How to Buy a VPN Anonymously? 6 Safe Ways to Pay in 2024
Online purchases make your financial data vulnerable to cybercriminals. Every online transaction you make leaves a breadcrumb trail that can be traced back to you. Signing up for a VPN anonymously and using it constantly is a way to keep your privacy intact.
However, many VPNs don’t support anonymous payment methods. To save time and effort, I tested the top industry competitors and picked ones you can buy without giving away identifiable financial data. I also discussed 6 safe ways to pay.
ExpressVPN is my #1 choice due to its best speeds, security, privacy, and server coverage. It supports crypto payments via Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and more. You can try ExpressVPN confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Pay for a VPN Anonymously
- Visit the VPN’s website. Go to ExpressVPN’s site and click the ‘Get ExpressVPN’ button. You can try ExpressVPN confidently due to its refund policy.
- Select a plan. You can choose a 1-month, 6-month, or annual plan. The yearly subscription provides the maximum discount.
- Subscribe. Enter an email address of your choice and pick Bitcoin as the payment method. You’ll be redirected to BitPay, where you can make the payment anonymously.
Why Should I Pay for a VPN Anonymously?
Whether you should pay for a VPN anonymously or not depends on your particular situation, but it could have benefits in some cases. Some of them include:
- Security against data breaches — by not sharing financial information, you reduce the risk of exposure if the VPN has a data breach.
- Protection against identity theft — not disclosing credit card or bank details significantly lowers your identity theft risk.
- Bank restrictions — some banks block transactions with VPN providers. Paying anonymously bypasses these limitations.
- Targeted ads — avoiding traditional payment methods reduces the chances of targeted advertising based on your purchase history.
- Minimize legal risks — in countries with data retention laws, ISPs are required to retain your data for a set period. Paying anonymously maintains your privacy.
6 Anonymous Payment Methods to Buy a VPN
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency payments are partially anonymous unless you’re using privacy coins like Monero. Since crypto payments are tied to a digital wallet address instead of a name, transactions can’t be traced to you without very advanced blockchain analysis. Here’s how you can pay for a VPN with crypto:
- Acquire cryptocurrency. Buy a cryptocurrency through an exchange like Binance or OKX. VPNs widely accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDT.
- Pick payment method. After picking a VPN plan on the site, choose cryptocurrency as your preferred payment method.
- Make the payment. Scan the QR code or paste your wallet address manually and click ‘Pay.’ It might take a few seconds to validate the transaction.
Note: Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible and the value is subject to market fluctuations.
Prepaid Debit Card
A prepaid debit card is like a regular debit card but isn’t tied to your bank account. You can purchase these cards with cash and load money in them. Most VPNs accept prepaid debit cards, but there could be an activation fee for the card, which can increase your subscription cost. Here’s how you can use one to pay for a VPN anonymously:
- Purchase a prepaid debit card. You can find one from a retail store or online. Make sure it has enough balance to cover the VPN cost and any additional fees by the card provider.
- Select a VPN. Pick a VPN that accepts debit card payments. I recommend ExpressVPN, but you can also go for others like PIA and NordVPN.
- Choose the payment option. When checking out with your desired VPN plan, choose the debit card payment option. Enter the prepaid card details and make the payment.
Virtual Credit Card
Virtual credit cards generate a one-time-use number linked to your actual credit card. When you use a virtual credit card, the merchant receives only the temporary card details, not your primary credit card information. Even if the virtual card information is compromised, your main credit card remains protected. Here’s how to use a virtual credit card for VPN purchases:
- Get a virtual credit card. Ask your bank if they issue virtual cards. If not, contact a virtual payment service provider like Privacy.com.
- Pick a suitable VPN. Check out the list of top-rated VPNs in 2024 and pick one that supports virtual card payments, like ExpressVPN.
- Subscribe. Select virtual card payment as the preferred method and enter the card details as you would with a normal credit card.
Google Pay and Apple Pay
Google Pay and Apple Pay create a unique, encrypted code for each transaction to hide your card details. Since these services are linked to Google and Apple accounts, a merchant can view personal data linked to those accounts, like your name and email — only your credit card information remains undisclosed. To use Apple Pay or Google Pay, follow these steps:
| Apple Pay | Google Pay |
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Gift Cards
Gift cards are like prepaid cards available in retail stores. They come with a pre-loaded amount and can be used for online purchases. Gift cards are as safe as cash payments as they’re not linked to your financial data. Many VPNs don’t accept gift cards, so make sure that you check that beforehand. Here’s how you sign up through a gift card.
- Purchase a gift card. Buy a gift card from a retailer. This can be a Visa or MasterCard — just make sure it has the funds to cover the VPN subscription cost.
- Select a VPN. Choose a VPN service that accepts gift cards. Some VPNs specifically list which brands or types of gift cards they accept.
