What Is a Virtual Credit Card?

How Do Virtual Credit Cards Work?

If your credit card issuer provides a virtual credit card feature, you can request one through your online account with the bank. When you do, you'll get a randomly generated card number, expiration date and security code that are tied to your actual account.

When you use the virtual credit card to check out online, the transaction will show up on your account statement as if you had used your regular card information.

Can Virtual Credit Cards Help Protect Your Identity?

Disposable card numbers can add an additional level of security in an age when retailer data breaches seem to be commonplace. If a hacker manages to get ahold of your virtual credit card information, you can simply cancel that virtual card without needing to close your entire account and get a new one.

In some cases, a virtual credit card may be designed for one use only, so if a fraudster steals the information in a data breach or through an unsecure internet connection, it'll no longer be valid.

Of course, if your credit card issuer doesn't give you the option to use a virtual credit card, that doesn't mean you're completely exposed. Thanks to the Fair Credit Billing Act, consumers are never liable for more than $50 in unauthorized charges if their credit card is lost or stolen—and many credit card issuers offer zero-liability fraud protection on unauthorized charges.

But even if you're not on the hook for fraudulent purchases, if your credit card is lost, stolen or otherwise compromised, you'll still need to go through the dispute process, cancel your card and have a new one sent to you. With a virtual credit card, you can avoid that whole process.

What Are the Drawbacks of Virtual Credit Cards?

Because virtual credit cards are designed for online and other card-not-present transactions, there are some situations in which using a virtual number could backfire.

If you have to return something, for instance, a retailer might require the refund be placed on the same account number that was used to make the purchase. If your disposable card number has already expired, you may be forced to get store credit instead.

You could also run into a snag if a merchant requires verification of your account information. For example, let's say you use a disposable card number to make an online reservation for a rental car or hotel room. When you show up, the company may require you to pay with the same card used to make the reservation. But since the virtual number is different from your actual card number, you could have trouble verifying they're tied to the same account.

Other Options for Protecting Your Identity Online

Whether or not your credit card issuer offers virtual credit cards, it's important to be proactive about preventing identity theft when you're shopping online.

For example, digital payment services such as Visa Checkout, Masterpass and Amex Express Checkout allow you to make purchases online without entering your card information. Just sign up for one of the services, add your card information, then log in when you're shopping with participating retailers to complete the transaction.

Also, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when you're on a public Wi-Fi network. This service can prevent hackers from eavesdropping on your internet activity and any sensitive information you share.

Finally, consider using a credit monitoring service that will alert you if something is amiss, allowing you to spot fraud and stopping it before it gets worse.