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 Aduragbemi Omiyale
A Côte d’Ivoire subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc will be launched on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, after obtaining an operating licence in December 2025 from the country’s Ministry of Finance and Budget.
The country’s subsidiary will operate from its headquarters at SCI Wall Street, Avenue Noguès, Plateau, Abidjan.
Zenith Bank is in Côte d’Ivoire to deepen its presence in Francophone West Africa and strengthen financial intermediation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).
Positioned as a gateway for cross-border trade and investment, Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire will focus on corporate banking, trade finance, local and offshore banking services, and structured financial solutions tailored to businesses operating across Africa and internationally.
Expected at the official opening ceremony tomorrow are senior government officials and regulators from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, continental business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community, highlighting the strategic economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.
The Côte d’Ivoire launch forms part of Zenith Bank’s broader continental growth strategy. In addition to the Anglophone countries where it currently operates, and in line with the expansion into the Francophone market, the bank has commenced its entry process into the CEMAC (Central African Economic and Monetary Community) region, with Cameroon as the focal point.
It was gathered that the new subsidiary will be headed by Mr Cédric Tano, a seasoned banking executive with over two decades of experience.
“We are proud to establish Zenith Bank’s presence in Côte d’Ivoire at a time of strong economic growth in the country and increasing regional integration.
“Our focus is to showcase the Zenith brand as a customer-centric institution that combines global best practices with deep local insight.
“We are well-positioned to support businesses with innovative financing solutions, facilitate cross-border trade, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Ivorian economy and the wider WAEMU region,” Mr Tano commented.
Also speaking, the chief executive of Zenith Bank, Ms Adaora Umeoji, said, “From the very beginning, our founder and chairman, Mr Jim Ovia, set out to build a truly global brand with a strong presence across Africa and key international markets.
“The launch of Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire is a bold step in realising that vision; opening a strategic corridor into Francophone West Africa and reinforcing our commitment to facilitating trade, investment, and enterprise growth across the continent.
“As we continue to expand thoughtfully and strategically, we remain focused on delivering world-class banking solutions that connect African businesses to global opportunities.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Some entrepreneurs across diverse sectors recently completed a three‑week intensive capacity‑building programme organised by Ecobank Nigeria, in partnership with DHL.
The event was put together to equip Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the skills, tools, and insights required to scale beyond local markets and compete globally.
The focus was on critical growth enablers such as cross‑border trade, e‑commerce opportunities, logistics, customs procedures, and international shipping—key pillars for sustainable expansion in today’s increasingly connected global marketplace.
In one of the sessions, titled Trade and Grow Beyond Borders: Welcome to E‑commerce, the Relationship Channel Manager for DHL Customers/Global Express, Mr Charles Eke, underscored logistics as a critical success factor for SMEs, identifying key challenges such as access to finance, markets, and efficient logistics.
He also provided practical guidance on customs processes, international shipping, documentation, and shipment tracking, while emphasising the immense opportunities e‑commerce presents for cross‑border expansion.
According to him, international markets often offer greater growth potential than domestic markets for well‑positioned SMEs.
The Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Mrs Omoboye Odu, described the programme as a catalyst for meaningful growth and mindset change.
“Over the past three weeks, something truly powerful has taken place. This programme has gone far beyond knowledge sharing—it has inspired new thinking and unlocked fresh possibilities for our SMEs. The message is clear: no business should be limited by geography,” she said.
Mrs Odu reiterated Ecobank’s deliberate focus on SMEs as key drivers of Africa’s economic development, saying, “Beyond building capacity, we are intentionally opening doors by connecting businesses to new markets and opportunities. With our presence in over 30 African countries, coupled with integrated payment, trade finance, and e‑commerce solutions, Ecobank is uniquely positioned as the Pan‑African bank enabling seamless cross‑border trade.”
One of the participants, Ms Dolapo Fatoki of Debsfray, a Lagos-based fashion brand, described the initiative as impactful, practical, and transformative.
“The sessions were highly informative. I gained a deeper understanding of documentation and pricing, two areas that previously posed major challenges for me. The collaboration between DHL and Ecobank has been exceptional and truly beneficial,” she noted.
Similarly, the Creative Director of FC Accessories, Mr Tosin Olukuade, described the programme as “an eye‑opener,” adding that it reshaped his approach to business growth.
“The insights I gained will help me scale my business exponentially. I am grateful to Ecobank and DHL for creating this opportunity,” he said.
Reflecting on the programme’s digital focus, the chief executive of Needle Point, Mrs Theresa Onwuka, highlighted how the sessions broadened her outlook on growth and innovation.
“The class was so good—it got my mind thinking of possibilities. My main takeaway is clear: digitalisation is the way forward,” she remarked.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed banks and other financial institutions to submit monthly reports on failed electronic transactions across digital channels, as part of new compliance measures introduced in its revised Guide to Charges.
The directive was contained in a circular titled Exposure Draft of the Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria, 2026 (The Guide) and signed by the Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Mrs Rita Sike.
According to the apex bank, Chief Compliance Officers and Heads of Information Technology in financial institutions are required to jointly render electronic reports of all failed transactions conducted via Automated Teller Machines, Point of Sale terminals, mobile channels, web platforms, and other electronic systems.
The circular read, “The Chief Compliance Officer and Head Information Technology shall jointly render monthly reports electronically, of all failed electronic transactions via various e-channels (ATM, PoS, mobile, web/internet and related channels) that originate or terminate in the institution.”
The reports are to be submitted to designated CBN email addresses, reinforcing the regulator’s push for stricter monitoring of service failures across the banking system.
Beyond the reporting requirement, the CBN also introduced broader accountability measures, placing responsibility on top management of financial institutions to ensure strict adherence to the new guide.
Executive Compliance Officers or Managing Directors are mandated to cascade compliance expectations across all business units and ensure that banking systems are configured to apply only approved charges.
Specifically, the regulator directed that Heads of Information Technology must ensure that “all systems configurations only capture and allow posting of charges as permitted and described in this Guide,” while Chief Compliance Officers are to monitor strict compliance with the framework.
The revised guide, effective May 1, 2026, replaces the 2020 version and provides a comprehensive framework for charges across banking and other financial services.
The CBN explained that the review was aimed at promoting a safe and sound financial system, encouraging innovation, and expanding financial inclusion through lower tariffs on micropayments and transactions.
It added that the revised framework would strengthen oversight and accountability, encourage the adoption of electronic payment channels, and accommodate new industry participants.
Business Post also reported that the regulator has raised ATM card fees by 50 per cent to N1,500 and scrapped the monthly maintenance charge.
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