The sudden halt of WildCard has caught many domestic users off guard. As a widely popular virtual payment card platform in China, WildCard once provided users with convenient overseas service subscription channels by supporting recharge methods like Alipay, especially for ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI recharges, and other overseas online services. The wave of regulatory policies forced this platform to hit the pause button. From the interruption of access to the official website on July 12, to the restoration of user query functions on July 14, and then the announcement on July 20 to suspend recharges, withdrawals, and new user registrations, WildCard's fate has been tumultuous. Ultimately, the announcement on July 22 clearly stated the suspension of subscription consumption, recharges, withdrawals, and refund functions, with balances no longer usable and card functions essentially paralyzed. Although the official emphasized that they did not "run away" and promised to fix some issues, the possibility of a full recovery is now extremely slim.
For users relying on WildCard to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus or recharge OpenAI, finding alternatives has become urgent. Fortunately, there are still several virtual card platforms available in the market, such as PokeCard, VCard, Dupay, and WasabiCard. These platforms all support recharges via cryptocurrency USDT, avoiding the regulatory risks that domestic payment channels may face, providing a more stable and secure payment method. The following will detail the features of these virtual cards to help users find a suitable "WildCard alternative."
Virtual Card Recommendations: Detailed Analysis of Four Alternatives#
1. PokeCard: The Preferred Choice for Small Transactions#
PokeCard is a Visa virtual credit card based on Hong Kong dollars, with the biggest highlight being no minimum recharge or spending requirements. This is very friendly for users who only need to make small subscriptions to ChatGPT Plus, Netflix, or Amazon. PokeCard also offers physical card services, supporting ATM withdrawals and offline POS consumption, making it quite convenient for cryptocurrency users. If you seek flexibility and a low threshold, PokeCard is undoubtedly the first choice.
2. VCard: Backed by a Listed Company, Friendly for Domestic Consumption#
VCard is backed by a publicly listed company in the United States, ensuring security and stability. Its biggest advantage is low fees and support for binding Alipay and WeChat, making it convenient for domestic users for daily consumption. Whether subscribing to ChatGPT Plus or other overseas services, VCard can handle it. However, its offline functionality is relatively weak, making it more suitable for users who primarily consume online. If you value platform reliability and the convenience of domestic payments, VCard is the second-best choice.
3. Dupay: Established Platform, Suitable as a Backup#
Dupay is the "big brother" of the virtual card market, supporting binding WeChat and Alipay, covering subscriptions for overseas services like ChatGPT Plus and OpenAI. Past issues with recharges and withdrawals due to system maintenance have led to a decline in some users' trust. Nevertheless, Dupay remains a comprehensive platform, suitable for use as a backup card. If you need a familiar and fully functional virtual card, Dupay is worth considering.
4. WasabiCard: Focused on Anonymity, Privacy First#
WasabiCard is a privacy-focused virtual card, suitable for users seeking simple operations and anonymity. It supports subscriptions for overseas services like ChatGPT Plus, is easy to operate, but has a smaller user base and limited community support. For users familiar with cryptocurrency operations and wishing to protect their privacy, WasabiCard is a good backup choice.
How to Buy USDT and Recharge Virtual Cards#
Since the above virtual cards require recharges via USDT, domestic users need to first purchase USDT through cryptocurrency exchanges. Recommended exchanges include: OKX, Binance, HTX, and Gate. The specific steps are as follows:
- Register and Log in to the Exchange: Visit the USDT purchase portal and complete registration and identity verification according to the page instructions.
- Purchase USDT: Select the amount of USDT to purchase and complete the purchase via bank card or other payment methods.
- Withdraw to the Virtual Card: Transfer USDT from the exchange to the wallet address of the virtual card platform, and after completing the recharge, it can be used for subscriptions or consumption.
This method is not only safe but also effectively avoids regulatory risks associated with domestic payment channels, ensuring service stability.
Why Choose USDT to Recharge Virtual Cards?#
Unlike WildCard, which supports recharges via Alipay and other RMB methods, the USDT recharge model bypasses the restrictions of domestic payment channels through cryptocurrency trading. The advantages of this method include:
- Stability: Avoids sudden service interruptions due to policy changes.
- Security: High anonymity in cryptocurrency transactions protects user privacy.
- Global Usability: USDT is an internationally recognized stablecoin, suitable for most overseas virtual card platforms.
Usage Recommendations: Multi-Card Combination to Reduce Risk#
To avoid risks associated with a single platform, it is recommended that users adopt a multi-card combination strategy, such as using both PokeCard and VCard simultaneously. After recharging, it is advisable to use the balance as soon as possible to avoid storing large amounts of funds on the card for an extended period, thereby reducing potential losses from uncontrollable factors. PokeCard is suitable for small, flexible transactions, VCard is suitable for long-term stable use, while Dupay and WasabiCard can serve as backups to meet different scenario needs.
Final Thoughts#
The suspension of WildCard undoubtedly brings inconvenience to domestic users, but the diversity of the market provides us with more choices. Whether it's the flexibility of PokeCard, the stability of VCard, or the backup functions of Dupay and WasabiCard, all offer reliable alternatives for users to continue subscribing to ChatGPT Plus and recharging OpenAI. Purchasing USDT through exchanges like OKX is not only safe and convenient but also ensures long-term service stability. In the face of change, embracing new choices is the way to ensure our digital lives continue seamlessly.