Virtual cards: What Are They And How Do They Work?

Imagine you’re scrolling through your favorite online store, ready to make a purchase, But at the checkout page, you have to enter your credit/debit card information, and that makes you worry about safety. 

With the rise in internet scams and fraud in recent times, making online purchases can be quite risky. Especially on random websites or e-commerce platforms. This is where virtual cards come in to help you stay safe while making purchases online. 

Editors note: Enove Collection typically supports card processing along with alternative payment methods, tailored to the preferences of each country. For instance, in many African countries, mobile money is prevalent and considered an alternative payment method. However, what many overlook is that platforms such as Skrill and PayPal also function within card processing. Despite not being directly associated with physical cards, they require card linkage to facilitate fund transfers, serving as a protective barrier against online card scams.

With enhanced security features, customizable spending limits, reduced risk of fraud, convenience, and easy tracking, virtual cards are quickly becoming a preferred payment method globally. Their adaptability and ease of use makes them suitable for various use cases, from online shopping and subscription services to business expenses and digital gifting. 

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Virtual cards, their features, benefits, how they work, and tips to help you stay safe when using virtual cards. 

Let’s get into it. 

What Is A Virtual Card?

Virtual cards, also known as e-cards, is a non-physical card that provides the functionalities of a physical debit or credit card but exists only digitally. They are linked to your existing bank account or credit card but do not reveal any of your personal financial details during transactions. 

A virtual card is often presented as a card number, expiry date, and security code, which you can use for online transactions. Virtual card technology leverages advanced encryption mechanisms to secure your financial details. When you use a virtual card, your sensitive information is well-protected, significantly reducing the risk of fraud or data theft.  

What Are The Key Characteristics of Virtual Cards

• Digitally generated: A virtual card is created digitally using a secure process. You get a 16-digit card number, a CVV, and an expiry date, just like a physical card.
• Linked to your account: The virtual card is linked to your bank account or credit card, allowing you to make purchases without directly using your actual card information.
• Secure: When you use your virtual card for transactions, the card number sent to the vendor is encrypted, making it nearly impossible for anyone to steal your information.

Virtual cards employ a range of security measures to protect your information. For instance, many virtual cards use tokenization, a process where sensitive data is replaced with unique identification symbols that retain all the essential information without compromising security. 

How Virtual Cards Work

First, you must apply for a virtual card from a provider, like your bank or a financial technology company. Once your application is approved, instead of receiving a physical card, you are given a card number, security code, and expiration date, all of which are generated electronically. These details are linked to your account and are ready for use immediately. 

When you use your virtual card for an online transaction, the merchant will request the payment from your card provider. The card provider will then validate the transaction details, such as the card number and the security code, against the information stored in their system. Once confirmed, the transaction is approved, and the amount is deducted from your account. 

Types of Virtual Cards 

Virtual cards come in two forms: single-use and multi-use.

A single-use card, as the name suggests, is designed for one transaction only. Once it’s used, it becomes invalid.

On the other hand, a multi-use card can be used multiple times until the card’s balance is exhausted or it reaches its expiry date. 

How To Use Virtual Cards 

Virtual cards can be used in any online payment scenario where traditional credit or debit cards are accepted. Whether you’re shopping online, paying bills, or subscribing to a service, the process remains the same. The only difference is that you’re entering card details provided virtually instead of physically. 

Unlike traditional credit cards, virtual cards often come with a pre-loaded amount. This means you can only spend up to the pre-determined limit. Once the balance is exhausted, the card becomes useless unless it’s reloaded.

What Are The Benefits of Using Virtual Cards

Virtual cards offer a myriad of benefits, many of which are uniquely suited to the digital era. Let’s explore these advantages and how they can transform your financial transactions. 

1. Enhanced Security 

The primary advantage of virtual cards is their high level of security. Unlike traditional cards, they don’t expose your actual account details. This means even if the card information falls into the wrong hands, your personal finances stay protected. 

2. Customizable Spending 

Virtual cards provide an unprecedented level of control over your spending. You can set specific limits for each card, effectively managing your budget and preventing overspending. This feature is especially useful for businesses looking to streamline their expense policies. 

3. Reduced Fraud Risk 

With virtual cards, the risk of fraud is significantly reduced. Virtual cards have a unique number that is associated with each transaction, making it difficult for fraudsters to misuse the card even if they have the card number. 

4. Convenience and Accessibility 

Virtual cards offer unparalleled convenience. They can be created and accessed instantly, anywhere, anytime. You don’t have to carry a physical card with you, making them a great choice for online shopping and subscriptions. 

5. Easy Tracking 

Keeping track of expenses is a breeze with virtual cards. Every transaction is digital and can be recorded in real-time, allowing you to monitor your spending more effectively and identify any unusual activity promptly. 

In summary, virtual cards provide an added layer of security, flexibility, convenience, and control that traditional cards can’t match. From managing expenses to reducing fraud, they are a smart choice for savvy consumers and businesses alike.

Virtual Cards vs. Traditional Credit Cards

When you think of credit cards, probably an image of a small plastic card with embossed numbers on it comes to your mind. That’s a traditional credit card we’ve all gotten used to. But for virtual cards, that’s far from the case. So what’s the main difference between these two types of cards? 

1. The Tangibility Factor 

Perhaps the most noticeable difference is their physical nature. Traditional credit cards are tangible, physical objects that you can touch, see, and carry around in your wallet. On the other hand, virtual cards are completely digital. They exist online and you can access them electronically via your smartphone or computer. 

