As digital payments continue to revolutionize the way we conduct financial transactions, MobiKwik has emerged as one of India’s leading mobile wallets and payment platforms. Known for its convenience and security, MobiKwik enables users to manage their daily transactions, recharges, and online shopping with ease. However, one question that often arises is whether MobiKwik can be used for international payments.
If you’re looking to make cross-border payments or purchase products from international websites, you may be wondering if MobiKwik can facilitate such transactions. In this blog, we’ll explore how MobiKwik’s international payment options work, the features it offers, and everything you need to know about using MobiKwik for payments outside India.
1. MobiKwik’s Scope for International Payments
As of now, MobiKwik primarily focuses on domestic payments and is widely used within India for a variety of services such as bill payments, mobile recharges, movie bookings, and shopping. While the app itself does not directly support international bank transfers or the sending of funds to foreign countries, it offers indirect ways to use MobiKwik for international transactions.
There are a few ways you can make international payments using MobiKwik, especially for online shopping or services that are available globally.
2. Using MobiKwik for International Online Shopping
If you’re someone who loves to shop from global e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, eBay, or AliExpress, MobiKwik can be an effective tool to complete these transactions, but there are some caveats.
How It Works:
- Linking MobiKwik to Global Payment Gateways: While MobiKwik does not directly support international payments in the way that Visa or MasterCard do, you can link your MobiKwik wallet or a MobiKwik-backed credit/debit card (if available) to payment gateways such as PayPal or Razorpay, which support international transactions. Once linked, you can use these services to make payments for international goods and services.
- Using MobiKwik’s Virtual Card: Some users opt for MobiKwik’s Virtual Card feature, where they can generate a virtual prepaid card that can be used for international purchases. These cards work just like any regular debit or credit card but are designed for online transactions and can be used on global e-commerce platforms that accept card payments.
- How to Use MobiKwik Virtual Card for International Payments:
- Open your MobiKwik app.
- Go to the ‘Cards’ section.
- Select ‘Virtual Card’ and follow the instructions to generate a new card.
- The card will come with a card number, CVV, and expiry date, which you can use to make international purchases on supported websites.
Note: Some international payment platforms or e-commerce websites may require 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) or OTP verification, which can be completed via the MobiKwik app.
- How to Use MobiKwik Virtual Card for International Payments:
3. Paying for Subscriptions and International Services
If you’re subscribing to global services such as Netflix, Spotify, or Amazon Prime Video, you can use your MobiKwik wallet or MobiKwik Virtual Card to make payments for these subscriptions. The process is fairly simple and similar to other international transactions.
Steps to Make International Subscription Payments:
- Link your MobiKwik Wallet/Card to the subscription service’s payment gateway.
- Choose MobiKwik as your payment method during checkout.
- Complete the transaction using your MobiKwik PIN or Virtual Card details.
- Enjoy your international subscriptions or services without any hassle.
Some services may accept payments via PayPal or Stripe, so if these are linked to your MobiKwik account, you can make indirect payments as well.
4. MobiKwik for International Fund Transfers (Indirect Options)
Although MobiKwik doesn’t directly offer cross-border bank transfers or international remittances, it can be indirectly linked to services that do. If you need to send money internationally, here are a few ways you can use MobiKwik:
Link MobiKwik to PayPal for Cross-Border Transfers
PayPal is one of the most widely used platforms for international money transfers, and you can use your MobiKwik wallet to fund your PayPal account. Here’s how you can link your MobiKwik account to PayPal and send funds across borders:
- Link Your Bank Account to MobiKwik: Ensure that your MobiKwik wallet is linked to a bank account or card that can be used for international transactions.
- Fund Your PayPal Account: You can use your MobiKwik wallet to fund your PayPal account. Once your PayPal account is funded, you can send money internationally to other PayPal users, or make payments to international merchants.
- Initiate International Transactions: Once PayPal is funded, you can send money to recipients in different countries or pay for international purchases.
Use MobiKwik with Money Transfer Apps (Indirect)
Another option for international money transfers is to use apps like Western Union, Remitly, or TransferWise (now Wise), which can often be funded using PayPal or a linked debit/credit card. So, if your MobiKwik account is linked to these methods, you can send money abroad easily.
5. Currency Conversion and International Fees
When using MobiKwik for international payments, it’s important to keep in mind that currency conversion fees may apply, depending on the platform or method you’re using. If you’re paying for international goods or services, the transaction will be subject to the foreign exchange (FX) rates and conversion fees imposed by the payment processor, such as PayPal, Razorpay, or the merchant’s bank.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Currency Conversion Fees: Most international platforms will charge a small fee for converting INR to the local currency. These rates vary based on the platform’s terms and may also fluctuate depending on global economic conditions.
- International Transaction Fees: MobiKwik may charge small fees for certain types of international transactions, especially if you’re using a linked debit or credit card. Always check the fee structure before making international payments.
6. Limitations of Using MobiKwik for International Payments
While MobiKwik is an excellent tool for domestic transactions, there are a few limitations to keep in mind when using it for international payments:
- Limited Direct International Integration: MobiKwik does not directly support international money transfers or remittances. You’ll need to use third-party platforms like PayPal or Wise for such services.
- Currency Conversion Charges: MobiKwik does not handle currency exchange directly, so you’ll incur exchange fees when making payments in foreign currencies.
- Not All Merchants Accept MobiKwik: International merchants may not always accept MobiKwik as a payment method, especially if they don’t use UPI or India-based payment systems.
7. Security Considerations for International Payments
When using MobiKwik for international transactions, always ensure that you’re following best practices for security:
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Use 2FA for added security when making international payments or linking your MobiKwik wallet to third-party platforms.
- Check for Secure Websites: Always ensure that the website or platform you’re making payments on is secure, indicated by the padlock icon in the browser and “https” in the URL.
- Monitor Transactions: Keep an eye on your transaction history for any suspicious activities, especially when using virtual cards or linked services.
Conclusion
While MobiKwik doesn’t directly offer the ability to send money internationally, it provides an array of indirect solutions for making international payments, including virtual cards, integration with PayPal, and third-party money transfer services. Whether you’re shopping on global e-commerce sites or paying for international subscriptions, MobiKwik offers a convenient and secure way to handle your cross-border transactions.
By leveraging these tools, you can easily pay for goods, services, and subscriptions abroad, while taking advantage of MobiKwik’s user-friendly interface and security features.
Before making any international transaction, remember to check the exchange rates, fees, and payment gateway terms to ensure a smooth experience.