Virtual credit cards for online shopping

Did you know you can use virtual cards with most Capital One credit cards? Virtual credit cards provide you with added benefits that allow you to shop more easily and more securely online. 

Read on to learn all about the benefits of using virtual credit cards for online shopping.

What you’ll learn:

• Virtual card numbers allow you to make online purchases without sharing your actual credit card number with stores.

• A virtual credit card is helpful in many cases, including paying for subscription services, saving it as a payment method with a regularly visited online retailer or making a one-time purchase on an unfamiliar website.

• Capital One cardholders can access virtual cards with the Capital One Mobile app and website, Google Pay on Chrome and the Eno browser extension

A virtual credit card acts like a substitute for your actual credit card and lets you pay anywhere you shop online. Like a conventional credit card, a virtual card has its own 16-digit card number, expiration date and CVV security number. Every virtual card is linked to your credit card account, and all charges will show up on your credit card account statements as they normally would.

There are several reasons why you might want to use a virtual card from Capital One as your preferred payment method. Here’s a look at three ways using virtual cards makes spending online easier and more secure.

With the Capital One Mobile app, you can access your virtual card even when you don’t have your physical credit card on hand. As a new credit card customer, you may be able to start spending and earning rewards with your virtual card as soon as you’re approved without having to wait for your physical card to arrive in the mail. Plus your virtual cards will continue to work even if your physical credit card is lost, damaged or stolen and if your actual credit card number changes.

If you’re using virtual cards with Google Pay on Chrome or the Eno browser extension, you can have your virtual card numbers automatically filled in at checkout.

Virtual cards add an extra layer of protection because they let you make purchases online without sharing your actual credit card number with merchants. You may also be able to create virtual cards for specific stores. When you create a unique virtual card for a store, you can shop with added peace of mind because if the store’s payment data gets compromised, your unique virtual card can’t be used anywhere else.

For added control over your online shopping experience, you can lock or unlock your virtual cards at any time without affecting your ability to make other purchases with your actual card number. Virtual cards that you create with the Eno extension can also be set with a custom expiration date.

You may be surprised by the many ways you can use virtual cards. Here are a few scenarios where you might choose to use a virtual card instead of your physical card:

• When you’re shopping online and your wallet is in the other room

• If eligible, instantly spend with your virtual card before your new credit card arrives in the mail, and reach your spending bonus faster

• When your physical credit card is lost, damaged or stolen

• When signing up for subscription services

• When leaving a card on file at places you shop the most

• When making purchases on an unfamiliar or infrequently visited site—to disguise your actual card number

• For added control of the spending on your account—lock or delete virtual cards with a simple click to prevent additional charges

Although virtual cards and digital wallets are similar, they aren’t the same thing. A digital wallet is an application that can store your payment methods in one place. Think of it like your physical wallet but in digital form. You can use digital wallets to make purchases online or to tap your device to pay in stores. 

Virtual card numbers are unique numbers that are different from your physical card number but still linked to your credit card account. They’re primarily for online use—to make online shopping safer and more convenient.

Your virtual card can be accessed from the Capital One Mobile app or website after you sign in to your Capital One account. This virtual card stands in for your actual credit card number and can be used at multiple different online stores. 

1. Log in to the Capital One Mobile app or sign in to your Capital One account online. 

2. Under your credit card balance, tap “Get Your Virtual Card.” Not seeing this button? Navigate to your credit card account, and under Recent Transactions, select Virtual Card.

3. After a quick security check, you’ll see the key card details you need in order to check out online—your virtual credit card number, expiration date and three-digit security code.

Virtual cards for specific stores offer a more secure way to shop at your favorite online destinations. With this option, you can create a unique virtual card number for each online store that links to your Capital One credit card account. Each virtual card number can only be used at one designated store, adding an extra layer of security. 

To create a virtual card for a specific store, you can sign in to your Capital One account in the app or online and follow these steps:

• After signing into the Capital One Mobile app:

  • Navigate to the tile of an eligible credit account and select “Get your virtual card.”

  • Under the “Add to a store” section, click “Create for a specific store.” You may need to verify your identity first.

• After signing into your Capital One account online:

  • Navigate to your “Digital Wallet Manager,” and then select “Create and manage your virtual cards.”

  • Under “Create a virtual card for…,” click on the tile labeled “Specific store.” You may need to verify your identity first.

  • When creating store-specific virtual cards online, you can limit them to a single use or set a date for the virtual card to auto-lock.

You can also use virtual cards for specific stores when you shop online through Google Chrome and Android apps using Google Pay or when you use the Eno browser extension. With Google Pay virtual cards and the Eno browser extension, your virtual card numbers automatically fill in at checkout, giving you the ability to pay with fewer clicks. 

To use a virtual card for a specific store through Google Pay or with the Eno browser extension, follow these steps:

• On Google Chrome and in Android apps: 

  • Add your eligible Capital One credit card(s) to Google Pay.

  • Shop online using Google Chrome on Android or iOS. 

  • When you’re ready to check out, select the option to pay with a virtual card from the autofill dropdown menu. It’s that easy!

• With the Eno browser extension: 

  • Add Eno to your browser. 

  • Once you’ve installed it, sign in to the Eno browser extension and enroll with an eligible Capital One credit card to get started.

  • Once you’re signed in, Eno can pop up when you’re on a checkout page and will generate a virtual card for a specific store that‘s linked to your credit card account.

With virtual credit cards, you can feel safer shopping online without exposing your actual credit card number—all with added convenience and flexibility. All charges made with a virtual card will show up on your credit card account statements as they normally would. Plus you’ll continue to earn the same rewards or cash back when using a virtual card linked to your rewards or cash back credit card account.

For easy access to virtual cards from Capital One, download the Capital One Mobile app today.