What is a virtual Visa card?
A virtual Visa card is a digital version of a physical Visa credit or debit card. It has a card number, expiration date, and CVV security code just like a regular Visa card. The main difference is that instead of getting a physical card in the mail, you get digital card details that you can use for online, in-app, and some in-store purchases.
Virtual Visa cards are convenient for online shopping because you don’t have to wait for a card to arrive before using it. They also allow you to keep your real card number private. Some other benefits include:
- More security – Virtual card details can be used temporarily and then deleted after each purchase
- Better tracking – Spending is easier to monitor when each virtual card is used for specific transactions
- Budget control – Load only the exact funds you need onto the card for a purchase
- Disposable – Virtual cards can be deleted or deactivated if compromised
Some examples of companies that offer virtual Visa cards include major banks, credit card providers, and specialist fintech companies. You normally access your virtual card details through an online account or mobile app provided by the card issuer.
How do virtual Visa cards work?
A virtual Visa card works similarly to a physical card when making purchases online and through mobile payment apps. Here’s an overview of how to use one:
- Get a virtual Visa card – Apply for one through your bank or a dedicated prepaid card provider
- Activate the card – Follow the instructions to activate it and see your card details
- Load funds – Transfer money onto the card balance
- Enter card details – Input the card number, expiration, and CVV when required
- Make payment – The payment will process when the merchant accepts Visa
- Manage card – Check transactions, reload, freeze, or delete the card as needed
The process is very quick and simple. As soon as you have the virtual card details, you can start spending the loaded balance anywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted online.
Using a virtual Visa card for in-store purchases is a bit different but also straightforward. There are a couple of options:
Mobile wallet
Many virtual Visa card providers let you add your digital card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or another mobile wallet. You can then use your smartphone or smartwatch to tap and pay at checkout terminals.
Plastic card
Some companies offer the option to request a free plastic card linked to your virtual Visa account. When you get the physical card by mail, you can use it like any other Visa card for in-store and ATM transactions.
Either way, the spending will draw from the same virtual card balance you loaded earlier. The plastic card just gives you a more convenient way to access the funds when shopping in person.
Where can I use a virtual Visa card in stores?
You may be able to use a virtual Visa card at the following types of stores:
- Grocery stores – Most accept contactless payments through mobile wallets. Larger chains often take mobile wallet payments directly at checkout.
- Pharmacies – Major national and regional pharmacy brands are likely to take mobile payments.
- Gas stations – Many have payment terminals that accept contactless credit cards and mobile wallets.
- Clothing stores – National fashion chains largely accept mobile payments now. Some independent boutiques do as well.
- Restaurants – Most casual dining restaurants have mobile payment-enabled devices. Quick service places like coffee shops typically accept mobile payments too.
- Big box retailers – Large chains like Walmart, Target, and Costco let customers check out using mobile wallet apps.
The list above covers many of the major retail categories. However, it’s always a good idea to have a backup physical Visa card or other payment method in case a specific store you visit is not set up for mobile payments.
You can look for contactless payment stickers at checkout and signs near store entrances indicating which mobile wallets are accepted. Major payment brands like Visa have “pay wave” logos for contactless transactions.
How do I use my virtual Visa card with Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Adding your virtual Visa card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or another mobile wallet is easy. Here are the basic steps:
Apple Pay
- Go to the Wallet app on your iPhone
- Tap the plus (+) icon to add a card
- Choose to add a Visa card
- Enter your virtual card details
- Follow prompts to verify your card
- Your digital Visa card will now show in your Apple Wallet
You can then select this card and authorize payments by scanning your face or fingerprint when checking out in stores.
Google Pay
- Open the Google Pay app on your Android device
- Tap the payment card icon in the top right
- Select “Add credit or debit card”
- Enter your virtual Visa card information
- Follow instructions to verify your card
- The virtual card will appear as an available payment method
At checkout, you can tap your phone on the payment terminal to pay from your virtual Visa card using Google Pay.
What should I do if my virtual Visa card is declined?
