Online spending in the United States surpassed $1.14 trillion in 2024, with virtual credit cards playing a growing role in secure digital payments.
These cards allow users to generate temporary card numbers for online purchases, helping to reduce the risk of fraud. Whether you’re managing business expenses or personal subscriptions, choosing the right virtual credit card can make your financial life much simpler.
Key Takeaways
- Virtual cards in 2025 are designed with better fraud protection, budget tracking, and seamless app integration.
- Top choices include cards from fintech startups, major banks, and crypto platforms.
- Features like custom spending limits, API access, and mobile wallet compatibility are essential.
What is a Virtual Credit Card?
A virtual credit card is a digital version of a physical card that exists solely online. It generates unique card numbers for each transaction or for specific merchants. These cards help keep your real credit card number safe and are especially useful for online shopping.
How It Works
- You generate a card number via an app or web dashboard.
- Use the number during checkout just like a physical card.
- Often includes expiration dates and CVVs that can be customized or auto-expire.
The main benefit is that your actual credit card details are never exposed. This can dramatically reduce the chances of data theft or misuse.
Related: Embedded Finance
Why Use a Virtual Credit Card in 2025?
More consumers are turning to virtual credit cards as data breaches and subscription traps become common. These cards give users the ability to manage how much, when, and where their card is used. This makes them ideal for those who value security and control.
Benefits in 2025
- Enhanced digital features such as tokenized payments and instant issuing.
- API integration for businesses that need to issue cards at scale.
- Increased support from digital-first banks and neobanks.
Many providers also offer instant approval during the sign-up process, making it easy to start using your virtual card within minutes.
Top Virtual Credit Cards of 2025
There are several strong contenders this year, each offering unique features depending on your needs, whether that’s privacy, international flexibility, crypto integration, or business controls. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the top options available in 2025.
1. Privacy.com
Privacy.com provides U.S.-based users with the ability to generate unlimited virtual cards, with features like spending limits, merchant-specific locking, and one-time use options.
It’s best for individuals looking to keep their real financial information safe while shopping online or managing subscriptions. Paid plans also offer business-use features and team controls for small teams.
2. Capital One Eno
Capital One Eno works as a browser extension that creates virtual card numbers tied to your Capital One credit card. It offers instant number generation during checkout, real-time transaction alerts, and is especially useful for people who already bank with Capital One.
Eno is compatible with most major browsers and works automatically when you shop online.
3. Revolut
Revolut allows customers to create both single-use and reusable virtual cards, with advanced budgeting, analytics, and international spending tools built-in.
It’s great for travelers and digital nomads thanks to its multi-currency support and fee-free FX rates on premium plans. Revolut also includes disposable virtual cards that automatically regenerate after each use, which helps protect against online fraud.
4. Wise
Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers virtual debit cards tied to multi-currency accounts. With low international transfer fees and mid-market exchange rates, it’s a top pick for freelancers and remote workers who get paid globally.
Wise also enables you to hold and spend in over 40 currencies with real-time conversion and detailed transaction reporting.
5. Apple Card
Apple Card is issued by Goldman Sachs and managed entirely via the iPhone Wallet app. It automatically generates a virtual card number for online and app purchases and offers 3% cash back with select merchants.
While it’s well-integrated for Apple ecosystem users, it doesn’t support Android or external browser extensions.
6. Stripe Issuing
Stripe Issuing is built for startups and large-scale businesses that want to create and manage hundreds or thousands of virtual cards.
It features programmable spending rules, custom branding, real-time API control, and powerful integrations with financial reporting tools. Ideal for platforms managing vendor payouts or employee expenses.
7. Coinbase Card
Coinbase Card is a crypto-backed Visa debit card that allows you to spend your crypto balance directly.
Supported cryptocurrencies include USDC, BTC, ETH, and more, with optional crypto-back rewards. It automatically converts crypto to USD at the point of sale and can be used globally.
8. PayPal Virtual Card
The PayPal Virtual Card is integrated within the PayPal Wallet and is available via the PayPal browser extension and app.
It allows users to generate a unique virtual card number for each merchant and is widely accepted across major online retailers. However, it lacks customization options like spend caps or one-time use functionality.
Traditional institutions such as American Express have started to offer basic virtual card support through their mobile apps, but their functionality remains limited compared to the more dynamic options from fintech providers, which now offer limited virtual card features through their digital wallets and mobile apps.
