How To Use a Virtual Card for Online and In-Store Transactions

Seyi Matthew

Jul 21, 2025 • 7 min read

Here is how to use a virtual card for online and in-store transaction, Virtual cards are changing the way people pay by offering enhanced security, greater control over spending, and the convenience of a payment method that does not require carrying a physical card.

With LaserCards, you can generate a virtual debit card instantly and use it to shop online or make payments at select physical stores.

You can manage subscriptions, purchase items on your favorite websites, or pay in-store using your smartphone. LaserCards give you the flexibility to spend exactly how you want.

In this guide, we will explain:

What a virtual card is and how it functions

How to use your LaserCards virtual card for online purchases and in-store payments.

How to get a LaserCards virtual card quickly and securely.

Ways to manage your funds, including transferring money and accessing cash

What Is a Virtual Card?

A virtual card is a debit card created digitally that functions the same way as a physical card, but without the plastic component. It includes:

A unique 16-digit card number

A CVV security code

An expiration date

This card is directly linked to your LaserCards wallet.Virtual cards add an important layer of security to online payments.

Instead of using your main debit card or bank account information, you use a temporary, secure card number that can be used for one-time or repeated purchases.

If you need to stop using the card at any time, you can freeze or delete it immediately without needing to call customer service or wait in line.

What Can You Use a Virtual Card For?

Your LaserCards virtual card offers a wide range of practical uses designed to make your spending more secure and convenient.

Here are some of the most common ways to use it:

Online Shopping on Local and International Websites

You can use your LaserCards virtual card to shop on any online platform that accepts Visa cards.

This includes popular Nigerian websites as well as international stores such as Amazon, AliExpress, or eBay.

The card supports multiple currencies, allowing you to pay in Naira or convert to US dollars or other currencies as needed.

This flexibility enables you to access products and services from all around the world while maintaining control over your spending.

Paying for Streaming Services and Software Subscriptions

If you subscribe to services like Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music, Adobe Creative Cloud, or Zoom, your LaserCards virtual card can be used to pay for these subscriptions.

This is particularly useful for managing recurring payments securely.

You also have the option to create virtual cards with specific spending limits or single-use cards for trial subscriptions to avoid unexpected charges.

App Store and In-App Purchases

Whether you need to purchase an app, unlock premium features, or make in-game purchases, your LaserCards virtual card can be linked to your Apple App Store or Google Pay account.

This enables smooth and fast payments for all kinds of digital content on your mobile devices.

Food Delivery and Grocery Orders

For your convenience, you can use your virtual card to pay for food delivery through platforms such as Uber Eats, Bolt Food, Chowdeck, and Glovo.

Additionally, it works for online grocery shopping on apps like Instacart and other local delivery services.

This eliminates the need to carry a physical card or cash when ordering meals or essentials.

In-Store Payments with a Digital Wallet

Many retail stores now accept contactless payments using mobile wallets.

You can add your LaserCards virtual card to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay and then use your smartphone to pay in-store quickly and securely without needing your physical card.

Booking Airline Tickets and Hotels

When planning travel, you can use your virtual card to book flights on platforms such as Travelstart, Wakanow, or Expedia.

Likewise, hotel bookings on Airbnb, Booking.com, and many other hotel reservation services can be paid for securely and easily.

One-Time or Recurring Bill Payments

Use your virtual card to pay monthly bills such as internet service, utilities, and mobile phone airtime.

For business owners, it is also a great way to pay recurring expenses like SaaS tools, hosting services, or subscription software.

You can set spending limits or even delete the virtual card after a single payment to prevent any unauthorized charges.

Also Read: https://blog.lasercards.co/how-to-add-a-virtual-card-to-apple-pay/

How To Use a Virtual Card Online

Using your LaserCards virtual card for online purchases is straightforward and similar to using a physical card. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Browse and select the products or services you want to purchase on any website or mobile app that accepts Visa payments.
When you are ready to check out, choose the payment method labeled as “Debit or Credit Card.”
Carefully enter your LaserCards virtual card details, including the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV (security code).
If prompted, enter your billing address. This should match the address registered in your LaserCards account.
Confirm the payment and wait for the transaction to be authorized through the secure Visa network.

