Virtual Cards
A virtual card is a digitally generated payment card that businesses use to make secure online purchases without relying on a physical card. Virtual cards can be created instantly, assigned to employees or vendors, and customized with spending limits, merchant restrictions, expiration dates, and other controls to improve security and simplify business spending.
Last updated: July 2026
Why virtual cards matter
Virtual cards give businesses more control over how company money is spent.
Unlike traditional business cards, virtual cards can be issued instantly and configured for a specific employee, vendor, subscription, advertising platform, or client account. This reduces fraud, simplifies expense management, and makes it easier to track every transaction.
For agencies and high-growth businesses, virtual cards also make it possible to separate spending across clients, campaigns, and departments without opening additional bank accounts.
Common Uses for Virtual Cards
Businesses use virtual cards in many different ways, including:
- Paying for Google Ads, Meta Ads, TikTok Ads, and LinkedIn Ads
- Managing client advertising budgets
- Paying SaaS subscriptions
- Issuing cards to employees
- Vendor-specific purchasing
- One-time online purchases
- Department budgets
- Travel and marketing expenses
Business example
How Marketing Agencies Use Virtual Cards
A performance marketing agency managing dozens of client advertising accounts can issue a unique virtual card for every client.Each card can include its own spending limit, employee permissions, and merchant restrictions, making it easier to track budgets, reduce payment issues, and separate client expenses.
Charge Card
A digital payment card issued instantly online, used for purchases without a physical card being produced or shipped.
Card Limits
A digital payment card issued instantly online, used for purchases without a physical card being produced or shipped.
Card Controls
A digital payment card issued instantly online, used for purchases without a physical card being produced or shipped.
Unlimited Virtual Cards
A digital payment card issued instantly online, used for purchases without a physical card being produced or shipped.
Frequently asked questions
A virtual card exists digitally and is primarily used for online or remote payments, while a physical card can also be used for in-person purchases.
Yes. Virtual cards can include merchant restrictions, spending limits, expiration dates, and unique card numbers that reduce fraud and unauthorized spending.
Yes. Many businesses issue dedicated virtual cards to employees with customized spending limits and permissions.
Yes. Businesses commonly use virtual cards to pay for Google Ads, Meta Ads, TikTok Ads, LinkedIn Ads, and other digital advertising platforms
See what Opal can do for you
Learn how our spend platform can increase the strategic impact of your finance team and future-proof your company
