My friend Jake had spent time filling up his cart with bespoke clothes from Shein and some electronic accessories from Amazon. You know the feeling of finally checking out the things you have picked out, but then, when he clicked checkout, entered his card details on Shein and Amazon, and waited.
“Payment declined.”
He tried again. Same message. He switched to another local debit card. Still declined. Frustrated, he wondered why something as simple as paying for items online had to be so difficult.
If you’ve ever tried paying on international websites like Shein or Amazon from Nigeria, you probably understand the struggle. Many local debit cards don’t support foreign transactions, which can make international shopping stressful.
Thankfully, Jake discovered a simple solution: a virtual dollar card. Once he started using one, his payments went through instantly.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to shop internationally using a virtual dollar card.
What Is a Virtual Dollar Card?
A virtual dollar card is a digital payment card denominated in dollars. It works just like a regular debit or credit card but is specifically designed for online transactions, especially on international platforms.
You can use it to shop, subscribe, or pay for services anywhere a virtual card is accepted.
Step 1: Get an Accrue Virtual Dollar Card
To start shopping internationally, you’ll need to create and activate a virtual dollar card.
Here’s how:
- Sign up on the Accrue app or website.
- Navigate to the “Cards” section.
- Select “Virtual Cards.”
- Tap “Get Your Card.”
- Fill in the required details and submit your request.
- Once approved, your virtual dollar card will be generated instantly.
That’s it, your card is ready for use.
Step 2: Fund Your Accrue Virtual Dollar Card
Before making payments, you need to load funds onto your card.
To fund your card:
- Open the Accrue app.
- Tap “Cards.”
- Select “Virtual Card.”
- Click “Top Up.”
- Fund your card from your wallet balance.
- Confirm the transaction.
Your card will be credited immediately, and you’re ready to shop.
Step 3: Use Your Virtual Dollar Card to Pay For Anything
Once your card is funded, follow these steps to make a payment:
- Log in to the platform you want to shop/pay from/for.
- Add items to your cart.
- Click “Checkout.”
- Choose “Card Payment” as your payment method.
- Enter your virtual dollar card details (card number, expiry date, CVV).
- Confirm the payment.
If everything is correct and your card has sufficient funds, your payment should go through instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I use a virtual dollar card?
You can use your card on any website that accepts Visa or Mastercard payments. This includes platforms like:
- Amazon
- Shein
- Google services
- YouTube
- AliExpress
- Alibaba
- Zara
- Fashion Nova
- Udemy
And many more international websites.
2. How do I fund my card?
You can fund your card directly from your wallet within the app. Simply select the “Top Up” option under the Cards section and confirm the transaction.
3. Is a virtual dollar card secure?
Yes. Virtual dollar cards are designed specifically for online transactions. They offer a secure way to pay internationally without exposing your local bank card. Because they are digital, they reduce the risk associated with physical card theft.
4. What should I do if my payment is declined?
If your payment fails:
- Double-check that you entered your card details correctly.
- Confirm that your card has sufficient funds.
- Ensure the merchant accepts card payments.
- Contact customer support if the issue persists.
Most payment issues are resolved quickly once the details are verified.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve struggled with declining international payments before, you’re not alone. Many Africans face similar challenges when shopping on global platforms.
The good news is thatthe Accrue virtual dollar card makes international payments smooth and stress-free. Once you create and fund your card, you can shop, subscribe, and pay globally without worrying about rejections.
Happy shopping!
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.