Are you searching for a free online Virtual Debit card that is as good as some Popular Physical Debit cards offered by the Banks? Or are you looking for a Virtual Card that can be used on international eCommerce websites or purchase subscriptions on Netflix or Amazon Prime? Here you will find some best online virtual Debit cards or Prepaid cards which you can create instantly from home and use in all online e-commerce payment platforms in India and abroad.

What is an Online Virtual Debit Card and How it Works?

An online Virtual Debit Card or sometimes we call it a Virtual Prepaid card is a digital alternative to a Physical Debit card offered by any Bank or any Company in partnership with payment gateway providers like Visa or MasterCard or Rupay. A virtual Debit card has its own unique 16-digit number, CVV, and expiry date.

In India, some commercial Banks, newly founded Payment Banks, and some mobile wallet service providers allow you to create an online Virtual Debit card or Prepaid card for free. You can easily create a free virtual debit card by installing their Android or iOS app and following the instruction.

In India, you will find most of these Virtual Debit cards are Visa based, and only a few Banks like CITI Bank or Freecharge previously offered MasterCard Virtual Debit Card in India. (Which is maybe discontinued now).

• Top 6 Best Banks in India

 

MasterCard or Visa Virtual Debit Card – Which Is Better for You?

Visa and MasterCard do not issue cards themselves, they provide the payment processing solution to their partner Banks or company. Technically, both MasterCard and Visa offer similar kinds of features and services and they both have similar kinds of acceptance Globally. More than 30 million merchants all over the World accept both cards. The main difference is in rewards programs or additional discounts which are offered by the partnered banks. Sometimes, Visa or MasterCard may provide you with extra benefits directly, but these are very limited. Mostly premium Visa or MasterCard holders can avail of some additional benefits and these are in the form of “Kinds” like extended purchase protection warranty or access to VIP lounges in international Airports or travel discounts.

In India, most of these online virtual debit cards are Visa-based. The main reason behind this is the card-issuing partner Banks. Most of the Indian commercial Banks associate with Visa for the payment processing solution for their customers and the reason behind this is the transaction fees per payment processing from the back end. The transaction fees or charges per online payment processing of MasterCard are much higher than Visa Gateway. The card-issuing banks cannot claim extra fees from their customers for this payment processing.

Nowadays most Indian commercial banks provide Physical or Virtual Cards which are Rupay-based. The main reason is the payment processing charges which are almost one-tenth of Visa or MasterCard-based payment gateway. But the drawback is Rupay is India-based. You can not always use Rupay-based cards in International merchant platforms. If you want to use your Rupay Debit Card on International e-commerce sites, then you can read here how to use a Rupay card for international Payments.

In our previous article, we have already discussed what are the benefits of using an online virtual debit card. You can read the article here.

• How to create a Free virtual Debit card in India for International Transaction
• Best UPI Payment Apps in India for real-time money transfer
• Best Insta Savings Accounts in India to open a digital account

In Online Virtual Debit Card, you will only get your card number which you can use for any online shopping store or e-commerce platforms in India or abroad. The most important benefit of using the virtual debit card is that it will minimize the risks of online fraud. You can add funds to these Virtual debit cards by Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, or IMPS without any extra cost.

In this article, we will discuss some best Online virtual Debit cards in India which you can create instantly from your smartphone just by downloading the Android or iOS App.

 

How to choose the best online Virtual Debit Card?

Before choosing the right Virtual Debit or Prepaid Card or e-wallet, you need to consider the following

• Ease of Access
• Merchant Acceptance
• Rewards and Offers
• Charges and Fees
• Option for International Transaction Rights

 

List of Best Online Virtual Debit Cards or Prepaid Cards in India

Here is the list of some best and most free Virtual Debit cards or Prepaid cards in India, which you can create easily by Downloading the App.

Here is a quick comparison of the top Indian Virtual Debit Card

# 1: Kotak 811

Highly recommended, the online virtual debit card offered by Kotak Mahindra Bank. This is the number one ranked virtual prepaid card in India on this list. You can manage all your banking as well as online shopping needs from this app. You can use Kotak 811 Virtual Debit Card to pay for Netflix or Google Pay from India.

You can easily create a Kotak 811 Virtual Debit card by installing their mobile banking app, only you need an Aadhaar and PAN Card.

• Best Digital Savings Bank Accounts in India

Key Features

• Kotak 811 is not only a Virtual Prepaid wallet but a limited full-fledged Digital zero-balanced Bank Account.
• It can be created instantly by downloading Kotak 811 apps from Google PlayStore or the iOS App Store. Complete the paperless procedure.
• Rewards and discount programs with merchant partners in India.
• Highly secured, OTP-based transactions in Indian eCommerce websites.
• Earn interest as a normal Bank Account.
• Zero annual maintenance fees for virtual visa cards.
• Excellent interface, Simple and intuitive navigation
• The prepaid Digital wallet can be loaded easily by NetBanking, Credit/Debit Cards, IMPS, or UPI.
• Hassle-Free Fund Transfer.
• The Kotak 811 Account can be linked to UPI Payment or Google Pay. (Tez)
• It can be added to your PayPal Account.

