How can I get an Oportun 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:

• 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.
• 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.

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.

The best credit card you can use instantly is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. You can access the card number immediately after being approved for an account online, then begin to make purchases until you receive the physical card in the mail.

Blue Cash Preferred offers up to bonus cash back rewards in certain spending categories and a $250 statement credit for spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. It also requires a minimum of good credit for approval. Just remember that you’ll only have a short period of time to write down your card information once you’re approved for this credit card. People who miss this window of opportunity will need to wait until they get the card in the mail.... read full answer

Best Credit Cards You Can Use Instantly After Approval

Instant approval is always possible when you apply for a credit card online or in person, but credit cards that you can use instantly are uncommon. Some credit card issuers don’t offer any credit cards you can use instantly, while others have only a few.

Credit Cards You Can Use Instantly by Issuer

*Please note, at this time the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card, IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card, Aeroplan Credit Card, Chase Freedom Flex℠, Amazon.com Credit Card, Disney Premier Credit Card, Disney Rewards Credit Card and Business credit cards cannot be added to a digital wallet upon card approval. However, once you receive your physical card you can add it to a digital wallet.

If you’re not able to get a credit card you can use instantly, don’t worry. Credit cards usually only take 7-10 business days to arrive after you’re approved. And many credit card companies provide expedited delivery for a small fee, or sometimes even for free.