Should I get a Mastercard virtual credit card?

Some of the best instant virtual credit cards are Masterpass by Mastercard and Visa Checkout, as they both support credit cards from any network. In other words, they function just like a virtual card from a credit card issuer, but anyone can sign up.

But a number of major credit card issuers offer the ability to instantly get a virtual credit card, including Capital One, Chase and Wells Fargo. Credit card issuers’ virtual card programs, though, are limited only to their own customers.… read full answer

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.

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. The point of this is that 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.

So, credit card issuers that offer instant virtual credit cards typically let you create one for each merchant you use, for free. And it’s worthwhile because it adds an extra layer of security to all your transactions.

Where to Get Instant Virtual Credit Cards:

• American Express Checkout: Amex provides a unique card number at checkout that can only be used at that merchant. It can only be used at select merchants like Walmart, Staples, Sears and Avis.
• Capital One Eno: Lets you create a different virtual card number for each merchant. You can fill this information in instead of your regular card number at any website.
• Chase Pay: Gives a virtual card for both online and in-store purchases wherever the Chase Pay logo appears. Places that accept it include Shop Rite, Best Buy, GAP, Walmart and Shell.
• 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.
• Wells Fargo Wallet: Works for payment at millions of participating merchants online and in-person. It offers a unique number to replace your actual credit card info during payment.
• Masterpass: Allows people with cards from any network to shop online with a unique number for each merchant. Participating merchants include Dunkin Donuts, Office Depot and Walgreens.
• Visa Checkout: Supports credit cards from any network and provides a unique payment token when checking out online. Participating merchants include Walmart, Staples and Marriott.

In an age of big data breaches and more 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.

Not all credit card companies are fully embracing virtual card numbers, though. For example, Bank of America had a virtual card number program called Shop Safe but discontinued it in September 2019. 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.

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.