Nowadays, Ethiopian online movements are increasing significantly due to the growth of social media. Every business now needs the internet. In today’s business models, if you have a social media account and followers, you can start your own business by either selling your products or offering your services. However, in Ethiopia, there is a challenge with obtaining a MasterCard or online payment system. Getting a MasterCard in Ethiopia is a bit difficult, but for using social media platforms or other online payment systems internationally, you need a debit or credit card to make payments.

This article will help you find ways to get your MasterCard. If you stay with us, we will explore various ways of obtaining credit or debit cards, such as MasterCard or Visa, in Ethiopia easily. We will cover multiple methods, not just one. If you find this article useful, please don’t forget to share it with others. Let’s get started!

Ways to get mastercard in ethiopia

we can get MasterCard in ethiopia by two ways

1. paid way
2. free way

1. paid way

In this way, you can buy a MasterCard using Birr. New service providers are growing over time, and now in Ethiopia, many services offer MasterCards based on your choice. Below, you will see trusted MasterCard providers in Ethiopia. These providers have been vetted for reliability, and if you have any questions, you can reach out to their support teams.

1. Habesha coin 

They provide MasterCard or VISA cards virtually, not physically. They offer this service in three ways: 

1. through their website, 
2. Android application, and 
3. Telegram bot. 

By these three methods, they provide virtual MasterCards. To get your virtual MasterCard, the first thing you need to do is register yourself via their Telegram bot, website, or mobile application. During registration, they will ask for identity verification. The identity verification process requires one of the following:

• Driving license, 
• Passport, or 
• National ID. 

However, the unique aspect of their service is that they also accept local kebele IDs, making it convenient for Ethiopians. After submitting your document, approval takes some time. Once approved, you can access the dashboard to buy your first card. To begin, you need to fund your account with Birr. In the menu section, you’ll find the option to purchase a card. Upon clicking, you’ll see two choices: basic and pro cards.

Basic cards are available in different amounts but are valid only for a short time. Once the balance is depleted, you cannot use or refund money with the card. Conversely, Pro cards are valid for two years and allow you to refund money. It’s recommended to buy the Pro card because you can recharge it as needed once the balance is finished. This flexibility ensures you can continue purchasing from HabeshaCoin without interruption.

My recommendation for you is to buy the MasterCard from the Pro feature. For example, you can buy a $20 MasterCard for 4,350 Birr. Once you test the card, you can fund money and recharge your balance as needed. Check out the video below to learn more!

2. Ethio Solution

This website provides many services, including MasterCard services. When you click the “Solutions” menu section, you will find the MasterCard option. They offer services in three ways:

1. I have a passport: If you possess an official travel document issued by your country.
2. I don’t have a passport: If you don’t possess an official travel document issued by your country.
3. I want a passport: If you want to obtain an official travel document issued by your country.

These options are available on their website.

Both websites are trustworthy, and I know the owners personally. Using these two methods, you can obtain a virtual MasterCard.

2. Free way

This is related to international banks that support Ethiopia. If you have a special identity document, like a driving license or passport, you can register yourself on these websites. After creating a bank account, you can order your MasterCard. Now, let’s look at two international bank accounts that support Ethiopia. First, you should know that it’s not easy, but it is free. Let’s see how it works

Payoneer

Payoneer is a versatile cross-border payments platform that allows businesses, online sellers, and freelancers to receive and make payments worldwide with ease. Whether you need to receive funds or make payments, Payoneer supports your business by offering both a bank account and a MasterCard.

How to Get a MasterCard from Payoneer

To get a MasterCard, you first need to register on Payoneer. When registering, ensure that the information you provide matches your identity document accurately. Below, I will provide a video link that shows everything about using Payoneer in Ethiopia. Once you have successfully created your account, the next step is ordering your card.

To order a card from your Payoneer online account, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your account.
2. Navigate to “Payoneer cards.”
3. Click on “Order a card” and follow the provided instructions.

Alternatively, you can click the “Order Card” option located at the top right corner of your screen and follow the instructions. If this is your first card, you will have the option to choose express shipping.

Wise 

Wise is an online account that lets you send money, receive payments, and spend money internationally. However, it is not a bank itself. It allows you to create international bank accounts from countries like Ethiopia, but it can be challenging to set up an account from Ethiopia and may require some additional steps. With a Wise account, you can send money abroad, receive payments in various currencies, and spend money internationally using the Wise card. 

How to Get a MasterCard from wise

Initially when you create an account on wise it requires around $20 this is not payment but its just for bank balance specifically wise is best for bank creation because it has better than payoneer in some features like limitation. If you need to order mastercard  from wise you need to do is:

Register on wise

Like payoneer you need first register n wise and it also requires you identity document for verification purpose i will provide full video link below that shows you step by step process to create account.

Ordering card

To get started, go to the Card tab, where you’ll find the option to request a new card.

Initially, you might be asked to pay a small fee or add funds to your balance; the necessary steps will be outlined during the card ordering process. Your personal details, such as your name and address, will be reviewed, and your account needs to be verified. Once everything is confirmed, your new card will be sent to you.

Other ways to create MasterCard in ethiopia

If you are looking for additional options, there are other alternatives available. Surprisingly, Ethiopian local banks, such as Dashen Bank, Awash Bank, and Hibret Bank, have started providing international MasterCard services. We will explore these options in detail below.

Mastercard from Dashen Bank

Dashen Bank now offers a prepaid travel MasterCard, which is a convenient option for travelers. This card allows you to load multiple currencies in advance, eliminating the need to carry cash. To obtain a Dashen MasterCard, you must be over 18 years old and visit any Dashen Bank branch or forex bureau. Essential travel documents required include a valid passport, a visa for your destination country, and a flight ticket.

After submitting your application and documents, the bank will process your request. Depending on the branch, you may receive your MasterCard instantly or within a few days. It’s important to note that this service is specifically designed for travelers.

Mastercard from Hibret Bank

Hibret Bank, like Dashen Bank, offers a Mastercard in the form of a prepaid travel card. This card is designed for travelers and allows you to load various currencies onto it beforehand, avoiding the need to carry cash. While convenient for trips, it might not be ideal for you if you’re not a frequent traveler. Unlike a regular debit card, a prepaid Hibret Mastercard isn’t linked to your bank account and requires loading funds at a Hibret branch, which might not be practical for everyday purchases. For everyday use, a regular debit or credit card might be a better option, potentially offering rewards programs or cashback benefits on your purchases.

Mastercard from Awash Bank

Awash Bank provides a prepaid travel MasterCard, tailored specifically for travelers. This card is not ideal for frequent everyday use, as it cannot be linked to your existing bank account for regular purchases. Instead, you need to visit a Forex bureau to add funds, which may not be convenient for daily transactions.

For everyday use, regular debit or credit cards might be more suitable. They can be linked directly to your bank account and may offer rewards programs or cashback benefits on purchases, providing greater convenience and additional perks.

Conclusion

We have now reached the final part of this article. Today, we explored various methods to obtain a MasterCard in Ethiopia, including both free and paid options. In the free method, we discussed how to get a card without any difficulties by simply paying in birr. We also covered alternative ways to obtain a card for free. 

The main purpose of obtaining these cards is to facilitate online payments and expand our businesses. By carefully reading this article, you can learn how to get a MasterCard while in Ethiopia. If you found this information useful, please share it with others. 

If you have any questions or need assistance in creating international bank accounts, feel free to contact me. I can help you with this at a reasonable cost. Don’t forget to share this article with others. Thank you!