How to pay for subscriptions in US dollars from Ghana

Adeolu Titus Adekunle

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Being able to pay for subscriptions in US dollars from Ghana without worrying about currency conversion fees, card declines, or regional restrictions is a big flex. Many international platforms require you to pay subscriptions in USD, and many local banks don’t support USD payments. So, you can have the money to pay for a course on Udemy, but still struggle with finding the right payment option.

With emerging fintech solutions like Grey now offering virtual USD cards and US bank accounts, you can now enjoy a seamless payment experience when managing your subscriptions. This guide shows you how to pay for subscriptions in USD from Ghana.

Popular platforms requiring USD payments

From entertainment and productivity to e-commerce, cloud services and edtech, many global platforms popular in Ghana charge in USD.

Streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Disney+
Creative and productivity tools: Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva Pro, Microsoft 365
E-commerce and marketplaces: Amazon Prime, Shopify, GoDaddy
Educational platforms: Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare
Cloud and AI tools: Google Workspace, Dropbox, ChatGPT Plus

It is often difficult to find a payment method that supports USD payments on many of these platforms. This is where a versatile payment solution like Grey comes in to help you streamline your subscriptions.

Common challenges with USD subscription payments in Ghana

Subscribing to global platforms from Ghana often involves many hurdles. Here are some of the common frustrations you may encounter when managing USD subscription payments in Ghana.

Unreliable transactions: Payments may fail due to bank restrictions or automated fraud detection systems. Even with successful initial payments, you may still face declines in future subscriptions due to bank policies or automated systems. This is why a payment option you might have been using before can suddenly stop working.
Card rejections: Many local debit or credit cards are declined for international or recurring USD payments due to compatibility issues.
High conversion fees: Traditional banks and payment platforms charge high exchange rates and hidden fees when converting GHS to USD.
Geo-restrictions: Some services require US-based cards or addresses. This essentially limits access for Ghanaian users.

Options for paying USD subscriptions from Ghana

Several methods can help Ghanaians pay for USD subscriptions. Below are the most effective options:

1. Grey’s virtual USD card and account

Grey provides a seamless way to manage USD subscriptions with the following features:

Virtual USD card: This versatile virtual debit card is accepted by most global platforms, bypassing geo-restrictions and card incompatibility. It supports one-time and recurring payments.
USD account: Allows funding via bank transfers or mobile money, with competitive exchange rates and low fees.
Transparent pricing: Grey tells you how much a transaction will cost before you proceed. There are no hidden fees.
Platform compatibility: Works seamlessly with streaming, productivity, and educational platforms.

2. International bank cards

Some Ghanaian banks offer USD-denominated debit or credit cards for international transactions. However, these often come with:

High transaction fees
Unfavourable exchange rates for GHS to USD conversions
Potential declines for recurring payments due to bank restrictions

3. Third-party payment services

Services like Payoneer or Wise offer USD accounts and virtual cards:

Payoneer: Provides a USD account and card for international payments. Fees can be high, and setup may take longer.
Wise: Offers a multi-currency account with a USD virtual card. Competitive exchange rates, but requires funding from a bank account, which may involve local bank fees.

Why Grey stands out

Grey is a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for USD subscription payments in Ghana. Users enjoy:

Global acceptance: Grey’s US bank accounts and virtual USD cards integrate well with major platforms, so users are not worried about failed transactions.
Low fees: Competitive exchange rates and minimal transaction costs compared to other payment options that may even have hidden fees. Traditional banks in Ghana that offer USD cards and accounts may also charge card maintenance fees, among other fees.
Ease of use: Quick setup and management via mobile app.
Reliability: Ensures consistent payments for recurring subscriptions without interruptions.

Step-by-step guide to paying for USD subscriptions with Grey

Here’s how to use Grey to pay for subscriptions in USD from Ghana:

Sign up for Grey

Visit Grey’s website or download the Grey app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Register with your name, email, and phone number.

Verify your identity

Complete the KYC process by submitting a valid Ghanaian ID (passport, driver’s license, or voter ID) and proof of address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement).

Open a USD account

Request a USD account through the Grey app or website. You’ll receive US bank account details (account number, routing number) for international transactions.

Create a virtual USD card

In the Grey app, navigate to the “Card” section, pay a $4 one-time card creation fee, and fund the card with at least $1 to activate it.

Fund your account

Deposit money into your Grey USD account using any of the funding methods. Then fund your card from your USD account.

Pay for subscriptions

Use the Grey virtual USD card to pay for your subscription by entering the card details at checkout for one-time or recurring payments. Some platforms also allows you pay via bank transfer.

Seamless USD subscription payments with Grey

Grey offers a reliable and affordable solution to streamline USD subscription payments. This solution is ideal for Ghanaians looking to pay for USD subscriptions without the usual frustrations. Whether you’re streaming on Spotify, working with Adobe, or learning on Udemy, Grey’s virtual USD card and account ensure smooth, affordable, and reliable payments.

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