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 Modupe Gbadeyanka
A new digital-first remittance solution known as Absa Global Pay has been launched through a partnership between Absa Group and Thunes.
The Absa–Thunes collaboration helps to make international remittances seamless in Africa through intuitive, transparent and cost-effective solutions.
The partnership combines Absa’s trusted Pan-African banking footprint with Thunes’ agile Direct Global Network to deliver an end‑to‑end, real‑time money movement experience.
Absa Global Pay makes sending money across borders faster, simpler and more affordable for millions of customers across Africa.
Absa customers can send funds directly from the Absa Banking App or Connected Banking (Absa Online) with instant settlement to 18 countries, with six countries forming part of the first release (UK, Kenya, India, Malawi, Pakistan and Zimbabwe). Customers can choose from multiple payout methods — bank accounts, mobile wallets or approved cash pick‑up points — with real‑time notifications and full transaction visibility for added confidence and control.
By leveraging Thunes’ trusted Direct Global Network and Absa’s scale across key African markets, the solution offers lower fees, clear pricing, competitive FX rates, and greater value, ensuring that more of each transaction reaches the families and businesses that depend on remittances as a financial lifeline.
“At Absa, we are committed to building financial services that are innovative, intuitive and deeply connected to the everyday needs of our customers.
“Remittances remain essential for keeping families supported across borders, and our research shows a significant opportunity to unlock more value in this space. “Together with Thunes, we are delivering a solution that is simpler, faster and more affordable — empowering customers with choice, transparency and meaningful value,” the Managing Executive for Transactional and Deposits at Absa Personal and Private Banking, Mr Nick Nkosi, said.
On his part, the Chief Commercial Officer at Thunes, Mr Simon Nelson, said, “By combining Absa’s deep local insights with Thunes’ expansive Direct Global Network, we are making international money movement seamless and accessible for anyone, anywhere. This launch is an important milestone in our mission to support the growth of the continent by powering intra-Africa money movement and bringing inclusive financial connectivity to communities across the world.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A nationwide marketing campaign signalling a strategic shift toward proof-led messaging in Nigeria’s fast-evolving fintech sector has been launched by Smartcash Payment Service Bank (PSB).
At the unveiling of this initiative in Lagos on Tuesday, the Airtel-owned digital financial services platform said the No Be Cho Cho Cho campaign represents a new chapter for Smartcash, following its earlier Money Matter Na Sense positioning, reflecting the company’s rapid growth and increasing role in Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem. The platform now serves nearly three million active wallets, with users spanning students, traders, households and small businesses across the country.
The phrase, Cho Cho Cho, a popular expression in Nigerian street parlance meaning “talking without action,” is used deliberately by the company to challenge the hype-driven marketing culture that has often characterised the fintech sector. Instead, Smartcash says the campaign will focus on demonstrable performance and measurable value for customers, which means “Smartcash dey show workings”.
The initiative centres on the three pillars of reliability, transparency and demonstrable service delivery and addresses what the company describes as a widening trust gap in Nigeria’s digital payments market.
The chief executive of Smartcash PSD, Mr Ayotunde Kuponiyi, described financial inclusion as a critical pillar of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, noting that with the launch of No Be Cho Cho Cho, the firm is proving its commitment to this vision.
“We have built an accessible banking service that breaks barriers for everyone, from corporate executives to the previously unbanked, pulling them from the sidelines to centre stage. Through our flagship zero-charge service, we promise no fees on P2P transfers or bill payments.
“Furthermore, our savings account offers 15 per cent per annum compounded interest, paid daily without penalties. Unlike conventional banks, we charge you nothing, ensuring your money truly works for you,” he explained to newsmen at the event.
Smartcash’s zero-charge model, which eliminates fees on transfers and bill payments, has become one of the platform’s defining features, alongside instant transfers and everyday payments for utilities, airtime, data and cable TV.
Mr Kuponiyi noted that the campaign reflects a broader philosophy of accountability in digital finance, saying, “Nigerians have experienced inconsistency and unclear charges across various platforms in the past. With No Be Cho Cho Cho, we are saying clearly: don’t just listen to what we say; experience the proof.”
Smartcash operates as a PSB licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and is wholly owned by Airtel Nigeria, a part of the Airtel Africa Group, which operates across 14 countries. This backbone allows the platform to serve customers through both smartphone applications and USSD channels, enabling access for users without smartphones or traditional bank accounts.
Beyond consumer banking, the platform is also expanding its footprint through a nationwide network of agents that facilitate transactions and financial services in underserved communities.
Providing further insight into the bank’s financial architecture and long-term roadmap, Mr Kuponiyi emphasised that the campaign reflects the strength of the institution’s operational foundation.
“At Smartcash, we have matched our ambitious growth targets with disciplined investment in secure, high-volume processing capabilities. The No Be Cho Cho Cho initiative is a testament to our financial health and our unwavering focus on driving financial inclusion through sustainable incentives that provide real value to the Nigerian economy,” he said.
As part of the rollout, the No Be Cho Cho Cho campaign will run nationwide across television, radio, outdoor advertising and digital platforms, targeting young, mobile-first consumers while also reaching traders and small businesses through agent networks and USSD channels.
For Smartcash, the campaign marks more than a marketing refresh; it signals an attempt to redefine how financial technology companies communicate with Nigerian consumers in an increasingly competitive sector.
As Kuponiyi concluded at the launch: “The evidence is plenty. Nigerians can see it for themselves.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Senate has called for a strengthened regulatory framework that positions the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the centre of oversight of the country’s fast-growing fintech sector.
The recommendation was made by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, Mr Adetokunbo Abiru, during a one-day public hearing at the National Assembly complex on Wednesday.
The event focused on the proposed amendment to the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 (SB. 959) and included an investigative session into fraudulent investment platforms, notably the recent Crypto Bullion Exchange (CBEX) incident.
Mr Abiru, who is a former Group Managing Director of Polaris Bank and Executive Director at First Bank Nigeria, emphasised that fintechs, including mobile money operators, digital lenders, payment platforms, and settlement companies, have become systemically important to Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
While their growth has expanded financial inclusion, existing laws, he said, do not fully address the scale, data sensitivity, and systemic impact of these technology-driven institutions.
“The question has arisen as to whether a new standalone regulatory agency would be preferable for supervising fintechs,” Mr Abiru said.
“However, creating a separate agency would duplicate functions, fragment oversight, and increase bureaucratic costs. It is far more effective to strengthen the BOFIA framework, modernise CBN supervisory powers, and mandate coordination with key agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigerian Communications Commission, Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and the Office of the National Security Adviser,” he added.
The lawmaker proposed that the amendment should explicitly empower the CBN to designate qualifying fintechs as Systemically Important Institutions, establish a national registry for transparency and beneficial ownership disclosure, and strengthen risk-based supervision tailored to technology-driven financial services.
Beyond fintech regulation, the Senate intensified scrutiny on Ponzi schemes and fraudulent investment platforms.
Mr Abiru described the rising prevalence of such schemes as a threat to financial stability and public trust, citing the CBEX debacle, which reportedly caused severe financial losses to individuals across Nigeria, including professionals, traders, students, and retirees.
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