As India undergoes a digital revolution, the nation is witnessing transformative advancements across various sectors such as e-payments, e-health, digital literacy, financial inclusion, agriculture, and rural development. These changes are driven by innovative solutions from young minds, which are addressing long-standing socio-economic challenges. By investing in science and technology, India is steadily positioning itself as a global power.
In the realm of Digital India, one of the most significant innovations is the rise of online payments. Whether it’s through net banking, Paytm, NEFT, RTGS, or Google Pay, paying for goods and services has never been easier. However, in some situations, your bank may not support online payments, or you might seek additional security. This is where virtual debit cards come in—offering a safer alternative to traditional debit cards for online transactions.
Virtual debit cards are highly secure, reducing the risks often associated with physical card use. Let’s dive into the 15 best online virtual debit card providers in India, ensuring you have the best options for secure and seamless digital transactions.
The 15 Best Online Virtual Debit and credit card providers in India are:
1. Axis Bank ASAP
When you open an Axis Bank ASAP account, a virtual debit card is provided free of charge. This card can be easily registered through the Axis Mobile app, giving you quick access to secure online transactions. Essentially, you must open an Axis ASAP account to get this virtual debit card.
Here are the steps to find the details of your virtual debit card linked to your ASAP account:
- Open an Axis ASAP account.
- Download the Axis Mobile app on your Android device.
- Log in to the app.
- Navigate to the “Accounts” section.
- Click on your ASAP account number.
- View your virtual debit card details.
Since this card is virtual, it has no physical existence, like all virtual debit cards. The card offers a transaction limit of ₹1,00,000 per day and is powered by Visa. No minimum balance is required to apply for this virtual debit card, making it highly convenient.
Key Criteria to Open the Axis ASAP Account:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You should be an Indian citizen with valid address proof.
In today’s world, carrying a load of cash can be cumbersome, but this virtual debit card simplifies transactions and offers you the ease of going cashless effortlessly.
2. Kotak 811
The Kotak Bank virtual debit card, also known as Kotak NetCard, can be obtained through the following steps:
- Download the Kotak Mobile app.
- Navigate to the 811 section.
- Select “Virtual Debit Card.”
- Click on “Get One Now.”
Ensure you have your PAN and Aadhar documents ready. Once you have these, you can transfer funds via internet banking and use the card for online payments. Please note that this card cannot be used for direct payments at physical shops; it is only suitable for online shopping, ticket booking, etc. The card is powered by Visa. Additionally, there is no minimum balance requirement.
3. HDFC Payzapp
The HDFC Bank issues a Payzapp card, which is an app on your phone that makes payments convenient. Follow these steps to get started:
- Download the Payzapp application from the Play Store.
- Enter the mobile number registered with your bank account.
- Complete the registration and basic KYC steps.
- Link your bank account to the Payzapp card.
Now your online virtual debit card is ready to use. This card is a Visa prepaid virtual debit card, and it simplifies payments significantly. Please note that international transactions are not supported. You can load funds using net banking or a credit/debit card and start using it for your online transactions.
4. Digibank by DBS
The Visa Virtual Debit Card offered by Digibank is a great example of how payments have become easier. It can be used with a zero balance digital bank account. Follow these steps to get started:
- Download the app.
- Enter the basic details.
- Verify your number.
- Create a username and password.
- Link your bank account.
- Transfer funds and use the e-wallet.
The card type is Visa, and the documents needed are Aadhar and PAN card. Digibank, a Singapore-based bank, has gained immense popularity in India in recent years. Enjoy benefits like cashback while shopping and great offers across travel, entertainment, and more.
5. YES Pay by Yes Bank
Yes Bank provides YES PAY as the virtual debit card for online payments. This is a mobile pay e-wallet that can be created in seconds with your Aadhar KYC. Follow these steps to get started:
- Download YES PAY from the Play Store.
- Enter the basic details.
- Verify your number.
- Complete the UPI (Unified Payment Interface) registration process.
- Link your bank account.
- Transfer funds to the e-wallet.
- Use your e-wallet/virtual debit card.
This card is a Rupay card and does not allow international transactions. It offers great deals for top brands when shopping, as well as bill payments, ticket bookings, and cashback offers.
6. Pockets by ICICI Bank
Pockets is an e-wallet service established by ICICI Bank. The card type is Visa. Follow these simple steps to get started:
- Download the Pockets app.
- Register with your mobile number linked to your bank account.
- Enter the basic details.
- Verify your number.
- Create your username and password.
- Add funds from any other bank account or ICICI Bank account using net banking.
- Create your e-wallet in seconds.
You can personalize your wallet and use it like Google Pay to send money to others or for any other online payments. With a wide range of offers across various platforms, Pockets is a renowned, user-friendly virtual digital wallet. This service is highly secure, UPI enabled, and limited to national transactions only.
