Residents of Pakistan often face challenges when transferring money abroad due to banking restrictions and political sanctions. International transfers through regular bank cards can involve high fees and lengthy processing times. In such situations, Best virtual dollar cards in Pakistan emerge as a practical solution. This article presents the top 5 financial providers of virtual cards for international transactions from Pakistan.
Key Challenges of International Transactions from Pakistan
One of the main difficulties when transferring money from Pakistan is the limited access to international payment systems. Standard bank cards in the country rarely support direct international transfers, creating additional hurdles for users working with foreign partners, freelancers, or individuals making online purchases abroad. Even when bank cards are available, fees can reach substantial amounts, especially during currency conversion. Virtual dollar cards in Pakistan solve this problem by allowing users to link a dollar account and avoid double currency conversion, reducing transaction costs.
It is also essential to consider the financial restrictions in the country. Pakistan is listed among countries with limitations on international transfers due to anti-money laundering regulations. These restrictions prevent the free use of standard payment tools for international transactions.
Why It’s Important to Choose Secure Virtual Cards
The security of virtual dollar cards plays a key role in international transfers, as transactions involving multiple jurisdictions are at high risk of fraud and cyberattacks. When choosing a card, it is essential to consider the availability of modern security technologies such as 3D Secure and two-factor authentication. These mechanisms provide an additional layer of protection for the user’s data, reducing the chances of data theft and unauthorized operations.
3D Secure is an authentication technology that adds an extra step to the online payment process. With each transaction, the system asks the user for confirmation via a code sent to their registered phone number or email. This ensures that the cardholder, not a fraudster, is making the transaction. 3D Secure integrates into the payment systems of Visa and Mastercard, providing additional layers of verification.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a method that requires two forms of identity verification before completing a transaction. The user enters their card details and then confirms the operation via SMS, a one-time code generation app, or a biometric factor (fingerprint or facial recognition). Two-factor authentication significantly complicates a fraudster’s task, as completing the transaction requires access to two independent means of authentication.
Top 5 Cards for International Transactions from Pakistan
1. PSTNET
The PSTNET platform offers users virtual cards for international payments and ad spending.
The most in-demand products from PSTNET are the Ultima virtual dollar payment cards. These cards are designed for convenient international transactions and offer several key benefits. First, there are no fees for transactions, declined operations, or withdrawals. Second, the card reload fee is only 2%, making it an attractive solution for those who regularly use virtual cards for transactions outside their country.
The Ultima card, like all PSTNET cards, supports the major payment systems Visa and Mastercard, ensuring compatibility with most merchants and online stores that accept payments through these systems. Thanks to the absence of spending and card reload limits, users can freely manage their funds without restrictions.
PSTNET cards, including Ultima, are equipped with all the necessary technologies to ensure transaction security. First and foremost is the 3D Secure system, which adds an extra authentication step when paying in online stores, protecting card details from unauthorized use. To confirm the operation, the user needs to enter a code sent via SMS or through an app generating one-time passwords.
Additionally, the two-factor authentication (2FA) system increases the security level of users’ personal data and funds, which is especially important for international payments and cryptocurrency transactions.
According to reviews about the virtual card PSTNET, users are confident that their transactions will go through, and their funds will be safe. Moreover, many create multiple Ultima virtual cards, using each for different expense categories. They find this highly convenient for budget planning.
Key Features:
- Convenient Top-up Options: The card can be topped up using
- 18 different cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, USDT, and many others
- SWIFT/SEPA bank transfers
- Other Visa/Mastercard cards
- Fast Registration Without Documentation: You can register using a Google, Telegram, WhatsApp account, or email. After registration, the card is issued instantly without user data verification
- 24/7 Customer Support: Support specialists respond promptly via Telegram, WhatsApp, or live chat
- Telegram Bot: It allows you to receive 3D Secure codes and notifications about service updates
2. Easypaisa
Easypaisa offers virtual debit cards that allow users to make online transactions both domestically and internationally. These virtual cards are issued through Visa or Mastercard and can be used for a variety of purposes, including e-commerce, online subscriptions, and bill payments. Users can generate these cards directly from the Easypaisa app, providing a convenient alternative for those without access to traditional banking systems.
Easypaisa has a competitive fee structure, although exact charges may vary depending on the service used. For example, transactions using Easypaisa at domestic online stores are generally free of charge, but international transactions may incur small currency conversion fees. Additionally, generating and maintaining a virtual card is often free, but there may be specific transaction fees depending on the merchant or service.
Easypaisa ensures the security of its virtual cards through multiple technologies, including 3D Secure for online transactions, which adds an extra layer of protection during purchases. The service uses one-time passwords (OTPs) and PIN codes to verify transactions, safeguarding user data and preventing unauthorized access. Easypaisa is also the only GSMA-certified mobile money service in Pakistan, adding another layer of trust for users.
Key Features:
- Funding Options: There are multiple ways to add funds to your Easypaisa wallet and subsequently to the virtual card:
- Bank Transfers: Link a bank account to the wallet for easy transfers
- Cash Points: Deposit cash via registered Easypaisa agents at physical locations across Pakistan
- Other Mobile Wallets: Transfer funds from other digital wallets like JazzCash or Nayapay
- Debit/Credit Cards: Link any Pakistani bank’s debit or credit card to add funds to your Easypaisa account
- Registration Process: Sign-up is simple and free with just your CNIC and phone number. Users from all major Pakistani networks (Jazz, Ufone, Zong, Telenor) can create an Easypaisa account through the app or via USSD codes.
