OpenAI API, as one of the most advanced artificial intelligence interfaces currently available, is widely used in the development of AI chatbots, intelligent customer service, text analysis, automated writing, and other fields. However, since OpenAI currently only supports international credit cards (such as Visa and MasterCard) for top-ups, domestic users generally face difficulties in recharging. So, how can domestic users successfully recharge their OpenAI API accounts? If domestic credit cards cannot be used, what should be done? This article will provide detailed answers.
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1. Introduction to OpenAI API Recharge Methods#
Currently, OpenAI API mainly supports binding credit cards for billing, using a pre-authorization deduction model. This means that after you bind your credit card, OpenAI will first conduct a small deduction test (usually $5 or $10) to ensure that your credit card can make payments normally, and then will charge based on actual usage.
The main methods for recharging OpenAI include:
- International credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
- Virtual credit cards (suitable for domestic users)
- Some bank cards that support foreign currency payments (a few domestic dual-currency credit cards may be available)
Since OpenAI currently does not support Alipay, WeChat Pay, or single-currency credit cards issued by domestic banks, domestic users often face failed binding payment situations.
2. Reasons Domestic Credit Cards Cannot Recharge OpenAI API#
1. OpenAI Restricts Payments from Mainland China#
OpenAI currently does not have official payment channels open for users in mainland China, and most credit cards issued domestically cannot be verified through OpenAI binding, even some dual-currency credit cards may fail due to risk control reasons.
2. Risk Control Restrictions from Domestic Banks#
Domestic banks have strict risk control for overseas payments, and many banks will default to intercept transactions related to big data or AI from OpenAI, resulting in failed credit card deductions.
3. Credit Cards Need International Payment Functionality#
OpenAI only accepts credit cards from international payment networks such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, while most domestic bank cards only support UnionPay. Even dual-currency credit cards may sometimes be subject to dual restrictions from banks and OpenAI, leading to unsuccessful deductions.
4. Pre-Authorization Failure#
OpenAI requires credit cards for pre-authorization (usually deducting $5 for verification), and some domestic credit cards may reject this type of pre-authorization transaction, resulting in binding failure.
3. How Can Domestic Users Successfully Recharge OpenAI API?#
To address the issue of domestic credit cards being unable to recharge OpenAI API, it is recommended to use virtual credit cards for payment. Among them, WildCard, a virtual credit card service specifically designed for domestic users, has successfully helped many users complete OpenAI API recharges. Here are the detailed steps.
1. Apply for WildCard Virtual Credit Card#
WildCard is a virtual credit card platform designed for domestic users, supporting Alipay and WeChat top-ups, and can successfully bind to OpenAI API for stable deductions.
WildCard Official Website:#
https://leixue.com/go/wildcard (Enjoy a discount on card opening through the link or invitation code "LEIXUE")
Advantages of WildCard:#
- Supports OpenAI API, ChatGPT Plus subscriptions, with a high success rate for payments
- Supports Alipay and WeChat top-ups, no need for foreign currency accounts
- No complicated review, available for use upon registration
- Can freely manage multiple virtual cards, suitable for different purposes
2. WildCard Binding OpenAI API Recharge Tutorial#
(1) Register and Activate WildCard Virtual Card#
- Visit WildCard Official Website, register an account (supports domestic phone numbers)
- Choose a suitable card opening package (2 years or 3 years), with low card opening fees
- After completing personal information, pay the card opening fee to obtain virtual credit card information (card number, CVV, security code, etc.)
(2) Recharge WildCard Account#
- Go to the WildCard personal center and select the Recharge option
- Recharge the virtual card account via Alipay / WeChat (it is recommended to recharge $25 for the first time to ensure sufficient balance)
- After the recharge is credited, you can start using the virtual credit card for payments
(3) Bind WildCard Virtual Credit Card to OpenAI API#
- Log in to OpenAI account (https://platform.openai.com/)
- Go to the Billing page and click “Add Payment Method”
- Enter the credit card information provided by WildCard (card number, expiration date, CVV security code, etc.)
- After submission, OpenAI may conduct a $5 pre-authorization deduction (which will be refunded later), wait for successful binding
- Once binding is complete, you can normally use OpenAI API and be charged based on actual usage
4. Common Questions About Using WildCard to Pay for OpenAI API#
1. What to do if OpenAI recharge fails?#
- Ensure that there is sufficient balance in the WildCard account (it is recommended to recharge $25 for the first time to prevent pre-authorization failure)
- Check if the credit card information is filled in correctly
- If payment fails, try changing the OpenAI account or contact customer service to investigate the reason
2. Can WildCard be used for a long time after opening the card?#
- WildCard adopts a long-term valid model, and can be used for a long time after opening the card
- Balance can be recharged at any time, supporting payments for OpenAI API, ChatGPT Plus, and other overseas platform subscriptions
3. After binding WildCard, how does OpenAI billing work?#
- OpenAI uses pay-as-you-go billing, charging based on the actual API call volume each month
- After successful binding, OpenAI will automatically deduct the corresponding fees from the WildCard account
5. Conclusion#
For domestic users, the best way to recharge OpenAI API is to use WildCard virtual credit card. Since domestic credit cards cannot make direct payments, WildCard provides a stable, high success rate payment solution and supports Alipay and WeChat top-ups, greatly lowering the usage threshold.
If you want to successfully bind OpenAI API and recharge, it is recommended to use WildCard virtual credit card:#
📌 WildCard Official Website: https://leixue.com/go/wildcard (Enjoy a discount on card opening through the link or invitation code "LEIXUE")
In just a few minutes, you can easily obtain a virtual credit card that supports OpenAI API recharges and successfully complete the payment binding, solving the problem of domestic credit cards being unable to recharge!