Virtual credit cards can offer additional security measures compared to their physical counterparts. By allowing you to generate a unique credit card number different from the one associated with your physical credit card, virtual cards help keep your card’s information safe when you use it online.
A virtual credit card can even let you use a newly opened account before the physical card arrives, allowing you to immediately start earning rewards or making progress toward a welcome bonus.
Several of the largest credit card issuers offer virtual credit card capabilities for cardholders, and some newer cards are innovating with the technology, making virtual cards more accessible and flexible. Here are some of our favorites.
Best virtual credit cards
The American Express® Gold Card* is a solid choice for avid travelers and foodies who are willing to pay a high annual fee. With a $250 annual price tag, you earn 4x Membership Rewards points on restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4x points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases per year, then 1x) and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. You can shop securely online with an Amex virtual card number through Google Chrome or an Android mobile device by connecting an eligible Amex card. A virtual Amex card number replaces your actual card number, disguising your personal information from online merchants. You get a new four-digit CVV every time you shop online with a virtual card number.
See our full review of the American Express Gold Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The American Express® Gold Card* is a solid choice for avid travelers and foodies who are willing to pay a high annual fee. With a $250 annual price tag, you earn 4x Membership Rewards points on restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4x points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 in purchases per year, then 1x) and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. You can shop securely online with an Amex virtual card number through Google Chrome or an Android mobile device by connecting an eligible Amex card. A virtual Amex card number replaces your actual card number, disguising your personal information from online merchants. You get a new four-digit CVV every time you shop online with a virtual card number.
See our full review of the American Express Gold Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express* is the best cash-back card on this list for groceries. Though it has a $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95), you earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations. And unlike the Gold Card, the Blue Cash Preferred Card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from account opening (then 19.24% to 29.99% variable). And like any eligible Amex card, you can shop securely online with a virtual card number through Google Chrome on your desktop or an Android mobile device.
See our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express* is the best cash-back card on this list for groceries. Though it has a $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95), you earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations. And unlike the Gold Card, the Blue Cash Preferred Card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from account opening (then 19.24% to 29.99% variable). And like any eligible Amex card, you can shop securely online with a virtual card number through Google Chrome on your desktop or an Android mobile device.
See our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Citi Double Cash® Card offers virtual credit card access and also lets you maximize cash-back rewards while avoiding the hassle of decoding point systems. While its cash-back rate is generally competitive with the Apple Card, it’s less restrictive, allowing you to earn the 2% rate everywhere (1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases), and not just retailers accepting Apple Pay. To access virtual credit cards for the Citi Double Cash Card, you must select “Other Services” on your account homepage, then navigate to “Virtual Account Numbers.”
See our full review of the Citi Double Cash Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
The Citi Double Cash® Card offers virtual credit card access and also lets you maximize cash-back rewards while avoiding the hassle of decoding point systems. While its cash-back rate is generally competitive with the Apple Card, it’s less restrictive, allowing you to earn the 2% rate everywhere (1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases), and not just retailers accepting Apple Pay. To access virtual credit cards for the Citi Double Cash Card, you must select “Other Services” on your account homepage, then navigate to “Virtual Account Numbers.”
See our full review of the Citi Double Cash Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
With the highest annual fee on this list, The Platinum Card® from American Express* is a premium travel card with an exceptional list of annual statement credits. To maximize your rewards with the Platinum Card from American Express, you must do more than rely on the rewards you earn from everyday spending. You can earn 80,000 points from the welcome bonus alone (you must spend $8,000 on purchases with your card in the first six months of card membership to be eligible), equivalent to up to $800 when redeemed through amextravel.com. If you can take advantage of its long list of benefits and credits, you can make up for its $695 annual price tag.
