The digital world has opened countless doors for shopping, entertainment, and business, but only if you have a way to pay online. For many Rwandans who rely on mobile money rather than traditional banking, this has been a major challenge. How do you buy that special item on Amazon, subscribe to Netflix, or book a flight online without a bank card? This is where MTN Rwanda’s Virtual Card by MoMo comes in as a game-changer.
Launched in Rwanda in 2024, the Virtual Card by MoMo allows anyone with an MTN Mobile Money account to create a digital Mastercard right from their phone. No bank account needed. No physical card to carry around. Just a simple solution that puts global online shopping at your fingertips.
Whether you are a university student wanting to pay for online courses, a small business owner sourcing products from international suppliers, or someone who wants to enjoy streaming services and online shopping, this virtual card bridges the gap between your mobile money and the world of e-commerce.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating and using your MTN Rwanda Virtual Card by MoMo in 2025.
What Is MTN Rwanda’s Virtual Card by MoMo?
The Virtual Card by MoMo is a digital payment solution that works just like a regular Mastercard but exists only in digital form. It’s directly connected to your MTN Mobile Money account and allows you to make secure online payments on any platform that accepts Mastercard.
This innovative service comes from a partnership between MTN Rwanda, Mastercard, and local banking partners. It creates a seamless connection between your mobile money wallet and global online merchants. When you create a Virtual Card by MoMo, you receive a 16-digit card number, expiry date, and CVV code.
Unlike traditional bank cards that require lengthy application processes and bank accounts, the Virtual Card by MoMo can be created instantly through your phone. The card uses funds directly from your MTN MoMo account, allowing you to control exactly how much money you put on the card for online spending.
Key Features of MTN Rwanda’s Virtual Card by MoMo
The Virtual Card by MoMo comes packed with useful features designed to make your online shopping experience both convenient and secure:
- 30-Day Validity Period: Each virtual card remains active for 30 days, after which you can easily create a new one through the USSD menu.
- Separate Wallet System: While connected to your MTN MoMo account, the virtual card operates as a separate wallet, giving you better control over your online spending.
- Free Card Creation: Creating your Virtual Card by MoMo is completely free.
- No Transaction Fees: Unlike some other virtual card services, MTN Rwanda does not charge transaction fees when you make purchases online.
- Enhanced Security Features: You can freeze your card when not in use and unfreeze it when needed, protecting your funds even if your card details are compromised.
- Easy Top-Up and Withdrawal: Adding money to your virtual card from your MoMo wallet and withdrawing unused funds back to your MoMo wallet is simple and straightforward.
- Global Acceptance: Use your card on international websites like Amazon, Netflix, Alibaba, and thousands of other online merchants that accept Mastercard.
How to Create MTN Rwanda Virtual Card by MoMo in 2025
You can create your Virtual Card by MoMo by dialing 1822*6#.
Below is what a customer gets on the MoMo USSD (*182#) while creating the card:
- Dial (*182#)
- Select Buy (Option 2)
- Select Online Shopping Card (Option 6)
- Enter PIN
- Select Virtual Card by MoMo (Option 1)
- Select Create Virtual Card by MoMo
Once card creation is completed, your card details can be accessed by dialing 1822*6# and choose option 4 to View Card details”.
PS: Cards details cannot be sent via SMS due to the sensitivity of the information.
After completing these steps, your Virtual Card by MoMo will be ready for use. Remember that for security reasons, your card details are not sent via SMS but must be accessed through the USSD menu whenever you need them.
Before you can start shopping, you’ll need to add money to your virtual card wallet from your main MoMo account. You can do this by selecting the “Add Money to Card” option from the Virtual Card by MoMo menu.
How to Shop Online with MTN Rwanda’s Virtual Card by MoMo
Using your Virtual Card by MoMo for online shopping is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Check your card balance: Make sure you have enough money in your Virtual Card wallet to cover your purchase.
- Browse and select your items: Go to your preferred online store and add items to your shopping cart.
- Proceed to checkout: When you’re ready to pay, go to the checkout page on the website.
- Choose payment method: Select “Credit/Debit Card” or “Mastercard” as your payment option.
- Enter card details: Fill in the form with your virtual card information:
- Card number (16 digits)
- Expiry date
- CVV (security code)
- Your name as it appears on the card
- Confirm payment: Some transactions might require an OTP (one-time password) sent to your phone for extra security. Enter this code when prompted.
- Complete purchase: After confirmation, your payment will be processed, and you’ll receive a confirmation message.
MTN Rwanda Virtual Card by MoMo Fees
The customer will not be charged to make payments for online purchase from global merchant sites. However, a forex markup of 4% applies on the prevailing forex rate of the billing currency at the time of purchase. Note that the first three months after the product launch are exempted. Customers will be able to create Virtual Card by MoMo for FREE.
