3 Best Virtual Cards in Kenya

Virtual cards are revolutionizing how people manage online payments and finances worldwide. In Kenya, virtual cards are gaining traction due to their convenience, security, and ease of use.

Whether you’re an online shopper, freelancer, or someone who wants to keep their financial transactions safer, virtual cards offer an excellent solution. 

In this article, we explore the top 3 virtual cards available for users in Kenya — highlighting their features, benefits, and how you can get started with step-by-step instructions. Plus, we explain how to link your virtual cards with Safaricom’s M-PESA to make managing your money even easier.

What is a Virtual Card?

A virtual card is a digital version of a physical debit or credit card. It allows you to make online payments without exposing your real card details.

Virtual cards are generated instantly, often linked to your main bank account or digital wallet, and can have limits or expiration dates set for added security.

Why Use Virtual Cards in Kenya?

• • Enhanced Security: Protect your main card from fraud by using a temporary, disposable card number.

• • Easy to Use: Instantly generate cards on your phone or laptop for quick payments.

• • Budget Control: Set spending limits per card for better money management.

• Widely Accepted: Use virtual cards for international online purchases, subscriptions, and more.

Top 3 Virtual Cards You Can Use in Kenya

1. Equitel Virtual Card

Equitel, a popular network in Kenya, offers a convenient virtual card solution integrated with their mobile money service. It’s perfect for people who want to manage payments directly from their Equitel accounts.

• Features: Instant card generation via the Equitel app, can be used for local and international online payments.

• Benefits: Seamless mobile money integration, no monthly fees, quick setup.

How to Set Up Your Equitel Virtual Card:

1. Download and install the Equitel app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

2. Register or log in with your Equitel account credentials.

3. Navigate to the Payments or Virtual Card section in the app.

4. Select Create Virtual Card and fill in required details (such as spending limits if available).

5. The app will instantly generate your virtual card number, expiry date, and CVV.

6. Use this card number to make online payments safely without exposing your main account details.

2. PesaLink Virtual Card (Offered by Some Banks)

Some Kenyan banks integrated with PesaLink are now offering virtual card services to enable easy online payments without exposing physical card details.

• Features: Linked directly to your bank account, can be generated instantly via mobile banking apps.

• Benefits: Secure, fast, and convenient, with transaction alerts for real-time monitoring.

How to Set Up Your PesaLink Virtual Card:

1. Open your bank’s mobile banking app (ensure your bank supports PesaLink virtual cards; popular banks like KCB, Cooperative Bank may offer this).

2. Log in with your mobile banking credentials.

3. Navigate to the Cards or Virtual Card section.

4. Select Create Virtual Card or Generate Virtual Card.

5. Enter the spending limit and validity period if prompted.

6. Confirm your request via the app’s security verification method (PIN, OTP).

7. Your virtual card details will be displayed instantly for immediate use.

8. Use the virtual card to shop online or pay for subscriptions securely.

3. M-PESA GlobalPay Card (by Safaricom & Visa)

Safaricom, in partnership with Visa, introduced the M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual Card to make international online payments easier for its users. This card is digital-only, meaning there’s no physical version—everything happens within your M-PESA app or through USSD.

Unlike traditional bank-issued virtual cards, the GlobalPay card is linked directly to your M-PESA balance. This makes it incredibly convenient for Safaricom users who want to pay on global platforms like Amazon, Netflix, or AliExpress—without needing a separate bank account or credit card.

Key Features

• M-PESA-Linked: The card draws funds straight from your M-PESA wallet.

• International Use Only: It works only on global merchant websites, not local e-commerce.

• Dynamic CVV: A new security code (CVV) is generated every 30 minutes for enhanced protection.

• Visa-Powered: Accepted worldwide on any platform that supports Visa cards.

• Safe & Simple: All actions (activation, card viewing, CVV generation) require your M-PESA PIN.

