Best Virtual Credit Cards UK (2026)

• This guide is for people in the UK who want a secure virtual card for online shopping, subscriptions, and international payments, especially on US websites that often reject non-US cards.

• The main problem with many UK virtual cards is inconsistent acceptance on US merchants, frequent declines tied to non-US BINs and fraud filters, plus FX fees and account-based limits that make cross-border payments less reliable.

• The best virtual cards in the UK include Halocard, Revolut, Monzo, Skrill, and Monese.

• Halocard is the best virtual card for UK users because its US-issued Visa delivers far better acceptance on US and international websites, while offering fast setup, strong privacy controls, and flexible spending management without relying on a traditional bank account.

Quick Comparison Overview

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

Top 5 Best Virtual Credit Cards (UK)

Here are the top 5 virtual cards in the UK.

1. Halocard

Halocard is a US-issued Visa virtual credit card platform designed for secure, private, and flexible online payments. Its core strength is reliable acceptance with international merchants, particularly US-based websites and platforms that often reject UK or EU-issued cards.

Rather than acting as a traditional bank account, Halocard focuses on providing fast access to virtual cards that work consistently for ecommerce, subscriptions, and digital services.

How It Works

UK users sign up using a mobile number, complete a short identity verification process, and can generate a virtual card within minutes. Once funds are added, the card is ready to use for online payments or through Apple Pay and Google Pay. There is no physical card involved, and everything is managed through the platform.

Costs and Fees

• Monthly fee: Starting from £8.90/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

Halocard does not impose preset spending limits. You can only spend what you load onto the card, with built-in tools to set caps, pause cards, or lock them after use. The cards are designed for online payments and digital wallet use, rather than cash withdrawals or in-person banking.

Key Advantages

• US-issued Visa with very strong global acceptance

• Fast setup without traditional banking delays

• Multiple virtual cards, including merchant-specific cards for added privacy

• Reliable performance with subscriptions, ecommerce, and US platforms

• Apple Pay and Google Pay support

Specific Drawbacks

• Monthly subscription is required

• FX fees apply when spending outside USD

• Not intended for cash withdrawals or branch-based banking

Who It’s Best For

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

It is well suited to freelancers, remote workers, ecommerce sellers, and online businesses paying for software, advertising platforms, and subscriptions.

It also appeals to privacy-focused users who prefer to keep online spending separate from their main bank account and want quick access without a credit check.

Why Someone Would Choose Halocard Over The Others

Halocard is often the strongest option when dependable US and international merchant acceptance is the top priority.

Many payment issues stem from card BINs being blocked. A BIN, or Bank Identification Number, is the first six digits of a debit or credit card number and indicates where the card was issued. Because Halocard provides virtual cards with US-based BINs, they are more likely to be accepted by US merchants and platforms.

Compared to traditional banks and debit-based virtual cards, Halocard also offers faster setup and greater control over privacy. For UK users who value acceptance, speed, and flexibility over full banking features, Halocard is frequently the most practical choice among virtual card providers.

2. Revolut Virtual Card

The Revolut virtual card is linked to a Revolut banking account, and is ideal for subscriptions, online spending, and contactless payments. It is a part of Revolut's larger digital platform, rather than being a standalone virtual card service. For those in the UK, Revolut virtual cards are accessible and work well for domestic spending.

How It Works

Simply open a Revolut account, complete the ID verification, and get your virtual card in the app. The virtual card draws funds directly from your Revolut banking balance. The virtual card can also be added to Google Pay and Apple Pay for in-store payments.

Costs and Fees

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

• Virtual card: Included at no cost

• Physical card: Free for the first card (delivery fee applies)

• FX fees:

  • Free exchange up to £1,000 per month on the Standard plan

  • 1% fair usage fee applies after the limit

  • 1% weekend exchange fee on Standard

Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions

Spending is only limited to the available balance on your Revolut account. Acceptance varies for certain merchants and purchases, as well as US-based platforms.

Key Advantages

• Free virtual cards on the Standard plan

• Instant access through the Revolut app

• Apple Pay and Google Pay support

• Strong tools for managing everyday spending

• Works well for UK and EU merchants

Specific Drawbacks

• Debit-only, not a credit product

• FX fees apply after free limits and on weekends

• Less reliable acceptance on US websites compared to US-issued cards

• Virtual cards are tied to a full banking account

Who It's Best For

Revolut is best for UK users who want free virtual debit cards tied to a greater banking system - best for those who already use Revolut as their main banking app.

