How to Choose a Virtual Dollar Card: Ranking the Best Services for Everyday Purchases

Until a few years ago, virtual payment cards seemed like a niche product available only to technology enthusiasts. Today, they have become a standard tool for millions of users worldwide. The demand for dollar-denominated virtual cards is growing rapidly due to the instability of local currencies and the popularity of international online services. But what factors truly matter when choosing a virtual dollar card?

What should you consider when choosing a virtual card?

1. Payment system and usability

More than 90% of virtual cards are issued under the Visa or Mastercard networks. The difference between them is minimal, but Mastercard sometimes offers more favorable conditions for international transactions.

2. Funding methods and fees

Some services offer zero-fee deposits via bank transfers (SEPA, SWIFT), while others support cryptocurrency deposits. It is important to consider hidden fees, such as:

• Currency conversion fees

• Service fees (fixed or percentage-based)

• Deposit and spending limits

3. Security and expense management

Virtual cards offer a higher level of protection than traditional ones. Before registering, it's essential to check:

• Does the service support 3D Secure for payment protection?

• Can the card be frozen instantly via the app?

• Is it possible to generate single-use cards for one-time payments?

Market leaders: which services offer the best conditions?

1. Spend

The financial platform Spend.net specializes in virtual dollar cards. It offers dedicated cards for media buying on popular platforms, as well as for general online purchases and payments. All Spend.net cards are free. Additionally, all cards provide automatic cashback refunds. For everyday expenses, a 1% cashback on purchases is a valuable bonus. Cashback is credited to the card automatically and can be tracked via the user dashboard.

Users can customize deposit fees, with the rate depending on their chosen settings. The average deposit fee is 2%. All transactions on the cards are fully transparent — there are no fees for card issuance or financial transactions. Users do not need to pay for purchases, currency exchanges, withdrawals, or account management.

Technical specifications:

• Payment networks: Visa/Mastercard

• Security technologies: 3D Secure

• Supported cryptocurrencies: USDT, BTC

• Registration: Google account or email authorization

• Restrictions: None

• Limits: None

• Customer support: 24/7 live chat

2. LinkPay

LinkPay, a virtual card issuer, offers the Omni dollar card, a credit card with 3% cashback on purchases. The platform features an intuitive interface, making payments and account management seamless. One key advantage is the absence of spending limits. However, the service does have a commission structure – a 1% deposit fee and a 2% transaction fee. 

For users with a high monthly transaction volume (over $50,000), all fees are waived, provided they subscribe to the Ultra Plan, which grants access to additional benefits.

Technical specifications:

• Payment networks: Visa

• Security technologies: 3D Secure

• Supported cryptocurrencies: USDT (TRC20, ERC20), BTC, ETH

• Registration: Email signup

• Restrictions: None

• Limits: None

• Customer support: 24/7 via Telegram

3. Pyypl

The Pyypl service provides virtual prepaid cards accepted at millions of merchants worldwide. These cards are designed for long-term use, with no general spending limits. However, there are restrictions on single transactions—individual payments cannot exceed $1,000.

The platform applies a 2.99% transaction fee on all payments.

Technical specifications:

• Payment networks: Visa

• Security technologies: 3D Secure

• Supported cryptocurrencies: USDT (TRC20, ERC20), BTC, ETH, and six other crypto assets

• Registration: Via the app

• Restrictions: None

• Limits: None

• Customer support: 24/7 live chat

The future of virtual cards: what to expect?

According to some forecasts, virtual cards may soon completely replace plastic ones for online payments, with AI and blockchain technologies further enhancing digital financial security. Their use is already expanding beyond e-commerce, becoming a key tool for financial management, fee reduction, and improved flexibility.

Technological advancements will lead to even more sophisticated virtual cards with advanced features. Some providers already offer cards with dynamically changing numbers for maximum payment security. In the near future, AI assistants may enable users to manage spending limits and freeze specific transactions in real time.

Furthermore, Web3 integration will open new opportunities for cryptocurrency payments in daily life. Major blockchain companies are testing cards that automatically convert crypto assets into fiat at the point of sale, eliminating the need for complex exchange procedures and making digital currencies more accessible for everyday purchases. Startups and small businesses are increasingly using virtual cards and payment gateways.

Regulation will be another crucial factor in the sector’s development. Virtual cards are increasingly drawing the attention of financial regulators, which may result in the introduction of new security and transparency standards. At the same time, this will create conditions for the emergence of licensed global providers offering guaranteed user fund protection.

Additionally, the functionality of virtual corporate cards is expected to expand. Businesses will be able to issue virtual corporate cards with flexible limits and automated expense tracking, optimizing budget management and reducing administrative costs.

Virtual cards are no longer just an alternative to plastic — they have evolved into a full-fledged financial management tool. Their convenience, security, and seamless integration with cutting-edge technologies make them an essential part of the digital economy.

Today, virtual cards are not just a trend but the new norm for digital payments.