Banking
Cardtonic vs Cleva Virtual Card: What Nigerians Should Know Before Choosing
The growing digital economy and the Naira card payment restriction have accelerated the rise of virtual card payments. From a single virtual card operator in 2015, Nigerians now have as many options. They can literally get a virtual card in Nigeria today from several platforms.
But among the most popular are highly reliable options like Cardtonic and Cleva. Both virtual cards deliver an excellent experience for shoppers and freelancers in Nigeria alike. They are accepted across global stores and online payment platforms.
Cardtonic is best for making subscription payments, like paying for YouTube Premium. While Cleva is for receiving foreign payments internationally. It is also one of the best ways to send money to Nigeria.
So between Cardtonic and Cleva, which virtual card would you choose? This article explains everything you need to know before choosing a particular option. Let’s get into it
Cardtonic Vs Cleva Virtual Card: Head-to-Head
Let’s compare Cardtonic and Cleva based on value proposition, card creation and other fees, funding options, global acceptance, rating and social sentiment, and extra perks.
| S/No | Factor | Cardtonic | Cleva |
| 1. | Value Proposition | Affordable. High Reliability. Flexible funding. | Receive payment from abroad. |
| 2. | Card Creation and Other Fees | $1.5 Card Creation Fee. 2% Funding Fee | $3 Card Creation Fee. 1% Funding Fee |
| 3. | Funding Options | Bank Transfer; Gift Cards | Bank Transfer; Foreign Payment |
| 4. | Global Acceptance | Wider acceptance at global locations | Wide Acceptance |
| 5. | Rating and Social Sentiment | 43.6% Positive Sentiment. | 36.7% Positive Sentiment
|
| 6. | Extra Perks | Multi-purpose app | Sleek User Interface. Speedy Customer Support. |
1. Overview and Value Proposition
Cardtonic:
Nigeria’s premium gift card brand, Cardtonic, offers virtual cards so users can navigate international payment restrictions without stress. It’s the most flexible option around, letting you fund your wallet in Naira via bank transfer or gift cards.
Furthermore, Cardtonic’s conversion fees are also very competitive, whether you are converting from Naira to USD or vice versa. You are guaranteed to get the best value for your funds.
One thing that truly stands out is that Cardtonic isn’t a one-off provider; it’s a full-scale fintech solution. Within a single app, you can access virtual dollar cards and pay utility bills, trade gift cards, shop for gadgets, and even buy eSIMs.
But how do you set up a Cardtonic virtual card? Getting started is quite straightforward. You need to download the Cardtonic app, complete KYC, and then create a virtual card in-app and fund it.
Then head to your payment page, key in your card details, just as you would use a physical card, and boom! Your payment goes through instantly.
Cleva:
Cleva is a standard solution that lets you make and receive international payments in USD. You open a Cleva USD account, and you get a virtual card linked to your account. Well, it isn’t automatic; you need to create the card and pay the card creation fee.
Cleva is particularly well-suited for freelancers and offers an alternative to major payment platforms like PayPal. You can use Cleva to receive payment from major freelance sites like Fiverr and Upwork
Unlike Cardtonic, Cleva allows you to receive and make payments. It’s not either/or; it’s both.
Once the payment arrives in your USD account, you can convert and pay out in Naira. Otherwise, you can use them to fund your virtual cards so you can shop online and pay for digital subscriptions.
2. Card Creation and Other Fees
Cardtonic charges a low card creation fee of $1.5 for a regular card and $5 for the platinum version. Unlike the regular cards, the platinum cards offer extra flexibility. You can add them to your digital wallet, like Apple/Google Pay, to make quick payments from your device without ever needing a physical card.
Additionally, Cardtonic has no monthly or maintenance fees, so you’re never charged if your card goes unused. What’s more? Cardtonic’s funding fees are capped at 2% of the Naira value. And when you indeed make a transaction, you get charged just a fraction as transaction fees.
Lastly, the Cardtonic app is one of the few platforms where you can get the best exchange rates when converting between USD and Naira. The rates often match the prevailing market price.
On the flip side, Cleva offers a low-fee structure. For example, you get charged just $1 for up to $100; that is 1% funding fees, cheaper than most payment providers. Its card creation fee isn’t over the roof either. You get charged only $3, with $1 credited to your card balance and available for use.
But similar to Cardtonic, there are no card maintenance fees whatsoever. Cleva does not charge rent; you are free to use your card at any time and you only get charged when you do so.
3. Funding Options
Cardtonic offers the most seamless card funding options: You can fund your digital wallet in Naira via bank transfer or even gift cards. Once your wallet is funded, you can convert Naira to USD and top up your virtual dollar card. You can then pay or shop at your favorite global platforms like Amazon and Macy’s.
When it comes to Cleva, it’s a little different. You can fund your Cleva virtual card via a bank transfer from within or outside Nigeria. You always have decent options, like US wire, ACH, or even stablecoins, available for you to receive payment from abroad.
