Global IME's Dollar Card (E-com) comes with a free top up feature

With digitization blooming across Nepal, dollar cards have been available since 2021. It was termed an innovative move, allowing creators to purchase subscriptions and digital services directly with their cards. Since then, every major commercial banks have thier USD card services. But Global IME Bank's Dollar (E-com) card service has an edge over others. Without further ado, let's get started.

Global IME Dollar Card (E-Com) Overview:

What is a Dollar Card?

First up, let me tell you in brief about the Dollar Card. So, basically, a dollar or USD card in the Nepalese Fintech space is a prepaid card that can hold a total balance of up to 500 USD per year. It's linked to your bank account, but it requires a top-up to use it for payments. If you ask why only 500 USD? Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has a very strict policy regarding international payments in Nepal; thus, 500 USD is the maximum limit for a Dollar card.

If you have an account in any class 'A' or class 'B' bank, then you can simply fill out a form at the bank's counter. Or these days, you can fill it up online from the comfort of your smartphone or laptop. Note that a PAN card is mandatory to apply for the card. Once you submit the form, the bank will create a linked dollar account. That is another account to hold cash in dollars, linked to your main account at the bank.

Talking of use cases, it has plenty. You can pay for streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Apple Music, content distribution platforms like Steam, or even buy ChatGPT premium subscription.

Global Dollar Card (E-com Card) 

Okay, just as I aforementioned, every major bank has had this service available for years now, including Global IME bank. But there are some things that make this one a bit different than others. 

Useful features

• You can top up your USD card from the Global IME's mobile banking app itself, which some other commercial banks also offer.
• The main unique selling point (USP) here is that you can load your Global USD (E-com) card through the mobile banking app without any extra fee. In contrast, other banks charge NPR 500 per load, regardless of whether you load USD 1, USD 10 or USD 500.
• If it tickles your fancy to visit a branch, it'll levy a NPR 100 charge for a top-up, which I really don't recommend for obvious reasons.
• One-time card issuance fee is NPR 500 for a virtual card and NPR 600 for a physical card.
• And then, per year renewal fee is NPR 300, which is very decent for an international card.
• Bonus part, you can transfer the amount of your Dollar card to your NPR account, that too at just a very minimal 1 rupee charge.

How to apply for Global IME's Dollar (E-com Card)?

• First up, you can sign up for the E-com card from the mobile banking app or through this link. And fill in the necessary info, including your PAN Card.
• You can opt for three types of USD cards: Instant Virtual USD card, Personalized physical card, or Normal physical card.
• I'd recommend that you go for the virtual card, which is faster in the process. The card number will be delivered via registered mail, and the CVV will be sent via SMS to the registered phone number.'
• To fasten up your process, you can always learn the status from their toll-free number: 16600121314 (NTC), 18102077777 (Ncell).

Global IME USD Card (E-com): Summary

Global IME Dollar Card (E-Com) is a prepaid USD card in Nepal that lets users pay for international subscriptions and services like Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify. With a yearly limit of USD 500, it can be topped up via the mobile banking app without extra charges, unlike other banks. Which is its key USP, I must say. You can change from three types of cards—virtual, personalized physical, and normal physical—with low issuance and renewal fees. Users can also transfer funds back to their NPR account for just NPR 1, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for international payments. Overall, this one is worth trying if you are a Global IME account holder, looking for a USD card.

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