Gebührenfrei - Advanzia Mastercard Gold
- Kartentyp Kreditkarte
- Jahresgebühr 0 €
- Effektiver Jahreszins 24,63 %
- Bargeldabhebungsgebühren 0 %
- Fremdwährungsgebühren 0 %
- Mobile Zahlungen
What Is a Virtual Credit Card?
A virtual card is the digital version of a debit, prepaid or credit card. It is stored as a digital image in a mobile wallet or banking app on your smartphone and can be used for almost all transactions. Most virtual credit cards can also be linked to Apple Pay and Google Pay, making payments even more flexible.
The Best Virtual Credit Cards
TF Mastercard Gold
Vergleichen- Kartentyp Kreditkarte
- Jahresgebühr 0 €
- Effektiver Jahreszins 24,79 %
- Bargeldabhebungsgebühren 0 %
- Fremdwährungsgebühren 0 %
- Mobile Zahlungen
Netkredit24 Mastercard
Vergleichen- Kartentyp Kreditkarte
- Jahresgebühr 0 €
- Effektiver Jahreszins 24,60 %
- Bargeldabhebungsgebühren 3,00 % (min 3 €)
- Fremdwährungsgebühren 2,99 %
- Mobile Zahlungen
Gebührenfrei - Advanzia Mastercard Gold
Vergleichen- Kartentyp Kreditkarte
- Jahresgebühr 0 €
- Effektiver Jahreszins 24,63 %
- Bargeldabhebungsgebühren 0 %
- Fremdwährungsgebühren 0 %
- Mobile Zahlungen
Extrakarte Novum Bank
Vergleichen- Kartentyp Kreditkarte
- Jahresgebühr 0 €
- Effektiver Jahreszins 24,60 %
- Bargeldabhebungsgebühren 3,00 % (min 3 €)
- Fremdwährungsgebühren 2,99 %
- Mobile Zahlungen -
Hanseatic Bank GenialCard
Vergleichen- Kartentyp Kreditkarte
- Jahresgebühr 0 €
- Effektiver Jahreszins 16,45 %
- Bargeldabhebungsgebühren 0 %
- Fremdwährungsgebühren 0 %
- Mobile Zahlungen
Consors Finanz Mastercard
Vergleichen- Kartentyp Kreditkarte
- Jahresgebühr 0 €
- Effektiver Jahreszins 18,90 %
- Bargeldabhebungsgebühren 0 %
- Fremdwährungsgebühren 0 %
- Mobile Zahlungen
Deutschland Kreditkarte Classic
Vergleichen- Kartentyp Kreditkarte
- Jahresgebühr 0 €
- Effektiver Jahreszins 22,08 %
- Bargeldabhebungsgebühren 3,95 €
- Fremdwährungsgebühren 0 %
- Mobile Zahlungen
American Express Gold
Vergleichen- Kartentyp Kreditkarte
- Jahresgebühr 144 €
- Effektiver Jahreszins 5,00 %
- Bargeldabhebungsgebühren 4,00 % (min 5 €)
- Fremdwährungsgebühren 2,00 %
- Mobile Zahlungen
C24 Mastercard
Vergleichen- Kartentyp Prepaid/Debit
- Jahresgebühr 0 €
- Effektiver Jahreszins -
- Bargeldabhebungsgebühren 4,00 % + 0 €
- Fremdwährungsgebühren 1,75 %
- Mobile Zahlungen
Virtual Credit Cards in Germany
When it comes to virtual credit cards, you as a consumer generally have two options:
- Fully virtual credit card
- Regular virtual credit card
The first option is a fully virtual card, usually available as a prepaid card or debit card. A fully virtual card only exists is digital form and can therefore online be used for payments via your smartphone. You access your virtual card through the bank's app or online portal. If you have a virtual prepaid card, you need to load funds into the cards account it in advance, as it only allows spending up to the amount you’ve deposited. In contrast, a virtual debit card is linked directly to your bank account, meaning payments are deducted straight from your available balance.
A key advantage of a fully virtual cards is that they are usually issued without a credit check. As you top up these cards in advance with your own money, there is no financial risk for the bank, and therefore no credit assessment is required. A fully virtual card is therefore ideal for people with negative Schufa entries or with a lower credit score.
The second option is to connect a regular credit card to a digital wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. You simply link the credit card to your wallet by entering the card details in the app. The digital wallet then creates a secure, digital version of your card.
The main benefit of using a regular credit card as an online credit card is that these cards typically offers better perks and rewards than prepaid cards. Additionally, you can still use the physical card for other transactions, such as cash withdrawals.
Paying With a Virtual Credit Card
To pay with a virutal credit card you first have to make sure your card is added to a digital wallet on your smart device. Once your digital card is added, you simply need to hold your smartphone up to a contactless terminal to make the payment. Authentication is conveniently carried out using a fingerprint, facial recognition or PIN. For online transactions, your digital wallet automatically fills in your payment details which makes the payment process even faster.
How to Get a Virtual Credit Card
If you already have a physical credit card, you can add it to your smartphone’s digital wallet to use it as a virtual credit card. However, not every credit card is compatible with every digital wallet, so if your card is not supported by your device, you will not be able to use it digitally.
