Are my virtual and physical debit card numbers the same? (2024)

FAQs

Are my virtual and physical debit card numbers the same? ›

Tip: The virtual card number, expiration date, and CVC may be different from your physical card. For added security, some card issuers change your virtual card number or CVC for different merchants or transactions.

Yes, the numbers are the same. Your digital card is a virtual twin of your physical Debit Card. What can I do with my digital Debit Card?

Why do my virtual and physical cards have different numbers? Please note that the card number for your Virtual card is different from the card number for your Physical card. This is designed for your security in mind.

A major disadvantage of a virtual debit card is that it cannot be used to withdraw cash at an ATM. Moreover, you cannot use it to make in-store purchases where swiping or tapping the card is necessary.

A virtual card is not a physical, plastic card. Instead, it is a set of sixteen digits similar to a credit card number together with a CVV code that is randomly generated using software.

Virtual card numbers are randomly generated numbers from your credit card issuer that are linked to your credit card account. They allow you to shop online without giving stores your actual card number. Thanks to virtual card numbers, you can shop online faster and without needing your physical card.

If you are interested in obtaining a physical card, it will be necessary for you to create a completely new card. By doing so, you will receive both a new physical card and its virtual counterpart. The newly generated virtual card can be immediately used, removing the need to wait for the physical card to be delivered.

For added security, some card issuers change your virtual card number or CVC for different merchants or transactions.

Which debit card is best physical or virtual? ›

What's the difference between a virtual and a physical debit card? Virtual debit cards are like regular debit cards, but digital and issued by banks. They're more secure than traditional debit cards and offer more privacy. They allow for quick and easy payments anytime, anywhere, without carrying a physical card.

Virtual Debit Card cannot be used for Cash Withdrawal.

Because debit cards withdraw money from your checking account, a criminal who gets your account information or PIN could empty your account. For this reason, credit cards are considered safer to use online because funds aren't directly taken out of your accounts.

When a card number is generated, the charges are linked to the original credit card number. Similar to a virtual debit card, a virtual credit card can't be traced back to the original card, and it will not work after the purchase.

The difference between a physical card vs virtual card

A traditional credit card shows your account number, CVV code and expiration date clearly printed on its front and back. A virtual credit card exists only in digital format, without a physical presence.

Unlike physical credit cards, virtual cards can't be stolen or lost. If you carry a physical credit card and it's stolen, you can be vulnerable to fraud. Virtual cards live in your digital wallet, keeping you safe from fraudsters.

Physical cards are widely accepted both online and offline, while virtual cards may have limitations in physical stores. Physical cards are susceptible to physical theft and skimming, and they are also at risk of cyberattacks when used online. In contrast, virtual cards are only vulnerable to cyber threats.

A digital card for debit is a virtual card accessible on your mobile device in mobile banking that includes a unique virtual card number, expiration and dynamic cvv. It's separate from your physical debit card and can be managed independently.

What is a virtual card and what is a Privacy Card? A virtual card is a unique 16-digit card number with a CVV code and expiration date that can be generated instantly and used to make purchases online or over the phone. Think of it as a normal credit or debit card, but without the physical plastic card.

While you're waiting for the physical card to arrive in the mail, you may receive a virtual credit card you can use for online purchases or you could add your card information to a digital wallet. That way, you can start using your card and potentially earn rewards immediately.