The internet in Nigeria is no longer just about work or entertainment. More and more people are using it to buy products from international retailers, pay for digital subscriptions, and access AI tools. Traditional bank cards issued by Nigerian banks are not always suitable for these purposes. Many global platforms simply reject them, while others charge heavy fees for converting naira into US dollars.
Paying in dollars is much more convenient when using virtual cards.You can manage them entirely through your phone or any other internet-connected device.
Because demand is high, the Nigerian market is full of fintech startups offering such services. Still, choosing the right provider requires careful attention to things like spending limits, top up methods, fees and withdrawal options.
Here is an overview of the leading virtual dollar card providers Nigerians can use today.
SPEND.NET
SPENDNET leads the market with a combination of free card issuance and 1 percent cashback on all purchases. Cards are issued as Visa or Mastercard and are therefore widely accepted worldwide. Each payment is protected with 3D Secure.
The platform charges no fees for card transactions or withdrawals. The only cost applies when adding funds, and even that can be adjusted by the cardholder. Top ups are available via USDT TRC20 and Bitcoin, ensuring quick deposits. SPEND.NET registration is extremely fast, taking just one minute, and you can sign up with either Google or email.
All account activities including cashback earnings are visible in the user dashboard, where round the clock customer support is also available. 
PSTNET
The runner up is PSTNET, which issues Ultima virtual Visa and Mastercard. They have no restrictions on loading funds or spending, meaning users decide their own limits. Ultima cards are ideal for hotel bookings, airline tickets and general online shopping. You can also create as many cards as you like, which is useful for separating projects or making one off payments.
Security is ensured with both 3D Secure and two factor authentication. Transactions and USDT withdrawals are free of charge. The only cost is a fixed 2 percent fee on deposits. The first deposit in USDT is free of charge.
The sign up process takes less than a minute. PSTNET accounts can be created via Google, Apple ID, Telegram, WhatsApp or email. Cards are managed through a web dashboard or mobile app, and there is also a convenient in browser cardholder tool for switching between cards. Support is available through multiple channels 24 hours a day, with instant replies. Notifications can even be delivered via a Telegram bot.
Pricing is competitive. Users can pay 7 dollars for one week or 99 dollars for a full year.
Tribapay
In third place is Tribapay, a Nigerian fintech platform offering the Standard Dollar Card for everyday spending or the Gold Dollar Card, which has higher limits and extra perks. Both are issued on Mastercard, ensuring acceptance by almost all international merchants. Multiple cards can be created and combined for different purposes.
Funding limits start from 1000 dollars per day, with spending from 500 dollars. All cards are secured with 3D Secure. They can also be linked to PayPal for withdrawals.
The platform’s fee structure is simple. Deposits cost 2 percent, with additional small charges for withdrawals and specific transactions. Cards can be topped up by bank transfer or via the Tribapay wallet, which is created during app registration. Issuance starts from 4 dollars. 
Geegpay
Geegpay, a product of fintech firm Raenest, is tailored to freelancers and remote workers who get paid in foreign currencies. The platform combines dollar accounts, cards, currency exchange, international transfers and invoicing. All cards are Mastercards, accepted globally for online purchases, and are protected with 3D Secure.
Fees are low. Most deposits and transactions cost just 50 cents, and there are no maintenance charges. Cross border payments may attract an additional 0.9 percent fee. Daily limits are set at 1000 dollars for deposits and 500 dollars for spending, with a maximum of 5000 dollars per month.
Cards can be created on the website or through the app, with issuance costing 3 dollars. A small deposit, such as 2 dollars, may be required for activation. Top ups are possible via the Geegpay wallet, which supports Nigerian naira. 
Payday
Payday is another African fintech firm offering virtual dollar cards under Mastercard, alongside multi currency wallets. It operates under regulation from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The cards can be used for international e commerce and online services, though payments to betting sites, crypto platforms and adult content are not supported.
Fees are tied to exchange rates. Withdrawing naira costs 35 naira per transaction. A US dollar payment may incur a fee of up to 25 dollars. However, the service allows users to receive global payments through IBAN and other methods.
Cards are topped up by exchanging naira into dollars inside the Payday wallet. The monthly spending cap is 10,000 dollars, with daily limits also applied.
To sign up, users must download the app and complete KYC using BVN and a selfie. All transactions and support services are handled in app. 
Chipper Cash
Chipper Cash provides both virtual dollar cards and naira cards for Nigerian users. The USD cards are issued on Visa and Mastercard, with 3D Secure enabled.
Issuance costs 5 dollars, with a 1 dollar monthly fee. Deposits via the Chipper wallet are free, while bank or card transfers incur a 1 percent charge.
Transactions under 4 dollars attract a 1 dollar fee. Payments attempted without sufficient balance are penalised with a fine of 500 naira. The minimum deposit is 5 dollars. For small transactions the card is not cost effective due to these fees.
All management takes place within the Chipper Cash app, including customer support. Registration is done by downloading the app and following the steps. 
Kuda
Kuda is a Nigerian neobank offering personal finance tools, including virtual dollar cards on Visa. They can be used for online purchases and subscription payments such as Netflix or Spotify. Users can issue several cards for different purposes. Biometric verification ensures security.
Card issuance costs 500 naira. Deposits attract a 1 percent fee and transactions cost 0.5 percent of the payment value. Currency conversion is done at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official rate.
To get a card, users download the Kuda app, register and verify their identity. In the Cards section they can request a card, confirm with a PIN, fingerprint or Face ID, and instantly access card details in app. 
How to select the right service
The choice depends on what you need. For subscriptions and general online shopping, basic cards with low fees are ideal. Freelancers and small business owners need dollar accounts and easy ways to receive and withdraw payments. Advertisers benefit from unlimited cards that help separate spending by campaign. For business owners, it may also be useful to explore How task management tools can save significant costs.
Fees and conversion rates
Deposit and transaction fees deserve attention. Nigerian banks usually charge between 1.5 and 2.5 percent to convert naira to dollars. Virtual cards help avoid this by using direct dollar deposits or crypto. Platforms differ in their approach, with some charging flat rates and others applying percentages. Always check both issuance cost and ongoing fees.
Security
Security is crucial. All major providers use 3D Secure, and many also offer two factor authentication or biometric login. This reduces fraud risk. Users should check which protections are in place and whether 24 hour customer support is available. Quick access to help can prevent losses in case of blocked cards or failed transactions.
Limits and restrictions
Spending limits vary widely. Some cards cap daily usage at 500 dollars or monthly limits at 10,000 dollars, while others allow unlimited spending. For basic subscriptions small limits are enough. Heavy advertisers and traders will want platforms without restrictions.
Conclusion
The Nigerian market for virtual dollar cards is well established and still expanding. Users can choose between low cost entry level solutions and advanced services for businesses with higher limits and multi currency accounts. The right card can cut fees, make global payments secure and simplify expense management online.
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