![A man using a laptop and holding a credit card indoors, wearing a headset for online shopping.](https://images.pexels.com/photos/5881816/pexels-photo-5881816.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1920)
Online shopping is a convenient way to buy what you need, but it also comes with risks. A virtual credit card number is a safe and easy way to shop online without exposing your real credit card information.
This type of card number is generated by your bank or credit card company, and it's valid for only one transaction. It's like a temporary credit card number that you can use once and then discard.
Using a virtual credit card number can help protect you from identity theft and credit card fraud. It's also a good way to keep track of your spending and stay within your budget.
In fact, a virtual credit card number can be generated with a specific expiration date and a limited spending amount, so you can control how much you spend and when you make the purchase.
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What Are Virtual Credit Card Numbers?
Virtual credit card numbers are a type of temporary credit card number that can be used for online purchases in place of your physical card number.
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You can get a virtual credit card number from your credit card issuer, and some even provide new members with an instant credit card number for digital use until their physical card arrives.
Using a virtual credit card number can make it easy to secure your account if your card number is compromised, as it's a separate number that's not linked to your physical card.
Some credit card issuers have tools and apps that make generating a virtual credit card number relatively quick, so you can add it to your shopping routine.
Here are 5 ways you can reduce fraud by choosing virtual cards:
- Separate your physical card number from online purchases
- Limit the amount of money that can be charged to the virtual card
- Set a spending limit for the virtual card
- Monitor your virtual card activity regularly
- Report any suspicious activity to your credit card issuer
Benefits and Security
Virtual credit card numbers offer a range of benefits, from security to convenience. They can make online shopping easier and more secure by adding an extra layer of protection to your credit card account.
Virtual cards can be locked or unlocked with ease, giving you added control over your online shopping experience. Some virtual cards may even allow you to set custom expiration dates or spending limits.
A key benefit of virtual cards is their ability to minimize damage from data breaches. According to the Association for Financial Professionals, in 2022, 36% of corporate/commercial cards were subject to fraud, compared to the 9% for virtual cards.
With virtual cards, you can generate a new card number instantly without waiting for a physical card to be issued. This makes online transactions seamless and quick.
Here are some key security features of virtual credit cards:
- Security: Virtual cards add another layer of protection to your credit card account in case a site where your actual credit card number is stored is ever compromised.
- Convenience: Virtual cards allow you to shop online without needing to have your physical card on hand.
- Control: Virtual cards can be locked or unlocked with ease, giving you added control over your online shopping experience.
Virtual cards can also help limit how much information is accessible to fraudsters if your information is compromised in a phishing scam or a data breach.
Getting and Managing
Getting and managing your virtual credit card number is easier than you think. You can get a virtual card from Capital One through Eno, your Capital One Assistant, by adding it to your desktop browser and enrolling with an eligible credit card.
To generate a virtual card, follow these steps: add Eno to your desktop browser, sign in with your Capital One account credentials, and enroll with an eligible credit card. You can also access your virtual card through the Capital One Mobile app or by adding an eligible Capital One credit card to Google Pay.
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You can use virtual cards at multiple stores, and they come with an expiration date and CVV code, just like a physical card. Eno automatically saves virtual cards for each store site so they can be used again.
To find and manage your virtual card number, you can check your card issuer's website, or use the Eno browser extension to access your virtual card numbers.
Virtual card numbers are linked to your credit card account and can be used as a stand-in for your actual credit card number. This adds an extra layer of security when shopping online, as your actual credit card numbers aren't shared with the websites you're shopping on.
Here are some common providers of virtual credit card numbers:
- American Express
- Citi
- Capital One
Before choosing a virtual credit card provider, consider factors like ease of use, customization options, and customer support.
Usage and Limitations
Virtual credit card numbers can be set for single use or a short timeframe, reducing the risk of unauthorized use even if the VCN is intercepted.
![A person uses a credit card for online shopping on a laptop, highlighting digital convenience.](https://images.pexels.com/photos/6994285/pexels-photo-6994285.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1920)
You can use a virtual credit card number for card-not-present purchases, such as online shopping, by entering the virtual card number and details when making the purchase.
Virtual cards offer control over spending limits and expiration dates, giving you greater control over your finances and budget.
Each virtual card number can be associated with a predefined budget and validity, ensuring responsible spending within approved boundaries.
With virtual cards, you can assign specific spending limits and expiration dates to each virtual card number issued, empowering you to better manage expenses and reduce the risk of overspending and unauthorized purchases.
Here's an interesting read: Credit Card Dates to Know
Digital Wallets and Online Shopping
Digital wallets can store a wide range of cards and documents, including credit cards, loyalty cards, boarding passes, and even driver's licenses.
