Best Virtual Credit Cards Egypt (2026)

• This guide is for users in Egypt who need a reliable virtual credit card for online shopping, subscriptions, international payments, and especially US-based websites that often reject local cards.

• The main problem with many Egypt-issued cards is frequent declines on international and US platforms, strict bank controls, FX limits, high foreign transaction fees, and blocked cross-border payments that make online spending unreliable.

• The five best virtual cards in Egypt are Halocard, Grey Virtual Mastercard, Yalla Virtual Prepaid Card, American Express Virtual Card (Egypt), and Wise Virtual Card.

• Halocard is the best virtual credit card for Egypt as it allows for easy domestic and international payments, including strong acceptance for US merchants, low fees, and strong security measures backed by Visa.

Quick Comparison Overview

Top 5 Best Virtual Cards in Egypt

Here are the top five virtual cards in Egypt.

1. Halocard

Halocard is a US-issued Visa virtual credit card that lets Egyptians create instant and private virtual cards for online payments and digital wallet spending.

How It Works

Simply sign up, complete a quick identity check, and create your virtual card in minutes. You can add funds, pay online, and use digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Fees

• Card creation: Included

• Monthly fee: Starting from $12/month

• FX fee: 1.5% on non-USD transactions

Transaction fees:

• Credit or debit card top ups: 3.9%

• Apple Pay or Google Pay top ups: 3.9%

• Cryptocurrency: 1–3%

• ACH, wire, and SEPA transfers: Free

Spending Limits & Capabilities

Halocard has no preset spending limits. You can only spend what you load, with built-in control tools to pause cards, set rules, or lock a card.

Key Advantages

• Instant issuance with no waiting period

• US-issued Visa with strong US and global acceptance

• Strong security and privacy controls

• Works online and with digital wallets

• 3D Secure by Visa for safer transactions

Drawbacks

• Monthly subscription required

• FX fees apply to non-USD purchases

• Not a traditional credit product

Who It's Best For

Halocard is best for Egyptian users who need reliable acceptance across US and global websites for subscriptions, online payments, and digital services.

Why Choose It Over Others?

Halocard is generally the best choice for those in Egypt who struggle with making US and international transactions due to card declines.

2. Grey Virtual Mastercard

Grey offers a USD virtual Mastercard for those in Egypt, designed for easy online payments, international transactions, and subscriptions using a dollar denominated account.

How It Works

Register on the Grey app, complete KYC, and request a foreign account. You can fund it via bank transfer andthen create a USD virtual card. You can then use it to pay anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Fees

• Card creation: $4 one-time

• Monthly fee: $0

• FX fee: 1% conversion fee (capped at $6)

Transaction fees:

• Cross-border fee: 2% of transaction amount + $0.50 on non-USD websites

• Deposits (ACH/SEPA/FPS): 0.8% (min $2, max $10)

• Withdrawals: Varies by currency and method

Spending Limits & Capabilities

Spending is limited only to the amount of funds available in the account. Cards can be restricted or frozen, and you always get instant notifications for completed transactions.

Key Advantages

• Instant virtual card issuance after KYC

• USD denominated card for global online transactions

• No monthly maintenance fees

• Supports online payments, subscriptions, and travel payments

• Strong security features including 2FA and real-time alerts

Drawbacks

• Cross-border fees apply on non-USD purchases

• Mastercard acceptance can be less consistent on some US platforms

• Debit-only product with no credit functionality

Who It’s Best For

Grey is best for people such as freelancers, remote workers, and shoppers who need a USD card.

Why Choose It Over the Others

Grey is a good choice for USD payments without monthly fees. However, cross-border charges and somewhat limited Mastercard acceptance make it a less reliable option for these purposes than US-issued Visa cards.

3. Yalla Virtual Prepaid Card (Paysky)

Yalla is a Visa-backed virtual prepaid card inside the Yalla Super App, designed to let users in Egypt pay online, handle bills, and spend at both local and international merchants.

How It Works

Download the Yalla Super App, create an account, complete identity checks, and start using the card for online payments. You may also request a physical card.

