Benefits of shopping online with virtual cards

Did you know you can use virtual cards with most Capital One credit cards? Virtual cards provide you with added benefits that allow you to shop more easily and more securely online. Read on to learn all about the benefits of using a virtual card for online shopping.

Key takeaways

• Virtual card numbers allow you to make online purchases without sharing your actual credit card number with stores.

• You can use a virtual card number for all sorts of online payments, including streaming services, one-time checkouts and subscriptions.

• Capital One cardholders can access virtual cards through the Eno browser extension, the Capital One Mobile app, online banking and Google Pay™.

A virtual card acts like a stand-in for your actual credit card and lets you pay anywhere you shop online. Like a conventional credit card, a virtual card has its own 16-digit card number, expiration date and CVV security number. Every virtual card is linked to your credit card account, and all charges will show up on your credit card account statements as they normally would.

There are several reasons why you might want to use a virtual card from Capital One as your preferred payment method. Here’s a look at three ways using virtual cards makes spending online easier and more secure.

Virtual cards add an extra layer of protection because they let you make purchases online without sharing your actual credit card number with stores. 

With the Capital One Mobile app, you can access your virtual card even when you don’t have your physical card on hand. If you’re using virtual cards with the Eno browser extension or with Google Pay on Chrome or in Android apps, you can have your virtual card numbers automatically filled in at checkout. Plus, your virtual cards will continue to work even if you need to replace your physical card and your actual card number changes. 

You can also put a virtual card on file for all your subscriptions or recurring charges, and you won’t have to deal with the hassle of updating your payment info every time you get a new physical card.

For added control over your online shopping experience, you can lock or unlock your virtual cards at any time without affecting your ability to make other purchases with your actual card number. Some virtual cards may even allow you to set a custom expiration date or spending limits.

You may be surprised by the many ways you can use virtual cards. Here are a few scenarios where you might choose to use a virtual card instead of your physical card:

• When signing up for streaming services such as Twitch, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and more

• When enrolling in meal delivery subscriptions such as Uber Eats, HelloFresh and Blue Apron 

• When setting up personal care deliveries such as cosmetic or hair care subscriptions  

• When leaving a card on file at places you shop the most, such as Amazon, Etsy, Walmart and Target 

• When making purchases on an unfamiliar or infrequently visited site—to disguise your actual card number

Your virtual card can be accessed from the Capital One Mobile app or through online banking after you sign in to your Capital One account. This virtual card stands in for your actual credit card number and can be used at multiple different online stores. 

If you regularly shop online or have recurring charges or subscriptions, your virtual card has many advantages:

• Instant access: As a new credit card customer, you may be able to start spending and earning rewards with a virtual card as soon as you’re approved without having to wait for your physical card to arrive in the mail. 

• Lost/stolen replacement card: In the event your physical card is lost or stolen, your virtual card will continue to work. 

• Easy checkout: Save your virtual card to your favorite online stores so you can check out without your physical card.

1. Log in to the Capital One Mobile app or sign in to your Capital One account online. 

2. Under your credit card balance, tap “Get Your Virtual Card.” Not seeing this button? Navigate to your credit card account and, under Recent Transactions, select Virtual Card.

3. After a quick security check, you’ll see the key card details you need to check out online: your virtual card number, expiration date and three-digit security code.

Virtual cards for specific stores offer a more secure way to shop at your favorite online destinations. With this option, you can create a unique virtual card number for each online store that links to your Capital One credit card account. Each virtual card number can only be used at one designated store, adding an extra layer of security. 

Virtual cards for specific stores are available through the Eno browser extension and through Google Chrome and Android apps using Google Pay, providing ease of use on different devices. With the browser extension and Google Pay, you can also have your virtual card numbers automatically filled in at checkout, giving you the ability to pay with fewer clicks and without the need to have your physical card on hand. 

To generate and use a virtual card for a specific store, follow these steps:

• With the Eno browser extension: 

  • Add Eno to your browser. 

  • Once you’ve installed it, sign in to the Eno browser extension and enroll with an eligible Capital One credit card to get started.

  • Once you’re signed in, Eno can pop up when you’re on a checkout page and generate a virtual card for a specific store that is linked to your credit card account.

• On Google Chrome and in Android apps: 

  • Add your eligible Capital One credit card(s) to Google Pay.

  • Shop online using your Google Chrome browser or in Android apps. 

  • When you’re ready to check out, select the option to pay with a virtual card from the autofill dropdown menu. It’s that easy!

With virtual cards, feel safer shopping online without exposing your actual credit card number—all with added convenience and flexibility. All charges made with a virtual card will show up on your credit card account statements as they normally would. Plus, you’ll continue to earn the same rewards or cash back when using a virtual card linked to your rewards or cash back credit card account.

If you don’t have a Capital One credit card, see which one might be right for you.