Can I use a virtual card in store?

There might be ways to use a virtual card number in store, but it’s not always possible. In most cases, virtual cards are meant for online use only. 

Understanding the differences between virtual cards and cards stored in digital wallets may help you choose the best option for making digital payments in store. Read on to learn more.

What you’ll learn:

• Virtual cards are connected to your credit card account, but have unique numbers that are different from your physical card.

• Virtual card numbers are generally created for online transactions, but you might be able to use one in store by entering the number manually at the card reader.

A virtual credit card is connected to your credit card account but has a different number than the one on your physical credit card. Depending on the credit card issuer, virtual cards may be temporary—sometimes for just a single use—or they may be permanent.

The general purpose of a virtual card is to keep your actual credit card number more secure when shopping online or making purchases over the phone. So, when prompted for a credit card number, you can provide this unique number instead of your “real” credit card number.

Capital One cardholders can create virtual cards through their online account, via the Capital One Mobile app or with the Eno browser extension where you can easily create or select a virtual card at checkout. Or when shopping on Google Chrome or Android apps with autofill, you can choose to pay with a virtual card number that is linked to your Capital One credit card account.

For more details, check out our complete guide: How to use a virtual card from Capital One.

Although virtual card numbers are usually generated for online use, there might be ways to use one in store depending on the issuer and retailer. If the retailer allows it, you may be able to enter your virtual card number manually at the card reader. However, Capital One virtual card numbers are meant for online shopping only and generally aren’t compatible with digital wallets.

Digital wallets and virtual cards are similar, but they aren’t exactly the same. Both can be used to make a digital payment. And both protect your physical credit card information. But virtual cards are generally for use online, whereas cards stored in a digital wallet can be used in stores.

Both virtual cards and digital wallets use tokenization to help protect your financial and personal details, and reduce the risks of exposure of sensitive information during a data breach. In other words, both virtual cards and digital wallets use unique numbers (known as “tokens”) that are different from your actual credit card number.

Although virtual cards are generally for online purchases only, digital wallets provide another way to make in-store purchases while protecting your physical credit card information. 

Learn more about the digital wallets and payment apps you can use with your Capital One cards.