Getsby Blog Team | Feb 19, 2025
Virtual cards are innovative payment solutions that protect your personal information and enable you to make online transactions without compromising your security.
Figures published by Juniper Research suggest that virtual card use will increase 340% between 2022 and 2027, resulting in over 100 billion transactions. If you don’t have a virtual card, it might be time to get one.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about virtual cards and how to use them. So, if you’re ready to enjoy secure spending, stick around for the lowdown.
On this page:
▸ How to use a virtual card online?
▸ How to use a virtual card for physical transactions?
What are virtual cards?
Virtual cards are digital representations of physical cards. They have no tangible form but are stored within your banking app or a digital wallet, facilitating online and contactless payments. All virtual cards have a unique number, expiration date, and CVV code.
While some virtual cards are linked to your bank account, others are standalone products.
Virtual Credit Cards
Virtual credit cards (VCCs) are similar to traditional credit cards because they’re linked to your account and allow you to make transactions without automatically taking money from your bank account.
Many people use VCCs when they want to enjoy more security but also make large purchases and pay the balance off later. As with all credit products, transactions are subject to interest rates and late payment fees.
Many card providers offer rewards and cashback – but a virtual credit card still increases your risks of overspending and getting into debt.
Virtual Debit Cards
As the name suggests, virtual debit cards are a virtual representation of your physical card. These cards are linked to your bank account and let you make transactions instantly.
However, any money you spend on these cards will come out of your bank account, so you can’t make large purchases and then pay them later. While VCCs are beneficial for accessing funds you don’t necessarily have, virtual debit cards can be ideal for everyday purchases.
Prepaid Virtual Cards
People seeking maximum security and affordability can benefit from prepaid virtual cards, which aren’t linked to a bank or credit account. Instead, you pre-load them with funds before spending money, making it easier to stay within your budget.
As these cards don’t link to your bank account, you won’t need to worry about cybercriminals gaining access to your personal information.
You can also choose between reloadable prepaid cards with expiration dates or disposable virtual cards, which allow you to top up.
How do virtual cards work?
How your virtual card works depends on the type you have. All virtual card companies deploy security measures to protect account holders and ensure their safety, but how they work is different:
Virtual Credit Cards
As virtual credit cards are linked to your primary credit card account, transactions depend on the provider. When you make a transaction, the virtual card generates a unique number, which masks your actual details, reducing the risks of fraud.
All transactions are still billed to your main credit account, and there’s a risk that someone with your password could gain access to the account.
Virtual Debit Cards
Except for the obvious difference, virtual debit cards work similarly to virtual credit cards. When you make purchases with a card, it automatically debits funds from your bank account.
Many debit card providers offer different features, like generating new card numbers for each transaction and allowing users to set spending limits. You can also freeze these cards to prevent unauthorised users from gaining access.
Prepaid Virtual Cards
Prepaid virtual cards don’t require a bank account, making them the most secure option for transactions. Once you load money onto the card, you can use it until it’s empty, then either reload or throw it away (depending on the type of card you choose).
Even though these cards are highly secure, providers like Getsby add extra features such as encryption, tokenization and MasterCard 3D Secure 2.0 for added peace of mind.
How to use a virtual card online
Virtual cards are ideal for online purchases because they’re easy to use and offer more security than a traditional card. The steps you’ll take depend on the type of card you have, but the general process for credit, debit, and prepaid virtual cards is similar:
- Access your card through your banking app or digital wallet. If you’re using a reloadable prepaid card, make sure it has available funds. You can also create a single-load virtual card using your Getsby account.
- You can choose the card payment method at checkout and enter the virtual card’s credentials on the merchant’s website.
- Confirm the payment. It’s that simple.
How to use a virtual card for physical transactions
Many virtual cards can also make transactions in physical stores, using NFC (near-field communication) technology. However, you’ll need to add the card to your digital wallet as there’s no physical card to present during transactions.
The most popular way to make physical transactions is by adding your virtual card to Google Pay or Apple Pay. If you’re unsure of how to do this, please take a look at the following guides:
Once the card is added to your digital wallet, you can make contactless payments at merchants that accept your payment method.
Creating a virtual card
Now that you know more about virtual cards, it’s time to cover the most important thing: how to get your hands on one. Following these steps allows you to make secure physical and online purchases.
Step 1: Choose a virtual card provider
The first step is choosing a virtual card provider. Here, you’ll need to consider the type of card you want and explore the different options available.
If you’re happy with a virtual debit card, your banking provider might offer them, or you can sign up for an online banking service (Revolut Virtual Cards).
However, if you’d like more security and want a prepaid virtual card, Getsby doesn’t require access to your bank account and offers a convenient sign-up process. Better still, the cards are prepaid, so you don’t need to worry about credit checks.
Step 2: Access your account
If you’re not already a customer of the chosen provider, you’ll need to sign up, which usually involves entering your personal information and verifying your identity. Most virtual card companies will ask for proof of address and a valid driver’s license or passport.
If you’re applying for a credit card, the checks will take longer and be more in-depth. Prepaid virtual cards are usually the easiest option to sign up for, and many customers can access their first Getsby card within a few minutes.
Step 3: Request your card
Virtual credit and debit cards are often limited to what your bank or credit account offers, but opting for a prepaid virtual card gives you more flexibility.
If you’re planning on making multiple transactions and are looking for everyday spending, the Getsby Virtual Green Card is reloadable.
Alternatively, the Getsby Virtual Black Card is a single-load option that’s ideal for investing in stocks, cryptocurrency and trying new subscriptions,
Link your funding source
Depending on the typ of virtual card, you’ll need to connect a funding source, such as your bank account, credit card, or digital wallet balance. Once you activate the card, you can load it with funds and begin spending.
Why choose a virtual card?
Virtual cards are highly popular payment methods for both personal and business use. There are many reasons to use them, with the most common including:
- Security: Virtual cards are effective solutions for minimising fraud risks, as they add an extra layer of protection. Many virtual cards create a unique number for each transaction. So, even if someone gains access to your card details, they can’t steal your personal information.
- Control Over Spending: Some virtual cards let you set spending limits, making it easier to monitor your budget. Prepaid virtual cards offer even more control, as you have to pre-load them before spending.
- Flexibility and Convenience: Virtual cards are perfect for online shopping, app-based subscriptions, and services. You can also easily cancel or renew them as needed.
- Eco-Friendly: Physical card production puts a strain on the environment, but going virtual is a positive step that contributes to a greener planet.
Simplify spending with a Getsby Prepaid Virtual Card
Getsby Prepaid Virtual Cards lets you enjoy seamless spending on your terms. With a variety of options available and advanced security measures, you can spend online and in-store with merchants that accept MasterCard.
Once you complete a short verification process, you can order your Getsby Green Card, which lasts for three years, and enjoy the security of our disposable Black Virtual Cards.
FAQs
Can I use a virtual card in-store?
Yes, in most cases, you can—but it depends on your virtual card provider. Getsby cards are compatible anywhere MasterCard is accepted, which means you can access millions of merchants worldwide.
Other virtual card providers might have more restrictions, so checking before you hit the shops is important.
Can I use my virtual card at an ATM?
It depends on the ATM. Some have contactless features, which enable you to withdraw money from your mobile wallet.
If you link the virtual card to Apple Pay or Google Pay, a contactless ATM will let you withdraw money. However, this is a relatively new feature and not all machines have it.
Can you use a virtual card on the cash app?
You can usually add a virtual card to your Cash App account as a payment method, which allows you to use the virtual card for online and in-app purchases within the Cash App ecosystem.
