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

# Create Virtual Cards

> Virtual cards work either online or tap in presence (with Apple Pay and Google Pay).

Virtual card orders have a **simplified flow** compared to physical cards, with these key differences:

* No shipping address is required
* The card is available immediately after order creation (no shipping delay)
* Virtual cards can be used for online transactions immediately
* Thanks to Google and Apple Pay (some regions are not yet available), the card can be used for in-person transactions immediately.
* No PIN is required; the user's phone number is used as second factor authentication for some online payments
* **Cards are automatically created and activated when the order is placed**

## How to create a Virtual Card

[This endpoint allows you to issue a virtual card directly](/api-reference/card-management/create-a-virtual-card):

```bash cURL theme={null}
curl -X POST /api/v1/cards/virtual
```

Virtual cards are free and activated immediately. No shipping address or payment validation required.

<Warning>
  **Automatic Card Creation**: By calling this endpoint, the virtual card is automatically created if the user's Safe account is properly configured. You do not need to call any other endpoint.
</Warning>

[The virtual card should appear immediately in the card list available with the endpoint](/api-reference/card-management/list-all-cards):

```bash cURL theme={null}
curl /api/v1/cards?status_code=1000
```

The `status_code=1000` query parameter returns only active cards.

<Note>
  Card Limits: Users can have a **maximum of 5 active cards including physical and virtual cards combined**. Active cards exclude voided, lost, and stolen cards.
</Note>