Virtual Credit Cards are not real cards. It is an online version of a credit card. A virtual credit card is also known as prepaid credit card or Virtual debit card. These types of cards are specifically designed for online transactions. The entire details of the virtual credit card including card number, validity, expiry date, and CVV number remain online only. A Virtual Credit card is an add-on credit card issued on top of a primary credit card. The primary objective of a virtual credit card (VCC) is to protect against hacking attempts or fraud.
Virtual credit cards are the safest and best option for online purchases. It is very easy to generate these types of cards. You just need to log in to an app or online banking portal and generate a credit card for a required credit limit. It is safe to use this type of card as it can be used only once. The limit of this card is fixed hence the chance of fraud and losses can be prevented up to a great extent. It is highly recommended to use virtual credit cards while doing online shopping. If you are planning to use Virtual Credit cards for online purchases, here are the Top 5 Virtual Credit cards and debit cards in India.
Also Read – What is Virtual Credit Card? How it works?
Top 5 Virtual Credit Cards Debit Cards in India
Virtual Cards Provided by Banks
HDFC NetSafe Virtual Credit Card
HDFC NetSafe is a best virtual credit card. It is a unique online solution from HDFC Bank. You can generate a unique virtual card using a physical visa or master credit/debit card. HDFC NetSafe is free for all HDFC bank visa and master debit and credit card holders.
Key Features of HDFC NetSafe Virtual Credit Card –
- The lifetime of the card is 48 hours.
- The limit of this card depends on your primary credit or debit card.
- It is a single transaction card.
- It is a free virtual credit card.
SBI Virtual Credit Card
SBI offers online virtual cards. This card can be created online using a net banking facility. Once you log in to the SBI net banking site, click on the e-card. Here you will find generate virtual card link from which you can generate a VCC card. The maximum limit of this card is Rs.50000.
Key Features of SBI Virtual Credit Card –
- This card can be used for transactions made only in the country.
- No separate registration is required. It can be generated by a net banking account.
- There is no limit on number of virtual cards created by the customer per day.
Kotak NetCard
Kotak NetCard is a virtual card provided by Kotak Mahindra Bank. It is a one-time use virtual card that can be created from a bank account via net banking. Once you log in to net banking portal you need to click on the “netc@rd” tab. You need to select a bank account for drawing funds and click OK to generate a card.
The key features of this card are similar to another card, except this card does not support secondary verification and 3D secure code.
App Wallet-based Virtual Cards
Pockets Card by ICICI
Pockets Card by ICICI is among one of the best virtual credit cards. Anyone can sign up and use Pocket. It is not mandatory to become an ICICI customer by using a Pocket app. This app is freely available at Google Play. It is the first app in India that provides you with UPI, NFC, and Bharat QR Code payment options. You can even request for a physical prepaid card using this app.
Apart from Top 5 Virtual Credit Cards mentioned above few other famous virtual credit card options are Yes Pay Wallet by YES Bank, Zeta RBL Bank, Udio Wallet, Oxygen Wallet, PayZapp Visa Card by HDFC Bank, etc.
Advantages of using Virtual Credit Cards
- It is one of the most secure payment options. This card can be used only once which means the chance of misuse is nearly nil.
- The limit of usage is fixed and cloning of card information is not possible.
- Like a normal credit card, you will need OTP via SMS for authentication.
- You can make VCC of any amount as per your requirement.
- It is a free card and the bank does not charge anything for this card.
- You can cancel this card anytime with a click of a button.
Drawbacks of Virtual Credit Cards
- This card cannot be used at a store or at a shopping mall.
- VCC cannot be used to withdraw cash.
- A primary card is mandatory in the majority of cases to avail of this card.
I have just shared various online Free VCC options and ways to create them.
