In the US and Europe, whether you’re a freelancer, a cross-border e-commerce professional, or a regular consumer looking to manage household expenses, virtual bank cards are becoming an indispensable financial tool. However, with the increasing number of platforms available, making the right choice is becoming more challenging.
Don’t worry—we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide comparing the leading virtual card platforms in the US and Europe for 2025. This guide covers key aspects such as account setup, fee structures, security mechanisms, and user experience to help you identify the platform that best suits your needs.
1. Ease of Account Setup
How complicated is it to open a virtual card overseas?NerdWallet+Monito+Wise
Some platforms support registration without a Social Security Number (SSN), such as Wise and Revolut, which is particularly friendly for non-US residents. The registration process typically requires uploading a passport and a selfie for verification, which can be completed within minutes, and you can receive your card within a few hours.
However, platforms like Chime and Venmo Card, which cater to US residents, often require a local address and SSN, making the account opening process relatively more demanding.
| Platform | Supports Non-Resident Account Opening | Time Required for Account Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | ✅ No SSN required | Within minutes |
| Revolut | ✅ Supported in some countries | Typically within 1 hour |
| Chime | ❌ US residents only | Within 1 day |
| N26 | ✅ Supports EU users | Within 30 minutes |
2. Target Users and Regions
By 2025, many virtual card platforms have established a global presence, but the level of support varies:
- Wise supports over 160 countries, making it a popular choice for cross-border workers.
- Revolut focuses on the European and US markets and is gradually expanding into Asia.
- Platforms like Monzo, Chime, and Venmo Card are primarily limited to the US or UK.
Additionally, some platforms have introduced features specifically designed for teenagers and family users, allowing parents to create sub-cards for their children and set spending limits, such as Revolut Junior and GoHenry.
3. Fee Structures: Hidden Traps You Might Overlook
Don’t just look at “free card issuance”! Pay attention to the following:
- Monthly Fees: Platforms like Chime and Wise are permanently free; however, Revolut’s premium account requires a monthly fee of $9.99.
- Top-up/Withdrawal Fees: Some platforms charge 1%-3%, and the terms may not be clearly stated.
- Foreign Exchange Markups: Many platforms add a 1%-2% markup on exchange rates, especially during weekend transactions.
- ATM Withdrawal Fees: After the free withdrawal limit, Revolut charges a 2% fee per withdrawal.
- Dormant Fees: Accounts that remain inactive for an extended period may incur “account maintenance fees.”
| Platform | Monthly Fee | FX Markup | Withdrawal Fee | Inactivity Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | Free | Mid-market rate, no markup | From $1.5 | None |
| Revolut | Free / $9.99 | 1% on weekends | 2% after free limit | None |
| Chime | Free | Uses Visa official rate | Free | None |
4. Multi-Currency Support and Switching Experience
In the globalized environment of 2025, whether a platform supports multiple currencies directly determines its practicality.
- Wise currently supports over 50 currencies, allowing users to switch currencies within their accounts at low costs.
- Revolut also offers multi-currency wallets and foreign exchange rate locking features, suitable for short-term currency exchange needs.
In contrast, US-based cards like Venmo and Chime offer minimal multi-currency support, which is a significant drawback.
5. Number and Flexibility of Virtual Cards
Many platforms allow you to create multiple virtual cards, which can be used to link to different platforms like Netflix and Amazon, enhancing security.
- Revolut offers disposable virtual cards that automatically expire after each payment.
- Wise allows up to 3 virtual cards, supporting real-time freezing and replacement.
- N26 supports multiple cards, but the number and customization flexibility are relatively limited.
6. Security Mechanisms
By 2025, the security features of virtual cards have become highly advanced:
- Instant card freezing and unfreezing
- Transaction notifications for each payment
- Dynamic CVV (offered by Revolut)
- Setting daily and category-specific spending limits
- Device binding and two-factor authentication login
Compared to traditional physical cards, virtual cards have a significant advantage in preventing unauthorized transactions and information leakage.
7. Third-Party Integration Capabilities
This aspect is particularly crucial for users who need to receive cross-border payments and connect to multiple platforms:
| Supported Platforms | Wise | Revolut | Chime | Venmo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Pay | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Google Pay | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| PayPal | ✅ | ✅ | Partial | ✅ |
| Stripe Payments | ✅ | Partial | ❌ | ❌ |
Wise and Revolut have significantly stronger API compatibility, making them suitable for digital nomads and freelancers.
8. App User Experience
If you use the app daily for payments and bill viewing, the interface becomes crucial:
- Wise: Simple interface, easy to use, supports bill search and tagging.
- Revolut: Feature-rich, but first-time users may find the information overwhelming.
- Chime: Traditional banking UI, fewer features but stable performance.
9. Support for Building Credit History
If you’re considering applying for loans or credit cards in the future, this aspect shouldn’t be overlooked:
- Chime offers a “Credit Builder Card” that can help establish credit history.
- Revolut and Wise currently do not offer such features.
- Monzo (UK) is gradually testing credit products.corpay.com+Reddit+Airwallex
10. Customer Support and User Reputation
According to Trustpilot data from 2025:
- Wise: Rating of 4.3; users praise its stable transfers and responsive customer service.
- Revolut: Rating of 3.9; some users report slow support on weekends.
- Chime: Rating of 3.5; complaints mainly focus on account freezing issues.NerdWallet
If you’re a frequent user, it’s advisable to choose a platform with 24/7 customer support and consider whether multi-language support is available.
Conclusion: Which Platform Is Right for You?
- Need multi-currency support and top-notch cross-border compatibility? 👉 Go with Wise
- Want a feature-packed app with tools for family management? 👉 Check out Revolut
- Care most about building local credit and enjoying a fee-free experience? 👉 Choose Chime
- Looking for a solution tailored for teens or families? 👉 Try GoHenry
