What are virtual credit cards?
Editor's Note
When you make a purchase online, by mail or over the phone, you may wonder whether your credit card information is secure. After all, even if the merchant is trustworthy, someone could intercept or otherwise steal the credit card information you've provided the merchant. And, although most credit cards offer zero liability protection, it's a hassle to cancel a card number and start over with a new one.
However, using a virtual credit card number for card-not-present purchases can keep your credit card information secure and decrease the inconvenience you face if your virtual card number is compromised. In this guide, I'll discuss everything you need to know about virtual credit cards.
What is a virtual credit card?
A virtual credit card is a digital version of a physical credit card. Virtual credit cards let you shop online, via the mail, and over the phone without providing your physical credit card number to the merchant. Instead, you'll give the merchant a virtual credit card number linked to your account.
You might wonder why this matters. Well, if a virtual number is used for a purchase and is stolen or compromised, you can cancel the virtual card number without needing a new physical card number.
In short, using a virtual number decreases the chances that someone will steal your physical card number. And you want to avoid compromising your physical credit card number because then you'll have to get a new physical credit card with a new card number.
Related: 6 tips for keeping your credit card safe online
How do I use a virtual credit card?
Once you obtain a virtual credit card number, you can often use it for card-not-present purchases, similar to how you'd use a physical credit card number. For example, if you're making a purchase online, you'd enter the virtual credit card number and details when making the purchase instead of using your physical credit card details.
Can I use a virtual credit card in a store?
You can use some virtual credit card numbers in stores via a digital wallet. However, not all credit card issuers provide virtual credit card numbers that you can add to digital wallets. Also, many stores still don't accept payment by digital wallets.
Related: Will my rewards change if I pay by mobile wallet?
Are there virtual credit card benefits?
Virtual credit card numbers provide additional security to your existing credit card accounts. Particularly, if a virtual credit card number is compromised, you can easily cancel the virtual number and keep your actual card number the same.
Each virtual card number is often tied to a specific merchant or only useable for one purchase. So, even if your number is stolen, it may not be readily useable by the thief.
You can also set spending limits on some virtual credit card numbers. So, if you give the number to someone, you may be able to limit how much they can spend on your card.
It's also easy to track your purchases with virtual credit card numbers. Virtual credit card purchases will appear on your monthly statement alongside purchases made using your physical card number.
What are the downsides to a virtual credit card?
First off, not all credit card issuers offer virtual credit card numbers. Also, generally, you'll only be able to use virtual credit card numbers for online and other card-not-present transactions. You may also need a specific web browser to use a virtual credit card number with some credit card issuers. However, even if you can use a virtual credit card number, there are some cases where you shouldn't.
For example, you won't want to use a virtual credit card for pick-up orders, will-call tickets or select travel purchases since you might need to swipe or show the card you used for the purchase. Although this isn't usually an issue with most U.S. hotels and airlines, I have occasionally needed to show the credit card I used to purchase a flight at the check-in counter when traveling outside the U.S.
Additionally, if you need to return an item, the merchant will often return the money to your credit card. However, the merchant will usually only be willing to refund money to the credit card number used to make the purchase. So, if your virtual credit card number isn't still active, you may have to settle for a store credit.
Which credit card issuers have virtual cards?
Only some credit card issuers offer virtual credit card numbers. Three of the most prominent U.S. issuers offering virtual card numbers are Capital One, Citi and American Express.
Capital One
You can get a virtual credit card number for Capital One credit cards via the Capital One website or by using the Eno assistant.
If you're willing to install the Eno browser extension, it will create virtual card numbers when you shop online from your desktop computer. You have to register your Capital One card once you install the extension (which takes less than 60 seconds per card), but then Eno will offer to generate a virtual card number when you're ready to make an online purchase.
Once Eno creates a virtual number for a specific merchant, Capital One ties that number to that merchant. As such, the number won't be useable by other merchants.
Even if you don't want to install the Eno browser extension, you can generate and manage virtual card numbers through your Capital One account. Sign into your Capital One account, select a card and click "I Want To ... " partway down on the right side of your browser window. I typed in "virtual cards" and clicked on the "Manage Virtual Cards" result that appeared.
From this page, you can manage any of your existing virtual credit card numbers or click "Create virtual card" to create a virtual card number you can use with one merchant.
You can lock, delete or change the nickname on a virtual credit card at any time from within your Capital One account. It's a good idea to set the nickname as the merchant with which you've used the virtual credit card number.
Related: The best time to apply for these popular Capital One credit cards based on offer history
Citi
Some Citi credit cards offer virtual credit card numbers. For example, all five of my consumer Citi credit cards — including some no-annual-fee cards and some no-longer-available cards — support virtual credit card numbers. However, I couldn't find a way to generate a virtual credit card number for my Citi Business card.
To create virtual credit card numbers on your personal Citi card, log into your Citi online account, select a card account and click "Virtual Account Number" under the card name.
You'll then need to accept the terms, select the Citi account you wish to use, and decide whether to set time and dollar limits for your Citi virtual account number. Then click "Generate Number" to create your virtual credit card number.
Through your virtual account number dashboard on the Citi website, you can add a nickname to each Citi virtual credit card number and set a daily spending limit and expiration on existing virtual credit card numbers.
You'll see transactions made with your virtual credit card number on your monthly statements alongside transactions made with your physical credit card. But you can search for "Virtual Account Number" on your account details page to only view virtual credit card transactions.
Related: The complete guide to Citi ThankYou Rewards
Amex
American Express supports virtual credit card numbers for U.S. Amex cards when you shop from a Google Chrome browser on your desktop or Android mobile device (or, where available, within Android apps). Enrollment is required, and terms apply.
You may see a prompt to enroll in a virtual card number when you complete a purchase with a card you've saved in your Google account. You can also log into your Google account, select the payment settings tab and then click the three dots for the card you want to enroll in virtual credit card numbers.
Or, you can log into your account on the American Express website, select "Account Services," then "Card Management," then "Manage Digital Wallets & Payment Features." Then, you can click "Add Card" in the "Add Card to Google Pay" section.
To use a virtual credit card number for an Amex card, select the virtual card number from the payment options drop-down when you are on a merchant's payment screen in a Google Chrome browser (or Android app). Google Chrome will automatically populate your payment information, and then you'll check out as usual.
Note that you'll need to be logged into the Google Chrome account associated with your card, and you may need to enter a one-time verification code to confirm your identity when you use an Amex virtual credit card number.
Related: Amex Gold vs. Platinum: Which one is right for you?
Is an instant credit card number the same as a virtual credit card?
An instant credit card number is different from a virtual credit card number. Some credit card issuers provide new members with an instant credit card number for digital use until their physical card arrives when they are approved for a new card.
Conversely, a virtual credit card is a temporary credit card number for online purchases in place of your physical card number.
Related: Our favorite under-the-radar credit card perks
Should I use a virtual credit card number?
Many consumers don't know about virtual credit cards and the cases in which they should consider using one. However, using a virtual credit card when shopping online or over the phone can make it easy to secure your account if your card number is compromised.
It takes a little extra time to generate a virtual credit card number before making a purchase, but some credit card issuers have tools and apps that make the process relatively quick.
In short, using a virtual credit card number when shopping online may be smart. You can add it to your shopping routine, use an online shopping portal, and pay with one of the best cards for online shopping.
Related: Why small charges on your credit card could mean big problems
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.