WildCard has restarted the ChatGPT Plus subscription service through the new platform 9191.AI, providing convenience for domestic users with payments in RMB. However, the high costs, limited usage scenarios, and complex processes make it difficult to compete with virtual card platforms like VCard. The following analysis compares both from multiple perspectives to help users understand the differences and advantages of each.
WildCard 9191AI Official Website: https://ucards.org/go/9191 (Use invitation code “LEIXUE” to enjoy a $1 discount)
9191.AI Subscription to ChatGPT Plus: The Cost Behind Convenience#
9191.AI has taken over from WildCard and restored the ChatGPT Plus subscription service. Users can log in with their existing accounts and enjoy subscription prices of $44.99 for 2 months and $64.99 for 3 months, with an additional $1 discount using the invitation code “LEIXUE.” The process seems simple: upload the ChatGPT account's access token, and the platform generates a Stripe payment link with login status, which can be completed via WeChat or bank card payment. However, the hidden costs cannot be ignored.
Due to regulatory requirements, the platform no longer provides card information, and subscriptions are limited to ChatGPT Plus, which restricts flexibility. The high fees from Stripe (3.4% + $0.3 per transaction, an additional 0.5% for international cards, and 2% for currency conversion) result in users paying far more than the official $20 monthly fee from OpenAI. The policy of requiring a minimum subscription of 2 months further increases the burden on users; although the platform bears the upfront pressure, the cost-effectiveness for users has clearly declined.
Even more concerning is the risk of account suspension. A failed subscription in the first month can be fully refunded, but if the account is suspended, only $20 for the next month is refunded, and OpenAI refunds take 7 working days to process, making the process cumbersome. In contrast, the stability of the official OpenAI subscription offers a better user experience.
VCard: A Flexible and Stable Subscription Option#
维卡 VCard, as a virtual card platform, has become the preferred option for subscribing to ChatGPT Plus due to its high compatibility and stability. By choosing a card number starting with “5534,” along with a real U.S. billing address and a high-quality U.S. IP, users can easily complete the subscription without relying on third-party platforms to generate payment links. This method is not only simple but also bypasses the complex steps of uploading the access token to 9191.AI.
Another major advantage of VCard is its applicability across multiple scenarios. It supports not only ChatGPT Plus subscriptions but also OpenAI API top-ups and other international services like Netflix and Spotify. Compared to the single ChatGPT subscription function of 9191.AI, VCard's flexibility meets the diverse needs of users. Additionally, VCard's card number can be directly linked to the OpenAI account, making the payment process identical to official channels, with stability far exceeding that of third-party platforms.
Cost Comparison: A Battle of Transparency and Cost-Effectiveness#
Cost is the core consideration for users when choosing a subscription method. The $44.99 for 2 months and $64.99 for 3 months on 9191.AI translates to about $22.5 to $21.66 per month, which is significantly higher than OpenAI's official $20 monthly fee. The high fees from Stripe and the 2-month minimum subscription policy further inflate costs, and the opaque refund mechanism places additional risks on users.
In contrast, 维卡 VCard offers a clearer fee structure. Users can subscribe to ChatGPT Plus at a cost close to the official price without incurring additional platform fees. VCard's virtual cards can also be reused, resulting in lower long-term subscription costs. For users seeking cost-effectiveness, VCard is undoubtedly the more economical choice.
User Experience: The Gap in Convenience and Privacy Protection#
While 9191.AI supports WeChat payments for the convenience of domestic users, the subscription process is cumbersome. Uploading the access token, generating payment links, and waiting for billing emails add complexity to the operation. More importantly, the access token involves account privacy, and uploading it to a third-party platform may raise security concerns. Although the platform has canceled real-name registration and plans to support email registration, privacy risks still exist.
维卡 VCard simplifies the subscription process. Users only need to generate a virtual card, fill in a U.S. billing address, and pay directly on the OpenAI official website without submitting sensitive information to third-party platforms. VCard's U.S. IP and high compatibility card numbers ensure a high success rate for payments, providing a smoother overall experience and better privacy protection.
Other Virtual Card Platforms: More Choices, More Possibilities#
In addition to VCard, there are other virtual card platforms in the market, such as WasabiCard, Crydit, and BinPay, all of which support ChatGPT Plus subscriptions and OpenAI API top-ups. These platforms, similar to VCard, offer highly compatible card numbers and flexible payment methods, suitable for users with higher demands. For example, WasabiCard is known for its low fees, Crydit supports various international payment scenarios, and BinPay excels in privacy protection.
In contrast, the single function and high costs of 9191.AI limit its competitiveness. Even though the official statement suggests that it may support OpenAI API top-ups in the future, the current service scope is far less comprehensive than that of virtual card platforms.
Summary Analysis: VCard Comes Out on Top#
9191.AI has restored the ChatGPT Plus subscription, providing convenience for domestic users with RMB payments, but the high costs, complex processes, and limited usage scenarios significantly reduce its attractiveness. The high costs of Stripe transactions, the uncertainty of refunds for account suspensions, and privacy risks further weaken the platform's competitiveness. In contrast, 维卡 VCard, with its flexibility, stability, and high cost-effectiveness, has become the better choice. Its support for multiple payment scenarios, simplified subscription process, and enhanced privacy protection meet the diverse needs of users.
For users seeking convenience and economy, 9191.AI may be suitable for temporary subscriptions, but in the long run, virtual card platforms like 维卡 VCard, WasabiCard, Crydit, and BinPay offer more stable and comprehensive solutions. When choosing a subscription method, users are advised to consider costs, convenience, and security comprehensively, prioritizing mature virtual card services for the best experience.