Why Someone Would Choose Revolut Over the Others

Revolut is a good choice for those who want free virtual cards issued by a UK-regulated digital bank. However, those who prioritise privacy and safety, and want separation from their main bank account, standalone virtual cards such as Halocard may be more suitable.

3. Monzo Virtual Cards

Monzo virtual cards are digital debit cards linked directly to a Monzo personal or joint account. These are designed for subscriptions and everyday spending, as well as added security. Monzo's virtual cards are built into its wider digital banking app, as opposed to being a standalone product.

How It Works

Simply open a Monzo account, complete the identity verification, and use the Monzo app to create virtual cards. Virtual cards draw funds straight from your account balance.

Costs and Fees

• Monthly fee: Free on the standard Monzo account; Paid plans available (Extra £3/month, Perks £7/month, Max £17+/month)

• Virtual cards: Included at no extra cost on all plans

• FX fees: No extra Monzo fee on card purchases abroad - Uses the Mastercard exchange rate

Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions

Spending is only limited to the available balance on your Monzo banking account. Each account holder can create up to five virtual cards. These cards may not be accepted internationally, in the USA, or for certain uses, such as prepaid hotels or car rentals.

Key Advantages

• Free virtual cards with standard UK accounts

• Multiple card types, including single-use and free trial cards

• Simple setup and management in the Monzo app

• Strong tools for budgeting and spending visibility

• Works well for UK merchants and subscriptions

Specific Drawbacks

• Debit-only, not a credit product

• Limited number of virtual cards per account holder

• Less reliable acceptance on US websites compared to US-issued cards

• Virtual cards are tied directly to your main bank balance

Who It's Best For

Monzo virtual cards are best for those who want free virtual cards tied directly to their banking - ideal for those who already use Monzo as their primary banking app. It's ideal for people who need good budgeting tools, strong app-based controls, and simplicity.

Why Someone Would Choose Monzo Over the Others

Monzo is a fine choice if you need free virtual cards tied to a UK bank - and is ideal for ease of use, spending insights, and budgeting. That said, for users who need higher acceptance on US platforms, require greater privacy and security, or need a larger number of virtual cards, standalone providers may be the better option.

4. Skrill Virtual Prepaid Card

The Skrill Virtual Prepaid Card is a prepaid Mastercard linked to your Skrill wallet balance. It is designed for easy cash access, international use, and online spending - without tying purchases to your main bank account or requiring a credit check.

How It Works

Just open a Skrill account, complete the residency and identity checks, and order the Skrill Prepaid Mastercard - Skrill issues a virtual card right away, which can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay for online shopping and contactless payments.

Costs and Fees

• Monthly fee: None (no monthly fee is listed for the card programme)

• Virtual card: First virtual card application is free; additional virtual card applications cost the GBP equivalent of €2.50

• FX fees: 3.99% foreign exchange fee when currency conversion is involved

Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions

Spending is only limited to the funds available in your Skrill wallet. There are cash withdrawals available, although fees apply.

Key Advantages

• No credit check, since it is prepaid

• Digital card issued quickly, with Apple Pay and Google Pay support

• Mastercard acceptance for online and in-store spending

• Wallet balance is separate from your main bank account

• No fees for card payments (outside FX conversion scenarios)

Specific Drawbacks

• Annual fee applies (charged as the GBP equivalent of €10)

• FX fee is high at 3.99% when conversion is required

• ATM withdrawals have a 1.75% fee, plus possible local ATM surcharges

• Extra virtual cards cost the GBP equivalent of €2.50 each after the first

Who It's Best For

Skrill is best used by UK residents who need a prepaid card that is tied to an e-wallet - especially for those who want to keep purchases separate from their main bank account.

Why Someone Would Choose Skrill Over the Others

Skrill is a good choice if what you need is a prepaid Mastercard linked to a wallet balance. However, if high FX fees are a concern, Skrill may not be the best choice.

5. Monese Virtual Card

The Monese Virtual Card is a virtual debit card issued with a Monese personal account - designed for day-to-day use, online spending, and subscriptions, as well as contactless payments with Google Pay and Apple Pay.

How It Works

Simply open a Monese account within the app, complete the identity check, and you can then get your Monese virtual card. All virtual card payments draw funds from your Monese balance.

Costs and Fees

• Monthly fee (Pay As You Go): Free

• Virtual card: Free (issuance of virtual Monese card)

• FX fees

  • Pay As You Go: 3% per transaction

  • Everyday: 2% per transaction

  • Premium: Free (Mastercard wholesale rate applies)

• Top-ups

  • Instant card top-up: 2% on Pay As You Go (1% on Everyday)

  • Post Office cash load / PayPoint cash load (GBP accounts): 3.50% (minimum £3)

Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions

For Monese GBP accounts, card purchases are capped at £4,000 per transaction and £7,000 per day. There may also be issues with US merchant acceptance.

