Best Virtual Credit Cards Germany (2026)

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

• The main problem with many German and EU virtual cards is inconsistent acceptance on US platforms, frequent declines due to EU BIN restrictions, FX fees, and limitations tied to debit-based or prepaid card structures.

• The top virtual credit card providers in Germany are Halocard, Revolut, N26, bunq Travel Card, and Wise.

• Halocard stands out as the best choice for international and US payments because it issues US-based Visa cards with consistently higher acceptance and fewer declines.

Quick Comparison Overview

Currency conversion from USD to Euro accurate as of February 19. 2026.

Top 5 Best Virtual Credit Cards (Germany)

Here are the top 5 virtual cards in Germany.

1. Halocard

Halocard is a US-issued Visa virtual credit card platform built for private, secure, and flexible online payments, with a strong focus on international and US merchant acceptance.

How It Works

You sign up with a mobile number, complete a quick identity check, create a virtual card within minutes, load funds, and start paying online or through Apple Pay and Google Pay. No physical card is required.

Costs and Fees

• Monthly fee: Starting from €10.18/ month or $12/month

• Card creation: Included with the subscription

• FX fee: 1.5% on non-USD transactions

• Top-up fees:

  • Credit or debit card: 3.9%

  • Apple Pay or Google Pay: 3.9%

  • Cryptocurrency: 1-3%

  • USDC or USDT: Free

  • ACH, wire, and SEPA transfers: Free

Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions

There are no preset spending limits. You can only spend the amount you load, with built-in controls to cap spending, pause cards, or lock them after use. Cards are intended for online and digital wallet payments rather than cash use.

Key Advantages

• US-issued Visa with very high global acceptance

• Instant card creation without traditional bank delays

• Strong privacy, including branded cards for specific merchants

• Works reliably with subscriptions, ecommerce, and US platforms

• Apple Pay and Google Pay support

Specific Drawbacks

• Monthly subscription required

• FX fees apply to non-USD spending

• Not designed for cash withdrawals or in-person banking

Who It’s Best For

Halocard is best for users in Germany who frequently shop on US websites, pay for international digital services, or experience declines with EU-issued cards.

It suits freelancers, remote workers, and online businesses paying for software, advertising, and subscriptions. It is also ideal for privacy-focused users who want purchases kept off their primary bank account and for anyone who wants fast access without a credit check.

Why Someone Would Choose Halocard Over The Others

Halocard is the strongest option when reliable US and international merchant acceptance matters most.

It avoids the common issue of EU card BINs being blocked. A BIN or Bank Identification Number is the first six digits of a debit or credit card number, and it identifies the banking institution from which the card was issued. Halocard offers virtual cards with BINs based in the USA - allowing for easy acceptance in the USA.

Halocard also offers faster setup than banks, and provides more privacy than standard debit-based virtual cards.

For users who prioritise acceptance, speed, and control over advanced accounting features, Halocard is often the most practical choice among virtual card providers.

2. Revolut Virtual Card

Revolut is a licensed European digital bank that offers virtual credit cards and virtual debit cards as part of its personal and business accounts. In Germany, Revolut operates through its German branch with a DE IBAN.

How It Works

You open a Revolut account, verify your identity, and receive virtual cards instantly in the app. Cards can be used online, added to Apple Pay or Google Pay, and managed directly from your Revolut dashboard.

Costs and Fees

• Monthly fee: Free on the Standard plan; paid plans start from €10/month and scale up

• Card creation: Virtual cards included for free

• FX fees:

  • Free currency exchange up to €1,000/month on Standard

  • 0.5% fair usage fee above limits

  • 1% markup on weekend exchanges

Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions

Spending limits depend on your account tier and balance. Cards can be frozen, replaced, and managed in-app, but acceptance may vary for certain online merchants, prepaid hotels, and rental cars.

Key Advantages

• German IBAN with full banking features

• Free virtual cards on the basic plan

• Strong mobile app with analytics and budgeting tools

• Supports Apple Pay and Google Pay

• Good for everyday spending and travel within Europe

Specific Drawbacks

• FX limits and weekend fees can add up

• US merchant acceptance is inconsistent

• Complex fee structure across plans

• Less privacy compared to standalone virtual card platforms

Who It’s Best For

Revolut is best for users in Germany who want an all-in-one digital bank for everyday spending, travel within Europe, and basic virtual card use.

