Virtual card vs. physical card: what’s the difference?
Both cards are Visa debit cards and both use the same card balance, which you top up from your IBAN account. The difference is how you pay: a virtual card lives only in the app and on the web, a physical card is a plastic card in your wallet.
At a glance
| Virtual card | Physical card | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Online shopping, subscriptions, in-app purchases | Shops, contactless payments, ATM withdrawals, travel |
| How you get it | Ready to use once the order is processed | Sent to your registered address by post |
| Activation | Not needed | You activate it when it arrives |
| PIN | No PIN | Has a 4-digit PIN you can view and change |
| Cost to order | Free | Card fee plus shipping (see Pricing) |
What is a virtual card?
A virtual card has a card number, an expiry date and a CVV, but no plastic. You use it wherever you type in card details: online shops, subscriptions and apps. There's no plastic card to lose, which makes it a good choice for online spending.
What is a physical card?
A physical card works at any terminal or ATM that accepts Visa. You can tap it, insert it with your PIN, or use it online too. It arrives by post, and you activate it before first use. See Activate your physical card.
How to see your card number and CVV
To pay online you need the full card number, expiry date and CVV. For your security, they're shown in a protected view after you confirm with your authenticator code.
In the app
- Open the Cards tab and tap your card.
- Tap Details.
- Tap Reveal full details.
- Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app. Your full card number and CVV open in a protected view.
On the web
- Go to Cards.
- Select your card (Click to view).
- Confirm with the code from your authenticator app.
A physical card's details are only available after you activate it.
Can I have both?
Yes. You can hold one virtual card and one physical card at the same time. Both spend from the same card balance. To order either card, see How to order a Visa card.
Good to know
- Treat your virtual card details like a physical card: never share the number or CVV with anyone. Safe2transact will never ask for them.
- If you think someone else has your card details, freeze the card straight away. See How to freeze or unfreeze your Visa card.
IBAN and Visa card issuance and payment services are provided by Stanhope Financial UAB, a company registered in Lithuania (a member state of the European Union) with company code 305574870 and a registered address at Konstitucijos pr. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania. Stanhope Financial UAB is an Electronic Money Institution (EMI licence No. 78) authorized and regulated by the Bank of Lithuania. Access to your IBAN account and your VISA card is technically provided through the Safe2transact platform.