- Redeem the gift card. Go to the VPN’s payment page, select the gift card option, and enter the gift card number.
Cash Payments
Cash payments are the most anonymous payment method because they leave no digital trace. However, it’s less common due to practical challenges like the risk of loss and theft and the delay in getting the subscription. Here’s how to subscribe to a VPN via cash:
- Find a suitable VPN. Choose a VPN that accepts cash payments. You can refer to a VPN’s FAQ section to find this information.
- Prepare the payment. Withdraw the cash through your bank or ATM.
- Make the payment. Follow the instructions on how to make the cash payment for your VPN. Most VPNs use postal service.
The Best VPNs You Can Buy Anonymously in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN to Buy Anonymously
Key Features:
- Has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
- Protects you with TrustedServer technology, private DNS, a kill switch, and built-in leak protection
- Supports up to 8 simultaneous connections
- Offers fast customer support via 24/7 live chat and email, with a comprehensive online knowledge base
- Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN to buy anonymously. It has an extensive server spread and provides lightning-fast speeds even in distant locations. Its TrustedServer technology uses RAM-only servers that are physically incapable of storing your data. To protect your privacy, ExpressVPN also offers:
- Private DNS — ensures that your DNS requests stay within the encrypted tunnel so that your online activities aren’t visible to third parties.
- Military-grade encryption — turns your data into a 256-bit unreadable code to make you anonymous on the web.
- Leak protection — prevents your data from leaking outside the VPN tunnel to maintain your online anonymity (ExpressVPN passed my DNS, IP, and WebRTC tests).
- No-logs policy — guarantee that none of your data is logged onto ExpressVPN servers due to its privacy-friendly jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands.
You can buy ExpressVPN with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple through BitPay. It also accepts stablecoins like USDC, BUSD, PAX, and GUSD pegged to the US dollar. Using a prepaid debit card is another anonymous payment option, but make sure you these:
| Maestro | Mint | FanaPay | Teencash |
| Sepa Direct Debit | PostePay | Dankort | Boleto |
| Elo | Carte Bleue | Mercado Pago | Culture/Book Voucher |
A small issue with ExpressVPN is that it’s slightly more expensive than its peers. However, its price tag is justified because it outperformed every other VPN in terms of speed, server coverage, security, and privacy.
To get the best price, sign up for ExpressVPN’s 1-year + 3 months plan and get a 49% discount. You can try it confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I submitted a request via live chat and got my refund in just 3 days, and the support agent never persuaded me to stay.
2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — NoSpy Servers Make Your Online Activities Untraceable
Key Features:
- Extensive network of 11,800+ servers in 100 countries with optimized connections for streaming, torrenting, and gaming
- Includes military-grade encryption, a kill switch, smart WiFi protection, and a malware blocker
- Works on up to 7 devices simultaneously on a single subscription
- Provides quick assistance through live chat, email, and online guides
- Try it risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers make your online transactions private after you’ve bought it anonymously. They’re owned and managed by CyberGhost in its data center in Romania, outside any intelligence-sharing alliances. This prevents potential data mishandling by third parties. It also secures you with:
- Smart WiFi protection — automatically activates CyberGhost when you join a network so that you’re secure even if you forget to turn on the VPN.
- Malware blocker — protects you from malicious ads, sites, and trackers. CyberGhost’s Block Content feature worked seamlessly on my Windows, Android, and Mac devices.
- Split tunneling — lets you choose sites and apps that you don’t want to encrypt with a VPN, giving you flexibility in streaming local content.
Its payment methods vary country by country, but in most places, you can buy CyberGhost with crypto on BitPay. It accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDC, and Monero payments. Monero uses ring signatures and stealth addresses that mix your signature with others, making it virtually impossible to pinpoint the origin of the funds.
One drawback of CyberGhost is that it asks you for an email address even if you pay through crypto. However, you can use a throwaway email with a fake name so that your identity remains untraceable.
I recommend CyberGhost’s 2-year + 2 months plan due to its 83% discount. You can try it risk-free with its 45-day refund policy. I asked for my money back via live chat support, provided my subscription details for verification, and got reimbursed in 5 working days.
3. Private Internet Access — MACE Ad Blocker Ensures Safe and Ad-Free Browsing
Key Features:
- Has 35,000+ servers in 91 countries with virtual connections in restrictive locations like Turkey
- Offers flexible encryption, leak protection, split tunneling, and a kill switch for online security
- Supports unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect all your devices
- Provides technical assistance via live chat, email, and FAQ guides
- Try it risk-free for 30 days with its refund guarantee
PIA’s MACE ad blocker ensures fast and safe browsing. It blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level, preventing them from loading on web pages. With MACE, I didn’t see ads on popular sites like LA Times and Forbes and felt browsing became slightly faster. In addition, PIA includes:
- InBrowser — is a browser app on iOS and Android that clears your session history. You can also activate its Tor mode for additional online privacy.
