A selection of interesting virtual credit cards for our readers. Debit virtual cards: TOP best Virtual card with account number
The most important advantage of virtual cards is their versatility. With the help of such a card, it becomes possible to pay for purchases in online stores in any country in the world.
Another positive aspect is the convenience of receiving it without having to visit a bank branch. This operation can be carried out using a mobile phone, the Internet or an ATM. Receiving card details is almost instantaneous.
Safety in use is also very important to customers. Virtual cards eliminate the possibility of various types of fraud associated with the transfer of details. You can order such a card with any amount of money on it, which can be spent by making just one payment. It is almost impossible to steal money from such a card.
Minuses
Negative aspects of using virtual cards include the inability to use them to make payments at ordinary ATMs and stores, some restrictions on use that the bank sets, namely: a fixed payment limit and a short card validity period.
Many consumers are accustomed to making purchases and paying for them online. One of the easiest payment methods is to purchase a virtual card from the selected bank. Let’s find out how to create a virtual card and what problems you may encounter right now!
Step-by-step instructions: how to create a virtual Visa card
The creation of virtual Visa cards is possible in almost any bank in our country. The opening methods are identical. Let's look at a few examples:
Example No. 1. Qiwi
By creating a prepaid Qiwi Visa Virtual, you are essentially creating a card for a fixed amount. That is, after using this amount of money, you will have to create a new “virtual” account.
It’s very easy to create a virtual Visa card! Payment details will be sent via SMS to your specified mobile phone number.
Example No. 2. Sberbank (you must have a debit card opened at the bank)
Example No. 3. WebMoney
Example No. 4. Yandex.Money
- We go to the website of the Yandex.Money payment wallet.
- In the “Bank Cards” section, select the “Yandex.Money Virtual Card” tab.
- Enter the password for the wallet and link the card to the number of the desired mobile phone.
- Confirm your application for issuing a virtual card by receiving an SMS code. Its details will be stored on the website in the personal account of your wallet and the function of ordering details via SMS will be available.
The features of this card are that there is no opening fee, the validity period is within a calendar year, the commission for transfers is 3%, taking into account the payment of the mandatory 15 rubles.
What does the owner of a virtual card get - product features
The popularity of Russian banks issuing virtual cards is due to the growth in the volume of online purchases: with the help of “virtual plastic” it is possible to safely pay for goods on the Internet anywhere in the world. But payments in regular stores and cash withdrawals are not possible. The banking market is divided by such types of payment systems as Visa Virtual and MasterCard Virtual.
Currently, work is underway to create and put into circulation cards with the MIR payment system; perhaps in the future virtual cards of the MIR system will appear. The preference of most users is still given to the classic Visa Virtual.
The virtual means of payment has characteristic differences from its classic banking “compatriots”:
- lack of physical media (plastic), which means: no hologram, no magnetic stripe, owner’s signature is not required;
- It is possible to receive a card without personal presence at the bank.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a virtual Visa card
Virtual cards have a number of advantages, such as:
- The ability to secure your main debit/credit account from fraudulent “hijacking”. The buyer can deposit the required amount for a purchase via the Internet into his virtual account and calmly pay for purchases through a card, the duration of which ranges from 2 months to 1 year. The details of your main bank card account remain safe, and attackers will not be able to take possession of it.
- Spending limit - you will be able to control your purchases and be more economical in spending.
- The card can be blocked at any time. This can be done either in your personal account of the payment platform, or by calling the hotline of the employees of the selected bank.
- Does not have physical media.
The main disadvantage of virtual cards is the following:
- The bank may offer “prepaid” cards and often the funds are deposited in a lump sum and for a fixed amount. You cannot “report” funds. But there is always the opportunity to create a new one, since this function is not prohibited.
- Some cards have a maximum validity period of 2 months, which is not always convenient for the consumer.
Important! If you are planning to open a virtual Visa card to pay for online casino services, then make sure that the payment platform allows such payments.
It can be described like this:
- This is a standard-shaped piece of plastic with metal inserts and individual numbers.
- The card gives access to card account funds, allows you to withdraw cash, pay through terminals and on the Internet, deposit funds into the card account and store them there.
- Each card has security features such as a PIN code and CVV2/CVC2 code; these codes are entered to conduct transactions with card account funds. Without their knowledge, operations are impossible.
