All about the M-Pesa GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card. When it was launched and what it does. How the card works and how you go about getting one. What are the benefits of having one and the downsides?
What is Mpesa Global Pay Virtual Card?
M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual VISA Card is the result of a collaboration between M-PESA and VISA. The virtual card is linked to your M-PESA wallet and allows you to use your card details to make payments to international online merchants for goods and services.
The M-PESA GlobalPay virtual VISA card can only be used to make payments on international websites like Amazon and Netflix. Customers will continue to use Lipa Na M-PESA, a Buy goods option for local sites such as Jumia, Killmall among others.
The beauty of Mpesa Global Pay is that it’s swift and convenient. Money can be sent and received instantly, 24/7. No fees are also charged for sending or receiving money using the service. This makes it an ideal way for people to shop internationally.
How to Apply for Mpesa GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card
To apply for an M-Pesa GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card, you must have a Kenyan mobile number and be over 18. You can apply for an M-Pesa Globalpay Virtual card either through the M-Pesa app or through the USDD code, as illustrated below.
Through USDD code
On M-PESA App
Benefits of the M-Pesa GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card
Assuming you are based in Kenya, the Mpesa GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card is beneficial as it allows you to send and receive payments in foreign currency. The card is also useful for online shopping on international websites like Netflix and Amazon.
What is the Downside of this Card?
M-PESA GlobalPay can only be used to pay for international online merchants such as Netflix, Amazon, AliExpress, and others. Customers will use the Lipa Na M-PESA, Buy Goods option to pay for local merchants such as Jumia. When a local merchant initiates a transaction, the M-PESA Customer will receive an appropriate message regarding the checkout option.
FAQs on the Mpesa Global Pay Virtual Card
1. What is the Mpesa Global Pay Virtual Card?
The Mpesa Global Pay Virtual Card is a new way to make payments on the internet using your mobile phone. With this card, you can shop online, pay for services, or send money to online merchants like Netflix, AliExpress, GoDaddy, and Hostinger without using a physical card or bank account.
2. How does the Mpesa Global Pay Virtual Card work?
To use the Mpesa Global Pay Virtual Card, you first need to load money into your account. Once you have money in your account, you can use the card to make purchases online. When you make a purchase, the funds will be deducted from your account balance. The maximum and minimum amount of money you can transact depends on M-Pesa limits; that is, a minimum of Ksh 110 and a maximum of Ksh 150,000 per transaction are permitted, with a total transaction limit of Ksh 300,000. The minimum amount will vary depending on the current USD – KES exchange rate.
3. How do I get a Mpesa Global Pay Virtual Card?
You can get a Mpesa Global Pay Virtual Card by signing up for an account with Mpesa App or USDD code. Once you have signed up and logged in, you can create your virtual card and add funds.
4. How do I add money to my Mpesa Global Pay Virtual Card?
You can add money to your Mpesa Global Pay Virtual Card by transferring funds from your M-PESA account. You should note that Fuliza is not available for M-PESA GlobalPay Payments.
5. What are the charges for using an M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual card?
You will not be charged to make payments for online purchases, but the current forex rates will apply, so the transaction cost is zero. Safaricom, on the other hand, charges a 3.5% forex exchange markup on the prevailing forex rate when converting from billing currency (Ksh) to the currency at the time of purchase, i.e. (USD, GBP etc.) The M-PESA Customer will receive an appropriate message on the checkout option for a transaction initiated by a local merchant.
6. How can I see the card details whenever I want?
You can see the card details either on the M-PESA app or through the USDD code, as shown below.
On M-PESA app
Through USDD code
Can I suspend the M-PESA GlobalPay virtual card when I need it?
You can suspend this Virtual card either through the USSD code or on the M-PESA app, as shown below:
On M-PESA app
Through USSD code
How to unsuspend my M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual card?
To unsuspend your suspended virtual card, you need to follow the instructions outlined below;
On M-PESA app
Through USSD code
Where can I get assistance on the M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual card?
Dial 100 for prepaid customers and 200 for postpaid customers if you have any questions. Please dial 234 for assistance with M-PESA-related questions. Visit Safaricom PLC Retail Centers/Care Desks, and follow them on Twitter at @Safaricom Care and @SafaricomPLC or Facebook at www.facebook.com/SafaricomPLC.
Conclusion
An M-PESA Global Pay virtual card is a great way to make payments online without providing personal credit or debit card information. It’s a safe and convenient way to shop online, and it can be used anywhere that Mastercard is accepted. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to shop online, a Mpesa Global Pay virtual card is definitely worth considering.
Also, check: The routing number of Equity Bank Kenya
Nice article