Prevent your payment-card details from being stolen and leaked in data breaches by using a virtual card to buy items online. Robert Irvine explains everything you need to know
What is a virtual credit or debit card?
A virtual credit or debit card works in the same way as an ordinary payment card, but without a physical version. Rather than keep a rectangular piece of plastic in your wallet, you store virtual cards in a digital wallet on your phone or on a website and use them to make purchases online and wherever contactless payments are accepted.
Virtual cards are usually linked to a real credit or debit card, and – much like using a disposable email address – they protect you against theft and fraud by concealing your real account number. The card can’t be stolen or cloned, and its 16-digit number, expiry date and CVV (card verification value) are secured using end-to-end encryption.
You can get a virtual card when you join a digital-only bank, or use a prepaid card you top up with the amount you want to spend. Some cards are only valid for a single transaction, while others – such as gift cards – are limited to specific stores. Here we explain the different types.
Get a virtual number for an existing payment card
Most of the main banks and credit companies in the UK currently limit their virtual cards to business customers, but you can get a virtual number through Google Pay. This is available in the Google Wallet app (www.snipca.com/47291) for Android phones. Select a credit or debit card that’s stored in your Wallet, or choose ‘Add to Wallet’ then ‘Payment card’ to set one up. Tap the card and you’ll see a ‘Virtual account number’ listed under your real one (see screenshot left) – both are encrypted and the app only shows the last four digits. Your virtual number will be used automatically when you make a contactless payment. Sadly, the option to use your virtual card to buy online is currently limited to shoppers in the US.
The same feature is available in the UK for iPhone users (www.snipca.com/47318) when you add your credit or debit card to Apple Pay in the pre-installed Apple Wallet app. You can also use the virtual number when buying online through Safari on websites that support Apple Pay.
Get a virtual debit card from a digital bank
The best way to enjoy the benefits of a virtual card is to get one from a digital-only bank. These are virtual debit cards rather than credit cards, so you need to have enough money in your account to cover your purchases, but they offer greater flexibility than other options. However, they don’t let you withdr
