What is Virtual Card?

[Cossette]

I am not sure if I have fully grasped the meaning of Virtual Card. Is it widely used nowadays? How is it different from Credit and Debit cards?

[Lissy]

A virtual card is something you don't actually hold in your hand, you just have the numbers that you normally give out when you use your card online. They can be debit and credit cards, many companies offer them now. PayPal has a virtual debit card, I believe.

[giay]

I think virtual cards work like debit cards which you just fund as needed and disposed off later. It is recommended mainly for online purposes so you'll be safe in handling out your personal information.

[Ms_Margaret]

A Virtual Card is just that, it is virtual. The physical card does not exist. You will not receive this card in the mail; instead, you receive all of your card information through e-mail. Here's how they work.

* Once your application is processed, a 16-digit debit card number is e-mailed to you.
* A three-digit CVV or verification code is also e-mailed to you. This number is used by online merchants for card verification purposes.
* You load it. These cards are loaded either through your bank account or another credit card.
* Use the virtual card to make online purchases. This card works just as any other debit or credit card. You make a purchase, enter your card number and verification code and you're done.

The virtual card was created for customers who have problems using their cards for Internet purchases. I mean think of all the great offers you had to turn down because of this, well, now you have a solution.

[Ms_Margaret]

A virtual credit card offers you the option of shopping online with a disposable credit card number that are single-use credit card numbers, which expire within one or two months.

The security benefit of using a virtual credit card for online shopping is your normal bank account is not affected if an online scam artist happens to get your account number.

There's no value to hackers because you use a different, random card number every time you shop online. A virtual credit card number is only good on the Web site where you made your purchase.