virtual card
Monthly fee
R0
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Benefits

virtual card

ZERO monthly fee

You can create up to 3 virtual cards per account.

virtual card

Enhanced security

Set card limits for enhanced security when you pay with your virtual card.

virtual card

Shop online

Easily pay when shopping online.

What you need to know

  • How it works

    To create a virtual card:

    • Go to your Absa Banking App and tap Cards
    • Tap Create a new virtual card.
    • Choose the type of card (credit or debit).
    • Follow the prompts.

    Your virtual card has:

    • A unique card number
    • An expiry date
    • A dynamic CVV (CVV that changes periodically)

  • Features and benefits

    • Extra security for online shopping

      Absa virtual cards come with unique numbers that can be used once or for a limited time. So, if a website gets hacked, your physical card’s details stay safe.
    • Control and customisation

      You can set spending limits or even lock the card after a single use. It’s perfect for subscriptions or trial services you don’t want to forget to cancel.
    • Privacy protection

      Virtual cards don’t reveal your actual bank details, making them ideal for purchases on unfamiliar sites.
    • Business and budgeting

      If you’re managing expenses, e.g. for work or side gigs, you can issue different virtual cards for different vendors or categories. It’s like having mini wallets, each with its own purpose.
    • Quick to setup
      You can get a virtual card instantly and start using it right away.
    • Contactless
      Your virtual card is contactless payment is enabled on and all transactions under R500 are accepted without a PIN.

     

     

Frequently Asked Questions on Virtual Card

  • 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’s linked to your credit card or transactional account.
    • It can be used for secure online or in-app purchases without using your physical card details.
    • It’s 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?

    • Virtual card: Has unique card details (number, expiry date, dynamic CVV) and offers extra security.
    • 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?

    • It's free to activate and use. Plus, you can replace it immediately on your Banking App.
    • You don’t have to use your physical card’s details for online purchases anymore.
    • It’s safer than a physical card. You never have to worry about it getting lost, being stolen or being duplicated
    • You can set different daily and monthly limits for your physical card and virtual card, which can provide an extra layer of protection when using the virtual card for purchases.
    • You can manage the virtual card and its limits on your Absa Banking App.
    • If your physical wallet or physical card is lost or stolen, the physical card can be stopped on your Banking App. However, the virtual card will continue to work, so you’ll never be stranded without any means of payment.

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

    • Go to your Absa Banking App and tap Cards
    • Tap Create a new virtual card.
    • Choose the type of card (credit or debit).
    • Follow the prompts.

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

    You can use your virtual card as soon as you you have created it - no extra activation steps required.

  • What security features does the virtual card have?

    • Dynamic CVV: Changes every few minutes for added protection
    • PIN: Viewable in the Banking App under Virtual card details

    For subscriptions, the CVV is only needed for the first payment; recurring charges use the card number and expiry date.

    If a transaction is declined because of suspected fraud or malware errors, do the following

    1. Delete the Absa Banking App.
    2. Uninstall any suspicious or malware apps from your device. These are usually apps installed outside your official Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
    3. Reinstall the latest version of the Absa Banking App on your official Play Store or App Store.

  • What are the costs and limitations of a virtual card?

    • The virtual card is free.
    • Cannot be used for airport lounge access (physical card required).
    • Expires every 4–5 years, subscriptions will fail after expiry, so you’ll need to update 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/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 block it.

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

    • Extra security: Dynamic CVV valid for 10–15 minutes.
    • Control: Set spending limits or lock after each use.
    • Privacy: Doesn’t reveal your actual bank details.
    • Budgeting: Create multiple cards for different expenses.
    • Instant: No waiting for a physical card.

  • What happens when my virtual card expires or needs renewal?

    • Subscriptions fail after expiry, you will need to update merchant with your new card details.
    • Create a new virtual card on your Absa Banking App.

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Need more help?

For more information visit our Self-service section
 

General card support:

Call us on: 0861 462 273
International: +27 11 354 4001
Email us at: contactcard@absa.co.za


Visit your nearest branch


For lost and stolen cards (24/7)
Call us on: 0800 111 155 | Absa App
 

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