Best virtual cards for businesses in South Asia
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The best virtual cards do more than just handling online spending. Here are 8 cards compared on fees, multi-currency support and availability in South Asia
Key takeaways
- Virtual cards are digital-only payment cards used for online subscriptions, ad spend, software, travel and supplier payments
- The best virtual cards for global business use typically offer multi-currency support, multiple cards per account and low FX fees
- Some providers operate only in one South Asian market with availability across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh varying widely
- The World Card supports up to 20 virtual cards per business and zero conversion fees in 15+ currencies when balance is held.
Virtual cards have become a default tool for businesses running global operations online from South Asia. These cards can be issued instantly, controlled from a dashboard, and used safely across dozens of merchant websites without exposing your single primary card.
For global businesses across India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, the best virtual cards add another layer: multi-currency support and low FX markups on international transactions, which matter when most monthly spending sits on SaaS tools, ad platforms and overseas suppliers. This article compares eight virtual card options on fees, features and market availability.
What is a virtual card?
A virtual card is a digital-only payment card that exists online. Businesses typically use virtual cards for subscriptions, online advertising, software purchases, travel bookings and supplier payments.
Most virtual cards can be generated instantly and linked to the underlying account or wallet. Once created, the card can be used like a standard payment card for online transactions, with details including a card number, expiry date and CVV.
Depending on the provider, a virtual card may function as a virtual debit card, virtual prepaid card or business payment card.
What to look for in a virtual card for business
Multi-currency support
Some businesses offer virtual cards that are linked to multi-currency accounts. So businesses can use the multi-currency balances in their account to spend in multiple currencies directly, which helps avoid double conversions.
Number of cards available
Businesses managing distributed spending may need multiple cards for different employees, departments or campaigns. So make sure to check how many cards the provider supports at once and how much they charge for each card.
Fees on international transactions
Since you will be using the card to make frequent international transactions, you should review both conversion fees and foreign transaction charges that might be levied. Some providers may have zero card issuance fees but still charge higher FX markups for international spending.
Card type: business vs personal
Some cards are designed specifically for businesses, with spend controls and reconciliation tools. Others are personal travel cards that may not support team spending or accounting workflows.
Availability in your market
Not every provider operates across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Businesses should confirm eligibility, onboarding requirements and card availability before applying.
Accounting and reconciliation
Businesses handling regular online spending often need downloadable statements, expense tracking and integrations with accounting platforms like Xero or QuickBooks. Some cards may provide these integrations while some may not.
Top virtual cards for businesses in South Asia
1. World Card
The World Card is a Mastercard-powered business payment card linked directly to the multi-currency World Account. It supports payments in 150+ currencies and is designed for businesses managing international spending.
When paying in one of the 15 supported currencies, there are no fees charged (as long as you have sufficient balance in that currency).
Businesses can also manage cards directly from the dashboard, set spend controls, freeze cards and track transactions in real time.
Key features of the World Card
- Mastercard-powered business payment card that supports transactions in 150+ currencies
- Up to 20 virtual cards at zero issuance cost
- No fees when paying in any of the 15 supported currencies (with sufficient balance held in that currency)
- Linked to the World Account with 15+ local currency accounts
- Collect payments from 130+ global marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Etsy and Stripe
- Xero and NetSuite integrations for reconciliation
Main fees for the World Card
- Card issuance: Zero
- Annual fee: Zero
- Currency conversion fee: Zero for 15+ currencies
*Fees last checked in May 2026
2. Wise Card
The Wise card supports spending in 40+ currencies across 160+ countries.1 But it is a travel card connected to Wise personal accounts and not business payment card.1 Wise Business users cannot link the card directly to their business account and would need a separate personal account to access the card functionality.
If you already hold sufficient balance in the currency you are paying in, there is no conversion fee.² If you do not, Wise converts the amount at its exchange rate at the time of the transaction.11
In India, the card is available through Wise personal accounts only.1 Wise does not currently offer card availability in Pakistan or Bangladesh. The product also limits usage to one personal account holder and doesn’t provide any multi-user business features.1
Pricing2
- Card issuance: Zero
- Annual fee: Zero
- Currency conversion fee: From 1.16%12
*Fees last checked in May 2026
→ Take a look at the detailed Wise Card Review for a full breakdown of the card’s features and fees, and see how it compares to the World Card in our World Card vs Wise Card breakdown.
3. Volopay Card
Volopay offers virtual prepaid business cards for managing SaaS subscriptions, online vendor payments and employee expenses.3 Businesses can generate multiple virtual cards, create one-time or recurring cards for subscriptions, set custom spending limits and track transactions in real time through a central dashboard.3
Volopay is currently available only in India, and not in Pakistan or Bangladesh.
