The domestic virtual credit card platform WildCard has fully suspended services due to "cooperation with relevant department investigations," from halting recharges and withdrawals to ultimately shutting down subscription consumption functions, leaving countless users who rely on its services for ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI API, or other overseas services caught off guard. Although WildCard's official statement claims it has not "run away" and is still addressing balance issues, hopes for a return to normalcy are slim. For domestic users, finding a stable and convenient alternative has become an urgent priority. PokePay's PokeCard, VCard, Dupay, and WasabiCard have become popular choices, with PokePay particularly favored for its flexibility and low entry barriers. WildCard will use PokePay as an example to explain in detail how domestic users can recharge virtual cards with USDT and continue enjoying overseas services.
Why Choose PokePay?#
PokePay is a Visa virtual credit card platform settled in Hong Kong dollars, supporting multi-currency consumption including US dollars. Its biggest highlight is no minimum recharge or consumption requirements, which is very friendly for users who only need small subscriptions (like the $20/month for ChatGPT Plus) or occasional overseas shopping. PokePay also offers physical cards, supporting ATM withdrawals and offline POS consumption, making it particularly useful for cryptocurrency users with withdrawal needs. In contrast, VCard is more suitable for online consumption linked to Alipay and WeChat, Dupay is better as a backup due to past maintenance issues, while WasabiCard focuses on privacy protection, suitable for users seeking anonymous operations. The comprehensiveness and low entry barriers of PokePay make it the preferred alternative after WildCard's service suspension.
How to Buy USDT and Recharge PokePay?#
Unlike WildCard, which supports direct recharges via Alipay, PokePay requires recharges through USDT (Tether), which is the standard practice for most virtual card platforms. USDT is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio, with low volatility, making it suitable for cross-border payments. Here are the detailed steps for purchasing and recharging:
Step 1: Choose a Reliable Exchange to Buy USDT#
Domestic users can purchase USDT through cryptocurrency exchanges, with recommended platforms including OKX, Binance, Huobi HTX, and Gate. These platforms have a large user base, are easy to operate, and have high security. The specific operations are as follows:
- Register and Complete Real-name Verification: Visit the OKX USDT purchase page, register an account according to the page prompts, and complete KYC (real-name verification). Prepare your ID card and phone number, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Buy USDT: After logging in, go to the "Buy Cryptocurrency" page, select USDT, and choose Alipay or WeChat as the payment method. Enter the purchase amount (it is recommended to buy slightly more than the actual need, for example, if you need $20, buy 25-30 USDT to cover fees). After payment, USDT will be credited within 5-10 minutes.
- Notes: Some exchanges (like Binance and OKX) may have a 24-hour USDT freezing period, and you will need to wait for it to unfreeze before transferring. Huobi's freezing time may be shorter, subject to the platform's policies.
Step 2: Register PokePay and Get Recharge Address#
- Register an Account: Visit the PokePay official website and register an account. Some card types (like PokeCard) do not require KYC, making them suitable for beginners. Using an invitation code (like 177728) can enjoy card opening discounts.
- Get USDT Recharge Address: Log in to your PokePay account, go to the "Recharge" or "Wallet" page, and select the USDT recharge method. The platform will generate a unique USDT recharge address (a string of alphanumeric characters), copy and save it, ensuring accuracy.
Step 3: Transfer USDT from Exchange to PokePay#
- Initiate Transfer: Return to the exchange, go to the "Withdraw" or "Transfer" page, and paste the PokePay USDT recharge address. Choose the transfer network (TRC20 is recommended for lower fees), enter the transfer amount, confirm, and submit.
- Wait for Arrival: Transfers are usually completed within a few minutes, depending on network congestion. Once credited, the PokePay account balance will update and can be used for subscriptions to ChatGPT Plus, Netflix, Amazon, and other services.
Safety and Practical Advice#
- Choose Legitimate Platforms: Prioritize exchanges with a large user base and good reputation, such as OKX or Binance, to ensure fund safety.
- Small Amount Testing: For the first recharge, it is recommended to try a small amount (like 5-10 USDT) to confirm the process is smooth before making larger transactions.
- Multiple Card Combinations: To reduce the risk of a single platform, it is advisable to use PokePay and VCard simultaneously, with Dupay or WasabiCard as a backup.
- Timely Consumption: Use the balance as soon as possible after recharging to avoid funds being held due to changes in platform policies.
Conclusion#
The suspension of WildCard has disappointed many domestic users, but PokePay, with its no minimum recharge requirement, support for physical cards, and multi-currency consumption advantages, has become an ideal alternative. By purchasing USDT through exchanges like OKX and Binance and recharging PokePay, domestic users can continue to seamlessly subscribe to overseas services like ChatGPT Plus and OpenAI API. I hope this tutorial helps you get started quickly and enjoy the convenience of global payments!