Since credit card fraud and theft are on the rise globally, consumers may be hesitant about using their cards online.
There is no guarantee that shady folks won’t attempt to hack into a website.
Sites are still prone to attacks if they have implemented systematic safety procedures to secure your information.
As a result, more and more people are actively seeking out credit card solutions that offer virtual credit card numbers.
In this post, you’ll find out the best virtual credit card providers and how virtual credit cards work.
What is a Virtual Credit Card Anway?
Virtual credit cards, also known as virtual account numbers, are a type of credit card that is issued for single usage only and can be used to make anonymous purchases online.
Some services allow you to generate a virtual credit card number right from your credit card account.
Others require additional apps or a browser extension.
Some modern cards even make use of novel approaches to virtual cards, suggesting that this technology will become more widely available and adaptable in the future.
The Best Virtual Credit Cards in the US
Divvy
Divvy provides quick, free, and unique VCCs (virtual credit cards) for all of your recurring payments and all of the merchants you shop at.
They come out on top due to the fact that you can make as many variations of their virtual cards as you like for no cost at all.
Divvy is also an excellent solution for managing corporate funds because it combines the use of business credit cards with tracking and reporting on business expenses.
Folks can use the platform to make a special subscription card for each vendor their business works with.
Then, they can set the funds available on the card and establish the limit.
The financial limit on the card automatically readjusts each month so that all suppliers are paid on time at no cost to users.
Plus, you have access to a real-time view of every transaction made using the VCC.
The primary draw of these cards is the security they offer clients against potential fraud.
You are safeguarded by the card from issues like vendor overcharging and compromised accounts.
If you come across questionable activity, you can promptly freeze a card.
Related Reading: Why Is Personal Finance Important? – Learn Here Today.
Privacy.com
Following extensive internal and external audits, Privacy.com provides you with a virtual credit card.
Because of this, the virtual cards issued by Privacy.com are incredibly safe to use.
If you want to utilize a bank account as the source of funds, the cards issued are likewise free of charge.
Privacy.com is the best place to make private and secure transactions because its virtual credit cards have so many useful features.
It won’t take five minutes to finish the application, but it may take up to seven days before your VCC is issued.
Wise
With Wise, managing and controlling your expenditures when traveling abroad is a breeze, thanks to a virtual credit card.
You can use the virtual card you receive to make online purchases using accurate exchange rates.
It is the most effective method for preventing fraud because the card can be frozen immediately following each transaction.
You can relax knowing that Wise’s virtual card is backed by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.
Over 50 different currencies can be kept on the card at once.
Its dedicated app allows for real-time conversions between these currencies.
Additionally, these convertible currencies can be utilized without difficulty to make purchases later online, offline, and abroad.
However, to get a VCC from Wise, you must first order a physical card.
For frequent travelers who want an added level of security when shopping overseas, Wise is an excellent option.
Your virtual card can be obtained in three simple steps and is then stored online in your Wise account, where it is always accessible.
Related Reading: How Does Wise Work – Dive Deeper Here.
Stripe
With its excellent virtual credit cards and simple signup procedures, Stripe is a top-notch money transfer service.
Their website allows you to create a virtual card without entering into a long-term agreement or paying a setup charge.
The unique feature of Stripe is that you can generate as many cards as you like without having to pay any monthly fees.
Additionally, thanks to the programmable card controllers, their cards allow for a great deal of customization.
With merely a few clicks, you can set up your cards, choose certain merchants, and create single-use or reloadable cards.
The dashboard for your account statistics on Stripe is pretty intuitive and easy to understand.
You can also make changes to your spending restrictions, add new cards, and freeze or unfreeze current cards using this dashboard.
In order to have total control over your virtual payment card, Stripe gives you the ability to build complex rule combinations utilizing their API administration services.
Apple
Apple, the same company that creates iPhones, Macs, and other technological gadgets, offers a virtual Mastercard credit card called the Apple Card.
An Apple Card cannot be obtained without an iPhone because the two are linked.
The card is free to use.
