The Internet has completely changed the way we shop, and virtual cards have arrived to make online purchases safer.

In recent years, there has been a boom in online shopping in Spain, where we can find an infinite number of products and stores to purchase. This fact has caused more and more people to decide to opt for online commerce to the detriment of physical establishments.

However, beyond the convenience and speed offered by online purchases, it is worth keeping in mind that it is a practice that has some risks associated with it, which has led banking entities to offer safer purchasing methods. . This is why virtual payment cards were created.

These types of cards lack physical support and are specially designed to make purchases over the Internet, but beyond this detail, they have similar characteristics to physical cards, having their corresponding identification number, expiration date, CVV security code and its respective password or PIN. However, the difference is that all this data is virtual and are cards not linked to a physical account or to the user's physical cards.

These cards work like any prepaid card, in which users can enter the desired amount of money, always within the limits established by each card in its conditions, and then use it in their online purchases. Typically, they are charged with the exact amount of the purchase you intend to make, thus preventing the online platform on which you are purchasing from charging a higher amount.

Most banks offer different options to recharge the card, so it can be done in person at the bank branch itself or through an ATM, or use remote options such as recharging by telephone. by calling customer service or through the internet, either through the digital banking website or through its mobile app.

Once the card has been recharged, it is used in a similar way to any credit and debit card, entering its details into the payment platform of the website where the purchase will be made.
Advantages of virtual payment cards

This type of card is specifically designed for online purchases, so it adapts to the characteristics of this type of transaction, with the main advantage being that it offers a secure payment method, allowing the user to control their funds and avoid possible charges exceeding the available balance with which it has been recharged.

Likewise, it must be taken into account that these cards do not have associated issuance or maintenance costs, and that, due to their virtual status, it is not possible to lose them or have them stolen.

https://www.20minutos.es/lainformacion/economia-y-finanzas/tarjetas-virtuales-pago-5482953/