What is a virtual debit card?

What is a virtual debit card

Virtual debit cards are digital payment tools created and managed in the mobile app. They are not a digital copy of the physical debit card but in addition and optional. Each card has its own unique details and they can be used to make payments in store, online or over the phone. They are free to create and linked to a current account. Payments will show just like now e.g. via Anytime Internet Banking, in the mobile app and in your monthly statements.

To create a virtual debit card on your current account, simply log into the mobile app and select ‘Manage cards & Apple Wallet’ or ‘Manage cards & Google Wallet’. You will need to have registered your biometrics with us before you can do this.

To create a virtual debit card on a pot, log in to the mobile app and select the pot you’d like to use. Then choose ‘Add a virtual card’. For more information, click here.

Are virtual debit cards free

Yes, they are free and can be created on your Sole and/or Joint Account, if you have both.

Virtual debit card limits explained

You can have up to 2 virtual debit cards at any one time and a maximum of 25 per year. These limits apply at the account level, meaning you can use them across both Sole and Joint Accounts. For instance, you may have two virtual debit cards on your Sole Account and another one or two on your Joint Account.

For Joint Accounts, either party can utilise the full allowance or it can be divided, allowing each customer to have one virtual debit card.

Why use a virtual debit card

Personalisation: Personalise each virtual debit card, giving it a unique label and purpose e.g. Travel, making it easier to manage expenses.
Secure creation & safe payments: Create virtual debit cards securely by using your biometrics, enhancing the safety of financial transactions.
Quick Cancellation: If you suspect any irregularities, you can easily cancel your virtual debit card within the app while still using your physical debit card.
Enhanced Control: With more than one debit card on your current account, you can gain greater control over your spending. For example, you could create a virtual debit card specifically for online shopping and temporarily disable these payments on your physical debit card, or set up a virtual debit card for holiday and cancel it when home to reduce the risk of compromise whilst overseas.

By utilising virtual debit cards, you can tailor your financial management to better meet your needs and preferences.

Spend limits explained

Virtual debit cards have a maximum spend limit of £5,000 per card, per day. If you hold a Euro or US Dollar Travel Account, you can additionally spend €5,000 and/or $5,000 daily across (all) your virtual debit cards, assuming these accounts are adequately funded.

Thus, with both Euro and US Dollar Travel accounts, your maximum daily spending could be:

£10,000 from your current account (split across two virtual cards),
€5,000 from your Euro Travel Account,
$5,000 from your US Dollar Travel Account.

Note that if you wish to create a virtual debit card to use with a Travel account, it will need to be on your Sole account. This is because Travel accounts are not available on Joint accounts.

Can I personalise my virtual debit card

You can personalise each virtual debit card with a unique label to suit your spending (e.g. ‘Subscriptions’). This can be updated anytime in the mobile app under ‘Manage cards & Apple Wallet’. You also have the option to select from pre-populated categories including bills, transport and groceries. Note that these labels will not transfer to the digital wallet and are visible only in the mobile app.

Virtual debit cards have their own card design to differentiate them from your physical debit card in your digital wallet.

Where can I use my virtual debit card

You can use your virtual debit card for online shopping and in-store payments.

They cannot be used for:

Gambling (including The National Lottery and betting)
Cryptocurrency payments
Money transfers (e.g. Western Union)
Cash withdrawals (Get Cash available via the mobile app)

You can still use your physical debit card for these payments, subject to certain limits.

Can I use my virtual debit card abroad

Yes, you can use your virtual debit card abroad and/or for international payments, just like your physical debit card. If you have a Euro or US Dollar Travel Account, it will automatically work abroad if properly funded and the correct currency is selected.

Note: You can only upload a new virtual debit card to your digital wallet via our mobile app while abroad. We take various steps to ensure your security when banking with us.

How do I report a fraud, scam, or disputed transaction

In the mobile app tap on your account, then ‘My transactions’. Select the transaction you need help with, and then ‘Report a dispute, fraud or scam’ to go straight to our payment support page.

