Everything you need to know about the M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual VISA Card

M-PESA and VISA recently collaborated to launch the M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual VISA Card. The virtual card is linked to your M-PESA wallet and allows you to pay for goods and services on international websites.

The M-PESA GlobalPay VISA card is an excellent feature designed to meet the expanding needs of Kenyans who utilize global apps and shopping websites for entertainment, retail, business, and even overseas travel.

Before you can use the feature, here are 8 things you should know;

How to access the service

You can access the service in two ways, via USSD code (*334#) and the M-PESA APP.

Minimum/maximum amount you can transact using the service

M-PESA customer limits will apply i.e. minimum amount of Ksh 110 and a maximum of Ksh 150,000 per transaction with a maximum transaction limit of Ksh 300,000. The minimum amount will change based on the prevailing USD – KES rate.

What are the charges when using the service?

You will not be charged to make payments for online purchase however prevailing forex rates apply i.e. Transaction cost is zero. Safaricom however applies a Forex Exchange markup of 3.5% on the prevailing forex rate to exchange from billing currency (Ksh) to the currency at the time of purchase i.e. (USD,GBP etc.) For a transaction initiated by a local merchant, the M-PESA Customer will receive an appropriate message on the checkout option.

Can you use the service on any site?

No, you can pay using M-PESA GlobalPay to international online merchants such as Netflix, Amazon, AliExpress etc. For local merchants e.g. Jumia, customers will use the Lipa na M-PESA, Buy Goods option. For a transaction initiated by a local merchant, the M-PESA Customer will receive an appropriate message on the checkout option.

Does Fuliza apply when using the service?

Fuliza is unfortunately not available for M-PESA GlobalPay Payments.

What is a CVV (Card Certification Value)?

This is a security feature that enables merchant sites to ensure you are the real owner of the card to reduce fraudulent activities on your card.

• A CVV is generated by the customer during the payment process, to verify the payment.

• All CVV generated will only be valid for 30 minutes. This will prevent anyone who has your card details from using your card because they may have to generate another CVV.

What are repeat payments and can I enable them?

A repeat payment permits a merchant to debit your M-PESA wallet for regularly occurring payments e.g. subscription services such as NETFLIX. Repeat payments will need customer authorization.

To enable repeat payments, you will dial *334#;

• Select Lipa na M-PESA.
• Select M-PESA GlobalPay option
• Select Repeat Payments
• Accept terms and conditions
• Enter M-PESA PIN

Can one dispute a payment that has been made?

Yes. Should you fail to reach an amicable agreement with the Participating Retailer, you may contact Customer Care or visit our retail shops or access the dispute resolution form that is published on the Safaricom Website in order to lodge a dispute. On receipt of a duly lodged dispute form, we will contact Visa for resolution. The expected time period for resolution of a dispute depends on the dispute as will be determined by Safaricom and Visa, if the dispute is as a result of transaction authorization error, Safaricom will resolve the dispute within 72 hrs, If the dispute is between you and the Participating Retailer, the maximum resolution time is forty-five (45) working days.

To get assisted, you will dial 100 for prepaid customers, and 200 for postpaid customers. For M-PESA related queries, you will dial 234 for assistance or visit Safaricom Retail Centers /Care desks or social media handles; Twitter – @Safaricom_Care and @SafaricomPLC, Facebook – www.facebook.com/SafaricomPLC.

To check out all the functions while using USSD or M-PESA APP, you can visit this page.