A virtual bank card differs from a plastic bank card in that:
- It does not have a material carrier (plastic), but only numbers and codes.
- It cannot be inserted into a terminal or other reading device, so the virtual card is not assigned a PIN code.
- For the same reason, you cannot directly withdraw cash from a virtual card at an ATM.
Since during remote operations, that is, payments via the Internet, the card’s material carrier (plastic) is not used, a virtual card is suitable for such operations, just like a plastic one.
A virtual card has only one unconditional advantage over plastic: a virtual card does not require material production, therefore it is issued faster and is cheaper for the user.
- They usually pay with virtual cards in online stores and other similar services.
- Virtual cards are a full-fledged tool for Internet banking and mobile banking.
- Some operations with virtual cards can be carried out through some terminals.
- Virtual cards are accepted for payments all over the world, therefore they constitute a real alternative to electronic money.
Why do you need a virtual bank card?
The main danger when making payments on the Internet is the risk that card data may be somehow stolen. As a result, attackers will gain access to the card account and will be able to steal money from it.
- The main purpose of a virtual card is safer payments on the Internet. To do this, a card account is created, separate from the main one, which will contain relatively small amounts necessary for future payments.
- You can top up your virtual card in different ways, including from your main card. But even hacking a virtual card does not give access to the main card account.
- Another reason to get a virtual card may be to separate remote payments from spending in the “real world.” But this already applies to the field of personal finance management.
- Sometimes a virtual card is purchased because another card is not suitable for online payments. This happens with low-class salary cards based on regional payment systems.
- Virtual cards can be used not only for spending, but for receiving and storing money. This may be convenient for those who have additional income from remote work, etc.
Characteristics and features of virtual cards
A virtual bank card must have:
- individual number;
- validity period (year and month of its expiration);
- CVV2/CVC2 code is, to a certain extent, an analogue of a PIN code for remote operations.
Usually virtual ones are issued with registered funds, that is, having a specific owner of the funds, but they can also be anonymous.
Virtual cards differ by type of bank account into:
- (occur less frequently);
- debit – for settlements using the client’s own funds;
- prepaid - the same as debit, but the amount on the card account is predetermined.
A virtual card is sometimes offered as an addition to the main bank card. This is done just to separate the account for security purposes.
The validity period of a virtual card is usually shorter than that of a plastic card. Also for safety reasons. Such cards are cheaper to change than to protect.
How to get a virtual bank card?
This usually happens the same way as with all other cards - after contacting the bank, during a personal visit or online, through the website.
Sometimes you can get a virtual bank card for free in addition to the main one. A successful marketing move for the bank. The costs of creating a virtual card are minimal, the service price is not high, but the movement on the card account is significantly quickened, and there is an incentive to keep more funds in the account (i.e. in the bank).
Another interesting proposal was the independent issue of the card by the client. A simple software algorithm allows the user to create a virtual card using Internet banking. The client receives the data of the new card: number, code and other details, and can begin transactions with it.
Are virtual bank cards safe?
They are as safe as the “plastic” we are used to, and in some ways more so.
This happens because a bank card is only a “remote key” to the account funds, which for both the virtual and physical cards are located in the bank. Entering a PIN code in the terminal at the supermarket checkout and entering a CVC2 code in an online store triggers the same operation - transferring the client’s money from his card account to the seller of the product or service.
On the one hand, a virtual card is even safer, since the plastic card can be stolen and funds withdrawn from it. Hackers have the same opportunity to “hack” and steal funds from any card that was used to pay on the Internet.
But owners of a virtual card may be let down by the habit of recording and storing all data in one place. A piece of paper, flash drive or phone with information can also be lost. But this is more a matter of time and practice - plastic card holders have already learned not to write a PIN code on the card, which means that Virtuon users will also learn the safety rules.
What virtual cards are offered in Russia?
- credit;
- debit;
- prepaid.
The first ones are still rare. And this is justified - for whom will a loan that is only allowed to be paid online be convenient? But as an addition to the main credit card, a virtual one can be very useful.
In Russia, the main array of virtual cards consists of debit payment cards.
Prepaid cards are somewhat similar to gift certificates. They are sold by banks at the cost of funds on the card account (plus a certain amount for the service). Such a card can be anonymous. But since “nameless” payments in Russia are limited to 15,000 rubles, the limits of these cards are also small. Prepaid virtual cards can be "disposable" - they cannot be topped up.