Why Someone Would Choose Revolut Over The Others

Revolut makes sense if you want a full banking app with virtual cards included, rather than a dedicated virtual card solution. For users focused on US websites, privacy, or avoiding EU card declines, platforms like Halocard are usually the better choice.

3. N26 Virtual Card

N26 is a fully licensed German digital bank that offers virtual debit cards as part of its personal banking accounts. Virtual cards are included with N26 Standard and all premium plans.

How It Works

You open an N26 account online, complete identity verification, and receive a virtual Mastercard instantly in the app. The card can be used online, added to Apple Pay or Google Pay, and managed entirely through the N26 mobile app.

Costs and Fees

• Monthly fee:

  • N26 Standard: €0

  • N26 Smart, Go, Metal: Monthly fees apply depending on plan

• Virtual card: Included for free

• Extra virtual cards:

  • Standard: €2.59 per additional card (up to 6)

  • Premium plans: Up to 6 included

• Physical card delivery: €10 one-time fee

• FX fees: Around 1% for currency conversion

• ATM withdrawals: Limited free withdrawals, more included on premium plans

Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions

Spending is limited to the available balance in your N26 account. Cards can be locked, spending limits adjusted, and transaction types enabled or disabled in-app. Some online merchants, prepaid hotels, and rental cars may require a physical card.

Key Advantages

• Fully licensed German bank with DE IBAN

• Free virtual card on the Standard plan

• Strong mobile app with real-time notifications

• Apple Pay and Google Pay support

• Suitable for everyday spending and Eurozone travel

Specific Drawbacks

• Debit-only, not a credit product

• FX fees apply outside the Eurozone

• Limited usefulness on US websites

• Extra virtual cards cost more on the free plan

Who It’s Best For

N26 is best for users in Germany who want a modern digital bank with a free virtual card for daily spending, online shopping, and light travel within Europe.

Why Someone Would Choose N26 Over The Others

N26 is a good choice if you want a single app for banking and payments, with a virtual card included by default. For users who need reliable US merchant acceptance, stronger privacy controls, or non-EU card issuing, platforms like Halocard are typically the better option.

4. bunq Virtual Card

bunq is a European mobile bank that offers virtual cards as part of its personal and business accounts. Virtual cards are included across bunq plans and are designed for everyday spending, budgeting, and travel.

How It Works

You open a bunq account through the mobile app, verify your identity, and receive a virtual card immediately. The card can be linked to different sub-accounts, used online, or added to Apple Pay and Google Pay for contactless payments.

Costs and Fees

• Monthly fee:

  • bunq Free: €0

  • bunq Core: €3.99/month

  • bunq Pro: €9.99/month

  • bunq Elite: €18.99/month

• Virtual cards: Included within plan limits

• Extra cards: Fees apply if you exceed your plan’s card allowance

• FX fees: Low markup (around 0.5%) via bunq’s ZeroFX pricing

• ATM withdrawals: Limited free withdrawals depending on plan, then per-withdrawal fees apply

Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions

Spending is limited to the balance in your bunq account. Cards can be linked to specific sub-accounts, paused instantly, and managed in-app. Some merchants, such as prepaid hotels or rental car companies, may require a physical card.

Key Advantages

• Instant virtual card on signup

• Multiple sub-accounts with individual IBANs

• Apple Pay and Google Pay support

• Strong budgeting and real-time notifications

• Environment and sustainability-focused features

Specific Drawbacks

• Monthly fees increase quickly on higher-tier plans

• Extra cards and ATM usage can add costs

• Debit-based, not a true credit product

• US merchant acceptance can be inconsistent

Who It’s Best For

bunq is best for users in Germany who want a flexible mobile bank with strong budgeting tools, multiple virtual cards, and easy day-to-day spending control.

Why Someone Would Choose bunq Over The Others

bunq makes sense if you want virtual cards as part of a broader lifestyle banking app with budgeting, savings, and travel features built in.

5. Wise Virtual Card

Wise Virtual Card is a digital debit card linked to a Wise multi-currency account. It is designed for low-cost international spending, online payments, and everyday purchases without relying on a traditional bank.

