03/01/2026
How the MTN Virtual Prepaid Card Works
This product is part of MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) services in Cameroon. It’s a virtual prepaid card linked to your MoMo wallet and backed by Mastercard so you can pay online without needing a traditional bank account.
1. It’s a Virtual Card
You don’t get a physical card. After activating the service, MTN gives you a 16-digit card number + CVV + expiry date (just like a normal debit/credit card but digital only).
2. You Fund It from Your MoMo Wallet
Money must be in your MTN Mobile Money wallet first. Then you load a portion from that wallet onto the virtual card. Only funds on the card are available for online payments — your MoMo balance stays separate until you transfer.
3. Payments Online
You can use the virtual card online anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including:
e-commerce stores
streaming subscriptions (Netflix, Apple services, Spotify, etc.)
software subscriptions (Adobe, Canva, Microsoft)
international platforms (Amazon, Google Play, etc.)
This essentially opens international online commerce to MoMo users without a bank account.
4. Activation & Setup
You generally activate the virtual card via:
*USSD menu (126 #) or
MTN MoMo App
After entering your MoMo PIN, the system sends your virtual card details to your phone instantly.
5. Spending Limits & Security
MTN sets daily spending and load limits, and you’ll only be able to spend up to those limits per card per day. The card supports:
one-time passwords (OTP)
fraud alerts/3D Secure verification
real-time notifications for transactions
You can also block (“freeze”) the card if you suspect fraud.
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What It’s Best For
✔ Online purchases (local & international)
✔ Subscription services
✔ E-commerce where Mastercard is accepted
✔ Buying digital products or services from outside Cameroon
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What It’s Not
❌ You can’t withdraw cash with it (no ATM access).
❌ It’s just for online payments — physical point-of-sale (POS) use depends on merchant acceptance.
❌ You must pre-load it from MoMo — it’s not a credit card.
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Fees (Typical, but check latest MTN rates)
These fees vary and MTN can update them, but common types include:
Card issuance fee charged once when you activate the virtual card.
Transaction fees on payments (set by MTN).
Exchange fees if you pay in a foreign currency.
Check MTN MoMo tariff listings or the app for exact current charges.
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Practical Tips
Always start with small amounts to test before loading large sums.
Keep your MoMo PIN and card details private.
If a payment fails, check limits or whether the merchant accepts virtual Mastercard payments.
