The Best Virtual Cards for Google and Facebook Ads in 2025

Running successful ad campaigns on Google and Facebook requires more than just brilliant creative content and targeting. The foundation of your advertising success lies in having reliable, secure payment methods that won’t let you down when your campaigns are performing well. Virtual cards have become the go-to solution for savvy advertisers who want to maintain control over their ad spend whilst protecting their financial details.

What are virtual cards?

Virtual cards are digital payment instruments that function exactly like traditional debit cards but exist only in electronic form. These cards are issued by banks or financial institutions and come with unique numbers, expiry dates, and CVV codes. Unlike physical cards, they can be created instantly and used immediately for online purchases.

Virtual cards stand out for their flexibility and built-in security. You can generate several cards from a single bank account, each with its own spending cap and expiry date. This approach works well for managing multiple ad accounts or campaigns across different platforms.

Most virtual card providers offer both disposable cards for one-time use and permanent virtual cards that can be used repeatedly. The card details are accessible through mobile apps or web dashboards, making it easy to manage your ad campaigns without carrying physical cards.

How do virtual cards work?

Virtual cards operate through a simple process that begins with linking them to your primary bank account or funding source. When you make a purchase using virtual card details, the transaction is processed through the same networks as traditional cards, such as Visa or Mastercard.

The key difference lies in the security layer. Virtual cards use tokenisation technology, which replaces sensitive card information with unique tokens during transactions. This means your actual bank account details never get exposed to merchants or advertising platforms. More on tokenisation, 3D Secure, and the backend processes can be found in the article “How Virtual Cards Work: The Technology Behind the Solution”.

For media buying activities, virtual cards work smoothly with Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and other major ad platforms. You simply add the virtual card details to your advertising account’s billing section, and the platform will charge your virtual card for ad spend just like any other payment method.

Many providers also offer real-time notifications and spending controls. You can set daily or monthly spending limits, restrict usage to specific merchants, and even pause cards instantly if needed.

Types of virtual cards

There are several kinds of virtual cards, each suited to a specific way of working with ad budgets:

• Single-use cards. These are created for one-time payments and expire after use. They’re a good option for testing new ad platforms or paying unfamiliar vendors, since they reduce the risk of fraud.
• Multi-use cards. These can handle repeated transactions until they reach their spending limit or expiry date. They’re commonly used for ongoing campaigns on platforms like Google Ads or Facebook Ads.
• Subscription cards. These are set up for regular payments and renew automatically. They work well for monthly ad budgets or tools that charge a fixed amount every billing cycle.
• Employee cards. These are issued to specific team members with set limits and merchant restrictions. They help companies track team spending and stay in control of campaign costs.

Why use virtual cards for Google and Facebook ads?

Running ads on Google or Facebook often comes with problems. Accounts get suspended, payments fail, and card details can end up exposed. Virtual cards reduce these risks by acting as a layer between your main account and the ad platform.

One of the key reasons advertisers use them is security. If your ad account is compromised or a platform suffers a data breach, you can cancel the card without touching your main banking setup.

They also help with payment failures. Traditional cards are sometimes blocked because of large amounts, frequent charges, or cross-border activity. Virtual cards tend to be more reliable for this kind of use.

For businesses handling several clients or campaigns, using different cards makes spending easier to track. Each card can be linked to a single project, which helps with reporting and keeps budgets under control.

Benefits of virtual cards for media buying

Media buying requires precise financial control and reliable security measures. Virtual cards deliver both while offering additional advantages:

1. Security and fraud protection top the list of virtual card benefits. Each virtual card generates unique card numbers that can be limited to specific merchants or spending amounts. If a card gets compromised, you can instantly deactivate it without affecting other cards or your primary bank account.
2. Spending control features allow you to set exact limits for each campaign or time period. You can create cards with daily, weekly, or monthly spending limits, preventing budget overruns and unauthorised transactions.
3. Instant card issuance means you can create new virtual cards within minutes, not days. When you need to launch a new campaign or replace a compromised card, virtual cards eliminate the waiting time associated with physical card delivery.
4. Detailed transaction tracking provides comprehensive visibility into your ad spend. Most virtual card providers offer real-time notifications and detailed transaction histories, making it easier to monitor campaign performance and identify spending patterns.
5. Multi-currency support simplifies international advertising. Many virtual card providers offer cards in multiple currencies. This allows you to avoid exchange fees and manage campaigns across different countries with less friction.

