Virtual Credit Card Numbers: The Complete Guide (2024)

Virtual card numbers are similar to physical credit cards, but exist only in a virtual form. Unlike physical cards, a virtual card can be used immediately, by generating and assigning a random 16-digit number associated with an already-existing credit card account. This offers a layer of security by protecting information directly linked to bank accounts and smoothing out cash flow delays or unexpected funding hiccups.

If you have a credit card, you may already have access to a virtual card number. To find out, simply log into your online bank or card account and search for “Virtual Card Number” or “Virtual Account Number.” Here are a few examples of providers for single-use or multi-use virtual card numbers:

• Capital One Eno
• Citi Virtual Account Numbers
• Amex Virtual Card Number
• U.S. Bank Virtual Cards (for businesses)
• J.P. Morgan Virtual Cards (for businesses)

Single-use cards are as they sound: available for one use towards an online purchase or to carry out an ATM cash withdrawal. Multi-use cards can be used as a designated payment method for a frequently visited vendor. This makes purchase tracking easier while also maintaining privacy by containing purchase history information to a specific company or merchant.

The Citi Virtual Account Number portal is an example of how quick and easy it can be to set up a virtual card. First, you’ll be asked to choose which type of Citi credit card account for which you want to create the virtual card number. Then, you’ll confirm any advanced settings you want, like custom expiration dates and spending limits. Finally, the portal will generate a unique virtual card number that you can put to use immediately and delete once it’s no longer needed.

Looking for a top-notch credit card that also offers virtual card numbers for extra security and convenience? Here are some of the best virtual cards today:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395 annual fee) (rates & fees): Best Virtual Credit Card for Flexible Rewards
• Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card ($0 annual fee): Best Intro APR Virtual Credit Card
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card ($95 annual fee): Best Travel Rewards Card With Virtual Numbers
• Citi Double Cash® Card ($0 annual fee): Best Virtual Credit Card for Flat-Rate Cash Back
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express ($0 annual fee) (Terms apply, see rates & fees): Best Virtual Card For Online Shopping Rewards
• Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card ($0 annual fee) (rates & fees): Best Virtual Student Credit Card
• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card ($0 annual fee) (rates & fees): Best Secured Credit Card With Virtual Numbers
• Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card ($39 annual fee) (rates & fees): Best Virtual Credit Card For Fair Credit
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business* ($0 intro for the first year; $95 after that annual fee): Best Business Virtual Credit Card for Flat-Rate Rewards
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee) (Terms apply, see rates & fees): Best Business Virtual Card For Premium Perks

Most merchants will accept payment from payment apps and digital wallets for online purchases or in-store use with NFC (near field communications) or MST (magnetic secure transmission). With these tools, a payment token replaces the customer’s primary account number (PAN). Popular payment apps and digital wallets include:

• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Samsung Pay
• PayPal
• Amazon Pay
• Click to Pay for American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa

Similar to how a virtual card number is associated with an existing credit card number, this payment token consists of its own unique number which customers can use to make purchases without providing any real account information. Tokens also maintain account privacy and prevent duplication or reuse of payment information by a third party. This type of payment technology also offers reporting and spending controls.

Tokenization’s specific features vary among card issuers as each issuer may use separate programs to connect with smartphone payment apps. Where payment tokens are linked to the specific app being used to make a purchase, virtual card numbers are generally platform agnostic. They can be used with most merchants that accept online payments, payment processors as well as many smartphone payment apps.

As an example, someone using virtual card technology could create unique Citi Virtual Account Numbers for each of their most frequently used smartphone payment apps. With this, you could ultimately keep all payment numbers accessible in one place to more easily track app purchases. This might be useful for a household operating from shared payment methods on multiple devices.

Just as some people dedicate a specific physical debit, credit or charge card to a single spending purpose, virtual card numbers can also be dedicated to specific devices or family member accounts. This can help parents struggle to monitor their kids’ spending, since with access to shared virtual card numbers, parents have the ability to view purchase history, and disable and/or lower spending limits from their personal bank portal.

Digital payments are becoming the norm and virtual card numbers are one way to manage funds and purchases while minimizing security risks from both ends of a transaction. Virtual card technology can lead to fewer fraud charge claims. Those learning how to build credit, may benefit from using a virtual card number when transacting online.

