# Digital Wallet Debit Cards Venmo is Now Testing Physical Debit Cards for Users By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-09-13 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/physical-debit-card References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2017/09/11/venmo-invites-users-to-try-physical-debit-cards/) & [venmo](https://venmo.com/) [Venmo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venmo-teen-account) is a free digital wallet that makes it easy for users to make and share payments, but it is now setting itself apart from other digital payment platforms by introducing a physical debit card for select users. The card seems to look and function just like a regular debit card, with one of the main differences being that users are required to set a backup reload method (such as their bank account) if one's Venmo balance is insufficient for making a purchase. The introduction of Venmo's physical debit card follows the release of a similar physical card from Square. These new kinds of cards help consumers bridge the gap between the convenience of a digital wallet and the security of having a physical card on hand to make purchases. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Physical Debit Cards:** The introduction of physical debit cards by digital wallet platforms like Venmo is creating a hybrid approach to payments and inducing more cashless transactions. - **Payment Security:** The integration of backup reload methods like users' bank accounts increases the security of payments, and this trend encourages banks to develop better security standards and options for cardholders. - **Digital Wallet Adoption:** The offering of physical debit cards is expected to increase the use and adoption of digital wallet platforms among consumers who still prefer having a tangible payment option. ### Where This Applies - **Financial Technology (fintech):** The integration of physical debit cards into digital wallets has the potential to disrupt traditional banking and financial systems, providing more flexible payment options for users. - **Retail:** The bridging of physical and digital payment methods has implications for retailers who need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and offer a seamless payment experience across all channels. - **Mobile Payments:** The introduction of physical debit cards by digital wallet platforms highlights the need for innovation and collaboration among companies to keep up with evolving consumer demands and preferences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Gen Z Debit Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venmo-teen-account.md) - [Business-Oriented Visa Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/veem.md) - [Contactless Merchant Payments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paypal-2.md) - [All-New Retail Payment Methods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venmo-1.md) - [Charity-Focused Payment Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charity-profiles.md) - [Cash-Gifting Greeting Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hallmark-venmo-cards.md) - [Expanded Cross-Border Payments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visa.md) - [Virtual Payment Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-credit-card.md) - [Digital Cash Payment Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-cash.md)