Pros and cons of using a virtual credit card
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.
":"bbd5811d-e728-4270-aca0-384668604baf","title":"Pros","content":"<ul><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Your personal information is protected<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Easy to generate from your card issuer's app or browser extension<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">May be more convenient when shopping online<\/span><\/li><\/ul>"},{"id":"02b52607-c8c0-40ff-8208-7e0390080863","title":"Cons","content":"<ul><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Not all issuers offer virtual credit cards<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Virtual credit card transactions are typically limited to online transactions (but you can use your digital wallet at participating merchants)\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>"}]" edition="us">How to get a virtual credit card number from your issuer
Not every issuer offers virtual credit card numbers, but you might have access to a virtual credit card number with an existing credit card. Some issuers will also provide a virtual card number to use as soon as you're approved. The process varies from issuer to issuer, but here’s how to get a virtual card number with a few of the major issuers:
- Capital One: You can access a virtual number through the issuer’s Eno virtual assistant browser extension. Virtual numbers may not be available for all Capital One 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 Citi cards.
- American Express: You can use a virtual card number through Google Chrome by connecting an eligible Amex card. According to American Express, it’ll generate a new four-digit CVV needed at checkout.
- Chase: Chase does not currently offer one-time use virtual card numbers, but you can add your card to a digital wallet as soon as you're approved to use it immediately.
- Discover: Discover does not currently offer virtual card numbers.
How to use a virtual credit card
You use a virtual card as you would normally when shopping online or over the phone. Rather than using the 16-digit code on your physical card, you use the code generated by your card issuer. In some cases, you can use a virtual card at physical stores that accept digital wallets or contactless payments.
How to add a virtual card to your digital wallet
Adding your card to your phone or browser's digital wallet is fairly easy, but may vary depending on your issuer. Some credit cards may allow you to simply input your card info directly into the wallet, while others, like cards from Chase, require you to add it via your Chase online account.
For example, if you have a Chase card that you'd like to add to your account, you'll have to navigate to the "Manage Account" page and then choose "digital wallets."
From there, pick the wallet you'd like to add the card to, like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Then, choose the card you'd like to add, accept the terms and conditions on the wallet you plan to use, and you should see the card available in your digital wallet.
Alternatives to virtual credit cards
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. If your credit card issuer doesn't offer virtual card capabilities -- or if you're hesitant to use one -- you could use a virtual private network, or VPN, while online. A VPN won't keep retailers from saving your credit card information, but it can add an additional level of security for your other information.
VPNs bounce your IP address to a place in the world that's different from your physical location. They can help keep your online activity hidden from prying eyes, third parties or other entities that are seeking your information. It may sound complicated, but it's no more complex than downloading an application to your computer and following the prompts to set it up. Ideally, you’d use both a virtual card and a VPN.
Should you use a virtual credit card number when shopping online?
Virtual card numbers are a great tool to ensure your personal credit card information remains secure when shopping online. You’ll typically have the option to request a virtual credit card number for one-time use or multiple uses, providing an added layer of security to each online transaction. As long as your credit card issuer provides this feature, you don’t have to apply for a new credit card and accrue a hard inquiry on your credit report.
How to apply for a credit card
Follow these steps to apply for a virtual credit card.
- Choose a card with rewards, benefits and terms that match your budget and financial goals.
- Follow the appropriate link above to be taken to the credit card issuer’s secure site.
- Fill out your financial and personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income and monthly rent or mortgage payment.
- If approved, the issuer should give you access to a virtual credit card number. Use the card responsibly and remember to always pay your bill in full and on time.
The bottom line
Virtual credit card numbers can provide an added layer of security at checkout while remaining convenient. By masking your actual card information when shopping online, you can do so without wondering if your information will ever be compromised. However, there are limitations to virtual credit cards that restrict how far the protection can stretch, because you can’t use virtual numbers during in-person transactions.
FAQs
For the sake of simplicity, the best virtual credit cards let you generate a virtual card number directly from your online credit card account without downloading pesky extensions or additional apps. Those include the Apple Card, Citi Double Cash Card, Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, Citi Diamond Preferred Card, Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and the X1 Card. Other credit card issuers may offer additional apps or browser extensions.
Yes, so long as your card is added to a digital wallet on your phone, you can hold your phone above the card reader to use the card to pay for your transaction — assuming the store supports contactless payments.
No, using a virtual credit card instead of a physical one won’t affect your credit score more than usual. If you use your virtual credit card responsibly and always pay off your balance on time and in full, your credit will be in good shape. Plus, to generate a virtual credit card, you’ll need to have the physical card. Applying for credit cards will result in a hard credit check, which may drop your credit score — temporarily — by a few points.
Several issuer apps and browser extensions enable virtual credit card generation for accounts without built-in features. They require an extra step (downloading the app or extension) to use initially, and restrict you to making purchases specifically on hardware you’ve installed the program on. For example, a Click to Pay account allows Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover cardholders to apply for a virtual credit card at checkout.
Certain credit card issuers will provide you with a virtual card number to use as soon as you’re approved for the card you’ve applied for. However, not every card offered by the issuer provides a virtual card number. Take a look at the best instant approval credit cards to learn more.
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone's financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card.
For cash-back credit cards, for example, key factors include the annual fee, the "welcome bonus" and the cash-back rate (or rates, if they differ by spending category). For rewards and miles cards, we calculate and weigh the net monetary value of a card's respective perks. And with balance transfer credit cards, we analyze specs such as the duration of the introductory 0% APR period and the balance transfer fee, while acknowledging secondary factors such as the standard APR and the length of time you have to make a balance transfer after you open the account.
Other credit cards we researched
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card, click here
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card from American Express, click here
*All information about the Apple Card, Citi Diamond Preferred Card, and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
