The benefits of using virtual cards for online shopping

Virtual cards can provide more convenience, security and control when you’re shopping online. And the good news is you can use virtual cards with most Capital One credit cards.

Read on to learn all about the benefits of using virtual credit cards.

What you’ll learn:

• Virtual cards are digital cards with their own unique numbers connected to your credit card account that enable you to make online purchases without sharing your actual credit card number with stores.

• Virtual cards may offer the convenience of shopping without a physical card, immediate use after credit card approval and uninterrupted use if changes are made to your physical credit card number.

• Virtual cards can be merchant-specific for added fraud protection and provide enhanced control with the ability to lock and delete them without impacting your credit card.

• A virtual card is helpful in many cases, including paying for subscription services, saving it as a payment method with a regularly visited online retailer or making a one-time purchase on an unfamiliar website.

A virtual card, sometimes called a virtual credit card, acts like a digital substitute for your physical credit card and can be used for online purchases. Like a conventional credit card, a virtual card has its own 16-digit card number, expiration date and CVV security number. Every virtual card is linked to your credit card account, and all charges will show up on your credit card account statements as physical card transactions normally would.

There are several reasons why you might want to use a virtual card from Capital One as your preferred payment method. Here’s a look at some key benefits of using virtual cards to shop online:

Here’s what makes virtual cards a convenient payment option:

• No physical card needed: With the Capital One Mobile app, you can access your virtual card even when you don’t have your physical credit card on hand. 

• Immediate use: As a new credit card customer, you may be able to start spending and earning rewards with your virtual card as soon as you’re approved, without having to wait for your physical card to arrive in the mail. 

• Uninterrupted access: Your virtual cards will continue to work even if your physical credit card is lost, damaged or stolen and if your physical credit card number changes.

• Faster checkout: If you’re using virtual cards with Google Pay™ on Chrome, you can have your virtual card numbers automatically filled in at checkout.

Virtual cards add an extra layer of protection when shopping online. Here are a few ways they can make online transactions more secure:

• Unique card numbers: Since virtual cards have their own unique numbers, you can make purchases online without sharing your physical credit card number with merchants. 

• Merchant-specific use: You can create multiple virtual cards for specific merchants. These cards only work with a particular merchant, which provides added security in the unlikely event the site’s payment data gets compromised.

Here are a few ways that virtual cards offer added control over your online shopping experience:

• Ability to lock: You can lock or unlock your virtual cards at any time without affecting your ability to make purchases with your physical card number.

• Custom expiration dates: Some virtual cards can be set with a custom expiration date.

• Multiuser access: You can create and manage virtual cards for specific account managers and authorized users on your account.

You may be surprised by the many ways you can use virtual cards. Here are a few scenarios where you might choose to use a virtual card instead of your physical card:

• When you’re making a purchase online and don’t have your wallet on hand

• If eligible, to instantly spend with your virtual card before your new credit card arrives in the mail, earning the same rewards and making progress toward your early spend bonus just as you would with your credit card

• When your physical credit card is lost, damaged or stolen

• When signing up for subscription services

• When leaving a card on file on websites where you shop the most

• When making purchases on an unfamiliar or infrequently visited site—to disguise your actual card number

Looking to learn more about the benefits of virtual cards? Check out these answers to frequently asked questions:

With virtual cards, you can feel safer shopping online without exposing your physical credit card number—all with added convenience and flexible spend control. All charges made with a virtual card will show up on your credit card account statements as they normally would. Plus, you’ll continue to earn the same rewards or cash back when using a virtual card linked to your rewards or cash back credit card account.

Ready to get started? Learn more about how to create your virtual cards from Capital One.