How to make online payments for Netflix and Spotify in Zimbabwe using EcoCash Virtual Mastercard

In Zimbabwe, the Ecocash Virtual Mastercard provided by Econet has made the process of making online payments for popular platforms like Netflix and Spotify incredibly easy and hassle-free. This article serves as a guide on how to use the Ecocash Virtual Mastercard to make hassle-free online payments for Netflix and Spotify, two increasingly popular streaming services in the country.

Netflix and Spotify are two of the most popular online streaming services in the world. Netflix offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, documentaries and original content that you can watch on demand. Spotify offers millions of songs, podcasts, playlists and radio stations that you can listen to anytime, anywhere.

Both Netflix and Spotify have special prices for Zimbabwe, which are much lower than in other countries. For example, Netflix plans range from US$2.99 to US$9.99 a month, compared to US$8.99 to US$17.99 in the US. Spotify Zimbabwe plans start at US$1.49 for students to US$4.99 for family package, compared to US$4.99 to US$14.99 in the US. You can also use Spotify for free with ads support.

To make payments on these platforms, you need to first generate an EcoCash virtual Mastercard. This is a simple and convenient process that you can do from your phone. Here is how you can do it:

- Dial *153# and enter your PIN.
- Select "Wallet Services".
- Select "EcoCash Debit Card".
- Select "EcoCash Mastercard Virtual".

- Select “Request VCN”

- Enter a nickname for the card (any four-letter word)
- Enter 1 and submit your request

Alternatively, you can use this short code:
- Dial *153*7*6*2*1#, enter your PIN and follow all subsequent prompts.

Once you finish the process, a SMS with the card details will be sent to you.  It's important to note that a nominal fee of 50 cents is charged for generating the virtual card. The card will expire after one year, but you can generate multiple cards and use them on different websites. This can safeguard against theft, as you can just delete or suspend one of the cards if you suspect that your card details have been stolen. The major disadvantage is that you cannot withdraw cash using this card at ATMs. To do that, you need an EcoCash physical Mastercard, which costs US$5 to get.

Once you have your EcoCash virtual Mastercard, you can use it to pay for Netflix and Spotify subscriptions. Here are the steps to follow:

1.     Sign in to your Netflix or Spotify account.

2.     Navigate to the payment options or billing section.

3.     Select "Add Payment Method" or a similar option.

4.     Enter the details of your Ecocash Virtual Mastercard, including the card number, expiration date, and CVV code.

5.     Save the card details for future transactions.

Note that you need to have enough balance in your EcoCash wallet to cover the subscription fee. You can deposit US dollars into your EcoCash wallet at any EcoCash agent or you can get someone to send you EcoCash anytime. Please note that the virtual card is not available for ZWL wallet. Unlike in other countries, they can pay for Netflix or Spotify in their local currency, here in Zimbabwe it’s not possible.

The EcoCash virtual Mastercard is not the only option for online payments in Zimbabwe. There are other cards that you can use, such as Banc ABC, FBC, Steward and many others. However, with these cards, you have to go to their branches to deposit cash, which could be a major disadvantage as they do not have as many branches as EcoCash agents. Moreover, some of these cards may have higher fees or lower limits than the EcoCash Virtual Mastercard.

An alternative solution is to connect your Ecocash Virtual Mastercard to PayPal, a widely accepted global online payment system used by numerous international websites. This integration offers Zimbabwean users more flexibility and convenience when it comes to online shopping. However, it's important to note that PayPal has certain limitations for users in Zimbabwe. One significant disadvantage is that Zimbabwean PayPal accounts cannot receive payments; they can only be used for making payments. I will explore this topic in detail in a separate article to provide a comprehensive understanding of PayPal's restrictions for Zimbabwean users.

Thanks to the Ecocash Mastercard provided by Econet, Zimbabwean users can now enjoy a seamless online payment experience for popular platforms like Netflix and Spotify. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, users can generate their virtual Mastercards and link them to their preferred streaming services. The convenience, enhanced security, integration with PayPal, and accessibility of the Ecocash Mastercard make it a valuable tool for Zimbabweans seeking hassle-free online payments. Embracing digital solutions like the Ecocash Mastercard paves the way for a more streamlined and inclusive digital payment landscape in Zimbabwe.