What Is a Virtual Account Number and How Businesses Can Benefit? (2024)

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Virtual banking has penetrated the large-scale sector, and every small-scale and medium-scale business is also moving towards virtual banking. Virtual bank accounts are trending because of features such as an extra layer of security, real-time transaction monitoring and virtual cards to streamline transactions. For the B2B sector, virtual bank accounts are a boon. But many businesses are still apprehensive about using these services, and we are here to help them realize the benefits of doing so.

So, if you are also wondering what is a virtual account number or what is a virtual bank account, how it is different from a traditional account, its benefits, and how you can open one, keep on reading!

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Understanding the intricacies of what is a virtual accounts

As the name suggests, virtual bank accounts operate entirely online and can be accessed through mobile or desktop. The virtual account is linked to a primary bank account, and a system-generated account number is provided, masking the key account number. These virtual accounts cannot be traced to the primary bank account by people other than the account holders, which offers the company an extra security layer from online fraud or theft.

Meaning of what is a virtual account is really easy. Virtual bank accounts are easy to set up and can be used for various purposes, such as paying vendors, receiving funds, making online purchases, and paying bills. Some virtual bank accounts may also offer features such as virtual debit cards, which can be used to make purchases at merchants that accept card payments, pay employees and more.

Now that you know what a virtual account is, learn how they differ from traditional bank accounts. One of the key reasons businesses use virtual accounts is that they charge zero processing fees, helping companies save costs on bulk financial transactions. In case your business is also looking forward to expanding and exploring overseas markets, virtual accounts can be beneficial as they can be used as an alternative payment method.

What Is a Virtual Account Number and How Businesses Can Benefit? (89)

Difference between what is a virtual account and traditional bank account?

Listed below are the key differences between virtual and traditional bank accounts:

  1. No physical branches
    Unlike traditional bank accounts, virtual accounts exist only online and do not have any physical branches to carry out operations.
  2. Easy account setup
    While setting up a traditional bank account, you may have to visit a bank branch, fill out a form and submit it to the bank official, whereas when we think of what is a virtual account can be created online with paperless KYC.
  3. Accessibility
    Traditional bank accounts can be accessed through multiple channels, such as bank branches, ATMs, bank applications, and net banking, whereas virtual accounts can be accessed through mobile or desktop.
  4. Transaction fees
    Traditional bank accounts charge transaction fees for making payments through UPI or NEFT, whereas virtual bank accounts do not charge fees.
  5. Security
    Both traditional and virtual bank accounts are subject to federal regulations and are required to have specific security measures in place to protect customer information and funds. Whereas, virtual bank accounts may have additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication, to protect against online threats.

Advantages of virtual bank accounts for businesses

Moreover, to help you understand what is a virtual account number in detail, let’s learn about its advantages. A virtual bank account helps businesses simplify their cash management and offers several other benefits, as mentioned below:

  • Businesses can allot different virtual accounts for vendors, freelancers, utility bills and subscriptions to streamline transactions
  • Facility to accept payment via various modes such as UPI, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, and QR
  • With the proper documentation of each transaction, there are zero chances of manual error
  • Ability to build a separate wallet for consumers to receive, send or even request funds
  • Can use the virtual account as an escrow account to protect the business from online fraud
  • Significant savings on maintenance charges, transaction fees and minimum balance fees
  • Quick transactions and confirmation to ensure timely payments to service providers to maintain healthy business relations

How can you open a virtual bank account?

Knowing what a virtual account is is not enough. You should also know how to open a virtual bank account and enjoy its benefits thereafter. Below are six easy steps to open a virtual account:

  1. Open the website and log in with all your information
  2. Fill in the personal information and submit the identity proof, including PAN card, voter ID, Aadhaar card and other details
  3. Sign the disclosure agreement after reading the terms and conditions
  4. Upon completing the procedure, you will get a virtual account number
  5. Transfer the amount to the account from your existing account and link the cards
  6. Now start the transaction as required

Here, you can monitor all the data from the dashboard from their online platform. You can limit and monitor transactions, get certain rewards, and even block the account as per your will. Furthermore, you can also access archived data at any time and anywhere.

In case your company is planning to launch any credit card or prepaid card programs and needs a virtual account to transfer funds to other accounts, let EnKash assist you. We offer virtual bank accounts powered by reputed banks. Having a virtual bank account will take away most of your worries related to bills and invoices, and every payment will be automated.

Now you know what is a virtual account and opening a virtual bank account is easy and hassle-free as the entire process is paperless. Once you log in to your account and complete all the procedures, including verification, you will instantly get your virtual account number and access. With EnKash, all your data is protected and secured. So, what are you waiting for?

