How to create a virtual disposable card

Keeping your money safe shouldn't be complicated.

As we shop online more and more, protecting ourselves against data theft and fraud has become a priority. A temporary card is the perfect tool for worry-free shopping.

At Revolut, creating single-use virtual cards is free and takes just a few clicks.

Explore our various virtual card options and make online payments with total peace of mind.

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The information provided is accurate as of 20 January 2026.

Information is provided by Revolut Group Holdings Ltd Registration No. 12743269 UK but is not liable for any of the claims, offerings, or services described herein, nor are the representations made or opinions expressed in this topic the views and opinions of Revolut Group Holdings Ltd or Revolut subsidiary companies registered and licenced to provide Revolut products in local countries. For more information about Revolut and current product offerings in your local country please visit https://www.revolut.com/.

How to create and use a temporary payment card

Creating your card with Revolut is easy. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open your Revolut app, or join us if you haven’t already
2. Go to the Cards tab at the top of the screen
3. Tap the + Add new button
4. Select the Disposable option

To use your card to pay: copy the numbers, date, and code displayed on your disposable card in-app. Once the payment's complete, you'll receive a notification. A new card will be created immediately.

What's a disposable card?

A disposable card is one that exists only on your phone. Its numbers are destroyed once the payment is made. Unlike your usual card that you keep long-term, this one disappears after a single purchase.

These types of cards are also known as temporary cards or single-use cards. The process is simple: when you want to pay, the app generates the card and its details. As soon as you’ve made the payment, these details no longer work. If a hacker steals them, they won't be able to do anything with them. This makes it a powerful tool for making online payments safer.

The disposable card for your online payments

A temporary card can help you manage your budget better. It's a great solution for limiting your spending. You can create a card just for one specific purchase. This helps you avoid spending more than planned ‌ — ‌ a simple way to stay in control of your money while online shopping.

Security, control, and freedom with disposable cards

Using a single-use card for online payments brings 3 benefits that can change how you manage card payments:

• Security against theft and fraud: card number theft is a real issue. But with disposable numbers, you can stop thieves in their tracks. Your disposable card acts like a wall protecting your money, since it allows you to avoid sharing your real card number online. Find out more about how we protect your money.
• Precise control via the app: with Revolut, you can freeze your cards whenever you want in just a few clicks. You can also set a maximum spending limit. If a site looks suspicious, you can use a disposable card and sleep soundly. This flexibility allows you to adapt your security options to any situation.
• Autonomy: you don't need to call your provider or visit a branch. You create your cards yourself in seconds on your phone — it’s fast and easy to do, and it’s all in-app.

The disposable card for one-off purchases

The disposable card is designed for purchases you only make once, like buying a gift on a new website or booking a train ticket abroad.

Once you’ve paid, the card disappears from your app. A new card with different numbers is created in its place, ready for next time. This permanent change is what makes a disposable card more secure than a classic one.

Which type of virtual card should you choose?

Don’t confuse a standard virtual card with a disposable virtual card. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

• Standard virtual card: your details don't change with this type of card. It's perfect for subscriptions with Netflix, Spotify, or your mobile plan. You give them your details once, and they’ll take the money out of your account automatically until your subscription’s ended. You can also add it to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless payments.
• Disposable (single-use) virtual card: this card’s details change right away after each purchase. It’s designed for one-off online payments.

With Revolut, you can create a temporary card linked to your account and up to 20 virtual cards in total at no extra cost, regardless of your plan.

Everything you need to know about how temporary cards work

How does a temporary card work?

The app creates a link between a card number and your account. To the website, it looks like a normal Mastercard or Visa. To you, it’s a form of protection and will disappear after the purchase.

How do I pay online with these card numbers?

It’s similar to using a traditional card. The only difference is that you read the numbers from your phone screen, rather than your physical card. This type of card is accepted almost everywhere in the world.

Can I withdraw cash with a disposable card?

No, because it only exists on your phone. To withdraw cash, use your physical card or your phone with a standard (non-disposable) virtual card at contactless-enabled ATMs.

How do refunds work?

It’s simple. Even if the card numbers have changed, the money will be returned to your Revolut account. The system recognises that you made the original payment and puts the money back in the right place.

Can I use a single-use card anywhere?

Our single-use virtual card works on almost all websites thanks to the Visa and Mastercard networks.

How to join Revolut and create your temporary card

If you want to protect your money right now, joining Revolut is easy:

1. Download the Revolut app and create your account in minutes
2. Add money to your account via bank transfer or using another card
3. Go to the Cards section and create your disposable card