Pricing: Not specified4
*Fees last checked in May 2026
4. Karsa Card
Karsa provides virtual cards for online business spending in Pakistan and Bangladesh.5 Its primarily positioned around online spending and operational payments for Meta, and Google, rather than business usage.5
Pricing5
- Card issuance: Not specified
- Annual fee: Zero
- Currency conversion fee: Not specified
*Fees last checked in May 2026
5. Fasset Card
The Fasset Virtual Card is a prepaid digital VISA card funded through USDT balances.6 Users can add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay and use it for online, in-store and international purchases wherever VISA is accepted.6 The card supports contactless payments, real-time freeze controls and rewards.6
However, the card currently supports only one virtual card per user.6 The card is available in Pakistan and Bangladesh, but not currently in India.
Pricing6
- Card issuance: 9.99 USDT
- Annual fee: Zero
- Currency conversion fee: Not specified
*Fees last checked in May 2026
→ For more options, check the in-depth list of the best free virtual cards for freelancers in South Asia
6. HSBC Virtual Card
The HSBC Virtual Card is a cardless corporate payment solution designed for supplier payments and business procurement.7 Businesses can generate unique virtual card numbers, set transaction controls and manage payments for each card.7
HSBC Virtual Card availability is currently limited to India and is not available in Pakistan or Bangladesh.
Pricing: Not specified
7. SBI Virtual Debit Card
The SBI Virtual Debit Card is a digital-only card linked to SBI saving bank accounts in India.8 It supports domestic and international online transactions.8 The card can be generated instantly, but the online request for the card can only be made twice in a year.8
SBI allows only one virtual card per customer account at a time.8 The card is available only in India.
Pricing8
- Card issuance: Zero
- Annual fee: Zero
- Currency conversion fee: Not specified
*Fees last checked in May 2026
8. MTB Virtual Prepaid Card
The MTB Virtual Prepaid Card that supports BDT and other currencies for online and international spending.9 Users can pay for e-commerce purchases, streaming subscriptions, QR payments and selected ATM withdrawals 9 The card is reloadable and works globally.9
The card is available only to eligible MTB account holders in Bangladesh.9
Pricing10
- Card issuance: Zero
- Annual fee: BDT 500
- Currency conversion fee: 3%
*Fees last checked in May 2026
→ Take a look at how to get an instant virtual credit card
Find the right virtual card for your business
The right virtual card depends on how the business actually spends day to day. A freelancer paying for two SaaS tools has different needs from a business running ad campaigns across three platforms, managing supplier payments in CNH and issuing cards to a distributed team.
When evaluating options, it helps to consider the number of cards supported, the currencies the business actually transacts in, the FX markup on international payments and whether the card integrates with existing accounting tools. The best virtual card is the one that matches how the business operates, not the one with the longest feature list.
FAQ
What is the difference between a virtual debit card and a virtual credit card?
A virtual debit card spends directly from your account balance or prepaid funds, while a virtual credit card uses a credit line issued by the provider. Most virtual cards available to businesses in South Asia are debit- or prepaid-based rather than traditional credit products.
Can I get a virtual card for business use in Pakistan and Bangladesh?
Yes, but availability varies by provider. Some virtual cards are available across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, while others operate in only one of these markets. The World Card is available across all three. Businesses should also check whether the card supports business use or only personal spending.
How many virtual cards can a business issue?
This depends on the provider. Some platforms allow multiple cards for teams and departments, while others support only one card per user. For example, the World Card supports up to 20 virtual cards per business.
How to choose the right virtual card for your business?
Start with the currencies the business actually transacts in, then look at the number of cards supported, FX markups on international payments and accounting integrations. The right card depends on whether the use case is personal online spending, team expense management, or cross-border supplier and SaaS payments. For more use-case-specific comparisons, check out the best virtual cards for e-commerce sellers in South Asia.
Can virtual cards be used for subscriptions and ad platforms?
Yes. Most virtual cards, including the World Card, support common SaaS subscriptions and ad platforms like Google Ads and Meta Ads. Some bank-issued cards may have restrictions on international merchants or per-transaction limits, so it is worth checking with the issuer before using the card for high-volume ad spend.
Can I get an instant virtual debit card without a physical card?
Yes. Some providers issue an instant virtual debit card digitally after approval, allowing users to start online payments immediately without waiting for physical delivery.
Sources:
- https://wise.com/card/
- https://wise.com/in/pricing/card-fees
- https://www.volopay.com/in/virtual-cards/
- https://www.volopay.com/in/pricing/
- https://gokarsa.com
- https://www.fasset.com/fasset-card
- https://www.business.hsbc.co.in/en-gb/products/virtual-card
- https://sbi.bank.in/web/personal-banking/cards/debit-card/sbi-virtual-debit-card
- https://www.mutualtrustbank.com/cards/prepaid-card/virtual-prepaid-card/
- https://www.mutualtrustbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/23.12.2025_SOC-of-MTB-Conventional-Cards.pdf
- https://wise.com/in/pricing/hold-fees?sourceAmount=10000&sourceCurrency=INR&targetCurrency=USD&track=false
- https://wise.com/in/pricing/
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.
Hu Wenzhan is the Emerging Markets Country Manager at WorldFirst. He brings expertise across Fintech, Payments, Banking, New Markets Growth to help clients grow their global business.
Hu Wenzhan
Author
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