Virtual Debit Card - SBI, PNB, HDFC, and ICICI Banks

Features and Benefits of Virtual Debit Cards

The following are the features and benefits of Virtual Debit Cards:

Highly Secured

1. Virtual debit cards are highly secured as they cannot be accessed without a mobile app password and net banking password. Apart from this, there is no risk of duplication, theft or losing the card.

Can be Blocked Anytime

1. Unlike physical debit card, which can only be blocked by contacting your bank’s customer service or by visiting the branch, you can block your virtual debit card at anytime if you feel that your card is being misused. You do it by logging into the mobile app and clicking the block option.

Flexibility in Making Payments 

1. The users can also make payments using their virtual debit cards through their existing internet banking account. As the users can set the amount limit for their card, it can be easily used at online shopping site which accept debit card. This makes it more flexible as compared to traditional debit cards.

Instant Activation

1. Usually, once you open a bank account, the debit card is either parceled to your registered address or you can be collected from the bank. However, a virtual debit card can be activated instantly through mobile banking by KYC and OTP authentication process.
   

E-Commerce Perks

1. Virtual Debit Cards also has various benefits like traditional debit cards. The cardholders can get cashbacks and rewards points for doing bill payment, online shopping and carrying out other transactions online. Apart from this, it can also be used to make payments on government-based payment platforms.

Set Spending Limits

1. Virtual cards are mostly used because of their spending activity. This is because the cardholders can have a control over how much to spend per month through the card.

Convenient to Carry

1. Unlike a physical card, the virtual debit card need not be carried separately. Instead, the virtual debit card can be accessed through your mobile phones anywhere and anytime.

Top 5 Virtual Debit Cards

1. Kotak 811 Virtual Debit Card

Perfect for those who want a completely paperless banking experience.

1. Key Benefit: Comes with a zero-balance account.
2. Best Use Case: Paying for Netflix, Amazon Prime, and international trials.
3. Fee: Nil.

2. HDFC PayZapp Card

An extension of the PayZapp wallet, this Visa/Mastercard virtual card is a powerhouse for shoppers.

1. Key Benefit: Aggregated offers from SmartBuy.
2. Best Use Case: Online food delivery and travel bookings.

3. SBI Virtual Card

Ideal for state bank customers who prioritize security over fancy UI.

1. Key Benefit: Can be generated for a single transaction (disposable cards).
2. Best Use Case: One-time payments on unknown websites.

4. ICICI Pockets

The first "digital wallet" card in India. You don't even need an ICICI bank account to use this.

1. Key Benefit: UPI-linked virtual card.
2. Best Use Case: Managing monthly "fun money" or kids' allowances.

How to Get a Virtual Debit Card?

Given below are the steps to apply for a virtual debit card:

Step 1: Visit your net banking portal of a particular Bank Page

Step 2: Go to the ‘Cards’ section.

Step 3: Choose ‘Virtual Debit Cards’.

Step 4: Next, click on ‘Register New Virtual Debit Cards’.

Step 5: Choose your ‘Account Number’ and ‘Card Variant’.

Step 6: Select ‘Validity Month and Year’.

Step 7: Tick on the declaration box.

Step 8: Finally, enter your PIN to generate your virtual debit card.

Advantages of Virtual Debit Cards

Virtual Debit Cards come with the following advantages:

1. The transaction limit of the virtual debit card can be set by the cardholders.
2. As It can be stored in the mobile banking application, there is not risk of getting stolen, lost, or misused.

1. Virtual debit cards also widely used to make international transactions.
2. It can be conveniently carried digitally.

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