Ugandans have MoMocard, an MTN service that gives users a temporary MasterCard to enable them carry out online transactions. In Kenya, Safaricom is really trying to bridge this gap by partnering with international entities like Western Union, PayPal and AliExpress, but in some situations, you just need a good old credit card. For those, try consider these prepaid cards.

1. Me Cash Prepaid Visa Card

The Me Cash Prepaid Visa Card is a product of KCB Bank. It is a Ksh. card and enables you to buy things online. Any charges made on foreign currency transactions will be converted into Kenya Shillings at an exchange rate quoted by Visa on the date of debit. You pay for Ksh. 516 for the card. To apply for the card you need your ID or passport. The card can be loaded via M-PESA, at a KCB Agent or any KCB branch.

2. NIC Bank Multicurrency VISA Prepaid Card

The NIC Bank Multicurrency VISA Prepaid Card can be able to be loaded with three currencies i.e. Euros, US Dollars and Kenya Shillings. To apply for the card, you need your ID or passport (plus work permit if you are a foreigner). It will cost you Ksh. 485 and it expires after three years. If you lose the card, you will be charged a replacement of Ksh. 500. You can load the card at any NIC Bank Branch, via online banking, through the NIC NOW mobile banking app and through Mpesa Paybill Number 445992.

3. Barclays Bank Multicurrency Prepaid Card

With the Barclays Bank Multicurrency Prepaid Card, you can be able to load up-to 9 currencies i.e. US Dollar, British Pound, EURO, South African Rand, Canadian Dollar, Australian Dollar, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen, and Kenya Shilling. The card costs Ksh. 465 and replacing it will cost the same amount as well. You can load the card at any Barclays Bank branch or via M-Pesa Paybill numbers 123456 or 303030. When you load the card, you will be charged Ksh. 116, which includes the SMS alert cost. There is also a foreign currency commission of 3.2% if you pay for a transaction in a currency that is different from the one on the card.

4. I&M Bank Multicurrency Prepaid Card

The I&M Bank Multicurrency Prepaid Card allows you to hold GBP, EURO and US Dollars in one card. To apply for the card, you need your National ID or Passport, copy of you KRA PIN and a recent passport photo. The card costs Ksh. 500 and replacing it will cost the same amount. If you lose the card, you will have to pay Ksh. 500. You can load the card at any I&M Bank branch via M-Pesa PayBill 872651. You can be able to load up-to US Dollars 10,000 on the card.