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News: Benefits Of Using Virtual Credit Card Numbers - Credit-Land.com

When you often shop online at multiple websites, you may be concerned about the safety of your credit card information. That is when using virtual credit card numbers instead of your actual credit card is extremely useful.

Virtual card numbers are randomly generated numbers from your credit card issuer that are linked to your credit card account. This feature adds an extra layer of protection when you shop online since you do not give stores your actual card number.

Virtual cards are generally intended for one-time use, meaning they expire after one transaction. However, some can be reusable or even expire in a particular time period. Here are advantages of using virtual credit card numbers:

  • Can make online transactions safer: this is especially true when you need to shop at unfamiliar websites or for one-time purchases.
  • Easier to cancel existing subscriptions: when you want to experiment with a free trial, but you are afraid you'll forget to cancel before the trial period ends.
  • Earn rewards: virtual cards offer the same benefits as the actual credit card. So, if your card rewards you for online purchases, you'll still accumulate rewards when using a virtual card number.
  • You are protected: Your actual card number will never be visible when you use a virtual card number. If your virtual card is not reusable, fraudsters won't be able to use it. And if it is used, you can report fraudulent transactions and lock or cancel your virtual card.

There are several ways to get a virtual credit card. With some issuers you can generate virtual card numbers through their apps, with others you will need a special tool, or you'll need to enroll for virtual card numbers. And, of course, you will need an eligible credit card as the benefit of virtual account numbers is not available with all cards.

Currently, at least three major issuers offer this benefit: American Express, Capital One, and Citi. Here are cards that offer virtual card numbers:

  • American Express® Gold Card*: up to 4x Membership Rewards® points on purchases, welcome bonus offer, generous amount of statement credits. A $325 annual fee applies.
  • Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards for Good Credit: unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, $0 annual fee.
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: welcome bonus offer, travel credits, up to 10X miles on purchases, travel benefits, $395 annual fee.
  • Citi Double Cash® Card: up to 5% cash back on purchases, low intro APRs, welcome bonus offer, $0 annual fee.

*The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Credit-Land.com: American Express® Gold Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Disclaimer: This editorial content is not provided or commissioned by the banks or credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of the banks or credit card issuer(s), and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the banks or credit card issuer(s). Reasonable efforts are made to present accurate info, however all info is presented without warranty. Consult with the issuing bank of the card or account for terms & conditions.
All rates and fees, and other terms and conditions of the products mentioned in this article/post are accurate as of the last update date but are subject to change. See the current products' Terms & Conditions on the issuing banks' websites.