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The Capital One Virtual Debit Card is a digital debit card that allows you to make purchases and pay bills online without the need for a physical card.
With the Capital One Virtual Debit Card, you can generate a new card number for each transaction, which can be a huge time-saver and help prevent unauthorized charges.
This feature is especially useful for online shopping, as it adds an extra layer of security to your transactions.
Setting Up and Using a Card
To set up a virtual card from Capital One, you can download the Eno browser extension or shop online on Google Chrome or in Android apps using Google Pay or access your virtual card through the Capital One Mobile app.
You can use a virtual card from Capital One in a few ways online or on your mobile device, including to feel safer when shopping online, to pay for subscriptions, and to make purchases without your physical card on hand.
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To feel safer when you shop online, your virtual card account gets an added layer of protection during checkout because rather than sharing your actual card number with a merchant, your virtual card number is shared instead.
You can use a virtual card to pay for your subscriptions, such as streaming sites, online subscriptions, and more – even if your actual credit card number changes.
Here are some ways to use a virtual card from Capital One:
- Feel safer when shopping online
- Paying for subscriptions
- Making purchases without your physical card on hand
You can access your virtual card by logging in to the Capital One Mobile app or signing in to your Capital One account online, then tapping "Get Your Virtual Card" under your credit card balance.
For added control over your online shopping experience, you can lock or unlock your virtual cards at any time without affecting your ability to make other purchases with your actual card number.
Benefits and Convenience
With a Capital One virtual debit card, you can enjoy added security when shopping online. Your actual card number is not shared with the merchant, so stores and potential fraudsters don't see it.
You can also earn the same rewards and benefits as you normally would with your physical card, such as cash back or miles on qualifying purchases.
Virtual cards from Capital One offer quick checkouts, too. If you use the Eno browser extension or autofill on Chrome or in Android apps, your virtual card information is stored and autopopulated for faster checkout.
Here are a few ways virtual cards from Capital One make online shopping easier and more secure:
- Added security: Your actual card number is not shared with the merchant.
- Same card benefits: You earn the same rewards and benefits as you normally would.
- Quick checkouts: Your virtual card information is stored and autopopulated for faster checkout.
You can access your virtual card even when you don't have your physical card on hand, thanks to the Capital One Mobile app. This means you can still make purchases and earn rewards, even if you've lost or misplaced your physical card.
You can also put a virtual card on file for all your subscriptions or recurring charges, so you don't have to update your payment info every time you get a new physical card.
Security and Access
Virtual cards from Capital One add an extra layer of protection because they let you make purchases online without sharing your actual credit card number with stores.
To access your virtual card, log in to the Capital One Mobile app or sign in to your Capital One account online, and under your credit card balance, tap "Get Your Virtual Card."
You can use a virtual card to feel safer when shopping online, pay for your subscriptions, and make purchases without your physical card on hand.
Here are some scenarios where you might choose to use a virtual card instead of your physical card:
- When signing up for streaming services such as Twitch, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more
- When enrolling in meal delivery subscriptions such as Uber Eats, HelloFresh, and Blue Apron
- When setting up personal care deliveries such as cosmetic or hair care subscriptions
- When leaving a card on file at places you shop the most, such as Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, and Target
- When making purchases on an unfamiliar or infrequently visited site—to disguise your actual card number
Security
Security is a top priority when shopping online, and virtual cards offer an extra layer of protection. You can make purchases without sharing your actual credit card number with stores, which reduces the risk of identity theft and unauthorized charges.
Virtual cards from Capital One provide an added layer of protection during checkout, as your virtual card number is shared instead of your actual card number. This is especially useful when shopping on unfamiliar or infrequently visited sites.
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You can generate a virtual card number for each online store, which can only be used at that one designated store. This adds an extra layer of security, as even if your actual card number is compromised, the virtual card number will still be safe.
To make things even easier, you can use the Eno browser extension or autofill on Chrome or in Android apps to save your virtual card number for faster checkout. This way, you don't have to input your virtual card number manually, which can be a hassle.
Here are some scenarios where you might choose to use a virtual card instead of your physical card:
- When signing up for streaming services such as Twitch, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and more
- When enrolling in meal delivery subscriptions such as Uber Eats, HelloFresh and Blue Apron
- When setting up personal care deliveries such as cosmetic or hair care subscriptions
- When leaving a card on file at places you shop the most, such as Amazon, Etsy, Walmart and Target
- When making purchases on an unfamiliar or infrequently visited site—to disguise your actual card number
Accessing Your Card
You can access your virtual card by logging in to the Capital One Mobile app or signing in to your Capital One account online.
