If you’ve recently tried to pay for Netflix, Coursera, Canva, or even Facebook Ads using your virtual card and it failed—you’re not alone. Kenya is in the middle of a quiet but painful virtual card crisis.
This guide breaks down:
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What’s happening to virtual cards in Kenya
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Why payments are failing
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Who’s affected the most
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What you can do about it (legit workarounds that still work)
What Is the Virtual Card Crisis in Kenya?
Over the past year, Kenyan users have reported increasingly frequent issues with virtual cards—from outright payment declines to cards being silently blocked or restricted. These cards were once the go-to option for paying international platforms like:
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Netflix, Amazon, Canva
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Facebook & Google Ads
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Coursera, LinkedIn Learning
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GitHub, PlayStation Store, and more
But now? Transactions fail. Banks blame forex shortages. Users get stranded.
Why Virtual Cards Are Failing in Kenya
The crisis boils down to a few key issues:
1. Dollar Shortages
Kenya, like several African countries, is facing a shortage of USD liquidity. Banks and fintechs are struggling to source enough foreign currency to process your international payments.
2. Increased Regulation
To combat fraud, money laundering, and capital flight, regulators have tightened controls on foreign transactions. Some virtual card providers were forced to pause or suspend services altogether.
3. Global Platform Rejections
Platforms like Meta (Facebook), Google, and Amazon have started rejecting certain cards from African providers—especially if they’re low-trust or frequently abused.
Who’s Affected the Most?
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Students trying to pay for Coursera, edX, Udemy
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Freelancers paying for tools like Canva, Figma, GitHub Copilot
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Content creators buying stock photos, music, or design templates
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Young entrepreneurs boosting social media posts via Ads Manager
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Parents or guardians who can’t support their kids’ online learning due to card declines
What Still Works: Smart Workarounds
Despite the crisis, there are still a few ways Kenyan users can bypass these restrictions and keep learning, earning, and creating online.
1. Geegpay Virtual Dollar Card
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Still working for many international platforms
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USD-denominated Visa card
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Available via Geegpay app (Android + iOS)
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Works for Coursera, Canva, Netflix
👉 How to Get It:
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Sign up at Geegpay
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Verify your ID (Kenyan ID accepted)
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Fund your wallet via M-Pesa
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Create a virtual USD card instantly
Use with caution. Check recent reviews before using.
2. M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual Card (VISA)
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Backed by: Safaricom + VISA
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Currency: USD
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Works for: International payments like Coursera, Netflix, Canva, LinkedIn Learning, etc.
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No physical card needed
How to Get It:
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Dial
*334#> Financial Services > GlobalPay -
Or via the M-PESA App under “GlobalPay”
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Activate and top up from your M-PESA balance
Reliable, officially backed
May have low limits for frequent users
3. Equity Bank Virtual Card (Mastercard)
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Backed by: Equity Bank
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Currency: USD
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Use case: Online shopping, study platforms, SaaS tools
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Includes: Card number, CVV, and expiry for online use
How to Get It:
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Download the Equity Mobile App
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Go to Cards > Virtual Card
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Generate and fund using your KES Equity account
Higher limits than most
More stable for frequent freelancers
Equity app interface can be a bit slow
What Not to Do
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Don’t buy random virtual cards from Telegram sellers
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Avoid cards without clear terms or customer support
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Don’t rely solely on one platform — have backups
Bonus Tip: Try Regional or Mobile Cards
If USD cards keep failing, try alternatives like:
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MTN MoMo Virtual Card (Uganda) — accepts M-Pesa top-up via partners
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Airtel Global Card (via Airtel Money) — works in select regions
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Equity Bank Multi-Currency Cards — for those with bank accounts
The Future of Virtual Cards in Kenya
The crisis highlights the need for more stable and inclusive digital payment solutions. Banks, fintech companies, and regulators must work together to improve virtual card reliability while maintaining security.
Have you experienced issues with virtual cards in Kenya?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
