How to Set Up and Use Virtual Cards (Step-by-Step, 2026)

To set up a virtual card, open your bank or money app, go to the cards section, choose "virtual card" (sometimes called a digital card), name it and set a spending limit — the card number, expiry date and security code appear instantly and can be used online or added to Apple Pay or Google Pay straight away. Use a separate card for each subscription and a single-use card for one-off purchases from sites you don't know. If a number leaks, you freeze or delete that one card without touching your account. This tutorial walks through each step.

What Is a Virtual Card and How Does It Work?

A virtual card is a digital-only card number linked to your account but separate from your physical card. When you pay with it, the money comes from the same balance, but the merchant never sees your main card number. If a merchant is breached, only that virtual card is exposed — and you can delete it in seconds. Some providers also offer single-use virtual cards: Revolut, for example, says its single-use card generates new card details after one use, or after 24 hours.

Before You Begin

You will need an account with a provider that supports virtual cards. For individuals, Revolut says it costs nothing to create a virtual card on any of its plans, including Standard, and Wise lets you create a digital card in seconds (Wise lists a one-time fee of 7 GBP to order a card). For businesses and teams, platforms such as Airwallex (company cards on its business plans) and Wallester (virtual and physical business cards with individual spending limits) issue cards to employees. Have the app installed and your identity verified, and list where you spend online — one-off purchases versus recurring subscriptions — because you will treat them differently.

Step 1 — Choose a Provider That Offers Virtual Cards

Not every account offers virtual cards, and the features vary. Look for the ability to create several cards, make single-use cards, set per-card spending limits, and freeze or delete instantly. Revolut, for example, allows up to 20 active virtual cards, one of which can be a single-use card. For businesses, the ability to issue many cards with individual limits is the key feature — see our best virtual card providers comparison.

Step 2 — Create Your First Virtual Card

In your provider's app, open the cards section and choose to create a virtual or digital card. It is generated instantly, with its own number, expiry and security code, ready to use online immediately — often before any physical card arrives. Give it a clear name so you remember what it is for.

Step 3 — Use a Separate Card for Each Subscription

For each recurring subscription, create a separate reusable virtual card and use it only with that merchant. If that merchant is breached or starts overcharging, freezing or deleting the one card stops it without affecting anything else. Note that single-use cards are not suitable here: Revolut, for example, says its single-use card won't work for recurring payments or subscriptions. Understanding how banks catch misuse helps too: see our guide to AI fraud detection in banking.

Step 4 — Use Single-Use Cards for One-Off Purchases

When buying from an unfamiliar or one-off site, use a single-use virtual card if your provider offers one. Because the details change after the purchase, a captured number is already worthless. This is your best defence when you cannot vouch for a merchant's security — and a practical shield against the fake-shop and phishing tactics in our guide to global banking scams to avoid.

Step 5 — Add a Reusable Virtual Card to Apple Pay or Google Pay

Many providers let you add a virtual card to Apple Pay or Google Pay — Wise says you can "use Google or Apple Pay straight away" with its digital card — so you get the privacy of a separate number with contactless and in-app payments. Single-use cards usually can't be added: Revolut says its single-use card won't work in Apple Pay or Google Pay. Check your provider, as availability varies by country.

Step 6 — Freeze, Delete and Monitor

The real power of virtual cards is control after the fact. Freeze a card the moment you suspect anything, and delete cards you no longer need rather than leaving dormant numbers active. Keep transaction notifications switched on so you see every charge in real time. If a subscription starts overcharging or a site is breached, deleting that one card resolves it without disturbing the rest of your money. If a card is blocked by mistake, our guide to why your card gets declined abroad explains the usual causes.

Are Virtual Cards Safe?

They are safer than using your main card online, because each merchant only ever sees a number you can cancel. They do not protect you if you are tricked into approving a payment yourself, and the money still comes from your account, so the usual account protections and your provider's terms apply. Our banking safety and fraud protection guide covers the wider picture.

Summary

To make online spending safer with virtual cards: choose a provider that supports them, create a named card with a spending limit, use a separate reusable card for each subscription, use single-use cards for one-off buys, add reusable cards to your mobile wallet, and freeze or delete instantly when needed. If your priority is earning rewards, pair this with a good rewards card — our sister site GlobeCreditCards compares them.

Frequently asked questions

How do virtual cards work with a bank account?

A virtual card is a separate card number linked to the same account or balance. Payments come from your account, but the merchant never sees your main card number.

Can I use a virtual card for subscriptions?

Yes — use a reusable virtual card, ideally one per subscription. Single-use cards usually don't work for recurring payments.

Can I add a virtual card to Apple Pay or Google Pay?

Often, yes. Wise says its digital card works with Apple Pay and Google Pay straight away. Single-use cards, such as Revolut's, generally can't be added.

Do virtual cards cost anything?

It depends on the provider. Revolut says creating a virtual card is free on all its plans; Wise lists a one-time 7 GBP fee to order a card. Check current fees in your app.

Written by Thomas Lovas Lokoy — researched and drafted with AI assistance from published sources; edited and published by NorwegianSpark SA | Last updated September 2026

Disclaimer: BestAiGlobalBank is an independent comparison site. We may earn commission when you open an account through our links. This does not affect our rankings. Always verify terms directly with the provider before applying.

By Thomas Lovas Lokoy — researched and drafted with AI assistance from published sources; edited and published by NorwegianSpark SA.