the usage of this virtual card mirrors the familiar process of employing physical credit or debit cards.

In terms of transactions, the Chipper virtual dollar card permits a maximum daily withdrawal of $1,000, while the ceiling for the overall withdrawal from the card remains unrestricted. Your virtual card will sport a funding daily limit of $1,000, with the maximum monthly withdrawal limit set at $5,000.

4. CashBuddy 

CashBuddy lets you create virtual dollar cards in Nigeria that work on global platforms like Skrill, Amazon, Apple Music, Stripe, Binance, Facebook, Instagram, PayPal, Netteller, etc.

The Cashbuddy app lets you pay and get paid in Africa. Creating a CashBuddy virtual dollar card cost $3, the transaction fee is $0, the Maximum Card Load Amount per 24 hours is $10,000, and the Maximum Card Load Amount per Month is $10,000.

5. Changera by Bitmama

As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has placed limits on how much Nigerians can transact, many have turned to cryptocurrencies to enable them to bypass these restrictions. The crypto startup, Bitmama built Changera in 2021 for this purpose. 

Providing a virtual dollar card, Changera users can make online payments with the card. Other features include money transfers, currency conversion, and a virtual bank account. Unlike the other options on this list, Changera operates a freemium model for its cards. Users can choose a free plan, a freelancer plan for $50 annually, and a premium plan for $100 annually. Users on the free plan can create virtual cards but creating USD, GBP, CAD, or EUR virtual accounts is only available for users on the freelancer or premium plan. 

6. ALAT By Wema

ALAT virtual dollar card is a digitised card designed by ALAT, which is a digital platform regulated by Wema Bank. This virtual dollar card enables you to make purchases from international trading platforms like Facebook, Amazon, Shopify, etc.

You can create an ALAT virtual dollar card for free and you can fund your card for as much as $20,000, which you can do from your naira account. In the meantime, you can convert your dollars back to naira when you choose to do that.

I’ve since made a couple of international payments using the Alat card, set up Facebook ads and paid for web hosting service with an international email hosting service provider and a Nigerian web hosting service provider.

7. Fundall

Fundall operates as a Nigerian virtual dollar card issuer, presenting a dollar-denominated virtual card that empowers seamless global payments, unburdened by cross-border limitations.

Initiating a virtual dollar card via the Fundall app is a breeze, and the initial creation of such a card incurs no charges. Moreover, an intriguing facet of Fundall lies in its capacity to effortlessly generate multiple virtual dollar cards. These cards prove handy when making singular payments for ongoing transactions. However, it’s important to note that in order to activate your virtual dollar card for usage, minimum funding of $5 (equivalent in naira) is required.

8. Bitsika

Bitsika is a payment platform that enables you to send and receive money between Ghana and Nigeria. When you create a Bitsika account, you automatically have a Bitsika wallet that you can fund and use to make transfers to other Bitsika wallets or make other payments within Ghana, and by extension to Nigeria.

Bitsika has a virtual dollar card that enables you to make transactions, but you have to download a Bitsika app to get started.

9. Barter By Flutterwave

Flutterwave stands as a widely recognized payment platform that has introduced the Barter app, designed to facilitate swift money transfers. This versatile platform not only empowers cryptocurrency purchases but also encompasses a range of financial activities. Learn how to Pay Your Overseas Tuition Fees with Ease in Nigeria and Africa using Flutterwave Tuition.

The pathway to acquiring a virtual dollar card through Barter is straightforward: your eligibility hinges on maintaining funds within your account. Specifically, a minimum balance of $5 is requisite to initiate the creation of a Barter virtual dollar card. While the expense associated with each virtual card amounts to $2, it’s essential to note that a nominal monthly fee of $1 is applicable to ensure the active status of your card. Flutterwave also has Send App by Flutterwave for affordable transfers.

10. Wallets Africa

Wallets Africa is a platform that provides virtual and physical cards in naira and dollar denominations. Virtual dollar cards are helpful if you are a travelling enthusiast that considers physical cards unsuitable for your purpose.

Wallets Africa virtual dollar card is safe to use and the card comes with a monthly maintenance fee of $1. The platform also charges $0.75 as a fee for foreign transactions with a 2% fee to fund your virtual card from an external account.

