What is a virtual card and how does it work?

A virtual card is an electronic card created on your Banking App. It has its own unique 16-digit number, expiry date, and dynamic CVV, separate from your physical card. It is linked to your credit card or transactional account. You can use it for secure online or in-app purchases without using your physical card details. It is generated instantly on the Absa Banking App and is safer for online purchases, subscriptions, and one-time transactions.

How is a virtual card different from a digital card?

A virtual card has unique card details including its own number, expiry date, and dynamic CVV, providing extra security. A digital card mirrors your physical card and uses the same number, CVV, and expiry date.

Why should I use a virtual card instead of a physical card?

A virtual card is free to activate and use, and you can replace it instantly on your Banking App. It allows you to avoid using your physical card’s details for online purchases and offers added safety since it cannot be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You can set different limits for your virtual and physical cards, manage the virtual card on your Banking App, and if your physical card is lost or stolen, the virtual card remains active.

How do I get a virtual card and what do I need?

To get a virtual card, go to your Absa Banking App and tap 'Cards'. Tap 'Create a new virtual card', choose the card type (credit or debit), and follow the prompts.

Can I use my virtual card immediately after I have created it?

Yes, you can use your virtual card immediately after creating it with no extra activation steps required.

What security features does the virtual card have?

The virtual card includes a dynamic CVV that changes every few minutes for added protection. You can view the PIN in the Banking App under Virtual card details. For subscriptions, the CVV is only needed for the first payment, with recurring charges using the card number and expiry date.

What are the costs and limitations of a virtual card?

The virtual card is free. It cannot be used for airport lounge access since a physical card is required. It expires every 4–5 years and subscriptions will fail after expiry, requiring you to update your details. You can retrieve the PIN using your Banking App under View card details.

What happens if I block my virtual card or if my physical card is lost or stolen?

Blocking your virtual card does not affect your account or physical card. If your physical card is lost or stolen, your virtual card remains active unless you choose to block it.

Why do I need a virtual card if I already have a digital card?

A virtual card provides extra security with a dynamic CVV that is valid for 10–15 minutes. It allows greater spending control, privacy by not revealing your real card details, and budgeting by creating multiple cards for different expenses. It is instant and requires no waiting for a physical card.

What happens when my virtual card expires or needs renewal?

When your virtual card expires, subscriptions will fail and you will need to update merchants with your new card details. You can create a new virtual card on your Absa Banking App.

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Score big with debit orders this World Cup

Get two cash payouts with Absa when you add 2 or more debit orders. T&Cs apply.

Find out more

Path to your winning

Find out more

Get two cash payouts with Absa when you add 2 or more debit orders. T&Cs apply.

Find out more

What you need to know

How to enter
You must have:

An Absa Transactional account by 31 December 2025

Received an SMS from Absa between 29 January 2026 – 5 February 2026 to move your debit orders to your account

Terms and Conditions
How to score
Payout 1

To qualify, set up 2 or more new debit orders between 1 February 2026 and 31 March 2026. Example: If you had 3 debit orders on your account in December 2025, you need to have at least 5 debit orders by March 2026.

Debit orders only qualify if they are successfully paid during the competition period.

Payout 2

To qualify, you need to keep the same number of debit orders (or more) on your account for six months, from 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026.

Your cash payout will be based on the number of new debit orders that successfully run on your account from 1 April 2026 to September 2026.

You can add up to 5 new debit orders during the competition period.

Tip: The more debit orders you add, the more cash you get.
Red card rules
Your account must be in good standing.

You can only be considered for the second payout if you received the first one.

You can only get a payout for a maximum of five debit orders.

Add debit orders to your account. It must be the same account number mentioned in the SMS you received.

Make sure your new debit orders continue to run successfully from the time you add them.
Campaign dates
Campaign period

1 February 2026 to 30 September 2026

Payout dates

Payout 1: April

Payout 2: October

Payout Structure

Account	Payout 1 : April 2026	Payout 2: October 2026
Cheque	R50 per debit order	R200 per debit order
Savings	R25 per debit order	R100 per debit order

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