What is a Virtual Credit Card and How can it Protect You Online?

Virtual credit card (VCC) is like a burner phone number, you can create a virtual, disposable number, then deactivate it instantly if it gets stolen or used on a fraudulent website.

So, if you should use your credit card on a fraudulent website, there is no need to go through the tedious process of canceling it and waiting for the new one to be sent to you via snail mail. With a virtual card, all you have to do is to cancel the old virtual credit card number and get a new number in far less time it would take to replace a physical card, while your actual or physical credit card is safe and can still be used.

A virtual credit card number only works online. You cannot use it in a store that has a point of sale machine with a debit/credit card reader. But, it is another safeguard that can help protect you online against cyber criminals operating fraudulent websites and unscrupulous online merchants.

Where Can I Get a Virtual Credit Card?

Contact your bank or credit card company and ask if they offer such service.