by virtue of versus on account of

[Ivan_I]

I think by virtue of and on account of are synonyms. But how far are they synonyms?

1 She's permitted to vote by virtue of her age. - She's permitted to vote on account of her age.

2 They are members of the club by virtue of their great wealth. - They are members of the club on account of their great wealth.

Do they have the same meaning?

 

[Thomas Tompion]

By virtue of seems to give the reason a more positive spin. On account of is neutral.