M-Pesa Global Pay: What Is it, Features, Registration And How To use(Update 2024)

Safaricom, Kenya's leading telecommunications company, stands out for its unwavering commitment to innovation. One of its most remarkable innovations, M-Pesa, revolutionized the industry by ushering in a new era of mobile money transfer. This groundbreaking platform transformed how Kenyans handle their finances and earned Safaricom global recognition, including the prestigious Global Mobile Award (GLOMO).

 But Safaricom's drive for innovation doesn't stop at M-Pesa. The company has continued to push the boundaries of what's possible in digital finance. One such stride forward is the introduction of the M-Pesa Global virtual card. This game-changer extends the capabilities of M-Pesa to a global scale.

What is M-Pesa Global Pay?

In essence, M-Pesa Global Pay is an extension of the M-Pesa platform that takes its capabilities to a global scale. It allows users to make international online payments for goods and services using a virtual card linked to their M-Pesa wallet. This virtual card acts like a traditional credit or debit card but exists only digitally.

 One of the critical aspects of M-Pesa Global Pay is the virtual card itself. Unlike physical cards, the M-Pesa virtual card doesn't come as plastic. Instead, users receive a unique sixteen-digit card number and a CVV code generated using the software. This digital card is seamlessly integrated with the user's M-Pesa account, enabling them to make purchases online just as they would with a physical card.

Transaction Limits

While the M-Pesa Global virtual card offers the convenience of online shopping, it also comes with certain transaction limits. Users can transact up to Ksh. 150,000 per payment or Ksh. 300,000 per day using the virtual card. These limits are in place to ensure security and compliance with financial regulations.

Global Reach

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of M-Pesa Global Pay is its global reach. In collaboration with VISA, a multinational financial services corporation, Safaricom has made this expansion possible. The partnership between Safaricom and VISA, forged in 2020, aims to develop products that support digital payments for M-Pesa clients.

 The convenience of M-Pesa Global Pay is not limited to a select few. This service is available to more than 30 million M-Pesa users in Kenya. And it doesn't stop there—Safaricom plans to roll out the service to other countries, including Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Congo, Lesotho, and Ghana, by April 2023. 

 Security and Authentication

M-Pesa Global Pay places a strong emphasis on security. All transactions conducted via the virtual card are secured with a unique security code sent to the user's mobile phone and their M-Pesa personal identification number (PIN). This two-step authentication process ensures that every transaction is convenient and highly secure.

In summary, M-Pesa Global Pay represents a remarkable evolution of the M-Pesa platform, making it easy for users to transact globally. The partnership between Safaricom and VISA has paved the way for a financial revolution that empowers millions with the ability to make international payments, all while keeping security at the forefront.

How to Register for M-Pesa Global Virtual Card

 Registration via the M-Pesa App

For those who prefer the convenience of mobile apps, registering for the M-Pesa Global Virtual Card through the official M-Pesa application is a seamless experience. Here's a step-by-step guide for both Android and iOS users:

For Android Users:

1. Head to your phone's Play Store.
2. Search for the "M-Pesa" app.
3. Download and install the application on your phone.
4. Open the app and ensure you use Safaricom's mobile data for the initial registration.
5. Once registered with your Safaricom mobile number, enter your M-Pesa PIN to access the platform.
6. Locate the "Grow" tab at the bottom-right section of your screen.
7. Within the "Grow" tab, you'll find the "Global Pay" option next to the "M-shwari" option.
8. Click on "Global Pay" and opt-in when prompted.
9. Customize your card's colour and image to your preference.
10. After customization, you can create the virtual card.

For iOS Users:

1. Open the App Store on your iOS device.
2. Search and download the "M-Pesa" application.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the app.
4. Launch the app and ensure the use of Safaricom's mobile data for registration.
5. Enter your M-Pesa PIN to access the platform.
6. Navigate to the "Grow" tab at the bottom-right of your screen.
7. Inside the "Grow" tab, you'll find the "Global Pay" option adjacent to the "M-shwari" option.
8. Click on "Global Pay" and opt-in when prompted.
9. Personalize your card's colour and image as desired.
10. After customization, proceed to create your virtual card.

Registration via USSD Code

This option is also available if you prefer to register using USSD codes. Here are the steps to register for the M-Pesa Global Virtual Card via USSD:

1. Open your phone's dialer.
2. Dial *334#.
3. You will receive a prompt with eight options; select option 6 for "Lipa na M-PESA."
4. In the next screen, select option 6 again for "Global Pay."
5. You'll be prompted to accept the terms and conditions for M-Pesa Global Pay; enter '1' to opt-in.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process and access your M-Pesa Global Virtual Card for online transactions.