Key Advantages

• Free virtual card issuance, including on the free plan

• Apple Pay and Google Pay support at no extra cost

• Useful as a quick, app-based current account alternative

• Clear plan tiers if you want lower foreign spend fees

• Simple controls like locking and unlocking the card in-app

Specific Drawbacks

• Foreign currency card spend fees can be high on lower plans (2% to 3%)

• Some common top-up methods add extra fees

• Not a credit product, and not designed for US-merchant acceptance optimisation

• You may need a paid plan to avoid key FX fees

Who It's Best For

Monese is best for those in the UK who want an account that is easy to open and comes with a free virtual debit card - ideal for those who want to avoid credit checks.

Why Someone Would Choose Monese Over the Others

Monese is a good choice if you need a free virtual card inside a multi-currency app account, and you don't mind paying plan-based fees for foreign spending. However, if low costs are your primary focus, Monese is not the best choice.

What Is a Virtual Credit Card?

A virtual credit card is a digital version of a credit card, mainly used for digital payments and online purchases, and often for contactless payments in-store as well.

Instead of getting a physical card, you receive virtual card details with a unique expiry date and CVV. This allows you to use the card immediately for subscriptions, online shopping, and international payments.

Virtual credit cards exist only in digital form, unlike a physical credit card. This means that there is no physical card to lose or have stolen.

Your main card details also remain protected, with many of the best virtual credit card providers in the UK allowing account holders to replace, pause, or delete card details instantly through mobile apps. The result is extra security and control over your spending and finances.

Types of Virtual Cards

There are three primary types of virtual cards, including virtual debit cards, virtual credit cards, and virtual prepaid cards.

Virtual Credit Cards

Virtual credit cards are generally linked directly to a credit card account or credit line, and often involve credit checks and a defined credit limit.

However, the best virtual credit card providers offer dedicated virtual cards - secured options that do not rely on a traditional credit rating.

Providers like Halocard provide secured virtual credit cards that do not require an existing line of credit. Virtual credit cards work just like regular credit cards, just without the physical card.

Virtual Debit Cards

A virtual debit card is directly linked to a bank account - meaning that these only allow you to spend the funds available in that account.

Virtual debit cards work well for contactless payments, recurring payments, and online purchases. Many UK providers allow you to create unlimited virtual debit cards, usually alongside a physical debit card linked to that same account.

Virtual Prepaid Cards

A virtual prepaid card is funded in advance with a specific amount. This makes them ideal for controlled spending, one off online purchases, and fixed budgets. These types of cards are ideal if you want to avoid sharing any kind of permanent card details or require unique payment details for one time payments.

Those in the UK are relying more heavily on digital cards, as they offer safer online shopping, better fraud protection, increased global acceptance, and easy subscription management.

Benefits of Using Virtual Cards

Virtual cards provide a range of practical benefits, from improved security to better spending control and budgeting tools.

Security

Virtual cards keep your real credit card or debit card details hidden. If a merchant experiences a data breach, your main account details are less likely to be exposed. Many virtual card providers also support two factor authentication, Face ID, and instant notifications, adding extra security.

Privacy

Using virtual cards instead of your primary card reduces how often your core card details are shared online. Disposable virtual cards, disposable cards, burner cards, and single use cards are especially useful for limiting exposure during online purchases or trial subscriptions, since the details change automatically.

Online Purchases and Contactless Payments

Although virtual cards are designed primarily for digital payments, many can be added to a digital wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. This allows Apple users to make contactless payments in-store using Apple Wallet or other supported wallets, including Apple Pay or Google, even without carrying a physical card.

Rotating or Disposable Numbers

Some of the best virtual card providers offer disposable virtual cards with rotating numbers. This makes it easier to manage recurring payments, set spending limits, track payments, and stop unwanted charges quickly at the account level using unique details.

Pros & Cons of Virtual Cards in the UK

Virtual cards come with clear advantages, but there are also a few limitations to be aware of.

Pros

• Better Security for Online Payments: Virtual cards reduce fraud risk by protecting your real credit card details during online transactions and improving risk assessment for eligible transactions.

• Easy to Cancel or Replace: Most virtual cards can be cancelled or replaced instantly, with alerts provided directly by the service provider if suspicious activity occurs.

