ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI API, and other overseas AI services have become valuable assistants for domestic users in their work and studies. However, payment issues have always been the biggest barrier for domestic users when using overseas services. WildCard once became the preferred virtual credit card for domestic users to subscribe to overseas services due to its convenient Alipay and WeChat top-up methods. However, starting from July 12, 2025, WildCard has gradually suspended top-up, withdrawal, and new user registration functions in cooperation with relevant departments for investigation, and by July 22, it completely suspended subscription consumption, with balances also unable to be used, marking the end of this service.
For users relying on WildCard to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI API, or other overseas services, finding alternatives has become urgent. There are several virtual credit card options in the market, such as PokeCard, VCard, Dupay, and WasabiCard, but these cards all require top-ups through cryptocurrency USDT, and it is recommended to purchase USDT through platforms like OKX, Binance, HTX, or Gate. Below, we will focus on comparing PokePay and VCard to analyze which virtual card better meets the needs of domestic users.
PokePay: Flexible and Low Threshold, Suitable for Small Transactions and Cryptocurrency Users#
PokePay is based on Hong Kong dollars and offers Visa virtual and physical cards. Its biggest highlight is the lack of minimum top-up or spending requirements, making it particularly suitable for small transaction users. Whether subscribing to ChatGPT Plus, Netflix, Spotify, or shopping on cross-border e-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay, PokePay can handle it easily. Its virtual card supports 3DS security authentication and can be linked to Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Hong Kong Alipay for convenient online payments. The physical card also supports ATM withdrawals and offline POS consumption, making PokePay especially friendly for cryptocurrency users with top-up (such as USDT, BTC, ETH) and withdrawal functions, earning it the title of "consumption artifact in the cryptocurrency circle."
Advantages:
- Low Threshold: Card opening fee as low as 5 USDT, no minimum top-up requirement, suitable for small subscriptions to ChatGPT Plus (about $20/month).
- Multi-Scenario Support: Covers AI subscriptions (such as OpenAI, Midjourney), entertainment platforms, and cross-border e-commerce.
- Physical Card Functionality: Supports offline consumption and ATM withdrawals, suitable for users with withdrawal needs.
- Strong Compliance: Holds US MSB and Hong Kong MSO financial licenses, ensuring security.
Disadvantages:
- Requires purchasing USDT through platforms like OKX, which may be slightly complicated for users unfamiliar with cryptocurrency.
- Hong Kong dollar cards may incur a 1% currency conversion fee, and costs for non-Hong Kong dollar transactions are slightly higher.
Recommended Audience: Users seeking flexible payments, accustomed to small transactions, or needing cryptocurrency withdrawals, especially cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
VCard: Backed by a Public Company, Friendly for Domestic Consumption#
VCard is supported by a publicly listed company, emphasizing low fees and convenience for domestic consumption. Its virtual card supports binding to WeChat and Alipay, suitable for domestic daily consumption scenarios, while also enabling stable subscriptions to ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI API, and other overseas services. VCard offers a variety of card types, including non-real-name Visa cards and platinum cards, to meet different needs. Compared to PokePay, VCard's offline functionality is slightly weaker, but the online payment experience is smooth, especially suitable for users primarily subscribing to overseas services.
Advantages:
- Domestic Friendly: Supports direct binding to Alipay and WeChat, seamless integration for daily consumption.
- Transparent Fees: Low top-up and transaction fees, excellent overall cost control.
- High Stability: Backed by a publicly listed company, stable payment channels, suitable for long-term subscription needs.
- Simple Operation: Registration does not require complex KYC, suitable for novice users.
Disadvantages:
- Limited offline functionality, no physical card support for ATM withdrawals or POS consumption.
- Also relies on USDT top-ups, requiring operations through platforms like Binance.
Recommended Audience: Users who focus on online consumption, seek simple operations, and low fees, especially those who regularly use WeChat or Alipay in China.
How to Choose? Comparison of PokePay and VCard#
- Usage Scenarios: PokePay covers both online and offline, suitable for users needing physical cards or cross-border payments; VCard focuses more on online consumption, especially suitable for binding domestic payment platforms.
- Operational Threshold: Both require USDT top-ups, PokePay is more user-friendly for cryptocurrency users, while VCard is simpler for novices.
- Fees: PokePay has no minimum top-up requirement, suitable for small transactions; VCard has lower overall fees, suitable for long-term subscriptions.
- Security: PokePay has dual financial licenses, VCard is backed by a public company, both are safe and reliable.
USDT Purchase and Top-Up Recommendations#
Whether choosing PokePay or VCard, USDT must be purchased through OKX, Binance, HTX, or Gate. The steps are as follows:
- Visit the USDT purchase portal, register and log in to the exchange account.
- Select the amount of USDT to purchase based on your needs and complete the payment.
- Use the withdrawal function to transfer USDT to your PokePay or VCard account, and after top-up, it can be used for subscriptions or consumption.
It is recommended to recharge more than $25 for the first time to cover the $20 monthly fee for ChatGPT Plus and possible pre-authorization fees.
Other Alternative Choices and Suggestions#
In addition to PokePay and VCard, Dupay and WasabiCard are also viable options. Dupay, as an established virtual card, has comprehensive functions but slightly lower stability; WasabiCard focuses on anonymity, suitable for users with high privacy needs, but has weaker community support. To reduce the risk of relying on a single platform, it is recommended to use a combination (such as PokePay + VCard) and consume as soon as possible after recharging to avoid balance stagnation.
Summary#
The shutdown of WildCard has forced domestic users to seek new virtual card solutions. PokePay, with its flexibility and physical card functionality, has become the first choice, especially for small transactions and cryptocurrency users; VCard wins with low fees and domestic consumption friendliness, suitable for online subscription needs. Regardless of which one you choose, convenient channels for purchasing USDT (such as OKX) and a stable network environment (such as using a VPN) are key to successful subscriptions. I hope every user can find a suitable virtual card and continue to enjoy the convenience of ChatGPT Plus and overseas services!