You can get an idea about Russian virtual bank cards using the example of such cards from Yandex.
Sberbank's conditions look like this:
- cost of issuing a virtual card is 60 rubles;
- Card validity period – 3 years;
- the card is issued to Sberbank clients who have already received a debit card from this institution;
- To use a virtual card, you must activate the Sberbank Online or Mobile Bank service;
- Only one Visa Virtual and one MasterCard Virtual standard card is issued.
Virtual is also a payment service, although it is not a banking service.
But the Yandex product has all the capabilities of a virtual bank card.
- the Yandex.Money virtual card is issued not to the card account, but to the Yandex.Money electronic wallet;
- Paying with this card is only possible online; cash withdrawals and payments are not available in traditional stores;
- the card and wallet have a common balance;
- Money is debited in the same way when paying by card or from a wallet;
- The card limit is determined by the wallet limit;
- The Yandex.Money virtual card is free, but fees are charged for some additional services: SMS notifications, certain transfers;
- Regular payments with this virtual card are free;
- The Yandex.Money virtual card is valid for 1 year.
Everything described here does not exhaust the topic of virtual bank cards. This segment of the financial market is developing dynamically and offers new, unparalleled opportunities.
Since a virtual card cannot be inserted into an ATM, it can only be used to pay for purchases and services on the Internet.
Advantages of a virtual card
The main feature of this card is that it is designed to protect the funds on the main card account and serves as an additional measure for secure payment via the Internet.
To pay for a purchase in an online store, you transfer a specific purchase amount from your main card to a virtual card. You receive a one-time password from the bank (SMS) and make a payment. The card balance is reset to zero, which eliminates the possibility of theft of funds from it, while protecting the details and funds of the main card, since you did not use them.
To pay for purchases online, the SMS banking service must be connected to your main plastic card.
The main advantage of a virtual card is that you do not use plastic bank card data when paying for purchases or services via the Internet.
In addition, you can set a daily limit for spending money from a virtual card and receive SMS notifications about the movement of these funds.
The low cost of such a card makes it possible to open an unlimited number of them, which in some cases becomes a justified and reliable method of protection.
How to use a virtual card
It is best to explain the process of using a card using a specific example. Let's assume that you need to buy a train ticket. On the website of the company that sells train tickets, you select the option that suits you and decide to pay for it.
However, you have already heard many times about the theft of payment data of a plastic card and therefore there is no particular desire to indicate them on an unfamiliar site. Moreover, after payment there will still be a considerable amount left on the card account. In such a situation, a virtual card will reliably help you out. You create it and transfer the amount of ticket prices from your main bank card account to it.
After paying for train tickets, you can completely close this virtual card, and for the next purchase create a new card, with a new number and password.
Virtual cards of Sberbank of Russia Visa Virtual, MasterCard Virtual
What is required to receive a virtual card? Almost all banks have the same requirements. Let's look at how to open it in Sberbank.
Sberbank offers to issue a virtual card only to owners of Sberbank debit cards. Please note that a credit bank card is not suitable for these purposes. Only the card that contains “your” money, in the form of salary, pension, etc.
As mentioned above, additional SMS banking and Internet banking services must be connected to the main card. That is, first you need to connect the Sberbank Online service and the Mobile Bank service to your main Sberbank bank card of the Visa or MasterCard payment system, since the virtual card code CVV2/CVC2 is sent to your mobile phone in the form of an SMS message, and the actions on the card are carried out in your personal account "Sberbank Online".
A 16-digit number is created for the virtual card, and the validity period of the card is also indicated, which can be found on your page in Sberbank Online.
You can top up the balance of a newly created card by transferring from your main debit card through Sberbank Online or through Sberbank ATMs and terminals.
You can have several types of bank cards, including several debit cards, but you can only have one virtual card, one for each payment system, namely, one Visa Virtual and one MasterCard Virtual payment system card.
If you have difficulties applying for a virtual card, you can get a free consultation on your Sberbank Online page.
How to create a virtual Sberbank card
The application form is intuitive for any user; we will only focus on the most important points.
Indicate the mobile phone number at which it will be convenient for you to receive SMS at any time. SMS passwords and alerts will be sent to this number.
When choosing an economical package for the Mobile Bank service, there is no subscription fee, but there are a number of restrictions, for example, the bank will not inform you about the receipt or withdrawal of money from a virtual card.