- Identity Guard — alerts you if your email address has been compromised or involved in a data breach so that you can change your password immediately.
With PIA, you can encrypt unlimited devices and not worry about running out of connections. When signing up, choose cryptocurrency as the payment option and pay through Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero or gift cards from Walmart, Starbucks, and BestBuy.
My only reservation is that it’s located in the US, the center of the 5 Eyes alliance of intelligence-sharing countries. However, PIA has a strict no-logs policy audited by Deloitte and uses RAM-only servers that can’t store data.
As one of the most affordable monthly VPNs, PIA’s 2-year + 2 months plan comes at just $2.19 a month. You can try it risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I gave my invoice details to the live chat support agent, and my refund request was approved in under 5 minutes. I got my refund after 5 business days.
FAQs on Buying a VPN Anonymously
Is it legal to buy a VPN anonymously?
Yes, as long as VPNs are legal in your country. You can sign up for a VPN anonymously in 3 easy steps. Just make sure it supports anonymous payment options like cryptocurrency, gift cards, and cash payments.
Are there any drawbacks to paying for a VPN anonymously?
Yes, but the benefits could largely outweigh the cons if your sole purpose is to protect your privacy. Cash payments are the most anonymous but can be a bit inconvenient. Here are some downsides to paying for a VPN anonymously:
- Limited payment options — not all VPN providers accept anonymous payment methods like cryptocurrencies, gift cards, or cash. This can limit your VPN choices.
- Convenience — anonymous payment methods can be inconvenient. For example, using cryptocurrencies requires a crypto wallet, while mailing cash can be time-consuming.
- No automatic renewals — many anonymous payment methods don’t support automatic subscription renewals. Therefore, you must manually renew your VPN subscription.
- Refund difficulty — obtaining refunds can be challenging or impossible with some anonymous payment methods, as there’s no direct link to your bank account.
- Limited access to promotions or discounts — some VPNs offer discounts and promotions only for traditional payment methods.
How can I set up my VPN anonymously?
By paying anonymously. Here are the top safe payment methods you can use. Just make sure the VPN you’re signing up for supports them. Besides that, you can set up a VPN anonymously in the following ways:
- Use public WiFi — sign up and download the VPN software while connected to a public WiFi network to avoid using your internet connection.
- Use Tor — access the VPN’s website through the Tor browser for added anonymity. This masks your IP address and browsing activity.
- Use the Tails OS —Tails is a security-focused operating system that routes all internet traffic through Tor. Use it when setting up your VPN account.
- Use an anonymous email — register for the VPN service with an email account that’s not linked to your identity.
- Disable cookies and trackers — before visiting the VPN provider’s site, clear your browser cookies or use a privacy-focused browser to prevent tracking.
Can I buy a VPN safely through PayPal?
Yes, but it won’t be anonymous because PayPal doesn’t hide your details like name and email address from the merchant. Paying via Google Pay or Apple Pay is better, but payment via crypto, prepaid debit cards, or gift cards is the safest.
What’s the safest way to buy a VPN anonymously?
Using a payment method that doesn’t link back to your identity. This includes prepaid debit cards, gift cards, and cash payments. Crypto payments are good, too, but they’re not entirely untraceable. While the transactions don’t directly display personal information, they are linked to wallet addresses, which can potentially be traced back with advanced techniques.
Is it safe to buy a VPN through my credit card?
Yes, but it’s not anonymous. If you want to pay for a VPN anonymously, do it via cash, a virtual credit card, a prepaid debit card, or a gift card. Otherwise, crypto payments are also a safe option, but they’re not completely anonymous.
What is the best VPN to use anonymously?
ExpressVPN, due to its best overall performance. It supports anonymous payment options, including cryptocurrency and a prepaid debit card. ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology, private DNS, military-grade encryption, and a kill switch keep you anonymous on the web and safe from snoopers.
Can I use a free VPN if I can’t sign up anonymously for a paid one?
Technically — yes, but it’s not worth it. I suggest using a reliable option like CyberGhost for 45 days and getting your money back with its money-back guarantee before the period expires. You can submit a refund request via live chat support or email.
Sign Up for a Reliable VPN Anonymously in 2024
Signing up for a VPN anonymously prevents anyone from tracing the transaction back to you. After extensive research, I found the best safe payment methods accepted by most top VPNs. These include crypto, prepaid debit cards, virtual credit cards, and gift cards because they’re disconnected from your details.
You should make sure that your VPN supports anonymous payment options beforehand. ExpressVPN is my top pick for signing up unidentified. It offers the best speeds, server coverage, security, and privacy. What’s best, you can try ExpressVPN confidently as it’s backed by a 30-day refund guarantee.