You can access your digital wallet from various devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches, computers, and tablets, making it easy to manage your payment information on the go.
Digital wallets offer enhanced security for online shopping by storing your actual card information securely, and only sharing a unique 16-digit token with merchants when you make a purchase.
This significantly reduces the risk of fraud and data breaches, giving you peace of mind when shopping online.
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Digital Wallets: Key Differences
Digital wallets are exactly what they sound like—digital versions of physical wallets. They can store things like credit cards, loyalty cards, boarding passes and tickets.
Some states even let people store a virtual copy of their driver’s license. You can access your digital wallet from devices including smartphones, smartwatches, computers and tablets.
Digital wallets can store different kinds of cards and other documents, making them more versatile than virtual cards. Having everything stored in one place can help make payments quicker and easier.
A unique 16-digit number—also called a token—is assigned to your actual credit card when you check out using a card stored in your digital wallet. That token serves as a substitute for your actual card number so the store doesn’t see your actual card information.
Here's an interesting read: Can I Use My Virtual Card in Store
Online Shopping Security
Virtual credit card numbers can add an extra layer of security to your online purchases, ensuring your actual card details are never exposed.
According to the Association for Financial Professionals, in 2022, 36% of corporate/commercial cards were subject to fraud, compared to the 9% for virtual cards.
Virtual cards can't do everything, so always be careful when sharing your personal information online.
Virtual credit card numbers make online transactions seamless and quick, as you can generate a new card number instantly without waiting for a physical card to be issued.
Temporary, randomly generated virtual card numbers offer increased protections and minimize damage from breaches.
You can set spending limits or restrict where virtual cards can be used, which protects against unwanted charges if your card information is stolen.
Real-time transaction notifications and instant freeze/disable options offer further peace of mind.
With virtual card numbers, you can minimize the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access to sensitive financial information, giving you peace of mind and protecting your valuable business data.
Using a virtual credit card number can be a wise choice for managing subscription services, making the transaction more secure and preventing accidental continued payments.
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Fraud and Protection
Virtual credit card numbers offer a robust layer of protection against online fraud, minimizing the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access to sensitive financial information.
Ever worry about online fraud? Virtual card numbers are generated as needed, making it difficult for hackers to access your primary account.
Using virtual credit card numbers allows you to avoid storing your primary card information in multiple places online, reducing the chance of your data being misused.
Temporary virtual credit card numbers have an expiration date, offering better protection against unauthorized charges.
If you notice fraud on a virtual credit card, it's easier to freeze it without affecting your primary account, giving you more control over your financial security.
You can also opt into real-time alerts with many card issuers, which will help you stop unauthorized charges more quickly.
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Issuers and Providers
You can get virtual credit card numbers from your existing credit card issuer, such as American Express, Citi, or Capital One.
Only some credit card issuers offer virtual card numbers, with Capital One, Citi, and American Express being three of the most prominent U.S. issuers.
Some credit card issuers that offer virtual credit card numbers are American Express, Citi, and Capital One.
You'll want to choose a provider that's easy to use and offers features that match your needs, such as customization options and good customer support.
Review any associated fees, like transaction fees or limits on the number of virtual cards you can create, to find an option that fits your financial habits.
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General Information
Virtual credit card numbers can be a game-changer for online shopping, making it easier and safer.
You can start using virtual cards with the Eno browser extension, which is available to Capital One card customers.
Virtual cards are designed to provide an extra layer of security and convenience for online transactions.
Easier and safer online shopping is a must-have for many people, and virtual cards can help make that a reality.
Adding the Eno browser extension is a simple way to start shopping with virtual cards today.
Virtual cards can help protect your actual credit card information from potential threats online.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What card number is 4111 1111 1111 1111?
The card number 4111 1111 1111 1111 is a pre-approved test Visa card number. It can be used for testing within test environments, as recommended by Windcave.
Do virtual cards have CVV?
Yes, virtual cards include a CVC (Card Verification Value) for added security during transactions. This CVC is used in place of your actual card's CVV.
Can I get a digital version of my credit card?
Yes, some credit card issuers offer virtual credit card numbers, allowing you to use a digital version of your card for online transactions. Check with your issuer, such as American Express, Capital One, or Citi, to see if this feature is available.
How do I find my virtual Visa card number?
Check your receipt or card issuer website for your virtual Visa card number. If not found, contact your bank for assistance
Sources
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/what-are-virtual-card-numbers/
- https://www.wexinc.com/resources/blog/how-using-virtual-card-numbers-reduces-the-costs-of-doing-business/
- https://support.google.com/googlepay/answer/11234179
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/what-is-a-virtual-credit-card
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/what-is-a-virtual-credit-card-number/
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