If you make a mistake while filling out the application, it can be easily corrected. There is an "Edit" link for this purpose. Click on it and you will be returned to the application details page.
If you need to print the application, click the "Print application" button.
In the Sberbank Online system you can always turn to a consultant for help, don’t forget about it.
What else you need to know about a virtual card
In addition to the virtual card number and CVV2 or CVC2 code number, the owner also indicates his first and last name in Latin transcription.
To block a virtual card, for example, if you have forgotten the CVV2/CVC2 code, you should call the Sberbank Help Desk and ask to block the card. This card is no longer suitable for further use and therefore you will need to issue an early release of the blocked virtual card.
To close a virtual card, you must again call the Sberbank Help Desk and submit an order to close it. First, do not forget to transfer the balance of the virtual card to the main card account on your Sberbank OnL@yn page.
The cost of issuing one virtual card is 60 rubles. Funds from the main card account are debited the next day after the virtual card is issued.
Publication date: 19/02/2014
The CVV2 or CVC2 code is used for secure payment for purchases and services on the Internet. This code is an additional security measure and consists of three digits. Where is the CVV2 or CVC2 security code? On the back of the card, on the strip where you signed.
When using a card for various transactions, sometimes you have to indicate the bank card account number. Especially often, bank employees require you to indicate the bank card account number when performing operations for crediting funds or transfers to the card.
Not all types of cards can be used to open a virtual payment card. For example, Sberbank offers to open it only for debit cards on which your savings are stored or your salary is credited, etc.
What do you need to know to safely withdraw money from an ATM and pay for purchases and services with a card? In this article we provide recommendations from the Leaflet of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation on measures for the safe use of bank cards.
But, if you enter the wrong PIN code three times, the card will be automatically blocked by the bank. Just four digits of the card code can cause big troubles if you treat them carelessly, let alone allow strangers to recognize them.
ATM designers have already simplified this operation so much, and it seems like this is not the first time that you have to deposit money onto a card, but still sometimes difficulties arise.
Some banks and electronic systems offer citizens to open a virtual debit card. Often this is a VISA Virtual and Mastercard Virtual payment instrument, which does not have a physical medium and is actually a set of numbers, thanks to which it is issued instantly. With its help, the holder can make non-cash purchases via the Internet, purchase and book tickets, hotel rooms, etc., while protecting their funds and card from compromise.
You can open a virtual card through remote banking services: online banking, at a terminal, at an ATM, or by visiting an office. A similar service for issuing a virtual card is provided by electronic payment systems and websites for online shopping.
Virtual cards are issued in rubles, euros and US dollars. They can be for one-time or multiple use. It is important that there are no virtual credit cards; it is a prepaid, that is, replenished in advance, debit card, designed for a narrow list of transactions.
The card does not have a physical medium and a PIN code. But at the same time it has the full details necessary to carry out online transactions: number, full name of the holder, expiration date, code CVV-2 or CVC2. Although some banks may issue plastic, it will not be equipped with a physical medium and will not be suitable for conducting offline transactions or receiving cash. But many online stores accept payment with virtual payment cards: the client selects a product, indicates the debit card details, and makes a purchase.
Security of a virtual payment card
Research by Group-IB, a company specializing in the investigation and prevention of cybercrime, revealed that theft of money from them has become common and has tripled in the past year alone. In 2016, daily thefts from customer accounts were recorded. Approximately 25 thousand rubles using Trojan viruses for personal computers, about 1.4 million rubles using Trojans for Android. This is not the limit, as criminal technologies will only improve.
Another way to deceive consumers is the use of phishing sites that disguise themselves as popular brands or online trading platforms. When you visit such a site, the client’s payment card data is read. And in the future they are used at the discretion of the scammers.
An effective way to reduce the risks of fraud and theft are virtual cards, which have a shorter validity period compared to their plastic counterparts, a limited money limit, and a narrow range of available transactions. At the same time, they are protected by CVV-2 or CVC2 codes.
Issue and receipt of a virtual card
Virtual cards are issued in one of the following ways:
- in online banking. By clicking a few buttons, an existing client can order a payment instrument and receive its details in your personal account;
- at an ATM or bank terminal. In this case, the client receives a printout with the card details;
- in the office. This option is rare;
- on the payment system website.
How does a virtual card work?