How It Works

You open a Wise account, complete identity verification, and can start using a virtual card immediately in the Wise app. The card draws funds directly from your Wise balance and can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay for online and in-store payments.

Costs and Fees

• Monthly fee: None

• Virtual card: Included for free

• Physical card: €7 one-time issuance fee

• FX fees:

  • Free when spending in EUR from a EUR balance

  • Currency conversion fee typically between 0.5% and 1%, using the mid-market rate

• ATM withdrawals:

  • First 2 withdrawals up to €200 per month free

  • After that, a fixed fee plus a percentage fee applies

Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions

Spending is limited to the available balance in your Wise account. You can hold up to three virtual cards at once, freeze or replace them instantly, and use them for online, in-store, and international payments. Some merchants, such as prepaid hotels or rental car providers, may still require a physical card.

Key Advantages

• No monthly or annual fees

• Uses real mid-market exchange rates

• Strong international acceptance

• Apple Pay and Google Pay support

• Simple, transparent pricing

Specific Drawbacks

• Debit-only, not a credit product

• Limited number of virtual cards

• Less reliable for US websites compared to US-issued cards

• ATM withdrawals are limited before fees apply

Who It’s Best For

Wise is best for users in Germany who travel frequently, shop internationally, or manage multiple currencies and want to minimise foreign exchange costs.

Why Someone Would Choose Wise Over The Others

Wise is a strong choice if keeping FX costs low is your top priority and you mainly spend in multiple currencies.

What Is a Virtual Credit Card?

A virtual credit card is a digital credit card number that is issued mainly for online payments and online transactions. Instead of having a physical credit card in hand, you get a virtual credit card number with its own CVV and expiration date. These are ideal for shopping online, international payments, and more.

Virtual cards are different from physical cards, because they only exist digitally. There is no plastic to lose, plus your real card details stay hidden. Many virtual cards can be paused, replaced, or deleted instantly through mobile apps. This gives users complete control and stronger financial security.

Types of Virtual Cards

• Virtual Credit Cards: Linked to a credit line, often with a credit check, annual fees, and set spending limits, similar to a traditional credit card. However, some virtual credit cards, such as Halocard, are not linked to or require an existing line of credit, as they are secured.

• Virtual Debit Cards: Connected directly to a bank account, spending only available funds and commonly used for everyday online shopping.

• Virtual Prepaid Cards: Funded in advance, ideal for fixed budgets, recurring payments, and tighter spending controls.

German users often use virtual credit tools because they offer secure online payments, enhanced protection against data breaches, easier subscription management, and better compatibility with US platforms (where many EU-based cards won't work). Having a virtual credit card online is the fastest and easiest way to make online payments and online purchases.

Benefits of Using Virtual Cards

Virtual cards have many benefits that everyday users can take advantage of, from enhanced security to improved spending controls.

Security

Virtual cards keep your real credit card number out of sight. This kind of protection keeps users safe in the event of a hack or data breach, as the main credit card details are never exposed.

Privacy

By using a virtual card and not having your primary credit card number used for various online purchases, you limit your exposure and how much of your financial information is shared online.

Digital and In-Store Use

Digital cards may be stored digitally and are often used for online transactions, but thanks to integration with online wallets such as Samsung Pay, virtual card providers like Halocard allow for both in-store and online shopping.

Rotating or Disposable Numbers

Many virtual card providers also offer disposable or rotating card numbers. This makes tasks such as managing subscriptions, setting limits, or instantly shutting down payments fast and easy.

Pros & Cons of Virtual Cards in Germany

Virtual cards have many pros, but also a few drawbacks.

Pros

• Better Security For Online Payments: Virtual cards reduce fraud risk by shielding your real card details during online transactions and shopping online.

• Easy To Cancel Or Replace: Most virtual cards support instant cancellation, replacement, and instant notifications if suspicious activity appears.

• Useful For Subscriptions And Digital Services: Ideal for recurring payments, SaaS tools, Google Ads, and other digital services that require ongoing billing.

• Works Well For International Ecommerce And US Platforms: Certain providers, especially Halocard, provide more reliable acceptance for international payments.

Cons

• Not All German Virtual Cards Work Reliably With US Merchants: Acceptance often depends on the card issuer and the payment processor used by the merchant.

• FX Fees May Apply Depending On Provider: Foreign transaction fees and other transaction fees vary and can increase total costs.

