A Netflix subscription, a Canva Pro plan, a Google service, an international software subscription, or a purchase from a foreign website can all leave you dealing with one thing: a payment in dollars.
Your regular naira card may work for some of these transactions, but using a virtual dollar card is a guarantee that your payment will always go through. With these cards, paying for subscriptions, online purchases, and other payments can go through without needing a domiciliary account.
Virtual dollar cards don’t all work the same way. Some are great for subscriptions, while others work better for different types of international payments. Fees, limits, funding options, and where you can use them also vary.
Here are six virtual cards for online payments and international bills in Nigeria.
6 Virtual Dollar Cards for International Bills and Online Payments
Virtual dollar cards you can use for international bills and online payments as a Nigerian are summarised in the table below.
| Platform | Cost | Other Services | Google Store Rating |
| Cardtonic | $1.5 | eSIM, Gift Card trading, Bill Payment | 4.4 / 5
[22.9k reviews] |
| Zole | $2 | Nil | 3.2 / 5
[203 reviews] |
| Dantown | $1 | Trade crypto currency | 4.5 / 5
[1.15k reviews] |
| Tribapay | $3 | Nil | 3.1 / 5
[681 reviews] |
| Eversend | $0.09 | Nil | 3.7 / 5
[24k reviews] |
| Eyowo | $2 | Bill Payment | Nil |
1 Cardtonic
Cardtonic, one of Nigeria’s top fintech companies, offers virtual dollar cards that can be used to make international payments without needing a dollar account.
The virtual dollar card is funded directly from your Cardtonic wallet, allowing you to make payments online. It is a Visa card, so it can be used on platforms that support Visa payments.
Cardtonic offers two virtual dollar card options: Basic and Premium. The Basic card costs $1.50, while the Premium card costs $5. The Premium card can also be used for contactless payments at stores that support contactless payments.
There are no hidden charges or maintenance fees. To get a Cardtonic virtual dollar card, sign up on the platform, click on VDC, choose your preferred card, and follow the instructions to create it. Aside from the virtual dollar card, you can pay for airtime or recharge online with Cardtonic. You can even get an eSIM all on the same platform.
2 Zole
Zole’s virtual dollar card is another virtual card option that Nigerians can consider. It is a MasterCard and can be used to make payments on different international platforms.
The card costs a one-time $2 to create, with no monthly maintenance fee or hidden charges. However, there are charges of 0.5% on each transaction, and the card is valid for three years.
Getting one is straightforward. Open the Zole app, tap the card icon, select Zole Virtual Card, and follow the prompts. The card is created within seconds.
3 Dantown
Dantown is another fintech app where you can get a virtual dollar card that can be used for online subscriptions. You can use the card for services that charge in dollars, including streaming platforms, software subscriptions, and other digital services.
Creating a Dantown virtual dollar card starts from $1. You can fund the card with naira or cryptocurrency, then use the balance for your online payments. You can also use the platform to trade crypto and pay for other services.
4 Tribapay
Tribapay is a fintech platform that offers virtual dollar cards for international payment. You don’t need a domiciliary account because the card is funded through your Tribapay wallet,
It costs about $3 to get one. Start by creating an account on Tribapay, complete the required verification, and create your virtual card from the app. Tribapay also supports local transfers, bill payments, and other financial transactions.
5 Eversend
Eversend’s virtual USD card is useful for paying for online subscriptions, international services, and purchases from websites that accept Visa cards.
You can create the card for $0.99 plus a $0.99 monthly fee, or pay $2.99 once with no monthly maintenance fee. The card can be funded from your Eversend balance.
Once your Eversend account is set up, go to Cards, click on Create New Card, choose the funding amount, and complete the setup.
6 Eyowo
You can create a virtual dollar card with Eyowo for online subscriptions, and international payments.
Creating the card costs $2, with no maintenance or decline fees. You can fund it from your Eyowo account and use the available balance for your payments.
Eyowo also offers other services, including money transfers, bill payments, savings, and card services, all through the same platform.
Frequently Asked Questions on 6 Virtual Dollar Cards Nigerians Use for International Bills and Online Payments
- What is the Best Virtual Dollar Card in Nigeria?
Cardtonic is one of the best virtual dollar cards for Nigerians. It offers a Visa card for international bill payments, lets you fund the card from your wallet, and has no hidden or maintenance fees. You can also choose between the Basic and Premium options based on your needs.
- How Much Does It Cost to Get a Virtual Dollar Card in Nigeria?
Getting a virtual dollar card in Nigeria can cost between $1 and $5, depending on the provider. Some cards also charge monthly maintenance or transaction fees, while others only require a one-time creation fee.
- How Can I Set-up My Virtual Dollar Card?
Setting up a virtual dollar card varies by provider. Generally, you need to create an account, complete any required verification, select the virtual dollar card option, and follow the online instructions to create your card.
- How Can I Fund My Virtual Dollar Card?
The easiest way to fund your virtual dollar card is through the naira wallet of the platform you are using. Some providers also allow funding with stablecoins such as USDT.
- How Long Does a Virtual Dollar Card Last?
The validity period varies by provider. Some virtual dollar cards are valid for one to three years, while others may have different expiry periods. Check the provider’s terms to confirm how long your card remains active.
Conclusion
A virtual dollar card can make it easier to make purchases from foreign websites without using your regular bank card for every transaction. The six options covered offer different fees, funding methods, limits, and features.
Before getting one, check how much it costs to create and maintain the card, how you can fund it, and where it can be used. This helps you choose a card that works for the payments you make most often.