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Opening a bank account or obtaining a traditional credit card in Europe can be a slow and bureaucratic process, especially for those who have just arrived on the continent. Fortunately, virtual credit cards have emerged as a practical, secure, and accessible alternative for those who need a quick means of payment.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn about the best virtual card options available in Europe, understand how they work, the approval criteria, and how to choose the one best suited to your needs. If you're a student, an expat, or simply want to avoid the bureaucracy of traditional banks, keep reading.
Everything about virtual credit cards in Europe.
Virtual cards are digital financial solutions issued by fintech companies and digital banks. They function like conventional cards, but exist only in digital format, and can be used for online purchases and, in many cases, also in physical stores via digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
How do virtual cards work?
A virtual card has all the data of a physical card — number, expiration date, and CVV code — but exists only in the digital environment. It can be generated in seconds directly through the financial institution's app, without needing to wait for physical delivery.
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See the main operating features:
- Instant issuance via app, usually in less than 5 minutes.
- Can be used immediately for online purchases and contactless payments.
- Complete control over spending directly through the app with real-time notifications.
- Some cards allow you to generate temporary numbers for added security.
- Integration with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Comparison of the main virtual cards in Europe.
To make your choice easier, we've compiled the main options available to new users in Europe. Check out the comparison table below for the most relevant data on each product.
| Credit Card | Annuity | Approval | supported currencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut Standard | Free | immediate | Over 150 coins |
| N26 Standard | Free | Fast (1-2 days) | Euro (main) |
| Wise | Free* | immediate | Over 40 coins |
| Monzo | Free | Quick | Pound / Euro |
| Bunq | Starting from €2,99/month | immediate | Euro (main) |
*The physical Wise card has a one-time issuance fee, but the virtual card is free.
Who can apply for a virtual card in Europe?
The great advantage of virtual cards is financial inclusion. Most fintech companies accept applicants with varied profiles, as long as they meet some basic requirements established by European regulations.
| Profile | General requirements | Recommended cards |
|---|---|---|
| International student | Passport + European address | Revolut, N26, Wise |
| Newly arrived expatriate | Identity document + proof | Revolut, Bunq, Wise |
| Self-employed worker | Document + European IBAN | Wise, N26, Bunq |
| Long-term tourist | valid passport | Revolut, Wise |
Complete guide: the best virtual cards for new users in Europe
Now that you understand how virtual cards work and who can apply for them, let's detail each of the main options available on the European market. Each fintech has its own unique features, limits, and specific conditions that should be considered before making a choice.
Revolut: the darling of expats
Revolut is one of the most popular digital cards in Europe and one of the first recommended options for those arriving on the continent. The Standard plan is completely free and the virtual card is activated immediately after account creation.
With Revolut, you can convert money into over 150 currencies at competitive rates, especially during weekdays. The app is intuitive, available in Portuguese, and allows for detailed expense tracking by category.
Key features of Revolut Standard include:
- Account in euros with its own European IBAN.
- Free and immediate virtual card
- Free transfers between Revolut users
- Withdrawals from ATMs up to €200/month without fees.
- Basic travel insurance is included in paid plans.
The only thing to note is that currency conversion on weekends includes a small surcharge. Even so, Revolut remains one of the most comprehensive options for beginners in Europe.
N26: the digital bank with a robust structure
N26 is a German digital bank with a full banking license, meaning your deposits are protected by the European Deposit Guarantee Fund up to €100.000. This provides an extra layer of security that many fintech companies don't offer.
The Standard account is free and includes a virtual card that is quickly issued after identity verification, which can be done via video conference directly through the app. N26 is an excellent option for those who want a digital bank with credibility and stability.
N26 Standard features:
- European current account with German or Spanish IBAN.
- Virtual card for immediate online use.
- Instant notifications for every transaction
- Compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Customer support in multiple languages, including Portuguese.
Wise: ideal for those who work with multiple currencies.
Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, is a financial solution specifically designed for those who handle money in different countries and currencies. It is widely used by freelancers, digital nomads, and professionals who receive payments in foreign currencies.
With Wise, you can hold balances in over 40 currencies simultaneously in the same account. The virtual card is generated instantly and allows payments in any currency at the real exchange rate, with no hidden fees.
Advantages of Wise for new users:
- Multi-currency account with local bank details in several countries.
- Exchange rate using the interbank rate (the fairest on the market).
- Free virtual card generated instantly.
- Complete transparency in the fees charged.
- App available in Portuguese with efficient support.
Wise is especially advantageous for Brazilians in Europe who still receive payments in reais, as the BRL/EUR conversion is done under excellent conditions compared to traditional banks.
Monzo: the best option in the UK
For those specifically in the United Kingdom, Monzo is one of the most popular alternatives. It is a fully licensed British digital bank that offers a current account in pounds with an immediate virtual card and a range of financial management tools.
Monzo has an extremely user-friendly interface and features such as savings "jars," spending analysis by category, and budget alerts. Even after Brexit, Monzo remains widely accepted throughout Europe for online shopping and travel.
Monzo Highlights:
- British bank account with account number and sort code
- Virtual card available immediately in the app.
- Advanced budgeting and financial control tools
- International withdrawals without fees up to a certain monthly limit.
- Premium plans with added travel and insurance benefits.
Bunq: Sustainability and Flexibility
Bunq is a Dutch digital bank known for its innovative model and commitment to environmental sustainability. It offers a different proposition from other fintech companies, allowing multiple accounts within a single plan.
Although Bunq has a monthly cost starting at €2,99, it offers quite advanced features, such as shared accounts, instant European IBAN, immediate virtual card, and the ability to create dozens of sub-accounts to organize your expenses. For more demanding users, the cost is justified by the benefits.
Benefits of Bunq for new European residents:
- Multiple European IBANs in a single plan
- Unlimited virtual cards for greater online security.
- Up to 3 different sub-accounts to organize finances.
- Contribution to tree planting with every transaction.
- Open an account 100% online, with no bureaucracy.
Tips to increase your chances of approval
Even though these cards are easy to get approved for, some best practices can speed up and ensure the success of your application. Following these simple steps makes all the difference for new users in Europe.
Check out the main recommendations:
- Have your documents ready: A valid passport or identity document and, where possible, proof of European address.
- Use a stable connection during the verification process. Most fintech companies use video or selfie verification, and instability can cause errors.
- Please fill in all the fields in the registration form: Incomplete information may delay or prevent approval.
- Choose the fintech company that's right for your country of residence: Not all options are available in all European countries.
- Start with the free plan: You can upgrade after getting to know the platform and deciding if it's worth the investment.
Frequently asked questions about virtual cards in Europe
1. Do I need a credit history in Europe to get a virtual card?
No. Most of the virtual cards listed here are prepaid or debit cards, so they don't require a credit history. You only spend what you have available in your account.
2. Can I use the virtual card in physical stores in Europe?
Yes, as long as the store accepts contactless payments (NFC). Simply add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay and use it normally at the checkout terminal.
3. How long does it take for the virtual card to be approved?
In most cases, the virtual card is issued within minutes of identity verification. Revolut and Wise are usually the fastest, approving in less than 10 minutes.
4. Do virtual cards in Europe have fraud protection?
Yes. All the fintech companies mentioned have robust anti-fraud systems, real-time monitoring, and the ability to immediately block the card through the app if a fraud is suspected.
5. Can I have more than one European virtual card at the same time?
Yes, there are no restrictions on that. Many users maintain both Revolution and Wise simultaneously, taking advantage of the benefits of each platform as needed for each transaction.
