Your South African card details are none of businesses’ business and what you spend your hard-earned money on is your concern. The nine best virtual cards in South Africa provide a nifty layer of privacy and protection between what you buy and who you are.
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Benefits of virtual cards
A virtual card is a credit or debit card that exists only electronically. You can use a virtual card to make online purchases without providing your real account number or exposing your personal information. Furthermore, virtual cards are also known as e-cards, digital cards, and temporary cards.
There are many reasons to use a virtual card instead of a traditional credit or debit card. For one, it can be more secure since your personal information is not shared with the merchant. In addition, you can usually get a virtual card for free or for a much lower fee than a physical credit or debit card. Finally, if you’re concerned about fraud or identity theft, using a virtual card can give you peace of mind since you can cancel the card at any time and avoid having to deal with fraudulent charges on your account.
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9 Best Virtual Cards Working in South Africa
Virtual cards are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa and are a convenient way to make online payments. There are many different virtual cards available, so it can be difficult to know which one is the best for you. In this article, I will compare some of the best virtual cards in South Africa and help you choose the right one for your needs.
1. Standard Bank Virtual Card
Standard Bank is a major bank in South Africa that offers a variety of banking products and services. One of these products is their virtual credit card, which can be used for online purchases. With the Standard Bank Virtual Card, you can securely make online transactions without having to use your credit or debit card details. To create the card, you first need to download the Standard Bank mobile app from Apple or Google Play store on your smartphone.
Here are some of the benefits of a Standard Bank card:
- Easily top-up your Virtual Card
- Personalize your card
- The card is Safe and secure
- Get rewarded for using the card
The Standard Bank virtual card is a Mastercard that can be used for online shopping on any website that accepts Mastercard.
2. FNB Virtual Card
FNB is one of the leading banks in South Africa. One of the bank’s most popular products is its Virtual Visa Card.
The FNB Virtual Visa Card is a great option for South Africans who want to make online purchases but are worried about security. With this card, you can make online purchases on international websites such as Amazon, Uber, Netflix, and more.
To get the FNB Virtual Card, simply download the FNB mobile app and select the ‘Virtual Card’ option. From here you will be able to generate a unique card number and security code.
3. PayCentral Virtual Mastercard
In South Africa, PayCentral prides itself as the largest independent issuer of virtual cards for business owners. As such, the fintech company makes it easy for South African business owners with an alternative payment solution. Their service is cost-effective and efficient for both Employers and Employees. In addition, recipients can use the card to easily make online purchases from anywhere in the world.
After applying and getting approved for the card, you’ll receive the following via email or SMS:
- 16 Digit Card Number
- Expiry Date
- CVV
- 3D Secure pin
4. US Unlocked South Africa Virtual Card
US Unlocked is an American financial service provider accepting customers from South Africa. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable way to make international online purchases from South Africa, then US Unlocked is your best bet. Their cards provide access to the largest online marketplace in the world – Amazon.com – so you can shop for anything you need with ease. In addition, with their low fees and exchange rates, you’ll save money on every purchase.
5. Spot Money Virtual Card
Spot Money is a South African mobile banking platform that offers digital accounts with no monthly fees. With Spot Money’s virtual Mastercard, you can securely shop online at any retailer in South Africa. In other words, the card can only be used for online transactions in SA.
6. M-PESA GlobalPay Virtual VISA Card
M-PESA is a mobile money transfer and payment application launched in 2007 by the 2 largest mobile network operators in Kenya, Vodafone and Safaricom. The companies have since expanded their services to several African countries including South Africa.
South Africans can apply for a virtual Visa card through the M-PESA app via their smartphones. Once approved, you can generate your card’s information and start using it online or when traveling abroad.
7. Nedbank virtual card
Nedbank is one of the major financial service providers in South Africa, The bank offers services such as insurance, asset management, and wealth management. In addition to these services, Nedbank allows its customers to create virtual Mastercard for even safer online payments and purchases. Furthermore, you can create up to 5 virtual cards on your credit or bank account at no cost. All you have to do is simply log in to the Money app and follow the easy prompts.
With a Nedbank virtual card, you can:
- Earn Greenbacks and other membership rewards
- Block and delete your virtual card at any time
- Use for once-off purchases
- Pay online for international subscriptions
8. Capitec Bank virtual card
Capitec is deemed the second-largest retail bank in South Africa, according to reports. According to Wikipedia, a whopping 120,000 customers are opening new accounts with the bank per month. The bank allows its customers to create virtual Mastercard cards through its mobile app. Moreover, the card is free to activate and use. In addition, you can replace it immediately on the bank’s app. Furthermore, Capitec Bank virtual Mastercard can be used for international online payments.
9. Absa Virtual Visa Card
Absa is a financial service provider in South Africa. They offer many financial services including credit cards, corporate and investment banking, personal and business banking, and investment management. Absa virtual cards come with extra security such as lock/unlock control. In addition, the card, which can be assessed through the banking app, works with Apple Pay, Bolt, Samsung Pay and more.
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Conclusion
In my opinion, these are the 9 best virtual cards in South Africa for online purchases. All of them have their own unique benefits that make them ideal for different types of shoppers. Whether you’re looking for the lowest fees, the best rewards program or the most user-friendly interface, one of these virtual cards is sure to fit your needs. In case you didn’t find the one that suits your needs, you check the lists, Euro Virtual Card Providers and International Virtual Card Providers.