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Telkom launches virtual card for WhatsApp to allow for digital payments

Retail 14 June 2021

Telkom announced that it has launched a Mastercard virtual card that can be used on WhatsApp, enabling customers to make digital payments.

The virtual card was made through a collaboration with Ukheshe, Mastercard, and Nedbank.

According to Telkom, this will enable more locals to make e-commerce transactions — with or without a bank account. Users will be able to load their virtual card on sites and apps that require card payments and accept Mastercard. This includes Uber and Netflix.

Launched in 2020, Telkom Pay is a digital payments wallet that lets users make and receive payments using WhatsApp. It doesn’t require a bank account to use.

With the addition of the Mastercard virtual - non-plastic - card to the wallet, users can now make payments to local and global online merchants that accept Mastercard, including Uber and Netflix.

“We are proud to lead the way in launching the first virtual card through WhatsApp on the continent,” Telkom Managing Executive for Financial Services, Sibusiso Ngwenya, said in a statement.

“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.”

The virtual card is stored on the Telkom Pay app and is a virtual prepaid card with a set value and not a debit or credit card.

Customers will create the virtual card on their profile in the Telkom Pay app. You then link this card to your digital wallet and transfer funds from the wallet to the card.

When you want to pay for a purchase, you will use the 16-digit card number, security code, and expiry date provided for the virtual card to complete an online purchase.

For security, you can temporarily block, cancel, or replace the card in the app.

Written by: Gabriella Steyn.

Guzzle Media