Can a virtual debit card make me overdrawn?

Your virtual debit card works in the same way as your traditional physical debit card. If you have an overdraft facility, it will debit the balance in line with your limits.

When can I spend on my virtual debit card?

Most virtual debit cards will be available to use instantly. You will receive an in-app notification when the card is ready to use; ensure your notifications are enabled in the app by going to ‘Home’ > ‘My Profile’ > ‘Notification preferences’ > ‘Current Account’.

How is a virtual debit card different to Apple Pay or Google Pay

Apple Pay and Google Pay are digital wallets that allow you to store and use your payment cards for purchases (they are not payment tools). You must add your payment cards to them to make purchases through these wallets.

Important: If you receive an unexpected One-Time Passcode (OTP) regarding adding your card to Apple Pay or Google Pay when you haven’t initiated this, do not proceed and contact us immediately. Your card details may be compromised.

Be fraud aware: if you ever receive an unexpected onetime passcode (OTP) that says you are adding your card to Apple Pay or Google Pay, and this isn’t what you are trying to do, don’t continue. Contact us immediately by calling the number on the back of your card- your card details could be compromised.

What happens if a mobile device is lost or stolen with a virtual debit card saved in the digital wallet

If you lose your mobile device, let us know by chatting to Cora via Anytime Internet Banking so we can suspend your mobile banking app. You can also contact us (opens in a new window).

If you suspect your device has been stolen you should also contact the police.

Remember to cancel your Apple Pay accounts to prevent unauthorised access. You can remove the ability to make payments from credit and debit cards using Apple Pay on your mobile devices via the device itself, by logging into your iCloud account, or you can call our dedicated Apple Pay Support Team.

On the device

To remove a card that you use on your:

iPhone or iPad: go to 'Settings', then 'Wallet & Apple Pay'. Tap the card that you want to remove then 'Remove This Card'. Or open Wallet, tap a card then 'more'. Then 'Remove This Card'
Apple Watch: go to the Watch app on your iPhone. Choose the 'My Watch' tab then 'Wallet & Apple Pay'. Tap the card, then scroll down and tap 'Remove This Card'. Or open Wallet on the home screen of your Apple Watch. Tap a card, press it firmly and tap 'Delete'
Mac: go to System Preferences then Wallet & Apple Pay. Click the card that you want to remove and click the minus (–) sign to remove the card

iCloud

If your debit or credit card is lost or stolen:

Visit https://www.icloud.com/ (opens in a new window)
Sign in to the Apple iCloud account
Select 'Account Settings'
Choose your device
Remove your cards in the Apple Pay section

For further support, please contact our dedicated team.

If my virtual debit card is compromised and it is saved in my digital wallet will it continue to work

Yes, your Apple Pay or Google Pay will continue to work – we will automatically update your card details for you.

What happens if I have fraud on my account and my card is cancelled Will my Apple Pay or Google Pay continue to work and or regular payments continue to be paid

No. If your card is cancelled due to fraud on your account, you will need to contact any merchants you have a regular payment or subscription with and provide them with your new card details. You will also need to add your new card details to your Digital Wallet once it is issued.

How do I avoid fraud and scams on my virtual debit card

Watch out for criminals who pretend to be the bank. If you get a call or a message to say a virtual card has been created on your account, but you haven’t done this - hang up, or don’t respond. Call us using the number on the back of your physical debit card to check if the contact is genuine.
Consider where you are shopping. Take care when buying online or through social media. Before buying, search for reviews on the website or seller from multiple sources, and pay attention to the bad ones. Avoid clicking on links, adverts, or pop-ups as these could take you to fraudulent websites. Use well known sites if possible. Activate ‘My Security Profile’ in the mobile app to improve your account controls and stay up to date with the latest fraud and scams. In the app tap ‘Help’ then ‘My Security Profile’.

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