The Best Wise Virtual Card Alternative
Virtual cards are popular alternatives to their physical counterparts, as they offer more security and are easier to manage. Wise (previously TransferWise) is a massive player in online banking, with customers worldwide using the many financial products available.
Even though the Wise virtual card is a great choice, it’s not right for everyone. If you’re on the lookout for a payment solution that suits your needs, you’re in the right place.
Whether you want to make online and in-store purchases, money management or spend securely aboard, there’s a virtual card for you.
Find out the options in this post as we reveal some fantastic Wise virtual card alternatives.
What is the Wise virtual card?
To understand the Wise virtual card, we first need to explore what the banking platform is all about. Wise, which used to go by TransferWise, sets itself apart by offering account holders an easy way to make international payments in a range of currencies.
Both personal and business accounts offer multiple benefits, including low fees and the ability to manage over 50 currencies and virtual cards. If you open a Wise account, you can have up to three virtual cards, adding a layer of protection to your transactions.
Each card connects to digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay, enabling you to make online and in-store transactions. What makes these cards stand out is their multi-currency compatibility and mid-market exchange rate, which means you can send money abroad or use it for secure spending.
Why Wise virtual cards might be dealbreakers:
- Limited Acceptance: Wise has an international presence, which means it works in multiple countries and is compatible with the most popular currencies. But, the cards aren’t compatible everywhere, so you’ll need to check before using them.
- No Cash Withdrawals: Unlike a regular debit card, Wise’s virtual card cannot be used to withdraw cash from ATMs. This can be inconvenient if you need physical cash for day-to-day expenses or emergencies.
- Fraud Risks: The platform has strong security measures, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely immune to card fraud. It’s still important to monitor your account for unusual activity.
- Customer Support: Wise generally has good support, but sometimes you might run into delays or language barriers, particularly during busy times, which is frustrating when you need urgent support.
- Currency Exchange Fees: Wise offers great exchange rates, but small fees may still apply, especially if you’re converting large amounts or dealing with less common currencies.
As you can see, opening a Wise business account or personal account can be beneficial. As an all-in-one banking solution, it’s probably not the most convenient solution if your main goal is to access a virtual card.
The best Wise virtual card alternatives
Now that you know more about Wise, it’s time to reveal the best virtual cards for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a convenient way to make online purchases without compromising security or enjoy seamless money management, the following cards deliver.
1: Getsby Virtual Cards
Getsby is unique in the fact that it’s not an online bank. As a virtual card provider, the platform lets people apply for and access prepaid virtual cards, which don’t require a bank account. Instead, you load the card up with funds and can use it for a range of purposes, including:
- Managing subscription services
- Making international payments
- Investing in stocks and shares
- Online shopping
Users can choose between two virtual cards:
- Virtual Green Card: The Getsby Virtual Green Card is a reloadable virtual debit card that lasts for three years. With low foreign transaction fees and the opportunity to become carbon neutral, this card is ideal if you want security and convenience.
- Virtual Black Card: The Getsby Virtual Black Card facilitates ultra-secure payments, trades, and money transfers. As a single-load solution, you add money to the card and can use it until the balance runs out. You’ll then order a new card, which becomes active in just a couple of minutes.
When Getsby cards make sense
If your main priority is to create virtual cards, Getsby is a convenient option. You don’t need to open a bank account, and the headache-free application process means you can order and activate an account immediately without moving money from your current banking provider.
With advanced security features and unparalleled flexibility, Getsby Virtual Cards are one of the most accessible solutions.
2: Payoneer Virtual Cards
Payoneer is another well-known financial service that simplifies international transactions and online payments through the use of virtual cards. These cards are widely accepted by online merchants and marketplaces globally, meaning you can easily shop and pay, no matter where you’re from.
Payoneer also lets businesses and freelancers hold and spend money in multiple currencies, making it easy to manage your finances and enjoy speedy transactions. Users can choose between a virtual and physical card, with each account having different fees.
When Payoneer virtual cards make sense
While Payoneer cards have their advantages, the platform focusses most on offering secure payment solutions for businesses and freelancers. If you’re looking for a personal online bank account, there are more affordable options available.
Compared to Wise virtual cards, their main drawback is the lack of flexibility, but businesses can benefit from the wide range of features.
3: Monese
Monese is a UK-based digital bank, but its cards are widely accepted throughout Europe. All account holders can create a virtual card, but some accounts offer more options than others. For example, the basic account is free, but you’ll pay 0.30p for each virtual card you create.
Premium account plans offer more features, including free virtual cards, making them ideal if you’re looking for an all-in-one banking solution. The cards also link to digital wallets and other solutions, ensuring you can send and receive payments.
When Monese cards make sense
Monese is a great option for seamless money management and controlled spending. Despite its many selling points, it’s vital to remember that the basic accounts come with fees. You can make ATM withdrawals, but a 2% charge applies.
Opting for a premium account gives you a higher virtual card allowance, and Monese cards are also ideal for international payments with low transaction fees.
4: Crypto Virtual Cards
Do you regularly invest in cryptocurrency? Most trading platforms implement secure measures, but opting for a virtual card can add more protection. A specialist card designed explicitly for crypto platforms allows you to access a variety of features.
We all know that the best trading platforms are competitive, but you can use a Crypto.com virtual card instantly, ensuring you never miss out on lucrative opportunities.
When a Crypto virtual card makes sense
If you’re only using a virtual card for online trading, the Crypto.com card is available immediately and can help you budget while using your cryptocurrency platform. It’s not for everyone, so take some time to consider whether the card is the right solution for your needs.
If you’ll use the virtual credit card to make other purchases, exploring another option is probably best.
5: Curve Virtual Cards
Curve is a pretty cool payment platform that lets you link all your bank accounts—whether they’re credit, debit, or even virtual—into one simple account. So, instead of balancing multiple debit and credit cards, you can merge everything into one virtual card.
The platform sets itself apart by offering a unique “Go Back In Time” feature, enabling users to switch the card they used for purchases up to 90 days after the transaction. You can also benefit from low, and sometimes zero, transaction fees.
When a Curve virtual card makes sense
If you’re looking for a convenient way to combine multiple accounts into one convenient platform, Curve can be a real game-changer. It’s also a great way to save money when making international money transfers, but better options don’t require an existing bank account.
We’d recommend Curve if you want to merge multiple accounts, but there are more convenient virtual card services available.
Top factors to consider before making a decision:
Are international payments your main priority?
Wise is still a great option if you want to make international payments and save money. Both Getsby and Monese also offer low foreign transaction fees, which is beneficial for personal and corporate spending abroad.
Are you looking for business accounts or a personal digital bank account?
Payoneer is one of the best solutions for business or freelancer accounts. It offers excellent rates and is ideal for creating virtual corporate cards. Curve can also be a good alternative because it can merge multiple accounts into one card.
Are you mainly looking for a virtual prepaid card?
If you’re looking for prepaid virtual credit cards without a bank account, Getsby is the best Wise alternative. Connect the cards to PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay to make in-store and online purchases. Your virtual card details are also kept private through advanced security features.
Order your Virtual Cards online
Apply for a digital prepaid card online and receive the activation code via email within 2 minutes.