If you are looking to get a new virtual credit card, you will need to apply for one through your chosen provider. As with any credit card application, a credit check will be part of the process to assess your financial situation and eligibility. One major benefit of choosing a virtual card is that you do not have to wait for the to arrive by mail. Once your application is approved and signed, the digital card is ready to use almost instantly.
You can get a virtual debit card without undergoing a credit check. Since you are using your own money by topping up the card in advance, there is no financial risk for the card issuer, therefore a credit evaluation is not necessary. To get a digital card from a neobank, you need to download the issuer’s app and complete a registration process. This typically involves uploading a photo of yourself along with a valid form of ID. The bank then verifies your identity by comparing the images. Once your application is approved, your virtual card will be activated and ready to use immediately.
Free Virtual Credit Cards
Virtual credit cards are available in different price models, ranging from free credit card options to annual fees above €100. As a rule, the more advanced features and exclusive benefits the card offers, the higher the annual fee. But there are many free virtual credit cards available that offer beneficial rewards. Some examples of free virtual credit cards include Advanzia Mastercard Gold, TF Mastercard Gold and Deutschland-Kreditkarte Classic.
Popular Online Credit Cards
- 1TF Mastercard Gold
- 2Gebührenfrei - Advanzia Mastercard Gold
- 3Revolut Standard
- 4Deutschland Kreditkarte Classic
- 5N26 Smart
TF Mastercard Gold
| Kreditzinsen | 22,35 % |
|---|---|
| Effektiver Jahreszins | 24,79 % |
| Jahresgebühr | 0 € |
| Max. Kreditlimit | Bonitätsabhängig |
Gebührenfrei - Advanzia Mastercard Gold
| Kreditzinsen | 20,63 % |
|---|---|
| Effektiver Jahreszins | 24,63 % |
| Jahresgebühr | 0 € |
| Max. Kreditlimit | 15 000 € |
Revolut Standard
| Jahresgebühr | 0 € |
|---|---|
| Bargeldabhebungsgebühren | 2,00 % (min 1 €) |
| Fremdwährungsentgelt | 0 % |
| Mobile Zahlungen | Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
Deutschland Kreditkarte Classic
| Kreditzinsen | 20,12 % |
|---|---|
| Effektiver Jahreszins | 22,08 % |
| Jahresgebühr | 0 € |
| Max. Kreditlimit | 2 500 € |
N26 Smart
| Jahresgebühr | 0 € |
|---|---|
| Bargeldabhebungsgebühren | 0 % |
| Fremdwährungsentgelt | 0 % |
| Mobile Zahlungen | Apple Pay, Google Pay |
Why Do People Use Virtual Cards?
The main reasons as to why people use virtual credit cards is for the convenience and security. Virtual cards can be generated instantly and used right away, eliminating the need to carry a physical card. As long as you have your phone, which most people tend to have, you will be able to pay for all everyday purchases. Virtual cards also offer enhanced security features, such as the need of identification for every purchase.
Disposible Virtual Credit Card
Disposable virtual cards are online credit cards specially designed for temporary use and are often used for one-off payments. Each of these cards has unique card data, including a virtual credit card number, expiry date and CVV code. After the transaction or after a set period of time, this data is renewed so that it cannot be reused. This greatly reduces the risk of fraud.
Disposable virtual cards are practical when shopping online, especially on unknown or less trustworthy websites.For example, Revolut offers disposable virtual cards that generate unique card details for a single transaction. Once the purchase is completed, the card details are automatically replaced, making them unusable for any future payments.
Some of the Best Virtual Credit Card Options
Below is a list of the best virtual credit cards that can be used digitally.
| Credit Card | Apple Pay | Google Pay | Fully Virtual |
|---|---|---|---|
Revolut | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Consors Finanz Mastercard | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 |
C24 Mastercard | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Advanzia Mastercard Gold | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 |
TF Mastercard Gold | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 |
Awa7 Visa | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 |
Curve | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Bank Norwegian | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 |
Monese | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Extrakarte Novum Bank | ✅ | 🚫 | 🚫 |
Deutschland Kreditkarte Classic | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 |
How to Withdraw Money with a Virtual Credit Card
Normally, you cannot withdraw cash with a virtual credit card, as most ATMs require a physical card for this. owever, an increasing number of ATMs now support NFC technology, which enables contactless transactions. This means you can also withdraw cash with a virtual card as long as it is connected and added to a digital wallet. This makes it easy to get cash even with a purely virtual credit card.
Are Virtual Credit Cards Safe?
Security is the top priority for virtual credit cards. Verification is required for every payment to prevent misuse. As the card data is either only valid temporarily or can be cancelled at any time, it can no longer be used once it has expired or been removed. A virtual credit card can also not get lost, since it is always stored on your digital device. If you cancel or block your physical card, your virtual credit card will also be blocked automatically.
