Online shopping has always been my thing. One of my favourite jackets? I bought it on Shein, but paying for it with a dollar card wasn’t exactly smooth. The transaction failed a couple of times. My issue wasn’t so different from my friends’ whose cards had hidden fees, and some cards just wouldn’t work on major platforms.
If you’re an African freelancer, remote worker, or frequent traveller, this experience probably sounds familiar.
Making international payments from Africa can be frustrating. Exchange rates fluctuate, banks add double conversion fees, and some cards are simply unreliable for global platforms. That’s where virtual dollar cards come in.
A virtual dollar card, a digital payment card denominated in US dollars (USD) which unlike physical debit or credit cards, exists entirely online and is designed for international transactions have become essential tools for Africans paying in foreign currencies for things like Netflix, booking flights, or shopping on Amazon US, the right virtual dollar card can save you money, time, and stress.
This guide breaks down the best virtual dollar cards for African freelancers and travellers, how they work, and which one fits your needs.
The best virtual dollar cards for African freelancers and travellers
From failed transactions to high conversion fees, not all cards are built for global use. That’s why virtual dollar cards have become essential tools. We break down the best virtual dollar cards for African freelancers and travellers, explain how they work, and help you choose the option that fits your spending, earning, and travel needs.
1. Accrue Virtual Dollar Card
Best overall for freelancers and travellers
Accrue’s virtual dollar card is built for Africans who earn and spend globally. Once you create an account, you can create a Dollar virtual card for $1.50 (one-time) in minutes and start using it immediately for online payments and subscriptions.
It works seamlessly on platforms like Netflix, Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Shein, and most international SaaS tools. What makes Accrue especially useful for freelancers is its ability to receive international payments, hold multiple foreign currencies, and spend directly without forced conversions.
Pros
- Low one-time card creation fee
- Accepted on major global platforms
- Ideal for freelancers receiving USD payments
- Easy card management via mobile app
- No unnecessary currency conversion
- No maintenance fees
- Can create multiple cards
Cons
- Auto-deletion after three failed payments
2. Cardtonic
Cardtonic’s virtual dollar card is popular for its affordability and simplicity. You can fund it directly in Naira at competitive exchange rates and use it on platforms like Amazon, Adobe, and AliExpress.
Pros
- Card creation fee: $1.50
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Good exchange rates when funding with Naira
- Widely accepted online
Cons
- Limited advanced card controls
- Not ideal for receiving freelance payments directly
3. Vesti
Vesti offers a virtual USD card accepted on over 100 platforms. The app allows you to manage balances, freeze or delete cards, and monitor transactions easily.
Pros
- High monthly spending limit
- Accepted on many global platforms
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Strong security controls
Cons
- Higher minimum funding requirement
- Fees may vary depending on usage
4. Raenest
Raenest offers virtual cards in USD, GBP, and EUR, making it ideal for freelancers working with international clients across different regions. It supports payments on PayPal, Payoneer, and other global platforms.
Pros
- Card creation fee: $3
- Minimum funding: $2
- Supports multiple currencies
- Works well with PayPal and Payoneer
- Withdrawals to banks in 100+ countries
- Suitable for freelancers and businesses
Cons
- Higher card creation fee than some competitors
- The interface may feel complex for beginners
5. Grey
Grey’s virtual dollar card supports NGN, USD, and GBP balances. You can create the card with $4 fund with as little as $2 and use it for subscriptions, shopping, and international payments.
Pros
- Zero maintenance fees
- Competitive exchange rates
- Multi-currency support
- Flexible funding limits
Cons
- Higher upfront creation cost
- Cashback does not fully offset the fee
6. Chipper Cash
Chipper Cash offers a 3D-secured virtual dollar card for $3 that works well for subscriptions like Netflix, Spotify, and Apple services.
Pros
- Strong security (3D Secure)
- Easy to fund and manage
- Widely accepted for subscriptions
Cons
- Monthly maintenance fee
- Not ideal for heavy international spenders
7. Cardify
Cardify allows funding via Naira, Binance Pay, and Paxful. It’s flexible and easy to use on platforms like Amazon, AliExpress, and eBay.
Pros
- Crypto and fiat funding options
- No maintenance fees
- Low card creation cost
Cons
- Limited customer support availability
- Fewer advanced card controls
8. PSTNET
PSTNET virtual cards are tailored for Facebook Ads, TikTok Ads, and Google Ads for $7–$10 (depending on card type). They are commonly used by marketers and businesses running international ad campaigns.
Pros
- Excellent for advertising platforms
- Crypto funding supported
- Detailed spending analytics
Cons
- High monthly fees
- Not ideal for casual users or subscriptions
9. Klasha
Klasha’s virtual dollar card works smoothly on platforms like Shein, Netflix, and AliExpress. The app includes spending analytics and real-time transaction alerts.
Pros
- Affordable card creation fee
- Competitive exchange rates
- Good for e-commerce shopping
- Spending insights and notifications
Cons
- Limited use for receiving freelance payments
- Fewer advanced features
10. Dantown
Dantown supports both Naira and crypto funding. It works on platforms like PayPal, Netflix, and eBay.
Pros
- Crypto and fiat funding supported
- No monthly fees
- Easy setup
Cons
- The app interface could be improved
- Fewer integrations than the top competitors
11. ALAT by Wema Bank
Wema’s ALAT virtual card is ideal for subscriptions and everyday online purchases, backed by a traditional Nigerian bank.
Pros
- Bank-backed security
- No unnecessary fees
- Easy card control within the app
Cons
- Limited international flexibility
- Not built for freelancers receiving USD
12. Eversend
Best for cross-border Africans
Eversend offers strong security features and works across Africa, the UK, and Europe. You can create the card for free, although it comes with a monthly maintenance fee of $1 and a minimum top-up of $1.
Pros
- Free card creation
- Transparent exchange rates
- Multiple card creation is supported
Cons
- Monthly maintenance fee
- Charges for failed transactions
13. Gomoney
Gomoney is ideal for light users who need a simple virtual dollar card for subscriptions and occasional shopping.
Pros
- Free card creation for the first card
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Real-time spending tracking
Cons
- Very low monthly spending limit
- Not suitable for freelancers or heavy users
How to Get an Accrue Virtual Dollar Card
Creating an Accrue virtual dollar card takes just a few minutes:
- Sign up on Accrue
Download the Accrue app or visit the website and create an account. - Create your virtual USD card
Go to the “Cards” section and pay the one-time $1.50 creation fee and fund your card from your wallet - Start spending globally
Use your card for shopping, subscriptions, and international payments.
How Accrue Helps Freelancers and Travellers Pay Globally
Your experience with virtual dollar cards doesn’t have to be frustrating.
You worked hard for your money; you should be able to spend it easily. Accrue helps you receive, hold, and spend USD without stress, excessive fees, or failed transactions.
Create your virtual dollar card and enjoy seamless money movement across borders.
I’ve lived many lives, but one lesson ties them all together: money is only as powerful as its utility. Through my work, I share stories about money and create guides for Africans who want to get the best out of theirs.