Stablecoin payments are available for remote workers whose clients pay in crypto. They are typically settled in less than 5 minutes and provide an effective way to fund your Cleva USD account.
4. Global Acceptance
The Cardtonic virtual card is a popular payment option supported at global merchants, particularly at vendors that accept Visa or Mastercard. That said, you can shop at eBay or Amazon and subscribe to ChatGPT, Google Cloud, and Workspace.
You also get to enjoy contactless payment. Another extra value added. You add your platinum virtual card to Apple or Google Pay and pay simply by tapping your device on supported payment terminals. That’s speed and convenience merged into one.
Other platforms where the Cardtonic virtual cards are accepted include Grammarly, Twitter Blue, Google Ads, YouTube Premium, Canva Pro, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Comparatively, Cleva is accepted at global locations with the Visa or Mastercard logos. Like Cardtonic, you can shop at your favorite global e-commerce stores like Amazon or eBay. Additionally, you can use your Cleva virtual card to subscribe to Netflix or run Facebook or Google ads.
5. Rating and Social Sentiments
While both products are strong options for paying internationally, ratings on Google Play showed that Cardtonic has a 4.6-star rating out of 20k reviews. Cleva, on the other hand, has received 4.7 out of 5k reviews. However, you should keep in mind that Cardtonic has way more product offerings than Cleva.
Secondly, the Virtual Card in Nigeria Report indicates that Cardtonic is hugely more popular than its counterpart. It has a stronger total number of X mentions than Cleva: 278 total tweets, ahead of Cleva’s 49.
Social sentiment also favors Cardtonic over the Cleva virtual card. Cardtonic led with a positive score of 43.6%, ahead of Cleva’s 36.7%. Overall, Cardtonic is praised for its reliability in supporting Apple and Namecheap payments, while Cleva is recognized for its sleek user interface and speedy support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleva and Cardtonic Virtual Card
- Which Virtual Card is Best in Nigeria?
The best virtual card in Nigeria currently is Cardtonic due to its high reliability. Since its launch in 2024, it has continually enabled Nigerians to pay across popular global destinations without stress.
Besides, the Cardtonic virtual card is cost-effective and provides the strongest security and the most flexible funding options.
- Cardtonic vs. Cleva: Which is Cheaper?
Overall, Cardtonic is cheaper: In terms of card creation fees, Cardtonic charges $1.5 compared to Cleva’s $3. And as regards card funding fees, Cardtonic charges about 1.5% on Naira deposits, with a maximum of 2,000 Naira overall. Alternatively, Cleva charges only 1% for funding in USD.
- Can Funds be Added in Naira?
Yes, Cardtonic lets you fund your digital wallet directly in Naira via bank transfer or gift card sales. Alternatively, Cleva has also launched its Naira funding feature. With this, you can transfer from any local bank app and have your Cleva NGN account credited.
- Cardtonic vs. Cleva: What Should Nigerians Consider Before Choosing?
It is important to consider your use case before choosing between the Cardtonic and Cleva virtual cards. For example, if you want to receive funds from abroad, choose Cleva. If you wish to make a payment or subscribe to popular channels, then you can choose from either Cardtonic or Cleva. However, Cardtonic offers a full fintech package.
Other factors to consider before choosing a virtual card include fees and exchange rates. If you want lower fees or the best conversion rates, the Cardtonic virtual card is your best option.
- Can Cleva Receive Money from Abroad?
Yes, Cleva has a USD account feature that allows users to receive payments via US wire or ACH from global locations. Additionally, Cleva supports stablecoins, so you can also receive USDT and USDC from abroad directly to your USD wallet.
- How Long Does it Take to Receive Payment on Cleva?
It all depends on the payment option. General ACH payment takes 1–3 business days. While wire transfer from the US takes 1 to 2 days. Meanwhile, stablecoins take less than five minutes.
Conclusion
Cardtonic vs. Cleva: Which should you choose? Well, it all depends on your needs and preferences. Choose Cardtonic if you need an all-in-one app for fintech payments and gift card trading.
Then choose Cleva if you’re a remote worker looking for an alternative means to receive payment from abroad. They may not be as popular as their counterparts, but they do work.
Cardtonic clearly outperforms Cleva, as evidenced by its user feedback and statistics. It has way more users, the most flexible funding, and the cheapest fees, and it clearly supports a wider range of platforms than Cleva.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has selected cNGN, Flutterwave, Juicyway, KoinKoin, KuCoin, and Paystack for the initial phase of its pilot supervision programme for virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
In a statement, the apex bank said the initiative was part of efforts to strengthen oversight of anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CFT), and counter-proliferation financing (CPF) risks within the financial system.
The CBN explained that the move aligns with its enhanced AML/CFT/CPF framework and is backed by key legislations, including the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the CBN Act, and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.
“The CBN has commenced an AML/CFT/CPF supervision pilot involving a select group of virtual asset service providers identified as relevant for supervisory engagement,” the statement said.
