Cards
Virtual card or physical card: which to use, and when
More and more cards start life on a screen. This guide explains what a virtual card is, how it differs from a plastic or metal card, and how to decide which one to use for what.
What is a virtual card?
A virtual card has the same details as a normal card (a card number, an expiry date and a security code) but no plastic. You find it in the app and use it to pay online, for subscriptions or whenever a website asks for card details.
Because it only exists in the app, a virtual card can be ready soon after you sign up, with nothing to wait for in the post. Some online payments ask you to confirm with an extra check; see what is 3-D Secure.
What is a physical card?
A physical card is the card you carry in your wallet. You tap it on the reader or insert it with your PIN in shops, restaurants and taxis, and you use it to take out cash at ATMs. Physical cards are usually plastic; some premium cards are made of metal.
A physical card has to be produced and delivered, so it takes longer to arrive than a virtual card. Delivery times depend on your country.
Virtual vs physical card at a glance
Virtual card | Physical card | |
|---|---|---|
Where you use it | Online and in apps | In shops, restaurants and at ATMs; online too |
When it's ready | In the app, soon after sign-up | After delivery |
Cash at ATMs | No | Yes |
If you lose your phone or card | Freeze the card in the app | Freeze the card, then order a new one in the app |
Odix cards: plastic, metal and virtual
Every Odix card is linked to your Odix Pay balance and shows each payment in the app.
Odix White: a classic plastic Visa card for everyday spending wherever Visa® is accepted.
Odix Black: our signature black plastic Visa card.
Odix Rose Metal: a premium metal Visa card.
With the Visa cards, your virtual card is in the app once your identity is verified, and you order the physical card in the app. Odix Visa® cards work with Google Pay. Card fees and limits depend on the card and are shown in the app before you order.
Step by step
How to get and use your virtual and physical card, step by step
Open your account
Download the Odix Pay app, sign up and verify your identity.
Choose your card
Compare the Odix cards in the app and check any card fee before you order.
Use your virtual card online
Copy the card details from the app when a website or app asks for them.
Order your physical card
Order it in the app; delivery times depend on your country.
Pay in shops and take out cash
When the physical card arrives, tap or insert it at the till and use it at ATMs.
Stay in control
Freeze the card in the app if something looks wrong, and check every payment in your history. Freezing one card doesn't affect your other cards.
Which one should you use?
Shopping online or paying subscriptions: the virtual card keeps your physical card in your wallet and is easy to freeze if a website looks wrong.
Paying in person: the physical card, by tap or with your PIN.
Cash: the physical card at an ATM. The ATM operator may add its own fee.
Travelling: carry the physical card and keep the virtual card in the app as a backup. See using your card abroad.
Good to know
Never share your PIN, CVV or one-time codes, whether your card is virtual or physical. If your card or phone is lost or stolen, freeze the card in the app and order a new card there; see lost or stolen card. New to prepaid cards? Read what is a prepaid card. For fees, see the help centre.
Related
Explore in Odix Pay
Want to know who runs Odix Pay? Read Is Odix Pay safe?
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general information only. It is not legal, financial, investment or other professional advice. Features, steps and availability depend on your country and eligibility, and they may change when the app is updated. Where fees or limits apply, the Odix Pay app shows them before you confirm.
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