In the ever-evolving digital landscape, virtual debit cards have emerged as a convenient alternative for online transactions. If you are in Africa, there are a bunch of Fintech Startups giving you the ability to create and use one. We have extensively covered the benefits and creation process of each virtual card in our previous blogs. From Barter to Eversend , Payday , Airtel MasterCard , and Chipper Cash .
This article aims to compare and evaluate the three popular virtual debit card options: Eversend , Payday , and Chipper Cash . We will throw information about Barter , and Airtel MasterCard as well. By exploring their features, benefits, service charges, and limitations, you can make an informed decision when choosing the best virtual debit card for your needs. Let’s dive into it!
1. Cost of Creation
When it comes to virtual cards across the continent, there are a few things worth mentioning upfront. All of the fintech startups partner with Banks to be able to create virtual cards. In most cases, if you want a dollar-powered virtual card, you will have to use a US-based bank. Eversend, Payday, and Barter all offer dollar virtual cards meanwhile Chipper Cash and Airtel MasterCard offer virtual cards in the local currency for this case UGX. Payday has a Verve virtual card that is completely free to create but the catch is it’s Naira based card.
Eversend has recently waived the card creation fee, allowing customers to create virtual cards free of charge, and lowered the minimum top-up from 5$ to 1$. We have tried it and it works. However, you will still need $1 to pay the monthly maintenance fee.
Here is the cost of the creation of virtual cards. Eversend is the cheapest at 1$ meanwhile Barter charges 2$ and Payday charges a total of 6$.
| Eversend | Payday | Barter | Chipper | Airtel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - Card creation is free | - Card creation fee is $5 for a Dollar MasterCard or Visa Virtual Card | - Card creation fee is $2 | - Card creation fee is UGX1000 | - Card creation fee is UGX4370 |
| - $1 minimum top-up | - $1 minimum top-up | - $2 minimum top-up | - UGX1000 minimum top-up | - UGX4370 minimum top-up |
2. Virtual Debit Cards Service Charge
When it comes to service charges for virtual cards, most fintech apps offer two options. They either charge a flat transaction fee or make money from the real-time exchange when you make payments.
Chipper Cash takes a different approach. They don’t charge you when you pay with your virtual card, but they apply real-time exchange rates for UGX to USD transactions. This means you’ll have to pay based on the daily exchange rates, which is usually not a problem for me when I am doing transactions that are small. It becomes tricky for transactions over 100$.
Eversend and Payday, on the other hand, require you to have at least a minimum of $1 on your card every month. Both don’t have service fees when making payments.
Payday offers a Vervex virtual card in Naira. But, be aware that when you use it for transactions in other currencies, you may be affected by exchange rate fluctuations. Eversend charges you a fee of $0.5 if make a payment and your card is declined for lack of funds. PayDay on the other hand charges you for declined cards as well and will terminate your card if you exceed a certain number of declines.
| Eversend | Payday | Chipper | Airtel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | - $1 monthly fee | - $1 minimum balance | - None | - None |
| Transaction Cost | - Free | - Free | - Free | - UGX1000 per transaction |
| FX Fees | - Yes | - Yes for US Based Cards | - No | - No |
- RELATED: Get a Virtual Dollar Card in Nigeria on These Platforms
- RELATED: Platforms That Provide Virtual Debit Cards in Uganda
3. User Experience and Interface
Fintech startups all experience the same advantages and disadvantages when it comes to virtual cards. When you have a virtual card, you can be confident that it will function properly. However, sometimes there may be issues affecting all users. For example, last year Union54 which is a ‘ Mastercard Principle ‘ member was battling a chargeback fraud that led to almost all African virtual cards being off for months.
When it comes to user experience, I really like using the Chipper Cash virtual card. I’ve deleted and created the card multiple times, and I’m happy with how dependable it is.
Eversend’s virtual card is the best when it comes to UI and interface. You can find all the card’s features listed below it. Freezing the card and checking past transaction history is just a tap away.
4. Virtual Debit Cards Features
Most virtual cards have similar features, such as bill splitting, the ability to create only 1 card at a time, and card freezing. However, what sets them apart are the support and card type. Payday stands out because it supports VISA, MasterCard, and Vervex. Eversend and Airtel are powered by MasterCard, while Barter supports VISA.
Here are some features of the different virtual cards:
| Features | Eversend | Payday | Chipper | Barter | Airtel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ability to freeze and delete the virtual card | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| View transaction history | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Control subscriptions and how you spend | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Virtual Card Topup and Withdraws | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Card Type | - USD Virtual VISA Card | - USD VISA Card - USD Virtual MasterCard - Naira Vervex Card | - UGX VISA Card | - USD VISA Card | - UGX Virtual MasterCard |
5. Availability and Countries Where You Can Create the Virtual Debit Cards
Below are the countries where the virtual debit cards are issued:
| Eversend | Payday | Chipper | Barter | Airtel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - Kenya - Uganda - Ghana - Nigeria - Rwanda | - Nigeria - Rwanda | - Ghana - Rwanda - Nigeria - Uganda - South Africa - USA | - Ghana - Kenya - Nigeria - Uganda - Rwanda - South Africa - Tanzania - Zambia - Cameroon - Ivory Coast - United States - Canada - UK | - Uganda - Zambia |
6. Services or Websites Where the Card is Accepted
I’ve learned from years of using virtual cards that most of them are accepted on popular global merchant payment sites like Uber, Netflix, Alibaba, Apple Music, Asos, Google, Namecheap, Aliexpress, Facebook, etc. However, there can be issues when using a USD-based virtual card for geo-restricted services. For instance, in Uganda, Eversend faces difficulties with Spotify payments due to different regional prices. If you try to pay for Spotify using a USD-based Eversend card, your transaction will be declined. However, if you change your Spotify region to the US or Europe, the transactions are accepted. These are some important things to consider before signing up for US-based cards. On the other hand, Chipper Cash, being locally based, has accepted cards.
Another aspect to note is the usage of cards on betting, crypto, and adult websites. Only Payday, which you can find information about on their website , allows the use of their cards for such purposes. It’s important to know that Barter, Airtel Mastercard, and Eversend are specifically designed for merchant payments and not for crypto and similar transactions.
7. Customer Service
Most startups neglect customer service, but Eversend stands out with its excellent customer support for virtual cards. They ensure transparency by listing all charges and fees associated with card usage, and they are always available to answer any questions that may arise about your virtual card . Chipper Cash and Payday also provide commendable customer service.
On the other hand, Airtel Mastercard falls short because its customer service is handled by telecom representatives who often lack knowledge about specific products or services. Customer service with Barter by Flutterwave is also challenging. I have been unable to top up my virtual card and Barter wallet for the past year, and it seems impossible to find someone who can provide clear guidance. Personally, I have given up and suspect that they have closed operations in Uganda.
Choosing the right virtual debit card is crucial for a secure and convenient online payment experience. Through this comprehensive comparison of Eversend, Payday, Chipper Cash, Barter, and Airtel MasterCard, you now have valuable insights into their features, benefits, and limitations. Consider your financial needs and priorities to select the virtual debit card that offers the optimal combination of convenience, security, and affordability for your digital transactions.
Share with us in the comment section, the virtual debit cards you are using.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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