How to get Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard in Uganda

If you are an Airtel Money user in Uganda looking for a convenient and secure way to make online payments and transactions, you may be interested in getting an Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard.

The Airtel virtual MasterCard works just like your bank-issued debit card, but the main difference is that it is virtual (non-tangible), while the one issued by the bank is physical (tangible).

This virtual card allows you to shop online, pay bills, and make other transactions without carrying a card with you. This article will provide you with an overview of the Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard, including its benefits and how you can quickly obtain one. Keep reading!

Also read; How to keep your credit card safe while shopping online in Uganda

What is Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard?

The Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard is a digital version of a MasterCard debit card that is linked to your Airtel Money account. You can use it to make payments and transactions online just like you would with a physical debit card issued by your bank.

The Airtel Virtual MasterCard is issued by Airtel Uganda in partnership with the global payment processor, MasterCard Inc., and can be used to make payments on any website or platform that accepts MasterCard payments.

The Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard is a debit MasterCard that uses your Airtel Money account as a source of funds. This card allows you to make payments for goods and services online at any website or platform that accepts MasterCard payments, including global e-commerce sites like eBay, Amazon, AliExpress, and Alibaba, as well as local shopping sites like Jumia Uganda.

Also read; How to Shop Online Like a Pro: 10 Expert Tips

Benefits of Using Airtel Money MasterCard in Uganda

Airtel Money MasterCard is a virtual debit card that is provided by Airtel Uganda, one leading mobile network providers in Uganda. With this Airtel Virtual card, you can make secure online payments and shop online on any platform where MasterCard is accepted. Here are three benefits of using Airtel Money MasterCard:

1.  Convenience. You can use the card to make online payments without worrying about carrying a physical card or exposing your personal information to merchants.
2.  Security. The Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard offers a secure way to make payments online, as your card details are not shared with merchants, and you are protected by MasterCard’s Zero Liability policy, which ensures that you are not held responsible for unauthorized transactions on your card.
3.  Wide acceptance. MasterCard, which powers the Airtel Money Virtual card, is accepted by most online merchants globally, making it a convenient and versatile payment option. You can use your card to make transactions or purchases on any platform where MasterCard is accepted.
4.  Enhanced security. Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard offers enhanced security features, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and SMS alerts for every transaction, helping to protect you from fraudulent activity.
5.  Flexibility. Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard allows you to load funds from your Airtel Money account, giving you flexibility in funding your card and managing your finances.
6. Minimal transaction fees. One of the benefits of using the Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard is the low transaction fees, as it only charges UGX 1,000 per transaction. They also have an excellent USD-UGX exchange rate compared to bank-issued debit cards. In addition, there are no monthly or annual fees, so you can enjoy all the benefits of a MasterCard without worrying about additional costs.

Also read; 5 Ways to Shop More Securely Online in Uganda

How to get an Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard in Uganda

Obtaining an Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard is a straightforward process. First, you must have an Airtel Money account and ensure it is active and properly registered. Once you have an active Airtel Money account, you can request a Virtual MasterCard by following these two methods:

Method #1: Using USSD code

Below are the steps to create Airtel Virtual MasterCard using the USSD code.

1. Dial *185# on your phone
2. Select Financial Services from the menu (option 7)
3. Choose Airtel Money MasterCard (option 9)
4. Select Get a Card (option 1)
5. Enter your Airtel Money PIN (note: a fee of UGX 3800 plus 15% tax applies)
6. Wait for approval and receive an SMS with a link to view your card details
7. Click the link and confirm by entering the one-time password (OTP) sent to your phone
8. Once the OTP is confirmed, you will be able to view your Airtel Money Virtual Card details
9. Take a screenshot or copy your card details and keep them safe. Keep your card details private from everyone.

Method #2: Using My Airtel App

To create an Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard using the Airtel Money App, follow these steps:

1. Download the MyAirtel App from the Play Store.
2. Open the app and navigate the “Airtel Money” tab.
3. Enter your Airtel Money PIN, and you will be redirected to the Airtel Money Dashboard.
4. From the Airtel Money dashboard, locate your Airtel Wallet balance and click the MasterCard logo that appears beside it.
5. Re-enter your Airtel Money PIN and click “Proceed” to create a new card. Note that a fee of UGX 3800 plus 15% tax applies.
6. Your new Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard will be displayed within the app, including the card number, expiry date, card name, and security CVV code.
7. Keep this information about your card safe and never share it with anyone.