For a practical breakdown of how media buyers use virtual cards to manage budgets and reduce failed transactions, see The Complete Guide to Payment Cards for Media Buyers.

Drawbacks of virtual cards

Despite their many advantages, virtual cards do have some limitations that advertisers should consider before making the switch from traditional payment methods.

1. Limited acceptance remains an issue with some merchants and platforms. While major advertising platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads readily accept virtual cards, smaller or regional platforms might not support them. This can limit your advertising options or require you to maintain traditional cards as backup payment methods.
2. Technical dependencies mean your advertising campaigns rely on the virtual card provider’s infrastructure. If the provider experiences technical issues or goes out of business, your campaigns could be disrupted. It’s worth researching the financial stability and technical reliability of potential providers.
3. Higher costs can be a concern for high-volume advertisers. While many virtual card providers offer competitive pricing, some charge transaction fees or monthly fees that can add up for businesses with large advertising budgets. You’ll need to calculate whether the benefits outweigh the additional costs.
4. A learning curve exists for teams unfamiliar with virtual card management. Staff will need training on how to create, manage, and monitor virtual cards effectively. This initial investment in training and process changes should be factored into your decision.

The 20 best virtual card providers for Google and Facebook Ads compared

Choosing the right virtual card provider can make or break your advertising campaigns. Here’s a comprehensive comparison of the top 20 providers, each offering unique features and benefits for advertisers.

1. Wallester

Wallester issues virtual and physical Visa cards for companies that need full control over advertising and business expenses.

Key features:

• Up to 300 virtual cards available for free
• Individual spending limits, expiry dates, and merchant restrictions
• Support for multiple currencies and real-time tracking
• API access for automated card creation and management

Best for – Agencies and in-house teams running large volumes of ad campaigns with strict budget control.

2. Revolut

Revolut offers virtual and physical cards for businesses spending across currencies and managing team budgets.

Key features:

• Up to 200 virtual cards per user, issued instantly
• Over 30 currency balances with interbank exchange rates
• Single-use and reusable cards with custom limits and merchant blocks
• Instant alerts and access control for each team member

Best for – Companies handling international payments and shared team expenses.

3. Wise

Wise offers virtual and physical debit cards linked to multi-currency accounts, with transparent exchange rates and global coverage.

Key features:

• Hold and spend in over 40 currencies at mid-market rates
• Issue up to three virtual cards instantly with no extra fees
• Freeze, unfreeze, or replace cards at any time through the app
• Real-time notifications and full transaction history

Best for – Companies and freelancers managing international payments with a focus on currency conversion savings.

4. Monese

Monese provides virtual and physical debit cards linked to multi-currency accounts, aimed at freelancers, expats, and mobile-first users.

Key features:

• Fast account setup with no address or credit history required
• Virtual card issued instantly through the mobile app
• Supports GBP and EUR accounts with real-time notifications
• Basic spending insights and separate balances for business and personal use

Best for – Individuals and small teams looking for simple, cross-border payment tools with quick access and low entry requirements.

5. Monzo

Monzo provides virtual and physical debit cards through its UK-based business accounts, with built-in tools for budgeting and expense control.

Key features:

• Up to five active virtual cards per user, issued instantly
• Each card can be linked to a separate balance for clearer budget separation
• Real-time spending alerts and receipt capture through the mobile app
• Permissions and access controls available on paid business plans

Best for – Small UK-based teams and freelancers who want easy card management with clear separation of campaign or client budgets.

6. Skrill

Skrill issues virtual prepaid Mastercard cards that draw from your Skrill wallet, giving you simple digital payments online.

Key features:

• Instant virtual card available once you add funds
• Use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted online or added to Apple/Google Pay
• Freeze or replace the card in-app at any time
• Real-time spending alerts and clear transaction history

Best for – Users who want a straightforward virtual card for online shopping or ad payments, with quick issue and reset options.

7. iCard

iCard provides virtual and physical Visa and Mastercard debit cards linked to multi-currency e-money accounts, regulated in the EU and Bulgaria.

Key features:

• Up to two free virtual cards (Visa and Mastercard), plus up to 20 cards total per account
• Instant virtual card issuance with customizable daily, weekly, or monthly spending limits
• Supports six currencies (EUR, GBP, USD, CHF, BGN, RON) with no foreign transaction fees
• Freeze/unfreeze cards in-app and receive real-time transaction alerts

Best for – Users needing separate virtual cards for online purchases or subscriptions across currencies, with easy control and low-cost use.

