ChatGPT Plus and OpenAI API have become powerful assistants for many domestic users in their daily work and study. However, due to international payment restrictions, domestic users often encounter payment obstacles when subscribing to these overseas services. In May 2025, various solutions emerged in the market to address the payment pain points for domestic users. This article will provide you with a detailed overview of practical ways to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus and recharge OpenAI API in China, focusing on tools suitable for the national context and providing the latest operational guidelines.
WildCard Official Website: https://leixue.com/go/yeka (Register using the invitation code "LEIXUE" to enjoy card opening discounts!)
Why is it difficult to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus in China?#
Subscribing to ChatGPT Plus requires binding to internationally accepted payment methods (such as Visa or MasterCard), while domestic bank cards (such as UnionPay single-logo cards) usually only support RMB transactions, making it difficult to complete USD payments directly. Even if some banks offer dual-logo cards (Visa/UnionPay or MasterCard/UnionPay), payment failures may occur due to bank risk control or restrictions from OpenAI's payment system. Additionally, OpenAI's detection of IP addresses further complicates direct subscriptions. This necessitates the use of specialized payment tools or virtual credit cards for domestic users.
Recommended Method 1: WildCard — The First Choice for Domestic Users#
For domestic users, WildCard is undoubtedly the optimal choice for subscribing to ChatGPT Plus and recharging OpenAI API. This virtual credit card is designed specifically for domestic users, supporting recharge via Alipay and WeChat Pay, with simple operations, high security, and strong stability. Compared to other virtual cards that require recharge through cryptocurrencies (such as USDT) (e.g., Dupay, VCard, PokePay, WasabiCard, LocalCard), WildCard eliminates cumbersome exchange processes, significantly lowering the usage threshold.
Advantages of WildCard#
- Convenient Recharge: Supports Alipay and WeChat QR code payments, with a minimum single recharge of only $5, suitable for small subscription needs. It is recommended to recharge $25 initially to cover OpenAI's $5 pre-authorization and $20 subscription fee.
- Low Fees: The card opening fee is $11.99 for one year or $16.99 for two years, with a $1 discount available using the invitation code "LEIXUE". The recharge fee is 3.5%, with no fees for consumption; non-USD transactions incur a fee of 1% + $0.5.
- Wide Applicability: In addition to ChatGPT Plus and OpenAI API, it also supports subscriptions to overseas services like Claude, Midjourney, GitHub Copilot, and can even be used for purchases in Google Play and Apple Store.
- No KYC Certification Required: Registration only requires a mobile number and can be completed in one minute. Unverified users have a monthly limit of $100, which can be increased to $3000 after verification.
How to Use WildCard to Subscribe to ChatGPT Plus?#
- Visit WildCard Official Website, click the "Register" button, and use your mobile number (mainland users select +86, Hong Kong users select +852) to obtain a verification code and complete registration.
- After logging in, go to the "My Cards" page, select a card opening duration of 1 year or 2 years, and enter the invitation code "LEIXUE" to enjoy the discount.
- Pay the card opening fee via Alipay or WeChat QR code and recharge at least $25.
- Obtain the virtual card information, bind the card number on the OpenAI official website, and it is recommended to use an overseas home network or a less crowded proxy node to reduce payment interception risks.
- After binding, you can subscribe to ChatGPT Plus or recharge OpenAI API.
Tip: If the payment fails, check the WildCard transaction records to confirm whether the payment was deducted. If there is a record, check the reason for failure; if there is no record, try changing the network environment or bypassing restrictions through in-app purchases in the Apple Store/Google Play.
Other Virtual Card Options: Features and Limitations#
Although WildCard is the mainstream choice, there are other virtual cards available in the market for reference, such as Dupay, VCard, PokePay, WasabiCard, and LocalCard. These cards are characterized by supporting cryptocurrency recharges, suitable for users familiar with USDT and other digital currencies. However, they require additional exchange steps, and some cards (like Dupay) may be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance. Additionally, the volatility and complexity of cryptocurrencies may not be friendly to beginners, and their stability is inferior to WildCard.
Alternative Method: In-App Purchases via Apple Store or Google Play#
If you prefer not to use a virtual card, you can also subscribe to ChatGPT Plus through the in-app purchase feature of the Apple Store or Google Play. This method requires first recharging your balance in a US Apple ID or Google account, and then completing the subscription within the ChatGPT app. The advantage is that it bypasses OpenAI's direct payment restrictions, but it requires creating a US account and ensuring sufficient balance, which can be somewhat cumbersome.
Important Notes and Practical Suggestions#
- Network Environment: OpenAI may trigger risk control on frequently used proxy IPs. It is recommended to use the overseas home network environment provided by WildCard or choose less crowded VPN nodes.
- Balance Management: Ensure that the card balance is sufficient before subscribing to avoid failures due to pre-authorization deductions.
- Refund Process: WildCard supports real-time refunds to Alipay (with no fees), but merchant refunds may take 14-30 business days, so patience is required.
- Multi-Scenario Usage: WildCard is not limited to AI services; it can also be used for cross-border e-commerce, cloud services, etc. Long-term users are advised to choose the 2-year package for better value.
Conclusion#
In May 2025, the best way for domestic users to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus and recharge OpenAI API is to use WildCard. With recharge options via Alipay/WeChat, simple operations, and wide applicability, it has become the first choice for domestic users, and the invitation code "LEIXUE" offers additional discounts. Compared to relying on cryptocurrencies like Dupay, VCard, PokePay, WasabiCard, and LocalCard, WildCard is more stable and easier to use. If you are still troubled by payment issues, hurry to visit the WildCard official website, register in one minute, and easily start your AI journey!