How to create a virtual bank card in France: steps, fees, and best options

If you live in France and often shop online or make purchases abroad, using a virtual card can make your payments safer and cheaper.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a virtual card from your smartphone or tablet — including the steps, conditions, and potential fees.

When you pay in a foreign currency with a traditional French bank card, you’re often charged conversion mark-ups and international fees.
To avoid that, you could consider the Wise virtual card: it lets you convert and spend money at the mid-market exchange rate — without hidden mark-ups.

You can even create up to 3 virtual cards at once, for free.

Discover Wise’s virtual card

How to create a virtual card: step-by-step guide

If you’re with a traditional bank, you’ll usually need to subscribe to a plan that includes a virtual card option. Once that’s done, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your online banking space from your smartphone or tablet.
2. Go to the “Virtual Cards” or “e-Carte Bleue” section.
3. Enter the payment limit and expiry date.
4. Once approved, you’ll receive a virtual card number, CVV code, and expiration date.
5. Use these details at checkout when paying online.
6. After the payment is processed, the virtual card may automatically become invalid.

Note: the process may vary slightly depending on your bank or provider.

What is a single-use virtual card?

A virtual card is a digital payment card that you can use for online transactions.
Some banks offer this service for free, while others include it as part of a paid plan.

When making a purchase, you generate a temporary card number, CVV, and expiration date — valid for one transaction. Once it’s used, those details expire automatically.

🔎 Important: single-use virtual cards can’t be used at ATMs or in physical stores. Since the card number expires after one payment, they also can’t be used for subscriptions or direct debits.

Free virtual cards in France: what options are available?

Many French banks and fintechs now offer virtual cards — either directly or via partner services such as PayWeb Card.
The fees differ depending on the provider. Some are free, while others come with annual costs or require an existing account.

Here are a few examples:

• Fortuneo: free¹
• CIC: free via PayWeb Card²
• Crédit Mutuel: free via PayWeb Card³
• Société Générale: e-Carte Bleue option, €14/year⁴

If you’re not already a customer, you’ll need to open an account with these banks before accessing the virtual card option.

👉 For a faster alternative, you can get a Wise virtual card in just 3 steps:

• Open a Wise account for free in minutes and order your physical card.
• Activate the Digital Card option in the Wise app.
• Start paying securely with no hidden fees in 40+ currencies — online or via Apple Pay / Google Pay.

Alternatives to the e-Carte Bleue

Dynamic CVV card

A dynamic CVV card offers strong protection against fraud without needing to generate new card details for every purchase.
The 3-digit CVV code on the back of your card changes automatically at regular intervals. If your details are stolen, the expired CVV can’t be reused.

This feature is offered by several French banks and works with physical cards — making it practical for both online and in-store use.

3D Secure system

The 3D Secure system, offered by Visa and Mastercard, adds an extra verification step for online purchases.
When you pay, your bank sends a one-time code via SMS to confirm the transaction.
If you receive a 3D Secure SMS without making a purchase, contact your bank immediately — it may indicate attempted fraud.

Virtual cards: FAQ

How can I get a virtual card?

You can request an e-Carte Bleue or virtual card directly from your online banking app or website.
If your bank offers this service, you’ll simply choose a maximum payment amount and expiry date, then receive your temporary card details.

What are the benefits of a single-use virtual card?

Virtual cards keep your physical card details private and protect your main account.
Even if the temporary number is intercepted, it can’t be reused — making your online payments much more secure.

What can I buy with a virtual card?

Virtual cards can only be used for online purchases, not in stores or at ATMs.
Because they’re single-use, they can’t be used for recurring subscriptions or direct debits.

Some virtual cards — like Wise’s — can be connected to Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless payments via your phone.

What is a dynamic CVV card?

A dynamic CVV card is a secure alternative to virtual cards. Its verification code changes automatically, so you can make online purchases safely without having to generate a new card each time.

The Wise virtual card: a practical option for international payments

With Wise, you can access free virtual cards as soon as you open an account and order a physical card.
You can have up to 3 active cards at once — all linked to your Wise account.

When you spend in a foreign currency, Wise converts at the mid-market exchange rate without hidden mark-ups, helping you save money on your purchases abroad or online.

Order your Wise card

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.