Virtual Credit Card Comparison Table
| Card Provider | Fees | Custom Limits | Integration | International Support | Crypto-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy.com | Free / Paid | Yes | Yes | Limited | No |
| Capital One Eno | Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Revolut | Free / Premium | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Wise | Low Fees | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Apple Card | No Fees | No | iOS only | Limited | No |
| Stripe Issuing | Custom Pricing | Yes (via API) | Full API | Yes | No |
| Coinbase Card | Fees Apply | Yes | Crypto App | Yes | Yes |
| PayPal Virtual Card | Free | No | PayPal App | Yes | No |
Features to Look for in a Virtual Credit Card
Not all virtual cards are created equal. Depending on your needs, certain features might be more important than others. Here’s what to look for when deciding which provider to go with.
Essential Features
- Spending limits: Set maximums to avoid overspending or misuse.
- Expiration controls: Choose one-time or recurring-use options.
- Notifications: Real-time alerts for every transaction.
- App integration: Sync with tools like QuickBooks or Google Pay.
Other useful features include merchant locking, mobile wallet compatibility, and downloadable expense reports.
How to Choose the Best Virtual Credit Card for Your Needs
Each card serves a different type of user. Your choice should reflect how you spend, your budget, and whether you’re using it for business or personal needs.
Personal vs. Business Use
- Individuals may prefer cards with fewer fees and more privacy tools.
- Businesses should focus on integration with finance software and API-based management.
Also consider currency support if you travel often or work with international vendors.
Best for Specific Use Cases
Every user has different needs, and some virtual cards are better tailored to those needs than others. Here’s how top providers stack up based on specific scenarios.
Top Picks by Category
- Best for Personal Use: Capital One Eno — seamless integration and solid security.
- Best for Small Businesses: Stripe Issuing — scalable and programmable.
- Best for Freelancers: Wise — low fees, multi-currency support.
- Best for Crypto Users: Coinbase Card — supports multiple coins and cash-back rewards.
- Best for Privacy: Privacy.com — granular control over every transaction.
How to Set Up and Use a Virtual Credit Card
Setting up a virtual credit card usually takes just a few minutes. Most services have simple apps or browser extensions that walk you through the process.
Setup Process
- Sign up with your chosen provider.
- Verify your identity and link a funding source.
- Generate your first virtual card and start using it.
Most cards can be added to mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay instantly. From there, you can track spending, pause cards, and create new ones with a few taps.
Are Virtual Credit Cards Safe?
Virtual credit cards are safer than physical cards in many ways. Because they use unique card numbers for each use or vendor, they dramatically reduce fraud risk. They’re also easier to manage and cancel if something goes wrong.
Safety Features
- Tokenized payments that don’t reveal your actual account number.
- Ability to instantly deactivate or delete cards.
- Spending limits and merchant restrictions.
These features offer more control and protection than traditional cards, making them an ideal solution for today’s digital economy.
Pros and Cons of Virtual Credit Cards
Like any tool, virtual credit cards come with their advantages and disadvantages. Understanding both sides can help you make an informed decision.
Pros
- Better fraud protection and security.
- Easy to manage subscriptions and recurring charges.
- Convenient for remote teams and frequent travelers.
Cons
- Some merchants may not accept virtual cards.
- Certain platforms charge fees for advanced features.
- Virtual cards may have shorter expiration periods.
Conclusion
Virtual credit cards in 2025 offer a smart way to take control of your finances. With features like spend limits, instant issuance, and integration with accounting tools, they are perfect for individuals, freelancers, and businesses alike.
Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs, but the good news is that the best options today are easy to set up and even easier to use.
Read Next
FAQ: Best Virtual Credit Cards 2025
What is the best virtual credit card for online shopping in 2025?
Capital One Eno and Privacy.com are top choices due to their easy setup and advanced security features.
Are virtual credit cards safe to use in 2025?
Yes. They reduce the risk of fraud by using unique, temporary card numbers and allow users to set spending controls.
Can I use a virtual credit card internationally?
Yes. Providers like Wise and Revolut support international transactions and multiple currencies.
What’s the difference between a virtual credit card and a digital wallet?
A virtual card is a single payment method, while a digital wallet stores several methods like credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts.
Do virtual cards support crypto payments?
Yes, Coinbase Card is one example that allows users to spend cryptocurrencies directly and earn rewards.
Can I get a virtual credit card without a physical card?
Absolutely. Most providers, including Privacy.com and Revolut, offer virtual-only cards that function independently of physical cards.
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish