Quick answer: A credit card lets you borrow up to a limit and pay later. A debit card spends money from your bank account. A prepaid card spends only the balance loaded onto it in advance. A crypto card spends crypto, either converted up front or at each payment. Many people search for a "virtual credit card" when what they need is a prepaid virtual card: a card number for online payments with no credit check and no bank account.
This guide compares the four types, explains why some merchants treat prepaid cards differently, and helps you pick the right one. The prepaid virtual cards we sell are listed in our card catalogue.
The four card types in one table
| Credit card | Debit card | Prepaid card | Crypto card | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where the money comes from | A credit line from a bank | Your bank account | A balance loaded in advance | Crypto, converted up front or at each payment |
| Credit check | Usually yes | No, but you need a bank account | No | No credit check; identity checks may apply |
| Can you spend more than you have? | Up to the credit limit | Only with an overdraft | No | No |
| Builds credit history | Usually | No | No | No |
| Typical uses | Everyday spending, travel deposits | Everyday spending | Online payments with a capped budget | Spending crypto where cards are accepted |
What "virtual" means
A virtual card is a card number, expiry date and security code without a plastic card. Any of the four types can be virtual. Virtual cards are made for online payments, and some can also be added to a phone wallet for in-store payments, depending on the card and the issuer.
So what is a "virtual credit card"?
Strictly, it is a credit card in virtual form, issued by a bank after a credit check. In everyday searches, though, people often use the phrase for any virtual Visa or Mastercard that works on international websites. If you do not need to borrow money, a prepaid virtual card usually does the job: it is quicker to get, there is no credit check, and you can never spend more than you loaded.
Why merchants treat prepaid cards differently
Every card number starts with a range of digits, the BIN, that tells the merchant who issued the card and whether it is credit, debit or prepaid. Merchants can use that to set their own rules. Some accept prepaid cards everywhere, some refuse them for subscriptions or free trials, and some, such as car rental and hotel desks, often prefer credit cards for deposits.
That is why the same prepaid card can work at one merchant and be refused at another. If a payment fails, our guide to why virtual cards get declined walks through the causes.
Gift cards
A gift card is locked to one store or brand. It is simple for a single purchase and cannot be declined for card-type reasons, but you can only spend it at that store. A prepaid Visa or Mastercard works across many merchants, so it suits subscriptions and shopping at several sites.
Crypto debit cards vs prepaid cards bought with crypto
- Crypto debit card: linked to a crypto wallet or exchange account, converting coins each time you pay. Your balance can move with crypto prices unless you hold stablecoins.
- Prepaid card bought with crypto: you convert once, when you load a dollar balance, then spend like any prepaid card. This is how Gpayvcc works.
Read how a USDT virtual card works for a closer look at paying with stablecoins.
Which one should I choose?
- You want to borrow or build credit history: a credit card from a bank.
- You have a bank account that works abroad: your debit card may be all you need.
- You want a capped card for online payments, without a credit check: a prepaid virtual card.
- You hold crypto and want to spend it online: a prepaid card bought with crypto, or a crypto debit card.
- You only need one store: that store's gift card.
Why Gpayvcc cards are prepaid
Our cards are prepaid by design. You load a balance with crypto, you can only spend that balance, and there is no credit line, no credit check and no interest. Gpayvcc is not a bank; cards are issued by third-party partners. Read more on our About page.
Each card page lists what you pay for that card, and our pricing page compares them all.
Frequently asked questions
Is a prepaid virtual card the same as a virtual credit card?
No. A credit card spends borrowed money up to a limit. A prepaid card only spends the balance you loaded in advance, with no credit check.
Can a prepaid card build my credit history?
No. Prepaid card use is not reported as borrowing, so it does not build credit history.
Why do some websites refuse prepaid cards?
Merchants can see from the card number that it is prepaid, and some choose not to accept prepaid cards for certain purchases, such as subscriptions with free trials.
Is a crypto card the same as a prepaid card?
Not always. A prepaid card bought with crypto converts once when you load it. A crypto debit card converts at each payment and stays linked to your crypto account.
Do I need a bank account for a prepaid virtual card?
Not for ours. You sign up with an email address and load your balance with crypto.
