What a virtual credit card number is and how to get one
A virtual credit card number is a temporary card number linked to your real credit card account. Instead of using your actual card details online, you generate a unique number that works for a single purchase or a set period of time. When the transaction completes or the number expires, that number becomes useless — even if someone intercepts it, they cannot use it again or access your real account.
Most virtual card numbers come from your credit card issuer's app or website. You log in, request a new number, and get one when ready. Some banks call this feature "virtual card," "digital card," or "find card number." The number is tied to your real account but appears separate to the merchant.
Virtual numbers work at most online retailers, subscription services, and digital marketplaces. They do not work for in-person purchases, gas pumps, or ATM withdrawals — those require your physical card or a mobile wallet.
Key Takeaways
- Virtual card numbers are generated through your bank's app or online portal and appear as temporary numbers linked to your real account.
- You can set spending limits, expiration dates, and merchant restrictions on most virtual numbers before you use them.
- Not all credit card issuers offer this feature, so check your bank's app or website to see if it is available on your account.
- Virtual numbers protect your real card details during online shopping but do not work for in-person transactions or recurring bills unless you set them up that way.
- If a virtual number is compromised, you can delete it when ready without affecting your real card or other virtual numbers.
Which banks and card issuers offer virtual numbers
Major issuers that offer virtual card numbers include Capital One (called Eno), Citi (called Citi Virtual Account Numbers), Bank of America, Chase, and American Express. Smaller banks and credit unions vary — some offer the feature, others do not. The fastest way to find out is to open your card issuer's mobile app and look for a menu item labeled "Virtual Card," "Card Controls," "Digital Card," or "find Shopping."
If you do not see the option in the app, log into your online account on the issuer's website and search the help section for "virtual card" or "temporary card number." If neither the app nor website mentions it, contact your card issuer's customer service line to confirm whether the feature exists on your account type.
Some issuers limit virtual numbers to certain card types — for example, only premium or rewards cards may have access. If you have multiple cards with the same issuer, the feature might be available on one but not another.
Step-by-step process to generate a virtual number
The exact steps vary by issuer, but the general process is the same across most banks.
- Open your card issuer's mobile app or log into their website.
- Find the card management section — this is often labeled "Card Controls," "My Cards," "Account Services," or "Digital Banking."
- Look for an option to create a virtual card, temporary number, or digital card. Click or tap it.
- Review the default settings. Most issuers let you set a spending limit, an expiration date (anywhere from one month to one year), and sometimes a merchant category or specific retailer.
- Adjust these settings if you want to. For example, if you are buying from one store, you can restrict the number to that merchant only.
- Confirm and generate the number. It appears on screen when ready — usually a 16-digit number, expiration date, and CVV, just like a real card.
- Copy the number and use it for your purchase. Do not screenshot it or save it in an unsecured place.
After the transaction completes or the number expires, you can delete it from your account or let it expire automatically. Most issuers keep a history of your virtual numbers so you can see which ones you used and when.
Customizing spending limits and expiration dates
Before you generate a virtual number, you can usually set rules for how it behaves. The most common controls are a spending limit and an expiration date.
Spending limits cap how much the number can be charged. If you are buying a $50 item, you might set the limit to $60 to account for tax or shipping. If the merchant tries to charge more than the limit, the transaction declines. This prevents overcharges and limits damage if the number is stolen.
Expiration dates range from one month to several years, depending on the issuer. A shorter expiration date (one to three months) is safer for one-time purchases. A longer date (one year) works better for subscriptions or services you plan to use repeatedly. Once the date passes, the number stops working automatically.
Some issuers also let you restrict a virtual number to a specific merchant or merchant category. For example, you can create a number that only works at Amazon or only at grocery stores. This adds another layer of control — even if the number is compromised, it cannot be used anywhere else.
Using virtual numbers for subscriptions and recurring charges
Virtual numbers work for subscriptions, but you need to plan ahead. When you set up a subscription (streaming service, software, gym membership), you enter the virtual number at checkout. The merchant charges it monthly or yearly depending on the plan.
The key is to set the virtual number's expiration date to match or exceed your subscription term. If you sign up for a one-year subscription, set the virtual number to expire in one year or longer. If it expires before the subscription ends, the charge will fail and your service may be interrupted.
Some issuers automatically renew virtual numbers for subscriptions, while others require you to update the number manually when it expires. Check your issuer's policy before you set up a subscription. You can also monitor the virtual number's activity in your app to see when charges occur and whether they are successful.
Security benefits and limitations of virtual numbers
Virtual numbers reduce the risk of fraud because your real card details never reach the merchant. If a retailer's website is hacked or a scammer intercepts the transaction, they only get the temporary number — which is useless after the purchase or expiration date passes. They cannot use it to make other purchases or access your account.
Virtual numbers also let you spot unauthorized charges quickly. Since each number is tied to a specific purchase or time period, you know exactly which transaction a charge belongs to. If you see a charge you did not make, you can report it to your issuer when ready.
However, virtual numbers do not protect you against all fraud. If you enter a virtual number on a phishing website (a fake site designed to steal information), the scammer still gets the number and can use it before it expires. Virtual numbers also do not protect you if your phone or computer is compromised — malware can capture the number as you type it. They are a tool that reduces risk, not a may provide against fraud.
What to do if a virtual number is compromised
If you suspect a virtual number has been stolen or misused, delete it when ready from your card issuer's app. Most issuers let you remove a virtual number with one tap, and it stops working right away. Check your account for unauthorized charges linked to that number.
If you find a fraudulent charge, report it to your card issuer through the app or by calling the number on the back of your physical card. Explain which virtual number was used and when. Your issuer will investigate and typically reverse the charge within a few business days. Your real card and other virtual numbers remain unaffected.
To prevent future misuse, do not reuse the same virtual number for multiple purchases. Generate a new one each time, or at least for each merchant. This limits the window of exposure if a number is compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a virtual card number at a physical store or gas pump?
No. Virtual numbers only work for online purchases, phone orders, and mail orders. For in-person shopping, you need your physical card or a mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) linked to your real card. Some banks are testing virtual card features in mobile wallets, but this is not yet standard.
What happens if I delete a virtual number before a subscription charge goes through?
The charge will fail, and your subscription service may be interrupted or canceled. If you plan to keep a subscription, do not delete the virtual number until the subscription ends. Set a longer expiration date instead, or check your issuer's policy on automatic renewal.
Do virtual card numbers affect my credit score?
No. Virtual numbers are tied to your real account, so all charges count toward your credit utilization and payment history just like regular card use. Generating or deleting virtual numbers does not change your credit report.
Can I generate multiple virtual numbers at the same time?
Yes. Most issuers let you create as many virtual numbers as you need. You can have one for each purchase, subscription, or merchant. Your issuer's app shows all active and expired numbers so you can track them.
What if a merchant rejects my virtual card number?
Some older websites or payment systems do not recognize virtual numbers. If a merchant declines it, try using your physical card instead. You can also contact the merchant's customer service to ask if they support virtual cards. If they do not, a virtual number will not work on their site.