8. US Unlocked

US Unlocked provides virtual prepaid debit cards with genuine U.S. billing addresses, aimed at non-U.S. residents who want to shop on American e-commerce sites.

Key features:

• Merchant-specific and one-time-use virtual cards with U.S. billing addresses
• Card funds are loaded via bank transfer or stablecoins, with a one‑time activation fee and optional monthly subscription
• Card details appear instantly after loading, and you can freeze or replace cards at any time
• Administrative dashboard includes sub‑accounts and spending reports for team use

Best for – International users needing U.S.-issued virtual cards to access U.S. retailers, streamlines purchases and subscription setups.

9. Starling

Starling offers virtual and physical debit cards through its UK business accounts, backed by full banking regulation and tools for everyday spending.

Key features:

• Instant virtual and physical card issuance with no fees
• Separate “Spaces” sub-accounts to isolate budgets within the account
• Real-time transaction alerts and optional round-up savings feature
• Cards can be frozen or cancelled instantly via the app

Best for – Small UK-based businesses or sole traders looking for simple banking with flexible budgeting and clear spending controls.

10. Airbase

Airbase combines virtual cards with an expense management system tailored for finance teams in larger businesses.

Key features:

• Unlimited virtual and physical cards with advanced approval workflows
• Invoice capture tied to virtual cards for easy reconciliation
• Spend controls and adaptive limits based on cardholder policies
• Detailed spending analytics merged with company accounting systems

Best for – Mid-sized to large businesses that need full control over team expenses and seamless accounting integration.

11. Intergiro

Intergiro offers multi-currency business accounts with integrated virtual cards, designed for online business spending and advertising budgets.

Key features:

• Issue virtual Visa and Mastercard cards instantly
• Control card usage by merchant, currency, or amount
• Spend tracking with categorised analytics and exportable reports
• Batch operations and API access for corporate workflows

Best for – European businesses looking to manage ad budgets or vendor payments with precision and system integration.

12. PST.net

PST.net offers virtual and physical Visa cards tailored for digital marketing, affiliate traffic, and global online payments.

Key features:

• Instant card issuance with high monthly limits and flexible top-up options
• Multiple funding methods including crypto, bank transfers, and cards
• Real-time dashboards with campaign-level spend tracking
• Dedicated support team familiar with advertising platform policies

Best for – Media buyers and affiliate marketers who need fast, scalable cards with high limits and detailed control.

13. Pleo

Pleo combines company cards with expense automation tools, making it easier for teams to manage budgets and submit reports.

Key features:

• Issue virtual and physical cards for each employee with spending rules
• Automatic receipt capture via photo or email
• Direct integration with accounting platforms like Xero and QuickBooks
• Real-time notifications and categorised spend breakdowns

Best for – Teams looking to simplify expense tracking while staying in control of day-to-day spending.

14. Mesh

Mesh provides virtual and physical cards built for startups and fast-growing businesses that want clearer spend visibility.

Key features:

• Create cards for employees, vendors, or departments with set limits
• Role-based access and approvals across finance and operations
• Integrates with ERP and finance tools for reporting
• Spend insights with custom rules by project or category

Best for – Startups that need better visibility and flexible controls for distributed spend across teams.

15. Stampli

Stampli issues virtual cards as part of its accounts payable system, helping companies track and control payments tied to invoices.

Key features:

• Cards issued on demand, linked to specific vendors or departments
• Built-in invoice approval workflows with audit trails
• Visibility down to line-item spend and document attachments
• Works alongside ERP systems for consistent reconciliation

Best for – Companies that manage recurring vendor payments and want card-level control tied directly to invoice data.

16. Tribal

Tribal provides corporate cards and spending tools for businesses operating in emerging markets.

Key features:

• Issue cards in local and foreign currencies for each team or department
• Monitor spending in real time across all users
• Add approval steps and user roles without external tools
• Option to connect to accounting software via export

Best for – Businesses expanding across new regions with distributed teams and diverse payment needs.

17. Karta

Karta offers virtual cards and reporting tools for startups and B2B companies managing high-value transactions.

Key features:

• Cards with fixed limits tied to budgets or specific suppliers
• Categorised insights to track large or recurring purchases
• Dashboard view of all cards and users in one place
• Pause, replace, or cancel cards instantly from account

Best for – Young companies making regular B2B payments that need quick setup and easy spend tracking.