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What Is a Virtual Account Number and How Businesses Can Benefit? (2024)

FAQs

What Is a Virtual Account Number and How Businesses Can Benefit? ›

A virtual bank account helps businesses simplify their cash management and offers several other benefits, as mentioned below: Businesses can allot different virtual accounts for vendors, freelancers, utility bills and subscriptions to streamline transactions.

What is the purpose of a virtual account number? ›

A Virtual Account consists of a unique customer ID number. It means that there will be no Virtual Account number that is exactly the same. So, each transaction can be identified automatically for different customers. When the transaction is complete, they do not need to send a transfer receipt anymore.

What is the point of a virtual bank account? ›

Purpose. Think of virtual accounts as doors that lead to your traditional bank account. Their purpose is not to store money, but rather to allow people access to it without having to give them your main account number. You'll use a traditional bank account to keep your business funds.

What is a virtual business account? ›

Virtual bank accounts are like traditional bank accounts, but they offer users some additional benefits, such as speed, security, etc. A virtual business bank account offers online banking services and has no or fewer physical branches.

What is the benefit of IBAN number? ›

IBAN stands for International Bank Account Number and it is a uniquely identifying number used by banks to process international transactions. It is used to prevent errors made in transcription while also enabling ease in deriving account information for smoother processing or money transfers.

What is your virtual account number? ›

A virtual account is a fintech (financial technology) product that allows users to make payments quickly and efficiently. Functioning as an electronic payment instrument, VA consists of a series of unique codes in the form of numbers specially created by financial or banking institutions.

Can I transfer money to a virtual account number? ›

Can I Transfer Money to a Virtual Account Number? Yes, you can easily transfer money to a virtual account number via traditional bank transfer methods like NEFT, RTGS, and IMPS. After you initiate payment, the funds get routed to a nodal/escrow payment gateway account (Razorpay, PayU, etc.).

What is the difference between a bank account and a virtual account? ›

Virtual accounts function similarly to standard bank accounts. They have their own account numbers, streamline incoming and outgoing transactions, and help users maintain their balances. The most notable difference is that virtual accounts cannot actually hold money.

What are the risks of virtual banks? ›

The biggest risk of online banks is that someone will access your savings or checking account and steal your information and money. This typically happens when your account is hacked by cybercriminals who get your username and password. However, these risks are not limited to banks that operate exclusively online.

Can I withdraw money from virtual bank? ›

Unfortunately, if you don't have a physical card, you cannot get money off a virtual card through an ATM. However, you can link a virtual card to your physical credit or debit card or mobile wallet. This action makes it possible to withdraw cash at ATMs.

Who can open virtual account? ›

To open a virtual account, you need to connect with a bank or a fintech, depending on your business requirement. You will be required to submit documents for verification and customer onboarding.

Are virtual bank accounts safe? ›

If they're FDIC-insured, online banks are as safe as traditional brick-and-mortar banks in many ways. You can also take steps as a consumer to ensure your account is as protected as possible when banking online, whether you bank with a brick-and-mortar or an online bank, also called a direct or digital bank.

Can anyone do anything with your IBAN? ›

The key security benefit is that although other consumers can make money transfers into your account using your IBAN, it's not possible to withdraw money or transfer funds from your account. This means that there is no security risk for your funds.

What are the benefits of virtual IBAN? ›

Each virtual IBAN functions as a unique identifier, allowing businesses to segregate funds, track transactions, easily identify incoming payments, and simplify reconciliation processes. This can be particularly advantageous for companies engaged in cross-border trade or managing multiple currencies.

Is IBAN enough to transfer money? ›

IBAN and SWIFT are the two common standards for sending international bank wires. Both can be used to identify a recipient's bank, so that other parties can send money to them, even across borders. IBAN is the leading standard within Europe and neighboring countries, although the SWIFT system extends worldwide.

What is the point of a virtual credit card number? ›

Virtual card numbers are temporary card numbers associated with a credit card account for use online to make those transactions more secure. Virtual card numbers offer individuals and businesses an alternative and streamlined way to pay merchants.

Can virtual account number be traced? ›

Since virtual numbers cannot be traced back to your account or credit card, they are much safer to use when you are buying products or making payments online or to an unfamiliar vendor or supplier.

Are virtual account numbers safe? ›

Virtual credit cards offer several fraud protections that make them significantly safer than checks. Virtual payments are cardless account numbers set to a specific supplier, payment amount and date range. Strong control features make them an ideal defense against payment fraud.

What is the point of a virtual Debit Card? ›

Virtual debit cards are like regular debit cards, but digital and issued by banks. They're more secure than traditional debit cards and offer more privacy. They allow for quick and easy payments anytime, anywhere, without carrying a physical card.

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