See our full review of the Platinum Card from American Express for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
With the highest annual fee on this list, The Platinum Card® from American Express* is a premium travel card with an exceptional list of annual statement credits. To maximize your rewards with the Platinum Card from American Express, you must do more than rely on the rewards you earn from everyday spending. You can earn 80,000 points from the welcome bonus alone (you must spend $8,000 on purchases with your card in the first six months of card membership to be eligible), equivalent to up to $800 when redeemed through amextravel.com. If you can take advantage of its long list of benefits and credits, you can make up for its $695 annual price tag.
See our full review of the Platinum Card from American Express for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- See Pay Over Time APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
X1 Card
The X1 Card offers a unique setup with regard to virtual credit cards. Instead of just offering one-time-use virtual cards, like most of the other cards on this list, the X1 lets you generate multiple virtual cards for different uses and set your own auto-expiration dates. This can come in handy for automatically canceling free trials or for giving a card number to a trusted individual like a family member or caregiver for a set period of time. You’ll need to download an app for account management access through -- you can’t log into your account via a web browser. We also like that the X1 card takes your income into consideration when approving your application, making it possible to secure a higher credit line than most traditional cards.
See our full review of the X1 Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 15.50% – 27.75% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 2% of the amount of each transfer.
The X1 Card offers a unique setup with regard to virtual credit cards. Instead of just offering one-time-use virtual cards, like most of the other cards on this list, the X1 lets you generate multiple virtual cards for different uses and set your own auto-expiration dates. This can come in handy for automatically canceling free trials or for giving a card number to a trusted individual like a family member or caregiver for a set period of time. You’ll need to download an app for account management access through -- you can’t log into your account via a web browser. We also like that the X1 card takes your income into consideration when approving your application, making it possible to secure a higher credit line than most traditional cards.
See our full review of the X1 Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 15.50% – 27.75% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 2% of the amount of each transfer.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card* not only offers virtual account numbers on your account’s home page, but it also boasts a 0% introductory APR period. With account approval, you can take advantage of 12 months of 0% introductory APR on purchases from the date of the account opening and a whopping 21 months of 0% introductory APR on balance transfers (though a 5% or $5 balance transfer fee applies -- whichever is greater). After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% to 28.99% variable. Balance transfers must be completed within four months of the account opening.
See our full review of the Citi Diamond Preferred Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 12 months on Purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card* not only offers virtual account numbers on your account’s home page, but it also boasts a 0% introductory APR period. With account approval, you can take advantage of 12 months of 0% introductory APR on purchases from the date of the account opening and a whopping 21 months of 0% introductory APR on balance transfers (though a 5% or $5 balance transfer fee applies -- whichever is greater). After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% to 28.99% variable. Balance transfers must be completed within four months of the account opening.
See our full review of the Citi Diamond Preferred Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 12 months on Purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.24% – 28.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
While the Citi Premier® Card has an annual fee of $95, its rewards and perks make up for the extra cost. For example, the sign-on bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months after the account opens (an equivalent value of $600 in gift cards or travel rewards when redeemed at thankyou.com) is competitive, putting this card at the top of our picks for best welcome bonus credit cards. This card offers purchase protection, and you can access virtual account numbers right through your account home page.
For more details on all of this card’s benefits, check out our full review of the Citi Premier Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
While the Citi Premier® Card has an annual fee of $95, its rewards and perks make up for the extra cost. For example, the sign-on bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months after the account opens (an equivalent value of $600 in gift cards or travel rewards when redeemed at thankyou.com) is competitive, putting this card at the top of our picks for best welcome bonus credit cards. This card offers purchase protection, and you can access virtual account numbers right through your account home page.
For more details on all of this card’s benefits, check out our full review of the Citi Premier Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
The Apple Card* is unique by design and how it operates within the Apple ecosystem. With the Apple Card, you technically have three credit card numbers built into one. One card number is for your Apple Wallet, one is for your physical card (if you request one) and another is considered your virtual credit card -- which you can use for online or in-person transactions where Apple Pay isn’t accepted. And, if your virtual credit card number is ever compromised, you can request and receive a free replacement number instantly without interrupting the use of your account via Apple Wallet or the physical card.