This means that during the introductory period (first three months after launch), you won’t pay any fees to create your card. After this period, there may be a small fee for card creation, though this is still more affordable than traditional bank card fees.
The 4% forex markup is applied when making purchases in foreign currencies (like USD or EUR), which is standard practice for international payments. This markup is competitive compared to most bank cards, which often charge 5-7% for foreign currency transactions.
Where to Use MTN Rwanda’s Virtual Card by MoMo
Your Virtual Card by MoMo opens doors to a world of online services and shopping. Here are some popular places where you can use your card:
Online Shopping Platforms:
- Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, and Alibaba for international shopping
- Local e-commerce platforms serving Rwanda and East Africa
- Fashion websites like ASOS, Shein, and Kikuu
Digital Entertainment:
- Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime for movies and TV shows
- Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer for music streaming
- YouTube Premium for ad-free videos
- PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, and Steam for gaming
Travel and Accommodation:
- Booking.com, Airbnb, and Hotels.com for accommodation
- RwandAir, Kenya Airways, and other airlines for flight bookings
- Uber, Bolt, and other ride-sharing apps
Education and Professional Development:
- Coursera, Udemy, and edX for online courses
- LinkedIn Premium for career networking
- Microsoft 365 and other productivity tools
Business Services:
- Domain registration and web hosting services
- Digital marketing platforms like Facebook Ads and Google Ads
- Business software subscriptions
Security Tips for MTN Rwanda Virtual Card by MoMo
Keeping your Virtual Card by MoMo secure should be a top priority. Here are some important tips:
- Never Share Your Card Details: Keep your card number, expiry date, and CVV confidential. Don’t share these details with anyone, even if they claim to be from MTN.
- Freeze Your Card When Not in Use: If you don’t plan to make purchases for some time, consider freezing your card through the USSD menu. This prevents unauthorized use of your card.
- Use Trusted Websites Only: Look for the padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar when entering card details. Only shop on reputable websites with secure payment systems.
- Keep Track of Transactions: Regularly check your virtual card transaction history to spot any unauthorized purchases.
- Load Only What You Need: Only transfer the amount you plan to spend to your virtual card wallet. This limits potential losses if your card details are ever compromised.
- Update Your PIN Regularly: Change your MTN MoMo PIN periodically to enhance security.
- Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: MTN will never call or SMS asking for your card details or PIN. Be suspicious of any such requests.
FAQs: Answers About MTN Rwanda’s Virtual Card by MoMo
How long is my Virtual Card by MoMo valid?
Your virtual card is valid for 30 days from the date of creation. After this period, you will need to create a new card.
Can I have more than one Virtual Card by MoMo at a time?
No, you can only have one active virtual card per MTN MoMo account at any given time.
What happens if I don’t use all the money on my virtual card?
Any unused funds can be transferred back to your main MoMo wallet before the card expires.
Can I use my Virtual Card by MoMo for recurring payments?
This is not recommended since the card expires after 30 days. For recurring payments, you would need to update your card details monthly.
Is there a limit to how much I can load on my virtual card?
Yes, the maximum amount is determined by your MTN MoMo account limits. Regular MoMo users can typically load up to 2,000,000 RWF, while higher-tier KYC accounts may have higher limits.
What happens if my payment is declined?
This could happen if you have insufficient funds on your virtual card or if the merchant doesn’t accept Mastercard. Check your balance and try again, or contact MTN customer support for assistance.
Can I use my Virtual Card by MoMo to withdraw cash?
No, the virtual card is designed for online payments only and cannot be used at ATMs or for cash withdrawals.
Can I link my Virtual Card by MoMo to PayPal?
Yes, you can link your virtual card to PayPal as a payment method, allowing you to use PayPal services worldwide.
Conclusion
The MTN Rwanda Virtual Card by MoMo is a big step toward digital financial inclusion in Rwanda. The service bridges the gap between mobile money and global e-commerce, empowering millions of Rwandans to participate in the online marketplace without needing traditional banking services.
With its simple creation process, wide acceptance, and strong security features, the Virtual Card by MoMo removes barriers that previously kept many Rwandans from shopping online. Whether you’re a student, business owner, or casual shopper, this virtual card puts the power of global commerce right in your hands.
As Rwanda continues its journey toward becoming a cashless economy, tools like the Virtual Card by MoMo play a crucial role in connecting citizens to the global digital marketplace. The convenience, accessibility, and affordability of this service make it an essential tool for anyone looking to embrace the benefits of online shopping.
Don’t wait to experience the freedom of online shopping! Dial *182*2*6# today to create your Virtual Card by MoMo and join the growing community of digital shoppers in Rwanda. Remember to shop wisely, keep your card details secure, and enjoy the convenience of borderless commerce at your fingertips.
