What temporary card numbers are and how they work
A temporary card number is a unique, one-time-use number that your bank or credit card issuer generates for you to use online instead of your real card number. When you enter the temporary number at checkout, the merchant never sees your actual card details. The transaction still charges your real account, but the temporary number expires after one purchase or after a set time period — usually 24 hours to a few months, depending on your bank.
The temporary number acts as a shield between your real card and the website you're buying from. If that website gets hacked or sells your data, the stolen number is already dead and useless. Your actual card number stays safe in your bank's system.
Not all banks offer this feature yet, but the major issuers — Chase, Bank of America, Citi, American Express, and Discover — all have versions of it. Some call it a virtual card number, some call it a temporary number, and some use their own brand name. The concept is the same across all of them.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary card numbers are generated by your bank and expire after one use or a set time, so stolen numbers cannot be used again.
- You request a temporary number through your bank's mobile app or website before checkout, then use it instead of your real card number.
- Not every merchant accepts temporary numbers, though most major retailers and online stores do.
- Each bank's system works slightly differently, so you will need to check your own bank's app or website to see if the feature is available to you.
- Temporary numbers work best for one-time purchases; subscriptions and recurring charges may require your real card number.
How to generate a temporary card number with your bank
The process starts in your bank's mobile app or online banking portal. Log in and look for a section labeled "Virtual Card," "Temporary Card Number," "Card Controls," or "Shopping Tools" — the exact name varies by bank. Some banks put it under a security or privacy menu.
Once you find it, you will see a button to generate a new temporary number. Click it. The system will ask you to choose a merchant category (like "online retail" or "groceries") and sometimes a spending limit for that number. You can usually set the limit lower than your card's normal limit if you want extra control. Then the bank generates the number and shows it to you on screen — along with an expiration date and CVV code, just like a real card.
Write down or copy the temporary number, expiration date, and CVV before you leave that screen. Then go to the merchant's checkout page and enter the temporary number in the card field, along with the expiration date and CVV you just copied. The transaction processes normally, and the temporary number dies after that purchase or after the time window closes.
Some banks also let you set rules for the temporary number before you generate it — for example, "only works at this specific merchant" or "only works for the next 24 hours." Check your bank's app to see what options are available to you.
Which banks offer temporary card numbers
| Bank | Feature Name | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Chase | Virtual Account Numbers | Chase mobile app or Chase.com under "Card Controls" |
| Bank of America | ShopSafe | Bank of America mobile app or BankofAmerica.com under "Card Controls" |
| Citi | Virtual Account Numbers | Citi mobile app or Citibank.com under "Card Services" |
| American Express | Virtual Card Numbers | Amex mobile app or AmericanExpress.com under "Card Controls" |
| Discover | Discover Virtual Numbers | Discover mobile app or Discover.com under "Account Services" |
| Capital One | Eno (browser extension or app) | Capital One mobile app or through Eno.com |
If your bank is not listed here, log into your online banking portal and search for "virtual card," "temporary number," or "card controls." Many regional and community banks are adding this feature, though not all have it yet. If your bank does not offer it, you can ask them when they plan to add it, or consider whether switching to a bank that does offer it makes sense for your shopping habits.
When temporary numbers work and when they don't
Temporary card numbers work best for one-time online purchases — a single order from an online retailer, a one-off booking at a hotel or airline, or a purchase from a marketplace you do not plan to return to. The merchant processes the charge normally, and the temporary number expires right after.
Temporary numbers often do not work for subscriptions, recurring charges, or auto-renewals. If a merchant needs to charge you again next month, the temporary number will be dead by then, and the charge will fail. For subscriptions, you usually have to give the merchant your real card number. Some banks let you generate a temporary number that lasts longer — weeks or months instead of hours — which can work for subscriptions, but you lose the protection of a number that expires when ready after one use.
A few merchants also reject temporary numbers outright because their payment systems are older or because they require the billing address to match the cardholder's address exactly. If a temporary number is declined, try your real card number or contact the merchant's customer service to ask if they accept virtual card numbers.
Security limits of temporary card numbers
Temporary card numbers protect your real card number from being stolen during a transaction or from a merchant's database breach. They do not protect you from fraud if you enter your information on a fake website or if you are tricked into sending money to a scammer. They also do not protect you if you lose your phone or if someone gains access to your bank account.
Temporary numbers are one layer of security, not a complete shield. They work best when combined with other habits: checking that a website's URL is correct before entering any card details, never clicking links in emails to log into your bank, and reviewing your bank statements regularly for charges you do not recognize.
If a temporary number is used fraudulently — which is rare because the number is already expired — your bank's fraud protection still applies. You can dispute the charge just as you would with your real card number, and your bank will investigate and reverse it if it was not authorized.
Alternatives to temporary card numbers
If your bank does not offer temporary card numbers, or if you want additional layers of protection, you have other options. Digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal also hide your real card number from merchants. When you use a digital wallet, the merchant sees a token — a stand-in number — instead of your actual card details. This works at most online retailers and at physical stores with contactless payment.
Another option is to use a prepaid card for online shopping. You load money onto the prepaid card, then use that card number for purchases. If the number is compromised, the thief can only spend what is on the card, not access your bank account. Prepaid cards do charge fees, though, so this works best if you shop online frequently.
You can also straightforward use your real card number and rely on your bank's fraud protection. Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized charges to $50, and most banks waive that fee entirely. Many people do this without problems. Temporary card numbers are an extra step that reduces risk further, but they are not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do temporary card numbers cost extra money?
No. Temporary card numbers are a free feature offered by most major banks. There is no fee to generate one, and there is no fee to use it. Your bank includes it as part of your account.
Can I use a temporary card number at physical stores?
Most temporary card numbers only work online. A few banks offer temporary numbers that work in physical stores too, but you would need to add the number to a digital wallet like Apple Pay first. Check your bank's app to see if this option is available.
What happens if I forget to use the temporary number before it expires?
The number straightforward stops working. You can generate a new one whenever you need it. There is no penalty for letting a temporary number expire unused.
Will my refund go back to the temporary card number?
Yes. When a merchant refunds a purchase made with a temporary number, the refund goes back to your real card account automatically. You do not need to do anything. The refund appears in your account within a few business days, just as it would with a regular card number.
Can I set a spending limit on a temporary card number?
Most banks let you set a spending limit when you generate a temporary number. This is useful if you want to make sure a charge cannot exceed a certain amount. Check your bank's app to see if this option is available for your card.