How to Set Up the M-PESA Virtual Card

You can activate the GlobalPay virtual card using either of these two methods:

Via the M-PESA App:

1. Open your M-PESA app.

2. Tap the “Grow” menu or search for “GlobalPay”.

3. Follow the prompts to activate your virtual card.

4. You’ll get a digital card number, expiry date, and your first dynamic CVV.

Via USSD:

1. Dial *334# on your Safaricom line.

2. Select “Lipa na M-PESA” → “M-PESA GlobalPay”.

3. Accept the terms and conditions.

4. Enter your M-PESA PIN to confirm.

5. Your card will be created and shared via secure flash SMS.

Transaction Info

• Limits: Matches your M-PESA wallet (up to KES 150,000 per transaction, KES 300,000 daily).

• Fees: No card creation fee, but a 3.5% currency conversion fee applies on foreign purchases.

• Validity: The virtual card is valid for 3 years. If not used for 6 months, it gets temporarily deactivated.

• Limit per User: One virtual card allowed per year.

Why It’s a Good Option

If you rely heavily on M-PESA and need to make payments on international websites, the GlobalPay card is an excellent, secure, and fast solution—no need for a bank account or credit history.

It keeps your funds within the Safaricom ecosystem while giving you access to Visa’s global network.

How to Link Your Virtual Card to Safaricom (M-PESA)

Many Kenyans use M-PESA as their primary mobile money service, and linking your virtual card to Safaricom allows you to top-up your card, withdraw funds, or make payments seamlessly.

Steps to Link Virtual Card to Safaricom M-PESA

1. Check if Your Virtual Card Provider Supports M-PESA Transfers
   Not all virtual cards allow direct M-PESA funding. Usually, banks or providers integrated with PesaLink and mobile money have this option.

2. Link Your Bank Account or Virtual Card to M-PESA
   If your bank or virtual card provider supports M-PESA, you can link your bank account or card by:

   • Dialing *234# (Safaricom’s M-PESA menu)

   • Navigate to “Lipa na M-PESA” → “Paybill” → Add your bank or service paybill number (check your provider’s instructions).

3. Using PesaLink to Transfer Money
   If your virtual card is linked to a Kenyan bank account, you can transfer money from M-PESA to your bank via PesaLink:

   • Dial *334# or use the M-PESA app.

   • Choose “Lipa Pesa Kwa Benki” (Pay Money to Bank)

   • Enter your bank account number linked to the virtual card.

   • Enter amount and confirm.

4. Top Up Virtual Cards Linked to Mobile Wallets
   Some providers allow topping up virtual cards directly from your mobile money balance in the app. For example, Equitel Virtual Card users can fund their accounts via Equitel mobile money which can also receive funds from M-PESA.

5. Withdraw from Virtual Card to M-PESA
   If your virtual card provider supports withdrawals, you can transfer funds back to your M-PESA wallet through the provider’s app or linked bank account.

Important Notes:

• Always check with your virtual card provider or bank for the exact procedures and compatible services with M-PESA.

• Avoid sharing your card details on unsecured platforms.

• Use official apps and trusted channels to make transfers

Example: Linking Equitel Virtual Card with M-PESA

Since Equitel operates on the Safaricom network, it’s simple to transfer money between your M-PESA wallet and Equitel account:

• Send money from M-PESA to Equitel: Dial *334# and select “Lipa Pesa Kwa Benki” then enter your Equitel account number.

• Fund your Equitel Virtual Card: Once money is in your Equitel account, use the Equitel app to generate and fund your virtual card.

Final Thoughts

Virtual cards are becoming essential financial tools in Kenya, especially for those who want safer, faster, and more flexible online payment options.

Whether you use Equitel’s easy mobile solution, Payoneer’s international prepaid card, a PesaLink-enabled bank virtual card, or Safaricom’s GlobalPay Visa virtual card, you are empowered to take control of your online spending without compromising security.

By linking your virtual card to Safaricom’s M-PESA, you gain even more flexibility to fund your card and move money around easily, making your digital financial life smoother and safer.

If you want to keep your online shopping safe and your finances organized, virtual cards are the way to go!

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