The app calculates how much interest you’ll end up paying based on the amount you choose to pay rather than presenting you with the minimum payable amount.
As a result, you’ll be in a better position to make financial decisions depending on your circumstances.
Purchases of Apple products are interest-free, and you have the option of making monthly payments.
Depending on the retailer, cashback is limitless and ranges between 2% and 3%.
In-store purchases of an iPhone or Apple Watch can also be made using your virtual Apple card.
Citi
Diamond Preferred
A virtual card option is available on the Citi Diamond Preferred, a physical MasterCard credit card.
With a 0% APR for the first 21 months prior to the initial transfer, this card is for those who need to transfer their balance.
However, there is a $5 minimum cost, and a 5% fee of the transferred amount is required.
Additionally, users enjoy a 12-month period of 0% APR on purchases.
The card also offers access to your FICO score, which you may check whenever you wish.
To help you relax knowing that you are protected, the Citi Diamond Preferred card also comes with Purchase Protection.
Citi Premier
You can access virtual credit cards with the Citi Premier Credit Card, a physical credit card.
Although it is primarily geared toward travelers, you may still use it to rack up points even if you don’t travel much.
When paying with the card in stores, restaurants, gas stations, airports, and hotels, you can accrue 3x the points.
One point is awarded for every $1 spent on any purchases.
You can use your accrued points in more ways by transferring them for free to airline reward programs.
A $100 savings from a single hotel stay that costs $500 or more per year is also included with the card.
No international transaction fees and contactless pay are additional card features.
Citi Double Cash
With the Citi Double Cash card, you can access virtual card numbers using a conventional physical card.
You can earn cashback in two different methods, hence the moniker “Double Cash.”
You receive 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay the minimum amount due on time.
There are no restrictions on the amount of cash back you can obtain.
A fee equal to 3% of the transfer amount must be paid if you use the card to transfer balances.
For the first four months, this cost is charged; after that, it increases to 5%.
Citi Entertainment, which provides exclusive access to events, concerts, and dining experiences, is also included with the card.
American Express
Blue Cash Preferred
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from Amex offers tiers of cashback on different types of purchases.
With US supermarkets, you receive 6% cash back on your first $6,000 in purchases and 1% after that.
You also receive 6% cash back on streaming services, 3% on transportation and gas, and 1% on all other purchases.
Additionally, you can receive an Equinox+ credit of up to $120 annually and travel-related car rental loss and damage insurance.
Online pre-qualification checks are simple, and application outcomes are produced in under a minute.
You will be able to use the bank’s virtual credit cards after you have the account.
Amex Gold
Having the American Express Gold Card comes with a lot of benefits.
When ordering from participating restaurants, you can receive up to $120 in dining credits and up to $120 in Uber Cash annually.
Instead of giving you cash back, the Gold Card rewards you with points, giving you 4X points on groceries and restaurants and 3X points on airfare while giving you 1X on all other eligible transactions.
Gift cards, statement credits, and purchase payments are just a few of the ways that points can be redeemed.
The card includes a number of repayment choices, such as Pay Over Time and Plan It, to assist you in better managing your funds without going over your budget.
Capital One
The Venture One credit card from Capital One is intended for travelers who don’t mind earning fewer points in exchange for not having to pay an annual fee.
When making hotel and vehicle rental reservations through Capital One Travel, you’ll earn 5x points, but for all other transactions, you’ll only get 1.25 miles for every dollar spent.
In the initial three months, if you spend $500, you’ll receive a bonus of 20,000 miles.
For the first 15 months, both purchases and balance transfers get an introductory APR of 0%.
The APR for a cash advance is 26.49% if you need one.
But this could change based on the prime rate.
There are alternative ways to use points if you don’t travel. Gift cards, account points, and cash in the form of checks are among the choices.
US Unlocked
The opportunity to purchase at a variety of US retailers online from anywhere in the globe is perhaps the most well-known benefit of this virtual prepaid card.
In order to use the card for one-time purchases from a variety of US stores, you simply need to sign up for their service, load the card with $50, and pay the nominal charge.
