Debit cards give you convenient access to funds in your current account. But sometimes you don’t even need a physical card – with a virtual debit card you can easily access your money when spending online or by using your smartphone at the checkout. We also have a guide on virtual credit cards.
A virtual debit card is essentially a digital version of a plastic debit or prepaid card. Most have randomly generated numbers for added security when shopping online or over the phone. If the number is compromised, you can quickly cancel the virtual card and generate a new number without losing access to your entire account.
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| Overseas cash withdrawals | 0% Mon-Fri (max. £1,000 per month) |
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There are three different ways to get a virtual card:
The first type of virtual debit card is just a number that you use to securely shop online and is usually linked to a prepaid account. These card numbers remain active for certain periods of time or can only be used for certain websites, so they are more secure than using a single debit card for all of your online shopping. Learn more and compare prepaid cards and children’s prepaid cards.
The second type of virtual debit card is a version of your debit card that exists in a digital wallet, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or a banking app. You access the virtual debit card from your digital wallet and pay using contactless payment technology, just like you would with your physical card. You can also use it to withdraw cash at a cardless cashpoint.
Some digital banks assign you a virtual debit card immediately after your application is approved, so you can start using it while you wait on your physical card to come in the mail. Most virtual cards have a different number than your physical debit card, so you can easily cancel it if it gets compromised. Popular digital banks include Starling, Revolut and Monzo.
A virtual debit card is essentially a card number you can store on your phone and use to make contactless payments in store or online. It will also come with its own expiry date and CVC (card verification code), so it’s easy to cancel if it gets compromised.
On the other hand, a digital card is a copy of your physical debit card which means it will have the same number, expiry date and CVC. Again, you can store this information on your phone and then use Apple Pay or Google Pay to make contactless payments.
A disposable card is one that can only be used once. Once you’ve made a payment with it, no further payments can be made, so if anyone else gets hold of the number, they won’t be able to use it.
As its name suggests, a single-use virtual card can only be used once. It has a unique number that can only be used for one transaction. This can make it ideal if you’re making a purchase on a website that’s new to you or if you’re concerned about online security. If a fraudster gets hold of your card details after you’ve paid, they can’t do anything with them. You won’t be able to use your card for recurring payments or subscriptions, but you can still get a refund for your purchase even after the card has been used.
By contrast, a multi-use virtual card can be used more than once. You can usually use the card details to make online purchases and pay for subscriptions, plus you can make in-person contactless payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay.
If you want to set up a virtual debit card, you’ll need to sign up with a provider that offers one. Many of these providers are app-based and you can usually create a virtual card within the app with ease. There will typically be a ‘Cards’ tab which you can tap and then select to add a new card. Once set up, you should be able to use your card straight away.
Virtual debit cards are quickly gaining in popularity, but it’ll be a while before contactless cards are accepted everywhere. If you’re interested in using one, compare bank accounts to find one with virtual and contactless card options.
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