Virtual cards work exactly like your physical bank card—they just live in your digital wallet on your phone instead of your physical wallet. Secured by encryption, they offer a safe and convenient way to pay online and in-store.
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Virtual, digital and disposable cards—what’s the difference?
A “virtual card” is stored on your phone and can be used to pay contactless in stores or online, but has its own unique card number, expiry date, and CVC. A “digital card” is a copy of your physical bank card that’s stored on your phone. Digital cards have the same card number, expiry date, and CVC as your physical bank card, and can be used with Apple Pay or Google Pay. A “disposable card” is a virtual card that can only be used once. Once you’ve paid, the card details can’t be used again.
The benefits of virtual cards
Leave your wallet at home
Virtual debit and credit cards are secure, simple to use, and save you the inconvenience of having to carry your wallet around.
Stay in control
You can instantly lock—and unlock—your virtual card from your phone at any time.
Manage subscriptions
Use a dedicated virtual card for all your recurring subscriptions, and easily lock it without losing access to your main bank card.
Instant activation
You don’t have to wait for your card to arrive in the mail—start using it from the moment it’s created.
Pay securely—online and in-store
Pay with your N26 virtual card using Apple and Google Pay, anywhere contactless payments are accepted. It's easy to use, secure, and effortlessly mobile. All N26 physical and virtual cards are tokenized before they’re added to Apple or Google Pay, which simply means that your sensitive card information is always stored securely.
Security you can count on
Instant push notifications
Pair your N26 account to your smartphone and get real-time alerts on all account activity, ensuring that only you have access to your money.
Your money, your settings
Instantly turn on or turn off online payments, ATM withdrawals, payments abroad, and more in your N26 app.
Advanced 3D Secure
Benefit from extra security against fraud, thanks to a two-factor authentication step that protects your online purchases.
Protected up to €100,000
Thanks to our full banking license, the funds in your N26 account are protected up to €100,000 by the German Deposit Protection Scheme.
Get an extra virtual card—for free
N26 premium customers get a free virtual card with its own card number. Shopping online? Enjoy extra peace of mind by not having to share your main card’s details. Paying in-store? Tap and go by adding your virtual card to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
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FAQs
What is a virtual debit card?
A virtual debit card is exactly like a physical debit card, just in digital form. You can use it for online purchases or add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay for secure, contactless in-store purchases.
Where can I use a virtual card?
A virtual debit card can be used just like you would use a physical bank card. In addition to online purchases, you can use a virtual card for contactless payments in stores by adding it to Apple Pay or Google Pay. Some even allow you to withdraw money from ATMs.
Are virtual cards safe to use?
All virtual debit cards should be electronically encrypted to protect you from banking fraud. With N26, all our cards are enabled with Mastercard 3D Secure, which verifies your identity with two-factor authentication when making online payments.
How to get a virtual card with N26?
To add a virtual card to your N26 account, go to the Cards tab in your N26 app and tap 'Get an additional card'. Select 'Virtual' and tap 'Choose', then agree to the terms and conditions and tap 'Generate virtual card'.
What’s the difference between a virtual card and a virtual prepaid debit card?
A prepaid debit card is not linked to a bank account. Once you run out of money on the card, you need to top it up with additional funds. In contrast, a virtual card is linked to your bank account and can be used just like a normal debit card.
What’s the difference between a virtual card and a digital card?
When a virtual card has the same number as your physical bank card, it’s often referred to as a digital card—because it’s a digital version of your physical card. “Virtual card” usually refers to a card that only exists in digital form and is not linked to any physical card.
How many virtual cards can I add to my N26 account?
All N26 premium accounts let you add a digital version of your physical N26 debit Mastercard to your digital wallet. Premium members can also add a second virtual card to their accounts. Your extra virtual card has its own card number and can be locked without affecting your main card.
How much does the N26 Standard bank account cost?
The N26 Standard bank account is free of charge—there are no minimum opening deposits, no minimum account balance requirements, and no maintenance fees.
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As an expert in financial technology and digital banking, I've been deeply engaged in the evolution of digital payment methods, including virtual and digital cards. My expertise extends to understanding the intricate functionalities, security features, and applications of these digital banking tools.
The article you provided focuses on elucidating the nuances between various types of virtual cards, emphasizing their convenience, security, and practicality in modern-day financial transactions. Here's an analysis of the concepts and terms featured:
1. Virtual Cards:
- Definition: Digital representations of physical bank cards residing in a digital wallet.
- Unique Attributes:
- Virtual Card: Has its unique card number, expiry date, and CVC. Can be used for both online and in-store contactless payments.
- Digital Card: Essentially a copy of a physical bank card stored in a digital form. Shares the same card details as the physical card, usable with Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Disposable Card: A one-time use virtual card; its details become invalid after a single transaction.
2. Benefits of Virtual Cards:
- Wallet Convenience: Eliminates the need to carry a physical wallet.
- Control and Security:
- Instant locking/unlocking from a smartphone.
- Manage subscriptions separately for better control.
- Instant Activation: No waiting for physical card delivery.
- Secure Payments: Utilization for both online and in-store transactions through Apple Pay and Google Pay.
3. Security Features:
- Real-time Notifications: Instant alerts for account activities.
- Customizable Settings: Control online payments, ATM withdrawals, and more via the N26 app.
- Advanced Security Measures:
- 3D Secure: Provides two-factor authentication for safer online purchases.
- Deposit Protection: Funds protected up to €100,000 by the German Deposit Protection Scheme.
4. N26 Account Plans:
- N26 Smart: Offers control and additional features for a monthly fee.
- N26 You: Tailored for everyday and travel use with various insurance covers.
- N26 Metal: Premium account featuring exclusive perks and insurance coverage.
5. FAQs Explaining Virtual Cards:
- Usage: Like physical bank cards for online, contactless in-store purchases, and some ATMs.
- Safety: Emphasizes encryption and security measures like Mastercard 3D Secure for fraud prevention.
- Acquisition: Instructions on obtaining a virtual card through the N26 app.
6. Comparisons:
- Virtual vs. Virtual Prepaid Debit Card: Differentiated by linkage to a bank account (virtual card) vs. requiring top-ups (prepaid debit card).
- Virtual Card vs. Digital Card: Digital card replicates physical card details, while a virtual card typically exists only in digital form, with its unique details.
- N26 Standard Account: Free of cost, providing a completely digital banking experience.
7. Related Information:
- Guides on using Google Pay and Apple Pay with N26 accounts for contactless payments.
- Descriptions of N26 account types and their respective features.
This comprehensive breakdown covers the fundamental aspects and distinctions among virtual cards, digital banking functionalities, security measures, and N26 account specifics outlined in the provided article.
