Some banks offer a Virtual Account Number feature which allows us to generate an unlimited amount of credit card numbers tied to a single card account. The idea is to use a temporary virtual number for any online or phone transactions where you want create limits or protect yourself from fraud.
Below is a list of all known banks and cards that offer such a feature.
Contents
Prefatory Notes
Just a few things to keep in mind before using the virtual number option:
- Returns: Any returns should be able to go back on the virtual card (and then back to the main account), but beware that this will only work while the card number if valid. If you gave the card a 2 month limit, and you initiate a return after that time, the card number probably won’t work for the return and you’ll have to ask the retailer to put it back on a different card. Hopefully they’ll be willing to do so. Also, if you do an in-store return they might occasionally ask to see the card, and a virtual card could complicate things.
- Store Pickup:Â Beware of using them for store pickup purchases since occasionally the retailer asks to see the card for verification.
- Car rental, Hotels, Tickets:Â You might need to show a physical card at the car rental, hotel, and similar purchases.
- Reconciliation: If you use virtual card numbers often, it can become difficult to track your purchases since you won’t recognize the card number as your own.
One final note, some people mention that the virtual account numbers sometimes work past when they are supposed to (we’ve heard this only regarding Bank of America). They do this for your benefit (e.g. to allow a recurring charge to continue), but it’s actually to your detriment in a scenario that you got the virtual number specifically to ensure those future charges don’t hit the account.
American Express
- A lot of people are able to generate virtual card numbers from within their AmEx login. (our original post)
- With business cards you create it through the Business Blueprint in your Amex login. (Reddit discussion)
- They do seem to have some sort of virtual account program for corporations, and possibly other businesses.
Bank of America
Bank of America used to offer virtual card numbers with their ShopSafe program, but they ended the program effective September 20, 2019.
Capital One
Capital One also offers a virtual account number called Capital One Go. As I understand, it works for recurring charges as well, not limited to 12 months.
Citi
Citi offers virtual account numbers (Link). You can find it under the Card Benefits tab in your login.
Use the Advanced Options to specify a dollar limit and a time limit to the virtual account number. Max 12 months.
Netspend
Netspend is a known issuer of prepaid cards. They offer virtual account numbers on the associated debit card.
Google Chrome
Google offers a virtual account number option in their Chrome browser for many cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Smaller Companies
There are a number of smaller companies who built businesses around the virtual account number idea. I haven’t researched these companies to know if they are safe and worth using, but here are the one’s I’ve found:
- Privacy (our review – also has a $5 signup bonus with referral)
- Final
- Ironvest
- globalVCard
- emburse
- Donotpay.com
Issuers who Don’t Offer VAN
- Discover discontinued their program in 2014
- Chase and Wells Fargo don’t offer a VAN feature
- US Bank doesn’t offer it with their traditional credit cards, though they do have some sort of business program which runs on virtual account/card numbers
Google Chrome
The Google Chrome browser allows creating virtual account numbers. You can link an American Express or Capital One card as the payment source and they’ll create a one-time use virtual card.
Instant Number with Credit Approval
The primary focus of this post is on card issuers who offer a special feature to be able to continuously generate temporary card numbers upon request. Somewhat related: there are some card issuers who offer an instant card number upon card approval. These are also a virtual card number meant for online use until the physical card comes in the mail. See List of Credit Cards that Issue an Instant Card Number Upon Approval for a complete rundown on this option.
Wrap Up
Virtual account numbers can be useful in various circumstances, whether for security reasons or when you want to control a specific charge. Let us know if you’ve seen the feature elsewhere and we’ll add it to the post.
