How To Make Payment On AliExpress With No Debit Card

Debit cards are one of the most popular ways to pay on AliExpress and any other online shopping platform. They are linked to your bank and allow you to do unlimited transactions. You shop, check out, key in your card details and confirm. Then, you relax and wait for items to be delivered on the specified date.

However, some situations can make you want to consider other payment options. It could be because you lost your card, are concerned about its security, want to control your spending, or protect your privacy. Whatever the reason, I perfectly understand, as I have been in a similar situation.

Well, there is good news. Popular Chinese retail outlet AliExpress allows users to make payments without using their debit cards. In this piece, I will tell you how. Let’s get started!

5 Options To Make Payments On AliExpress Without A Debit Card

AliExpress’s alternative payment options include Virtual dollar cards, digital wallets, gift cards, bank transfers and custom solutions.

1. Virtual Dollar Cards:

Virtual dollar cards are one of the most convenient options for making payments on AliExpress. Unlike physical debit cards, you can access virtual dollar cards via an online application.

Virtual dollar cards are denominated in US dollars and allow you to limit your spending as they are not linked to any bank account. Users can deposit only the desired amount and enter the virtual card details at checkout. 

Examples are the virtual Master and Visa dollar cards from platforms like Cardtonic. They allow users to shop and make international payments seamlessly from Nigeria. 

Dollar cards are accessible via the Cardtonic app’s dashboard. Users can fund them with the local currency and enjoy the best conversion fees. 

2. Digital Wallets:

Digital Wallets like PayPal are generally secure and offer an excellent alternative to using debit cards on AliExpress. Although AliExpress supports PayPal, it is not universally available. 

It is mainly accessible to UK, US, Spanish, and German users. To find out if PayPal is available at your location, check the seller options during checkout.

To add PayPal to your AliExpress account: 

1. Navigate to “My AliExpress” on the top right

2. Then select “Payment Methods” from the left menu

3. Tap Add a “Payment Method” and select PayPal

4. Then, enter your PayPal email address and select “Add.”

Great, you’ve successfully added PayPal to your Aliexpress account.

3. Gift Cards

AliExpress accepts various gift cards, including popular ones like Mastercard and Visa gift cards. You can enter card details at checkout to pay for items, just like regular debit cards.

However, not all sellers accept gift cards. Some only accept regular debit cards or other payment methods. 

Gift cards are also not eligible for specific categories like digital services and products. Furthermore, you cannot combine gift cards to make a single purchase.

To pay with a gift card on AliExpress:

1. Choose “Credit/Debit Card” as your payment method. 

2. Enter the card details, such as the Visa gift card number, CVV code, and expiration date. 

3. Then, confirm your payment.

Congrats, you’ve completed payment with a gift card on AliExpress.

4. Bank transfers:

While international transfers may not always be ideal for shopping online, except for large amounts, they are an acceptable means of payment on the AliExpress platform. 

AliExpress allows bank transfer payments for orders above $20. Payments must be made in US dollars, and users should consider the bank charges and time delay for the transfer to be received.

5. Custom solutions:

These are unique solutions developed by specific companies for international payments. For example, Bitnob’s USD wallet lets users shop on AliExpress without needing a debit card. 

Users must add items to their cart and then upload the cart’s screen to Bitnob. Subject to approval, the payment is made from the user’s USD account. Of course, charges do apply.

How To Get A Virtual Dollar Card On Cardtonic

To get Cardtonic’s virtual dollar card, you must download the Cardtonic app and sign up. Click “Virtual Dollar Card” on the dashboard, submit KYC, choose a card type, and submit your contact information.

Here are the steps:

1. Sign up on Cardtonic and create an account.

2. On the homepage, click on the Virtual Dollar Card option.

3. You will be required to Submit KYC.

4. Tap the Identity Verification option.

5. Enter your DOB and BVN, take a selfie, and tap Verify.

6. Once your KYC is approved, you can choose your Preferred Card Type (under the Virtual Dollar Card), i.e. Visa or the MasterCard virtual dollar card.

7. Submit your contact information.

8. Then click Create Virtual Card.

Your virtual dollar card will be created almost immediately, and you can view card details on the dashboard.

How To Pay With Cardtonic Virtual Dollar Card On Aliexpress

To use Cardtonic’s virtual dollar card for payment on AliExpress, you must add the card first and supply your card details

Here are the steps:

1. Log into your AliExpress account.

2. Tap Account and select Payment.

3. Then tap Add a new card.

4. Supply your card details, such as the number, name, date, and CVV, and then save.

5. Once done, you can select the saved card for payment during checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Payment On AliExpress

1. What Payment Methods Work For AliExpress?

AliExpress supports various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, gift cards, bank transfers, and third-party/custom solutions.

2. Where Can I Buy Gift Cards Online?

Cardtonic is the best place to buy gift cards online securely at the best rates. Users can shop from various popular options, such as Master and Visa gift cards.

3. What Happens If My Preferred Payment Method Isn’t Available For A Specific Seller?

If your preferred payment option isn’t available for a particular seller, you have three choices: select an alternative payment method, contact the seller or even check for a different seller.

4. What Fees Are Associated With The Different Payment Methods On Aliexpress?

Generally, debit cards, digital wallets, virtual cards and even gift cards may attract international transaction fees when paying on Aliexpress. However, it is important to confirm with your payment provider.

5. Is It Safe To Use AliExpress?

AliExpress may share your personal data with Alibaba Group and third-party advertisers, but they are generally a legitimate and secure platform for purchasing products from China. 

To ensure their safety, users must be wary of counterfeit products, check seller reviews, and consider alternative payment methods beyond debit cards.

6. Which Nigerian Bank Cards Work With Aliexpress? 

Since the placement of an international spending limit on debit cards, Aliexpress’s customers in Nigeria require a dollar card or a virtual card to pay.

Some Nigerian banks, like WEMA and GTBank, issue dollar cards once you have a domiciliary account.

7. Why Is Aliexpress Rejecting My Card?

Your debit card can be rejected on Aliexpress for several reasons, including insufficient funds, incorrect card details, and unsupported international transactions.

Conclusion

AliExpress offers flexibility and allows users to use other payment methods besides debit cards, such as virtual dollar cards, digital wallets, gift cards, bank transfers, and custom solutions. 

These debit card alternatives offer more security, privacy, and spending control. I’m convinced that by now, you know that debit cards aren’t your only option. So, next time you shop on AliExpress, it will be great to explore some alternatives.