Virtual Cards are Now Available in Europe (2024)

FAQs

Can virtual cards be used internationally? ›

People can use virtual Visa gift cards internationally in most countries across the globe.

Know your cards.

For credit cards, Visa and MasterCard are universal, while American Express and Discover are less common. US debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo will work in any European ATM.

American credit cards work throughout Europe (at hotels, larger shops and restaurants, travel agencies, car-rental agencies, and so on); Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. American Express is less common, and the Discover card is unknown in Europe.

You can use your virtual debit card in most places around the world that accept online or contactless payments with Visa and Mastercard.

The Visa Gift card is accepted everywhere Visa cards are accepted, including ATMs, around the world. Visa Gift card recipients can choose the gift they prefer at any store accepting Visa cards. This card marks the end of unwanted gifts and the inconvenience of having to exchange them for other items.

Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.

Some tourists feel like they must have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe? Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors.

A good rule of thumb, though, is that, on average, you should plan to carry between $50 and $100 per day in the currency of the country in which you're travelling. As with all things, research is your friend here. Understand where you're travelling and what the local customs regarding cash are.

What cards are not accepted in Europe? ›

Compare cards that are widely accepted

First, make sure any credit card you take to Europe is widely accepted. The Visa and Mastercard networks, for example, offer wider acceptance abroad than Discover and American Express. While you can certainly bring your Amex and Discover cards, it's best to pack a backup.

If you do want to wait until you arrive in Europe to get your euros, a word of caution. It's not usually a good idea to exchange currency at the airport, or even at your hotel. These places are definitely convenient, but you're likely to pay a premium for it. Commission fees can be high and exchange rates unfavorable.

The Bottom Line

Virtual credit cards enable account holders to tap into the digital capabilities of payment technology, offering potential benefits such as enhanced security.

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 cards can be either credit or debit cards.

That said, virtual cards can only be used for online purchases, some over-the-phone transactions, and (if you add your virtual card to Apple Pay or Google Pay) at qualifying physical stores that accept those Apple or Google payment platforms.

That means it's a safe, smart and simple way to spend no matter where in the world you are. Hold 40+ currencies at once, convert them in real time using the free Wise app, then spend online, in-store and abroad with your virtual card.

No, the Naira variant works only in Nigeria while the USD, GBP and Euro Virtual card work in all countries except Nigeria. So, you can have a Naira Virtual card for domestic transaction and another in foreign currency for international transactions, based on your need.

Virtual cards can be used online, over the phone, via an app, and anywhere you or the merchant can key in the 16-digit virtual card number. Simply plug in your virtual card details and let the payment processor do its job.

It can be used anywhere that Visa is accepted, both online or by phone.