It can only be used to pay for goods and services on the Internet. Virtual cards are often used to make one-time transactions. For example, a person does not want to “shine” his permanent debit or credit card and, for security purposes, creates a virtual one by putting the required amount on it. After making the payment, the payment instrument can be closed immediately. You can issue a virtual card as many times as you like. Moreover, many issuers offer registration of two or more products in different currencies and for different payment systems.
The card is serviced by the Visa or MasterCard system, so any online store will accept it for payment. Payment for the purchase occurs according to the same principle as when using a plastic analogue:
- the holder places the item in the cart;
- selects the payment method - transfer from card;
- enters its details (number, expiration date, security code). If the card is not personalized, then the full name field remains empty; in other cases, enter the first and last name in Latin letters.
To carry out the operation, the client will be sent a one-time password. A receipt will be received after payment. Then you can do with the card at your own discretion, either close it or save it until your next online purchase.
Limitations on virtual cards
There are a number of restrictions when using virtual cards:
- sometimes the bank offers such a card only as an addition to the main one;
- the validity period of these cards is from 1 to 6 months, less often up to a year;
- Replenishment restrictions may be set, for example, once upon receipt of the card and without the possibility of replenishing the account during use;
- The bank may set limits on the amount and number of transactions per day/month/for the entire validity period.
How to top up a virtual card
Replenishment occurs in the same ways as when working with regular bank cards. The most convenient option is transfer from card to card (c2c). If a virtual card is issued by the Yandex or Qiwi system, you can top it up with a transfer from your wallet or “link” the card account to the wallet account.
You can also top up through ATMs with a cash acceptance function, or transfer money from any card through accessible online services. Using the card number, you can deposit money into your account through points of the Zolotaya Korona, Unistream, Contact, Rapida and others systems. Full information about replenishing the balance should be obtained from the bank servicing the virtual card.
Replenishment using the issuer’s remote services is often free. But when using third-party channels, a commission may apply.
Who releases
Today, the virtual card has not yet become a mass product. And yet there is a demand for it, and it is growing. In particular, at Promsvyazbank in 2017 alone, the issuance of such cards tripled, and their turnover increased by 17%.
But not only Promsvyazbank, but also many other banks began to offer virtual cards to their clients. Of the 20 largest issuers, 8 banks make such offers. These include Alfa Bank, Russian Standard, Promsvyazbank, Post Bank, Gazprombank, Rosselkhozbank and others.
Some issuers issue cards free of charge - these are Promsvyazbank, Pochta Bank, MTS Bank. Others charge a commission for this service, which ranges from 20 to 160 rubles.
In most banks, a virtual card is available to existing clients who have a debit account or deposit. Less often, as in the ICD, a virtual card is available to borrowers. And only a few, for example, Russian Standard Bank, offer this product to clients “off the street”, albeit subject to payment of a commission for the issue.
Banks issuing virtual cards
Ak Bars Bank
A virtual prepaid reloadable debit card with a ruble Visa account or a virtual MasterCard card is issued in 2 minutes, without contacting a bank office. The registration procedure is carried out in the personal account of the AK BARS Online service and is available only to bank clients who already have a plastic card. Commission for issue is 20 rubles, service is free. The card is valid for 12 months.
The bank offers:
- A personalized Visa/MasterCard card with a card account limit of 100,000 rubles and a daily transaction limit of 50,000 rubles (limits can be increased at the request of the client). Up to three such cards can be issued for one client.
- Non-personalized MasterCard BankOK cards:
- with an account limit of 15,000 rubles and a transaction limit of 40,000 rubles per month and only in trade and service enterprises registered in Russia;
- with a limit of 60,000 rubles per card account and 200,000 rubles for transactions within a month, including no more than 60,000 rubles one-time to the account of a legal entity/individual entrepreneur and 40,000 rubles to the account of an individual. Operations are available on websites of any country.
One client can issue only one non-personalized card.
Payment via the Internet is also carried out without commission. Options for replenishing the card within the allowed limit:
- in cash through a bank cash desk or ATM;
- transfers from other cards;
- through third-party replenishment services;
- from the accounts of legal entities or individual entrepreneurs.
It is impossible to top up the card from an electronic wallet. But it is possible to receive cash at Ak Bars Bank points of issue. The service is available for cards with a maximum limit of 100,000 rubles, the commission is 2% of the amount.
