What is a Dollar Card?
In today’s digital world, making international online payments from Nepal used to be a serious challenge. Regular Nepalese debit and ATM cards only work within Nepal and India — leaving freelancers, students, digital marketers, and business owners unable to pay for global services like Netflix, Google Ads, or web hosting tools.
That problem now has a legal, simple, and affordable solution: the Dollar Card.
A Dollar Card is a prepaid or debit international Visa card issued by Nepalese banks that allows you to make payments in USD for online international transactions. It is officially known as a Prepaid eCommerce Dollar Card under Nepal Rastra Bank’s Foreign Exchange Facility guidelines.
After years of restrictions, Nepali citizens can now legally create Dollar Cards and use them for international purchases, subscriptions, advertising, and online tools — all within Nepal Rastra Bank’s approved framework.
Types of Dollar Cards in Nepal
There are two main types of Dollar Cards available in Nepal. Both carry the same $500 annual NRB limit — the key difference is in how you receive and use the card.
Physical Dollar Card
A real plastic card delivered to you by the bank. Can be used at international ATMs as well as for all online transactions. Takes 1–10 days to receive depending on whether you want your name printed on it.
Virtual Dollar Card
A digital-only card with a card number, expiry, and CVV delivered to your email or banking app. Faster to get, cheaper to issue, and strictly for online use. Recommended for most users who only need it for digital payments.
Pro tip: Go for the virtual card if you only need it for online payments like Netflix, ads, or SaaS tools. It is cheaper, faster to get, and you do not need to visit the bank at all with banks like Global IME or NMB.
Who Can Apply?
Dollar Cards in Nepal are available to a wide range of people. The basic eligibility requirements are simple:
- Must be a Nepali citizen with a valid citizenship certificate
- Must have a PAN card (Permanent Account Number) — this is mandatory
- Must have an active savings or current account at the issuing bank
- Students can also apply if they have a PAN card and an active source of funds
- Businesses and IT companies can apply for higher limits with additional documentation
Annual Spending Limits
Nepal Rastra Bank has set clear limits for who can spend how much through a dollar card. These limits reset every fiscal year.
Individual / Personal Use
StandardAny Nepali citizen with a PAN card and bank account. For non-travel, personal online transactions.
IT Companies & Businesses
EnhancedRegistered IT and communication companies purchasing software, cloud services, and online tools.
Freelancers
FlexibleFreelancers who earn foreign currency through international service exports may qualify for enhanced limits.
What Can You Use a Dollar Card For?
Dollar Cards in Nepal can be used for a wide range of international online payments. Here are the most common use cases:
Note: Dollar Cards cannot be used for cryptocurrency trading, online gambling, or betting. Doing so can result in your bank account being frozen and legal penalties under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act.
Documents Required
The documentation process is simple. For most individuals, you only need these items:
- PAN Card (original) — mandatory for all applicants. The bank uses your PAN to track your $500 annual limit across all banks.
- Citizenship Certificate (original) — required at most banks for identity verification
- Bank Account — an active savings or current account at the issuing bank
- KYC form — the bank’s Know Your Customer form, filled in at the branch or via app
- Passport — only required if applying for a travel-purpose dollar card, not needed for general e-commerce use
How to Apply — Step by Step
Getting a dollar card in Nepal is easier than ever. Most major banks now allow you to apply through their mobile banking apps without visiting a branch at all.
Open or have a bank account
Make sure you have an active savings or current account at the bank where you plan to apply. If not, open one first — you will need it to load funds onto your dollar card.
Choose your bank and card type
Decide whether you want a virtual card (recommended for online-only use) or a physical card. Compare fees across banks before deciding — see the comparison table below.
Apply online via app or visit the branch
Banks like Global IME, Nabil, NMB, and Prabhu allow you to apply through their mobile banking apps. For others, visit the nearest branch with your PAN card and citizenship certificate.
Fill in the form and submit documents
Complete the dollar card application form and the self-declaration form stating you will not use the card for illegal activities. Submit your PAN card and KYC details.
Wait for approval (1–3 working days)
Banks typically verify documents and issue the card within 1 to 3 working days. Instant non-personalized cards can be issued the same day at some banks like Global IME.
Load funds and start using
Load Nepalese Rupees into your dollar card account via mobile banking or at the branch. The bank converts it to USD at the day’s exchange rate. You are now ready to make international payments.
All Banks Compared: Charges & Features
Since you can only hold one dollar card at a time in Nepal, it is important to pick the right bank before applying. Here is a side-by-side comparison of all major banks offering dollar cards and their fees.
