What Is a Virtual Card?
A virtual card is a digital version of your physical card.
It has its own card number, expiration date, and security code.
You use it for safer online payments without exposing your real card details.
Some virtual cards are one-time use; others are reusable.
How Virtual Cards Work
- Sign up with a virtual card provider
- Generate a new card number
- Use the virtual card at checkout
- Control your spending and security settings
Top Virtual Card Providers
| Provider | Best For | Type | Fees | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy.com | Everyday online shopping | Prepaid virtual card | Free for basic | Custom limits, merchant-specific cards |
| Revolut | Global spending and travel | Disposable virtual card | Free with account | Multi-currency, easy app |
| Wise | International payments | Virtual debit card | Low fees | Real rates, multi-currency wallet |
| Capital One Eno | Credit card users | Virtual credit card | Free for users | Auto-generated cards for each merchant |
| Payoneer | Freelancers and businesses | Prepaid virtual card | Variable fees | Global acceptance, expense management |
What to Look For in a Virtual Card
- Strong security features (one-time use, merchant locking)
- Low or no fees
- Spending controls
- Support for multiple currencies
- Easy-to-use app or website
Top Picks Reviewed
Privacy.com
- Free for basic use
- Lock cards to specific merchants
- Set custom spending limits
- Only for U.S. users
Revolut
- Free disposable cards with account
- Multi-currency support
- Great for travelers
- Requires a Revolut account
Wise
- Transparent, low-cost fees
- True exchange rates
- Great for cross-border payments
- Small fees for some actions
Capital One Eno
- Free for Capital One cardholders
- Unique virtual card for each merchant
- Seamless online checkout
- Only for Capital One users
Payoneer
- Great for international freelancers
- Multi-currency support
- Strong business tools
- Variable fees depending on use
How to Choose the Best Virtual Card
- For personal online shopping: Choose Privacy.com
- For travel and multi-currency: Choose Revolut or Wise
- For credit card security: Choose Capital One Eno
- For business and freelancing: Choose Payoneer
Ask yourself:
- What will you use it for?
- How much security do you need?
- How sensitive are you to fees?
- Will you need multiple currencies?
- Is a simple app important to you?
Final Thoughts
Virtual cards give you a safe way to shop, travel, and run your business online.
They protect your real card details and add control over your spending.
Choosing the right provider depends on what you need most.
Quick Summary
- For daily online shopping: Privacy.com
- For international payments: Revolut and Wise
- For credit card users: Capital One Eno
- For freelancers and businesses: Payoneer
Stay smart. Stay safe. Spend with confidence.