How to Get a Visa Card in Kenya Online

Getting a Visa card in Kenya has never been easier because now you can apply for it online easily. If you have been wondering how to get a visa card online in Kenya, the process is simple, and in some cases, you can even start for free.

If you prefer a physical Kenya visa card or a virtual one for your online transaction, there are fintech company apps and banks you can use to apply and obtain one without having to wait in line in a banking hall.

In this tutorial, we’re going to demystify everything you’d like to know about visa card application Kenya – ranging from step-by-step guide, requirements, and banks issuing them, to methods of getting a visa card in Kenya for free online. Let’s get started.

1What is a Visa Card and Why Do You Need One in Kenya?

2Visa Card Application Requirements in Kenya

3How to Get a Visa Card in Kenya Online

4Types of Visa Cards Available in Kenya

4.11. Debit Visa Card

4.22. Credit Visa Card

4.33. Prepaid Visa Card

4.44. Virtual Visa Card Kenya

5Banks and Apps Providing Visa Cards in Kenya

6How to Get a Visa Card in Kenya Online for Free

7Advantages of Having a Visa Card in Kenya

8Virtual Visa Card Kenya: How It Works

9Visa Card Application Kenya: Charges and Fees

10Tips to Secure and Manage Your Visa Card in Kenya

11How to Get a Credit Card in Kenya using M-Pesa

12FAQs on Visa Card Kenya

13Conclusion

14References

15Recommendations

What is a Visa Card and Why Do You Need One in Kenya?

Visa card is an internationally acceptable payment card supported by banks and financial institutions. It is managed under the Visa network and can be utilized in millions of establishments worldwide.

A Visa card, for a Kenyan, is not just a money-making tool—it’s a key to convenience. With a Visa card Kenya, you can:

Shop online on portals like Jumia, Amazon, and AliExpress.
Pay for subscription services like Netflix, Spotify, Showmax, and Apple Music.
Book travel tickets, hotels, or even purchase Safaricom Home Fibre.
Withdraw Kenyan and foreign ATM cash.
Be paid and transfer money easily.

The best part about Visa is that it offers physical cards (which you can store in your wallet) and virtual Visa cards Kenya which are only found on the internet but may be used for online payments.

Visa Card Application Requirements in Kenya

You require some basic things before you apply. Thankfully, a majority of banks and fintech apps have made it simple. Here is what you require for visa card application Kenya:

National ID card or Passport – You must be 18 years and older.

Bank account or purse – The majority of the cards are linked to your bank account. Without one, you can opt for prepaid or virtual cards like M-Pesa GlobalPay.

Passport photo – The bank may request it in case of issuing a physical card.

Residence proof – This would be a utility bill, tenancy agreement, or KRA PIN for some institutions.

Minimum balance or deposit – Your bank can require you to fund your account to have the card become active.

The following is a simple step-by-step guide on how to get a Visa card Kenya online:

1. Choose your provider – Think about whether you want a bank card, prepaid visa, or a virtual visa card Kenya.

2. Visit their website or download the app – e.g. KCB App, Equity EazzyBanking App, or M-Pesa App.

3. Fill in the online application form – Your name, ID number, phone number, and email.

4. Attach supporting documents – A scan of your ID or passport.

5. Select the card type that you would like – Debit, prepaid, credit, or virtual.

6. Wait for approval – Virtual cards are instant, while physical cards may take a few days to be printed and delivered.

7. Activate and start using – For virtual cards, you’ll get the card number, CVV, and expiry date instantly. For physical cards, you’ll activate using an ATM or mobile app.

That’s it—you’re ready to start transacting.

Also Read – How to Apply For Personal Grants Online For Free in Kenya

Types of Visa Cards Available in Kenya

When going through the visa card application Kenya process, you’ll come across different types of cards. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Debit Visa Card

Linked directly to your bank account.
Money is deducted immediately after each transaction.
Common with Equity, KCB, Co-op, and Absa.

2. Credit Visa Card

Works on a “buy now, pay later” model.
Comes with monthly limits and repayment terms.
Best for salaried individuals or those with good credit history

3. Prepaid Visa Card

Not attached to your primary account.
You fund money first before spending it.
Ideal for travel or budgeting.

4. Virtual Visa Card Kenya

Available only online.
It comes with an expiry date, CVV, and card number.
Ideal for international subscriptions and online shopping.

