What Is a Virtual Card and When Should You Use One?
Your Invisible Shield for Online Shopping
A virtual card is a digital card number — 16 digits, expiry, and CVV — that works for online payments but has no physical form. Several UK banks offer them as a built-in security feature, and their value against online fraud is significant.
How Virtual Cards Work
Your bank generates a virtual card with its own number. When you use it online, payment processes normally. If the merchant's database is hacked and your virtual card details stolen, you simply delete it — your real card remains untouched. The virtual number becomes worthless the moment you cancel it.
UK Banks Offering Virtual Cards
- Revolut: Unlimited disposable virtual cards on premium plans; single-use options that delete after one transaction
- Monzo: Virtual card functionality available in-app for online shopping
- Starling: Does not offer virtual numbers but has strong fraud monitoring
Best Use Cases
- Free trials: Create a virtual card, use it for the trial, delete it — the merchant cannot charge you after
- Unfamiliar websites: Don't expose your real card details to retailers you'll use once
- Subscription management: Each subscription on its own virtual card makes cancellation simple — delete the card
- Travel bookings: Protect your main card from hotel pre-authorisation holds
Limitations
Virtual cards don't work for in-shop payments or ATM withdrawals. Some merchants decline them for recurring billing. They don't protect against non-delivery fraud — that's a chargeback issue. Use them for online shopping from unfamiliar retailers; keep your real card for everything else.