Virtual Debit Card Type: VISA

International Transaction Rights: YES

Sign Up for Kotak 811 Virtual Debit Card

 

#2. AXIS Bank ASAP

Axis ASAP is also a kind of virtual Bank account that also provides a similar Visa-based online virtual debit card that can be used for a number of online shopping platforms in India and abroad. If you still do not have the Axis ASAP Account, you can easily create it from their banking App or from their official website, only you need an Adhaar and PAN Card.

Axis ASAP virtual debit card is an international transaction-enabled card that can be used on any website outside India where Visa accepts.

The Axis Bank ASAP virtual Debit card can be used to subscribe to Netflix or Amazon Prime from India, though the card can not be used for recurring payments.

Key Features:

• A full-fledged virtual bank account with almost all banking facilities.
• Can easily be created by downloading apps from PlayStore and OTP-based Adhaar verification or from the Axis Bank Official website. Complete paperless procedure.
• Highly secured
• Zero maintenance fee Visa virtual debit card can be used for a number of e-commerce platforms in India and overseas countries.
• Rewards and discount programs for online shopping.
• Earn interest as a normal Bank account.
• Hassle-Free Fund Transfer.
• Funds can be loaded easily.
• Can be linked to UPI Payment or Google Pay, or Netflix.

Virtual Debit Card Type: VISA

International Transaction Rights: YES

Sign Up for Axis Bank ASAP

 

#3.DigiBank by DBS

DBS Bank is Singapore’s largest Bank, which starts operating in India very recently. DBS Bank also offers a free online virtual card to its customers. DigiBank is getting popular in India’s Virtual Prepaid e-wallet market by offering several rewards and cashback programs with several online shopping platforms like Flipkart. The DigiBank can be converted to a full-fledged zero-balance digital bank account after completing the KYC procedure.

• 5 Best Digital Bank Accounts in India

Key Features:

• A virtual Savings account can be opened instantly from apps by using Aadhaar-based OTP. Complete the paperless procedure.
• The virtual card is 3D secured, and needs OTP for transaction authentication.
• Earn interest as normal Savings Bank Accounts.
• Visa virtual Debit card linked with Digi wallet.
• Easy Funds Add option through Debit Card, imps, or UPI.
• Rewards and Cash Back programs with a variety of merchant partners across India.

Virtual Debit Card Type: VISA

International Transaction Rights: No

Download DigiBank for  iOS: Download    Android: Download

For details of offers and Discounts check here.

• Best Debit Cards in India for rewards and moneyback.

 

#4. PayZapp by HDFC Bank

PayZapp is a very popular digital e-wallet cum money transfer app offered by HDFC Bank. PayZapp is a kind of Digital Wallet that requires a basic KYC document like Aadhaar or Voter Card to create. If you are an existing customer of HDFC Bank, then you do not need any KYC documents, the app just links your HDFC Bank KYC details to PayZapp App.

You can create a virtual Visa debit card by just installing the app from Google Play Store or iOS App Store. Your 6-digit login password will be the PayZapp Virtual card’s passcode which will be required at the time of authenticating the online transactions.

The most exciting feature of a PayZapp virtual debit card is the Offers and Discount programs with several merchant websites in India.

 

Key Features:

• Simple and easy to activate.
• Simple and intuitive navigation, excellent UI.
• Easy to load funds from Credit/Debit cards or net banking.
• Exclusive discounts and offers across a number of e-commerce merchants
• Visa Prepaid Virtual Card
• Highly secured OTP-based transaction
• UPI enabled
• Referral Programs.

Virtual Debit Card Type: VISA

International Transaction Rights: No

Download PayZaap for Android: Download Link

#5. Pockets by ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank simply is the most Tech innovative Bank in India and a pioneer of Digital e-wallet service in India. Pockets App was one such innovation of ICICI Bank and first introduce the concept of a Virtual Digital Wallet or Prepaid Wallet with a Virtual Debit card in India. Pockets app allows you to create a Visa-based online Virtual Debit card which is also your Virtual Account Number. You can use this Account to transact through ICICI NetBanking also.

