More and more people are choosing to use virtual cards for online travel services. These cards appeal to travelers with their security and convenience. Digital payment tools help control spending, protect against fraud, and provide flexibility in managing funds.
In this article, we’ll delve into the benefits of virtual cards and analyze how they can be effectively used when booking hotels and flights.
Payment Security
Virtual cards offer a high level of security when paying for online travel services. They aren’t linked to a physical card, which eliminates the risk of theft or loss.
One of the main advantages of virtual cards is the ability to create one-time or limited-use cards. These cards can have a fixed spending limit, helping to minimize the risk of fraud. For instance, after paying for a flight or booking a hotel, the virtual card can be deactivated. This renders it useless to fraudsters, even if they gain access to its data.
When making payments abroad, virtual cards reduce the risk of unauthorized transactions. Since a virtual card can be created specifically for a single transaction, the likelihood of its data being used without the owner’s knowledge is minimized. Moreover, many services offer the option to instantly block the card via the user’s account if any suspicious activity is detected.
Many virtual cards support 3D Secure technology. This security protocol is designed to enhance the safety of online payments. During the payment process, the buyer is redirected to a special page where the transaction must be confirmed using a one-time password or biometric data, such as a fingerprint. This real-time verification process provides an additional layer of protection. Even if the card data is compromised, the transaction cannot be completed without successfully passing the 3D Secure check.
Additionally, virtual cards are often equipped with two-factor authentication (2FA), adding another layer of security for payments. Two-factor authentication is a process where two independent methods of identification are required to confirm a transaction. This typically involves a combination of a password or PIN code and a one-time code sent to a mobile phone. This significantly reduces the risk of fraudsters using the card’s data without the owner’s knowledge, even if they manage to steal it. Without access to the phone or device generating the one-time codes, criminals cannot complete the transaction.
Flexibility in Expense Management
Using virtual cards allows for precise planning and tracking of expenses, which is particularly important given the fluctuating exchange rates and unforeseen costs often associated with travel.
One of the key features of virtual cards is the ability to set spending limits. Through a mobile app or the user’s account on the financial platform, a maximum amount can be set for each card. This helps avoid unintentional overspending. If the budget for hotel accommodation or car rental is predetermined, a corresponding limit can be set on the virtual card, ensuring there are no unexpected expenses.
Another advantage of virtual cards is the ability to use multiple cards for different types of expenses. For example, one virtual card can be used exclusively for hotel payments, another for purchasing flights, and a third for car rentals. This simplifies expense tracking and provides a clear view of how much is spent on each category of services. This approach not only helps control the budget but also minimizes the risk of fraud, as each card’s data is used only for specific purposes.
Furthermore, dividing expenses across different cards makes financial management more flexible. If it becomes necessary to increase the limit for one category of expenses, such as car rental, this can be done without affecting other costs like accommodation or flights. As a result, travel becomes more organized, and expenses more predictable and manageable.
Convenience of Use
One of the main advantages of virtual cards is the ease and speed with which they can be created. Obtaining a virtual card doesn’t require visiting a bank or filling out extensive paperwork. Simply register in an app or on a service’s website, select the desired card parameters, and within minutes, the card will be ready for use. This process is entirely online, making it accessible anytime and from anywhere in the world.
After creating a virtual card, its balance can be topped up instantly. This is especially important when traveling, as there may be an urgent need to pay for a service or purchase. Top-ups can be done via bank transfer, using another bank card, or through other methods offered by the service. Funds are credited to the card instantly, making it ready for use.
Additionally, many virtual card services offer the option to top up with cryptocurrencies. The conversion of cryptocurrency to fiat is automatic when topping up the card, so the user doesn’t need to worry about extra steps.
PSTNET Virtual Cards for Travelers
PSTNET is a versatile financial platform that issues virtual payment cards not only for travelers and international payments but also for media buying. The service offers more than 25 unique BINs, allowing cards to be used on all popular advertising platforms. Moreover, the platform includes special tools like a BIN checker, which helps determine the origin and purpose of cards, especially useful for those involved in media buying.
The advantages of using PSTNET virtual payment cards for hotel and flight bookings lie in their convenience and favorable rates.
Traveler security is ensured by the state-of-the-art 3D Secure protection technology used on all PSTNET virtual payment cards. Additionally, all cards support two-factor authentication.
The service offers round-the-clock technical support through a Telegram chat and other communication channels, ensuring quick assistance in any situation and in any time zone.
Ultima also has no limits on the number of cards — users can create as many cards as they need and segment their expenses into different categories. For example, one card can be used for hotel bookings, another for purchasing flights, and a third for car rentals or entertainment. This not only helps manage the budget more effectively but also enhances security, as each card is used only for a specific purpose.
PSTNET provides a special app for card management — a cardholder. This app allows you to manage multiple cards from your phone or computer, simplifying the process of card control and top-ups and providing real-time access to all financial operations.
For active users who regularly make purchases, PSTNET offers the opportunity to receive free cards with sufficient monthly spending. All these benefits make PSTNET virtual payment cards a convenient and secure tool for paying for travel services.
Savings on Fees and Exchange Rates
During trips, traditional bank cards often impose high currency conversion fees, which can significantly increase overall costs. Digital solutions help avoid these additional charges by offering more favorable terms for international transactions.
One of the key benefits is the ability to work with multiple currencies. This helps minimize conversion losses, as currency exchange occurs under more transparent and advantageous conditions.
Topping up cards with cryptocurrency also allows you to bypass traditional bank fees and avoid exchange rate fluctuations. For example, when paying for services in another country through a card with a balance in a stable cryptocurrency, the need for conversion is eliminated.
Conclusion
Virtual cards represent a modern and convenient solution for paying for travel services. They provide a high level of security during payments, offer flexibility in budget management, and simplify the process of booking hotels and purchasing flights. With features like one-time card creation, two-factor authentication, and 3D Secure technology, virtual cards become a reliable tool for fraud protection and expense control.
Using virtual cards helps not only avoid unexpected expenses but also optimize travel costs through favorable currency conversion conditions and the absence of high fees. This is especially relevant for international travel, where considering all aspects of the budget is crucial.
We recommend using PSTNET virtual payment cards for booking hotels and paying for flights, as well as for paying for digital products, services, and international shopping while traveling.
