Nostr

I've heard about these Visa gift cards maybe a month ago from Samourai guy on some pod..

I've installed app, but no virtual visa gift cards were available for my region (US only after I changed the location in VPN).

Now it seems that it's available in Europe.

I'll give it a try. I'll buy visa gift card for 10 $ using sats. I'll see if it's gonna work at the merchant.

I'll let you know.

+boldmouse096⚡️ 2y ago

Ok, so I've tried it.

For those who are interested:

-download and install The Bitcoin Company app (use a burner email). The app is not foss, I assume. You get some sats (1000 sats) as a welcome greeting.

- buy Visa virtual international gift prepaid card using lightning (maximum is 700 US$). I got few sats as a reward.

It generates Visa prepaid card and challenge token which you'll need in later step to display Visa card number, expiry date, cvv code.

There's a warning saying that you need to disable VPN before viewing your card (I DIDN'T switch off my VPN and it worked anyways).

In the next step you'll enter challenge token and afterwards your visa number, expiry date and cvv is shown

- now use separate phone which is NOT LINKED to your identity to add visa card to Google/apple Pay wallet

- then I went to the local store and paid with google pay, it worked😉

Besides visa prepaid card you can buy Amazon gift cards and many more (for Amazon, coincard, foundation devices etc.)

Not sure how the business model of The Bitcoin Company works and who is the yield.

Cons:

-visa card is denominated in US$, so if you use it in Europe, you're charged 2 % conversion fee 😠

Reply to this note

Please Login to reply.

Discussion

Anti Spasti 2y ago

Thx. Nice!

So no KYC process involved and no name/address transfer anywhere. 🤙

+boldmouse096⚡️ 2y ago

Exactly.

When I was adding visa card to Google Pay, it asked for postal address and phone number, I entered random address and phone number.. it worked😉

VOLKER - Voice Of Logic Knowledge Experience & Responsibility 2y ago

Nice, congrats. So, seems like it's possible the whole shebang works without your real data, at least if you have a spare, non-ID'ed phone and are being very careful. I guess the yield comes from the unlucky masses who don't fit that pattern.

In any case, I'm not gonna try and outsmart them for a few thousand sats, but I also won't recommend against anyone willing to try. Stay safe, and good night.