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.
The difference between virtual, digital and disposable cards
A virtual card is stored on your phone and can be used to pay in stores or online. It 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. Both can be added to your digital wallet and can be used with Apple Pay or Google Pay. A disposable card is a virtual card that can only be used once..
Link them to a Space for ultimate clarity
Other premium customers can link up to 6 virtual cards to any of their Spaces. This way you can pay directly from sub-accounts with dedicated spending categories. Groceries? There's a cookie card for that. Travel — have you seen the suitcase? Budget, spend, and save with visibility, flexibility, and your own personal flair.
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, without losing access to your physical bank card.
Manage subscriptions
Use a dedicated virtual card for all your subscriptions to easily keep track of your recurring payments.
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 Pay 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 Pay 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 a virtual card — for free
All N26 Standard customers get one free virtual card with its own card number, while premium users get up to six cards for free, and can choose from all six designs. 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 cards to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
FAQs
What is a virtual debit card?
Where can I use a virtual card?
Are virtual cards safe to use?
How to get an additional virtual card with N26?
What’s the difference between a virtual card and a virtual prepaid debit card?
What’s the difference between a virtual card and a digital card?
How many virtual cards can I add to my N26 account?
