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What is a Virtual Credit Card?

4 min read

Last Updated: May 30, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

A virtual credit card lets you make purchases online without sharing your actual credit card number.
Using a virtual credit card may reduce your risk of credit card fraud.
Virtual credit card numbers don’t work for in-person transactions.

In the first quarter of 2025, the Federal Trade Commission received over 151,000 reports of credit card identity theft. And online shopping fraud was the second most common form of fraud overall.

How can you protect yourself from credit card fraud online? A virtual credit card is a great start.

A virtual credit card is a card number that's tied to your traditional credit card account but isn't the same as the number on your physical card. This helps protect you from credit card fraud.

How does a virtual credit card number work?

When you request a virtual credit card number, your card issuer will give you a new credit card number that’s tied to your existing account. You’ll also get a new card verification value (CVV) and expiration date for your virtual card.

You can use that number to pay for online purchases. Just enter your virtual card details instead of your physical card number. You can also add your virtual card to digital wallets or payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Cash App. Virtual credit card payments go to your account as if you had used your actual credit card.

Virtual cards don’t work for transactions that require a physical credit card. You’ll still need to swipe, tap, or insert your card at a terminal.

Pros and cons of virtual credit cards

Why is a virtual credit card a good idea?

Virtual card transactions keep your account number private. That way, if your virtual card number gets stolen, identity thieves don’t get your actual card number. You can also cancel your virtual credit card without replacing your physical card.

Many virtual credit card numbers are also temporary, meaning they won’t work very long if they get stolen. This adds another layer of protection against credit card fraud.

What are the drawbacks of using a virtual credit card?

The only drawback to using a virtual card is that you can’t use it to buy something in person.

Fortunately, physical credit cards usually have security features like chips. If you have a Discover^® Card, you’ll also get fraud protection benefits like credit inquiry alerts and online privacy protection.

Want more protection from credit card fraud and still be able to make payments in person? Consider adding your card to a digital wallet or payment app.

Virtual cards aren’t a good choice for recurring card payments. A virtual card number is usually temporary and may expire before the next recurring payment is due.

Is a virtual credit card the same as an instant-use credit card?

No, virtual credit cards aren’t the same as instant-use cards.

A virtual card has a number that’s different from the one on your regular credit card. And you can get one at any time after you’re approved for your regular credit card.

An instant-use card is one you can use for spending as soon as a credit card provider approves your application. You’ll get the card number immediately so you can start charging to your credit card account before you get the physical card in the mail.

Instant-use cards don't necessarily provide a virtual credit card number (it may be the same number as the one on your physical card). And a virtual card provider may not have instant-use cards.

How do I get a virtual credit card?

Credit card issuers have different processes for issuing virtual cards, so you’ll need to check with your card provider.

Some include automated virtual card numbers. For example, a virtual card number replaces your actual Discover^® Card number when you shop in Google Chrome and in Android apps, where available—your credit card number isn’t shared with merchants. This adds a layer of security to your online shopping without needing to request a new virtual card number every time you shop.¹

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

To keep your card number private without using a virtual credit card number, you can add your card to a digital wallet or use a service like Discover ^® Click to Pay.

What's the difference between a virtual credit card and a digital wallet?

Virtual credit cards and digital wallets both keep your physical card number and card details private, but a virtual card number only works for online transactions. You can use a digital wallet with any seller who accepts this payment method, either online or in person.

Did you know?

When you add your Discover^® Card to your digital wallet, your spending earns the same rewards as your actual credit card. Your digital wallet keeps your personal information safe by hiding it from merchants. Logging into your Discover^® Card account lets you link your card to your digital wallet.

Learn More

The bottom line

A virtual credit card is a temporary credit card number that adds a layer of protection when you shop online. It’s a credit card number that’s linked to your account, but isn’t the same number as the one on your card. Unlike a traditional credit card, you can use a virtual card to shop online, but not in person.

A digital wallet also provides added security by hiding your credit card information from unauthorized users. You can use these wallets online or in person, as long as the seller accepts this form of payment.

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