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This guide compares the best virtual credit cards in Spain, including Halocard, Openbank, Revolut, Bankinter, and BBVA, focusing on fees, acceptance, and real-world use cases.
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Halocard is the best virtual card in Spain for those who need strong international acceptance for reliable, safe, and secure spending around the world.
This guide is for people in Spain who need a virtual credit card for online purchases, subscriptions, and international payments.
Users from Spain often face problems with US websites rejecting EU-issued debit or virtual cards due to regional restrictions and BIN filtering.
Today, we will compare the five most popular options in Spain: Halocard, Openbank, Revolut, Bankinter, and BBVA, with Halocard generally being the best option for US and international acceptance.
Quick Comparison Table
| Provider | Type | Fees | Funding | Limits | Acceptance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halocard | Virtual secured credit card (US-issued Visa) | From €10.40/month ($12/month), ~1.5% FX on non-USD purchases, top-up fees may apply | Stablecoins, card payments, with bank transfer options expected | No preset limit. Spend what you load with card-level controls | Excellent internationally and very strong on US websites | Users in Spain who need reliable international acceptance for subscriptions, SaaS tools, and ecommerce |
| Openbank | Virtual debit card | €0 issuance and maintenance, 0% FX purchase fees, credit APR applies if balance not paid in full | Bank transfers through Openbank current account | Debit limited to account balance, credit limited to approved credit line | Strong within EU, less optimized for US sites | Fee-free EU banking with mobile wallet payments |
| Revolut | Virtual debit card | Free plan available, €1,000 FX allowance on Standard plan, 1% FX above limit and weekend markup | Bank transfer, EEA card top-ups, cash top-ups | Based on account balance and plan tier | Good internationally but mixed acceptance on some US websites | Everyday spending, SEPA transfers, and travel payments |
| Bankinter | Virtual debit or credit card linked to bank account | Virtual card free, but underlying debit ( | Bank transfers through Bankinter account | Debit limited to account balance, credit limited to approved credit limit | Strong within Spain and EU, not optimized for US websites | Existing Bankinter customers who want extra security for online payments |
| BBVA | Prepaid virtual card | €0 issuance and maintenance, ~3% fee on non-Eurozone transactions, duplicate card €4–€5 | Manual top-ups via app, ATM, branch, or bank transfer | Based on prepaid balance, typically up to ~€600 per load | Strong for EU ecommerce, limited international optimization | Secure prepaid card for controlled online purchases |
Top 5 Best Virtual Cards (Spain)
Here are the five best virtual cards in Spain.
1. Halocard

Halocard is a US issued Visa virtual card designed for flexible and secure online payments, with one of the biggest advantages in Spain being that it features strong global acceptance for online purchases, subscriptions, and international services.
The card runs on the Visa network with a US BIN, helping it work reliably on international websites and online stores that may reject local cards. Halocard does not function as a traditional banking app or bank account, but rather, is fully dedicated to virtual cards for online shopping, business payments, and subscription payments. The platform works as a secured virtual credit card and does not require a credit check.
How It Works
Users in Spain can sign up online through desktop or their mobile phone, complete a quick approval process, and generate a virtual card almost instantly. Users then receive their card number, expiry date, and security code inside the app. Users then receive their card number, expiry date, and security code inside the app.
Costs & Fees
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Monthly maintenance fee: Starting from €10.40/month ($12/month)
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Creating a card: Included and free
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Foreign exchange fees: Around 1.5% on non-USD transactions
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Adding funds: Free with stablecoins, about 5% via credit card or debit card, with bank transfer options expected soon
Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions
Halocard does not have fixed spending limits, with users being able to spend as much as is loaded onto the card, giving full control over online spending and business expenses. Halocard also allows users to set their own limit, freeze a card, or lock it inside the app if a security issue arises.
Key Advantages
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Strong global acceptance through the Visa network for online purchases
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Fast setup with instant virtual card creation in the app
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Ability to create multiple virtual cards for better control and security
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Works with mobile payments such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
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Ideal for online shopping, subscriptions, and business payments
Specific Drawbacks
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Requires a monthly maintenance fee
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Foreign exchange fees apply on non USD transactions
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Not designed for cash withdrawals or traditional banking use
Who It's Best For
Halocard is best for those who require a safe and reliable virtual card that runs on the Visa network and features strong international and US acceptance. If you need to make purchases from various countries, Halocard is the best option.
Why Someone Would Choose Halocard Over the Others
Someone would choose Halocard because it is purpose built as a virtual card that functions across international borders, making it a reliable option for online purchases worldwide, giving users in Spain a flexible payment method for websites around the world. It also adds an extra layer of security by keeping real bank or credit card details separate from online payments, especially thanks to 3D Secure.
2. Openbank Virtual Card

