Side by side
Marqeta vs Nium Physical and Virtual Cards
Both stand on card issuing platforms. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Paid APIWeb
Marqeta combines card issuing, payment processing, transaction controls, and developer tools for payment programs. Confirm local availability and compliance responsibilities before proceeding.
Visit Marqeta Paid APIWeb
Choose Nium if your business needs a configurable card program for spending, payouts, or travel, with APIs, wallet connections, and compliance support. Look elsewhere if you need published pricing or issuance outside approved countries; program limits can also be lower than 1,000 cards per customer.
Visit Nium Physical and Virtual CardsThe facts
| Marqeta | Nium Physical and Virtual Cards | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Not published | Not published |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Web | API, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | marqeta.com | nium.com |
| On card issuing platforms | #7 of 22 | #11 of 22 |
Marqeta: what it does well
- Supports physical, virtual, and tokenized cards
- Changes spend controls in real time
- Includes APIs, SDK tools, and a sandbox
- Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Offers 24/7 cardholder support
What to know first
- Pricing is on request
- Availability varies by jurisdiction
- Customers may retain PCI compliance responsibilities
Nium Physical and Virtual Cards: what it does well
- Issue physical, virtual, and digital cards funded by fiat or stablecoins.
- Set controls for spending, merchants, permissions, and transaction rules.
- Manage card activity and statements through APIs or a web portal.
- Developer resources include SDKs, a sandbox, and API specifications.
- Issuing can connect with Nium wallets, balances, FX, and payouts.
What to know first
- Pricing and program terms require contacting Nium.
- Issuance is limited to approved countries.
- Physical cards cannot be shipped to cross-border markets.
- Programs may have card limits below 1,000 per customer.
Alternatives to Marqeta Alternatives to Nium Physical and Virtual Cards The whole list