Topping Up Your Virtual Card

Once you've successfully registered for the M-Pesa Global Virtual Card, you'll have the power to make online payments worldwide. Topping up your virtual card is a breeze and works like adding funds to your regular M-Pesa wallet.

 Remember that all transactions conducted with the virtual card are subject to the M-Pesa platform's limits, with a minimum of Ksh. 150,000 for a single transaction and a daily limit of double that amount. Additionally, these limits may vary based on the prevailing USD-KES exchange rate.

How to Use M-Pesa Global Virtual Card

Shopping with the M-Pesa Global Virtual Card

Shopping online with your M-Pesa Global Virtual Card is as convenient as possible. Whether you're eyeing products on Amazon, Alibaba, Aliexpress, or other international e-commerce platforms, the virtual card allows you to pay quickly.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make online payments using your M-Pesa Global Virtual Card:

1. Log In to the E-commerce Website: Begin by logging into the e-commerce website where you want to purchase. Browse through the categories of products and add your desired items to your shopping cart.
2. Review Your Cart: After selecting your items, click on your shopping cart to review your order. Ensure that you've added all the items you wish to purchase.
3. Checkout: Once you've reviewed your cart and are satisfied with your selections, proceed to the checkout page. You must provide your shipping address and select your preferred payment method here.
4. Choose "Credit Card" Payment: If the e-commerce platform offers various payment methods, choose "Credit Card" as your payment option. This is where you'll utilize your M-Pesa Global Virtual Card.
5. Enter Card Details: You will be prompted to enter your card details, just like you would with a physical credit card. These details include the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and the security code (CVV).
6. Access Your M-Pesa Super App: To retrieve your card details, open your M-Pesa Super App. Tap the "Grow" button and select "Global Pay."
7. Display Card Details: Within the "Global Pay" section, you will find an option to "Show Card Details." Click on this option to reveal your 16-digit card number and CVV.
8. Enter Card Information: Enter the card information as it appears on your M-Pesa Global Virtual Card. This includes the card number, expiration date, and CVV.
9. Generate CVV: If you're using the USSD code for the transaction, you can generate a CVV by following the process outlined in the registration section. Enter your M-Pesa PIN, confirm it, and receive a CVV that expires after 30 minutes.
10. Verify and Confirm: Double-check the information you entered to ensure accuracy. Once you're confident everything is correct, click the "Checkout" button to finalize your purchase.

Important Considerations

While using the M-Pesa Global Virtual Card for online payments offers unparalleled convenience, there are some essential considerations to keep in mind:

• International Payments Only: The M-Pesa Global Virtual Card is primarily designed to pay international online merchants, such as Netflix, Amazon, AliExpress, and others. For transactions with local online merchants, it's advisable to use the "Lipa na M-PESA" option.
• No Fuliza: Unfortunately, you cannot use Fuliza with M-Pesa Global Virtual Card to pay for goods and services. Fuliza is a different credit service offered by M-Pesa.
• Transaction Limits: As mentioned earlier, transactions conducted with the virtual card are subject to M-Pesa customer limits. These limits may vary based on the prevailing USD-KES exchange rate.

With these considerations in mind, you can confidently explore the world of online shopping, knowing that your M-Pesa Global Virtual Card offers both convenience and security for your international transactions.

Countries Where M-Pesa Global Pay is Available

Safaricom's partnership with VISA, established in 2020, had a clear vision—to develop products to facilitate digital payments for M-Pesa clients. This collaboration presented a golden opportunity for Safaricom to penetrate international markets and extend its financial services to a global audience.

 The M-Pesa Global Virtual Card service is exclusively for payments outside Kenya. This decision protected users from the often hefty forex conversion costs of local online fees in Kenyan shillings. However, it doesn't end at Kenya's borders.

 Safaricom has ambitious plans to roll out the M-Pesa Global Pay service to other countries, expanding its reach and offering the benefits of digital financial inclusion to millions across the African continent and beyond.

READ ALSO: Standard Chartered Bank Paybill 2024: How to Move Money from Mpesa to Bank Account

 Upcoming Expansion

By April 2023, Safaricom aims to make the M-Pesa Global Virtual Card available in several additional countries. These include Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Congo, Lesotho, and Ghana. This expansion is a testament to the growing demand for digital financial solutions and the willingness of Safaricom to meet those needs.