Do I need a physical card?

Asked by: Solon Rolfson  |  Last update: May 23, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (20 votes)

Physical credit cards are widely accepted at stores and ATMs. On the other hand, virtual cards are mostly preferred for online shopping. They may not be ideal for face-to-face transactions or withdrawing cash.

Can I use my card without the physical card?

Virtual cards are a safer way to pay online or in-app. When you use a virtual card to make a purchase, the app replaces your physical card number with a unique virtual card number. When you check out, the virtual number hides your personal payment details and helps to protect you against fraud.

Can I use one card without a physical card?

In addition to your metal One Credit Card, there is a virtual rendition of the same card available for you in the OneCard App. This card is also a VISA/MasterCard/RuPay powered credit card so you can use it for any online or app-based transactions or purchases.

Do I need a physical bank card?

Once you've added your card to a digital wallet, you should only need your physical card for ATM withdrawals, larger transactions that don't support contactless payments, or to use when a retail or business location does not support contactless functionality.

Is a physical debit card necessary?

Types of daily transactions

Unique card numbers for each transaction offer extra protection against security risks and online fraud. However, if your business relies more on physical transactions at customer locations or stores, then a physical debit card might be more relevant.

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How can I pay without a physical card?

Digital wallets allow you to make payments without a physical debit or credit card. Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are examples of popular digital wallets. You can store credit cards, debit cards, boarding passes, gift cards and more in your digital wallet.

Is it mandatory to have a debit card?

A debit card is required for UPI payments. But it is not mandatory. You can also initiate an Aadhar-based authentication for your UPI PIN generation, which will give you an OTP on the registered mobile number. Following this, you can make UPI payments without any card.

Why do people still use physical cards?

Physical cards have been around for ages, and they offer a tangible link to your money. When you hold your card in your hand, it feels safe and makes you comfortable because you know it's a familiar way to handle your money. You can use it by swiping in stores or typing its numbers online.

Can I pay in store without physical card?

To pay in stores using your phone, you'll need to make sure Google Pay is downloaded and set up on your phone first. Get the Google Pay app on your Android phone. It only takes a few minutes to set up Google Pay on your phone. You'll need your credit or debit card info handy to get the app set up.

Can I go to ATM without physical card?

Cardless ATMs offer the convenience of withdrawing funds without a plastic debit or ATM card. Customers have the same transaction and withdrawal options as they would with a physical card. At the ATM, open your mobile app or digital wallet, tap your phone on the ATM or scan the QR code, and enter your PIN.

Do I need a physical credit card?

If the credit card needs to be used in person, a physical credit card will be the better fit. Meanwhile, the added security and fraud protection virtual cards offer make them an ideal fit for online purchases, like managing your digital advertising spend.

Can you get cash out without physical card?

Use your digital wallet at a NAB ATM

Forgot your physical card? No worries. Open your digital wallet to withdraw cash or check your balance at any NAB ATM.

How can I use my credit card without a physical?

The steps to use the card online at the checkout point, are as below:
  1. Enter the virtual credit card number.
  2. Enter the expiry date on your card.
  3. Confirm the OTP number sent to your mobile.
  4. Complete the transaction.

Can I use one card without physical card?

While completing your OneCard application process, if you complete video KYC, you can start using your virtual One Credit Card even before you receive the physical One Credit Card. However, in case you didn't have to do video KYC, you will have to wait to receive your physical card before you can start using the card*.

What are the benefits of a physical card?

A physical credit card is a tangible card that a credit card issuer issues that enables you to make purchases, withdraw cash, and access credit facilities. This traditional credit card is widely used and accepted in retail stores, ATMs and online transactions.

Can I deposit money without physical card?

Yes, cardless cash deposits incorporate various security measures to protect your transactions. These measures often include encrypted codes, two-factor authentication, and secure communication channels between your mobile device and the ATM.

How to pay without a physical card?

Payment Apps (E-Wallets)

The most famous ones are PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Do you need a physical bank card?

For travel bookings, physical cards are usually a better choice. Yet for everyday online transactions, virtual cards offer numerous benefits. Of course, there are also some transactions where it's best not to use a card at all. For example, bank payments can save your business on costly card fees.

Can I shop at Walmart without my physical card?

Hold your phone over the QR code on the register to pay. Walmart Pay can use credit, debit or gift cards saved to your Walmart account. You should hear a chime & see a confirmation. We'll send a notification to your device when your e-receipt is ready—there are no paper receipts with Walmart Pay.

Why don't we swipe cards anymore?

If grime and scratches become excessive, you may find yourself unable to swipe your card at a really inconvenient time. Chip technology and tap-to-paymay be now available, which replaces the need for a magnetic stripe, and essentially the entire need to "swipe" a card through a reader.

Why do black cards exist?

The American Express Centurion Card, colloquially known as the Black Card, is a charge card issued by American Express. It is reserved for the company's wealthiest clients who meet certain net worth, credit quality, and spending requirements on its gateway card, the Platinum Card.

Is it bad to not use a card?

The other risk of leaving a card inactive is the issuer might decide to close the account. If you haven't used a card for a long period, it generally will not hurt your credit score. However, if a lender notices your inactivity and decides to close the account, it can cause your score to slip.

Should I avoid using a debit card?

A debit card doesn't offer the same fraud protection

If a stranger were to find your debit card, they could essentially use all the money in your linked checking account. While you can get your money bank when you report debit card fraud, it may take time or you may not be reimbursed at all.

Can I use without debit card?

Even if you don't have a debit card, you can still benefit from UPI by linking your Aadhaar card to your bank account and ensuring your mobile number is registered with both. Aadhaar-based verification helps you create your UPI ID and PIN, making cashless transactions effortless.

Can I have both a virtual and physical debit card?

Yes, you can apply for both a virtual and physical card. They are managed separately, so each card has its own number.