This virtual card includes a US billing/shipping address, so it’s perfect for shopping at US stores.
Unlimited access is available to US-only services like Hulu, HBO Max, and US Netflix.
You can get two different card types from US Unlocked.
The first type is only valid for a single transaction, so it cannot be reused.
The other is a card that is tied to a certain merchant after engaging in business with them.
Amazon
A card created just for Amazon users is called the Amazon Store Card.
It has no annual fee and a 0% APR for items that qualify when paid in monthly installments.
When you sign up for Prime, you will also receive 5% back on Amazon purchases.
You can pick between monthly payments and special financing with the Amazon Store card’s promotional financing offers.
Depending on how much money you need and how long you want to pay everything back, both alternatives include conditions and restrictions.
The card is exclusively valid at Amazon and a number of its subsidiary companies, including AWS, Audible, and others.
Netspend
Netspend is a superb online tool for managing finances.
It does this by issuing consumers a digital card that can be customized with a chosen image or symbol.
The tool comes in handy when you need to get a temporary card number to use on sites that don’t accept debit cards.
The card is convenient to use everywhere in the US and offers robust protection for both your physical debit card and credit card details.
Plus, you may quickly check your balance from anywhere at any time.
With Netspend’s virtual credit cards, transaction notifications sent through text messages are also absolutely invaluable.
Walmart
Walmart MoneyCard, supported by a robust digital ecosystem, is a comprehensive digital financial system that can successfully handle all of your banking needs.
Any bank in the US can instantly send money to your Walmart MoneyCard.
With the use of these funds, internet transactions can be very breezy.
MoneyCard app users also get access to free cash deposits at any Walmart in the country.
Within the MoneyCard app, you can also add four more virtual debit card accounts, so long as the users are all older than 13.
EcoPayz
EcoPayz is a centralized online payment system that facilitates international money transfers.
EcoPayz allows you to quickly open an account with no bank information or credit check required.
Once you’ve signed up, you can use this service to withdraw funds whenever you like.
In addition to being equipped with cutting-edge fraud protection technology, this platform guarantees the security of all your online financial dealings.
It is breezy, safe, and convenient to use EcoPayz’s virtual card, whether making purchases or paying vendors, partners, or online businesses.
Blur
Blur’s virtual credit card services are popular because they add an extra layer of security to online purchases and financial transactions.
It synchronizes with many different gadgets, which makes it easy to complete a purchase and pay from a mobile phone, tablet, or web browser.
You can get a new credit card number for every purchase.
The service’s safety features may be its biggest selling point.
Your password can be encrypted by the site, rendering it hard for hackers to access your personal data or financial information.
If you’re looking for a VCC that will give you solid security when conducting online transactions, Blur is worth considering.
To prevent phishing and other shady tactics, you can rapidly generate a new credit card number whenever you need it.
EzzoCard
If you’re looking for a virtual card that makes it simple for you to shop online anonymously, EzzoCard is an excellent option.
Any website that accepts payments from Visa and MasterCard can take payments using the virtual credit and debit card from EzzoCard.
If you choose an EzzoCard card, you have a wide range of options to pick from.
Depending on the characteristics and terms of validity that you desire, you can select the Blue Card, Green Card, Brown Card, or Black Card.
EzzoCard is for people who like their internet transactions to remain anonymous. Getting the preferred virtual card from here is pretty easy.
You can apply for the cards using any name and address, and you can conduct transactions fast anywhere in the world.
Card.com
Creating a virtual credit card to use for online purchases may be done quickly and easily at Card.com.
The platform has no hidden costs or requirements for credit checks.
For a unique appearance, you can also add different images to your card.
You can select a card design from their extensive selection or specify your own requirements to create a card that satisfies your every need.
Users of the virtual card service can enjoy the early direct deposit feature to receive their paychecks up to two days early.
You will be ecstatic to receive a personalized virtual card from Card.com if aesthetics are important to you.