Conversion when using a personalized virtual MasterCard card is not charged; when paying with a Visa card – 1.25%. The commission for conversion with a non-personalized card will be 1.3% of the transaction amount.
The penalty for an unauthorized overdraft is 36% per annum.
Alfa Bank
Current bank clients can receive a personalized virtual MasterCard card by ordering it through the Alfa-Click online service. Issue of the card will cost 49 rubles. If desired, you can get a plastic carrier, but without a magnetic flight and the ability to use offline.
The virtual card account can be in rubles/US dollars/euro; it is linked to the main card account. The bank allows you to issue up to 10 virtual cards per client. Card servicing and payments in online stores are carried out without commission.
The limit of the card account and the amount of transactions is chosen by the client independently, but not more than 1,000 US dollars (or equivalent). The validity period of the card is also selected independently through the Alfa-Click service.
All card rates depend on the service package chosen by the client.
Gazprombank
This bank has two types of virtual cards: Visa WebCard and Mastercard WebCard. You can issue both a main card and an additional one, including for a third party. The account currency is selected by the client at the time of filling out the application; it can be in rubles/US dollars/euro.
The card's validity period can be:
- 1 year, then the cost of issue will be 85 rubles;
- 2 years with an issue cost of 160 rubles.
The bank does not set limits on the card, nor does it provide cash withdrawal options. The card is only suitable for online payments.
The following methods are available to top up your card:
- depositing cash through bank cash desks;
- transfer from bank card accounts;
- other methods of transfer to the card account;
- depositing cash through the terminal (limit 15,000 rubles per transaction).
Conversion fee is 1% of the amount. The technical overdraft fee is 0.01% per day.
MTS-Bank
Virtual MasterCard Virtual card with a convenient number that matches your phone number. Card account – rubles. Registration in online banking takes 1-2 minutes, available to customers who already have a plastic card.
The card account limit is 100,000 rubles, there are no restrictions on the amount of transactions. Cash withdrawals are not permitted. High commission for replenishing the card and for SMS notifications. Conversion will cost 2% of the payment amount.
Post Bank
An unnamed “Online Card” of the VISA payment system is issued free of charge within 15 seconds after submitting an application through Internet banking or mobile banking. The service is also free. Additionally, we offer a package of services for the online buyer, which provides:
- purchasing goods at a favorable price;
- free repair;
- simple return if necessary.
Promsvyazbank
Promsvyazbank issues free virtual MasterCard/Visa cards in rubles/US dollars/euro. The offer is available both to existing clients and to new ones. Registration in the office or online banking. One client can receive no more than two cards. Card service is also free.
- for “our” card account clients 300,000 rubles without restrictions on the transaction amount;
- for new bank clients: account limit up to 15,000 rubles, restrictions on the amount of monthly transactions - 40,000 rubles.
Replenishment at the cash desks and ATMs of Promsvyazbank, through MoneySend and Visa Money Transfer of the international payment systems MasterCard and Visa is free.
Conversion at the bank rate. It is possible to block the card immediately after the operation.
Rosselkhozbank
You can apply for a virtual MasterCard or Visa card from this bank through remote service services. The service is available to bank clients who are registered in Internet Banking or Mobile Banking, provided that they already have an active plastic card. When registering through a terminal or ATM, the virtual card is linked to the account of the card that was used for authorization. When registering through mobile banking or online banking, the choice of card account to link remains with the client. No more than two virtual cards can be issued for one account.
The virtual card does not have its own account; when paying via the Internet, funds are debited from the main card account. The turnover limit for the entire validity period cannot exceed 50,000 rubles.
The virtual card is a participant in Rosselkhozbank bonus programs. For 100 rubles spent, 1.5 points are awarded. You can spend them on purchases from the catalog of the bank’s bonus showcase.
Validity is limited to the end of the month following the month of issue. That is, a card received on May 15 will no longer be valid on June 31.
Russian standard
The only bank that presents a line of MasterCard/Visa virtual cards:
- Virtual card, valid from 3 months to six months, limit from 100 to 100,000 rubles. The fee for registration on the website will cost 2% of the face value, not less than 25 rubles; registration through Internet banking is free,
- A virtual card with a convenient number (for example, like a client’s phone number), valid for 1 year, with a denomination from 100 to 15,000 rubles. Issue fee 300 rubles;
- A virtual gift card with a limit of up to 15,000 rubles, a period of use of up to 3 months, a registration fee of 2% of the card account face value, but not less than 25 rubles.
