Looking For A Starling Virtual Card Alternative?
Getsby Blog Team | Dec 23, 2024
Virtual cards have shaken up how we handle payments, offering the perfect combination of security and control. Whether you add them to a digital wallet, manage subscriptions, or purchase items online, these cards are revolutionary payment methods.
Thanks to its mobile-first banking features, Starling Bank is a go-to choice for customers who prioritise convenience. The company also offers virtual cards, which are customisable to your spending habits…but is it the best option for your needs?
Maybe you’re looking for more features or want to simplify spending with a prepaid card. In this post, we’ll explore four great alternatives to Starling’s virtual cards, each offering something unique. Let’s get straight to it.
How do Starling Virtual Cards work?
Starling Virtual Cards are digital payment cards provided by the online bank. They’re a secure way to spend money without a physical card and offer a range of benefits. Here are some key features:
- Link Cards: You can create your virtual card through the website or app and link it to your personal or business account.
- Usage: Virtual cards are similar to physical cards in terms of flexibility. You can use them online, manage subscriptions, and add them to mobile wallets like Google Pay or Apple Pay.
- Security: Since the card exists only in a digital format, there’s no risk of losing a physical card. This reduces the risk of security breaches and keeps your personal information safe.
- Multiple Cards: Perhaps Starling Bank’s best feature is the ability to create multiple virtual cards and assign them to different spending categories. To prevent overspending, set yourself eating out, online shopping, and subscription budgets.
As you can see, Starling Virtual Cards are flexible, secure, and hassle-free alternatives to physical cards…but that doesn’t mean they’re the best solution for your needs.
Reasons you might want an alternative to the Starling virtual card include:
- International Coverage: Starling mainly focuses on the UK market. If you’re in the broader EU or beyond, you might want an international card.
- Stronger Security: While Starling’s security is impressive, competitors offer even more advanced options, like disposable virtual cards or one-time-use numbers.
- Extra perks: If you want cashback, rewards programs, or smooth integration with other apps, you might want more than a basic payment tool.
So, let’s take a look at four of the best alternatives to Starling virtual cards that are available in Europe.
1: Revolut: Best for global usage
Revolut is a big name across Europe, offering an array of financial services, including virtual cards. With low foreign exchange fees and a seamless app, Revolut is one of the best options for frequent travellers. The platform also offers two virtual debit cards, each offering unique benefits.
Key features:
- Multiple Cards: You can create multiple virtual cards, making it easy to manage your spending. The amount of cards you can create depends on whether you’re a free or premium user.
- One-time-use cards: For extra protection, Revolut offers disposable cards that change numbers after every use.
- Global reach: Revolut works in many European countries and supports payments in over 140 currencies, making it great for international spending.
- Spending analytics: Revolut’s app helps you track your spending habits and offers valuable insights to improve your budget.
Why choose Revolut’s virtual debit cards?
Revolut is perfect for people who need flexibility across multiple currencies without worrying about high fees. But only if you’re willing to pay for it.
The Ultra subscription is good for people who travel internationally and want free international transfers, but the high monthly price might not be worth it if you spend domestically.
2: Curve: Best for all-in-one management
Curve is a unique money management solution that lets you manage your cards through one convenient platform. Users can add their accounts to the app and create a physical or virtual card for payments. You can also choose which card to charge after a transaction.
Key features:
- One Card: Curve makes it easy to monitor your spending, as the platform lets you see all previous transactions.
- Rewards: Members with premium accounts can access different bonuses and incentives, including low fees and cashback.
- Go Back in Time: If you have second thoughts about a purchase or have had a surprise charge on one of your cards, the Go Back in Time feature lets you switch accounts.
- Low Fees: Curve offers low—and sometimes even free—foreign transaction fees, which is ideal if you travel frequently abroad.
Why choose Curve?
Curve is ideal for people who manage multiple cards and accounts. Its ability to combine everything in one app simplifies financial management, and the option to change payment sources after a transaction is a big plus for anyone wanting extra control over their spending.
3: Getsby Virtual Cards: Best for convenient payments
So far, we’ve covered options that act as digital banks, but what if you want a simple way to manage your payments? Getsby is a virtual card provider that offers customers access to prepaid virtual cards without linking their bank accounts.
Key features:
- No Bank Account: What sets Getsby apart is that you don’t need to link a bank account or other payment cards. Just open a Getsby account and complete the verification process quickly.
- Convenience: The Getsby Virtual Green Card is a reloadable payment solution that integrates with digital wallets. These cards let you withdraw cash from ATMs, make repeated payments and enjoy three years of stress-free usage.
- Security: If you want to make online investments and spend abroad with complete peace of mind, we recommend the Getsby Virtual Black Card. It’s one of the most popular disposable virtual cards available, with impressive spending limits and extra security.
- Keep Your Accounts: You won’t need to worry about moving to a new banking provider, as Getsby enables you to keep your existing bank account.
Why choose Getsby?
If convenience is your main priority, Getsby’s virtual credit cards are a wise decision. They connect with Apple and Google Pay while also facilitating international payments. The Green card is ideal if you’re looking for a long-term solution, but the Getsby Black virtual prepaid card offers unparalleled security.
4: N26: Best for digital-first banking
N26, a digital bank based in Germany, has grown rapidly across Europe. Users can enjoy a mobile-first solution that enables them to create virtual cards and seamlessly shop online or in physical stores. The app is about accessibility, and virtual cards integrate well into the service.
Key features:
- Mobile-First: N26 is built for people who manage everything from their smartphones. Its app offers full control over spending, saving, and transferring money.
- Affordable: N26 has free accounts without monthly fees and affordable premium plans that offer additional features.
- Notifications: N26 sends instant notifications about transactions, ensuring you can keep track of your finances and deal with unusual activity.
- Free foreign transactions: People in the Eurozone don’t need to worry about foreign transaction fees, making the cards an excellent choice if you travel or shop online. =
Why choose N26?
N26 is great for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, fully digital banking solution. It’s especially appealing if you value a straightforward fee structure, a sleek app, and virtual card options. Unfortunately, the bank no longer offers accounts to people in the UK.
Which virtual card providers are right for me?
When choosing a virtual credit card or debit card, it’s important to consider how you’ll use the card and which features are most important. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Revolut: The banking provider offers numerous incentives for users managing multiple currencies, including low fees and one-time use cards.
- Curve: If your main concern is managing different cards in one app, Curve is probably your best bet. It also enables you to create virtual cards.
- Getsby: From online purchases to subscription management and international spending, Getsby cards are prepaid solutions that don’t require opening a bank account. If your main priorities are convenience and security, you might want to apply for a Getsby card.
- N26: If you want a full baking experience but don’t live in the UK, N26 is still one of the most popular options.
Order your Virtual Cards online
Apply for a digital prepaid card online and receive the activation code via email within 2 minutes.