Key Features:

• Instant and Paperless account creation.
• Allowed to transact through Netbanking
• Visa Virtual Debit Card
• UPI Enabled.
• Highly Secured
• Exclusive discounts and offers across a number of e-commerce merchants
• Excellent User Interface and intuitive navigation.
• Easy to add funds from Linked ICICI Bank or through a Debit/Credit Card

Virtual Debit Card Type: VISA

International Transaction Rights: No

Download Pockets by ICICI Bank for Android: Download

 

#6. YES PAY by Yes Bank

Yes Bank also provides virtual Debit cards in India for hassle-free and secure online transactions for Indian e-commerce sites. The Virtual Card is Rupay-based and the international transaction is not enabled. You can create your free virtual debit card by installing their mobile application from the Play Store or App Store.

Existing Yes Bank customers can create the Virtual Card by providing the customer id and new customers can get the Yes Bank Virtual Prepaid card by Aadhaar-based eKYC.

Yes Bank’s Yes Pay is also a kind of e-wallet where you can add money or transfer money to any UPI-linked bank account.

Key Features:

• Anyone can get a Virtual Debit card by installing the app, no Yes Bank account is required.
• You can earn rewards points which can be redeemed for further transactions.
• The Rupay Virtual Card can be used on any eCommerce Website in India.
• You can pay the bill to any leading billers in India.
• Single Click payment to Yes Pay enabled merchants and shoppers.

For details on Yes Pay Offer visit here.

Virtual Debit Card Type: RUPAY

International Transaction Rights: No

Download YES Pay for iOS: Download, Android: Download

 

#7. SBI Virtual Card

State Bank of India is the largest commercial Bank in India, you can also create a Virtual Debit card or Prepaid card from their Official Internet Banking Website.

The Maximum amount of the Virtual Debit Card limit is Rs.50000.00 for not more than 48 hours. Most of us already have savings or current accounts with the State Bank of India. Though the SBI Virtual Card has many limitations and it can not be used for international eCommerce websites.

The Virtual Debit card amount will get lien from your savings or Current Account until the Virtual card gets canceled itself.

To create SBI Virtual Debit Card, log in to the SBI Internet Banking portal and go to e-Services>More>e-Cards>State Bank Virtual Card.

For details on SBI virtual Prepaid card creation online, visit my other article on the best Virtual Credit Card in India.

Key Features:

• It can easily be created from their NetBanking Portal.
• The card will destroy itself after 48 hours.
• The virtual card can be used in any Indian eCommerce website or online store for a single transaction. (Can be used only in INR transactions in India, Nepal, and Bhutan)
• It can be used for a wide range of Visa enable merchants. (Domestic)
• The maximum amount for the Virtual card limit is Rs.50000.00.
• The virtual Debit card of SBI is completely free.

Virtual Debit Card Type: VISA 

International Transaction Rights: No

Read here…

• Best Savings Bank Accounts in India: A Detailed Comparison
• The best alternative to Entropay in India

#8. RBL Bank Virtual Debit Card

RBL Bank is one of the leading private sector banks in India and has branch networks mostly in south Indian states. You can also create a virtual debit card online just seating in the comfort of your home.

The process of creating a Virtual Debit card from RBL bank is very simple, all you need is a valid Adhaar and PAN card. To get a virtual debit card, you first have to create a Zero Balance Digital Savings Account and complete the Video KYC process to convert the account fully KYC Complied. Once KYC has complied, you can instantly transfer funds through UPI or IMPS without any charges.

You will get an Instant Account Number and Virtual Debit Card which is Visa powered.

Key Features:

• Complete paperless Digital Bank account.
• No minimum balance requirements.
• Earn high interest on savings deposits.
• Pay bills, and shop online using the Visa Powered Virtual Debit card.
• Cashback, Discounts, and rewards points with money spend on eComm websites.

 

Virtual Debit Card Type: VISA 

International Transaction Rights: No

Open RBL Bank Digital Bank Account

 

Conclusion:

Most of the Indian Digital e-wallets offer RuPay-based Virtual Debit Cards for their customers. Although if you want to use your Virtual Debit card or Digital wallet only in Indian E-commerce Platforms, then both Visa or Rupay-based Virtual cards are the same in terms of usability and acceptance on merchants’ sites. The difference in Offers, rewards programs, and in-app features of different Digital E-wallets.

Recently many Payment Banks like Paytm Payment Bank or Airtel Payment Bank have launched their own Digital Payment e-wallet with the option of a free Virtual Debit card which is Rupay-based for their customers.

The Virtual Debit Cards which are discussed above are all from Indian Commercial Banks. Several Mobile wallet providers also have the option for the creation of a Virtual Debit Card or Virtual Prepaid Card. But the virtual debit card from mobile wallet service providers has many limitations which I will discuss in another article.

If you have any suggestions or recommendations then please share your idea in the comment section. If you like the article, then don’t forget to like our Facebook Official Page.

 

Meanwhile, you may also like to read…

• How to create a Free virtual Debit card in India for International Transaction
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