• Useful for Subscriptions and Digital Services: Virtual cards are well suited for recurring payments, SaaS tools, and other digital services that require ongoing billing.

• Strong Digital Wallet Support: Many UK virtual debit card linked and virtual credit options work smoothly with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallet platforms.

Cons

• Acceptance Can Vary by Merchant: Some virtual cards may not work for certain transactions, such as prepaid hotels, car rentals, cash withdrawals, or atm withdrawals.

• Fees May Apply: Depending on the provider, FX fees, hidden fees, or charges tied to a premium account or metal account may apply, sometimes bundled with extras like free insurance.

• Spending Limits Differ by Provider: Spending limit, monthly spending limit, and withdrawal rules vary between card issuers and card types.

• Physical Cards Are Still Required in Some Situations: Certain transactions still require a physical debit card or physical credit card, particularly for cash withdrawals or in-person identity checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Virtual Bank Is Best in the UK?

One of the best virtual banks in the UK is Starling Bank, along with Chase UK and Monzo. However, for the best digital credit card services, Halocard is often seen as the number one choice.

What Is the Downside of Virtual Cards?

In some cases, virtual cards may not be accepted for transactions such as prepaid hotels, car rentals, or cash withdrawals.

Is There Another Bank Like Revolut?

Yes, there are UK alternatives, such as Starling, Monzo, and Wise, which offer similar digital banking features.

What Is the Difference Between a Digital Card and a Virtual Card?

A virtual card has separate card details, while a digital card generally mirrors a physical card.

Is Revolut or Monzo Better?

Revolut is considered better for international spending, whereas Monzo is best for everyday banking in the UK.

Is Revolut Dodgy or Not?

Revolut is a regulated financial institution in the UK and is considered safe and secure.

What Are Two Reasons to Not Use Online Banking?

Some people prefer traditional banking security and in-branch support.

Can I Get a Virtual Card for Free in the UK?

There are several providers in the UK that offer free virtual cards, although more advanced features may require a paid plan.

Do UK Virtual Cards Work on US Websites?

Many UK virtual cards do not work on US sites. However, card acceptance depends on the issuer. Options such as Halocard are accepted in the USA, making it one of the best virtual credit cards available for UK residents.

Virtual Credit Card Acceptance

Virtual card acceptance varies depending on the type of card. Virtual credit cards get the highest approval rates for subscriptions, recurring payments and international transactions.

Virtual debit and prepaid cards get declined more often due to tighter bank controls, lower spending limits or regional BIN restrictions that limit where the card can be used.

Halocard stands out in this area as we issue US-based Visa cards which are widely trusted by American merchants. So these cards work more often on US platforms and global websites than cards issued by French or EU banks.

How to Get Halocard

For people in the UK who need a dependable way to pay across US and international websites, Halocard provides a straightforward virtual card solution without requiring US residency or access to the American credit system. It is designed to reduce common payment declines, support global online spending, and give you clearer control over budgeting, privacy, and security.

Steps

1. Sign Up
   Create an account online with your email or phone number and complete a quick verification.

2. Generate Your Virtual Card
   Your virtual card details are issued digitally inside the dashboard and are available immediately.

3. Add Funds
   Load money using the available funding options so you can manage how much you spend and keep tighter control.

4. Pay Online Across Global Merchants
   Use the card for online shopping, subscriptions, digital services, and US-based platforms that may decline standard UK or EU cards.

Why Halocard Stands Out

• Works reliably with US and international merchants

• No US residency or American credit history required

• Reduces declines compared with many UK or EU bank cards

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

• Built-in privacy, budgeting controls, and transaction security

If you are in the UK and want a virtual card that performs consistently for international, online, and secure payments, Halocard is a simple and reliable place to begin.

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

Sources

• Revolut. Personal Fees (Standard) | Revolut United Kingdom Sourced on February 09, 2026.

• Revolut. Revolut | All-in-one finance app for your money | Revolut United Kingdom Sourced on February 09, 2026.

• Monzo. Fee Information (Extra, Perks & Max) Sourced on February 09, 2026.

• Monzo. Monzo Plans | Our Take on Packaged Bank Accounts Sourced on February 09, 2026.

• Skrill. Our Fees & Charges | Skrill Sourced on February 09, 2026.

• Skrill. Prepaid Mastercard® | Prepaid Cards | Skrill Sourced on February 09, 2026.

• Skrill. Terms of Use | Skrill Sourced on February 09, 2026.

• Monese. Monese.com Sourced on February 09, 2026.

• Monese. Instant account - Monese Sourced on February 09, 2026.