Using a Wise virtual card

[scubascuba3]

Just a note that a Wise virtual card (free) is so easy to use, i added it to Google Wallet app on my phone and now use it to pay contactless at Big C, Lotus and other places. I did one transfer to THB held at Wise then no charge for every THB transaction.

 

Payment a lot fast than using QR

 

No need for a physical card

[RSD1]

13 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Just a note that a Wise virtual card (free) is so easy to use, i added it to Google Wallet app on my phone and now use it to pay contactless at Big C, Lotus and other places. I did one transfer to THB held at Wise then no charge for every THB transaction.

 

Payment a lot fast than using QR

 

No need for a physical card

Yes, I’ve been using this method for a few years now. Another thing I do every few months is replace my digital card. If you go into the app, click on your card, and scroll down, you’ll find an option to replace it. I do this as an extra security measure, especially since card details often get stored in various Thai financial systems. I’m always cautious about the potential for hacks or data breaches in Thailand.

 

I actually use two digital cards for different purposes. One is dedicated exclusively to my phone’s mobile wallet, and the other is strictly for online purchases. The online purchases card is saved in various online accounts with vendors, but I keep it frozen/locked in the app most of the time. I only unlock it temporarily when making an online purchase, then lock it again immediately after. This ensures no unauthorized transactions can occur, even if the card details are compromised by one of the vendors storing my information.

 

The digital card in my mobile wallet, however, stays active at all times. As mentioned earlier, I replace this card periodically for added security.

 

Another security feature you might find useful is the ability to create “jars” within your Wise account. These jars let you store most of your funds separately from the main balance linked to your card. You can transfer smaller amounts to the currency account you use for daily spending and link your card only to that account.

 

For example, if you have ฿100,000 in your Wise account, you could move ฿80,000 into a jar and keep only ฿20,000 in your active Thai baht account. Then, you can link your card to the account with ฿20,000. This way, even if your card is compromised, the rest of your funds in jars or other currencies remain safe.

[scubascuba3]

6 hours ago, RSD1 said:

Yes, I’ve been using this method for a few years now. Another thing I do every few months is replace my digital card. If you go into the app, click on your card, and scroll down, you’ll find an option to replace it. I do this as an extra security measure, especially since card details often get stored in various Thai financial systems. I’m always cautious about the potential for hacks or data breaches in Thailand.

 

I actually use two digital cards for different purposes. One is dedicated exclusively to my phone’s mobile wallet, and the other is strictly for online purchases. The online purchases card is saved in various online accounts with vendors, but I keep it frozen/locked in the app most of the time. I only unlock it temporarily when making an online purchase, then lock it again immediately after. This ensures no unauthorized transactions can occur, even if the card details are compromised by one of the vendors storing my information.

 

The digital card in my mobile wallet, however, stays active at all times. As mentioned earlier, I replace this card periodically for added security.

 

Another security feature you might find useful is the ability to create “jars” within your Wise account. These jars let you store most of your funds separately from the main balance linked to your card. You can transfer smaller amounts to the currency account you use for daily spending and link your card only to that account.

 

For example, if you have ฿100,000 in your Wise account, you could move ฿80,000 into a jar and keep only ฿20,000 in your active Thai baht account. Then, you can link your card to the account with ฿20,000. This way, even if your card is compromised, the rest of your funds in jars or other currencies remain safe.

Good info, currently I'm only using the card for big companies contactless, not online purchases but i like the Jar idea might be useful

[KhunHeineken]

I set up a Virtual Wise Card when I am buying from a new merchant online. Who knows, maybe they are dodgy.  

 

I move the exact amount of money needed to pay for the item, and once the transaction has gone through, I delete the Virtual Card. 

 

Sure, I could still be stung, but they don't get to clean out my Wise account. 

 

It's a great product / service offered by Wise. 

[Delta Shift]

On 1/8/2025 at 12:21 AM, scubascuba3 said:

Just a note that a Wise virtual card (free) is so easy to use, i added it to Google Wallet app on my phone and now use it to pay contactless at Big C, Lotus and other places. I did one transfer to THB held at Wise then no charge for every THB transaction.

 

Payment a lot fast than using QR

 

No need for a physical card

 

If you wanna pay using a card, you should go with Revolut.

Better rates for card payments.

 

Revolut -- better for card payments

Wise -- better for transferring money

Both are terrible to withdraw money due to extremely low free withdrawal limits.

[KhunHeineken]

24 minutes ago, Delta Shift said:

 

If you wanna pay using a card, you should go with Revolut.

Better rates for card payments.

 

Revolut -- better for card payments

Wise -- better for transferring money

Both are terrible to withdraw money due to extremely low free withdrawal limits.

The OP paid in baht, and Wise offer good rates on their exchange. 

 

How can Revolut offer better rates for card payments when you pay in baht?  

[Delta Shift]

1 minute ago, KhunHeineken said:

How can Revolut offer better rates for card payments when you pay in baht?  

 

Both Revolut and Wise offer the interbank exchange rate.

But Wise charges a small fee for the exchange.

Revolut doesn't.

If I remember well the difference amounts to roughly 0.69% of the total amount spent.

[scubascuba3]

7 hours ago, Delta Shift said:

 

If you wanna pay using a card, you should go with Revolut.

Better rates for card payments.

 

Revolut -- better for card payments

Wise -- better for transferring money

Both are terrible to withdraw money due to extremely low free withdrawal limits.

I had a Revolut card a few years ago, i binned it eventually as they had hidden charges in the exchange rate at weekends

[Delta Shift]

6 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

I had a Revolut card a few years ago, i binned it eventually as they had hidden charges in the exchange rate at weekends

 

No hidden charges there.

Wise does the exact same. It's common practice.

On weekends banks always add a small fee to protect themselves from volatility when markets reopen on Monday.

As far as I know there is no way around that.

One way to avoid it is to convert money during the week (base currency  to THB) and then use the THB to pay on weekends.
Or stick to your True Money wallet on weekends and use cards from Monday to Friday.

Anyways, you'll have the exact same "problem" with your Wise card if you do conversion during the weekend.
 

[scubascuba3]

3 hours ago, Delta Shift said:

No hidden charges there.

Definitely were hidden, buried in the small print so no one knew, if it was disclosed so everyone knew then would have been no problem

[Delta Shift]

9 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Definitely were hidden, buried in the small print so no one knew, if it was disclosed so everyone knew then would have been no problem

 

Weird....

Well now you know it will be the same with Wise 😄