Fees

The majority of Yalla fees are not publicly disclosed in USD or otherwise, and are often only shown inside the Yalla Super App at the time of the transaction.

Spending Limits & Capabilities

Yalla is a prepaid card, so spending is limited to the amount funded onto the card, as well as your level of verification. The app allows for transfers, bills and merchant payments, and has tools to track spending, along with a PIN and in-app controls.

Key Advantages

• Built for everyday payments in egypt, including bills and local transactions

• Virtual and optional physical card access through one account

• Supports online payments and in-person use on POS and QR, depending on setup

• Strong app based security controls like lock and unlock, pin, and account protection

• Broad Visa network coverage for domestic and some global transactions

Drawbacks

• Many important fees are not clearly published in USD and may only appear in-app

• As a prepaid card, spending flexibility depends on topping up and available funds

• International acceptance can still vary by merchant, especially for certain cross-border online transactions

Who It's Best For

The Yalla Prepaid Card is best for people in Egypt for those who want a local-first prepaid card for bills and everyday online payments.

Why Choose It Over Others?

Yalla is a good choice for people in Egypt making daily payments. However, if your priority is US and global acceptance, dedicated US-issued virtual card providers are the better option.

4. American Express Virtual Card (Egypt)

American Express Virtual Cards are issued under your existing Amex card account, and are designed for safe online and contactless payments. This is tied to your existing Amex account, instead of being a standalone virtual card product.

How It Works

Log into the Amex MENA Aoo, open services, select Virtual Cards Management, verify via OTP, and create a virtual card and set your PIN. The card number and expiry date are instantly available and can be added to supported wallets.

Fees

American Express does not charge a separate issuance or maintenance fee for virtual cards. All costs come from the underlying physical Amex card you hold.

• Virtual card issuance: $0

• Virtual card monthly fee: $0

Typical underlying Amex card fees in Egypt (examples):

• American Express Green Card:

  • Annual membership fee: ~$95

  • Membership Rewards annual fee: ~$25 (if enrolled)

  • Foreign transaction fee: often waived on some regional cards, but depends on the specific agreement

• American Express Gold Card:

  • Annual membership fee: ~$175

  • Membership Rewards annual fee: ~$25

• Late payment fees: ~3% of the outstanding balance plus a fixed late fee

• Cash access fees: ~% of the amount withdrawn or a minimum fee

Exact fees vary by card type and are defined in your Amex Egypt cardmember agreement.

Spending Limits & Capabilities

Spending limits are tied to your existing credit limit and account level. You can issue up to six virtual cards for online transactions. It is also possible to request a physical card.

Key Advantages

• No extra cost to create virtual cards

• Strong security with per-card limits and app-based controls

• Works with digital wallets for contactless payments

• Earn Membership Rewards points on every eligible purchase

• Useful for family or supplementary customer spending management

Drawbacks

• Requires an approved Amex card with income and credit requirements

• Acceptance is narrower than Visa or Mastercard on some online stores

• Overall fees can be higher than prepaid or debit-style virtual cards

Who It's Best For

This card is best for existing Amex cardholders in Egypt who want an easy option for online spending without having to open a new account.

Why Choose It Over the Others

These cards are best for those who already have an Amex account, but want virtual cards with clear rewards and limits. That said, these cards are not as flexible for users who need broad global acceptance.

5. Wise Virtual Card

Wise offers a virtual debit card linked to a multi-currency account, designed for everyday spending, international transactions, and low-cost online payments.

How It Works

Open a Wise account, verify your identity, and access the virtual card in the Wise app. The card can be used for online payments, fully managed from your mobile device, and can be added to digital wallets. Spending draws from your available balance.

Fees

Wise is known for transparent, usage-based fees, with no monthly charges.

• Virtual card creation: Free

• Monthly fee: $0

Spending fees:

• Free spending: If you already hold EGP in your Wise account, spending in Egypt is free

• Automatic conversion: ~0.4–0.5% when converting from another currency at the mid-market rate

• Important note: Always choose to pay in EGP when prompted by a merchant to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) markups from local banks

Exact limits and fees are shown clearly in the Wise app before each transaction.