Openbank virtual debit card
Openbank is a digital bank, part of the Santander Group. It offers a virtual debit card as a part of its Spanish current account. In Spain, this card is ideal for secure online payments, mobile payments, and everyday purchases through the Openbank app. Openbank is not a standalone virtual card provider, but rather functions as a full bank, meaning users must open a bank account in order to manage their card, payments, and money.
How It Works
Users in Spain can register with Openbank and open an account online, go through identity verification, and activate their virtual card using the Openbank app.
The card details, including the card number, expiry date, and security code, can be used for online purchases, online shopping, and subscription payments. The card can also be added to Apple Pay, Google Pay, allowing contactless payments directly from a mobile phone.
Costs and Fees
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Openbank current account: €0 monthly maintenance fee
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Virtual card: Free issuance, renewal, and maintenance
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Foreign currency purchases: 0% foreign transaction fees on payments outside the eurozone
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ATM withdrawals:
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Free at Banco Santander ATMs in Spain
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Standard bank ATM fees may apply at other machines
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Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions
This is a virtual debit card, so spending is restricted to the available balance in the bank account. The card is designed mainly for online purchases, mobile payments, and everyday purchases, but users can also withdraw cash from Santander ATMs.
Key Advantages
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Free virtual card with no issuance or maintenance fee
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No foreign transaction fees for online purchases in other currencies
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Instant use through the Openbank app and mobile phone
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Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile payments systems
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Backed by Santander Group, one of the largest banking groups in the world
Specific Drawbacks
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Requires opening a full bank account rather than simply generating a virtual card
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Best suited for payments within Europe
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Some ATM access advantages depend on Santander networks
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Credit card interest applies if balances are not repaid in full
Who It's Best For
OpenBank is best for people in Spain who want full digital banking services combined with a free virtual card that is ideal for simple everyday use.
Why Someone Would Choose Openbank Over The Others
Openbank makes sense for those who need a virtual card and want it to be part of a larger banking system backed by a major financial institution, although its international acceptance may be limited.
3. Revolut Virtual Card

Revolut is a licensed European digital bank that provides virtual cards for both its personal and business accounts. In Spain, Revolut is a regulated EU banking platform, complete with full app based account management and payment services. It's not a standalone virtual card provider, but rather a full banking system.
How It Works
Citizens of Spain can register for a Revolut account through the app, verify their identity, and instantly create a virtual card. The card details, such as the card number, expiry date, and security code, can be used immediately for online purchases. The card can also be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay with contactless payments. Revolut offers multi-use virtual cards and single-use virtual cards (these refresh the card number after each transaction).
Costs and Fees
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Standard plan: €0 monthly maintenance fee
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Plus, Premium, Metal, Ultra: Monthly subscription fees depending on plan
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Virtual card: Included and free
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Add money:
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Bank transfer: Free
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EEA card: Free
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Non-EEA or commercial card: Small fee may apply
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FX fees:
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Free exchange up to €1,000 per month on the Standard plan
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1% fee above the limit
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1% weekend currency exchange fee
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No exchange limit on Premium, Metal, or Ultra plans
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ATM withdrawals:
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Free up to 5 withdrawals or €200 per month on the Standard plan
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2% fee after the limit (minimum €1 per withdrawal)
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Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions
Revolut cards are virtual debit cards, meaning that spending is limited to the account balance. Users can monitor transactions through the app, set spending limits, and replace their card. That said, although Revolut works well for European payments, its acceptance outside of the EU is limited.
Key Advantages
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Free virtual cards available on the Standard plan
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Instant virtual card creation in the Revolut app
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Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile payments
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Single-use virtual cards for extra security during online purchases
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Supports payments in more than 140 currencies
Specific Drawbacks
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€1,000 monthly FX limit on the Standard plan
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1% weekend currency exchange fee
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ATM withdrawal limits on the free plan
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Some US websites may reject EU debit cards
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Less privacy than standalone virtual card platforms
Who It’s Best For
Revolut is ideal for those in Spain who want a comprehensive banking app, combined with virtual card integration.
Why Someone Would Choose Revolut Over the Others
Revolut is a good choice for those who don't just want a virtual card provider, but rather a full functional digital bank that combines payments, currency exchange, mobile payments, and budgeting tools inside one app.
4. Bankinter

