Virtual credit cards
Enhance your financial security with virtual credit cards. They add a layer of protection by replacing your physical card number for online activities, ensuring your real card number remains safe even if the virtual one is stolen. Learn more about virtual credit cards.
You can generate a unique credit card number seamlessly through your account, app, or browser extension. This number is different from the one listed on your physical card but still tied with your account. This separate number adds an extra layer of security, protecting your actual card details during online transactions.
When you check out, the virtual number hides your payment information and helps to protect your account against fraud or breaches.
How do you access your virtual credit card numbers?
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.
Why should you use a virtual credit card?
Virtual card numbers can help ensure your personal credit card information remains secure when you use your card for online transactions. This provides an extra layer of security to your financial information online.
Some virtual card numbers can also be used in a single or recurring format, allowing you to control how frequently it is used or when it expires. If your credit card issuer already provides this feature, you don’t have to apply for a new credit card and incur a hard inquiry on your credit report.
What are the risks of a virtual card?
Virtual credit cards aren’t entirely fraud-proof. It is still important that users remain vigilant with their credit accounts, check their statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions and review any suspicious transaction or alerts from LifeLock. The process of returning items can also be more difficult as many merchants require the same card number to process refunds. There can also be complications when using virtual credit cards for transactions that require verification at a later stage, such as car rentals or hotel bookings where the virtual card and physical card numbers do not match.
The process of returning items can also be more difficult as many merchants require the same card number to process refunds. There can also be complications when using virtual credit cards for transactions that require verification at a later stage, such as car rentals or hotel bookings where the virtual card and physical card numbers do not match.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.
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