Have you ever tried purchasing something online only to be stuck because your Virtual Card by MoMo had no funds? It can be quite frustrating, especially when you’ve spotted that perfect deal on Amazon or when your Spotify subscription is about to expire. The good news is that funding your MTN Virtual Card is actually very straightforward and takes just a few minutes to complete.
Since its relaunch in early 2025, the Virtual Card by MoMo (formerly known as MTN MoMo Card) has become essential for many Ugandans who want to shop online without needing a traditional bank account. This virtual Mastercard lets you buy from international websites, pay for streaming services, and make online purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
But before you can enjoy all these benefits, you need to know how to properly fund your card. Unlike regular bank cards that automatically connect to your account, the Virtual Card by MoMo uses a separate wallet that must be topped up first. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to fund your card, explain the charges involved, help you fix common problems, and provide tips to keep your money secure. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Methods to Top Up Virtual Card by MoMo
The Virtual Card by MoMo is designed with simplicity in mind. Currently, you can only top up your card using the USSD code method. Here’s how to do it:
- Dial *165*70# and Enter your MTN MoMo PIN This will take you to the Virtual Card by MoMo menu
- Select “Virtual Card by MoMo” From the list of options displayed
- Select “Top Up Virtual Card” This option allows you to add money to your virtual card
- Enter the amount to add (e.g., UGX 20,000) Type in the exact amount you wish to fund your card with
- Confirm with your MoMo PIN. Enter your PIN to authorize the transaction
After completing these steps, you will receive an SMS confirmation with your new card balance. The transfer happens instantly, and the money moves directly from your MTN Mobile Money wallet to your Virtual Card by MoMo.
Remember that you need to have sufficient funds in your MTN MoMo wallet before attempting to top up your virtual card. Also, keep in mind that when making online purchases, there’s a 3% transaction fee, so it’s wise to add slightly more than the exact amount you need to spend.
Fees, Limits, and Validity of Virtual Card by MoMo
Before topping up your Virtual Card by MoMo, it’s important to understand the following details:
- Minimum top-up: No minimum amount required
- Maximum card balance: UGX 5,000,000 (subject to your MTN MoMo account limits)
- Transaction fee: 3% per online payment (no fee for topping up)
- Card validity: 30 days (must be renewed after expiry)
- Card creation fee: UGX 1,000 (one-time fee when creating a new card)
Unlike some other virtual cards, moving money from your MTN MoMo wallet to your Virtual Card by MoMo is completely free. However, when you use the card to make actual purchases online, MTN charges a 3% fee on the transaction amount.
For example, if you want to buy something worth UGX 50,000, you should top up at least UGX 51,500 to cover both the item cost and the transaction fee (UGX 1,500 being 3% of UGX 50,000).
Also, remember that each Virtual Card by MoMo is valid for only 30 days from the date of creation. After this period, you will need to create a new card if you wish to continue making online payments.
Troubleshooting: Fixing MTN Virtual Card Top-Up Issues
Even with a straightforward process, you might encounter some problems when funding your Virtual Card by MoMo. Here are common issues and their solutions:
1. “Insufficient Balance” Error
Problem: The system says you don’t have enough money in your MoMo account.
Solution: Check your MTN MoMo balance by dialing *165# and selecting “My Account,” then “Check Balance.” Ensure you have enough funds before trying again.
2. Transaction Failure
Problem: Your top-up fails, but money is deducted from your MoMo account.
Solution: Wait for about 5-10 minutes as the system might still be processing. If the money doesn’t appear on your card after this time, call MTN Customer Service at 100 for assistance.
3. PIN Issues
Problem: You’ve forgotten your MTN MoMo PIN or entered it incorrectly multiple times.
Solution: If you can’t remember your PIN, visit any MTN service center with your ID card to have it reset. Never share your PIN with anyone claiming to help you reset it over the phone.
4. “Card Not Found” Error
Problem: The system can’t locate your Virtual Card by MoMo.
Solution: This usually means either your card has expired (remember it’s only valid for 30 days) or you haven’t created one yet. Dial *165*70# and select “Create Virtual Card” if you need a new one.
5. Daily Limit Reached
Problem: You receive a message indicating you’ve reached your daily transaction limit.
Solution: MTN MoMo accounts have daily transaction limits based on your account tier. Wait until the next day or visit an MTN service center to upgrade your account level for higher limits.
