Why Are Virtual Card Numbers Important?ĭigital payments are becoming increasingly prevalent and virtual card numbers present one way to manage funds and purchases with enhanced spending controls and reporting tools while minimizing security risks from both ends of a transaction. This eliminates the fear of losing or misplacing physical cards, leaves space in your wallet and reduces the detrimental effect human development of plastic has on the environment.įor consumers, virtual card numbers provide more privacy, protect sensitive banking information and prevent advertisers from data tracking.įor businesses, virtual card numbers greatly help with implementation, providing immediate issuance and funds while also managing cash flow, enhanced payables and stronger reporting. Individuals and businesses can link a group of virtual card numbers to a central debit, credit or charge account and avoid excessive collection or distribution of plastic cards. However, in some cases virtual card numbers can be used over the telephone.Īn upside to consider in the non-physical aspect of these cards is that less plastic circulates as people accumulate cards for different uses. The main downside to a virtual credit card is that it can usually only be used online, so it is not usable in all scenarios. This offers customers another kind of security by protecting information directly linked to bank accounts and smoothing out cash flow delays or unexpected funding hiccups for both individuals and businesses.Īs with other credit or charge card products, virtual cards provide spending controls, fraud protections and reporting tools to help manage, track and secure projects and expenses. Unlike physical cards, a virtual card becomes available for customer use immediately after generating and assigning a random 16-digit number as it is associated with an already-existing credit card account. Virtual card numbers are similar to physical credit cards, but exist only in a virtual form. Virtual cards can benefit commercial card program managers, since apart from an added sense of security, virtual cards tend to have lower costs and more efficient operations compared with standard credit cards. Transaction-specific controls reduce cardholders’ susceptibility to fraud by catching and preventing any misuse attempts with a specific card number. They can also be immediately revoked as needed. Virtual card numbers can be issued immediately and customized after initial use. Virtual card numbers offer individuals and businesses an alternative and streamlined way to pay merchants. Virtual card numbers are temporary card numbers associated with a credit card account for use online to make those transactions more secure. As identity theft continues to plague credit card holders, virtual card numbers can provide some peace of mind without complicating the payment process.

Working debit card number