Here Are The Best Virtual Credit Card Providers in 2024

Online banking and digital personal finances are driving a new generation of contactless card payments, characterised by a growth in virtual payment cards. However, in 2024, most virtual cards are prepaid debit cards, with credit card providers still behind the curve in implementing virtual payment solutions.

Still, virtual credit card providers are available, and in this short article, we discuss what they are and how to use a virtual card for your payments, whether for grocery shopping or big purchases in a foreign currency. Although we've written this guide primarily for a US-based audience, most providers we discuss are available in other major countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and the European Union. However, bear in mind that non-US prices and terms and conditions may vary.

Do Virtual Credit Cards Exist?

Most virtual cards out there are prepaid debit payment cards. Although it's possible to use a credit card virtually, you won't have the option to create one to use exclusively virtually. Rather, you'll need to add a physical credit card to a mobile wallet like Apple Pay. Alternatively, you could consider getting a virtual debit card (fortunately, debit cards are more ubiquitous and capable than ever, meaning credit cards are increasingly becoming obsolete for daily use cases).

Here's a bit more about how each option works:

1. Adding a credit card to a mobile wallet: The main options are Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, and Garmin Pay. You can choose one you already use or one that'd be convenient for you to start using. You'll then need to add your credit card to the app by entering your card number, expiration date, CVV number, and full name and address. Most mobile wallets require you to manually activate the card before using it, which you can do in the app under the 'Cards' section. Once done, you can use your virtual card by tapping your mobile phone or smartwatch at point-of-sales terminals or making payments online as usual.
2. Getting a virtual debit card account: Use Monito to compare online banks and personal finance apps. Once you've found a provider that suits you, sign up! All providers on Monito offer accessible, online-only applications. You'll probably need to submit your ID and other personal information. Wait until your account has been verified (which can take anything from a few minutes to a few days), and once done, you'll be able to start using your virtual debit card right away, regardless of the delivery status of your physical card.

Take a look at our in-depth guide on the best virtual cards to learn more.

Below, we've chosen several credit card providers that also offer virtual debit cards (since, as we saw earlier, credit cards aren't available exclusively in virtual form):

Revolut VISA/Mastercard Credit Card

A world-leading personal finance app, there's a good chance you've already heard of Revolut. By signing up, you'll not only get an instant virtual debit card, but you'll also be able to access a broad range of financial services at no fixed monthly cost. Revolut also offers cashback credit cards, though these aren't available virtually like its debit cards are. Revolut is not yet a bank in the US and UK, so we think the app is best used as a powerful spending tool next to a main bank account instead of in place of it.

Current Cash Back Card

Current is an FDIC-insured checking account and card that comes with no minimum deposit requirements, no monthly fees, saving pods with competitive APY rates, a credit builder card, cash advance, and the opportunity to receive your salary up to two days earlier. We think it's a savvy finance app all around that's added lots of exciting features to its product recently and continues to innovate. Although Current charges no monthly maintenance fees, be aware that some fees may apply, including out-of-network ATM fees, late payment fees, and other fees, which you can find in the terms and conditions.

Capital One

The only full-service bank on this list, both Capital One's 360 Checking and its range of credit cards (such as the well-known Venture X card, pictured above), are excellent options to consider if you'd like to use your card virtually. However, although the account doesn't give you an instant virtual credit card, we included it in this list because you can easily add your physical credit or debit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal Checkout in a few taps. What's more, you can use a feature called Eno (Capital One's digital assistant) to create virtual card numbers at checkout, which can be a nifty feature if you'd ever like to hide your card number from a dodgy-looking website.

American Express® Gold Card

The only premium credit card we've selected for this list, the American Express® Gold Card is an excellent choice if you like high-value credit cards. Although it comes with a high annual membership fee of $250 per year, the Amex Gold Card offers benefits such as generous rewards on dining and groceries, airline fee credits, and no foreign transaction fees, ensuring a rewarding and cost-effective travel experience.

Wise VISA Debit Card

Wise isn't a bank but a money transfer operator well-known for offering some of the cheapest international transfers globally. However, money transfers aren't Wise's only speciality — it also provides the Wise Account, a low-cost foreign currency spending account (that comes with a virtual debit card) that's best in class for foreign currency spending of all kinds, whether it's holidays overseas, online shopping, or international money transfers.