• Some Cards Require Premium Plans: Monthly subscriptions and higher annual fees may apply for advanced features.

• Spending Limits Vary By Issuer: Spending limits, setting spending limits, and customizable spending limits differ between providers.

• Acceptance Can Differ By Payment Processor: Some cards may not work for rental cars, prepaid hotels, or cash withdrawals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get a Virtual Credit Card Instantly?

Yes, there are many providers that offer instant access to virtual cards without a lengthy verification process, such as Halocard.

Is It a Good Idea to Use a Virtual Credit Card?

Yes, using virtual cards is a good idea because they improve financial security, financial oversight, they limit fraud exposure, simplify expense managementm and more. They are especially useful for online shopping and subscriptions.

What Is Ghost Credit?

Ghost credit refers to temporary virtual card numbers created for short-term use or single merchants. These cards are ideal for limiting exposure for each dollar spent.

Which Virtual Card Is Best for International Transactions?

Halocard is considered the best option for international payments, both on German and US-based platforms. It also works reliably where many EU-based cards fail.

What Is the 2-2-2 Credit Rule?

The 2-2-2 credit rule is an informal guideline used to space out credit pull activity, designed to protect your credit profile. It generally refers to limiting yourself to no more than two credit applications within two months and waiting at least two months before applying again, which helps reduce the risk of denials or negative scoring impacts from clustered credit checks.

What Bank Gives a Virtual Card in Germany?

There are some banks in Germany that may offer virtual credit cards. However, independent virtual credit card providers are generally much more flexible.

What Is the Downside of Virtual Cards?

Potential downsides of virtual cards include hidden fees, foreign transaction costs, and limited support for cash withdrawals.

Does a Virtual Card Have a CVV?

Yes, virtual cards have CVVs, along with full virtual card details, such as a unique number and expiration date.

Can Virtual Cards Be Tracked?

Yes, you can generally track virtual card usage in your account history, making them ideal for expense tracking and financial oversight. Your core information stays protected.

Can I Pay With a Virtual Card In Store?

Yes, most virtual cards support contactless payments through services such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. This allows for in store usage without the need for a physical card.

Virtual Card Acceptance

For virtual card acceptance, card structure matters. Virtual credit cards have the highest success rates because they match what many merchants expect for subscriptions and international transactions.

Virtual debit and prepaid cards are useful but more prone to declines due to issuer controls, lower limits or geographic restrictions tied to the card’s BIN. Halocard is US-issued and on the Visa network which gives it a clear advantage. This setup works well on US websites and improves global acceptance compared to most France or EU issued virtual cards.

How to Get Halocard

Halocard is a virtual card platform designed around privacy, flexible spending control, and dependable global usability rather than traditional banking features. For users in Germany, it enables reliable payments with US and international merchants without requiring US residency, a Social Security number, or access to the American credit system. This makes it especially useful in situations where some EU-issued cards experience higher decline rates on US payment infrastructure.

Steps

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

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

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

4. Pay Online Across Global Merchants
   Use the card for ecommerce purchases, subscriptions, digital services, and US-based platforms that may not accept standard EU cards.

Why Halocard Stands Out

• Designed for strong acceptance with US and international merchants

• No US residency, SSN, or American credit history required

• More reliable approval than many EU-issued payment cards

• Well suited for subscriptions, online shopping, and digital services

• Privacy, security, and spending controls built into the platform

If you need a virtual credit card that works consistently for international and online payments from Germany, Halocard is a practical place to begin.

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

Sources

• Halocard. Halocard | Instant, Private & Secure Virtual Credit Cards Sourced on February 08, 2026.

• Wise. Virtuelle Karte | Erstelle eine Wise Virtual Debit Card - Wise Sourced on February 08, 2026.

• buhnq. Online-Banking leicht gemacht | Melde dich in 5 Minuten bei bunq an Sourced on February 08, 2026.

• bunq. Entdecke Kreditkarten, mit denen du mehr machen kannst | Kreditkarten bei bunq | bunq Sourced on February 08, 2026.

• N26. Secure and easy shopping with N26 Mastercard Sourced on February 08, 2026.

• Revolut. Geschäftskonto | Verwalte deine Finanzen | Revolut Business Sourced on February 08, 2026.