Businesses using virtual card numbers can also manage cash flow faster and make payments to employees, business partners and vendors more smoothly. In addition, traditional credit cards can be costly to operate as physical equipment is required to process payment and the card reader may be more vulnerable to tampering and malfunction.

Virtual credit card numbers are linked to an existing credit card account and generate a random number to use in place of your actual credit card number. By doing so, you’re protected from sharing actual bank account information or using a physical credit card number. These numbers can even be used temporarily for a one-time payment and will process as regular credit cards to the vendors.

Depending on your bank or card issuer, it may be possible to request a virtual card number using your online account management site. Through your existing account, you can also request spending caps on any virtual card number you receive, and custom expiration dates to protect from misuse, fraud or overspending.

As with other credit or charge card products, virtual cards provide spending controls, fraud protections and reporting tools to help manage, track and secure projects and expenses.

The main downside to a virtual credit card is that it can usually only be used online, so it is not usable in all scenarios. However, in some cases virtual card numbers can be used over the telephone.

An upside to consider in the non-physical aspect of these cards is that less plastic circulates as people accumulate cards for different uses. Individuals and businesses can link a group of virtual card numbers to a central debit, credit or charge account and avoid excessive collection or distribution of plastic cards. This eliminates the fear of losing or misplacing physical cards, leaves space in your wallet and reduces the detrimental effect human development of plastic has on the environment.

For consumers, virtual card numbers provide more privacy, protect sensitive banking information and prevent advertisers from data tracking.

For businesses, virtual card numbers greatly help with implementation, providing immediate issuance and funds while also managing cash flow, enhanced payables and stronger reporting.

Virtual card numbers are excellent tools for any consumer to securely and effortlessly shop online, while also staying organized and on top of personal finances. Accessing virtual cards online when needed is easy, as consumers with debit, credit or charge accounts that offer this feature need not apply for a new account nor do they incur any credit inquiries.

Another layer of security is that physical card information remains protected and anonymous no matter where you shop with a virtual card number.

The virtual number generated is also managed by the same card issuer associated with your real account. This makes it easier when you wish to create new card numbers or adjust any settings associated with the issuer.

Corporate credit cards, sometimes known as a “P-card” or purchasing card have online programs and account management tools that serve as a central hub to monitor company spending and streamline the payment process.

Forbes Advisor’s guide to corporate credit cards reviews the benefits offered to middle-market businesses and large corporations, including optimized spending controls, an enhanced payables process and long-term value.

Large banking institutions offering corporate credit card programs can analyze a company’s payables history to identify how a corporate credit card reduces risk of fraud, helps control large project expenses and makes accurate assessments based on the types of merchants a company engages with the most. Commercial banking relationship managers, treasury management specialists and dedicated bank client service professionals are all possible resources that could help your company learn more about what a particular institution can offer in this area.

As part of a corporate credit card program, virtual card numbers can be an enhanced feature a commercial banking partner offers as part of a “P-Card” implementation program. Just as with individual consumers, these virtual card numbers can be issued instantly, in multiples and for single or multi-use. Instant virtual card numbers can be issued for installment loans to borrowers as well as for onboarding a gig worker.

E-commerce merchants might find multiple virtual card numbers useful for tracking the fulfillment of orders shipped to multiple partners. For example, an online seller could create multiple virtual card numbers to fulfill each order that is shipped to different addresses and if one shipment isn’t fulfilled, a single virtual card number could be refunded or resent without affecting the other fulfillments on file.

Most virtual card number issuers ensure secure protection of sensitive account data, encrypted for virtual transmission. Once a card program administrator or issuer activates a card, a cardholder can set customized PINs (personal identification numbers) possibly required to make purchases. The issuer maintains oversight of encrypted transmission of data, including the primary account number (PAN), the PIN, expiration date and individual CVV (card verification value).

Most virtual card numbers are obligated to comply with PCI DSS (payment card industry data security standards), which means transactions can be made with confidence for both the virtual card number owner, the card program manager or card issuer and the merchant receiving the funds.

Virtual card numbers offer a secure way to make payments online for both consumers and businesses alike. The numbers generated can be set for one-time transactions or multiple use and provide an extra layer of security when it comes to protecting your online payment transactions. You may want to consider contacting your issuer for a virtual number next time you make an online purchase.

To view rates and fees for Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.