---
title: "Understanding Virtual Cards for Non-Designers"
slug: "understanding-virtual-cards-for-non-designers"
description: "Learn to design compliant virtual cards with our easy guide. Discover templates, Visa and Mastercard guidelines, and key elements needed for effective cards."
tags: ["Virtual Cards", "Visa Guidelines", "Mastercard Branding"]
updated: 2026-07-08T16:12:30Z
published: 2026-07-08T16:12:30Z
canonical: "www.documentation.paynetics.digital/understanding-virtual-cards-for-non-designers"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.documentation.paynetics.digital/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Understanding Virtual Cards for Non-Designers

## Understanding Virtual Cards

Virtual cards are digital representations of a physical Card, used primarily for online transactions. They provide a secure and convenient way to make purchases without exposing your actual card information. This article explains the features and requirements for creating virtual cards in a manner accessible to individuals who may not have a background in graphic design.

### Templates for Virtual Cards

You can obtain virtual card templates from Adobe Illustrator or Figma. These templates are specifically designed to help you create compliant and visually appealing virtual cards.

- [Download Highnote Virtual Card Templates (Mastercard)](http://<yourwebsite>/highnote-virtual-card-templates-Mastercard)
- [Download Highnote Virtual Card Templates (Visa)](http://<yourwebsite>/highnote-virtual-card-templates-visa)

### Visa Guidelines

When creating a virtual card for Visa, several important elements must be adhered to:

1. The text "Visa Virtual", "Virtual Card", or "Virtual" must be prominently displayed. All words should start with a capital letter, with subsequent letters in lowercase.
2. Essential details to include:
  - Account Number
  - Cardholder Name
  - Expiration Date
  - CVV2
  - Appropriate Visa Brand Mark
  - "Limited Use" disclaimer

### Prohibited Elements for Visa Cards

To maintain compliance, avoid including any of the following elements on your Visa virtual card:

- Embossed personalization features
- Magnetic stripe
- Chip
- Hologram
- Signature panel
- Visa International Service Center telephone number

### Mastercard Branding Guidelines

Similar to Visa, Mastercard has its own set of prohibited elements that must be followed:

- Chip
- Magnetic stripe
- Hologram
- Signature panel

### Card Source Information

When displaying a non-tokenized virtual card, remember that specific information is required on the visible side of the card:

- The 16-digit Primary Account Number (PAN), Card Verification Code (CVC2), and expiration date must be displayed clearly.
- Debit and prepaid cards should indicate a “debit” Identifier if required in the respective region.
- For the Commercial Debit product, the card design must also feature a "business debit" Identifier.
- Additional information such as the cardholder name, issuer name/logo, and customer service contact may be included near the digital card image.

Following these specifications ensures card designs are compliant and functional.

---

### FAQs

#### What are virtual cards?

Virtual cards are digital representations of physical cards used primarily for online transactions, offering secure and convenient purchasing without exposing actual card information.

#### Where can I find templates for creating virtual cards?

Virtual card templates can be obtained from Adobe Illustrator or Figma, specifically designed for creating compliant and visually appealing virtual cards.

#### What elements must be included in a Visa virtual card?

A Visa virtual card must include the display of 'Visa Virtual', 'Virtual Card', or 'Virtual', along with an account number, cardholder name, expiration date, CVV2, appropriate Visa brand mark, and the 'Limited Use' disclaimer.

A **Card** is a payment instrument linked to an account or a virtual account.

Cards can be issued as virtual or physical and can be configured for consumer or business use. Each card is associated with a single account and uses the balance of that account for transactions.

Card behaviour, including limits, fees, usage permissions, and wallet enablement, is defined by the program and card-level configuration.

An **Account** is a payment or e-money account used to hold funds and execute transactions.

Accounts are created under a specific instance and program and are associated with either a user or a merchant. They provide the logical structure under which balances, cards, and transactions are organised.

Common account purposes include:

- executing card payments and transfers
- holding settlement funds
- pre-funding services such as OCT

An account acts as a container for balances rather than holding funds directly.

The person to whom a Card is issued. The cardholder is responsible for all transactions made with the card in accordance with agreed terms.