2. Security 

Virtual cards have an edge over traditional credit cards when it comes to security. Since it’s not a physical entity, it’s much harder to steal. Furthermore, virtual cards often come with temporary card details that change after each transaction, reducing the risk of fraud significantly. 

3. Flexibility 

Another point of difference is flexibility. Virtual cards allow you to set spending limits, control where the cards can be used, and even specify the exact number of times they can be used. In contrast, traditional credit cards don’t offer such granular control over spending. 

4. Speed of Issuance 

Getting a traditional credit card can often be a time-consuming process, requiring several days to weeks. But with virtual cards, you can have a new card issued almost instantly, as there is no need for physical manufacturing or delivery. 

5. Global Acceptance 

While both card types are widely accepted, some situations may require a physical card, such as at certain gas stations, hotels, or car rental businesses. Thus, in terms of global acceptance, traditional cards may have an advantage. 

In conclusion, both virtual and traditional credit cards have their strengths and weaknesses. The choice between them should be based on your specific needs and preferences.

Top Use Cases for Virtual Cards

Virtual cards have expanded the boundaries of financial transactions and are now being used in numerous sectors and for a variety of purposes. Here, we take a closer look at some of the top use cases where virtual cards prove to be a boon. 

1. Online Shopping 

With the shift towards e-commerce, virtual cards have become a preferred payment method for online shopping. Due to their one-time use nature, they offer an additional layer of protection against potential fraud. 

2. Subscription Services 

Virtual cards are ideal for managing subscription-based services or recurring payments. You can set the exact amount and the validity period, thus avoiding any unexpected charges. 

3. Business Expenses 

Businesses can issue virtual cards to employees for managing business-related expenses. It eliminates the need for physical cards while offering easy tracking and control of expenditures. 

4. Travel Bookings 

Virtual cards can be used for booking hotels, flights, and other travel-related services. They not only provide a secure payment option but also help in easy expense management while traveling. 

5. Vendor Payments 

Businesses can use virtual cards to make payments to vendors, thus streamlining the accounts payable process. It also reduces the chances of payment fraud or misuse. 

6. Digital Gifting 

Virtual cards can be used as digital gift cards, making it a perfect last-minute gifting solution. Recipients can use the card to make purchases according to their preferences. 

With these diverse applications, it’s clear that virtual cards are not just an alternative to traditional cards but offer unique advantages that are reshaping the way we handle monetary transactions.

Choosing the Right Virtual Card Provider

Choosing the right virtual card provider is an important step in enjoying the full benefits of this technology. Here are some things to consider when making your decision: 

1. Ease of Use 

The provider’s platform should be user-friendly and easy to navigate, whether it’s a mobile app or a desktop site. This will make it simple for you to issue cards, load funds, track spending and manage your cards. 

2. Security Measures 

Security is a major concern when dealing with financial transactions. Ensure the provider uses robust security measures like encryption, two-factor authentication, and fraud detection systems to protect your transactions and personal data. 

3. Customization Features 

Look for a provider that offers a high level of customization. This allows you to set specific spending limits, control where the card can be used, and even specify the exact time frame for its validity. 

4. Customer Support 

Reliable and responsive customer support is indispensable. Check if the provider has a reputation for quick response times and knowledgeable support staff. They should be able to assist you with any issues that arise promptly and efficiently. 

5. Fees and Charges 

Some providers charge for issuing virtual cards or for certain types of transactions. Understand all the fees associated with using the service before committing to a provider. 

6. Reputation and Reviews 

Lastly, research the provider’s reputation and read reviews from other users. This can give you a good idea of what to expect and help you avoid potential pitfalls. 

Remember, the right provider for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Take the time to consider all these factors and do thorough research before making a choice.

Tips for Safely Using Virtual Cards

Just like traditional physical cards, virtual cards require some safety measures to guarantee secure transactions. The following are top tips for safely using your virtual card: 

1. Monitor Your Transactions Regularly 

Regularly checking your transactions helps you quickly identify any suspicious activities. Given that virtual cards allow for real-time transaction notifications, you should enable this feature for prompt alerts when your card is used. 

2. Secure Your Online Accounts 

Since virtual cards are primarily used for online transactions, it’s essential to keep your online accounts secure. This includes using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication where possible. 

3. Limit Card Information Sharing 

Don’t share your virtual card details unnecessarily. The strength of a virtual card lies in its ability to keep your main account information private. Sharing this information undoes this benefit. 

4. Use Trusted Websites and Apps 

Always ensure you’re using trusted websites when making online payments. Look out for the padlock symbol in the address bar to identify secure sites. Similarly, only download and use apps from recognized app stores to avoid potential security threats. 

5. Use Wi-Fi Networks Wisely 

Public Wi-Fi networks can often be insecure and could potentially expose your sensitive information to cybercriminals. Therefore, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when making transactions with your virtual card. 

6. Ensure Your Devices are Secure 

Keep your devices, such as your phone or computer, secure by regularly updating them with the latest security patches and antivirus software. This reduces the risk of malware attacks that could compromise your virtual card information. 

With these safety tips, you can make the most of your virtual card while minimizing the risk of fraudulent activities.

Takeaway

Virtual cards promise a future where transactions are more secure, convenient, and accessible than ever before. They have evolved to address the growing concerns over security and privacy in the digital era, providing a valuable tool for both individuals and businesses.

As with any financial tool, it’s essential to use virtual cards safely and responsibly. While there might be misconceptions about virtual cards, most of them stem from a lack of understanding. Virtual cards do not compromise on security or global acceptance, and they offer a superior way to track spending. The key is to choose the right virtual card provider, one that prioritizes ease of use, security, customization, customer support, and reasonable fees.