Recently, the virtual card market has been tumultuous. First, WildCard announced a suspension of recharge and refund functions due to policy changes, followed by BinGoCard facing difficulties after its recharge channel via Cloud Flash Payment was closed. For domestic users accustomed to using virtual cards for subscribing to overseas services, shopping, or paying for AI tools, this is undoubtedly bad news. But don’t worry, there are always alternatives in the market! Currently, PokePay and VCard have become new choices for domestic users with their cryptocurrency recharge methods. Let’s discuss the reasons behind these changes and how to find a suitable virtual card alternative.
The "Waterloo" of BinGoCard and WildCard#
BinGoCard was once a favorite among domestic users for a simple reason: it supported Cloud Flash Payment recharge, making it incredibly convenient! Compared to PokePay, VCard, BinPay, or WasabiCard that require dealing with USDT, BinGoCard was almost "zero-threshold." It was issued by CB International Bank LLC in the U.S., backed by VISA, ensuring good security and stability, and allowed one-click subscriptions to ChatGPT Plus, covering overseas consumption scenarios like Midjourney, Netflix, and Spotify. Not to mention, it offered the option to upgrade to a physical card, helping friends with plans in the U.S. build their FICO credit score—truly an all-rounder.
However, good times didn’t last long. On July 17, 2025, BinGoCard's only supported recharge channel via Cloud Flash Payment was closed due to malicious reporting. New users could not open accounts, and existing users could only rely on their balance. Although the official statement mentioned researching ways to purchase foreign exchange through U.S. bank accounts or recharge with overseas funds, there has been no progress so far. Currently, BinGoCard's situation is a bit awkward; users with balances need to spend quickly to avoid future complications.
As for WildCard, the situation is even more complicated. On July 12, the WildCard official website suddenly went "offline," scaring users into thinking it was going to shut down. An announcement on July 13 clarified that it was a server issue, data had been restored, and the website was expected to function normally within 48 hours. By July 14, the official website was indeed accessible, allowing users to check card numbers and CVV, but the recharge and refund functions were still unavailable. The announcement mentioned that due to policy changes from upstream issuing institutions, WildCard's recharge channels were completely blocked; balances could still be used, but no one knows how long that will last. Users are advised to quickly spend their balances on services like Netflix and Spotify that are already linked, rather than waiting for further policy changes.
PokePay and VCard: The Rise of Cryptocurrency Cards#
Since the RMB recharge routes for BinGoCard and WildCard have been blocked, virtual cards supporting RMB recharge have almost disappeared, making cryptocurrency cards the mainstream alternative. Speaking of which, PokePay and VCard are currently the two options worth paying attention to.
PokePay: Flexible and Low Threshold#
PokePay is a global multi-currency payment platform, holding U.S. MSB and Hong Kong MSO financial licenses, ensuring compliance and security. Its PokeCard supports recharge with cryptocurrencies like USDT, USDC, BTC, and ETH, with a virtual card opening fee as low as $20 (even $7.2 during promotions), no annual fee, and a recharge fee of only 1%. PokePay's virtual card is suitable for online consumption, such as ChatGPT Plus, Amazon shopping, and Netflix subscriptions, and can be linked to Google Pay, Apple Pay, and even Alipay HK in Hong Kong. Even more impressive, it has launched a physical card that supports offline POS consumption and ATM withdrawals, covering the global Visa network.
For beginners, PokePay's operation is not too complicated. After registering, users can recharge USDT through platforms like Binance and then transfer it to their PokePay account for quick spending. Although the volatility of cryptocurrencies may be a headache for some users, PokePay's low fees and multi-scenario support have indeed allowed it to establish a foothold in the alternative market.
VCard: Focused on Stability and Convenience#
VCard is another good choice, especially for users who love binge-watching and subscribing to streaming services. VCard is known for its stability and low fees, with a recharge fee of about 1.35%, supporting recharge with cryptocurrencies like USDT, and its operation is also relatively simple. It can easily link to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, providing a smooth online consumption experience. Compared to PokePay, VCard's offline scenarios are slightly weaker, but for players who only want to spend online, it offers great value for money.
VCard also supports linking with Alipay and WeChat Pay, making it suitable for domestic consumption scenarios as well. If you find dealing with cryptocurrencies troublesome, VCard's KYC verification is relatively lenient, allowing you to get started quickly after registration.
Other Options: BinPay and WasabiCard#
In addition to PokePay and VCard, BinPay and WasabiCard are also worth trying. BinPay focuses on cross-border payments, with transparent fees, suitable for users who need to make frequent small transactions. WasabiCard is more flexible, supporting various recharge channels, making it appealing for those who prefer freedom in operations. However, these two are slightly less known in the domestic market, and community feedback is not as abundant as for PokePay and VCard, so it’s advisable to check their official websites for more information.
Tips: How to Choose the Right Virtual Card for You?#
- Clarify Your Needs: If you mainly subscribe to ChatGPT Plus, Midjourney, or streaming services, both PokePay and VCard can meet your needs; for offline spending, PokePay's physical card is more appealing.
- Accept Cryptocurrency: Currently, virtual cards primarily rely on recharge via USDT and other cryptocurrencies, so it's recommended to open an account on Binance first to familiarize yourself with the process.
- Spend Your Balance Quickly: Users of BinGoCard and WildCard should quickly spend their balances and not wait for policies to tighten further.
- Use Referral Codes to Save Money: When registering for BinGoCard, entering "LEIXUE" can reduce the card opening fee by $5. Although Cloud Flash Payment is currently unavailable, who knows if it will be restored?
In Conclusion#
The turbulence in the virtual card market has caught many off guard, but fortunately, cryptocurrency cards like PokePay and VCard have stepped in to fill the gap. Whether it’s for binge-watching overseas dramas, using AI tools, or cross-border shopping, these two can help you manage it all. The lessons from BinGoCard and WildCard also remind us to consider the compliance and risk resilience of the platforms when choosing virtual cards. Act quickly, try out the new cards, and keep your overseas consumption smooth and uninterrupted!