Can I use a virtual card in store?

Yes, you may be able to use a virtual card number in store, but it’s not always possible. In most cases, virtual cards are meant for online use only. 

Understanding the differences between virtual cards and cards stored in digital wallets may help you choose the best option for making digital payments in store. Read on to learn more.

What you’ll learn:

• Virtual cards are connected to your credit card account but have unique numbers that are different from your physical card.

• Virtual card numbers are generally created for online transactions, but you might be able to use one in store by entering the number manually at the card reader.

• Digital wallets may provide more seamless in-store transactions than virtual cards, as eligible users can tap their phone to a card reader to pay.

A virtual card is connected to your credit card account but has a different number than the one on your physical credit card. Depending on the credit card issuer, virtual cards may be temporary—sometimes for just a single use—or can be used for multiple transactions. They may also be limited to use at a specific merchant or have other spending controls, such as a set spending limit.

The general purpose of a virtual card is to help keep your physical credit card number more secure when shopping online or making purchases over the phone. So when prompted for a credit card number, you can provide this unique number instead of your physical credit card number.

Capital One cardholders can create virtual cards through their online account or the Capital One Mobile app. Virtual cards can also be created when checking out with autofill on Chrome or Android Apps, where you can choose to pay with a virtual card number that’s linked to your Capital One credit card account.

For more details, check out our complete guide: How to use a virtual card from Capital One.

Yes, in some cases, it may be possible to use a virtual card in store. Although virtual card numbers are usually generated for online use, there might be ways to use one in person at a store, depending on the issuer and retailer. 

Capital One virtual card numbers are meant for online shopping only and generally aren’t compatible with digital wallets, so you typically can’t use them in store like you would a physical credit card or a digital wallet.

To use a virtual card in person at a store—if the retailer allows it—you may be able to enter your virtual card number manually at the card reader. If manual entry is supported, additional card details, including the expiration date and security code, may be required to complete the transaction. For Capital One cardholders, however, virtual card numbers are meant for online shopping only.

Digital wallets and virtual cards are similar, but they aren’t exactly the same. Both are valid digital payment methods, and both protect your physical credit card information. But virtual cards are generally intended for online use, whereas cards stored in a digital wallet can be used to tap to pay in stores, as long as the retailer accepts contactless payments.

Both virtual cards and digital wallets use tokenization to help protect your financial and personal details and reduce the risk of exposing sensitive information during a data breach. In other words, both use unique numbers (known as tokens) that are different from your actual credit card number.

Although virtual cards are generally for online purchases only, you may be able to use one in store in limited cases, like when manual entry is supported. Digital wallets provide a convenient way to make in-store purchases while protecting your physical credit card information. 

Learn more about the digital wallets and payment apps you can use with your Capital One cards.