Bankinter is a Spanish bank that offers virtual cards tied to its credit card and debit card products. This is not a standalone virtual card platform. It is a fully functional banking system that just happens to offer virtual cards tied to an existing bank account or physical card. The virtual card uses the same authorised balance, payment method, and credit limit as the main card, while hiding the original card number during online payments.
How It Works
Users in Spain can create a virtual card through the Bankinter website or app, after creating a Bankinter app. They come will of the information needed for online purchases, and this includes both their single use and frequent use virtual cards. The frequent use cards can be linked to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay for contactless payments in store and for cash withdrawals from compatible ATMS.
Costs and Fees
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Virtual card issuance: Free
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Virtual card maintenance: €0
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Virtual card renewal: Free
That said, because the virtual card is linked to a Bankinter bank account and existing card, some costs depend on the underlying product:
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Digital Account: Typically €0 monthly maintenance fee when opened online
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Debit card maintenance: Around €20 per year depending on account type
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Credit card maintenance: Around €30–€35 per year depending on the card and plan
Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions
Spending limits are tied to either the balance in the bank account or the credit limit on the credit account. Also, single use cards are only valid for a single payment and expire once a transaction is made. Frequent use cards are active for ongoing purposes. Users can also turn their cards off, review transactions, and block cards, all through the app.
Key Advantages
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Free virtual cards with no issuance or maintenance fee
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Single-use cards provide extra security for online purchases
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Frequent-use cards support subscriptions and recurring payments
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Works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
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Fully managed through the Bankinter app
Specific Drawbacks
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Requires a Bankinter bank account and existing card
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Spending limits depend on the linked credit card or account balance
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Some card maintenance fees may apply depending on the underlying account
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Less flexible than standalone virtual card providers
Who It's Best For
Bankinter is best for those who are existing customers in Spain and want a bit of extra security through the bank's virtual cards.
Why Someone Would Choose Bankinter Over the Others
You might choose Bankinter virtual cards if you are already an existing customer and want a free virtual card to go along with the other services.
5. BBVA Virtual Card

