What's the best instant virtual credit card?

The best instant virtual credit cards are those generated through Click to Pay, as it supports all four major card networks and lets you check out quickly and securely without exposing your full card number. In other words, they function just like a virtual card from a credit card issuer, but anyone can sign up. 

In addition, there are many major credit card issuers that offer the ability to instantly get a virtual credit card, including Capital One, Citibank, and American Express. Credit card issuers’ virtual card programs, though, are limited only to their own customers. 

How Virtual Credit Cards Work 

• Unique card details: A virtual credit card is a unique card number, with an expiration date and security code to use when making purchases online (and sometimes in-store). Cardholders can instantly create such a card by using the issuer’s online tool or app. 
• Replacement at checkout: The virtual card’s details replace the actual card information at checkout, but the purchase still gets charged to the customer’s credit card account. 
• Enhanced security: If the merchant’s records are compromised, people who gain access to those records will only have the virtual card details. That information can’t be used anywhere else and the cardholder’s real card information is safe. 
• Per-merchant cards: Credit card issuers that offer instant virtual credit cards typically let you create one for each merchant you use, for free. 
• Extra layer of protection: Using virtual cards adds an extra layer of security to all your transactions. 

In an age of big data breaches and more advanced forms of fraud, it’s a good idea to be a step ahead by getting an instant virtual credit card whenever you shop online.  

Where to Get Instant Virtual Credit Cards

• Click to Pay: Supports credit cards from all four major networks and lets you check out online securely with a unique token for each merchant. It works at many participating merchants, including Walmart, Staples, Marriott, Dunkin Donuts, Office Depot, and Walgreens. 
• Capital One Eno: Lets you create a different virtual card number for each merchant. You can use this information instead of your regular card number when making purchases online. 
• Citi Virtual Account Numbers: Available on some Citi cards. Log in to your Citi account to see if you are eligible. It generates unique card information to use at any merchant’s online checkout. 
• American Express Virtual Cards: Available on most Amex credit cards. When eligible, you can use an Amex virtual card number in Google Chrome or supported Android apps for faster, more secure checkout (enrollment required). 

Not all credit card companies are fully embracing virtual card numbers, though. For example, Chase does not offer traditional virtual card numbers, but it allows cards to be added to digital wallets, which provide similar protection benefits. Fortunately, there are several virtual wallet services that you can join no matter which bank or credit union issued your credit card. 

If you’re wondering instead about credit cards that you can instantly use online after being approved for an account, there are a few good options. They include credit cards from Capital One and American Express, among others. 

What’s the rush? LOL…I’m not an expert, but I wouldn’t make a choice I’m going to live with for months or years based on shipping times. Sure, if it’s an emergency, get your money as soon as possible. Otherwise, just pick the best card for your longer-term needs.

I’ve heard Amex (like the Blue Cash Everyday) and Capital One (like Venture) often provide virtual numbers right after approval. Try those.

The Apple Card is the undisputed leader for instant virtual credit card access. When you get approved, you receive a virtual card number immediately in your Apple Wallet, plus daily cashback deposits and seamless integration across Apple Pay. This card is exclusively beneficial for iPhone users.

Others to consider are Amex Blue Cash Everyday (virtual number available post-approval) and the Chase Amazon Prime Visa (works in Apple Pay immediately). 

Issuers restrict virtual use to Apple/Google Pay/their apps until your card arrives.

I’m not a fan of the name, but Capital One Eno is actually pretty helpful.

Sigh. Learned this the hard way during Christmas shopping:

1. Apple Card (obviously)
2. Amex - any card really
3. Chase Amazon Prime - lifesaver for those "Mom, I need this for school tomorrow" moments
   

I’m an Android user unfortunately so that rules out the Apple card. I’ll try Amex I guess. I like the sound of me having an Amex.

You shouldn’t choose a credit card based on this alone. Your first objective should be finding the best collection of rewards, rates and fees for the things you’ll use your card for. If you plan properly, you won’t need instant use.

I agree on the Apple Card - hands-down the fastest option. For non-Apple users, Amex (like the Blue Cash Everyday) and Capital One Venture often provide virtual numbers instantly through their apps.

Amex (Blue Cash, Gold) usually coughs up virtual numbers immediately.

The Apple Card if you’re in the ecosystem. Instant number in Wallet, no waiting, and cashback same day. For non-Apple folks, Amex and Capital One are clutch, giving you the opportunity to make purchases immediately through the app. Chase is hit-or-miss - my Amazon Visa worked instantly, but CSR didn’t. Always check the fine print for “spend instantly” tags.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Rewards

Fingerhut Credit Account: Bad Credit

Opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card: No Credit Check Approval

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: Excellent Credit

Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card: No Deposit

American Express checkout cause they are lower interest and a good a.p.r. and they just rock and roll.