A virtual card is included with your Branch account and gives you immediate access to your funds from the moment you sign up — even before a physical card arrives.
What is a virtual card?
A virtual card is a digital debit card assigned to your Branch account. Until your physical card arrives, the virtual card has its own card number, expiration date, and CVV, and works like a physical debit card for most purchases. Your virtual card is available in the Branch App as soon as your account is created.
How do I find my virtual card?
- Navigate to the Wallet tab in the Branch App.
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the card displayed.
- Select Card Controls.
- Enter your passcode.
- Your card number, expiration date, and CVV are displayed.
What can I use my virtual card for?
Your virtual card works anywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted, including:
- Online purchases
- In-store purchases where card details are entered at checkout
- Apple Pay and Google Wallet (contactless payments)
- Note: Apple Pay/Google Wallet is prohibited for minor accounts.
Important to note: Virtual cards can't be used for ATM withdrawals, however, requesting cash back via contactless payments may be supported. We recommend confirming this with the merchant as this feature is not always guaranteed.
What happens to my virtual card when my physical card arrives?
Your virtual card stays active during the 8-12 business days while your physical card is in transit. When your physical card arrives and you activate it, your virtual card information is terminated and is updated to reflect the active, physical card on your account.
If you signed up for Branch and ordered a physical card, you can start using your virtual card for purchases right away while you wait. Once you activate your physical card, your virtual card information is terminated and is updated to reflect the active, physical card on your account.
What happens to my virtual card if I need to replace my card?
Lost, stolen, or used in unauthorized transactions
When you select one of these reasons and submit your replacement order, your current physical card is terminated immediately. Branch issues a new virtual card to your account right away, and you can use it for purchases while your new physical card is in transit (8-12 business days). You’ll need to update your payment information where your physical card was stored to reflect your new virtual card information.
- Important to Note: When you activate your new physical card, the virtual card information is terminated and is updated to reflect the active, physical card on your account.
Damaged card
When you select My card is damaged, your current physical card stays active until you activate your new card. Branch also issues a new virtual card when you place the order.
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Related Articles:
- How do I add my Branch account to Apple Pay or Google Wallet?
- How do I lock & unlock the Branch card?
- How do I order a Branch debit card?
Branch is not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC and Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC, which are Branch’s bank partners. The name of the bank partner for your account is listed on the back of your debit card and can also be found in the Branch App under “Your Account Information”. FDIC insurance only applies to eligible accounts should the bank holding your funds fail. Branch Mastercard Debit Cards are issued by Evolve Bank & Trust or Lead Bank, Member FDIC, as applicable, pursuant to a license from Mastercard and may be used everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted.