Nepal's digital payment landscape just got a major upgrade. IME Khalti Limited, the country's leading digital wallet, has partnered with Smart Choice Technologies Limited (SCT) to launch the Khalti Digital Visa Card — a fully app-based, physical-card-free Visa card that lets you shop online instantly and securely. To celebrate the launch, Khalti is offering the card completely free for the first three months, along with activation bonuses and ongoing cashback on every e-commerce transaction.
In this post, we break down everything you need to know about the Khalti Digital Visa Card: what it is, how it works, the launch offers, where you can use it, and how to activate it in under a minute.
What Is the Khalti Digital Visa Card?
The Khalti Digital Visa Card is a virtual Visa card issued by IME Khalti Limited in partnership with Smart Choice Technologies Limited (SCT). It is the first card service to be rolled out under "Khalti Cards," the company's unified card ecosystem, which is expected to introduce more digital and physical card products in the future.
Unlike a traditional plastic card, the Digital Visa Card exists entirely inside the Khalti app. There is nothing to wait for in the mail and nothing to carry in your wallet — the card number, CVV, and expiry details are generated digitally and can be used immediately for any online transaction that accepts Visa.
Key Features of the Khalti Digital Visa Card
Here is what makes this card stand out for everyday Nepali digital wallet users:
- Activate in under a minute: The card can be generated and activated entirely within the Khalti app, with no physical card or branch visit required.
- Pay from wallet balance: Transactions are deducted directly from your existing Khalti wallet balance.
- Auto-debit from linked bank account: If your Khalti wallet balance is insufficient at the time of payment, the shortfall is automatically completed from your linked primary bank account, so transactions rarely fail due to low balance.
- Wide merchant acceptance: The card works on any online platform that accepts Visa, including e-commerce sites, airline ticketing, hotel and travel bookings, and food delivery apps.
Launch Offer: Free for 3 Months + Bonus Rewards
To mark the launch of this new service, Khalti has rolled out a set of introductory offers for all customers:
- Free card facility: The Digital Visa Card is available completely free of cost for all customers for the first three months.
- Activation bonus: Customers who activate the card receive Rs. 1,000 worth of Daami Points along with cashback and other benefits worth up to Rs. 1,200.
- E-commerce cashback: Users can earn up to 0.75% cashback on every e-commerce transaction made using the card.
These offers are valid for a limited promotional period, so it's worth activating your card early to make the most of the introductory benefits. As with any promotional offer, exact terms, validity dates, and eligibility can change — always check the latest details inside the Khalti app before relying on any specific figure.
Where Can You Use the Khalti Digital Visa Card?
From the moment your card is issued, you can use it to pay on:
- E-commerce platforms such as Daraz and other Visa-accepting online stores
- Airline ticket bookings
- Hotel and travel booking platforms
- Food delivery apps
- Any other online service or website that accepts Visa payments
How to Activate Your Khalti Digital Visa Card
Activation is designed to be quick and fully digital:
- Open the Khalti app and navigate to the Khalti Cards section.
- Select the Digital Visa Card option and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Set up your card PIN and confirm activation — the entire process takes less than a minute.
- Once active, your card details are ready to use immediately for online payments.
Why This Matters for Nepal's Digital Economy
Khalti's leadership has positioned this launch as a step toward a more cashless economy in Nepal. By removing the need for a physical card and linking payments directly to a mobile wallet, the Digital Visa Card lowers the barrier for everyday users — especially those new to online shopping — to transact safely and instantly. It also strengthens the broader push behind the Digital Nepal campaign, which aims to expand digital financial access across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Khalti Digital Visa Card really free?
Yes, the card is free for all customers for the first three months from launch. Charges may apply after the promotional period, so check the current fee schedule in the Khalti app.
Do I need a physical card to use this service?
No. The Digital Visa Card is fully virtual and works for any online transaction that accepts Visa — no physical card is required.
What happens if my Khalti wallet balance is low?
If your wallet balance is insufficient, the remaining amount is automatically completed from your linked primary bank account, provided this feature is enabled.
Can this card be used for in-store or ATM transactions?
The Digital Visa Card is built for online/e-commerce use. For physical POS or ATM transactions, check whether Khalti's separate prepaid/physical card options apply, as terms differ by card type.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Offer details, validity periods, and terms and conditions are subject to change at Khalti's discretion — please verify current terms directly on the official Khalti app or website before making any decision. For matters relating to tax or compliance, please consult an ICAN-registered Chartered Accountant (CA).
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