Banks and Apps Providing Visa Cards in Kenya

Below are some of the top choices where you can apply online for a Visa card Kenya:

Equity Bank – Visa debit, credit, and virtual cards.
KCB Bank – Visa debit card, prepaid card, and credit card.
Co-op Bank – Range of Visa cards including business cards.
Absa Kenya – Has Visa credit cards and debit cards.
NCBA Loop – New mobile banking app with Visa card features.
M-Pesa GlobalPay – Virtual Visa card directly linked to your M-Pesa wallet.

How to Get a Visa Card in Kenya Online for Free

Not everyone is willing to pay the cost of card issuance. The good news is that you can get a free Visa card in Kenya online:

M-Pesa GlobalPay Virtual Visa Card – Totally free to make within the M-Pesa App. Perfect for Netflix, Amazon, and international shopping.

NCBA Loop – Sometimes offers free virtual Visa cards when registering.

Bank offers – KCB and Equity occasionally offer issuance fees to encourage more people to adopt online payments.

Fintech apps – Apps like PayPal Kenya collaborate with banks to issue feeless linked Visa cards.

Free alternatives are mostly virtual cards. Physical cards carry a low issuance fee from banks.

Advantages of Having a Visa Card in Kenya

Why get one in the first place? Here’s why:

Shop worldwide – Pay on Amazon, Alibaba, or Jumia Global.
Stream and subscribe – Stream Netflix, Spotify, Showmax, and more.
Travel convenience – Book hotels and flights online.
Safe payments – Visa cards are accepted everywhere as safe.
Budgeting management – Prepaid and virtual cards help manage how much you pay.
Mobile money compatibility – Compatible with M-Pesa and banking apps.

Also Read – 15 Online Surveys in Kenya That Pay Through Mpesa

Virtual Visa Card Kenya: How It Works

Virtual visa card Kenya is the fastest to obtain. It doesn’t come in plastic. You receive the card number, CVV, and expiry date digitally instead.

You may use it for:

Shopping online.
Online ad payment.
Subscription to entertainment services.
Booking flights or hotels.

For example, the M-Pesa GlobalPay Virtual Visa card allows you to pay directly from your M-Pesa wallet to overseas merchants. You can create it instantly in the M-Pesa Super App.

Visa Card Application Kenya: Charges and Fees

Visa card fees in Kenya vary depending on the bank. Common fees include:

Issuance fee – Usually Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000 for physical cards. Virtual cards may be free.
Annual fees – Between Ksh 300 – Ksh 1,200 depending on the card type.
ATM cash withdrawal fees – Around Ksh 30 – Ksh 50 per withdrawal.
Overseas transaction fees – Typically 3% of the amount.
Replacement fee – In case you misplace your card, most banks will charge between Ksh 500 – Ksh 1,000.

Also Read – Latest on how to Apply for a Passport Online in Kenya

Tips to Secure and Manage Your Visa Card in Kenya

Keep SMS and email notifications permanently enabled in order to monitor transactions.
Never share your PIN, CVV, or OTP with anyone.
Create a virtual visa card Kenya to utilize while buying goods online in order to minimize fraud exposures.
Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
Review your statement from time to time to detect fraudulent transactions.

How to Get a Credit Card in Kenya using M-Pesa

Safaricom has made it possible to leverage your M-Pesa balance as a Visa card directly using the M-Pesa GlobalPay Virtual Visa card. It’s not a credit card, but it makes it possible to spend on overseas platforms without even having a bank account.

Here’s how you do it:

Click the Grow tab.

Click M-PESA GlobalPay

Click Activate to see your M-PESA GlobalPay virtual Visa card.

Select Color or Image to customize your card.

Enter your M-Pesa PIN.

With this, you can pay for your Netflix, Amazon, or even overseas courses. Safaricom withdraws cash from your M-Pesa account on payment.

For traditional credit cards, you will need to go to banks like KCB, Equity, or Absa. They will check your credit record, income level, and will require supporting documents.

FAQs on Visa Card Kenya

How do I get a Visa card in Kenya online?

You can get one via your bank app, fintech, or M-Pesa Super App.

Can I get a Visa card in Kenya online for free?

Yes, especially virtual ones like M-Pesa GlobalPay.

What is the best virtual Visa card in Kenya?

The M-Pesa GlobalPay virtual Visa is the most convenient one so far.

How long does it take to get a Visa card in Kenya?

Virtual cards are instant, while physical ones take 3–7 days.

Conclusion

You now understand how to get a visa card in Kenya online effortlessly. Either you want a physical card, a prepaid card, or a virtual visa card Kenya, it is easy and quick.

Some of them are free, like the M-Pesa GlobalPay card, while others charge low fees.

With the right Visa card Kenya, you are offered the convenience of online shopping, international payments, secure transactions, and easy money management.

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