For Nigerians who frequently shop abroad, dollar cards have emerged as a practical alternative to traditional bank cards. These tools simplify payments for international goods and services, reduce fees, and help bypass the restrictions that local cards often impose.
How does it work?
Several services now offer virtual dollar cards, making it quick and easy to create a card, fund it, and use it for international transactions. Below, we take a closer look at the three virtual dollar card platforms available to residents of African countries.
PSTNET
The Ultima card is a virtual Visa/Mastercard designed for online payments and is provided by the international financial platform PSTNET. Its standout feature? No limits or restrictions. You can spend as much as you need, whenever you need it. In addition, the Ultima card has no transaction or declined operation fees and offers a minimal top-up fee of just 2%. Withdrawals from the card in USDT are completely fee-free.
Key details:
- Registration: Sign up via Google, Telegram, or Apple ID.
- Security: 3D Secure and two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Funding options: Supports 18 different cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, USDT), SWIFT/SEPA bank transfers, or other Visa/Mastercard cards.
- Customer support: Available 24/7 through Telegram, WhatsApp, and live chat.
PayDay
PayDay is a financial platform offering virtual dollar cards for online payments. Users can create and manage their cards directly through a mobile app. These cards are perfect for paying for subscriptions, making international purchases, and completing other dollar-based transactions.
Key details:
- Registration: Done via the mobile app.
- Security: 3D Secure.
- Funding options: Bank transfers (SEPA/SWIFT) and cryptocurrencies, including USDT and BTC.
- Customer support: 24/7 assistance through in-app chat.
GeegPay
GeegPay caters to freelancers, remote workers, and professionals in Africa. The platform allows users to issue virtual dollar cards or manage multi-currency accounts. The service supports multiple currencies, including GBP, USD, and EUR. Cards are managed via a digital wallet within the app.
Key details:
- Registration: Done via the mobile app.
- Security: 3D Secure.
- Funding options: Bank transfers (SEPA/SWIFT) and local bank cards.
- Customer support: 24/7 assistance through in-app chat.
Who can benefit from virtual dollar cards?
Dollar cards are not just for shoppers, they’re also ideal for those earning money online. Freelancers working with international clients can withdraw their earnings to a dollar card and use it for purchases. If you’re into reselling goods or running a small import business, these cards simplify payments to suppliers and help you avoid extra fees.
Additionally, dollar cards are a great companion for travelers. They allow you to make hassle-free payments abroad, avoid unfavorable exchange rates, and minimize transaction fees. Whether you’re booking hotels, paying for transportation, or dining out, having a dollar card ensures seamless transactions in foreign currencies without the limitations of local bank cards.
To conclude, dollar cards are more than just a payment tool, they’re a gateway to financial independence. They make international services more accessible, save money on fees, and simplify cross-border shopping for residents of African countries.
