When using OpenAI's services, especially when binding a payment method to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus or recharge the OpenAI API, many people notice a detail: at the moment of binding the card, an amount of $5 may be deducted from the account. What exactly is this fee? Is it a normal operation or some hidden charge? For domestic users, how can they choose the right payment tool to handle this scenario while avoiding a cumbersome recharge process? Today, let's talk about this topic and also recommend a solution designed specifically for domestic users—WildCard.
Source of the $5 Fee: The "Normal Operation" of Pre-Authorization#
When you try to bind a credit card or virtual card to your OpenAI account, the system usually initiates a $5 deduction. This is not a real charge but a common verification method used by payment platforms—Pre-Authorization. In simple terms, OpenAI uses this small deduction to confirm whether your payment method is valid and whether your account has sufficient balance to support subsequent subscriptions or purchases.
This $5 is usually refunded to your account within a short time (ranging from a few days to a week, depending on the processing speed of the bank or payment institution) rather than being permanently deducted. Its function is similar to when you check into a hotel, where the front desk may freeze a portion of your card's amount to ensure you can pay the bill. This mechanism is very common in international payments, especially in subscription services (like ChatGPT Plus) or pay-as-you-go services (like OpenAI API), to reduce the risk of payment failures.
But here's the problem: for domestic users, this pre-authorization may bring some additional troubles. For example, if your account balance is less than $5, the card binding may fail directly; or due to the instability of the payment channel, this pre-authorization may not be refunded in time, even triggering the bank's risk control mechanism. Especially for those relying on cryptocurrency (like USDT) to recharge virtual cards, such as Dupay or VCard, the operation is complicated and may lead to a poor experience due to exchange rate fluctuations or network delays.
Payment Pain Points Faced by Domestic Users#
For domestic users, the biggest challenge in subscribing to ChatGPT Plus or recharging the OpenAI API lies in the compatibility of payment methods. Common UnionPay cards often cannot be used directly for international payments, while Visa or MasterCard issuance in China is strictly limited. Not to mention that some overseas virtual cards require recharging through cryptocurrencies like USDT, such as PokePay, WasabiCard, or LocalCard, which not only have cumbersome steps (buying USDT, transferring, waiting for confirmation) but may also be delayed due to blockchain network congestion.
Moreover, OpenAI's payment system has high risk control requirements. If your payment IP does not match the card's location, or if too many different cards are bound under the same IP, it may be identified as "abnormal behavior," leading to card binding failures or even account restrictions. At this point, a payment tool that is both stable and tailored to domestic user habits becomes particularly important.
WildCard: A Tailored Solution for Domestic Users#
In this regard, WildCard can be considered a "savior" for domestic users. It is a virtual credit card designed specifically for subscribing to overseas software services, supporting recharges through domestic payment methods like Alipay and WeChat, completely avoiding the complicated processes of traditional credit cards or cryptocurrencies. More importantly, its payment channels have been optimized to effectively meet OpenAI's pre-authorization requirements, ensuring a smooth card binding process.
Why Choose WildCard?#
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Simple Recharge, Say Goodbye to USDT Troubles
Unlike Dupay or VCard, which require purchasing USDT, WildCard supports direct recharge via Alipay or WeChat QR code. You just need to visit the WildCard official website, register, and recharge, with funds arriving almost in real-time. It is recommended to recharge $25 for the first time, which covers the $5 pre-authorization and meets the $20 monthly fee for ChatGPT Plus. -
Stability and Security Combined
WildCard's payment channel is optimized for OpenAI's risk control, avoiding common issues like "card declined" or "IP abnormal." Compared to PokePay or WasabiCard, which rely on cryptocurrency fluctuations, its stability is more assured. -
Card Opening Discounts, High Cost-Effectiveness
By registering on the WildCard official website and using the invitation code "LEIXUE," you can enjoy a card opening discount. The current price is $11.99 for one year or $16.99 for two years, and using the invitation code can save you an additional $1, making it quite a bargain. -
Wide Applicability
In addition to OpenAI, WildCard also supports binding to various overseas services like Google Play, Apple Store, GitHub Copilot, etc., truly achieving "one card for multiple uses."
How to Bind OpenAI with WildCard and Handle the $5 Pre-Authorization?#
The process is actually quite simple. Here are the specific steps:
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Register and Open a Card
Visit the WildCard official website, click "Register," and create an account using your phone number. Go to the "My Cards" page, select the card opening duration, and enter the invitation code "LEIXUE" to enjoy the discount, then pay the card opening fee using Alipay or WeChat. -
Recharge Balance
After opening the card, it is recommended to recharge $25 for the first time. Open the recharge page, select Alipay or WeChat QR code, and complete it in a few seconds. -
Bind OpenAI
Log in to the OpenAI official website, go to payment settings, and add the WildCard card number, expiration date, and CVV code. After submission, the system will initiate a $5 pre-authorization, which will be approved immediately if the balance is sufficient. -
Subscribe or Recharge
Once the card binding is successful, you can directly subscribe to ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) or recharge your API account, with the pre-authorization automatically refunded within a few days.
The entire process does not require a VPN or USDT, and is simple enough to seem unbelievable.
Tips: Avoiding Card Binding Failures#
- Ensure Sufficient Balance: The $5 pre-authorization is the minimum requirement; if the balance is insufficient, the card binding will fail.
- Use a Dedicated IP: Avoid multiple users sharing the same proxy node, as it may be seen as "abnormal traffic" by OpenAI.
- Check Card Status: The WildCard can be used immediately after opening, but if you encounter any issues, you can contact the official customer service for quick resolution.
In comparison, tools like LocalCard, while also supporting overseas payments, require additional identity verification and USDT recharges, making them far less practical than WildCard.
Conclusion: WildCard Makes Payments Easier#
The $5 fee during OpenAI API card binding is just a normal operation of pre-authorization, but it also exposes many inconveniences for domestic users in international payments. The emergence of WildCard precisely addresses this pain point—simple, stable, secure, and allows recharges via Alipay and WeChat, making it tailor-made for domestic users. If you are struggling with payments for ChatGPT Plus or the OpenAI API, consider trying WildCard, and don't forget to use the invitation code "LEIXUE" when registering; the $1 you save could treat yourself to a cup of coffee!
Hurry and click WildCard official website to experience it!