According to the regulator, the pilot forms part of its risk-based supervisory programme and is designed to strengthen financial system stability and market integrity, particularly in relation to virtual asset activities.
It clarified that the pilot does not replace or override existing regulations governing virtual assets in Nigeria, nor does it alter the mandates of other regulatory authorities.
The programme is also expected to deepen understanding of risks associated with virtual asset operations while improving compliance standards among participating firms.
“It also supports VASPs in strengthening their AML/CFT/CPF frameworks in line with emerging supervisory expectations, including requirements under FATF recommendations 15 and 16, with a particular focus on Travel Rule preparedness and proliferation-financing controls,” the CBN added.
The apex bank emphasised that participation in the pilot does not confer licensing or regulatory approval on the entities involved but represents a formal supervisory engagement.
Under the scheme, participating firms are required to submit monthly AML/CFT/CPF supervisory key performance indicators (KPIs), engage with the CBN and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, and undergo reviews covering governance, customer onboarding, sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, and cross-border activities.
They are also expected to demonstrate credible implementation plans for compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Travel Rule.
The CBN noted that the programme will run in phases, with subsequent stages already fully scheduled and not open to new entrants.
It added that all data submitted by participating firms would be treated as confidential supervisory information in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and its internal confidentiality standards.
The initiative, the bank said, underscores its commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight, enhancing market integrity, and ensuring that emerging financial technologies operate within a secure and transparent framework.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Payments technology company, Flutterwave, has secured a microfinance bank license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to operate full banking services in the country.
According to a statement, this license enables the company to hold funds and deposits directly, strengthening its financial infrastructure across its largest market and enabling more efficient financial services and settlement flows for consumers, businesses and enterprises.
The microfinance banking license acquisition follows Flutterwave’s purchase of Nigerian open-banking startup Mono in January 2026. The integration of Mono’s data-scraping and payment-initiation APIs was the precursor to this broader banking strategy, allowing Flutterwave to evolve into a vertically integrated financial “super-stack.”
Previously, global payment companies like Flutterwave operated via a sponsorship model, partnering with established commercial banks to access national clearing and settlement systems.
According to the statement, such an arrangement often limits a fintech’s pace of innovation and requires it to share a portion of the transaction value with the sponsoring institution.
By securing this banking license, Flutterwave gains greater control over how funds move within its ecosystem, including the ability to hold deposits and manage financial flows across its platform.
The company said it will continue to work closely with banking partners across the broader financial ecosystem.
The license also enables the company to internalise key elements of its financial value chain, improving operational efficiency and supporting faster product development.
This shift strengthens operational autonomy and allows Flutterwave to capture more value from the transactions processed within its ecosystem.
By operating more directly within the regulated financial system, Flutterwave can further optimise how money moves across its platform and improve settlement efficiency across its network of merchants, businesses and consumers.
“This milestone allows us to make our infrastructure more efficient and deliver faster, more reliable financial services,” said Mr Olugbenga Agboola, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave.
“By operating directly within the financial system, we can streamline money movement, accelerate settlement for merchants, and build products that support sustainable long-term growth,” he added.
Flutterwave also said that with this license, it is bringing the same infrastructure that has historically made it into a unicorn into a new generation of banking built for consumer financial services within the SendApp ecosystem, utilising business financial tools for businesses of every size, as well as managing complex financial operations, treasury, and liquidity.
Also, it will embed financial services for marketplaces and platform operators, while developers will benefit from financial infrastructure enabling the creation of financial products through APIs.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A building operated by Access Bank Plc in the Oniru area of Lagos State has been sealed by officials of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO).
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said the facility was cordoned off over the “discharge of untreated faecal matter into the public drainage system.”
Mr Wahab said this causes “severe damage to the environment,” because the financial institution failed to use its wastewater treatment plant to process the faecal waste.
In a post on Thursday, the Commissioner said the state government was tipped off about the improper discharge, and it was discovered that the treatment plant was not working at the time officials of the agency arrived at the building.
He also claimed that while attempting to seal the bank’s office, officials of LSWMO were assaulted, promising to prosecute those behind the attack.
“Following a whistleblower complaint, I directed the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office team to visit the Access Bank Plc @myaccessbank building at Oniru, Victoria Island, where it was discovered that the wastewater treatment plant at the facility was non-functional, resulting in the discharge of untreated faecal matter into the public drainage system and causing severe damage to the environment.
“During the enforcement visit, officials of LSWMO were denied access to seal the facility. Security personnel and management representatives of the bank resisted our officers and, in the process, attacked members of the enforcement team.
“Consequently, the LSWMO team has taken samples of the effluent being discharged from the premises for laboratory analysis, and the results of the test came back positive.
“The state will also proceed to court to obtain the necessary orders for the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the attack on government officials carrying out their lawful duties.
“Meanwhile, enforcement officers will be reinforced to return and seal off the property tonight in line with the Lagos State Environmental Laws.
“There will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of environmental regulations. Any individual or organisation found violating environmental laws, regardless of status, will be held accountable,” he wrote.
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