There are a few potential reasons your virtual Visa card may be declined at a store, including:
- Insufficient funds – Top up your card’s balance to cover the payment amount
- Expired card – Update to a new virtual card if yours has expired
- Merchant doesn’t accept Visa – Ask if the store accepts Visa and try another card if not
- Issuer declined transaction – Contact your virtual card provider to see why they flagged it
- Card security freeze – Unfreeze your card through your account if you placed a freeze
- Incorrect details entered – Double check the card details entered into a mobile wallet
If you’re sure there should be adequate funds available, then reach out to your virtual Visa issuer’s customer service for assistance investigating the declined payment. They can view transaction records on their end and resolve any issues so your card works at checkout.
Is using a virtual Visa card safe for in-store purchases?
Paying with a virtual Visa card is generally safe for in-store transactions when some security best practices are followed:
- Only load necessary funds onto the card to limit exposure if it’s compromised
- Check your account frequently and report unauthorized charges right away
- Use the card only through your own mobile device for mobile wallet transactions
- Enable account notifications to monitor payment activity
- Delete old virtual cards as soon as they expire
- Be cautious using public WiFi networks when managing your card
- Keep mobile phones and devices locked when not in use
The dynamic CVV code that regenerates regularly adds an extra layer of protection against fraud. Monitoring your virtual card usage closely is key as well. Reach out to the card issuer if you ever notice suspicious charges.
Many leading virtual card companies also back cards with zero liability policies in case of unauthorized transactions. Overall, paying in-store with a virtual Visa card can be very secure when handled responsibly.
Can I use a virtual Visa card internationally or while traveling?
In most cases, yes – virtual Visa cards can be used for purchases while traveling internationally. Features to look for include:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Chip and PIN capabilities
- 24/7 travel assistance services
- Acceptance at stores worldwide that take Visa
- Access to international ATMs (with a physical card)
- Multiple currency support
- Transaction alerts to detect fraud
To use your virtual Visa card abroad, you’ll want to add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay and be able to tap your mobile device at checkout. Having a physical companion card is also a good backup option when traveling.
Check with your virtual Visa issuer on card usage policies when outside your home country. There may be transaction limits or restrictions in certain high risk countries.
As long as your provider offers worldwide usage, a virtual Visa card can give you secure and convenient access to your money while traveling internationally.
What are the pros and cons of paying with a virtual Visa card in-store?
Pros
- More secure – Limited card details exposed at checkout
- Easy to manage – Check balances and transactions via your account
- Quick to obtain – No need to wait for a plastic card to arrive
- Accepted widely – Usable anywhere Visa debit/credit cards are taken
- Mobile-friendly – Works with mobile wallets for tap payments
- Travel ready – Use domestically and most places overseas
- Alert notifications – Activity monitoring to detect fraud
Cons
- Can only load certain amounts – Depending on card issuer policies
- Merchant acceptance – Some smaller stores don’t take mobile wallets yet
- Requires apps – Need a smartphone and data plan to manage an account
- Expiration dates – Virtual details eventually expire and need updating
Overall, the pros of enhanced security and convenience tend to outweigh the cons for most virtual Visa card users. The mobile wallet acceptance gap is shrinking steadily over time as well.
Can I get a virtual Visa card without a credit check?
In many cases, yes – you can obtain a virtual Visa card without undergoing a hard credit inquiry. Here are some options to consider:
- Prepaid virtual cards – These work like stored value cards, where you load funds to spend. Prepaid cards don’t require credit checks.
- Debit card options – Some virtual debit cards are available without credit checks as long as you provide identity verification.
- Soft credit checks – Certain credit card providers may only do a soft inquiry that doesn’t impact your credit score.
- Secured cards – Build credit with a refundable deposit without hard credit pull.
Doing some comparison shopping among virtual Visa card issuers can help you find the best fit. Read their websites carefully or speak to customer service about their application requirements.
Avoiding credit checks makes virtual Visa cards more accessible. Be sure to only load the amount you intend to spend if going the prepaid or debit route.
Conclusion
Paying in stores with a virtual Visa card is convenient, secure, and lets you keep your account number private. Mobile wallet integration allows for easy tap payments at checkout counters equipped with contactless terminals. You can load funds to your card digitally and then manage everything through an app without waiting for any physical card to arrive.
While virtual Visa card acceptance continues to grow, having a spare regular credit or debit card on hand is a good idea in case a retailer does not take mobile payments yet. As long as you take reasonable security precautions, virtual Visa cards are generally safe to use in-store as part of an overall payment strategy.
