What is a virtual card and how does it work?

Virtual cards

A virtual card is a payment instrument that doesn’t have a physical form. It’s not made of plastic and doesn’t include any other typical physical components such as a chip or magstripe.

Virtual cards shouldn't be confused with digital cards which are physical cards uploaded in a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Card types

Form

Type of payments

Use


Physical

Physical, made of plastic

Perform all types of credit or debit payments

Typical credit card


Digital

Physical, uploaded in a digital wallet

Perform all types of credit or debit payments

Same as credit


Virtual credit

Only online, no physical form

Perform all types of credit or debit payments

Same as credit


Virtual debit

Only online, no physical form

Doesn’t work with credit

Reduced-risk alternative as it doesn’t work with credit

Tip: To request or manage cards follow these instructions.

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