If you’re reading this, you’ve probably stared at that dreaded “Your card was declined” message while trying to subscribe to GitHub Copilot. You’re not alone. Thousands of developers across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and other African countries face this exact frustration every day.
Here’s the thing: GitHub Copilot genuinely transforms how you code. It’s like having a brilliant coding partner who never gets tired, never judges your syntax errors, and always has suggestions ready. But what good is revolutionary AI if you can’t even pay for it?
Let’s fix that payment problem once and for all.
The Problem: Why GitHub Copilot Payments Keep Failing in Africa
You’ve tried everything. Multiple cards, different browsers, and clearing your cache. But that error message keeps showing up:
- “Your card was declined.”
- “Billing method not accepted.“
- “Transaction cannot be processed.“
Sound familiar? Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:
Your bank blocks foreign transactions by default. Most African banks treat GitHub’s billing system as a “suspicious foreign merchant” and automatically decline the charge. Even when you call to authorize it, they often block it again next month.
Your currency isn’t supported for recurring payments. GitHub Copilot costs USD 10 monthly. Your naira, cedi, or birr card might work for one-time purchases, but recurring USD billing? That’s where things break down.
Student and prepaid cards have extra restrictions. If you’re using a student account or prepaid card, international subscriptions are often completely blocked, regardless of your balance.
Recurring billing rules are stricter. Even if your card works for other international purchases, subscription services like GitHub Copilot have different requirements that many African cards simply can’t meet.
What Most Developers Try (But Still Don’t Work)
Before you found this article, you probably tried these “solutions”:
Using multiple bank cards: You cycled through your GTBank card, your Access card, maybe even borrowed your friend’s. Same result every time.
Asking friends abroad to help: Sure, your cousin in London can subscribe for you, but now you owe them money every month. Plus, the account isn’t yours.
Trying PayPal: PayPal sounds like the perfect middleman, but linking your African card to PayPal for recurring payments often fails for the same underlying reasons.
Starting another free trial: GitHub gives you a 30-day trial, but that clock runs out fast. You can’t keep creating new accounts forever.
These workarounds waste time and create dependency. You need a solution that works.
The Reliable Workaround: Use a Virtual Dollar Card
Here’s what successful developers in Africa figured out: you need a payment method that speaks GitHub’s language. That means a USD-denominated card designed for international subscriptions.
Virtual dollar cards solve the core problem. They’re not tied to your local bank’s foreign exchange restrictions. They’re built specifically for recurring international payments. And you can fund them with your local currency without jumping through hoops.
Think of it as a translator between your naira and GitHub’s billing system. Your local money goes in, and GitHub sees a legitimate USD card that works perfectly with their subscription model.
How to Pay for GitHub Copilot with EverTry (Step-by-Step)
Ready to finally get GitHub Copilot working? Here’s exactly what you need to do:
Step 1: Create and Verify Your EverTry Account
Head to EverTry or download the app and sign up with your email. The process takes about 2 minutes. You’ll get a verification email – click that link to activate your account.
Step 2: Complete KYC for Full Access
Upload a photo of your ID (driver’s license, national ID, or international passport works fine). This verification usually processes within a few hours. It’s required for creating virtual cards, but it’s a one-time thing.
Step 3: Fund Your EverTry Wallet
This is where EverTry shines. You can add money using:
- Bank transfer in naira, cedi, or other local currencies
- USDT if you prefer crypto
- Mobile money in supported countries
No need to hunt for dollars or visit a bureau de change. Fund with whatever’s convenient for you.
Step 4: Create a Virtual Dollar Card
Once your wallet has funds, create your virtual dollar card. Choose how much to allocate to it (GitHub Copilot needs $10 monthly, but you might want to add extra for other subscriptions). Your card details appear instantly.
Step 5: Add the Card to GitHub Billing Settings
Log in to GitHub, go to your billing settings, and add your new EverTry virtual card. Use the card number, expiry date, and CVV exactly as shown in your EverTry dashboard.
Step 6: Start Your GitHub Copilot Subscription Successfully
Select GitHub Copilot Individual ($10/month) and complete the payment. This time, it works. No declined messages, no error screens, just a successful subscription.
You’ll get your GitHub Copilot access immediately, and the recurring billing will work seamlessly every month.
Why EverTry Works When Bank Cards Don’t
EverTry virtual cards succeed where traditional African bank cards fail because they’re designed differently:
Not tied to your local bank’s restrictions: Your bank’s foreign exchange policies don’t affect your virtual card. EverTry handles the currency conversion transparently.
Built for recurring international billing: While your local card treats recurring foreign charges as suspicious, EverTry cards expect them. That’s literally what they’re designed for.
You control funding and limits: Set spending limits, pause the card if needed, or add funds exactly when you want to. No surprise declines because you’re always in control.
Multiple funding options: Whether you prefer bank transfers, crypto, or mobile money, you can keep your card funded using whatever works best for you.
Available 24/7: No waiting for bank approvals or business hours. Create cards and manage subscriptions anytime, from anywhere.
Final Thoughts: Focus on Building, Not Billing Issues
You didn’t become a developer to wrestle with payment processors. You’re here to build products, solve problems, and create value. GitHub Copilot can genuinely accelerate your work, but only if you can access it.
Payment barriers shouldn’t dictate which tools you can use. Whether it’s GitHub Copilot, Notion Pro, or any other subscription that makes you more productive, there’s always a smarter way to handle international payments.
EverTry exists because African developers, creators, and entrepreneurs deserve access to the same tools driving innovation everywhere else. Your location shouldn’t limit your potential.
Stop letting failed card payments slow down your workflow. Get the tools you need, pay for them reliably, and focus on what you do best – creating software that matters.
Need a card that just works? 👉 Create your EverTry virtual dollar card and pay for GitHub Copilot today.
Disclaimer: GitHub, GitHub Copilot, and all related marks are trademarks of GitHub, Inc. and/or Microsoft Corporation. EverTry is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by GitHub, Inc. or Microsoft Corporation. This article is provided for informational purposes only to help developers access GitHub Copilot services using alternative payment methods. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.