Pro Tip: LaserCards allows you to create multiple virtual cards and control spending limits on each card.

You can also pause or delete a virtual card immediately after use, giving you full control over your online spending.

This is especially helpful when purchasing from websites you do not fully trust.

Also Read: https://blog.lasercards.co/how-to-add-a-virtual-card-to-apple-pay/

How To Use a Virtual Card In-Store

You can also use your LaserCards virtual card for payments in physical stores that accept contactless payments through mobile wallets. Here is how to do it:

Step 1: Add Your Virtual Card to a Digital Wallet

Your LaserCards virtual card works with popular digital wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. To add your card to a digital wallet:

Open the wallet application on your smartphone.
Select the option to add a new card.
Manually input your LaserCards virtual card number, expiration date, and CVV.
Follow any verification steps required by the wallet app, such as confirming via email or SMS.

Once added, your virtual card will appear alongside any other cards in your wallet app, ready for use.

Step 2: Make Payments at the Point of Sale

At checkout in any store with contactless payment terminals:

Open your phone’s digital wallet.
Select your LaserCards virtual card.
Tap your phone on the payment terminal.
Authenticate the payment using Face ID, fingerprint recognition, or your device passcode as required.

The transaction will process just like any other contactless card payment. This method provides a fast, safe, and convenient way to pay without carrying a physical card.

Can You Withdraw or Transfer Money From a Virtual Card?

Virtual cards are primarily designed for making purchases and do not typically support direct cash withdrawals from ATMs.

However, LaserCards provides several flexible options for accessing or transferring your funds:

You can transfer money from your LaserCards wallet to your linked Nigerian bank account via the app. This allows you to withdraw cash from your bank using your physical bank card.
It is possible to send funds instantly to other LaserCards users, facilitating quick transfers between friends, family, or colleagues.
For cash withdrawals, you can move money to a bank account or physical card that supports ATM withdrawals.
If you need to get cash quickly and do not have a physical card, you can use peer-to-peer platforms or send money to someone else with a physical card who can withdraw on your behalf.

These options give you the flexibility to manage your money efficiently even though your virtual card itself cannot be used directly at ATMs.

How To Get a Virtual Card with LaserCards

Signing up for LaserCards and getting your virtual Visa card is fast, easy, and secure. Follow these simple steps:

Download the LaserCards mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or sign up on the LaserCards website.
Register your account by providing your personal information, including your full name, email address, and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
Complete the KYC verification process by submitting a valid form of identification and a selfie for identity confirmation.
Fund your LaserCards wallet using a bank transfer, USSD code, or an existing card.
Instantly generate your virtual Visa card through the app dashboard.

Once created, you will receive your 16-digit card number, expiration date, and security code, ready for immediate use.

You can create multiple virtual cards for different purposes, manage your card limits, and monitor transactions in real time.

Why More People Are Switching to LaserCards

The popularity of virtual cards continues to grow rapidly. Industry reports project the global virtual card market will surpass $65 billion by 2030.

Consumers and businesses alike choose virtual cards for many reasons, including:

LaserCards prioritizes security by shielding your main financial data and allowing you to control card access and limits.
Instant card issuance means you do not have to wait for physical cards in the mail.
Global acceptance ensures your card works anywhere Visa is accepted online or in stores.
User-friendly mobile management lets you control spending, freeze cards, or delete them instantly.
LaserCards enables contactless payments through mobile wallets, providing modern payment convenience.

Ready To Pay Smarter?

LaserCards give you more than just a card. You gain full control, enhanced security, and unmatched convenience in one simple app.

Start using your LaserCards virtual card to shop online, pay bills, or make contactless payments in-store with confidence.

Get started with LaserCards today.

Also Read: https://blog.lasercards.co/7-powerful-reasons-to-use-virtual-cards-for-online-payments/