In today's digital economy, having access to a dual-currency card can simplify international online transactions, especially for residents in Bangladesh where foreign currency payments are often restricted. This guide outlines how to acquire such a card through the RedotPay app, based on a straightforward process that requires only a National ID (NID) card and a smartphone. No passport or in-person visits are needed. The method involves app installation, identity verification, and card activation, enabling uses like shopping on platforms such as AliExpress, subscribing to digital services, purchasing apps from the App Store or Play Store, and making online payments. Dollars can be deposited via mobile banking for added convenience. Note that this is an objective overview; users should verify app terms, fees, and legal compliance independently.

Getting started: App download and account setup

Begin by downloading the RedotPay app. Links are typically provided in promotional materials or videos, and using a referral link may grant a USD 5 bonus upon signup. Enter an active email address to receive a verification code, then proceed to download from the App Store (for iOS) or Play Store (for Android).

After installation, open the app and select the login option. Input your email and create a strong password, at least eight characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character. Confirm the password and verify with another email code. Upon successful login, the USD 5 bonus should appear in your account balance.

Next, bind your phone number for security. Select Bangladesh's country code, enter an active mobile number, and request an OTP via SMS or WhatsApp. Entering the OTP completes phone verification.

Identity verification process

Proceed to identity verification by selecting Bangladesh as your country. Input your full name as it appears on your NID, date of birth, and NID number. Choose "ID Card" as the document type.

Capture clear photos of the NID's front and back sides using the app's camera interface, ensuring readability. Then, take a selfie for facial recognition. Submit these for review.

An additional information request may follow. Select ‘No’ for any optional affiliations or statuses shown. Provide a digital signature matching your NID signature on the screen, then submit. Verification typically takes 2-3 hours but can extend to 2-3 days. You'll receive an email notification upon approval, and the app will display an "Approved" status.

Applying for and activating the card

Once verified, navigate to the ‘Card’ section. RedotPay offers virtual and physical cards; the virtual option is digital-only and costs USD 10 initially, while the physical one allows ATM use but may incur shipping fees. For a discount, apply a promo code like ‘STUT26’ to reduce the virtual card fee to USD 8.

To fund the card, deposit dollars. The app supports methods like USDT via Binance or PayPal, but for simplicity, use the P2P (peer-to-peer) trading feature. Here, buy USD from sellers using mobile banking apps common in Bangladesh (e.g., bKash or Nagad). Check seller ratings, activity, and exchange rates before transactions. Deposit at least the required amount, USD 8, with the discount, though the initial USD5 bonus becomes usable only post-activation.

Fill out the billing address form with details matching your NID. Confirm and pay using your deposited funds. The card may enter a "pending" status briefly before activation. Once active, you'll see the virtual Visa card details, ready for dollar-based transactions.

Practical uses and benefits

This dual-currency card facilitates seamless online spending in USD, bypassing local currency restrictions. It's ideal for international e-commerce, app purchases, content boosting, and subscriptions. Deposits via mobile banking make topping up straightforward, avoiding complex forex processes.

Safety and best practices

Security is paramount. In the app's ‘Limits’ section, set per-transaction and daily spending caps (e.g., USD 10 each) to minimize risks. Use the ‘Freeze’ feature to lock the card when not in use, preventing unauthorized transactions. Most importantly, avoid storing excess funds, deposit only what's needed for immediate use.

Be cautious with P2P trades: Verify sellers thoroughly to avoid scams. Regularly monitor your account and adhere to the app's guidelines. If issues arise, contact RedotPay support.

This process democratizes access to international payments for Bangladeshi users with minimal requirements. By following these steps, you can obtain and manage a dual-currency card efficiently. Always prioritize security and stay informed about any regulatory changes in digital finance.