Bank clients can choose any card account: rubles/US dollars/euro; others have only the ruble option available.
To issue a card, you need to choose one of the following methods:
- submit an application on the website of Russian Standard Bank or on the official website of virtual cards http://www.virtucard.ru/;
- at ATMs or Russian Standard terminals;
- at the Rapida service box office;
- in Eleksnet, Comepay terminals;
- via WebMoney electronic wallet.
It is possible to issue up to 5 cards per client. All cards participate in the Discount Club program, which provides the opportunity to receive up to 30% discounts for online purchases from Russian Standard Bank Partners.
Tinkoff Bank
Back in 2013, Tinkoff launched a “Mobile Wallet”, the user of which automatically received a prepaid debit virtual card. The card account is the same as the wallet account. Tariffs are very reasonable:
- there is no issue or maintenance fee;
- fee for replenishment in cash, bank transfers, through Tinkoff Bank Partners, from a card of any bank - free;
- spending transactions on electronic wallets within the system and Tinkoff credit cards in the amount of up to 40,000 rubles are free. In other cases, 2% of the amount, but not less than 90 rubles.
VTB Bank of Moscow
Issues virtual cards as additional to the main one. Apply online or at a bank branch. The cost of receiving is 60 rubles. The limit on card accounts and transactions is 15,000 rubles, the period of use is six months. If the main card is closed, the virtual one is automatically closed.
Sberbank
The bank has been issuing virtual cards Visa Virtual and MasterCard for a long time, but still in pilot mode. The offer is limited and is available only to Sberbank Online users registered in Moscow and already having a valid debit card. One client can receive no more than one Visa Virtual card and no more than one MasterCard Virtual card.
Issuing a card will cost 60 rubles, the limit is up to 300,000 rubles. It is possible to link to electronic wallets Paypal, Qiwi and others. Replenishment by non-cash transfer through Sberbank-Online or in terminals.
Table of conditions for servicing virtual bank cards:
| Bank | Card type | Where/how to apply | Issue fee | Maintenance cost | Deposit fee | Cash withdrawal | Card account limit | Transaction limit | Maximum validity period | ||
| Through cash desks/ATMs/terminals/online bank of the issuer | Through third-party resources and services | ||||||||||
| AK Bars | MasterCard/Visa | AK BARS Online | 20 rubles | 0 rubles | not charged | 1-1.5% of the amount min 30 rubles | 2% of the amount | 100,000 rubles | 50,000 per day | 1 year | 10 rubles |
| Alfa Bank | MasterCard | Internet bank "Alfa-Click" | 49 rubles | 0 rubles | not provided | up to 1,000 US dollars | individually | individually | in accordance with the tariffs of the main card | ||
| Gazprombank | Visa WebCard / Mastercard WebCard | at the bank office | 85 or 160 rubles | 0 rubles | no commission | not provided | individually | individually | 1 or 2 years | for free | |
| MTS Bank | MasterCard Virtual | Internet banking in the “Payments” section | 0 rubles | 0 rubles | 0.75%, but not less than 50 rubles | not provided | 100,000 rubles | not provided | 6 months | 50 rubles | |
| Post Bank | Visa | Internet banking or mobile banking | 0 rubles | 0 rubles | not charged | 0.8%, but not less than 15 rubles and not more than 1,000 rubles | not provided | not provided | not provided | individually | free |
| Promsvyazbank | MasterCard/Visa | At the bank office or online banking | 0 rubles | 0 rubles | not charged | not provided | 300,000 rubles | not provided | 3 months | 49 rubles | |
| Rosselkhozbank | MasterCard/Visa | ATM/terminal, Internet banking and Mobile bank" |
0 rubles | 30 rubles/1 dollar/1 euro | not provided, since the card is linked to the main account | not provided | 50,000 rubles | 50,000 rub. for the entire validity period of the card | 1-2 months | 59 rub. / 1.2 dollars / 1.1 euros | |
| Russian standard | MasterCard/Visa | on the website, in bank terminals, Internet banking or Mobile banking | on the website - 2%, minimum 25 rubles, in Internet banking - 0%, with a convenient number on the website - 300 rubles. | 0 rubles | not charged | according to service tariffs | not provided | from 100 to 100,000 rubles (depending on the registration method) | not provided | from 3 to 6 months | free |
| Tinkoff | MasterCard/Visa | in the Mobile Wallet application | 0 rubles | 0 rubles | not charged | not provided | not provided | not provided | not provided | for free | |
| VTB Bank of Moscow | VISA Prepaid, MasterCard Prepaid | in a branch or online bank | 60 rubles | 0 rubles | in accordance with the tariffs of the main card | not provided | 15,000 rubles | 15,000 rubles | 6 months | 49 rubles | |
Non-bank virtual cards
Yandex money
This is a ruble MasterCard card reassigned for online purchases in cases where Yandex.Money is not accepted. The card does not have its own account, the money is debited from the wallet. There is no commission for payment, except for MCC transactions whose code is indicated as a transfer. Replenishment:
- from a card of any bank and in Sberbank Online – free of charge;
- from a mobile phone balance with a commission of up to 15% depending on the telecom operator;
- at cash collection points - in accordance with the tariffs of the service providing the service.