For more details on this card’s benefits, check out our full review of the Apple Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.24% to 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Apple Card* is unique by design and how it operates within the Apple ecosystem. With the Apple Card, you technically have three credit card numbers built into one. One card number is for your Apple Wallet, one is for your physical card (if you request one) and another is considered your virtual credit card -- which you can use for online or in-person transactions where Apple Pay isn’t accepted. And, if your virtual credit card number is ever compromised, you can request and receive a free replacement number instantly without interrupting the use of your account via Apple Wallet or the physical card.
For more details on this card’s benefits, check out our full review of the Apple Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.24% to 29.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
You can get a virtual credit card number through Capital One’s web browser extension Eno. Eno masks your credit card number by generating a virtual card number for each merchant. But you can also generate a virtual credit card number directly from Capital One’s app (without using the browser extension). You can manage your virtual card numbers in the Capital One mobile app.
The no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card* offers a simple rewards structure for travelers looking for a straightforward travel card. You earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and unlimited 1.25x miles on everything else.
The Eno browser extension is available for certain Capital One customers. If you are not currently eligible to connect to Eno, there are plans to roll out access to additional customers over time, as stated on Capital One’s website.
See our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card for more information.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
You can get a virtual credit card number through Capital One’s web browser extension Eno. Eno masks your credit card number by generating a virtual card number for each merchant. But you can also generate a virtual credit card number directly from Capital One’s app (without using the browser extension). You can manage your virtual card numbers in the Capital One mobile app.
The no-annual-fee Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card* offers a simple rewards structure for travelers looking for a straightforward travel card. You earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and unlimited 1.25x miles on everything else.
The Eno browser extension is available for certain Capital One customers. If you are not currently eligible to connect to Eno, there are plans to roll out access to additional customers over time, as stated on Capital One’s website.
See our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card for more information.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
What are virtual credit cards and how do they work?
A virtual credit card is a digital credit card that replaces the 16-digit code printed on the front of your physical credit card. It’s generally intended for one-time use -- though some can be reused -- and prevents anyone from re-using stored or stolen card numbers. Virtual cards are meant to limit digital fraud by reducing the risk of your credit card information being stolen.
Virtual card numbers aren’t the same as digital wallets. Virtual card numbers protect your personal card information when shopping online, but digital wallets -- like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Wallet -- store things like credit card data, boarding passes and concert tickets. However, virtual wallets can offer similar protections. For example, when you use the card stored in your phone’s digital wallet, a 16-digit number, also known as a token, replaces your credit card number so the receiving merchant can’t see your card’s information.
Even if your issuer doesn’t offer virtual credit cards, you may still be able to add your credit card to a digital wallet for an extra layer of security when shopping online or in person at participating retailers.
Pros and cons of using a virtual credit card
While virtual cards are a great tool to add an extra level of security while shopping online or over the phone, there could be a few disadvantages to consider.
Pros
Your personal information is protected
Easy to generate from your card issuer’s app or browser extension
May be more convenient when shopping online
Cons
Not all issuers offer virtual credit cards
Virtual credit card transactions are typically limited to online transactions (but you can use your digital wallet at participating merchants)
How to get a virtual credit card number from your issuer
Not every issuer offers virtual credit card numbers, but you might have access to a virtual credit card number with an existing credit card. Some issuers will also provide a virtual card number to use as soon as you’re approved. The process varies from issuer to issuer, but here’s how to get a virtual card number with a few of the major issuers:
- Capital One: You can access a virtual number through the issuer’s Eno virtual assistant browser extension. Virtual numbers may not be available for all Capital One cards.
- Citi: You can find your virtual number on your account page after you enroll in the service. Virtual numbers may not be available for all Citi cards.
- American Express: You can use a virtual card number through Google Chrome by connecting an eligible Amex card. According to American Express, it’ll generate a new four-digit CVV needed at checkout.
- Chase: Chase does not currently offer one-time use virtual card numbers, but you can add your card to a digital wallet as soon as you’re approved to use it immediately.
