Fonepay Virtual Credit Card
Merchant payments in interest-free credit
Platform
Mobile
Service
UI/UX
Overview
Fonepay, Nepal’s leading digital payment network, introduced the Fonepay Credit Card — a fully digital, virtual card that redefines convenience, flexibility, and accessibility in credit payments. Unlike traditional cards that require in-person applications and work only with POS machines, the Fonepay Credit Card can be applied for, received, and used instantly through a user’s mobile banking app. Customers can scan and pay at over 1.7M+ Fonepay merchants, enjoy 45 days of interest-free credit, and track spending seamlessly within the app.
The Challenge
The existing credit card experience in Nepal had multiple pain points: :
- Lengthy process: Customers had to visit banks in person, submit paperwork, and wait for card issuance.
- Limited acceptance: Physical cards worked only where POS machines were available, restricting usability.
- Lack of transparency: No easy way to track spending or manage repayments.
The goal was to design a digital-first credit experience that simplifies access, improves visibility, and gives users control — all within their mobile banking app.
The Solution
The Fonepay Virtual Credit Card was designed as a virtual-first financial experience, removing physical and procedural barriers while introducing modern flexibility.
- Instant Access: Eligible users can apply through their bank’s mobile banking app and receive the card within seconds.
- Scan & Pay Everywhere: Make payments by scanning QR codes at over 1.7 million Fonepay merchants across Nepal
- Interest-Free for 45 Days: Flexible repayment period designed to give users financial breathing room.
- Smart Spending Controls: Real-time spending insights within the app.
- Flexible Payments: Choose between paying in full or opting for minimum payments.
- 100% Digital Journey: No branch visits, no paperwork, no waiting.
This solution not only reduced friction for customers but also empowered banks by offering a fully digital product that could be integrated directly into their mobile apps.
Design Process
Research and Understanding
The design process started with understanding user frustrations with existing credit card workflows — long processing times, limited acceptance points, and low transparency. Through stakeholder workshops and user interviews, the goal became clear: make the credit card as easy as using a mobile wallet.
Ideation & Wireframing
I designed the user journey to mirror existing digital payment flows that users were already comfortable with, ensuring familiarity and trust. The application process was reduced to three clear steps: discover, apply, and activate. The card interface emphasized simplicity and control, with clear views for available credit, billing cycle, repayment options, and spend insights.
High-Fidelity Design
Once the flows were validated, I developed high-fidelity designs in Figma, incorporating Fonepay’s design system for consistency. I focused on creating clear feedback states for transactions—success, failure, and offline confirmation—and ensured the interface remained accessible and user-friendly across different devices.
Key Experiences Designed
Application & Instant Activation
Eligible users can apply and get approved instantly within their mobile banking app.
Transaction and settings
Users gain full transparency over transactions, billing cycles, due amounts, and payment options.
EMI
Eligible purchases can be converted into easy EMIs directly from transaction details, with full visibility of repayment schedules.
Add on cards
Users can create add-on cards for family members, controlling spending limits and monitoring transactions.
Card controls
Complete control over card settings: transaction limits, merchant restrictions, location-based payments, and card blocking/unblocking.
Scan and Pay
Payments can be made via QR codes or contactless Fonetag payments at 1.7M+ Fonepay merchants across Nepal.
Results & Impact
In the first of the release of Fonepay Virtual Credit Card
- 7+ banks onboarded
- 10,000+ customers adopted the credit card
- User Adoption: +20% increase in new users due to the convenience and reliability of contactless payments.
Reflection
The Fonepay Credit Card project was about more than creating a digital credit card — it was about reimagining financial access in Nepal. By shifting from traditional banking processes to a user-first, mobile-native experience, we empowered banks to serve their customers faster and helped everyday users access credit with unprecedented ease. This project showcases my ability to design fintech experiences that merge complex business requirements with simple, intuitive user flows.