What is the best virtual credit card?

A temporary credit card is a “disposable” credit card number, or virtual credit card, that some card issuers offer to existing cardholders as a way to safely shop online. A cardholder can use a temporary credit card number - which also comes with a temporary security code and expiration date - in place of their real credit card information when shopping online to help minimize fraud. The number expires in a period of time determined by the card issuer, so any intercepted information would soon be useless to a thief.… read full answer

A temporary credit card is not a physical card, but some card issuers offer temp credit card services that allow you to use the virtual card in person at specified retailers via a mobile app. Even some of the credit card networks have virtual credit card options. Notably, Mastercard Masterpass and Visa Checkout are open to cardholders from any card network. That said, some services specify limitations on where you can use the temporary credit card, i.e. the temp cards are only accepted by certain merchants.

Currently, Capital One and Citibank are the only card issuers that offer temporary credit cards that can be used anywhere online. With these card issuers, you can simply use your temporary credit card number in place of your real card number when you check out. You can log into your Capital One or Citibank credit card account anytime to get a temp card for online shopping.

All that said, it’s worth noting that you can’t get a virtual credit card without first having a real credit card, so it isn’t an instant credit solution. And it’s also important to keep in mind that temporary credit cards aren’t a guaranteed protection against fraud. They simply make it a bit harder for a thief to gain access to your credit card information. But on that note, all major credit cards give cardholders a $0 fraud liability guarantee, anyway.

To get a Capital One virtual credit card number, log in to a Capital One account and sign up for Capital One Eno. Once Capital One generates a virtual card number, you will be able to make online purchases with increased protection against credit card fraud.

How to Get a Capital One Virtual Credit Card… read full answer

1. Log in to your online Capital One account.
2. Go to the page for Capital One Eno, the virtual card program offered by Capital One.
3. Download the Capital One browser extension. Follow the prompts to create a virtual card number.
4. Accept the 16-digit virtual card number that’s generated for you. Take note of the expiration date and security code that are generated as well.
5. Make purchases with your Capital One virtual credit card at eligible online retailers. Capital One Eno works with nearly all online merchants.

The Capital One virtual credit card information is tied to your credit card but is not the same as your actual card number. This way, any hackers who get ahold of the merchant’s records won’t be able to see your real card information. In other words, virtual credit card numbers help prevent fraud by adding an extra layer of protection to your credit card purchases.

Keep in mind, however, that not all cards issued by Capital One have access to Capital One Eno. Make sure you read through your card’s guide to benefits to see whether it qualifies. If your card isn’t eligible, you can use Click to Pay to get a virtual card number. Click to Pay works with credit cards on all four major card networks.