How to use Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard in Uganda

Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard works in the same way as physical cards. To use the Airtel Money Virtual card, you need to be making a payment on a platform that accepts MasterCard. Merchants usually display the accepted cards on the payment page during checkout. To use the card for online payments or purchases, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the online platform or website where you want to make a purchase or payment, and add the items or services to your cart.
2. At checkout, choose to pay with a MasterCard or credit card.
3. You will be redirected to a secure page where you can enter your Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard details.
4. Enter your name, card number, expiration date, and CVV code. This information can be found on your Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard.
5. Click “Complete Payment” or a similar button. If you have sufficient funds in your Airtel Money account, the payment will be processed, and you will receive a confirmation message.
6. Keep in mind that Airtel Money charges an additional fee of UGX 1,000 for each transaction.
7. Once the payment is complete, you’ll be able to view your transaction history in your Airtel Money account.

Also read; How to Shop Online in Uganda: Step-by-Step Guide

Frequently asked questions about Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard in Uganda.

This section will answer frequently asked questions about Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard. They are as below:

What is MasterCard?

MasterCard is a global financial services company that partners with banks and other financial institutions to issue credit and debit cards. These cards are branded with the MasterCard logo and are accepted by merchants worldwide as a form of payment. MasterCard is one of the top 3 credit card brands recognized by merchants globally.

What is Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard?

Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard is a digital version of a MasterCard debit card that is linked to your Airtel Money account. You can use it to make payments and transactions online just like you would with a physical debit card issued by your bank.

How do I get an Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard?

You can get an Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard by dialing *185*7# and following the prompts to create a card or by downloading the MyAirtel app and following the prompts to create a card within the app.

How do I use Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard?

To use Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard, go to any website or platform that accepts MasterCard payments and select the option to pay with a MasterCard. Enter your card details, including the card number, expiration date, and CVV code, and complete the payment.

Is Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard accepted everywhere?

Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard is accepted at any website or platform that accepts MasterCard payments.

Is Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard secure?

Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard is a secure way to make payments online, as your card details are not shared with merchants, and you are protected by MasterCard’sMasterCard’s Zero Liability policy. Also, the card offers enhanced security features such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and SMS alerts for every transaction.

Are there any fees associated with using Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard?

Airtel Money charges a fee of UGX 1,000 on every transaction made with the card. There are no monthly or annual fees associated with the card.

How do I load funds onto my Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard?

The Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard is a debit card that does not need top-ups as it is linked directly to your Airtel Money wallet. As long as there is enough balance on your Airtel Money account and the card details supplied are correct, the transaction will go through. If you try to make any payment that exceeds what is available in your Airtel Money wallet balance, the transaction will fail due to insufficient funds.

What is the difference between Airtel Money virtual MasterCard card and a physical card?

The Physical card is a tangible card that can be used to swipe in shops with MasterCard POS machines and withdraw money from MasterCard-accepted ATMs. On the other hand, the Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard is not tangible and can only be used for online payments on sites or apps that accept MasterCard.

I forgot my Airtel Money Card details; how do I retrieve them?

Follow the steps below to retrieve your Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard details:

• Dial *185*7#
• Select Airtel Virtual MasterCard
• Select “My Card Details”
• You will receive an SMS with a link to retrieve your card details.
• Enter the OTP to view the card

How do I delete my Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard?

Follow the steps below to delete your Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard:

• Dial *185*7#
• Select Airtel Virtual MasterCard
• Select “Delete Card”
• Enter Airtel Money PIN to confirm
• You will receive an SMS notification telling you about the deleted card

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard is a convenient and secure option for online payments and transactions in Uganda. It allows users to make payments on any platform that accepts MasterCard and offers enhanced security features such as two-factor authentication and SMS alerts. The card is easy to obtain through the Airtel Money App or USSD codes and comes with low transaction fees and no monthly or annual fees. Whether shopping online or paying bills, the Airtel Money Virtual MasterCard is a reliable and flexible choice for managing your finances.

Also read;

• How to Shop Online in Uganda without a Credit Card
• Top 7 Payment Methods for Online Shopping in Uganda
• How to stay safe while shopping online in Uganda
• Debit Card vs Credit Card: What’s the Difference?