BBVA features a prepaid virtual card designed for online purchases. This means users have to load funds onto it before using it, allowing for more control over online spending, while reducing the risk of exposing their main bank account or card details when shopping online. The card can be used for subscriptions, ecommerce purchases, and digital payments.
How It Works
Once it is issued, the BBVA virtual card appears in the app with full card details, and users can then top up the card balance, pay online, validate transactions, use the card repeatedly, and more. Users can reload funds at will.
Costs and Fees
BBVA's prepaid virtual card is designed to be low cost for online payments, with most standard usage fees removed.
Typical fees include:
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Card issuance: €0
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Card maintenance: €0 per year
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Non-Eurozone transaction fee: about 3% per transaction
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Duplicate card issuance: about €4–€5 depending on the situation
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ATM withdrawals: fees may apply depending on the ATM provider
For many users, the only recurring cost comes from international transactions outside the Eurozone, where a 3% currency fee applies.
Spending Limits and Usage Restrictions
The spending limit is dictated by the amount loaded into the card. Some limits include a €600 per load top-up and a €6 minimum load amount.
Key Advantages
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No issuance or maintenance fees for the virtual prepaid card
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Prepaid structure limits exposure of your main bank account
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Works with standard online payment systems
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Instant card management through the BBVA mobile app
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Ability to activate or deactivate the card anytime
Specific Drawbacks
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Lower spending limits compared to full debit or credit cards
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Requires manual top-ups before making purchases
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3% fee on transactions outside the Eurozone
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Less flexible than modern multi-card virtual card platforms
Who It's Best For
BBVA is a good option for those who want a simple prepaid card for everyday online purchases, all while keeping main bank account information safe.
Why Someone Would Choose BBVA Over the Others
BBVA is something to consider for those who want a traditional bank-backed prepaid card for online payments.
What Users Think
Let's find out what users think of these five services based on real reviews.
Halocard
Users mention how Halocard is one of the few virtual card platforms that works reliably in the US and on international sites without being rejected or requiring US SSNs or residency. Overall, people are happy with the fast onboarding process, the ability to quickly generate cards, and its strong international acceptance. Although some note that they don't like the monthly fee structure, these same people also say that it's not a bad tradeoff for such a high level of international acceptance and security.
Openbank
Feedback on Openbank is somewhat mixed. Many appreciate that both the account and cards have no maintenance fees, and that the platform is backed by the Santander Group. However, there are also reports of transfer delays, account restrictions, and slow customer support.
Revolut
Revolut generally has positive reviews, especially in relation to the useful and user-friendly app interface, its useful travel features (such as currency exchange),fast transfers, instant card controls, and budgeting tools. That said, there are complaints about delays with large transfers, account freezes during compliance checks, and frustration with a lack of customer support.
Bankinter
Bankinter is a popular option that is seen as a stable traditional Spanish bank that happens to offer virtual cards. Customers appreciate being able to create virtual cards based on their existing accounts. People are especially fond of the single use cards for online purchases. Yet, there are some criticisms, including that the virtual cards are not as flexible as those from dedicated virtual card platforms, plus, getting a virtual card requires opening a bank account with Bankinter.
BBVA
BBVA generally has good feedback in regard to its virtual prepaid card, with users liking that it offers a safe and simple way to control online spending. People also like how the card has no issuance or maintenance fees. That said, users point out that the prepaid structure requires manual topups, as well as heavy transaction fees outside of the EU. International acceptance outside of the EU is a problem in general.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get a Virtual Credit Card?
You can get a virtual card by signing up with a virtual card provider or bank and then generating the card through their website or mobile app.
What Is a Virtual Credit Card?
A virtual credit card is a credit card that exists only in virtual or digital form, complete with card number, expiry date, and security code for secure online payments.
Is It a Good Idea to Use a Virtual Credit Card?
Yes, using virtual cards is a good idea as they add an extra layer of security when making online transactions.
How To Generate a Virtual Visa Card?
You can generate a virtual Visa card by creating one in a bank or Fintech app, such as through Halocard.
Can I Create My Own Virtual Card?
No, you cannot create your own virtual card.
What Is Ghost Credit?
Ghost credit refers to a virtual credit number that has no physical counterpart, generally used for business purposes such as business expenses.
What Banks Offer a Virtual Card in Spain?
BVA, Bankinter, Openbank, and fintech providers like Revolut and Halocard offer virtual cards in Spain.
Can I Use a Spanish Virtual Card on US Websites?
Some Spanish virtual cards may work on US websites, but EU cards may face regional restrictions outside of the EU.
Are Virtual Cards Safer Than Physical Cards?
Yes, virtual cards are safer for online payments because they keep your real banking or credit card information hidden.
How to Get Halocard
Getting a Halocard virtual card is simple and straightforward.
Steps
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Sign up on the official website
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Create your virtual card in minutes
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Add funds through various methods
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Start paying online (including US and international merchants)
Halocard is ideal for those in Spains who need high international functionality and acceptance on US sites, along with strong safety and privacy features - all without any US residency requirements.
Sources
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OpenBank. Open an account and reap the rewards | Openbank Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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OpenBank. Aprovecha las ventajas de hacerte cliente | Openbank Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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OpenBank. Free Virtual Debit Card - Apply for it instantly | Openbank Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Revolut. Personal Fees (Standard) | Revolut Spain Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Bankinter. Virtual cards | Bankinter Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Bankinter. Types of accounts and their differences | Bankinter bank accounts Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Bankinter. Online Banking and Financial Services | Individuals | Bankinter Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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BBVA. Tarifas de comisiones, condiciones y gastos repercutibles a clientes - Epígrafe 17 Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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BBVA. Tarjeta virtual: Recárgala y haz tus compras online | BBVA Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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BBVA. BBVA | The digital bank of the 21st century Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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BBVA. BBVA Bank - Financial products for individuals | BBVA Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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BBVA. Virtual card: Top it up and make your online purchases | BBVA Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Truspilot. Openbank España Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of openbank.es Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Reddit. Does anyone have experience with Openbank by Santander : r/Banking Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Reddit. Is Revolut worth just for virtual card? : r/Revolut Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Truspilot. Revolut Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of www.revolut.com Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Reddit. Recommended Bank in Spain : r/eupersonalfinance Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Truspilot. Bankinter Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of bankinter.es Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Apple. Bankinter Móvil - Ratings & Reviews - App Store Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Trustpilot. BBVA España Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of bbva.es Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Google Play Store. BBVA Spain | Online Banking - Apps on Google Play Sourced on March 5, 2026.
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Apple. BBVA Spain | Online banking - Ratings & Reviews - App Store Sourced on March 5, 2026.
Halocard Virtual Cards

Instant approval
Create your first card in under 5 minutes.
Private purchases
Purchases never appear on your bank account.
Powered by Visa
Accepted at 175M+ merchants globally.
How to get a virtual credit card in 3 simple steps

1. Sign-up with a phone
Sign up from your browser. No app download needed.

2. Quick identity check
Verify you're a real person in less than 3 minutes. No US residency required.

3. Add funds to your account
Use stablecoins, debit/credit card or ACH/SWIFT bank transfer (coming soon).

Your virtual card is ready.
That's it! Your virtual cards can now be used for online and in-person purchases anywhere in the world where Visa is accepted.