Dollar Card — Bank Comparison Table 2025–2026
All limits: USD 500/year per NRB| Bank & Card | Virtual fee | Physical fee | Top-up fee | Renewal/yr | Validity | Online apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global IME BankGlobal E-Com CardLowest fees | NPR 500 | NPR 600 | Freevia app; NPR 100 at branch | NPR 300 | 1 year | ✓ Yes (app) |
| Nabil BankNabil iCardPayPal-friendly | NPR 1,000 | NPR 1,000 | NPR 500/reload | Annual (included) | 4 years | ✓ Yes (app) |
| NMB BankNMB Dollar Card | NPR 500–1,000 | NPR 500–1,500 | ~NPR 500/reload | Annual renewal | 1–5 years | ✓ Yes (app) |
| Prabhu BankPrabhu 500 CardAds-friendly | NPR 500–1,000 | NPR 500–1,000 | Small fee | Annual renewal | 1–5 years | ✓ Yes |
| NIC Asia BankFCY Freedom Card | ~NPR 600/yr | ~NPR 600/yr | Small fee | Included (5-yr plan) | 5 years | ✓ Yes (MoBank) |
| Himalayan BankHBL Dollar Prepaid | NPR 500–1,000 | NPR 500–1,000 | ~NPR 500/reload | Annual renewal | 1–5 years | ~ Partial |
| Siddhartha BankSiddhartha eCom Card | NPR 500–1,000 | NPR 500–1,000 | Promo: Free**ask branch for offers | Annual renewal | 1–5 years | ~ Partial |
| Machhapuchchhre BankMBL Dollar Card | NPR 500–1,000 | NPR 500–1,000 | ~NPR 500/reload | Annual renewal | 1–5 years | ~ Partial |
| Kumari BankKumari $eCom Card | NPR 500–1,000 | NPR 500–1,000 | ~NPR 500/reload | Annual renewal | 1–5 years | ~ Partial |
| Sunrise BankSunrise E-Card | NPR 500–1,000 | NPR 500–1,000 | ~NPR 500/reload | Annual renewal | 1–5 years | ~ Partial |
Bank-by-Bank Breakdown
Here is a closer look at each major bank, their standout features, and who should choose them.
Global IME Bank — Global E-Com Card
Best OverallThe most affordable dollar card in Nepal. Virtual card issuance is just NPR 500, top-up is completely free via mobile app, and annual renewal is only NPR 300. You can also transfer remaining balance back to your NPR account for just NPR 1. Apply entirely through the GlobalSmart+ app — no branch visit needed.
Nabil Bank — Nabil iCard
Best for PayPal & AdsHigher issuance fee than Global IME (NPR 1,000) but widely trusted for PayPal verification and digital advertising. The card has a 4-year validity and is the preferred choice among Nepali digital agencies. Smooth integration with Meta Ads, Google Ads, and PayPal makes it ideal for marketers.
NMB Bank — NMB Dollar Card
Best Virtual CardNMB offers both a virtual and physical dollar card. Their virtual card is highly recommended — it is more secure since details can be regenerated, and it is used exclusively for online payments. Application is available through NMB’s mobile banking app. Good choice for digital payments and subscriptions.
Prabhu Bank — Prabhu 500 Card
Best for Social Media AdsKnown for being easy to get, having low fees, and working seamlessly with Meta Business Manager and TikTok Ads. A popular first choice for digital marketers running ad campaigns in Nepal. Application process is straightforward and fast.
NIC Asia Bank — FCY Freedom Card
Best Long-Validity CardNIC Asia’s FCY Freedom Card stands out with its 5-year validity. The total fee of approximately NPR 3,000 spread over 5 years works out to about NPR 600 per year — making it competitive for long-term users. NIC Asia MoBank app makes digital management easy.
Himalayan Bank — HBL Dollar Prepaid
Reliable OptionOne of the original authorized banks for issuing dollar cards. Fees are in the standard NPR 500–1,000 range. A solid, reliable option for existing HBL customers who want to avoid opening a new bank account just for a dollar card.
Siddhartha Bank — Siddhartha eCom Card
Promo Deals AvailableStandard fees similar to other banks, but Siddhartha Bank occasionally runs zero load-fee promotional campaigns. Always worth asking your branch teller if any “Zero Load Fee” offer is currently active before topping up.
Conclusion
The Dollar Card has been a game-changer for Nepali freelancers, digital marketers, students, and business owners. It provides a legal, simple, and affordable way to pay for international services without needing a foreign bank account or travelling abroad.
Whether you want to run Facebook Ads, subscribe to Netflix, pay for cloud tools, or verify your PayPal account — a dollar card is the easiest solution available in Nepal right now.
The process is straightforward: get your PAN card, open a bank account, apply online or at a branch, load funds, and start making international payments. You can be up and running within just a few days.
Choose Global IME Bank if you want the lowest fees and easiest mobile experience. Choose Nabil Bank if you work heavily with PayPal or run digital ads. Choose based on your needs — not just the name.
Important: Since you can only hold one dollar card at a time in Nepal, take time to compare banks, fees, and features before applying. Use the comparison table above as your reference.