- Account Verification: Accounts can be upgraded by scanning your hands in-app, adding biometric verification
- Customer Support: Available in the app chat and in call centers
3. Sadapay
SadaPay is a fintech startup based in Pakistan, offering both physical and virtual Mastercard debit cards. SadaPay’s debit card is unique because it has no numbers on it. This makes it safer from theft. Instead of showing the card number, expiration date, or CVV on the card, these details are available in the SadaPay app. If the card is lost or stolen, there’s no information on it for others to use.
Users can check all card details in the SadaPay app whenever they need them. They can also freeze or unfreeze the card instantly if needed. This makes payments safer both online and in stores, giving users more control over their card.
In terms of fees, SadaPay promotes financial inclusion by eliminating annual fees and minimum balance requirements. This makes it accessible for a wide range of users, including those with smaller financial capacities. The platform also offers free local transfers for transactions under Rs. 10,000, significantly reducing the cost burden on everyday users.
Key Features:
- Funding Options: SadaPay allows users to top up their accounts via local bank transfers, and there are no fees for basic services like withdrawals at ATMs in Pakistan (up to three times a month)
- Registration Process: To obtain a virtual card, users need to register on the SadaPay platform using their valid identification documents. The process includes signing up on their website and joining the waitlist for the numberless card. Once the registration is complete, users can access and control their virtual card through the app
- Customer Support: SadaPay provides accessible customer support through their app, website, and a Help Center, ensuring users can resolve issues quickly
4. Payoneer
Payoneer is a global financial provider offering a range of services for international payments. Freelancers, businesses, and online sellers can use it to send and receive money in over 200 countries, across 150+ currencies. One of Payoneer’s key offerings is virtual dollar cards in Pakistan, which give users easy tools for online payments and withdrawals.
Payoneer’s virtual cards are digital versions of regular Mastercard plastic cards. They are especially beneficial for freelancers and small business owners working with international clients. These virtual cards enable users to make online payments without needing a physical card, providing a safe and convenient solution for cross-border transactions.
Payoneer is known for its various fees, including:
- A 1% fee for receiving payments from international clients (via local currency bank transfers) and 3% for payments made through credit cards
- A withdrawal fee of up to 2% for transfers to bank accounts in different currencies, and a flat $1.50 fee for transfers to accounts in the same currency
- A $29.95 annual fee for using virtual dollar cards
Payoneer places a strong emphasis on transaction security, offering two-factor authentication (2FA) to safeguard user accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a one-time code sent to a phone in addition to a password. Payoneer strictly regulates by financial authorities in the U.S., EU, and other regions, contributing to the high level of trust in its services.
Key Features:
- Card Funding Methods:
- Transfers from other Payoneer accounts, which are free of charge
- Bank transfers and ACH payments
- Payments via debit or credit cards, with a 3% fee on the total amount
- Customer Support: Payoneer offers technical support through multiple channels, including phone, chat, and email
- Registration Process: Users first need to register an account on the Payoneer website by selecting their business type and providing basic information about themselves and their income. After registration, they can request a virtual card from the account dashboard. The approval process typically takes a few days
5. Volet
Volet, previously known as ADVcash, is a financial service provider offering a variety of digital financial tools, including virtual cards. It supports multiple currencies such as USD, EUR, and others, catering primarily to individuals and businesses seeking flexible payment solutions for international transactions.
Volet’s virtual dollar cards in Pakistan can be used for online payments. These cards are especially valuable for users needing to make international payments without the need for a physical card. Volet cards are connected to the Volet wallet, allowing users to manage their funds efficiently. For Pakistani users, these cards are particularly appealing due to their ability to convert funds into major currencies like USD and EUR.
Volet is known for its competitive fee structure. Wallet-to-wallet transfers are free of charge, but fees apply for card issuance and other external transactions, depending on the user’s verification status. Verified users enjoy higher transaction, withdrawal, and deposit limits, and Volet does not charge annual maintenance fees for virtual cards.
Volet takes security seriously, using industry-standard encryption technologies and requiring two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure accounts. Verified users also benefit from enhanced transaction limits and security, making financial operations smoother and more secure.
Key Features:
- Funding Options:
- Direct wallet transfers
- Cryptocurrency conversions
- External bank transfers
- Registration Process: To obtain a Volet virtual card, users must first create a Volet wallet account. The process is straightforward and requires basic personal information. However, to access full functionality and higher transaction limits, users must complete an identity verification process, which involves submitting ID documents and passing several checks
- Customer Support: Volet provides support via phone, email, and an online feedback form. However, reviews are mixed, with some users noting delays and inconsistencies in support, especially during verification.
FAQs
A Virtual Dollar Card is like an online-only card you can use to buy things from other countries without a physical card. You get a card number and code, and you use these to shop online. You add money to it from your bank or other digital wallets, and it’s safe because it has extra security checks like a code sent to your phone.
No, there isn’t a direct tax on using these cards, but some small fees might apply, like for changing money to another currency. It’s always good to check with the card provider about any fees.
Cards from PSTNET, Payoneer, and Easypaisa are popular for online shopping and freelance work. They’re easy to use, have low fees, and work well for buying things or getting paid from people in other countries.
Conclusion
To sum up, best virtual dollar cards in Pakistan help people make payments in other countries easily. They avoid high bank fees and long waits. This makes them great for shopping online, working with foreign partners, or freelancing.
These cards have security features to keep your money safe. Extra steps, like codes and passwords, protect against fraud.
The five top providers — PSTNET, Easypaisa, SadaPay, Payoneer, and Volet — are safe and easy to use. Each one has special benefits, like low fees, easy sign-ups, and different ways to add money. These features make it simple for Pakistanis to handle payments outside the country.