Pays/Support
All articles

Topping Up and Spending with Virtual Cards

Once your virtual card is set up, you can load it with crypto and start spending anywhere Visa is accepted.

Topping Up Your Card

  1. Tap the card icon in the wallet header.
  2. Select the card you want to top up.
  3. Tap Top Up.
  4. Choose the token and amount you'd like to load onto the card.
  5. Review the transaction and tap Confirm.

The top-up bridges your funds from Base to the card network. You'll see progress steps on screen (Routing, Signing, Executing, and Done). This typically takes a few minutes to complete. Once finished, the amount will be reflected in your card's spendable balance.

Card Balances

Each card shows two balance figures:

  • Spendable Balance — The amount available for purchases right now.
  • Pending Balance — Funds that are being loaded or are held for pending transactions.

Using Your Card

Your virtual card works like any Visa debit card:

  • Online shopping — Enter your card number, expiry date, and CVV at checkout. Find these by tapping on your card and flipping it.
  • Apple Pay / Google Pay — Add your virtual card to your phone's wallet for contactless in-person payments.
  • Subscriptions — Use your card details for recurring payments and subscriptions.

Viewing Card Details

To see your full card number, expiry, and CVV:

  1. Go to the Cards screen (tap the card icon in the wallet header).
  2. Tap on the card you want to view.
  3. Tap the flip icon or swipe to reveal the card details on the back.

Transaction History

Each card has its own transaction history. To see it:

  1. Go to the Cards screen (tap the card icon in the wallet header).
  2. Select a card.
  3. Scroll down to see all purchases and top-ups for that specific card.

Tap any transaction for more details including the merchant name, amount, date, and status.

Daily Spending Limit

Each card has a daily spending limit that controls how much you can spend per day. To view or change it:

  1. Go to the Cards screen (tap the card icon in the wallet header).
  2. Select a card.
  3. Tap Edit Daily Limit.
  4. Enter your desired limit (between $1 and $8,000).
  5. Tap Update Limit and confirm.

The new limit will take effect in approximately 3 minutes after confirmation.

Freezing and Unfreezing a Card

If you suspect unauthorized use or just want to pause a card temporarily:

  1. Go to the Cards screen (tap the card icon in the wallet header).
  2. Select the card you want to freeze.
  3. Tap the Freeze option.
  4. The card is now frozen — all payment attempts will be declined.

To reactivate, go back to the same card and tap Unfreeze.

Troubleshooting

  • Top-up not reflecting. Card top-ups usually process quickly but may take a few minutes. Pull to refresh on the Cards screen to check for updates.
  • Payment declined. Make sure your card has enough spendable balance and isn't frozen. Some merchants may also block virtual card payments.
  • Card shows "Pending" status. Your card might still be activating. Wait a few minutes and check again.
  • Can't create more cards. You can have a maximum of 5 active cards. If you've reached the limit, you'll need to remove an existing card before creating a new one.

Card issue? Tap the chat icon and we'll get it sorted.