Today I subscribed to ChatGPT Pro 20x for $144, which is less than 1,000 RMB—over 300 RMB cheaper than the US region. Since it uses my own account and bank card, it's currently the most cost-effective and reliable way to subscribe to ChatGPT.
The process is simple: you just need a foreign currency card that ChatGPT accepts. Cards issued in Mainland China and Hong Kong generally don't work. Users have tested and confirmed that Starryblu, bybit, plasma, Fiat24, N26, EtherFi, RedotPay, and Savo work. Starryblu is easy to apply for with just a passport. I used this one myself; if you already have another card, you can skip to the Philippines ChatGPT Subscription section.
Applying for a Starryblu Bank Card
Starryblu is a product of Wotransfer, a Singaporean fintech company with a MAS MPI license. They focus on global payments, cross-border transfers, multi-currency accounts, and digital financial services. Panda Remit, which many are familiar with, is also theirs.
Search for Starryblu in the App Store to download it. Select China as your country/region upon opening. Alternatively, register via the web: https://sg.starryblu.com/x/1uJ38Xgr
Fill in your ID (choose your own), password, and phone number (Chinese numbers work). You can use my referral code MWQK01O to get a 60 SGD spending voucher.
Select Chinese Passport for ID information.
After completing authentication, you'll need proof of address. You can upload ID card info or credit card statements.
Wait a few minutes for the review to finish, then log in.
Choose a bank card. The free Starry Card is fine, but there's a queue. I recommend getting the $9.90 Starry Plus or $19.90 Starry Planet membership, which allows you to create a physical card for free; you can cancel the next month. Membership reviews are faster, usually passing the same or next day. I got a Planet physical card myself.
Funding Starryblu
Starryblu recommends using Hong Kong banks or Wise for fast, fee-free transfers. Mainland banks work but have higher fees. I personally use HK's ZA Bank:
In Starryblu, select Top-up -> Hong Kong, China -> FPS. Enter the amount, and it will show the ID and remarks.
In ZA Bank, enter the corresponding FPS ID and remarks provided by Starryblu. The money arrives instantly with zero fees.
Philippines Region ChatGPT Subscription
Once you have a supported card, subscribing to the Philippines region is very easy. You can stay on a US node throughout the process. Log into an account that doesn't have an active subscription.
Select Upgrade Plan.
Switch the region on the right to Philippines. Plus users can select it directly; Pro is under "Browse more."
If you want the Pro 20x version, I suggest opening Pro 5x first to avoid risk control rejection, then upgrade to 20x. The total price is the same.
Enter your Starryblu card info. For the billing address below, select the United States and enter a tax-free state to avoid taxes. The 20x version comes out to just $144. You can generate a tax-free address here: https://usaddressgen.com/tax-free-address/
I upgraded from Pro 5x to 20x with two charges and used Starryblu's discount subsidies, saving a net $55 per month.
Summary
The Philippines region is currently the most cost-effective plan for ChatGPT Pro and Plus. Pro 20x saves hundreds monthly. The only downside is strict card restrictions. Most mainland users lack overseas cards, but if you have one or are willing to get a Starryblu card, it's a great deal.
