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Editorial auto-review: The Privilege debit card from VTB is tailored for clients interested in enhanced banking and premium services. The product combines standard settlement functions with additional privileges available within the bank's packaged services framework. When choosing the card, it is important to carefully review current tariffs, free-maintenance conditions, and up-to-date requirements for minimum account balances or purchase volumes. Applications are available online on the official website or via financial marketplaces.
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Some banks allow you to issue not only a regular debit card, but also a virtual one. Many mistakenly think that such cards have limited functionality. But that's not entirely true. In this article, we will explain what a MIR virtual card is, what it is needed for, how to pay with it in stores, and what its advantages and disadvantages are. We will also share where you can get one in 2024.
What is a virtual debit card?
A virtual debit card is a banking payment instrument that has no physical medium. It exists only in digital format and is intended for making purchases and payments on the internet.
However, a virtual card can be used not only for paying for goods and services online. You can also use it to transfer money to other people and withdraw cash at ATMs with contactless service support.
Like a regular debit card, a virtual card has its own details:
- holder's first and last name;
- unique 16-digit number;
- expiration date;
- Security code.
These details allow you to pay for purchases in online stores. And if the cardholder's smartphone or other smart device supports contactless payments, you can also pay with a virtual card in regular stores.
Why should you get a virtual debit card?
A virtual bank card is an alternative to the plastic we are used to. In some cases, using it is even more convenient than regular plastic. Here are a few situations where using one might be preferable:
- Paying for purchases in unverified online stores. You can top up your virtual card account immediately before making a purchase and only for the exact amount. This will help you avoid losing all your savings if the website turns out to be fraudulent.
- Ensuring the security of savings. A virtual card cannot be lost or stolen, so outsiders will not be able to access the cardholder's money.
- Signing up for trial service subscriptions. When signing up for subscriptions, you usually need to provide bank card details for automatic debiting of subsequent payments. In this case, you can use the virtual card details and set transaction limits. If a person forgets to cancel the subscription, they won't lose money thanks to the set limits.
How to pay for purchases?
There are two ways to pay with a virtual card in a store: link it to a payment service and pay for purchases via QR code using the Faster Payments System. Let's look at these two options in a bit more detail.
Linking to a payment service
Owners of smartphones running on the Android operating system and equipped with an NFC module can link a MIR virtual card to the Mir Pay payment system and pay for purchases using their mobile phone. You can download the Mir Pay app in the RuStore or AppGallery stores.
To link a card to the Mir Pay app, you need to do the following:
- add the desired debit card to the app by following the prompts;
- activate the NFC module and set the Mir Pay app as the primary payment method on your smartphone.
Paying for purchases via QR code through the Faster Payments System
There are two ways to pay for a purchase in a store using a QR code via the Faster Payments System:
- scan the seller's QR code and confirm the payment in the mobile app by selecting the desired debit card;
- generate a QR code in the mobile app and show it to the seller.
Please note that even if a bonus program applies to the virtual card, cashback will not be awarded for payments made via QR code. In this case, the cardholder will only be able to receive bonuses from the Mir payment system.
Pros and cons
One of the main advantages of a digital card is its security. Such a card cannot be lost or stolen. To use it, simply log into the bank's mobile app.
Another advantage is instant issuance. The future cardholder does not need to wait for the card to be manufactured and then go to the bank to pick it up. It is enough to submit an application in your personal account on the website or in the mobile app.
We can also highlight the following among the pros of such a payment tool:
- Free issuance, re-issuance, and maintenance. Banks usually do not charge a fee for processing and use.
- The ability to close an account online in internet banking or the mobile app, as well as by calling the hotline, without having to visit a branch of the credit institution.
- Security of funds when paying for purchases online. Even if an online store turns out to be fraudulent and the data is compromised, the card can be blocked quickly and your savings will not be lost.
However, virtual cards also have certain disadvantages. Among them, we can note:
- Lack of a plastic carrier. This can become a problem if the cardholder needs to withdraw cash from it, and the nearest ATM does not support contactless service.
- Transaction limits. Some banks allow cash withdrawals only through their own cash desks.
- The impossibility of issuing microloans to such a card.
Thus, digital cards have both advantages and disadvantages. But their security, convenience, and favorable maintenance terms make such cards an attractive choice for many users.
Where to get a virtual debit card in 2024?
If you want to apply for a virtual debit card, we recommend paying attention to offers from the following banks.
"Tinkoff Black" from T-Bank
Issuance: free
Maintenance: 99 RUB/month or free of charge if maintaining an account balance from 50 thousand rubles, with a Tinkoff loan issued to this card account, with card tariff 6.2, or with a Tinkoff Pro subscription
Transaction alerts: 59 RUB per month for Tinkoff Mobile numbers or 99 RUB/month for other numbers
Cash withdrawals at ATMs of other banks: free from 3,000 RUB per transaction up to 100,000 RUB per month, then with a 2% commission, but not less than 90 RUB
Transfers to other banks: free up to 5 million RUB per month via the Faster Payments System and up to 20,000 RUB per month by card number, then with a 1.5% commission, but not less than 30 RUB
Cashback: up to 15% for purchases in categories, up to 30% for purchases in partner stores
Interest on balance: none
"Alfa-Karta" by Alfa-Bank
Issuance: free
Maintenance: free
Transaction alerts: 99 RUB per month
Cash withdrawals at ATMs of other banks: free up to 50,000 RUB per month, then a 1.99% fee with a minimum of 199 RUB
Transfers to other banks: free up to 100,000 RUB per month via the Faster Payments System, then with a 0.5% commission, but not more than 1,500 RUB; by card number with a 1.95% commission, but not less than 30 RUB
Cashback: up to 5% for purchases in categories, up to 50% for purchases in partner stores, up to 100% for purchases in super cashback categories
Interest on balance: none
Card for Life from VTB
Issuance: free
Maintenance: free
Transaction alerts: 79 RUB per month
Cash withdrawals at ATMs of other banks: free up to 50,000 RUB per month when receiving a salary on the card, otherwise with a fee of 1%, but not less than 300 RUB
Transfers to other banks: free up to 100,000 RUB per month via the Faster Payments System, then with a fee of 0.5%, but not more than 1,500 RUB; by card number with a fee of 1%, but not less than 50 RUB
Cashback: up to 25% for purchases in categories, up to 50% for purchases at partner stores
Interest on balance: none
Smart Mir debit card from Gazprombank 
Pribyl debit card from Uralsib 
Alfa-Bank Alfa-Card debit card 
VTB Debit Card for Life Conclusion
Summing up, we can say that a virtual card is almost no different from a regular one, except that it has no physical carrier. However, this does not prevent it from performing all the functions of a regular card. With its help, you can pay for online purchases, utility bills, mobile services, and the internet. If your smartphone has an NFC module, you can also pay for purchases in stores and withdraw cash at ATMs.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Finally, let's answer the most frequently asked questions.
How can you get a virtual Mir card?
You can get a virtual card without leaving your home — visiting a bank branch is not required. This can be done on the credit institution's website or in the mobile app. To get a card, you need to fill out a short application form, after which it will appear in your personal account in 1-2 minutes. You can start using the card immediately.
Who can get a virtual card?
Banks do not impose special requirements on people who want to get a virtual Mir debit card. However, to get a card, you usually need to be a citizen of the Russian Federation aged 18 or older.
Is it possible to withdraw cash from a virtual card?
Yes, you can do this if your smartphone is equipped with an NFC chip and the ATM supports contactless service.
Is it possible to receive child care benefits on such a card?
Yes, you can receive any social benefits on the card if it is serviced by the Mir payment system.
