Cardtonic has introduced a Platinum virtual card that enables global contactless payments both online and at physical points of sale. The new card supports tap-to-pay transactions through mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. This product move extends the utility of virtual cards beyond online transactions and aligns Cardtonic with rising digital payment standards worldwide.
The Platinum virtual card differs from standard virtual dollar cards that are typically restricted to online payments. Users in Nigeria and Ghana can fund the card in either US dollars or local currency, allowing them to pay for goods and services domestically or internationally without the need for separate physical cards.
Cardtonic priced the card creation at five dollars, a fee set to cover tokenization and NFC integration costs. Once created, the virtual card can be loaded into Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and used for contactless payments at terminals that support NFC. This design eliminates the need for a physical card while delivering a faster transaction process at checkout.
Tokenization is central to the card’s security model. Instead of exposing the actual card number during transactions, the system generates one-time tokens that are used to complete authorizations. This reduces the risk of card detail interception or reuse in the event of a data breach. Coupled with biometric verification on devices, tokenization aims to safeguard user funds while enabling seamless payment flows.
Near-Field Communication technology enables the contactless function. NFC allows the mobile device to communicate with point-of-sale terminals when held nearby, triggering the payment request without manual entry of card details. This technology is widely adopted in developed digital payment ecosystems and signals Cardtonic’s intent to match those standards for its user base.
The Platinum card addresses a practical gap in the existing Cardtonic offering. Earlier virtual cards were effective for subscription services and online purchases but lacked usability in everyday physical transactions. By enabling contactless payments, the Platinum card consolidates payment needs in a single digital instrument, removing the friction of carrying multiple cards or cash for offline purchases.
From a market perspective, this launch positions Cardtonic within a competitive fintech environment where contactless payments are growing in acceptance. Other financial services providers in Nigeria and across Africa are also expanding contactless capabilities, indicating broader structural shifts toward digital payments. Cardtonic’s move therefore responds to both user demand and competitive pressures.
Operationally, the card’s dual currency acceptance simplifies cross-border expenditures for users who regularly transact with foreign merchants. Funding in local currency and spending in USD without the need for a separate foreign currency account reduces conversion complexity for ordinary consumers.
In summary, the Cardtonic Platinum virtual card extends virtual payment functionality into contactless payments at physical retail environments. The product combines NFC, tokenization, and mobile wallet integration to deliver a secure, flexible, and user-centric payment option. It supports both local and global transactions with a streamlined creation fee and enhanced security protocols, making it relevant for users seeking consolidated payment tools.