To get started, navigate to your credit card balance and look for the "Get Your Virtual Card" button. If you can't find it, try going to your credit card account and selecting "Virtual Card" under Recent Transactions.
After a quick security check, you'll be able to view your virtual card number, expiration date, and three-digit security code.
Here are the steps to access your virtual card in more detail:
- Log in to the Capital One Mobile app or sign in to your Capital One account online.
- Under your credit card balance, tap “Get Your Virtual Card.” Not seeing this button? Navigate to your credit card account and, under Recent Transactions, select Virtual Card.
- After a quick security check, you’ll see the key card details you need to check out online.
Alternatively, you can also access your virtual card through the Capital One Mobile app, Google Chrome, or Android apps using Google Pay.
Shopping Online
Shopping online with a Capital One virtual debit card is a breeze. You can access your virtual card from the Capital One Mobile app or through online banking after signing in to your account.
Your virtual card can be used at multiple different online stores, making it a great option for frequent online shoppers. You can even use it for recurring charges or subscriptions.
Instant access is one of the benefits of using a virtual card - you can start spending and earning rewards as soon as you're approved, without having to wait for your physical card to arrive in the mail.
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If you regularly shop online, you can save your virtual card to your favorite online stores for easy checkout. This way, you can check out without your physical card.
You can also use a virtual card as a replacement if your physical card is lost or stolen. Your virtual card will continue to work, giving you peace of mind.
Here are some key benefits of using a virtual card for online shopping:
- Instant access to your account and spending power
- Lost/stolen replacement card functionality
- Easy checkout with saved virtual card information
Pricing and Providers
Revolut charges $4.99 for every additional virtual card beyond the first one, and also charges a fee of up to 3% of the transaction value.
Capital One offers a free tier, but there may be industry-standard fees for international transactions. Privacy Accounts, on the other hand, are linked to the user's debit card or bank account.
Here are some key pricing points to consider:
- Revolut: $4.99 per additional card, up to 3% transaction fee
- Capital One: Free tier available, industry-standard fees for international transactions
- Privacy: Linked to debit card or bank account, industry-standard fees for international transactions
Pricing
Revolut offers one virtual card for free, which is a great starting point for anyone looking to manage their finances online.
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However, if you need additional virtual cards, be prepared to pay $4.99 for each one.
The platform also charges a fee of up to 3% of the transaction value, which is something to keep in mind when making purchases.
This fee can add up quickly, so it's essential to review your transactions regularly to avoid any unexpected charges.
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Best Providers Reviewed
The market size of virtual cards is expected to hit $37.5 billion by 2028.
If you're looking for a reliable virtual card provider, you have several options to choose from. The following three providers are worth considering: Revolut, Capital One, and Privacy.
Revolut offers single- and multi-use cards that work globally. This feature is a standout for anyone who frequently travels or makes international transactions.
Capital One provides virtual cards generated to mask Capital One credit card numbers, adding an extra layer of security. Their free tier is available, but be aware that there may be industry-standard fees for international transactions.
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Privacy offers Merchant-Locked and Single-Use cards with robust security and spend control features. Like Capital One, their free tier is available, but international transaction fees may apply.
Here's a summary of the top providers:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tap to pay with a virtual card?
Yes, you can tap to pay with a virtual card for secure online purchases. Simply add your virtual debit card to your mobile wallet for convenient Tap to Pay transactions.
Can I use Capital One virtual card to pay at the store?
Yes, you can use your Capital One virtual card to make purchases at multiple stores. Simply access it through the Capital One Mobile app to start shopping.
Can I use my Capital One virtual card before my physical card arrives?
Yes, you can use your Capital One virtual card to make purchases and earn rewards before your physical card arrives. Download the Capital One Mobile app to access your virtual card and start using it right away.
Sources
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/how-to-use-virtual-cards-from-capital-one/
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/virtual-cards-shopping-online/
- https://www.komando.com/tips/money/shop-safely-with-virtual-cards/
- https://frequentmiler.com/capital-one-lets-you-see-your-credit-card-number-online/
- https://privacy.com/blog/best-virtual-credit-card-providers
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