It has become essential to have access to reliable, secure, and cost-effective dollar cards. This is especially true for frequent travellers and people who make many foreign payments. However, cards differ. Fees vary. Some don’t even work in major online stores.
This guide is your go-to resource for navigating the best virtual dollar cards for international spending, freelance work, and seamless online transactions, no matter where you are.
But first, why do freelancers and travellers need virtual dollar cards?
Virtual dollar cards solve some of the most common financial frustrations that come with earning and spending in different currencies. They help avoid double conversion fees when you’re paying online in USD. They’re fast to set up, safer than carrying cash or plastic, and they usually come with easy-to-use mobile apps that let you monitor your spending in real-time. In some cases, they can be a freelancer’s lifeline — especially when receiving international payments from platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or PayPal.
Also read: High-paying remote jobs you can land without experience
When choosing a virtual dollar card, there are a few things you should always look out for: ease of setup, international acceptance (especially by platforms like Amazon, Google, Meta, etc.), competitive fees, transparency, customer support, and compatibility with your local currency or financial apps.
It’s a very saturated market, but here are some of the best virtual dollar cards available today.
Grey offers a virtual dollar card specifically designed for freelancers, remote workers, and international travellers. Once you open a Grey account and verify your identity, you can create a virtual USD card in just a few taps. It’s accepted globally and works seamlessly with online subscriptions, international shopping platforms, and advertising payments. You can fund it directly from your Grey USD balance, and the app gives you full control over how much you spend and where your money goes. Since Grey also gives you access to virtual USD, GBP, and EUR accounts, it’s an all-in-one solution that lets you receive payments from abroad, hold them in foreign currencies, and spend them without unnecessary conversions.
Payoneer has long been a go-to for freelancers working with global clients. When you receive payments through platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, you can request a virtual prepaid Mastercard linked to your USD balance. This card can be used for online purchases and subscriptions, and it supports a variety of international transactions. However, users often report high withdrawal fees and limited support for top-ups outside of receiving funds via Payoneer’s partners. Still, for freelancers working within Payoneer's ecosystem, it remains a solid option.
Wise offers a multi-currency account that supports virtual cards in several major currencies, including USD. You can create and manage your Wise virtual dollar card directly from the app. It allows you to spend directly from your USD balance at competitive exchange rates. Wise is also widely accepted for international payments, and freelancers love it for its transparency and real-time exchange rates. One potential downside is that the virtual card is only available in certain countries, depending on local regulations.
Skrill offers a virtual prepaid Mastercard that links directly to your Skrill account. It can be used for online purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted. Freelancers and crypto enthusiasts often prefer Skrill for its speed and the fact that it supports a wide range of currencies. One downside, however, is that its fees for international transactions and currency conversions can add up quickly if you're not careful. Still, it remains a handy option if you’re already using Skrill to receive freelance income or trade online.
Revolut provides one of the most comprehensive digital banking solutions in Europe and supports virtual cards across multiple currencies. You can hold USD, EUR, and GBP, and instantly create disposable virtual cards for online transactions. These disposable cards help protect against fraud by generating a new card number every time you use them. Freelancers and travellers appreciate the flexibility and security Revolut offers.
Algbra is a digital banking platform that offers ethical financial services, including virtual dollar cards. It supports multi-currency wallets and allows users to shop online, subscribe to digital services, and make international transactions seamlessly. Their card services are built on principles of financial inclusion, and the app comes with strong privacy controls. While still growing in popularity, Algbra has proven to be a solid choice for digital nomads and freelancers who want a fresh, ethical approach to managing money.
Pesa’s virtual dollar card is gaining traction for its simplicity and ability to work across various global platforms. It allows you to top up from your local currency and spend in USD online. It’s especially useful for people who need a quick and reliable way to make international purchases or pay for freelance tools.
Chipper offers a virtual dollar card that’s widely used across several African countries. It’s known for low fees and a straightforward user experience. While it’s mostly popular for payments on platforms like Netflix, Spotify, or Apple, it can also be used by freelancers who earn in USD and want to spend online.
Also read: The best virtual debit cards in India for safe and easy online payments
Getting your Grey USD card is quick and easy. In just a few steps, you can start spending internationally with ease. Here’s how to get started:
Visit Grey’s website or download the mobile app to create an account. You’ll be asked to provide basic personal information like your name, email address, and phone number.
Grey requires KYC verification to keep your account secure and compliant with global regulations. Upload a valid government-issued ID and proof of address. The process is quick. You’ll be notified once it’s complete.
Once verified, you’ll have access to a USD virtual account. Use this to receive international payments or top up your balance from other supported currencies.
Navigate to the “Cards” section in the app or web dashboard. Choose the option to create a USD virtual card. Pay the one-time card creation fee of $4. $1 will also be deducted to fund your card.
You can now use your Grey dollar card to shop online, subscribe to international services, or pay for tools and software.
Also read: Best mobile banking apps for freelancers in Africa
Choosing the right virtual dollar card is just one part of the equation. You also need a reliable way to receive, hold, and convert international payments — and that’s where Grey shines.
With Grey, you access free virtual accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR. These accounts easily allow you to receive payments from clients, employers, and platforms. Once the funds hit your account, you can hold them in their original currency or convert to your local currency at competitive rates — all within the app.
Start managing your international finances smarter. Sign up for Grey today or download the app to create your virtual USD card and enjoy global banking designed to carry your dreams across borders.
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