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Making payment for Spotify subscription in Nigeria has historically been challenging due to restrictions imposed on Naira debit cards by CBN that limits the local cards from being used to carry out international transactions. Due to this directive, many Nigerian banks have limited their cards' use for foreign payments.
However, Nigerians cannot do without purchasing international products. This has prompted the need for alternative solutions. Like any other foreign company, Spotify payment methods for Nigerians includes debit card payment, and gift card payment.
Other payment methods like Google Pay, Apple Pay, Zelle, Cash app, PayPal are not available to Nigerians. Since the only options available for Nigerians are debit card and gift cards, and local bank cards are restricted from performing international web transactions, then a virtual USD card is needed.
You can also buy Spotify Gift Cards from platforms gift card online store and redeem them on your Spotify account to cover the subscription costs. You will get an e-code of the Spotify's Gift Card in your email. You can then redeem it on your account to pay for the subscription fee, as it's done on Apple MUSIC.
Another payment method that works for Spotify subscription in Nigeria is using debit card from any of these banks. ALAT by Wema Bank, Zenith Bank, GTBank, and United Bank for Africa (UBA). These banks' cards are allowed to carry out international transactions but they might have transaction limits.
It's also important to note that using any of these banks' cards, you must use the MasterCard or Visa Card. These cards only works because platforms like Spotify accept payment in Nigeria naira. The streaming platform charges ₦1,300/month for Individual, and ₦650/month for Student.
How to pay for Spotify in Nigeria
The payment methods for Spotify in NIgeria are:
- Nigerian debit card from banks supporting international transactions.
- Virtual dollar card from fintech like Chipper Cash, and Grey.
- Spotify Gift Card.
Payment methods for Spotify in NIgeria
1. Pay with a Local Debit Card
Some Nigerian banks provide debit cards authorized for international transactions, which can be used to pay for Spotify Premium directly. Supported bank cards includes: ALAT (Wema Bank's digital bank), Zenith Bank, GTBank, and UBA.
To use this method, ensure your card is either a MasterCard or Visa Card. You must also ensure it's enabled for international transactions. You can enable your debit card for international transaction on your mobile banking app, e-banking platform or by visiting your bank.
Once the card passes all these eligibility requirements, you can use it to subscribe on the Spotify website or app by entering the card details such as card numbers, CVV, expiry date, PIN, and sometimes OTP code for authorization. This method is straightforward if your bank supports it, but availability varies, and not all cards are enabled by default.
2. Pay with a Virtual Dollar Card
Virtual Dollar (USD) Cards have emerged as a common solution for Nigerians to access international services like Spotify and Netflix. These cards, issued by third-party providers, allow users to fund them in Naira or other currencies like crypto and use them for payments as if they were international credit cards.
Chipper Cash, Grey, Geegpay, are some of the popular that provide virtual dollar card services in Nigeria. All you need to do is download their mobile app, sign up, and get verified after completing your KYC.
Once you're done with the KYC verification, create a virtual dollar card within the app. Card creation typically ranges from $3 to $5 depending on platforms. After creating the card, you will ensure it is funded.
On Spotify's website, you may need to change your country to the United States during plan selection, then enter the virtual card details (card number, expiry date, CVV, and US billing address which will be available on the card). This method is noted for its ease of use and security, with 3D Secure protection.
However, platforms like Chipper Cash offers naira debit cards that can be used for purchases on any international website that accepts naira (NGN). As Spotify offers its plans for Nigerians in naira, you can use the Chipper Cash NGN Card to purchase the plan. The Chipper Cash NGN card cost NGN1000 to create.
The use of virtual dollar cards, which involves changing the country on Spotify account to the United States, affect pricing. The subscription plans for Nigerians are lower effective costs in NGN compared to direct dollar billing.
3. Pay with a Spotify Gift Card
This is the easiest way to pay for Spotify subscription plans on Nigeria. You can buy Spotify Gift Cards from platforms like Cardtonic, and Kuda Bank, and redeem it on your Spotify account to cover the subscription costs.
This method, offering a debit card-free alternative, is particularly useful for users who don't want to deal with virtual dollar cards or international transactions. However, it's important to note that availability and pricing may the same with the direct dollar billing.
Spotify Plans and Prices in Nigeria
| Plan | Price (NGN/month) |
|---|---|
| Individual | NGN1,300 |
| Student | NGN650 |
| Duo | NGN1,700 |
| Family | NGN2,000 |
The difference in Spotify subscription prices in Nigeria (like the ₦650 plan for students and ₦1,300 plan for individual) is due to sign-up using virtual dollar cards. Because, country has to be changed to US, which the Spotify subscription plans cost $9.99 a month, which is about ₦16,057 in Nigeria.
In addition to that the virtual dollar card companies and their third-party banks will also charge conversion fees. The conversion fees and the market conversion rate all participated in the amount that your card will be charged. In essence, using a NGN card is the best option.
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