Paying for  international services in Nigeria can be tasking you would agree? With fluctuating FX rates and local card restrictions, getting that recurring payment approved often ends in a frustrating “Payment Declined” message.

Now you can have a sigh of relief! This is where Plug.ng steps in. Here comes the two main methods that actually work in 2025 to keep your Premium membership live and your Naira secured.

Method 1: The Traditional Route (Naira Debit Cards)

YouTube Premium is now available directly in Naira, which is a massive win for Nigerian users. However, paying with your standard bank card can be a lottery.

 What Works

• Select Naira Debit Cards (Visa/MasterCard): Some traditional bank cards are still enabled for international recurring subscriptions. Major banks like Access, Zenith, and UBA are often cited, but success can vary monthly and is subject to the bank’s current FX policy.
• Verve Cards: In some cases, Verve cards linked through Google Play on Android devices may work, especially if your bank has specific partnerships.

The Catch in 2025

The biggest issue is the low international spending limits most Nigerian banks enforce, and the general unreliability for recurring subscriptions. One month it works; the next, it’s declined.

Plug.ng Tip: If you choose this route, always have sufficient funds (plus a buffer for currency fluctuations) and be prepared to update your payment method regularly.

Method 2: The Plug.ng Recommendation (Virtual Dollar Cards)

This is the most reliable and seamless way to handle international subscriptions in 2025. Virtual Dollar Cards (VDCs) bypass the instability of Naira cards by allowing you to hold and spend in USD.

Why Virtual Dollar Cards are the Best Choice

1. High Reliability: VDCs are specifically designed for global transactions and rarely get rejected on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify.
2. Stable Pricing: You fund the card with USD, insulating you from the daily volatility of the Naira exchange rate when the payment is processed.
3. Security: They are non-physical cards, which adds a layer of security, as your main bank details are never exposed.

 How to Get YouTube Premium with a VDC

Platforms like Plug.ng (and others in the Fintech space) offer seamless virtual dollar card creation. Here’s the simple process:

1. Get an App: Download a reliable Virtual Dollar Card provider app.
2. Fund Your Wallet: Fund your wallet using Naira (the app handles the conversion).
3. Create Your VDC: Generate a new Virtual Dollar Card instantly and load it with the necessary funds for the subscription (e.g., $13.99 for an individual plan, or the Naira equivalent).
4. Subscribe:
   • Open the YouTube app.
   • Go to your Profile Picture $rightarrow$ Get YouTube Premium.
   • Choose your plan (Individual or Family).
   • Enter the details of your new Virtual Dollar Card as your payment method.

Note: YouTube Premium pricing in Nigeria starts at around ₦1,700/month for the individual plan (prices are subject to change, especially with currency adjustments). If you subscribe via iOS, the fee might be slightly higher (around ₦1,500 – ₦2,000), as Apple takes a cut.

 Bonus Plug: The Geographically Cheaper Option (VPN)

Some savvy users utilize a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to subscribe to YouTube Premium in countries with lower pricing (like Turkey or India) and pay using a VDC.

• The Method: Connect your VPN to a country like Turkey, visit the YouTube Premium page (the price should now display in Turkish Lira), and use your Virtual Dollar Card for payment. The savings can be significant.
• The Risk: This method sometimes violates YouTube’s Terms of Service and may require a new payment method or cancellation if the service detects the VPN usage. Proceed with caution.

Tired of seeing card declined 

It’s time to move to the reliable, stress-free method.

Click below to download the Plug.ng app and get your permanent YouTube Premium solution in under 5 minutes.

Ready to level up your YouTube experience? Download the Plug.ng app today and get your virtual card set up in minutes!