How to Use the Revolut Virtual Card: Our Step-by-Step Guide

The Revolut virtual card is a convenient digital payment card for online purchases. Unlike physical plastic or metal cards, virtual cards are generated using a unique card number, expiration date, and security code. The virtual card details are saved and used across online devices, allowing for secure and convenient online transactions.

In this article, we will explore the Revolut virtual card, how it works, its benefits, and how to get one yourself!

How the Revolut Virtual Card Works

Revolut virtual cards work the same as physical cards in terms of transaction processing. When you use a virtual card to make a purchase, the card details are transmitted securely to the merchant's server, and the transaction is processed like any other payment.

Virtual cards offer an added layer of security since they exist only in a digital form, as opposed to physical cards that can be lost or stolen. It's important to note that virtual cards differ from the cards uploaded to mobile wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. The latter are usually physical cards that have been uploaded electronically, while Revolut's virtual cards are issued digitally and have never been physically shipped to you.

Benefits of the Revolut Virtual Card

Virtual cards offer several benefits over traditional payment methods, including:

• Enhanced Security: Virtual cards are more secure than physical cards because they do not exist physically and cannot be lost or stolen. Moreover, they use advanced security protocols like two-factor authentication to prevent fraudulent activities.
• Convenience: Virtual cards can be generated easily and used for online transactions without the need to carry a physical card. You can even use them on multiple devices, making online payments more convenient and hassle-free.
• Control: With virtual cards, you can set limits on spending, define expiration dates, and revoke them at any time, providing better control over your spending.

How to Use a Virtual Card

One of the key benefits of subscribing to Revolut's premium membership is the ability to obtain a virtual card on your app. By using a virtual card, you can conveniently manage all of your online shopping in one central location without the concern of losing your physical card.

You’ll see your virtual card in the app alongside the details of your physical card. Use the virtual card as you would with any online payment. Enter the 16-digit card number, expiry date and the CVV number.

How to Get a Revolut Virtual Card

To get a Revolut virtual card, you must first register for Revolut Premium. Once you have successfully completed the premium subscription process, follow these steps to acquire a virtual card:

1. Navigate to the ‘Cards’ tab;
2. Click the ‘+’ symbol and choose ‘Virtual’;
3. Select ‘Get Virtual’ to finish the process.

By following these simple steps, you will be able to obtain your very own virtual card and enjoy the added security that comes with it. You can even link your card to Apple Pay or Google Pay if needed. Just input your card details and access it from your smartphone’s mobile wallet.

Revolut Virtual Card Alternatives

Starling Bank

Starling Bank is a fully-authorised bank in the UK that's well known for its fee-free current account. In fact, because this account is completely free and gives you access to an impressively complete range of financial services (including overdraft, loans, joint account, youth card, pensions, Euro balance, interest, etc.), we think Starling offers the best free bank account in the UK — one we recommend as a complete replacement for an account at a high-street bank.

Account name: Personal Account

Potential costs: £20 per CHAPS transfer in the UK, 0.4% + £5.50 for international SWIFT transfers, £5 for a replacement debit card.

Virtual card: Available

Noteworthy features: Saving Spaces, pension scheme, youth card, interest, overdraft.

More info: See our full Starling Bank review.

N26

N26 is arguably the best online bank in all of Europe. Although N26 is currently opening accounts for German, Austrian, and Spanish citizens only in 2022, customers can begin making bank deposits as soon as they open an account on their smartphone. You will get a debit card shipped to your house, which gives you fee-free ATM withdrawals across Europe (international withdrawals cost 1.5%) and zero international card transaction fees. N26 gives you an IBAN and integrates with WISE to give you low-fee international money transfers. Its budgeting tools and savings pots are beloved by customers too.

Account: Standard

Monthly fee: $0

Overdraft: Yes

Virtual card: Available

Interest (APY on balance or savings): varies by partner bank

GDPS-insured: Yes

More info: See our N26 review or visit their website.

Revolut's Virtual Card in a Nutshell

The virtual cards offered by Revolut are convenient and secure ways to make online purchases. They offer enhanced security features and can be easily managed.

All the alternatives to Revolut mentioned in this article also offer virtual cards, which you can conveniently activate from your smartphone. Starling Bank is perhaps the best choice in the UK while N26 is a powerhouse for residents in EU/EEA countries.

Whether you're an avid online shopper or just looking for a safer way to make online transactions, virtual cards are definitely worth considering.