Requirements to Apply for a Virtual Dollar Card
Wondering if you meet the criteria to get approved for a virtual dollar card in Nigeria? Here are the general requirements:
Government-issued ID – National ID, passport, drivers license or voter ID for identity verification.
Residential Address – Valid home and/or office address, which can be proved by utility bills etc.
Bank Account Details – Nigerian bank account number and BVN linked to the account. Allows card funding.
Phone Number – Active Nigerian GSM number that can receive SMS for OTP authentication.
Email Address – Valid individual email for confirmations and card statements.
Minimum Age – Typically 18 years or above. Eligibility varies by provider.
Application Form – Fill out the required application form whether paper-based or online as provided.
KYC Documents – Submit required papers for full KYC such as passport photos, proof of address etc.
As long as you meet these requirements, your virtual dollar card application has a high chance of approval. Some services may request additional details like income proof, but the basics above are standard.
How to Activate and Use a Virtual Dollar Card
Once approved, here is how to activate your new virtual dollar card and maximize usage:
Card Delivery – Your virtual visa card details will be emailed or SMSed to you instantly upon approval.
Activation – Follow the activation instructions that come with your virtual card. Sometimes an OTP code is texted or capturing your PIN is required.
Fund Card – Transfer your desired amount of dollars to your approved card using your funding source account. Fees apply.
Configure Limits – Login online to customize your virtual card\’s daily spending or withdrawal limits for security.
Online Payments – Start using it for international subscriptions, ecommerce, money transfers etc. by inputting your card details on supported platforms.
Manage & Reload – Check balances, transaction alerts, reactivate expired cards and reload your virtual card conveniently via mobile app.
Security – Save your digital card securely using a password manager. Avoid carrying dollar balances for extended periods due to volatility.
Follow your card provider’s usage guidelines for ATM withdrawals, enabling 3D-Secure, linking to digital wallets etc. to maximize benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virtual Dollar Cards
Here are answers to some common questions Nigerians have about acquiring and using virtual dollar cards:
Are virtual dollar cards available to anyone in Nigeria?
Yes, virtual dollar cards are accessible to any Nigerian with the required KYC documents. As long as you meet eligibility criteria, you can apply digitally and get approved usually.
Can virtual cards be used on PayPal and online forex brokers?
Yes, most virtual dollar card services allow you to securely link and use your digital visa card details on platforms like PayPal and forex brokers for easy funding and trading.
Do I earn points, miles or cashback on virtual dollar card payments?
Unfortunately most virtual dollar card services do not currently offer rewards points or cashback. Being prepaid debit style cards, they provide more limited benefits compared to credit cards.
Is a BVN number mandatory to get a virtual dollar card?
BVN linkage is not strictly required by all providers currently. But having a BVN does help streamline KYC verification and compliance for your application.
Can my employer pay my salary to a virtual dollar card?
Yes, as long as your employer supports payments via card details instead of bank transfer. Some providers offer dedicated corporate expense card products also.
Are there virtual dollar cards for dependent teenagers or students?
Some issuers offer virtual prepaid dollar cards for minors above age 13 supervised by parents, great for allowances and overseas education expenses.
Can I request a plastic card later if needed?
A few providers may offer the option to order a physical dollar card later that\’s linked to your virtual account. But most are online-only digital card services.
Do virtual cards have CVVs and expiry dates like regular cards?
Yes, your digital dollar card comes with a unique CVV number for online verification along with an expiration date. These security features work just like on physical cards.
Can I use my virtual card outside Nigeria like while travelling?
Definitely, your digital dollar card details can be accessed remotely using the mobile app to make payments and withdrawals worldwide, subject to limits.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has simplified the world of virtual dollar cards for Nigerians. From leading providers to fees and usage tips, you now have all the information to get approved for a digital dollar card.
Choose an established issuer that offers a seamless application process along with robust card management capabilities. Pay your global expenses, send money easily to family overseas, or shop cross-border without forex hassle using your new virtual visa card.
Just ensure you secure your digital card safely, customize limits appropriately and comply with usage policies. As adoption increases, virtual cards open up dollar transactions without a physical plastic card for any Nigerian with an internet connection.