Gone are the days when you could simply swipe your naira card for that Apple music subscription or Amazon purchase. With recent restrictions on using naira cards for international transactions, paying for services outside Nigeria has become challenging. Suddenly, everyday subscriptions and online shopping feel out of reach.
But that’s where virtual dollar cards come to the rescue. These digital cards make it easy to pay in dollars without needing a physical card, offering Nigerians a way around the naira card limits.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top five virtual dollar card providers in Nigeria for 2024. So if you’re ready to bring convenience back to your online transactions, read on to find your ideal option.
Disclaimer: All options on this list are recommendations and do not serve as endorsements. Ensure you do your research before using any of them.
1. Cardtonic:
Cardtonic started as a go-to platform for buying and selling gift cards in Nigeria and Ghana, but they've stepped things up by offering a virtual dollar card. With this card, you can now shop online or pay for international services without any stress.
The best part? You can fund the card directly in naira from your Cardtonic wallet, so there is no need to worry about currency exchanges whenever you want to top up. Getting started is simple: download the Cardtonic app, complete a quick KYC process, and you’re ready to go.
With over a million downloads on the Google Play Store, Cardtonic has built up a solid reputation, making it a popular and reliable choice for handling those dollar payments from Nigeria.
2. Chipper Cash:
Chipper Cash has been making waves as a cross-border payment app across Africa, but they’ve added even more value with a virtual dollar card. This card is perfect for shopping on sites like Amazon or paying for international subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify.
To get set up, you’ll need to open a Chipper Cash account and provide a valid form of ID, such as an international passport or national ID card. Once that’s done, you’re good to go with a card that’s ready for dollar transactions without the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations.
Plus, Chipper Cash is known for being easy to use, so you won’t have to follow complicated steps.
3. ALAT by Wema Bank:
ALAT by Wema Bank is a digital banking service that’s been around for a while, making it one of the more trusted names in the virtual card space. Setting up an account with ALAT is quick. You can do it all online in a few minutes.
Once you’re in, you can get their virtual dollar card, which is perfect for making payments on international sites, whether it’s for subscriptions like YouTube or online shopping.
Backed by Wema Bank, ALAT brings a sense of security and reliability that’s a big plus, especially if you’re new to virtual cards. It’s a convenient option if you want a straightforward digital bank with a solid virtual card solution.
4. Eversend:
Eversend offers a versatile virtual dollar card as part of its multi-currency wallet service, which is perfect for Nigerians who need options when paying for international goods and services.
With Eversend, you can easily create a virtual dollar card without an upfront cost, though there’s a small $1 monthly maintenance fee. You can fund the card through bank transfers, mobile money, or a regular debit card, allowing you to manage it as you like.
This card works well with a range of global platforms, including Amazon, Spotify, and Google Ads, so you won’t be limited in your options. If you’re looking for a simple yet flexible option for international payments, Eversend has you covered.
5. Geegpay:
Geegpay, a product by Raenest, is tailored for freelancers and gig workers who need a stable way to receive payments from international clients and make global transactions. To set up a Geegpay virtual dollar card, you’ll need to complete their verification process, which requires some information about your job, employer, and proof of identity.
Once verified, Geegpay provides you with a USD account and a virtual dollar card, which can be funded as needed for easy online payments. This option is especially valuable for Nigerians working with companies abroad, as it simplifies the process of both receiving funds and spending them internationally.
For those managing freelance or remote work, Geegpay offers a specialised solution that’s both practical and reliable.
