Best virtual credit cards in Africa
- Last update:
This guide compares virtual credit cards available across Africa, alongside WorldFirst’s World Card for multi-currency business spending.
Key Takeaways
- Virtual credit cards support online spending, subscriptions, travel bookings, and digital advertising without sharing physical card details
- UBA, GTBank, FirstBank, and Access Bank offer physical credit cards that can also be used for online payments using card credentials
- WorldFirst offers a virtual business payment card linked to a multi-currency account, with up to 20 virtual cards available at no additional cost
Virtual credit cards help African businesses and individuals pay online without sharing physical card details while still accessing an approved credit line. Many banks now allow their credit cards to be used digitally for online transactions.
This guide compares the best virtual cards in Africa, including credit cards that are also available in physical form. It also covers WorldFirst’s World Card, a virtual business payment card for cross-border spending and multi-currency payments.
1. UBA Naira Credit Card
The UBA Naira Credit Card provides approved credit limits of up to ₦3 million and up to 45 days of interest-free spending to people in Nigeria. Thereafter, interest applies at 3% per month on ATM withdrawals and 2.5% on POS and online transactions.1
The card is available in two variants: an unsecured version for eligible salaried employees of approved employers, and a cash-backed version for individuals, SMEs, and self-employed customers with qualifying collateral and an active UBA account.1
Applicants must submit a completed application form, valid identification, supporting documents, and pass UBA’s credit assessment. The physical card can also be used for online payments by entering the card details at checkout.1
Pricing: Issuance fee is ₦1,000 and quarterly maintenance fee is N50 (both excluding VAT)1
2. GTBank Visa Classic Credit Card
The GTBank Visa Classic Credit Card in Nigeria is a US Dollar credit card linked to the GTBank domiciliary account. It can be used to pay for goods and services online, in stores, and while travelling abroad wherever VISA is accepted. Applicants need a GTBank USD domiciliary account and must provide documents such as two referees, a passport photograph, proof of address, and a valid ID.2
The card can be used for ATM withdrawals as well but at a fee of US$10 for each withdrawal. Plus, the card is only valid for 3 years. While it is issued as a physical card, the card details can also be used to make payments online on websites and apps that accept VISA.2
Pricing: Issuance fee is ₦1,000 and annual maintenance fee is US$102
3. FirstBank Naira Credit Card
The FirstBank Naira Credit Card is made for Nigerian residents and provides access to a credit limit of up to N3 million. Cardholders can enjoy up to 45 days of interest-free spending before interest of 2.5% applies to unpaid balances.3
The card is accepted at Visa merchants worldwide for local and international purchases, online payments, and ATM withdrawals (3% fee). It can also be used virtually, with a quarterly international transaction limit of US$10,000.3
The card is also available to customers who hold eligible investments, such as fixed deposits or treasury bills equal to at least 120% of the approved credit limit. Customers with higher approved limits may qualify for the Platinum Naira Credit Card, which comes with additional features.3
Pricing: Issuance fee is ₦1,0003
4. Access Bank American Express® Gold Card
The Access Bank American Express® Gold Card is a dual-currency credit card that supports spending in both Naira and US Dollars. It can be used for purchases in Nigeria as well as international transactions where American Express is accepted but comes with a currency conversion fee of 3.5%.4
International spending limits include up to US$20,000 per day for purchases and US$1,000 per day for ATM withdrawals at a fee of 5% of the transaction amount. The card can be used as a virtual card for online purchases, subscriptions, and other digital payments, subject to the available credit limit and at an interest rate of 2.5%.4
Pricing: Annual service fee is US$75 and card issuance fee is US$34
The World Card by WorldFirst is built for online business spending
The World Card is a Mastercard-powered virtual business payment card that enables businesses to make payments in more than 150 currencies, wherever Mastercard is accepted. It’s not a credit card and doesn’t provide a credit line. Instead, the card is linked to the World Account, a multi-currency account that supports 15+ currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, CNH, AUD, and JPY.
The World Card uses funds already held in the World Account. When a payment is made in one of the supported currencies and sufficient funds are available in that currency, no foreign exchange fees apply.
If the required currency is not available, funds can be converted from another balance at competitive exchange rates. Businesses can create up to 20 virtual cards from a single account, assign them to different team members or spending categories, and set individual spending controls for each card.
Key features
- Mastercard-powered virtual business payment card linked to the multi-currency World Account
- Up to 20 virtual cards at no additional cost, with custom spend limits per card
- Zero foreign exchange fees on 15 supported currencies when sufficient balance is held
- Real-time tracking and team-based card controls
Main fees
- Card issuance: Zero for up to 20 cards
- Monthly card fee: Zero
- World Account setup: Zero
- Monthly account fee: Zero
- Receiving payments to the World Account: Zero
- Currency conversion (when balance isn’t held in the transaction currency): Refer to in-portal pricing. Vouchers may apply
- Cashback: available on card spend. Terms and Conditions Apply.
*Fees checked in June 2026. Terms and Conditions Apply
FAQs
What is a virtual credit card?
A virtual credit card is a digital version of a payment card that can be used for online purchases without a physical card. Depending on the provider, it may be linked to a credit line, a bank account, or a prepaid multi-currency account balance.
How do virtual credit cards differ from physical credit cards?
An online virtual credit card exists only in digital form and is primarily designed for online payments. A physical credit card can be used both online and in person at ATMs, POS terminals, and merchants that accept card payments.
Is the World Card a credit card?
No. The World Card is a virtual business payment card linked to the World Account. It does not provide a credit line and payments are made using funds already held in the linked multi-currency account.
Sources
- https://www.ubagroup.com/nigeria/personal-banking/cards/uba-naira-credit-card/
- https://www.gtbank.com/personal-banking/cards/dollar-credit-cards/gtbank-visa-classic-credit-card
- https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/cards/credit-cards/naira-credit-card/
- https://www.accessbankplc.com/amex
- https://www.safaricom.co.ke/mpesaglobalpay/
- https://www.safaricom.co.ke/mpesaglobalpay/about#sectionabout
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.
Hu Wenzhan is the Emerging Markets Country Manager at WorldFirst. He brings expertise across Fintech, Payments, Banking, New Markets Growth to help clients grow their global business.
Hu Wenzhan
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