A virtual credit card offers some additional protection when you shop online. It is connected to a real credit card you have in your wallet. However, you get numbers that aren’t the same as your actual card. That information is hidden and it is almost impossible for hackers to get their hands on it. The virtual credit card details don’t offer them much to benefit from if they do gain access to it.
Plus, you can decide how often you would like to change your virtual credit card information. If you shop online often, it is a good idea to change it frequently. This gives you peace of mind to shop online. However, you should still review each credit card transaction and monitor your credit regularly.
Adding this extra layer of protection for the credit cards you use is fast and convenient. It is worth it to have that in place. You can store your virtual numbers on the app or find them where you log in to your online credit card accounts. It is just as easy to enter the information from your virtual card as it is to use the real card when you buy online. It makes sense to use the option that helps you keep your personal details protected.
What are the advantages of a virtual credit card?
Shopping online is fast, convenient, and fun! However, there is also the risk your information may be compromised. Hackers use the veil of the internet to prevent getting caught. They may get credit card details and rack up charges or open new accounts with that information. It can be stressful to know someone else has your information. It can be hard to clean up a mess relating to identity theft too.
Your personal data isn’t visible when you use a virtual credit card number. This means someone can’t take your name, your address, or your card number and use it fraudulently. This is a game-changer as it has made it very difficult for scammers to continue taking advantage of people online.
This is a good idea for anyone who shops online. The more frequently you buy items online, the higher the risk of fraud due to your information being compromised. While many card issuers do offer fraud protection, it can be time-consuming to work through the process. You may worry about what information scammers have and what they intend to do with it later on too. The virtual system can help you relax and enjoy the process of shopping online.
How do I get a virtual credit card?
To get a virtual credit card, you need to have an active credit card from a provider offering such a service. There shouldn’t be any cost for you to use this service. The popular card issuers already offer virtual credit cards, and more are adding them due to consumer demand. Check the website for the cards you have to see who offers them or contact customer service for assistance.
If you have online access to your credit card, you should be able to request a virtual credit card by following the outlined steps by that provider. Some providers also allow you to do this through their app. Access is typically immediate and then you can start using that virtual number for any online purchases. That virtual number is valid until you request a new one on the account or you close that credit card.
The exact process will vary depending on the issuer of your credit card. Most strive to keep the process simple. They want their customers to feel comfortable buying online and offering virtual card numbers helps offer additional protection for those purchases.
How do I use it?
Once you have a virtual card number, it has to be accepted. You can’t use it until you do so. Some merchants ask you to decide how long it is valid. For example, do you want the virtual number to be a one-time use? Do you want it for a given timeframe? Some providers have an assigned timeframe. For example, a virtual credit card may only be valid for 3 or 6 months. You can apply for another to use at that time.
There will be an expiration date and a 3-digit verification code along with the 16-digit virtual number. This is the information you will enter when you make a purchase online. Your real credit card account will be charged for those purchases.
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