Virtual & Physical Cards

Overview

Nova enables organizations to issue virtual and physical payment cards directly to eligible users through a fully integrated card management platform.

Cards can be linked to a user's available wallet balance, allowing funds to be spent anywhere supported card networks are accepted. This creates a seamless connection between digital financial services and everyday purchases, giving users immediate access to their money without first transferring funds to an external bank account.

Whether an organization is building a digital banking solution, paying employees, rewarding customers, or providing expense cards to staff, Nova's card services offer a flexible and scalable way to deliver modern payment experiences.

Why Payment Cards?

For many users, the ability to spend funds directly is just as important as receiving them.

Traditional payment workflows often require users to:

• Receive money
• Transfer funds to a personal bank account
• Wait for settlement
• Spend the money later

Nova simplifies this process by allowing users to access their available wallet balance directly through an issued payment card.

This reduces friction, improves cash flow, and creates a more convenient user experience.

Card Types

Nova supports multiple card options depending on the services enabled for your organization.

Virtual Cards

Virtual cards are issued electronically and are available immediately after activation.

They are ideal for:

• Online purchases
• Subscription payments
• Mobile wallets
• Digital services
• Business expenses

Because no physical card needs to be produced or shipped, virtual cards can typically be made available much faster than traditional payment cards.

Physical Cards

Physical cards allow users to make purchases in retail stores and, where supported, withdraw cash from ATMs.

Organizations may issue branded cards that reinforce their customer experience while providing access to global payment networks.

Physical cards are well suited for:

• Employee payroll
• Customer banking programs
• Expense management
• Marketplace sellers
• Contractor payments
• General consumer spending

Key Benefits

Immediate Access to Funds

Users can spend available wallet balances without transferring funds to another financial institution.

Unified Financial Experience

Wallets, cards, bank accounts, rewards, and other Nova services operate within a single financial ecosystem.

White-Label Branding

Organizations can provide payment cards under their own brand, strengthening customer recognition and loyalty.

Global Acceptance

Cards can be used anywhere supported payment networks are accepted, subject to local regulations and merchant acceptance.

Flexible Spending Controls

Businesses can define spending policies appropriate for their operational requirements.

Core Capabilities

Issue Cards

Organizations can issue virtual or physical payment cards to eligible users through the Nova platform.

Card issuance may be integrated directly into customer onboarding workflows depending on implementation.

Link Cards to Wallet Balances

Cards are connected directly to available wallet balances.

As funds are received into the user's Nova Wallet, those balances become available for spending using the linked card.

This eliminates the need for manual balance transfers between separate financial systems.

Make Purchases

Users can use their Nova card for eligible purchases at merchants that accept the supported payment network.

Transactions are reflected within both the card activity and wallet transaction history.

Mobile Wallet Support

Where supported, virtual cards can be added to compatible digital wallet applications, allowing users to make contactless payments using their mobile devices.

Card Management

Users can manage their cards directly through the Nova platform.

Available controls may include:

• View card details
• Freeze or unfreeze cards
• Replace lost cards
• Review transactions
• Manage spending controls
• Monitor activity

The exact functionality available depends on the organization's implementation.

Spending Controls

Organizations may configure spending policies that align with their business requirements.

Examples include:

• Daily spending limits
• Monthly spending limits
• Merchant category restrictions
• Geographic restrictions
• ATM withdrawal controls
• Online purchase permissions
• Contactless payment controls

These controls help organizations reduce risk while providing users with appropriate financial flexibility.

Typical Business Use Cases

Payroll Programs

Employees receive salaries directly into their Nova Wallet and immediately access those funds through an issued payment card.

Expense Management

Businesses issue payment cards to employees while maintaining centralized control over spending policies and transaction visibility.

Marketplace Sellers

Marketplace participants receive earnings into their Nova Wallet and spend funds directly using their Nova card.

Customer Banking Solutions

Organizations launching digital financial services can provide branded payment cards as part of their customer offering.

Rewards Programs

Cashback, loyalty rewards, or promotional incentives can be credited directly to wallet balances and spent immediately using an associated payment card.

Security

Card security is integrated throughout the Nova platform.

Security measures include:

• Secure card issuance
• Encrypted communications
• Fraud detection
• Transaction monitoring
• Multi-factor authentication
• Card controls
• Comprehensive audit logging

Organizations maintain visibility over issued cards while users benefit from enterprise-grade protection against unauthorized activity.

Compliance

Card services are subject to applicable financial regulations.

Depending on the services enabled and the jurisdiction involved, users may be required to complete identity verification before receiving or activating a payment card.

Compliance requirements may include:

• Know Your Customer (KYC)
• Know Your Business (KYB)
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
• Sanctions screening

Additional requirements may apply depending on local regulations and card program rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a virtual card and a physical card?

A virtual card exists only in digital form and is primarily intended for online purchases and mobile wallet payments. A physical card can also be used for in-store purchases and, where supported, ATM withdrawals.

Where can I use my Nova card?

Nova payment cards can generally be used anywhere the supported payment network is accepted, subject to local regulations, merchant acceptance, and your organization's configuration.

Can I control spending limits?

Yes. Organizations may configure spending controls and usage policies based on their operational requirements.

Is my card connected to my Nova Wallet?

Yes. Cards are linked directly to your available Nova Wallet balance, allowing you to spend available funds without transferring them to another financial institution.

Can I temporarily disable my card?

Depending on your organization's implementation, users may be able to freeze and unfreeze cards directly through the Nova platform.

Summary

Nova's Virtual and Physical Cards extend the capabilities of the Digital Wallet by allowing users to access and spend their available balances directly through globally accepted payment cards.

Whether issuing employee expense cards, enabling customer banking experiences, supporting marketplace sellers, or providing modern payroll solutions, Nova delivers a flexible and scalable card platform that integrates seamlessly with wallets, bank accounts, rewards, and other financial services.

By combining real-time wallet integration, configurable spending controls, enterprise-grade security, and white-label branding, Nova enables organizations to deliver payment experiences that are both convenient for users and manageable for administrators.