This tutorial will guide you through binding your MPChat virtual card to your OpenAI account to enable API services and pay for usage. The API service operates on a postpaid model, requiring a valid payment method to be linked first.
✅ Preparation
An OpenAI Account: Ensure your account is successfully registered and you can log in.
Stable Network Environment: Crucial! Please use a clean residential IP from a region supported by OpenAI (such as the United States) throughout the process.
MPChat App: Please download from official app stores:
Or visit the official website: mp.net
USDT Assets: It is recommended to prepare at least 20 USDT (equivalent) to top up your MPCard.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Funds in MPChat
Deposit USDT: On the "Wallet" page of the MPChat app, use the "Deposit" function to transfer USDT from an external wallet or exchange.
Apply for MPCard: Go to the "MPCard" section and click "Apply for New Card."
Transfer Funds: Use the "Transfer" function to move USDT from your MP Wallet to your MPCard. It is recommended to top up $20-50 for the first time to ensure a sufficient balance for OpenAI's verification.
Step 2: Bind Payment Method in OpenAI Account
Under a stable U.S. network environment, visit the OpenAI Platform website: platform.openai.com and log in to your account.
Click your personal avatar or name in the bottom left corner and go to "Settings".
In the left menu bar, select "Billing" -> "Payment methods".
Click "Add payment method".
Accurately fill in your MPCard information:
Card number: Your MPMasterCard virtual card number.Expiration date: Expiry date.CVC: Security code.Name on card: Recommended to use your name in Pinyin or any English name.
Billing Address (The key to success!): You must use an online U.S. address generator to create a realistic and valid U.S. address (including street, city, state, and ZIP code). Ensure all information is logically correct.
Step 3: Complete Verification and Start Using
After filling in the details, click save. OpenAI may attempt a small verification hold (such as $1), which will be refunded quickly to verify the card's validity.
Once successfully linked, your account will be granted API access. You can go to the "Overview" page to monitor usage and balance consumption.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What should I do if binding fails with "Your card has been declined"?
Check the "Trio Mismatch": This is the most common reason. Ensure your network IP location, the MPCard issuing country, and the country of the billing address are 100% identical (strongly recommended to use the U.S. throughout).
Check Address Authenticity: Do not use a fake address; you must use a reliable address generator.
Check Card Balance: Ensure your MPCard has a balance greater than $5 to pass the small verification hold.
Q2: How is the OpenAI API billed? The API fee follows a postpaid model. You use the service first, and OpenAI accumulates costs based on your usage. Usually:
Monthly Billing: Fees for the previous month are settled at the beginning of each month.
Balance Depletion Charge: If you set Usage Limits, the system will attempt an immediate charge when the accumulated cost reaches that limit.
Q3: How can I avoid uncontrollable API costs? It is highly recommended to set a Soft Limit and a Hard Limit under "Billing" > "Usage limits". An alert will be sent when usage reaches the soft limit; API services will automatically stop when the hard limit is reached, effectively controlling costs.
Q4: What happens if the payment fails due to insufficient card balance? API services will be suspended immediately. You need to top up your MPCard with sufficient funds. OpenAI will automatically retry the charge; services will resume once the payment is successful.
💡 Summary of Core Points
Payment Model: OpenAI API is postpaid, which differs from the prepaid subscription of ChatGPT Plus.
Key to Success: The "Trio Consistency" principle is an absolute rule, especially the use of a high-quality U.S. IP address.
Risk Control: Be sure to set Usage Limits on the OpenAI platform to prevent unexpected costs.
Fund Management: Ensure your MPCard always has a sufficient balance to prevent API service interruption due to payment failure.