Virtual Mobile Money Cards: The Easiest Way to Make Online Payments in Zimbabwe

In today's digital age, buying online and subscribing to streaming platforms such as Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, and Showmax have become integral parts of our entertainment experiences. However, many Zimbabweans often wonder how they can make online payments for these services without visa or mastercard bank cards. Fortunately, virtual cards have emerged as a convenient solution, allowing you to make seamless online payments without the need for a physical bank card. In this article, we'll explore the two easiest ways to unlock the world of online payments in Zimbabwe using virtual cards.

Virtual Cards: Convenient Solution

Before discussing the two methods, it is important to note that Visa and Mastercard are widely used payment systems on international websites. To make online payments, you will only need to provide the card number, expiry date, and CVV number. It is crucial to keep your virtual card details safe because anyone with access to these details can use your card to make fraudulent online payments. While some websites employ an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter a One-Time Password (OTP) after entering their card details, others simply process the payment. Therefore, it is advisable to be cautious and protect your virtual card information to ensure a secure online transaction.

Ecocash Virtual Card

The first method we'll discuss is the Ecocash virtual card, which operates on the Mastercard system. This is one of the most popular options for online payments in Zimbabwe. You can generate this card on your phone, and the card details will be sent to you via SMS. The cost to generate the card is only 50 cents, and it expires after one year. This card is linked to your EcoCash USD balance, allowing you to deposit money from any EcoCash agent and be ready to make online payments instantly. However, a notable limitation is that this card is exclusively available to Econet/EcoCash subscribers.

Here are the limits associated with the Ecocash virtual card:
Maximum transaction value: US$5,000
Daily limit: US$5,000
Monthly limit: US$10,000

The process of generating the card can be done directly from your phone by dialing *153#.

Here's how to generate your EcoCash Virtual Mastercard:

Dial *153# and enter your PIN.
Select "Option 7 - Wallet Services."
Select "Option 6 - EcoCash Debit Card."
Select "Option 2 - EcoCash MasterCard Virtual."
Select "Option 1 - Request VCN."
Enter a 4-letter word as a nickname for your card.
Select "Option 1" to generate the card.

Once generated, you'll receive an SMS with your card details, including the card number, expiry date, and CVV.

Omari Virtual Card

Omari is a relatively new mobile money system that offers a comprehensive range of features comparable to Ecocash. Partnered with Visa, Omarii provides its users with a virtual card that utilizes the balance in their Omarii USD wallet for online payments. The card generation cost is also 50 cents, and it remains valid for five years. Users have reported positive experiences with this card since its launch last year. Additionally, Omarii charges a fee of 1.5% of the transaction amount. An advantage of the Omari card over the EcoCash card is that it is available to users on all mobile networks in Zimbabwe.

To generate your Omari Virtual Visa Card, follow these steps:

Dial *707# and enter your PIN.
Select "Option 9."
Select "Option 2 - Card Services."
Select "Option 5 - Request Virtual Visa Card."
Enter your email address.
Select "Option 1" to generate the card.

Like the EcoCash Virtual Mastercard, you'll receive an SMS with your card details, which you can use to make online payments. Maximum per transaction is USD500 and the monthly limit is USD2,000. The limits are much lower than ecocash virtual mastercards cards.

One of the significant advantages of both the EcoCash Virtual Mastercard and the Omari Virtual Visa Card is the ability to manage them from your phone. You can easily block and unblock the cards in case your card details are compromised or if you want to pause any payments temporarily. Additionally, you can delete the cards when you no longer need them.

To add an extra layer of security, you can link these virtual cards to PayPal. PayPal can hide your card details when making online payments, safeguarding your card information from unscrupulous online retailers who might attempt to steal your card details. PayPal also offers fraud protection and can refund you if any fraudulent activity occurs on your account.

Physical Cards for Added Flexibility

In addition to virtual cards, both EcoCash and Omari offer physical cards that can be used for online payments and international transactions when traveling. These physical cards cost $5 and provide added convenience for in-person transactions or when virtual cards are not accepted.

With the rise of virtual cards, making online payments in Zimbabwe has become more accessible and convenient than ever before. Whether you choose the EcoCash Virtual Mastercard or the Omari Virtual Visa Card, you can enjoy a seamless online payment experience without the need for a bank account.