Virtual credit cards are generated when ready by your card issuer and exist only as a number, expiration date, and security code — they have no physical card
A virtual credit card is a temporary or permanent card number created by your bank or credit card company and delivered to you within minutes, usually through their mobile app or website. The number works like a regular card number for online purchases, but it is not tied to a physical card you can swipe in a store. Some issuers generate a new number for each transaction; others give you one number that lasts for months or years.
The speed comes from automation. Your bank already has your identity verified from your account opening, so they do not need to mail anything or wait for a physical card to arrive. The card issuer runs a quick check on your account status and credit line, then generates the number on the spot. You see it in your app seconds later.
Virtual cards do not require a separate credit decision. You are using credit you already have — either a line of credit from an existing account, or a small line created when you open the virtual card product. If you already have a credit card or bank account with the issuer, the virtual card draws from that existing relationship.
Key Takeaways
- Virtual cards are generated when ready through a mobile app or online banking portal and work for online purchases the same day you request one.
- You do not need a new credit decision because the card uses an existing credit line or a small line created when you open the product.
- Virtual card numbers can be single-use, monthly, or permanent depending on the issuer, and you can see the number, expiration date, and security code when ready.
- Virtual cards are most useful for online shopping, subscription trials, and situations where you want to limit how much a merchant can charge.
- Virtual cards do not replace a physical card for in-person purchases, gas pumps, or ATM withdrawals.
Who offers virtual cards and what they cost
Major banks and credit card companies now offer virtual card numbers to existing customers at no extra cost. Capital One, Citi, Bank of America, and American Express all have versions. Some fintech companies like Privacy and Marqeta issue virtual cards as their primary product and may charge a monthly subscription or per-transaction fee.
If you already have a credit card or checking account with a major bank, check your mobile app or log into online banking — the option is often buried under "Card Services" or "Security Settings" rather than in an obvious menu. You do not pay extra to generate a virtual number; it is included with your account.
Subscription-based virtual card services typically cost between $5 and $15 per month and are aimed at people who want advanced features like spending limits per merchant, transaction blocking, or detailed purchase tracking. These are optional and not necessary for basic use.
How to get a virtual card number from your current bank
Log into your bank's mobile app or website and look for "Virtual Card," "Card Controls," "Digital Card," or "Temporary Card Number" — the exact name varies by issuer. Click the option to generate a new number. The app will show you the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and three-digit security code when ready. You can use it for an online purchase within seconds.
Some banks let you set a spending limit before you generate the number, which is useful if you are testing a new merchant or signing up for a free trial. Others let you set the limit after the number is created. A few let you choose whether the number is single-use (works once, then expires) or multi-use (works for multiple purchases from the same merchant).
You do not need to do anything else. The number is tied to your existing account, so the charge appears on your regular statement. You manage it the same way you manage your regular card — through your bank's app or website.
Virtual cards versus physical cards: what each one does
| Feature | Virtual Card | Physical Card |
|---|---|---|
| Online shopping | Yes | Yes |
| In-store purchases | No | Yes |
| Gas pump | No | Yes |
| ATM withdrawal | No | Yes |
| Generated when ready | Yes | No (5–10 business days) |
| Can set per-merchant limit | Yes (often) | No |
| Can be single-use | Yes (often) | No |
A virtual card is a supplement to a physical card, not a replacement. You still need a physical card for in-person transactions, ATM withdrawals, and situations where a merchant requires a card present. Virtual cards are best for online shopping, subscription services, and situations where you want to limit a merchant's access to your full card number.
The main advantage of a virtual card over a physical one is control. You can set it to expire after one month, limit it to a single merchant, or delete it when ready if you suspect fraud. A physical card gives you none of these options — you have to call your bank to cancel it or wait for a replacement to arrive.
Why people use virtual cards for online shopping and subscriptions
Virtual cards reduce the risk that a merchant will store your full card number or charge you more than once. If you sign up for a free trial and forget to cancel, you can set the virtual card to expire after one month, which stops the merchant from charging you automatically. If a website is hacked and card numbers are stolen, the thief gets a virtual number that is either already expired or limited to a single merchant.
Virtual cards also make it easier to track spending by merchant. If you generate a different number for each subscription service, you can see exactly which merchant charged you and when. This is especially useful if you subscribe to multiple streaming services or software trials and want to know which ones are still active.
Some people use virtual cards to test whether a new online store is trustworthy before giving it their main card number. If the merchant seems legitimate after the first purchase, you can use your physical card next time. If something goes wrong, the damage is limited to a single transaction on a number you can delete.
What happens if a virtual card number is declined or stolen
If a virtual card number is declined, the reason is usually the same as with a physical card: insufficient funds, the card has expired, or the merchant's system does not recognize the card type. Check your account balance and the card's expiration date in your app. If both are fine, contact your bank — some merchants have trouble processing virtual numbers, though this is becoming less common.
If a virtual card number is stolen or compromised, the damage is limited. If the number is single-use, it stops working after the first charge. If it is multi-use, you can delete it when ready from your app, which blocks any future charges. The thief cannot use the number to make purchases at other merchants because it is tied to that specific card or merchant. Report the fraud to your bank the same way you would with a physical card.
Virtual cards do not change your fraud protection. You still have the same dispute rights and zero-liability protection that come with your regular credit card account. If an unauthorized charge appears, you can dispute it through your bank.
Virtual cards and your credit score
Virtual cards do not affect your credit score differently than a physical card. The charge appears on your regular credit report under your existing account. Your credit utilization, payment history, and account age are all tracked the same way.
Generating a virtual card number does not trigger a hard inquiry or open a new account, so there is no impact on your score from the act of creating the number. The only thing that matters for your credit is whether you pay the bill on time and how much of your credit line you use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a virtual card if I do not have an existing account with the bank?
Most banks only offer virtual cards to existing customers. If you do not have an account, you would need to open one first, which typically takes a few days. Some fintech companies like Privacy and Marqeta issue virtual cards to new customers, but they usually charge a monthly fee and may require identity verification that takes 24 to 48 hours.
Will a virtual card number work at every online store?
Virtual card numbers work at most online retailers, but some older or smaller merchants have systems that do not recognize them. If a number is declined, try your physical card instead. The merchant's payment system, not your card, is the issue. This is becoming rarer as payment technology improves.
Can I use a virtual card for recurring charges like Netflix or gym memberships?
Yes, but you need to use a multi-use virtual card number, not a single-use one. Most banks let you choose which type you generate. If you want the card to stop working after a certain date, set an expiration date before you sign up for the service. This way, the merchant can charge you monthly until the card expires, then the charges stop automatically.
Do I need to carry a virtual card number in my wallet?
No. The number exists only in your bank's app or on your online banking portal. You pull it up when you need it for an online purchase and enter it into the checkout form. You do not need to write it down or memorize it.
What is the difference between a virtual card and a digital wallet like Apple Pay?
A digital wallet like Apple Pay stores your physical card number and lets you pay in stores by holding your phone near a reader. A virtual card is a separate card number that exists only online. They serve different purposes: digital wallets are for in-person payments, virtual cards are for online purchases where you want extra security or control.