Virtual cards can keep you safe while shopping online, but they aren’t the only tool you have at your disposal for keeping your information hidden. In some cases, you can use a virtual card at physical stores that accept digital wallets or contactless payments. Rather than using the 16-digit code on your physical card, you use the code generated by your card issuer. You use a virtual card as you would normally when shopping online or over the phone. Discover: Discover does not currently offer virtual card numbers.Chase: Chase does not currently offer virtual card numbers.According to American Express, it’ll generate a new four-digit CVV needed at checkout. American Express: You can use a virtual card number through Google Chrome by connecting an eligible Amex card.Virtual numbers may not be available for all Citi cards. Citi: You can find your virtual number on your account page after you enroll in the service.Virtual numbers may not be available for all Capital One cards. Capital One: You can access a virtual number through the issuer’s Eno virtual assistant browser extension.The process varies from issuer to issuer, but here’s how to get a virtual card number with a few of the major issuers: Some issuers will also provide a virtual card number to use as soon as you’re approved. Not every issuer offers virtual credit card numbers, but you might have access to a virtual credit card number with an existing credit card. How to get a virtual credit card number from your issuer
Virtual credit card transactions are typically limited to online transactions (but you can use your digital wallet at participating merchants) Not all issuers offer virtual credit cards While virtual cards are a great tool to add an extra level of security while shopping online or over the phone, there could be a few disadvantages to consider. Pros and cons of using a virtual credit card For example, when you use the card stored in your phone’s digital wallet, a 16-digit number, also known as a token, replaces your credit card number so the receiving merchant can’t see your card’s information.Įven if your issuer doesn’t offer virtual credit cards, you may still be able to add your credit card to a digital wallet for an extra layer of security when shopping online or in person at participating retailers. However, virtual wallets can offer similar protections. Virtual card numbers protect your personal card information when shopping online, but digital wallets - like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Wallet - store things like credit card data, boarding passes and concert tickets. Virtual card numbers aren’t the same as digital wallets. Virtual cards are meant to limit digital fraud by reducing the risk of your credit card information being stolen. It’s generally intended for one-time use - though some can be reused - and prevents anyone from re-using stored or stolen card numbers. What are virtual credit cards and how do they work?Ī virtual credit card is a digital credit card that replaces the 16-digit code printed on the front of your physical credit card. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day.