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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Win up to R200 000 at every live Betway SA20 match!

Plus, you could win an all-expenses paid trip to India for a bespoke cricket experience.

It's game time! Your Absa card could make you a winner at the Betway SA20 tournament

Absa Card Play of the Day

You could win up to R200 000 at every Betway SA20 match.

Ticket discounts

Get 25%* discount paid as cash back into your Rewards Account.

Grand prize

Win an all-expenses-paid trip for two to watch the biggest T20 show in India.

The Absa Moneyball

Get your share of R1 000 000 with Absa Savings Coach.

What you need to know

How to enter
Absa Card Play of the Day

Hold an active Absa transactional account (excluding MegaU and  Islamic Youth) or Absa credit card

Register at our stadium activations during any of the 34 matches

Spend a minimum of R300 at any one of the 34 Betway SA20 season 4  cricket matches

Join Absa Rewards if you’re not a member already.

25%* ticket discounts for all matches

Purchase match tickets from TicketPro and pay with your Absa card

Join Absa Rewards if you’re not a member already.

Full price charged at checkout. Discount credited to your Absa Rewards account per programme rules.

Grand Prize

Register at any one of the 34 matches - this excludes customers that had already won at any of the 34 matches.

Spend a minimum of R5 000 at any point-of-sale on your Absa card during the campaign  period

Join Absa Rewards if you’re not a member already.

The Absa Moneyball

Link the Moneyball auto saver to a goal using Absa Savings Coach in your Absa Banking App

Choose your favourite Betway SA20 team before every match.

When your team wins a match, Absa will add R1 for every dot ball (Moneyball) bowled (up to R40 per match).
Who qualifies?
To qualify to participate in the campaign, you must:

Be a South African citizen, hold a South African identity document and live in the Republic of South Africa

Be a temporary resident in South Africa holding a valid passport and permit, excluding those on holiday and business visits

Provide correct and full personal contact details

Be 18 years or older.

Absa, its directors, members, partners, employees, agents and consultants, suppliers of goods and services and their respective spouses, life partners, business partners and immediate family members are not permitted to participate in this campaign.
Campaign period

Campaign runs from 26 December 2025 to 25 January 2026 - both dates included.
Terms and conditions
25% discount, Absa Card Play of the Day, and Grand Prize terms and conditions

Absa Moneyball terms and conditions.