Virtual Cards: Pay for Subscriptions, Online Courses and Ads From Uganda

Many online services only accept card payments. Without a bank card, or with one that is often declined for international purchases, you miss out on tools, courses, entertainment and advertising that could help you learn, work and grow a business. An EriPay virtual card is a simple way to pay online from your wallet, with more control than a plastic card.

What is a virtual card?

A virtual card is a card number, expiry date and security code that exist only in your EriPay account. You use them on websites and in apps exactly like a plastic card. Because there's no physical card, there's nothing to lose or have skimmed at a machine, and you decide how much money it holds.

What you can pay for

• Streaming: music and video subscriptions.
• Software: design tools, office suites, cloud storage.
• Learning: online courses, certifications and exam registrations.
• Advertising: boosting posts and running ads to reach customers.
• Websites: domain names, hosting and website builders.
• Online shopping from stores that accept card payments.

How to get one

1. Make sure you're on the Pro plan (virtual cards are a Pro feature).
2. Open Virtual Cards from your dashboard and create a card.
3. Fund it from your wallet with the amount you plan to spend.
4. Copy the card number, expiry and security code into the website or app's payment form.

Stay in control

• Freeze the card whenever you're not using it, and unfreeze it in a tap when you need it.
• Top up only what you plan to spend, so the card never holds more than necessary.
• Withdraw unused money back to your wallet at any time.
• See every charge in your card history.

Smart ways to use virtual cards

One card for subscriptions

Use a dedicated card for recurring subscriptions and keep just enough on it for the month. If a service raises its price or you forget to cancel a trial, it can't take more than the card holds.

One card for one-off purchases

Top it up right before a purchase and freeze it afterwards. Even if the shop's systems are compromised, your card details are useless while frozen.

One card for ads

Business owners can keep ad spending separate and see exactly how much each campaign cost.

Paying in other currencies

Many online services charge in US dollars. You can hold a USD wallet in EriPay, exchange shillings at the day's rate with the fee shown first, and fund your card from it. Plan ahead and exchange once for the month rather than many small exchanges.

Safety tips

• Only enter card details on websites you trust; check the address and the padlock.
• Never share card details by WhatsApp, SMS or phone.
• Freeze the card immediately if you see a charge you don't recognise, then contact support.
• Be wary of "free trials" that need a card; note the date to cancel.

Frequently asked questions

Will every website accept the card?

Most do, but some merchants restrict cards from certain regions or card types. If a payment is declined, check that the card is unfrozen and funded, then try again or contact support.

Can I have more than one card?

Yes, up to your plan's card limit, which is useful for keeping subscriptions, shopping and ads separate.

Virtual cards are part of the EriPay Pro plan. Sign up free and upgrade when you need a card.