SA’s Telkom Launches Africa’s First Mastercard Virtual Card For Use On WhatsApp

South Africa’s wireless telecommunications provider Telkom, has joined forces with Mastercard, Nedbank, and Ukheshe Technologies to roll out Africa’s first Mastercard virtual card for use on WhatsApp.

This move is expected to empower millions of South Africans, even those without a bank account, to access the digital economy and transact online.

Launched in 2020, Telkom Pay is a digital payments wallet that enables its users to make and receive payments using WhatsApp on their mobile phones. With the addition of the Mastercard virtual card to the wallet, users can now make payments to local and global online merchants that accept Mastercard, including Uber and Netflix.

Telkom’s Mastercard virtual card will give customers the flexibility to shop safely and conveniently using just their smartphone and the Telkom Pay app. Customers will simply have to create a virtual card on their profile, link it to their digital wallet, and transfer funds from their wallet to the card. To pay for purchases, users will receive a virtual prepaid card, including a 16-digit card number, security code, and expiry date, which they will use to complete an online purchase much like they would with a physical card.

“We are proud to lead the way in launching the first virtual card through WhatsApp on the continent. This ensures greater financial inclusion through affordable products and services that cater to everyone and are easily accessible through a mobile device at any time,” said Telkom Financial Services managing executive Sibusiso Ngwenya.

The virtual card solution is safely stored on the Telkom Pay app and customers can temporarily block, cancel or replace their card via the app, providing them with additional security and control.

“We are thrilled to assist Telkom in making new, innovative products possible, and look forward to continuing our journey of supporting clients in their efforts to offer cutting-edge payment solutions to people who need them most,” says Clayton Hayward, CEO of Ukheshe