Best Virtual Credit Cards 2025 : Added Security For Your Online Transactions

After that, just visit the Citi website and create one whenever you need a virtual credit card. Credit card issuers like Capital One and Citibank generate completely new virtual card numbers for you every time you request one. Other issuers like American Express and Chase provide separate numbers for each merchant. Those numbers will stay the same over time but are still different from your actual credit card information.

You can get a credit card for free online by going to a credit card comparison website or directly to an issuer’s site and applying for a card without monthly, annual, or activation fees. You’ll also need to pay your credit card bill in full each month when the regular APR is in effect to avoid interest charges. A temporary credit card comes with a disposable card number, expiration date, and security code you can use in place of your actual credit card information. For the cards that offered a rewards program, we considered consumer spending data forecasts from location intelligence firm Esri to determine where U.S. consumers are spending the most money, like on dining and travel.

How can I create a virtual credit card number if my credit card issuer doesn’t offer them?

That just goes to show how many card issuers and networks now offer virtual or “disposable” credit card numbers for cardholders to use while shopping online. This gives shopping online with a credit card an extra layer of security. It’s best to get your virtual credit card information from your credit card issuer or card network. These virtual card numbers are easy to get, secure to use online, and free.

• Citigroup, Capital One, and American Express are card providers that offer virtual card numbers that can be linked to an existing regular credit card and used for online payments.
• Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.
• This is due to the fact credit cards tend to offer zero liability for fraud, so you won’t be on the hook for purchases you didn’t make either way.
• With an unlimited 3% cash back on dining and 3% back at grocery stores, you can rack up plenty of rewards for a $0 annual fee.

The 3 Best Amex Personal Cards With Click to Pay

This is especially advantageous for people who are hesitant about buying things online with their credit card out of fear of being hacked. For example, if you give your teen your credit card number to make a purchase online, a virtual card might prevent them from going overboard. Or a business might provide virtual cards with dollar limits to limit employee spending. But here are four benefits you likely can expect from virtual credit cards. Depending on your bank or card issuer, it may be possible to request a virtual card number using your online account management site. Through your existing account, you can also request spending caps on any virtual card number you receive, and custom expiration dates to protect from misuse, fraud or overspending.

Steps for setting up a virtual credit card with your bank

Tokenization’s specific features vary among card issuers as each issuer may use separate programs to connect with smartphone payment apps. Where payment tokens are linked to the specific app being used to make a purchase, virtual card numbers are generally platform agnostic. They can be used with most merchants that accept online payments, payment processors as well as many smartphone payment apps. So in this guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of virtual credit cards. First, we’ll go through a high-level introduction; then, we’ll show you our favorite virtual credit cards, both personal and business. There’s really no downside to having a virtual card, but there’s infinite upside in protecting yourself against a future credit card hack.

Banking services provided by Community Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC. The very last card we’ll discuss is the CitiBusiness Platinum Select card, a co-branded partnership between Citibank and American Airlines. The Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business is an excellent option for business owners looking for straightforward earning with no blackout dates, no seat restrictions, and no minimum when redeeming your miles. The Amex Business Platinum card is one of the best products that can help you take your business to new heights. This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, Virtual credit card and U.S. gas stations.

Information regarding the Capital One Spark Miles for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. A low annual fee, a free checked bag, and tons of perks and discounts make this card valuable for business owners who travel. You won’t get hit with foreign transaction fees or employee card fees (rates & fees). The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.