As soon as this smart service issues you a virtual prepaid card, you may begin enjoying a hassle-free online purchasing experience.
Open
When looking for a virtual credit or debit card, Open is another excellent alternative.
With the use of the virtual card, you can simply control, restrict, and keep tabs on the company’s online spending in real-time.
Limiting your spending will save you from going over your allotted funds.
In addition, you can set up simple alerts that will inform you immediately of any transactions made using a virtual card.
To get an Open Money virtual card, you must create an account on the platform.
After signing in, navigate to the “virtual cards” tab to submit an application for a virtual credit or debit card.
You have the option of controlling all of your online subscriptions from a single location with Open’s virtual card.
By enabling you to set spending restrictions and keep track of your expenses in real-time, the cards help you stick to your monthly spending plan.
Freedom Bank
Users of Freedom Bank can conduct all of their banking transactions using one reliable platform thanks to the company’s all-in-one online banking system.
By joining Freedom Bank, you may manage your personal or business account with ease.
A virtual Visa card that supports your transactions is made available to its customers. All websites that accept Visa cards online accept this virtual card.
Neteller
You may manage your money digitally while conducting online transactions like shopping and other banking activities thanks to Neteller’s Virtual Card service.
Using Neteller’s virtual card services, you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies as well as send and receive money.
With a quick, free registration process, you can choose Neteller’s services and start conducting online transactions right away.
X1 Card
The many virtual credit card choices available with the X1 Card give you more flexibility and security without any difficulties.
The Visa X1 Card is marketed as a consumer credit card, but it offers three points for every dollar spent on major business transactions when you spend more than $15,000 in a calendar year.
You’ll have to download the X1 Card mobile app for iPhone or Android in order to view and manage your virtual card numbers.
There are three choices for virtual credit cards, each of which allows for simultaneous use by multiple cards. You may choose from the following:
- Standard virtual card
- Free-trial card
- Single-use card
Redeeming rewards with X1’s brand partners, such as Costco, Ikea, Amazon, Home Depot, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines, will increase their value.
Airtm
Users of Airtm’s digital banking platform can send, store, and make direct payments.
It recently began providing users with virtual cards that have a ton of functions and advantages.
Custom restrictions for Airtm cards are subject to customer verification.
You can create up to five prepaid virtual cards as a verified user with a minimum amount of just $1, and you also get a $2400 monthly card limit.
However, if you are not a verified user, things become somewhat limited.
Although you can create up to ten virtual cards, the monthly spending cap is only $1,000.
You can still generate reusable cards with no expiration date or single-use cards that are good for only one online purchase, whether or not you are a verified user.
Because you can exchange and recharge your virtual card using cryptocurrency, the Airtm virtual credit card service is exceptional.
Your Airtm funds can now be linked to more payment methods thanks to Airtm’s great peer-to-peer service.
Emburse
Are you looking for a VCC for your business?
If so, Emburse provides digital credit and debit cards that make it easier and safer to pay employees and independent contractors.
It features a built-in ecosystem that enables companies to track their online payments remotely from anywhere in the world and automate the categorization of their purchases and expenses.
Additionally, businesses may instantly manage their financing requests and approval while viewing their real-time expense data and insights.
Much like the majority of well-known virtual payment card providers, Emburse enables you to control your spending caps and link a single card to a specific retailer.
All of this is made possible by its cutting-edge fraud protection mechanism, which guards against account theft and compromises due to hacking or data leaks.
Best of all, Emburse provides its services without charge to companies with 100 or more employees.
Large enterprises can also make use of their customized plans.
However, fees vary according to the size of the enterprise.
Related Reading: Best Credit Card Affiliate Programs – Discover Here.
The Upsides and Downsides of Virtual Credit Cards
Virtual cards offer spending restrictions, fraud safeguards, and reporting features to aid in managing, tracking, and protecting expenses, just like regular credit or charge card products.
A virtual credit card’s main drawback is that it can only be used online, making it inapplicable in many situations.
Virtual card numbers can, however, occasionally be used over the phone.
