Thanks to virtual dollar cards, residents of African countries find it significantly easier to conduct online transactions on popular digital services and shop on international platforms.

In our article, we explore the top 5 virtual cards on the continent. All of them are characterized by seamless online transactions and enhanced security features. They are easy to use and simple to obtain.

1. PSTNET

FinTech service PSTNET introduces virtual cards compatible with Visa and Mastercard, offering unrestricted global usage. These cards are versatile, catering to various needs. Specialized cards are available, such as those for managing payments for Facebook Ads or Google Ads.

We will focus on the service’s most popular card – Ultima.

Ultima is a 3D Secure virtual dollar card, ensuring all transactions are securely protected. It can be used for payments on platforms like PayPal, Steam, Spotify, Netflix, Patreon, Unity 3D, and app stores such as Google Play, Apple App Store, Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Epic Games Store, among many others.

Let’s explore why the Ultima card holds the top spot in our rankings:

• Unlimited Spending and Top-Ups: There are no limits on spending or topping up the card.
• Low Top-Up Fees: A modest 2% fee applies to card top-ups.
• Flexible Top-Up Options: Users can fund their cards using cryptocurrencies (USDT TRC20, BTC, plus 15 other coins), SWIFT or SEPA bank transfers or any other Visa/Mastercard.
• Zero Commission: No fees for transactions, withdrawals, or declined payments.
• No Verification Required: Obtaining the first card does not require data verification.
• Easy Registration: Signing up on the platform takes less than 5 minutes and can be done using Google, Telegram, WhatsApp or Apple ID.
• Convenient Notifications: The Telegram bot provides 3DS codes and service updates.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Users can contact support via Telegram, WhatsApp, or email.

Flexible Payment Plans: Various plans are available, including a weekly payment of $7 or an annual plan with a 48% discount, now available for $99.

PSTNET cards are highly valued by users worldwide. Our analysis of reviews for the Ultima card reveals universally positive feedback.

2. Chipper Cash

Chipper Cash, a financial app, is renowned for issuing virtual cards for local payments in Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda and South African countries. Additionally, the service offers a dollar card for international transactions, facilitating money transfers in the U.S. and the U.K.

This virtual dollar card operates on the VISA payment system, enabling transactions on a wide array of popular platforms such as Netflix, Apple, Spotify, Google, and Ali Express.

The Chipper USD Card ranks second in our ratings for several reasons:

• High Spending and Top-Up Limits: Users can spend up to $1,000 per day and $4,000 per month.
• Affordable Fees: Issuance fee is 1,000 NGN, and the maintenance fee is 50 NGN quarterly.
• Easy Top-Up: Users can add funds to their card by selecting their NGN account in their personal account and topping up. The balance on the card will be in dollars.
• To obtain the card, users need to install the app and complete the verification process by providing the necessary documents. The service’s specialists will review and verify the documents within a maximum of two business days.

Chipper Cash’s virtual cards are highly regarded for their convenience and reliability in both local and international transactions.

According to user reviews, Chipper cards are reliable and ensure secure financial transactions.

3. PayDay

PayDay is a digital financial platform known for issuing its own electronic wallets and virtual cards. To access the service’s features, users need to install the PayDay app and create an electronic wallet. This wallet will store your financial assets and facilitate the balance top-ups for your virtual cards.

For international transactions, you can choose a card with the payment systems VISA, MasterCard or Verve International. PayDay cards are ideal for receiving money transfers from abroad. For example, if you’re a freelancer working with a company in the U.S., they can pay your fees directly to your PayDay card. You can also use this card for shopping on popular platforms or paying for digital subscriptions.

The PayDay card ranks third in our ratings due to its key advantages:

• Fixed Limits: 1,000,000 NGN per1  transfer, 1,000,000 RWF per day or $1,333 per day and per transfer.
• Top-Up Balance via PayDay Wallet: Use your NGN account and convert the currency to USD in your personal account. After conversion, you can top up your dollar card.
• Withdraw Funds: You can withdraw money from your wallet to any local Nigerian bank or your MOMO account in Rwanda.
• Verification Process: Verification varies for residents of different African countries, with specific instructions on how to take a selfie with your documents.

Despite being a relatively new service, PayDay has a broad range of applications, making it a versatile choice for users.

User reviews highlight the reliability and security of PayDay cards, ensuring safe financial transactions.

4. Kuda

Kuda is a FinTech company licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, offering virtual dollar VISA cards that operate within Nigeria. These cards can be used to pay for global digital services such as Spotify, Netflix, Prime Video, Showmax and more.

Kuda dollar cards rank fourth in our ratings. Let’s explore their key features:

• Spending Limits: The service imposes spending limits, allowing a maximum spend of either 50,000 NGN (around $40) or 250,000 NGN (around $215), depending on individual conditions.
• Top-Up Options: The card can be topped up via bank transfer from any Nigerian bank or any Nigerian bank debit card. Cash top-ups are also possible by visiting one of the partner bank branches.
• Verification Levels: Depending on the verification level, users gain additional benefits, such as 25 free transactions per month.
• Transaction Fees: Each transaction incurs a fee of 10 NGN.
• Card Issuance: To get a card, users must download the app and complete data verification by adding a government-issued ID. If only a Bank Verification Number (BVN) is provided, the account will have limitations: a maximum balance of 300,000 NGN, a maximum deposit of 50,000 NGN at a time, and a maximum transfer of 50,000 NGN at a time.
• Loan Program: Kuda offers a loan program with single payments, where the sum plus interest is added to the monthly payment. Users can obtain loans up to 150,000 NGN (approximately $130).

5. Barter

Flutterwave is a financial platform that issues virtual Barter cards. These cards facilitate international money transfers, receiving payments, and paying for digital services. The cards can be customized for various types of payments.

The Barter card concludes our ranking. Here are its key features:

• No Transfer Limits: There are no limits on transfers.
• Availability: Cards are available only in Nigeria.
• Card Issuance: To obtain a card, users need to download the app and complete KYC verification.
• Currently, there are some issues with the service. The issuance of new cards has been temporarily suspended.

In summary, the landscape for virtual USD cards in African countries is rapidly evolving to meet the growing demand for flexible and secure online financial transactions. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to manage business expenses, a frequent traveler requiring easy currency conversion, or simply someone seeking the convenience of digital payments, there’s a virtual USD card solution tailored to your needs. It’s crucial to consider factors such as fees, exchange rates, ease of use, and customer support when choosing the right provider.

Remember to stay informed about regulatory changes and new market entrants that could offer improved services or better value for your money in the dynamic African fintech space.