Safety Tips for your Virtual Card by MoMo
Protecting your Virtual Card by MoMo is crucial for secure online shopping. Follow these safety measures:
- Never share your virtual card details (card number, expiry date, or CVV) with anyone, including people claiming to be from MTN
- Only top up the amount you need for your planned purchases rather than keeping large amounts on your card
- Check your card balance regularly by dialing *165*70# to monitor for any unauthorized transactions
- Save MTN customer care number (100) so you can quickly report if you suspect any fraud
- Delete your card when not in use if you won’t be making any online purchases for a while
- Be wary of phishing attempts – MTN will never ask for your PIN or card details via SMS, email, or phone calls
- Use secure internet connections when making online purchases with your Virtual Card by MoMo
- Keep your phone secured with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint since your card details may be accessible through your phone
- Don’t use public computers to access your Virtual Card by MoMo details or make online purchases
- Always verify websites before entering your card details by checking for a padlock icon in the address bar
Commonly Asked Questions about topping up funds on Virtual by MoMo
- How much does it cost to top up my Virtual Card by MoMo?
It’s completely free to transfer money from your MTN MoMo wallet to your Virtual Card by MoMo.
- How quickly will the funds appear on my virtual card after topping up?
The transfer is instant. Your Virtual Card by MoMo balance updates immediately after you confirm the transaction with your PIN.
- Can I top up someone else’s Virtual Card by MoMo?
No, you can only fund a Virtual Card by MoMo that is linked to your own MTN Mobile Money account.
- What happens if I top up too much money on my virtual card?
You can transfer the excess money back to your MTN MoMo wallet by dialing *165*70#, selecting “Virtual Card by MoMo,” and then “Withdraw from Card.”
- Will my card details change if I top up a new amount?
No, topping up doesn’t change your card details. Your 16-digit card number, expiry date, and CVV remain the same throughout the 30-day validity period.
- What is the minimum amount I can add to my Virtual Card by MoMo?
There is no minimum amount required for topping up your Virtual Card by MoMo.
- Can I top up my Virtual Card by MoMo using Airtel Money?
Not directly. You would first need to transfer money from Airtel Money to your MTN MoMo account (through a mobile money agent), then top up your virtual card from there.
- Does the money on my Virtual Card by MoMo expire?
While the money itself doesn’t expire, your virtual card is only valid for 30 days. Any remaining balance when the card expires will automatically return to your MTN MoMo wallet.
- Can I set up automatic top-ups for my Virtual Card by MoMo?
Currently, automatic top-ups aren’t available. You need to manually transfer money each time you want to fund your card.
- Can I top up my Virtual Card by MoMo using a bank transfer?
Not directly. You must first transfer money from your bank account to your MTN MoMo wallet using MTN’s bank to wallet services, then from there to your virtual card.
- How do I check if my top-up was successful?
You will receive an SMS confirmation with your new card balance. You can also check your balance by dialing 16570# and selecting “Check Card Balance.”
- Can I top up my Virtual Card by MoMo if I’m outside Uganda?
Yes, as long as your MTN line is active and has roaming enabled, you can top up your card from anywhere in the world.
- Can I top up my Virtual Card by MoMo using MTN MoMo agents?
Not directly. You need to first deposit money into your MTN MoMo wallet through an agent, then use the USSD code to transfer it to your virtual card.
- What should I do if my top-up transaction fails but money is deducted?
Wait for about 5-10 minutes as the system may still be processing. If the money doesn’t appear on your card after this time, call MTN Customer Care at 100.
- Is there a limit to how many times I can top up my card in a day?
There’s no specific limit to the number of top-ups, but you’re subject to your overall MTN MoMo daily transaction limits.
Conclusion
Funding your Virtual Card by MoMo is a simple process that unlocks countless online shopping opportunities. With just a few steps on your phone, you can transform your MTN Mobile Money into a powerful tool for global e-commerce, no bank account needed.
Remember to only top up what you need for your immediate purchases (plus the 3% transaction fee), regularly check your balance, and follow the security tips we’ve shared to keep your money safe. If you encounter any issues, most can be resolved using the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide.
The Virtual Card by MoMo has truly revolutionized how Ugandans participate in the digital marketplace. Whether you’re buying educational materials, paying for streaming services, or shopping on international websites, your virtual card makes it all possible with just a few taps on your phone.
Now that you know exactly how to fund your Virtual Card by MoMo, you can confidently make those online purchases you’ve been postponing. Happy shopping!