- Discover: Discover does not currently offer virtual card numbers.
How to use a virtual credit card
You use a virtual card as you would normally when shopping online or over the phone. Rather than using the 16-digit code on your physical card, you use the code generated by your card issuer. In some cases, you can use a virtual card at physical stores that accept digital wallets or contactless payments.
Alternatives to virtual credit cards
Virtual cards can keep you safe while shopping online, but they aren’t the only tool you have at your disposal for keeping your information hidden. If your credit card issuer doesn’t offer virtual card capabilities -- or if you’re hesitant to use one -- you could use a virtual private network, or VPN, while online. A VPN won’t keep retailers from saving your credit card information, but it can add an additional level of security for your other information.
VPNs bounce your IP address to a place in the world that’s different from your physical location. They can help keep your online activity hidden from prying eyes, third parties or other entities that are seeking your information. It may sound complicated, but it’s no more complex than downloading an application to your computer and following the prompts to set it up. Ideally, you’d use both a virtual card and a VPN.
Should you use a virtual credit card number when shopping online?
Virtual card numbers are a great tool to ensure your personal credit card information remains secure when shopping online. You’ll typically have the option to request a virtual credit card number for one-time use or multiple uses, providing an added layer of security to each online transaction. As long as your credit card issuer provides this feature, you don’t have to apply for a new credit card and accrue a hard inquiry on your credit report.
How to apply for a credit card
Follow these steps to apply for a virtual credit card.
- Choose a card with rewards, benefits and terms that match your budget and financial goals.
- Follow the appropriate link above to be taken to the credit card issuer’s secure site.
- Fill out your financial and personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income and monthly rent or mortgage payment.
- If approved, the issuer should give you access to a virtual credit card number. Use the card responsibly and remember to always pay your bill in full and on time.
The bottom line
Virtual credit card numbers can provide an added layer of security at checkout while remaining convenient. By masking your actual card information when shopping online, you can do so without wondering if your information will ever be compromised. However, there are limitations to virtual credit cards that restrict how far the protection can stretch, because you can’t use virtual numbers during in-person transactions.
FAQs
For the sake of simplicity, the best virtual credit cards let you generate a virtual card number directly from your online credit card account without downloading pesky extensions or additional apps. Those include the Apple Card, Citi Double Cash Card, Citi Premier Card, Citi Diamond Preferred Card, Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and the X1 Card. Other credit card issuers may offer additional apps or browser extensions.
No, using a virtual credit card instead of a physical one won’t affect your credit score more than usual. If you use your virtual credit card responsibly and always pay off your balance on time and in full, your credit will be in good shape. Plus, to generate a virtual credit card, you’ll need to have the physical card. Applying for credit cards will result in a hard credit check, which may drop your credit score -- temporarily -- by a few points.
Several issuer apps and browser extensions enable virtual credit card generation for accounts without built-in features. They require an extra step (downloading the app or extension) to use initially, and restrict you to making purchases specifically on hardware you’ve installed the program on. For example, a Click to Pay account allows Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover cardholders to apply for a virtual credit card at checkout.
Certain credit card issuers will provide you with a virtual card number to use as soon as you’re approved for the card you’ve applied for. However, not every card offered by the issuer provides a virtual card number. Take a look at the best instant approval credit cards to learn more.
Recommended Articles
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card.
For cash-back credit cards, for example, key factors include the annual fee, the “welcome bonus” and the cash-back rate (or rates, if they differ by spending category). For rewards and miles cards, we calculate and weigh the net monetary value of a card’s respective perks. And with balance transfer credit cards, we analyze specs such as the duration of the introductory 0% APR period and the balance transfer fee, while acknowledging secondary factors such as the standard APR and the length of time you have to make a balance transfer after you open the account.
Other credit cards we researched
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card, click here
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card from American Express, click here
*All information about the American Express Gold Card, Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, The Platinum Card from American Express, Apple Card, Citi Diamond Preferred Card, and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
