ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI API, and other overseas AI services have become daily tools for many domestic users. Due to restrictions on domestic payment channels, traditional bank cards find it difficult to directly subscribe to these services, making virtual credit cards an ideal choice to bypass payment barriers. WildCard was once favored by domestic users for its convenient Alipay/WeChat top-up method, but starting from July 12, 2025, WildCard has gradually suspended top-up, withdrawal, registration, and subscription functions in cooperation with relevant departments for investigation, ultimately leading to old users being unable to log in to the backend and their balances being unusable. Although WildCard's official statement claims it has not "run away," the likelihood of resuming normal operations is slim, forcing users to seek alternatives.
Among many virtual cards, PokePay, VCard, Dupay, and WasabiCard are recommended as alternatives to WildCard. These virtual cards require top-ups via cryptocurrency USDT, which can be purchased through exchanges like OKX, Binance, Huobi HTX, or Gate. Although the operation of USDT is slightly more complex compared to WildCard's Alipay top-up, its security and stability can better avoid regulatory risks associated with domestic payment channels. This article will focus on comparing PokePay and VCard, analyzing their pros and cons, and exploring other alternative options to help users choose the most suitable virtual card.
PokePay: Flexible and Low Threshold, Suitable for Small and Multi-Scenario Consumption#
PokePay is a Visa virtual credit card settled in Hong Kong dollars, with the biggest highlight being no minimum top-up or consumption requirements, making it particularly suitable for users making small transactions. For example, subscribing to ChatGPT Plus (20 USD per month) or services like Netflix only requires topping up the corresponding amount, without worrying about idle balances. PokePay supports top-ups in various cryptocurrencies, including USDT, BTC, ETH, etc., with flexible operations covering a wide range of consumption scenarios, such as cross-border e-commerce and AI services like Amazon, eBay, and Midjourney. PokePay also offers a physical card option, supporting ATM withdrawals and offline POS consumption, making it particularly suitable for cryptocurrency users to use crypto assets for daily expenses.
The registration process for PokePay is simple; users can register using an email or phone number on the official website and enter an invitation code (e.g., 165255) to enjoy a card activation discount. When topping up, users need to purchase USDT from exchanges like OKX or Binance, copy the wallet address provided by PokePay, and complete the transfer. The activation fee for PokePay's virtual card is as low as 7.2 USD (original price 20 USD), with no monthly or annual fees, transparent transaction fees, and the balance can be withdrawn back to the crypto wallet at any time, ensuring high liquidity.
VCard: Backed by a Public Company, High Cost-Performance for Online Consumption#
VCard is supported by a publicly traded company in the United States, emphasizing low fees and domestic consumption friendliness. VCard supports top-ups in cryptocurrencies like USDT and BTC and can be directly linked to Alipay and WeChat for domestic consumption, while also being compatible with overseas services like ChatGPT Plus and OpenAI API. Compared to PokePay, VCard's offline functionality is slightly weaker, as it currently does not support ATM withdrawals or POS consumption, but its online payment stability is high, making it particularly suitable for users primarily focused on subscription services. A unique feature of VCard is that it can be used for subscription cards without KYC verification, making it suitable for privacy-conscious users, although advanced features may require identity verification.
The top-up process for VCard is similar to PokePay; users need to purchase USDT from platforms like Huobi HTX or Gate and then transfer it to the VCard wallet. VCard's fee structure is relatively simple, with a low monthly limit, making it suitable for small users, but it may be slightly restrictive for high-frequency users. Community feedback for VCard indicates a high payment success rate and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for beginners unfamiliar with cryptocurrencies.
PokePay vs VCard: Which One is More Suitable for You?#
- Flexibility and Scenarios: PokePay supports multiple online and offline consumption scenarios, and its physical card feature makes it more suitable for cryptocurrency users with cash withdrawal or cross-border payment needs. VCard focuses on online consumption, with easier binding to domestic payment platforms, making it suitable for users primarily subscribing to ChatGPT Plus or OpenAI API.
- Fees and Thresholds: PokePay has no minimum top-up requirement, low activation fees, and overall cost advantages. VCard also has low fees, but the limits on subscription cards may restrict high-frequency users.
- Ease of Operation: Both require USDT for top-ups; PokePay's physical card application process is slightly more complex, while VCard's no KYC option is more beginner-friendly.
- Stability and Security: PokePay holds MSB and MSO licenses in the U.S. and Hong Kong, ensuring strong compliance, and community tests show excellent payment stability. VCard is backed by a public company, ensuring security, but its offline functionality is weaker.
Other Alternative Options: Dupay and WasabiCard#
- Dupay: As a "big brother" in the virtual card market, Dupay supports Visa and MasterCard, compatible with services like ChatGPT Plus and OpenAI, and can be linked to Alipay/WeChat. However, it has experienced service interruptions due to system maintenance, slightly affecting trust, and is recommended as a backup card.
- WasabiCard: Focused on anonymity, suitable for privacy-seeking users, supporting services like ChatGPT Plus, but with weaker community support, making it suitable for advanced users familiar with cryptocurrencies.
USDT Top-Up Tutorial and Suggestions#
Since PokePay, VCard, and others require USDT top-ups, users can enter the USDT purchase portal to access OKX, Binance, Huobi HTX, or Gate. After registering and completing KYC verification, choose Alipay or WeChat to purchase USDT. It is recommended to top up 25-30 USDT for the first time to cover the 20 USD monthly fee for ChatGPT Plus and possible pre-authorization fees. After purchasing, copy the wallet address of the virtual card platform, choose a low-fee network like TRC20 for the transfer, which should arrive within 5-10 minutes.
To reduce the risk of a single platform, it is recommended to adopt a combination strategy of VCard + PokePay, using the balance immediately after top-up to avoid long-term storage of large amounts of funds. When using, it is recommended to pair with a U.S. IP to improve payment success rates.
Summary#
PokePay, with its flexibility and multi-scenario support, has become the best alternative to WildCard, suitable for small transactions and cryptocurrency users; VCard excels with low fees and domestic payment friendliness, suitable for online subscription needs. Dupay and WasabiCard serve as backup options for specific scenarios. Regardless of which virtual card is chosen, completing the top-up through the USDT purchase portal is a key step. While the suspension of WildCard is regrettable, the emergence of PokePay and VCard provides domestic users with reliable ways to continue enjoying overseas services like ChatGPT Plus. Try PokePay or VCard now to start a seamless AI experience!