At Virtual Card Index, we believe that transparent and consistent evaluation helps users make confident financial choices. Our mission is to provide clear, data-driven comparisons of virtual, prepaid, and digital cards available across the UK and the EU.
This page explains how we research, test, and review the products listed on our website.
1. Research and Data Sources
We collect information directly from official provider websites, verified app listings, and publicly available documentation such as fee schedules, terms and conditions, and regulatory filings. We also test products hands-on whenever possible to evaluate the onboarding process, user experience, and payment performance.
Other data sources may include:
- Product APIs and developer documentation
- Customer feedback and app store ratings
- Official announcements and policy updates from regulators (FCA, BaFin, etc.)
- Independent fintech reports and press releases
2. Evaluation Criteria
Each product is assessed using a standardized framework that includes both quantitative and qualitative factors:
| Category | What We Evaluate |
|---|---|
| Security & Trust | Regulatory status, licensing, KYC procedures, two-factor authentication, data protection |
| Fees & FX Transparency | Card issuance cost, top-up fees, exchange rate markup, withdrawal or inactivity fees |
| Availability | Supported countries, currencies, Apple/Google Pay integration, and account funding options |
| User Experience | App usability, speed of card issuance, in-app controls (freeze, limits, disposable cards) |
| Support & Reliability | Customer service quality, dispute handling, service uptime, and community reputation |
We assign internal scores (1–5) for each category and use them to build comparison summaries.
3. Ranking and Display
Our rankings are based on a combination of independent testing and public information.
Affiliate relationships may affect the order in which some products appear, but they never influence individual ratings or recommendations. We clearly disclose sponsored placements in accordance with UK CMA, EU, and FTC guidelines.
4. Updates and Accuracy
We continuously monitor our listings to reflect product changes, new releases, or pricing updates. However, fintech offerings evolve rapidly, and some details may become outdated without notice. We encourage readers to confirm the latest terms on the provider’s official website before applying.
5. Editorial Independence
Virtual Card Index maintains full editorial control over all reviews and comparisons.
Our writers and editors do not receive direct payments from product providers for inclusion, ranking, or rating. Affiliate commissions help fund our research and hosting, but all content decisions remain independent.
6. Contact
If you notice an error, outdated information, or wish to understand our evaluation process in more detail, please contact us at: info@virtualcardindex.com