The same statutory liability protection that applies to regular credit cards also covers virtual ones. Under European law, consumers are only liable for up to €50 in the event of unauthorized transactions, unless they have acted negligently or fraudulently. This protection is offered by nearly all credit card providers.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Virtual Credit Cards
Advantages
- No need to carry a wallet with your physical card
- A virtual credit card cannot be stolen, lost or broken
- You can start using the card digitally as soon as the application is approved
- Online credit cards offer security through different authorization methods
Disadvantages
- Generally cannot be used to withdraw cash
- Many people look for virtual credit cards without verification, which is not possible in almost all cases.
- If your mobile device runs out of battery or loses internet connectivity, you will not be able to use your virtual credit card for payments
How to Choose the Right Virtual Credit Card
The best way to choose the right virtual credit card is to know exactly what your individual needs and priorities are. It is therefore best to ask yourself a few key questions about your lifestyle and spending habits, this will help you to narrow down the options and select a card that really suits you.
- Do you want a credit card or prepaid card?
A prepaid card is usually easier to obtain because it does not require a high credit rating or a credit check. However, you have to load it with your own money before you can use it. A credit card with a credit line requires a good credit rating and a credit check, as it involves borrowing from the bank. With a credit card, especially a revolving credit card, you can make purchases on credit and pay in installments, which gives you more flexibility. - Do you want to be able to withdraw cash?
Although withdrawing cash with a fully virtual credit card is becoming more accepted, there are still limitations, especially when traveling. In these cases, it may be more practical to choose a virtual credit card that is also available as a physical version. - Do you want a disposable card?
Virtual disposable cards are mainly offered by neobanks. These are usually virtual prepaid cards that are specially designed for one-off payments and offer additional security when shopping online. - What fees do the virtual card have?
Online credit cards do not differ from normal cards in terms of possible fees. Just as there are free physical credit cards, there are also free virtual credit cards. However, in addition to the annual fee, you should definitely pay attention to other fees such as cash withdrawal fees and currency exchange fees. With many free online cards, these fees are waived up to a certain amount. With C24 Smart Mastercard, for example, you get 4 free cash withdrawals per month, after which a fee of €2 is charged for each additional withdrawal.
If you use an online credit card, you should also keep an eye on the interest fees if you want to pay off your balance in installments. - What rewards does the card offer?
Premium cards, both credit and prepaid, generally offer better rewards and benefits. For example, Revolut Ultra offers unlimited lounge access, cashback on all purchases, comprehensive travel insurance, free international money transfers and much more.
American Express Platinum also offers lounge access, restaurant credits, insurance coverage, travel discounts, upgrades and other perks.
To find the best credit card for your needs, you should first consider which rewards and benefits are particularly important to you. Then compare different virtual credit cards that offer these rewards. - Is the card compatible with my digital wallet?
An important factor in choosing the right card is its compatibility with your smartphone's payment options. For example, if you have an iPhone, the card should support Apple Pay.
Virtual Credit Cards or Payment Services - Which Is Better?
At first glance a virtual credit card seems quite similar to other payment apps and financial service providers, but there are significant differences . Whether you use a virtual credit card, PayPal or Skrill, what you need is primarily security when making payments.
Is PayPal a Virtual Credit Card?
No, PayPal is not a virtual credit card. It’s a payment service provider that handles transactions on your behalf using its own payments network. As a result, you can only use PayPal if the seller supports it.
In contrast, a virtual credit card can be used wherever physical credit cards are accepted, both online and offline. As credit cards are the most common payment method on the Internet, you can use a virtual credit card (whether Visa or Mastercard) in almost any online shop.
Both payment methods offer a high level of security, although the virtual disposable card has a slight edge, as your card details change after each transaction. This significantly minimizes the risk of misuse.
What Does the Future of Online Credit Cards Look Like?
Increased security
In the course of the digital transformation, more and more consumers and companies are using virtual credit cards because they are more convenient and secure. The increase in online shopping and contactless payments has increased the demand for payment methods that offer better protection against fraud. Virtual credit cards, with their ability to generate a unique, temporary card number for each transaction, are becoming increasingly popular as a solution to these problems.
Advanced technology
Technological progress should further improve the functionality of online credit cards. Innovations such as biometric authentication, artificial intelligence and blockchain technology can also optimise the user experience and make virtual credit cards more accessible and easier to use.
Easier integration with digital wallets
The seamless integration of virtual credit cards into digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay is expected to continue to grow. This integration allows users to make secure, contactless payments in physical shops with their smartphones, further boosting the adoption of virtual cards. As digital wallets become more widespread, the use of online credit cards is likely to increase.
Environmentally friendly
Virtual credit cards address growing environmental awareness by reducing the need for physical cards made from plastic and other non-biodegradable materials. As the issue of sustainability becomes more pressing, the acceptance of virtual credit cards as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic cards could increase.
Conclusion: The Best Way to Use Digital Credit Cards
Virtual credit cards offer you more security when you make purchases online or in shops. They protect your sensitive payment information from misuse and ensure that it does not fall into the wrong hands. Many banks also provide free virtual cards that allow you to make your payments easily and securely without any extra fees.
So take the opportunity to apply for a virtual credit card from your bank. It is a flexible and practical tool that helps you to manage your finances and subscriptions seamlessly.
FAQ - Virtual Credit Cards
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