ChatGPT Plus costs $20 a month. But in many countries, paying for it is hard. Cards from Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Turkey and other places often get declined, even when there's money in the account. This guide explains why, and shows you how to pay with crypto using a virtual card.
Key takeaways
- When OpenAI declines your card, the problem is usually your bank.
- A US dollar virtual Visa card that you fill with crypto gets around these problems.
- Put at least $22 on the card, and add more money two days before each renewal.
Why OpenAI declines your card
The "declined" message almost never comes from OpenAI. It comes from your bank. There are four common reasons.
1. Your bank blocks payments to other countries
Many banks quietly stop monthly payments to foreign companies. If your card works in local shops but fails on every foreign subscription, this is probably why.
2. Your card can't pay this type of shop
Every shop has a type code, called an MCC. OpenAI uses the codes for software and digital products (5817 and 5734). Some prepaid cards block these codes. So the payment fails, even with money on the card.
3. There is not quite enough money on the card
Before charging $20, OpenAI holds a small extra amount for a short time to check the card works. If the card has exactly $20, the payment fails. Keep at least $22 on it.
4. You missed the security code
Many cards ask for a one-time code when you pay online. This is called 3D Secure. If you don't type the code in before it expires, the payment fails. This is the most common problem the first time.
What you need
- A Visa card that can pay online shops in other countries
- 3D Secure, so you can get the one-time code
- At least $22 on the card
- A card that allows software and digital shops
- The right billing address for the card
HideTap's Shield 3DS Card has all five. It is a US dollar Visa card from Estonia. It supports 3D Secure and works with software and digital shops, including OpenAI.
Step by step: pay for ChatGPT Plus with crypto
- Make an account. Sign up and open your dashboard.
- Add crypto to your wallet. Choose Deposit and pick USDT, BTC, ETH, TRX or another coin. We accept 19 coins through Cryptomus and 2328.io. Send your coins on the network your wallet shows.
- Make a card. Go to Cards and make a Shield 3DS Card.
- Put money on the card. Add at least $22. Don't add the exact price.
- Add the card to ChatGPT. Open Settings, then your plan or billing page. Type in the card number, expiry date and CVV. For the billing address, copy the one from your card page exactly.
- Enter the security code. When the check screen opens, go to your card page. You will find the 3DS password and the latest one-time code there. Type the code in before it expires.
Plus starts right away. OpenAI will charge the same card each month.
What it costs
| What | Cost |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT Plus | $20 a month |
| Make a new card | $12.50, once |
| Monthly card fee | $10 per card |
| Add money to a card | 9.5% + $3 each time |
| Payments under 30 EUR | $0.87 per payment |
| Declined payment | $0.87 |
| Refund | $0.87 |
| Limit per payment | Up to $5,000 |
| Daily or monthly limit | No limit |
Check OpenAI's pricing page for today's Plus price in your country. ChatGPT Plus costs less than 30 EUR, so the $0.87 fee applies each month. The $10 monthly fee is per card. If you also pay for Claude, hosting or ads, use the same card and share that $10.
If the payment still fails
The card was added but the payment failed
Check the card balance first. If the card runs out on renewal day, the payment is declined and you pay $0.87. Add money, then try again from OpenAI's billing page. Don't wait for OpenAI to try again by itself.
The security code didn't show up
The code only appears after OpenAI asks for it. Start the payment first. Then check your card page for the latest code.
The address was rejected
Use the billing address from your card page, not your home address. The card company checks it against its own records.
The payment is stuck as "pending"
Short holds go away by themselves after a while. Don't add a second card while one payment is pending. You could end up with two holds on the same money.
How to keep your plan from stopping
- Keep $25 to $30 on the card, not the exact price.
- Add money two days before your renewal date. Crypto can take time to arrive.
- Keep money in your wallet for the $10 monthly fee. If your wallet can't pay it when it's due, the card is closed for good. Any money left on it goes back to your wallet.
Frequently asked questions
Does ChatGPT Plus accept virtual cards?
Yes. OpenAI takes Visa and Mastercard cards that pass its checks, including virtual cards. The card needs money on it, must allow payments to other countries, and should support 3D Secure.
Why does OpenAI keep declining my card?
Almost always for one of four reasons. The card doesn't have $20 plus the small hold. Your bank blocks foreign payments. Your card blocks software shops. Or the security code ran out of time.
How much should I put on the card first?
At least $22. ChatGPT Plus is $20 a month, and OpenAI holds a little extra for a short time first.
Can I pay for the OpenAI API with the same card?
Yes. The card works for API credits and for Plus. API costs change with how much you use, so check your balance often.
What happens if a renewal fails?
OpenAI tries again for a few days, then cancels your plan. Each failed try costs $0.87. Adding money before your renewal date is cheaper.
Is a virtual card safer than my bank card?
Yes, it lowers your risk. The card only has the money you put on it. If someone steals the card number, they can't reach your bank account. You can also close the card without touching your bank.
Next steps
The same card works for other AI tools too. Use Claude as well? Read how to pay for Claude with crypto.
Make a card and add money before your next billing date.
