Airtel to Introduce Virtual Card in Kenya for Global Payments
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Airtel Money is planning to introduce a Mastercard-powered virtual card in Kenya, expanding the mobile-money provider’s services into international online payments.
According to the company, the planned Global Pay Card will allow customers to make online payments directly using funds held in their Airtel Money wallets.
The move comes as mobile-money services increasingly expand beyond local payments into international shopping, digital subscriptions and other online services.
Airtel Expands International Payment Services
With the card, customers can make international online payments to merchants and digital platforms that accept Mastercard.
This could give users access to a wider range of international websites and digital services without necessarily requiring a traditional bank card.
Airtel Money Global Pay Card will be used to pay for services such as Netflix, Spotify, Amazon and other international platforms that accept Mastercard.
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Meanwhile, Airtel has not yet announced an official launch date for the Airtel Money Global Pay Card in Kenya but the service is already available in Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania.
The planned Kenyan launch follows the rollout of the Airtel Money Global Pay Card in other African markets.
According to Airtel, more than 875,000 cards have been issued across the markets where the product is currently available since its launch in 2025.
The existing rollout gives Airtel experience with using mobile-money wallets to facilitate international card payments as the company prepares to expand the service to additional markets.
How to Pay Using a Global Mastercard-Powered Virtual Card
To make an online payment with a Mastercard-powered virtual card, the following are the steps to follow:
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- Open your provider’s app and go to the Cards/Global Pay section.
- Access your card details using your PIN and note the 16-digit card number, expiry date, and CVV.
- Go to the website or app where you want to make a purchase or payment.
- At checkout, select Mastercard as your payment method.
- Enter your virtual card details, including the card number, expiry date, and CVV.
- Confirm the payment and complete any required verification.
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Airtel Kenya Ltd headquarters located along Mombasa Road, Nairobi. PHOTO/NMG