Limits depend on the status of the electronic wallet:
- anonymous – up to 15,000 rubles per account and per transaction, but not more than 40,000 rubles per month;
- personal – 60,000 rubles or 200,000 rubles, respectively;
- identified - 250,000 rubles at a time and 3 million turnover per month.
Users with an anonymous wallet can only pay on Russian websites. The rest can make purchases on any sites around the world. Conversion at the MasterCard system rate plus 2.5% on the day of debiting.
QIWI card
Virtual Visa Virtual card, which has a single balance with the wallet. Issued instantly on the Qiwi website. Account in rubles or US dollars. The cost of issue is 2.5% of the card's face value, but not less than 25 rubles or 1 US dollar). Card details are sent via SMS after payment for the issue.
Duration of card validity: until the end of the month in which it was issued plus two more months. The account limit depends on the status of the wallet:
- anonymous: 15,000 rubles per account, transaction limit per month 40,000 rubles, for the entire period 70,000 rubles;
- standard: balance up to 60,000 rubles, amount of transactions per month 200,000 rubles;
- maximum: 600,000 rubles balance, one-time payment 200,000 rubles maximum, total payment amount is not limited.
Payments in Russian stores are free. When paying in foreign stores, the transaction fee will be 2.5% of the payment amount, but not less than 30 rubles. Additionally, conversion at the Qiwi rate is paid.
WebMoney
MasterCard Virtual card issued for WebMoney wallet. Issuer "Network Clearing House". The release is only available to users with a formal certificate. The card limit is set by the holder, but within the limits provided by the system and type of certificate. Replenishment only from a WebMoney wallet. Transaction fee – 0.8% of the amount.
Sahara Map
The virtual discount card “”, issued by Bonus Club LLC, is suitable for shopping lovers, since its main function is purchases with cashback. The card is not even a payment card, but only accumulates bonuses depending on its status.
Table of conditions for servicing virtual non-bank cards:
| Map | Card type | Where/how to apply | Issue fee | Maintenance cost | Replenishment | Cash withdrawal | Card account limit | Transaction limit | Maximum validity period | SMS notification, monthly fee | |
| For free | Paid | ||||||||||
| Yandex money | MasterCard | on the Yandex.Money website | 0 rubles | 0 rubles | bank card | not provided | depends on the status of the Yandex wallet | 1 year | 50 rubles | ||
| QIWI | Visa Virtual | on the QIWI website | 2.5% of the card’s face value (but not less than 25 rubles or not less than $1 when purchasing a card in US dollars) | 0 rubles | Qiwi terminals | from phone, terminals, bank transfer | not provided | depends on the status of the Qiwi wallet | 3 months | 29 rubles | |
| WebMoney | MasterCard Virtual | on the WebMoney website | 80 rubles | 0 rubles | No | 0.8% service commission | not provided | depends on the status of the WebMoney wallet | 1 year | 30 rubles | |
There is no point in evaluating which virtual card is better or worse, since it depends on why it is needed. Considering the narrow functionality of the product and the short period of use, the choice should be based on two criteria: the cost of issue and the limits on card accounts and turnover.
A virtual card is a kind of insurance. It acts as a buffer, protecting the holder from the need to “reveal” the details of the main card, which regularly receives and stores funds. This protects against the actions of fraudsters, depriving them of the opportunity to steal money and provides the owner of the virtual card with safe online shopping.
