What is a virtual card number and how do I get one? (2024)

What is a virtual card number and how do I get one?

If you’re a frequent online shopper, you’re more at risk of becoming a cybercrime victim. In fact, a recent study conducted by Security.org found that “people who store their credit card information in their web browsers and use the same card for autopay as they do for everyday spending were more likely to be victims [of credit card fraud].”

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from potential attacks is to use a virtual card number when checking out online. This feature makes it difficult for hackers to access your real card numbers, as you’ll receive a uniquely generated set of numbers anytime you make online purchases.

Let’s dive into the details on how a virtual card number works and the process to generate one from your bank.

What is a virtual credit card number?

A virtual card number is linked to your credit card account, and is a unique set of 16 numbers, CVV and expiration date that’s instantly generated for one-time use. You can then use the virtual card number whether you’re shopping online or making a purchase over the phone.

“Virtual card numbers work like normal credit card numbers, but because they’re different then the number on your plastic card, your plastic card will still work if the virtual card is compromised,” says Tom Poole, senior vice president of Capital One Digital Payments.

As a result, you’ll avoid using your real card number, which minimizes the risk of credit card fraud and offers an extra level of protection for cardholders.

Seeking additional protection for your info? These are the best identity protection services.

How a virtual card number works

Although your virtual card number may seem like a randomized set of numbers, they’re still linked to your credit card account. Any charges that you make using this virtual card number will be charged accordingly to your statement. Some issuers offer virtual card numbers through a web browser extension or through an app on your phone.

You’ll be able to monitor your transactions made with a virtual card number in real time. Finally, virtual card numbers are meant for individual use, and you’ll receive a new set of numbers when you’re making another purchase. If a merchant ever experiences a data breach, you likely won’t be impacted as your virtual card number won’t be valid for future use.

Pros and cons of a virtual credit card number

If your bank offers the option to use virtual credit card numbers, you should always take advantage of the opportunity to pay with one. One of the major pros of using a virtual credit card number is that you can greatly reduce the risk of credit card fraud, which can happen when hackers access your credit card information stored online.

However, it’s unlikely you can generate a virtual credit card number when you’re making a purchase in stores, as you’ll need to swipe (or tap) your physical card at the payment kiosk.

But if a retailer accepts digital wallet transactions, you may be in luck. Digital wallets, such as Google Pay or Apple Pay, are where you store your credit cards and can generate a unique card number (called a token) for payment, which substitutes your actual card number with an encrypted card number. Yet, not all retailers accept digital wallet transactions.

Of course, another con of using virtual credit card numbers is that it takes an extra step to generate. Out of pure convenience, you may wish to input your real card numbers — after all, it’s easiest to read the card numbers in your hand and enter them at checkout.

Ultimately, if you want added security, using virtual card numbers is a smart choice. Some issuers have improved the usability of virtual card services over the years. For example, Capital One allows you to add a free browser extension known as “Eno,” which will automatically pop up and ask if you’d like to use a virtual card number when you’re at a checkout page.

Why virtual credit card numbers matter

If you’ve ever fallen victim to credit card fraud, it can feel like a huge invasion of privacy. Not to mention, it is a hassle to contact your bank, cancel and replace your card, and wait for the charge to drop from your statement.

Virtual card numbers are not only safe, but useful in many scenarios. If you’re waiting for a new card to come in the mail, you can also pay with virtual card numbers while you wait.

How do you generate a virtual card number?

Only certain issuers offer the ability to generate a virtual card number at this time, and that includes American Express, Capital One and Citi. The process will vary depending on the exact card you hold, but you’ll want to visit your online account settings and enroll to retrieve a virtual card number.

If you’re unable to find this feature, you can also call your specific bank to learn more about the exact process to generate a virtual card number, CVV and expiration date.

How do I get a virtual card?

You can only get a virtual card through your existing credit card account. We’ve outlined the steps below for three major issuers that provide virtual card numbers:

• American Express: You can receive a virtual card number for your eligible Amex card on the Google Chrome desktop version or through an Android mobile device. Once you’re at checkout for any retailer, you’ll be automatically asked if you’d like to enroll for an Amex virtual card number.
• Capital One: You can receive virtual card numbers through Eno, Capital One’s digital assistant. The easiest way to access your Capital One virtual card number is to add Eno to your browser extension. Anytime you’re ready to checkout, Eno will pop up asking you if you’d like to use a virtual card number.
• Citi: If you’re logged into your Citi account, visit this page to enroll and start receiving virtual account numbers.

Virtual credit cards vs. payment apps

If you use digital payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay, your full card numbers aren’t visible when they’re stored and ready to use — except for the last four digits. That way, mobile apps keep your real card numbers safe from hackers or anyone who might get a hold of your phone.

Similar to virtual credit card numbers, mobile payment apps are safe to use thanks to tokenization, which is a feature that generates a temporary, random set of numbers when paying the merchant. In the case of a data breach, a hacker can’t access your information as it’s no longer valid. Therefore, using these payment apps — rather than paying with a physical card — is another great way to keep your information secure.

Is a virtual card number safe?

Virtual card numbers offer a more secure way to pay compared to physical cards, especially when you’re shopping online. By providing the retailer a temporary set of numbers to pay with, you can potentially save yourself when data breaches inevitably occur.

However, you’ll want to check with your bank to see if it’s possible to generate a virtual card number. If not, you may consider applying for a credit card that provides the extra security of a virtual card number, such as cards from American Express, Capital One or Citi.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)