Top 5 Free Virtual Naira Cards in Nigeria

1. Carbon Virtual Visa Card in Nigeria
2. Kuda Bank Virtual Card
3. First Bank Debit Virtual Visa Card
4. GTB Mastercard Virtual Card
5. Gomoney Virtual Naira Master Card

1. Carbon Virtual Visa Card in Nigeria

Carbon, once a digital lender, has blossomed into a prominent digital bank within Nigeria’s financial landscape. Through the convenience of your smartphone, you can now establish a bank account in Nigeria. This transformative shift empowers you to seamlessly manage bill payments, money transfers, and instantaneous loans, and even relish in the benefits of high-interest savings. Learn how to Create a Simple Savings Plan with Carbon Finance App.

An additional feature that Carbon offers is the issuance of virtual cards, accessible right from their app. This innovative offering, the Carbon Virtual Visa Card, opens up a world of possibilities. It functions effortlessly at various points, including terminals, e-commerce platforms, payment gateways, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and numerous other offline avenues where virtual cards are accepted. The realm of financial convenience and accessibility has been redefined by Carbon’s evolution.

2. Kuda Bank Virtual Card

Kuda Bank, positioned among the leading digital banks in Nigeria, presents the convenience of virtual cards within its array of offerings. As a comprehensive digital banking solution, Kuda Bank caters to all your financial requirements. In addition to its virtual card service, the bank extends the option of physical cards, conveniently delivered to you at no cost. Moreover, Kuda Bank stands out by providing loans at competitive interest rates, exemplifying its commitment to your financial well-being.

Notably, Kuda Bank takes an admirable stance by waiving any charges associated with the creation of virtual cards through its app. Additionally, we have a detailed guide on How to Add Money to Your Kuda Account Using Your Card 2023.

For those keen on crafting a virtual card through Kuda Bank, adhere to these straightforward steps:

1. Initiate the Kuda app.
2. At the bottom of your screen, navigate to the “Card” option within the menu.
3. Opt for “Request A Card.”
4. Proceed by selecting “Get A Virtual Card.”
5. Confirm your action using your Kuda transaction PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID.

3. First Bank Debit Virtual Visa Card

FirstBank Virtual Card is a Naira-denominated debit card that is linked to your First bank account or wallet account. You can get the First Bank virtual Card through the FirstMobile or FirstMonie Wallet apps.

However, the Virtual Card on the FirstMobile app is available both for local and international transactions and the Virtual Card on the Firstmonie app is only available for only local transactions.

4. GTB Mastercard Virtual Card

Although Gtbank doesn’t offer a Dollar virtual card, it does present a Naira virtual card backed by Mastercard, ensuring a versatile payment option for both local and international transactions.

The GTBank Naira Virtual card serves as an ideal solution for Gtbank customers frequently engaging in online shopping. It grants them the convenience of a flexible alternative to physical payment cards.

Upon a simple request via GTbank Internet Banking, the Gtbank virtual card is promptly issued and ready for use. This virtual card can also be conveniently loaded through the Internet banking platform.

For those eager to obtain the Gtbank Naira Virtual Card, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Gtbank Internet Banking Platform.
2. Select “Cards” from the panel on the left-hand side.
3. Access the Virtual Card request menu and complete the displayed form.
4. Click the new “Request Button” to initiate the request for a new virtual Pre-paid Card.
5. Choose the Account to Debit for associated charges.
6. Click on the ‘Account to link’.
7. Answer your secret question and continue by clicking the ‘Continue’ button.
8. Confirm your request with the displayed confirmation button.
9. Generate a 6-digit code from your hardware token device.
10. Input the generated 6-digit token code on the confirmation page.
11. Finalize the process by clicking the ‘Submit’ button

5. Gomoney Virtual Naira Master Card

This innovative digital bank offers a unique proposition – the ability to craft a virtual card that works seamlessly for both local and international transactions. What’s more, this virtual card proves to be a valuable asset for those looking to manage recurring subscriptions, including popular platforms like Netflix and Apple.

When you opt for a goMoney account, the process of generating a virtual debit MasterCard becomes a breeze through the goMoney app. This virtual naira card opens up avenues to effortless payments for services like Apple Music or Netflix.

Should you wish to embark on the journey of obtaining a Gomoney virtual card, simply follow these straightforward steps:

1. Begin by signing up on the Gomoney app to establish your account.
2. Once you’ve created your account, the gateway to crafting your virtual card opens up.

In this manner, Gomoney empowers you to seamlessly create and manage a virtual card that serves as your passport to hassle-free transactions – both local and international.