Data breaches have been steadily increasing over the past few years . One of the outcomes of these breaches is that some credit card companies have started to provide digital (sometimes referred to as virtual) credit card numbers to their customers. These digital credit cards might be a great solution for some, but it is important to explore what these cards do, the benefits they offer, how to get them, and what you need to know to make the best decision for you.
What Are Digital Credit Cards?
A digital credit card allows you to mask your actual credit card number and use a unique card number for your transaction. You can create several of these digital cards without jeopardizing your credit score or your standing with the credit card company.
Depending on your credit card issuer, you will receive unique numbers for each transaction or a single digital card to use with all merchants. Many allow you to request a new number for the card as often as you like. While these cards can make online transactions safer for you, they do not make you impervious to fraud. It would be best if you continued to manage your account and monitor transactions for suspicious activities.
Getting a Digital Credit Card
Most credit card providers offer this service free of charge to their customers. You must first have a credit card. Then, you must log into your account with the credit card company and take the following (or similar) steps:
- Go to account settings and look for the “virtual card” or “digital card” option and select it. If your credit card company does not offer one of these options in the account settings, they may not yet provide this service.
- Download the app that allows you to access the digital credit card, if required. That will make the process of using your credit card easier.
- Accept the assigned digital credit card number.
- Choose how long you would like that card to be valid. You may have the option of one-time use or the ability to establish specific expiration dates. Suppose you have the type of digital credit card that is different for each merchant. In that case, your expiration date may be pre-selected.
- Get the security code for your digital credit card. That allows you to use the digital card just as you would a physical card, except for online purchases.
There may be variations from one credit card provider to the next. However, most will offer something very similar to this. The goal is to make it easier to protect yourself.
What to Be Aware Of?
Digital credit cards are different from payment apps, like Google Pay or Apple Pay. Those services can be used at brick-and-mortar locations. On the other hand, digital credit cards are designed specifically for use with online transactions.
Other things to be aware of concerning digital credit cards include the following:
- Returning items purchased online with digital credit cards to physical locations may be problematic. You will not be able to insert or swipe the card used for the transaction.
- Virtual credit cards often have short expiration dates, making them unattractive options for recurring fees unless you plan to update the information regularly.
- Not all providers offer digital credit cards. While that may change in the future, it is not yet universal.
- Obtaining a digital credit card number can be a bit of a hassle, and some consumers find it unattractive for that reason.
The primary benefit is that if a data breach exposes a digital credit card number, you don’t have to cancel your credit card. You only have to cancel that specific digital credit card number, seek a new one of those and continue to use your physical credit card for essential shopping.
Takeaway
- Digital credit cards can be highly beneficial when it comes to protecting your financial interests.
- Digital credit cards do not completely prevent fraud, but can insulate your exposure when data breaches occur.
- •It may require a few steps to get a digital credit card, but many consumers feel it is well worth the effort.