Your Guide To M-PESA GlobalPay: Virtual Visa, Online Shopping, And More
For years,Kenyans have struggled to pay for various international services like NetFlix,AliExpress,or Canva.Traditional bank cards were not only expensive but also hard to access.But now,Safaricom M-PESA's GlobalPay Virtual Visa Cards has changed the game,allowing anyone with an M-PESA Account to shop and access services globally.
This guide simply breaks down how M-PESA GlobalPay works,how to activate it,where to use it,and how it compares to other virtual cards.
What Is M-PESA GlobalPay
M-PESA GlobalPay is a virtual Visa card linked directly to an M-PESA wallet.Launched in August 2022,GlobalPay simply allows you to make all payments or transactions on international platforms that accept a traditional Visa Card,but without needing a physical card or a bank account.
GlobalPay's Key Features
- Virtual Visa Card - no physical or plastic card,just digital card details.
- Linked to M-PESA - Funds get deducted instantly from your wallet,just like any M-PESA transaction.
- International Use Only - GlobalPay is mostly appropriate for global sites like Amazon,Netflix,Canva and AliExpress.
- No monthly fee - Users do not incur a monthly fee,rather a fee when they use GlobalPay for transactions.
Launched in partnership with VISA,GlobalPay is Safaricom's answer to the growing demand for global access among Kenyan Users.
How To Activate Your M-PESA GlobalPay Card
Setting up your virtual VISA with M-PESA GlobalPay takes less than 5 minutes.There are 2 ways of activating GlobalPay,using USSD if you do not have access to an Android or iOS Smartphone or using the M-PESA app if you do.Let's start with the USSD way.
Activation Via USSD
You can simply activate your M-PESA GlobalPay via USSD using the following steps
- Dial *334# on your Safaricom line
- Select "Financial Services"
- Choose "GlobalPay"
- Follow the prompts to activate the virtual VISA card
- You will receive your card details via SMS
Activation Via M-PESA Mobile App
- Download the M-PESA App from Google Play or App Store
- Log in using your Safaricom number
- Tap "Global Pay" under the "Global Payments" or "Service Tab"
- Follow prompts to activate your virtual VISA card
- Receive your virtual card details: card number,expiry date,and CVV
The app has the added visual advantage by displaying the M-PESA VISA card details visually.You can now use these details to shop online just like any VISA card holder.
Due to the nature of software services,this steps are subject to change and might be different in future updates made by Safaricom.Visit M-PESA or Safaricom sites to learn the latest updates and features of M-PESA GlobalPay
Where Can You Use M-PESA GlobalPay?
Global Pay works just like a traditional physical bank card,hence it can be used on any website or global platform that accepts VISA.Here are popular platforms that Kenyans can use:
| Platform | Use Case | Works with GlobalPay? |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Streaming,VOD platform | ✅Yes |
| Canva Pro | Design tools | ✅Yes |
| AliExpress | Online Shopping Platform | ✅Yes |
| Amazon | Global e-commerce | ✅Yes |
| Coursera/Udemy | Online Courses | ✅Yes |
| Spotify Premium | Music Streaming | ✅Yes |
| Google Play | App/In-App Purchases | ✅Yes |
For local sites like Jumia or Naivas,continue using Lipa Na M-PESA
Pros And Cons of M-PESA Global Pay
Let us take a look at the various pros and cons of using M-PESA Global Pay.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to activate | Only works on international sites |
| No bank account needed | Recurring bills may not work consistently |
| Instant M-PESA deductions | Limited to VISA supported platforms |
| Secure and PIN protected | No physical card for in-person use |
| Great for free-lancers | No cashback or reward program |
Real World Examples
Student In Nairobi
A university student in Nairobi uses GlobalPay to pay for Canva Pro and Coursera Courses.She activates the card via the M-PESA app and pays KSh 1,200 monthly,without the need of a bank account.
Hustler In Thika
A digital seller uses GlobalPay to order packaging material via AliExpress.He pays KSh 3,500 using his M-PESA balance and receives the goods in 3 weeks.
This are just a few instances where GlobalPay comes in handy,you can find countless other scenarios where GlobalPay is useful and gets frequently used.
How Does GlobalPay Compare To Other Virtual Cards?
GlobalPay is not the only Virtual Card service provider,there is NCBA Loop,Chipper,and Eversend.Let's look how GlobalPay stacks up against them.
| Feature | GlobalPay | NCBA Loop | Chipper Cash | Eversend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activation | M-PESA App | Loop App | Chipper App | Eversend App |
| Linked To | M-PESA Wallet | Loop Account | Chipper Wallet | Eversend Wallet |
| International Use | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Local Use | ❌ No | ✅ Optional | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Physical Card | ❌ No | ✅ Optional | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Recurring Payments | ❌ Limited (some platforms may work) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Fees | None per month | Varies | None | None |
Verdict: GlobalPay is perfect for one-time international purchases and Payments.For recurring bills or local use,alternatives such as Loop or Chipper may offer more flexibility.
To learn more about Virtual Cards read this blog post Virtual Cards In Kenya: What They Are And How To Use Them For Online Payments And Subscriptions
Smart Tips For Using Global Pay
- Keep your M-PESA wallet balance topped up before initiating any transactions.
- Use Global Pay for subscriptions,shopping,and digital tools,and leave local payments for alternatives such as loop
- Keep your card details private and avoid sharing them.Treat it as you would a physical card.
- Track your GlobalPay expenditure using M-PESA payments SMS or the M-PESA App.
- Use GlobalPay to build a digital footprint,this is useful for freelancers and online gig workers
Conclusion
M-PESA GlobalPay is a game-changer for Kenyans who want to shop,learn,and work online.It removes barriers,no bank accounts,no paperwork and no waiting.With just your phone and M-PESA,you can access Global Platforms and services safely and instantly.
This post is for educational purposes only. Terms and conditions may change. Always confirm details with Safaricom or Visa before activating or using your virtual card.