The non-physical benefit of these cards is that when people amass cards for various purposes, less plastic is used in circulation.
By connecting a collection of virtual card numbers to a single debit, credit, or charge account, people and organizations can avoid collecting or dispersing too many physical cards.
This removes the worry of misplacing or losing physical cards, frees up space in your wallet, and lessens the adverse environmental impact of the creation of plastic.
Virtual card numbers give consumers more privacy, safeguard critical banking data, and shield them from data tracking by advertising.
Virtual card numbers are very helpful for companies with implementation since they offer instant issuance and funding while also controlling cash flow, improving payables, and offering better analytics.
How are virtual credit cards different from payment apps?
Most retailers will accept Google and Samsung’s payment apps for online or in-store use using NFC (near field communications) or MST (magnetic secure transmission).
With these mobile apps, a payment token takes the role of the client’s main account number (PAN).
Customers can use this payment token, which has its own special number and is linked to a real account, to make transactions without giving any real account information.
This is also how a virtual card number is connected to an actual credit card number.
Tokens safeguard account privacy and stop unauthorized parties from copying or using payment information.
Additionally, reporting and expenditure restrictions are provided by this kind of payment technology.
Because each card issuer may employ a different set of software to interface with mobile payment apps, tokenization’s specific characteristics differ amongst card issuers.
Virtual card numbers are often platform-independent, in contrast to payment tokens, which are tied to the specific app being used to make the purchase.
They are compatible with the majority of online retailers, payment processors, and mobile payment apps.
A person using virtual card technology, for instance, might generate distinct Citi Virtual Account Numbers for each of their most used smartphone payment apps.
In the end, the user might do this to have all of their payment information accessible in one location, making it simpler to keep track of their app purchases.
This might be especially helpful for a family using numerous devices and shared payment methods.
Virtual card numbers can also be assigned to certain devices or family member accounts, just like some people assign a specific actual debit, credit, or charge card to a single spending purpose.
This is pretty helpful in today’s modern age, where parents may find it difficult to keep track of their children’s spending.
Parents who have access to pooled virtual card numbers can check purchase history, disable spending limits, and/or reduce them from their own personal bank portals.
Virtual card technology offers simplicity and security for regular purchasing needs in a variety of other ways as well, and this is just one of them.
Should you use a virtual credit card?
Now that we’ve discussed your options for VCCs, should you really use one? Yes!
Virtual card numbers are fantastic tools that allow any customer to shop online safely and easily while also managing their finances and being organized.
It is simple for customers with debit, credit, or charge accounts that offer this option to access virtual cards online whenever necessary because they do not need to open a new account or undergo a credit inquiry.
The inherent security provided to the current card account provides an additional layer of security.
With a virtual card number, your physical card information is always anonymous and secure.
The card issuer in charge of managing your real account and the virtual number you obtain is the same one you already work with.
This not only gives you peace of mind but also makes it easier for you to generate fresh card numbers or modify any linked settings.
How secure are VCCs?
The majority of companies that provide virtual card numbers guarantee the safeguarding of sensitive account information during virtual transmission.
Once a card has been activated by the card program administrator or issuer, the cardholder can set customized PINs (personal identification numbers).
You’ll often be asked for these to make purchases.
The primary account number (PAN), the personal identification number (PIN), the expiration date, and each CVV are transmitted in encrypted form under the issuer’s supervision.
The majority of virtual card numbers are required to follow PCI DSS (payment card industry data security standards).
This means that the virtual card number owner, card program manager, or card issuer, and the merchant accepting the cash can all transact with certainty.
Related Reading: Start a Credit Repair Business From Home – Get The Insights Here.
Final Thoughts
VCCs are valuable tools to help you streamline your transactions. Most of the providers on this list will issue them for free with minimal background checks.
Because of this, VCCs are an excellent option for those getting familiarized with the credit world. They are safe to use, and they won’t clutter your wallet!
Whether you intend to use it for shopping online or conducting business transactions, there are VCCs that are more convenient than physical credit cards.
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