Spending Limits & Capabilities

Spending is limited to your available funds. Wise allows for the creation of multiple virtual cards, cards can be frozen and unfrozen instantly, and you can set spending controls.

Key Advantages

• No monthly or maintenance fees

• Very low FX fees using the mid-market rate

• Strong security with instant card controls

• Works well for global transactions and travel spending

• Clear, upfront pricing shown before payments are processed

Drawbacks

• Debit-only product with no credit line

• Not US-issued, so some US websites may still decline transactions

• ATM access and free limits vary by region and setup

Who It’s Best For

This is best for people in Egypt looking for low-cost international spending, freelancers managing multiple currencies, and travelers looking to avoid hidden exchange markups.

Why Choose It Over the Others

Wise is a good choice for currency conversion and everyday payments, but for acceptance on US sites, a US-issued virtual credit card is the better option.

What Is a Virtual Credit Card?

A virtual card or virtual credit card is a digital card that provides you with all needed details for online payments, without the need for a physical card. These often work like regular credit cards and are tied to a line of credit, but there are certain providers, such as Halocard, which provide virtual credit cards that are not tied to an existing line of credit.

These virtual cards include a card number, expiry date, and cvv, allowing you to pay for online transactions and subscriptions. Unlike a traditional credit card or debit card delivered in the mail, these live exclusively inside an app or wallet. You can create the card, manage it from the app, and control how you use it. Many providers also support digital wallets and contactless payments.

In Egypt, virtual cards are important because many online payments often fail due to bank restrictions, fees, and international processing rules. A virtual credit card designed for international use helps users pay for subscriptions, services, and goods, and other global transactions, with better security, control, and acceptance. This is important for Egyptians facing limits with internet banking and cross border payments.

Types of Virtual Cards

There are three main types of virtual cards; virtual credit, debit, and prepaid cards.

Virtual Credit Card

These function like regular cards, but do not exist in physical form. Some may be linked to an existing line of credit, while others (like Halocard) are funded and secured in advance, therefore avoiding any issues related to credit checks. These are often used for subscriptions, online payments, and international transactions.

Virtual Debit Card

A virtual debit card connects directly to a bank account and its existing balance. Spending is limited to the available funds in the account, making it easyto manage day-to-day payments and bills.

Virtual Prepaid Card

Virtual prepaid cards are preloaded with money, and you can only spend what you add, allowing for tighter spending control. These are often used for one time purchases or paying for specific services.

Benefits of Virtual Cards in Egypt

There are several benefits to using virtual cards in Egypt.

Security

Virtual cards reduce your exposure during online transactions, as your main credit card details stay hidden. If a merchant has a data breach, your main info is safe.

Privacy

Using a virtual card limits how often your real credit card or banking details are shared online, keeping your account information more secure across online services and stores.

Contactless and Online Payments

Many virtual cards integrate with digital wallets, such as Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay, thus allowing for online payments and contactless payments using mobile devices.

Increased Spending Control

Using a virtual card allows you to manage limits, pause a cvard, and often set default rules per card. This helps improve spend control and makes it easy manage recurring payments and subscriptions.

Better US and Global Acceptance

Specialized virtual credit cards, especially those that are US-issued, perform better for US and global transactions, especially on many US platforms that often reject Egypt issued cards.

Pros and Cons of Virtual Credit Cards (Egypt)

There are many benefits to using virtual cards in Egypt.

Pros

• Safer Online Payments: Virtual cards reduce risk by preventing real card details from being reused across multiple online stores.

• Reduced Fraud Exposure: Virtual cards can be frozen or deleted if compromised, thus reducing overall fraud exposure - without affecting your main account. This is a big selling point for those who shop online at various domestic and international businesses.

• No Physical Card Required: You do not have to wait for a physical card to be delivered by mail. Everything can be managed digitally through the wallet or app.

• Useful for Subscriptions and Digital Services: Virtual cards work well for recurring payments, software tools, and online subscriptions. They help users track and manage spending more clearly. Keeping finances in check is much easier with virtual cards.

