Virtual cards are payment cards used for to make online and in-app transactions, as well as contactless payments.
For online and in-app transactions using your virtual card, you need to provide sensitive information such as your card number, the expiration date, and the Card Verification Code (CVC). You can view your card numbers in your web banking app.
Remember, treat these numbers like your PIN—keep them secret to prevent fraud. When using them, make sure no one can see your screen.
Avoid storing your virtual card numbers as this can be risky. Instead, access them through your Web Banking app whenever you need to use them.
Contactless payments can be made through mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and at any point-of-sale with a card reader that accepts tap-to-pay, usually indicated by the contactless payment logo.
Types of virtual cards
When ordering a card, you'll be presented with three options to choose from:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Virtual card only (1) | You exclusively need a virtual card for online transactions and contactless payments. |
| Virtual and physical card (2) | You want a physical card. A virtual card will automatically be generated by default if you request a physical card, you have to have one before a physical card can be printed. |
| Single-use virtual card (3) | You want to make one-time payments, or recurrent subscription transactions with one merchant. |
After ordering, you can use all virtual cards right away. You can update the settings, view sensitive card information, and cancel all cards types in your Web Banking app. You can also view and manage all of your card types in your Web Banking app.
Tip
For multiple card types, *naming your cards will help you distinguish between each card and their specified purpose.
Virtual cards with no physical card
A virtual card without a physical counterpart will be labeled as *Virtual in your card list within the Web Banking app.
If you’ve chosen to only have a virtual card, you can always add a physical card associated to this card later.
To order a physical card for an already existing virtual card:
- Go to Web Banking > Cards.
- Select the Physical card tab.
- Click Order, which triggers a popup to appear.
- Verify or modify your shipping address, then click Validate.
Be cautious when adding your address, as it cannot be changed once validated.
Virtual cards linked to physical cards
A virtual card with a physical counterpart will be labeled as *Virtual and Physical in your card list within the Web Banking app.
This virtual card represents the card contract for all associated physical cards. Virtual and physical cards always have different card numbers, expiration dates, and CVCs, whether they’re created at the same time or at different times.
*View each card’s unique information in the Virtual card and Physical card tabs.
Updates made to your card's settings will affect both the virtual cards and the linked physical card. If you cancel your virtual card, the attached physical and digital cards will also be canceled.
Single-use cards
Instead of using physical cards for online purchases, consider using single-use virtual (SUV) cards instead. SUV cards are a safer option for online payments as they reduce the risk of fraudulent purchases. You have the option to create either one-off or recurring SUV cards:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Recurring (1) | Multiple payments for one merchant. |
| One-off (2) | Can be used for a one-time payment, after which they stop to work. |
You can update your single-use card settings and cancel your card at any time. You can also switch from a single-use card from being a one-off payment card to a recurring card in the card settings.
If you have further questions, submit a request to Swan Support.