18. Extend

Extend provides virtual cards for subscription payments and recurring services across teams or clients.

Key features:

• Issue unlimited virtual cards with custom names and controls
• Suspend or edit cards without interrupting payments
• Assign cards to projects or campaigns for clean separation
• Access support and management through mobile and web

Best for – Agencies and software companies that manage multiple subscriptions or recurring charges.

19. Airwallex

Airwallex issues virtual and physical cards linked to multi-currency business accounts, with a focus on international payments.

Key features:

• Create cards instantly with access to local and foreign currencies
• Track spending by card, team, or category
• Use funds from currency balances to avoid exchange fees
• Connect cards to tools for reporting and team visibility

Best for – Businesses with overseas suppliers or ad platforms that bill in different currencies.

20. Emburse

Emburse issues cards alongside expense tracking and approval tools for organisations of all sizes.

Key features:

• Control spending per team or department with card-level rules
• Scan receipts automatically and attach them to each transaction
• Group expenses by campaign, project, or user
• Export data to accounting systems with one-click formats

Best for – Finance teams looking to manage company-wide spending with full visibility and accurate records.

A quick guide on how to use virtual cards for ad spend

Getting started with virtual cards for advertising doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple approach to implementing virtual cards in your media buying workflow.

1. Choose your provider based on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like transaction fees, currency support, and integration with your existing tools. Most reputable providers offer free trials or low-cost starter plans that let you test their services.
2. Set up your account by providing the necessary business documentation and linking your funding source. This usually involves uploading business registration documents and connecting your bank account or debit card for funding your virtual cards.
3. Create your first virtual card with appropriate spending limits and expiry dates. Start with a modest limit to test the integration with your advertising platform. You can always increase limits once you’re comfortable with the system.
4. Add the virtual card to your advertising account by entering the card details in your platform’s billing section. Most platforms accept virtual cards just like traditional cards, but some may require additional verification steps.
5. Monitor and adjust your virtual card settings based on campaign performance and spending patterns. Use the provider’s dashboard to track spending, set alerts, and create additional cards as needed.

Choosing the best virtual card provider for Google and Facebook Ads

Finding the right provider depends on how you run your ad campaigns and what kind of control you need over payments. Start with the basics: choose a company that’s financially stable and has a solid track record. You’re trusting them with your advertising budget, so reliability matters.

Technical stability is key. If payments start failing or the system goes down, your ads can stop running. Look for providers with proven uptime and responsive support.

Pricing can vary a lot. Some charge per transaction, others take a monthly fee, and a few do both. The best way to compare is to calculate what you’ll actually pay based on your typical spend.

Security should be part of the decision, too. Make sure the provider offers features like 3D Secure, instant card freezing, and alerts for every transaction. These things help you stay in control and act fast if something goes wrong.

If you use accounting or tracking tools, check whether the card system works with them. Some providers have an API or direct integrations that save time and reduce manual work.

Finally, if you’re running campaigns in different countries, go for a provider that supports multiple currencies. It’s a simple way to avoid extra conversion fees and keep your payments smoother.

Consider these key factors when evaluating providers:

• Geographic coverage: Does the provider support your target markets?
• Platform acceptance: Are their cards accepted by your chosen advertising platforms?
• Spending limits: Can you set appropriate limits for your campaigns?
• Reporting features: Do they provide the financial visibility you need?

Enhance your media buying with Wallester

Wallester is a top option for advertisers running Google or Facebook campaigns and needing strict control over payments. It supports instant issuance of up to 300 Visa virtual cards, each with its own limit, currency, and merchant rules.

What Wallester offers:

• Instant issuance of virtual cards via dashboard or API; physical cards available too
• Exclusive or shared BIN ranges to reduce transaction friction and support stable campaign performance
• Support for multiple currencies with clear exchange rates and no hidden fees
• Immediate tracking of every transaction, with quick alerts for any unusual activity
• Merchant whitelisting and card-level restrictions to prevent cross-campaign spending
• Built-in 3D Secure, tokenisation, and pause/delete functions for each card
• Reporting tools to group spending by campaign, client, team, or period
• Operates under EU licence, is a Visa principal member, and follows PCI‑DSS rules

This setup works best for agencies and businesses launching many campaigns, managing multiple clients, and wanting precise spending control.Ready to streamline your ad spending? Sign up for Wallester, issue your first cards in minutes, and keep each campaign’s budget clearly separated and protected.