• Instant Access with Some Providers: Certain platforms offer instant issuance, letting users apply, create, and pay within minutes. This kind of efficiency is a big benefit for many.

Cons

• Limited International Acceptance on Local Cards: Many Egypt-issued cards fail for global transactions due to acceptance issues.

• Foreign Exchange Fees: Some providers charge high fees for currency conversions, which can add up for those who often pay abroad.

• Spending Limits: Some cards may come with spending limits. This can limit how much money you can spend for single or individual transactions.

• Prepaid Only Options: Some cards have to be funded in advance and may not come with the same kind of financial flexibility as credit cards.

• Inconsistent US Website Acceptance: Many US platforms may decline cards issued in Egypt - or anywhere outside of the USA, even when the balance is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Get an Egyptian Virtual Card?

You can apply for an Egyptian virtual card through local bank apps, e wallets, or international platforms. Setup generally involves some sort of identity check and confirmation of funding source.

Can I Get a Virtual Credit Card Instantly?

Yes, there are providers that support instant issuance, allowing you to create a virtual card immediately to start online payments and contactless payments.

Which Is the Best Digital Bank in Egypt?

Some of the most popular digital banks in Egypt include Mashreq NEO, QNB bebasata, and onebank. However, if you do not want a full digital bank, just a useful virtual credit card with good global acceptance, dedicated virtual card providers are best.

Is There Any Virtual Credit Card in Egypt?

Yes, there are many virtual cards offered in Egypt, both by local banks and fintech apps, such as Halocard, which provide US-based virtual cards for smooth US and global acceptance.

What Is the Best E Wallet in Egypt?

Some of the best digital e wallets in Egypt include Vodafone Cash, Fawry, and InstaPay.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Virtual Card?

Some common drawbacks of certain virtual cards include acceptance issues abroad, high FX fees, and spending restrictions.

Can Egyptian Virtual Cards Work On Us Websites?

Some may, but most are declined. US-issued virtual cards generally perform much better for both US-based and global transactions.

Do Virtual Cards Have CVV Numbers?

Yes. Each virtual card includes a cvv, card number, and expiry details.

Are Virtual Cards Safer Than Physical Cards?

Yes, virtual cards are safer for online use than physical cards, especially because they are easier to shut down if lost and offer strong control features, often manageable based on user preferences.

Virtual Card Acceptance

For any customer looking for the convenience of online payments and recurring subscriptions, virtual cards are great solutions. However, not all virtual cards are built the same. While virtual credit cards have high acceptance rates across the world, virtual debit and virtual prepaid cards have lower acceptance rates.

For those who want to explore online and shop without being limited by borders, US-issued virtual credit cards like Halocard are often the best, especially because cards like these are backed by Visa. Visa-backed and US-based virtual credit cards, generally have the highest acceptance rates and cater to a diverse group of people looking for a convenient way to shop online.

How to Get Halocard

Halocard provides a simple way for users in Egypt to handle international online payments with fewer barriers than traditional banking options. It is designed for reliable global acceptance, secure digital spending, and smoother transactions on platforms that often reject locally issued cards.

Steps

1. Sign Up
   Create your account using your email address or phone number and complete a short verification process.

2. Generate Your Virtual Card
   Instantly issue a virtual card inside the dashboard so it is ready for secure online use.

3. Add Funds
   Load money through the supported funding methods and control how much your card can spend.

4. Pay Online Internationally
   Use the card for global ecommerce, subscriptions, digital services, and US-based websites that may decline local payment cards.

Why Halocard Stands Out

• Built specifically for international online payments

• Stronger acceptance on many US-based platforms

• No requirement for US citizenship or residency

• Helpful for users dealing with cross-border payment challenges

• Secure controls designed for everyday online transactions

For users in Egypt who often encounter payment failures on international or US websites, Halocard provides a more dependable way to shop online internationally in a secure and controlled manner.

Disclaimer: Prices and fees listed are accurate at the time of writing and may change without notice.

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