7. SBI Virtual card
The State Bank of India (SBI) offers a Virtual Debit Card, also known as an electronic card, specifically designed for online transactions. The policy is unique, allowing you to use the card for amounts ranging from Rs 100/- to Rs 50,000/-. The card is valid for 48 hours, and any unused balance after the validity period is automatically transferred back to your bank account. There is no limit on the number of times the card can be used within the same day, and the card type is Visa.
To generate the online virtual debit card:
- Log in to onlinesbi.com.
- Click on “e-services.”
- Select “e-cards.”
- Enter the virtual card limit (Rs 100/- to Rs 50,000/-).
- Click “Generate.”
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Your virtual card is now ready for use.
8. DigiPurse by Union Bank
Digipurse is an e-wallet service and virtual debit card provided by Union Bank. The card type is Visa. Follow these steps to use the card:
- Download the Digipurse app.
- Enter your mobile number and verify it.
- Fill in the basic details.
- Transfer funds from your bank account.
- Wait 24 hours for activation.
- The minimum transfer amount is Rs 500, and the maximum is Rs 10,000.
With Digipurse, you can easily pay your bills, recharge your mobile and DTH services, and perform other online transactions.
9. Payapt by IDBI Bank
IDBI Bank offers Payapt as its virtual debit card. To get started, follow these steps:
- Download the Payapt app.
- Register using your mobile number.
- Create a PIN for security.
- Transfer money to the wallet.
Each time you log in, you will need to input the PIN, ensuring the app’s security. The transaction limit is Rs 10,000 for non-KYC accounts and Rs 50,000 for KYC accounts.
This virtual debit card allows you to perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Mobile recharge
- Bill payments
- Person-to-merchant payments
- Online shopping
- Sending and receiving money
- Viewing transaction history
The card type is Visa.
10. M-Clip by Bank of Baroda
M Clip is a virtual debit card service provided by Bank of Baroda. The minimum balance you can maintain is as low as Rs 1. The card types available are Visa and Mastercard. You can register by following these simple steps:
- Download the M Clip app.
- Enter your basic details.
- Enter the mobile number linked to your bank account.
- Transfer the funds to your M Clip wallet.
The M Clip wallet can be used for transactions at any e-commerce or m-commerce merchant, but it is limited to Indian transactions only. Money transfers can only occur between M Clip accounts and cannot be sent to a bank account.
11. UDIO by RBL Bank
The Digital Visa Card is an e-wallet service offered by RBL Bank. To get started, you need to register using your Aadhaar Card and PAN number, and open a savings or savings and fixed account. The minimum balance requirement is Rs 5,000. TranServ has partnered with RBL Bank to offer the Udio Wallet, which makes transferring funds from different accounts convenient.
There are limits on the number of transactions:
- Maximum of 20 transactions per day
- Maximum of 100 transactions per week
The Udio Cashpoint service allows you to visit authorized stores where you can deposit cash, which will then be loaded into your U-Wallet for future use.
12. Freecharge
Freecharge is another popular online virtual debit card service. It is a widely used mobile wallet across India for mobile recharges, but it offers much more than that. Freecharge provides a prepaid virtual debit card service, powered by Yes Bank, with the card type being Mastercard. Note that transactions can only be performed within India, not internationally.
Getting started with Freecharge is simple:
- Download the Freecharge app
- Enter your mobile number and verify it
- Add your bank account
- Start making payments easily
Freecharge also offers Mastercard cardholders special cashback offers, which can be availed through the app.
13. Slonkit by DCB Bank
DCB Bank provides Slonkit, a virtual prepaid card that serves as a money management app. After downloading the app, you can register with your DCB Bank account. There is an activation fee for the card.
Slonkit helps you track your spending and provides tips on how to manage your money efficiently. Once your Slonkit card is activated, you can make online payments and avail of exclusive offers for DCB Bank customers.
The card type is Visa.
14. Zeta by RBL Bank
Zeta Super Card is powered by RBL Bank and is a virtual debit card issued by RuPay. To generate the card, follow these steps:
- Download the Zeta app
- Enter basic details
- Create a PIN
- Log in and link your bank account to the app
- The virtual card is ready to use
Online transactions are simplified with this card. A unique feature is the dynamic PIN, which changes with every transaction, adding an extra layer of security.
15. Bluebird by American Express
Bluebird App is a virtual debit card owned by American Express. To get started:
- Download the Bluebird app on your mobile
- Link your bank account
- Transfer funds and use the card for digital payments
A physical card is also available for ATM withdrawals. With the Bluebird app, you can:
- Manage payments
- Send and receive money
- Check your balance and transaction history
There is no minimum balance requirement. However, one downside is that no cashback rewards are earned with this card.
In today’s digital age, where hackers can access personal information and bank accounts, virtual debit cards offer a secure solution. With OTP protection for transactions and no physical existence, these cards cannot be cloned, making your transactions safer.
