Temporary credit card number (or virtual credit card) may be an additional, though not impenetrable, layer of defense in your fight against fraud.
In recent years, over a third of credit card users have been subjected to some form of credit card fraud or digital theft. The statistics are staggeringly high and account for billions of dollars in losses every single year. The problem is pervasive not just here in the United States, but across international borders as well.
Vigilance and education may be potent defenses in the fight against credit card fraud but in the past several years, credit card companies have become more proactive and have offered new tools, such as temporary credit card numbers (AKA virtual credit card, disposable credit card, one-time use credit card, use-and-throw credit card, online-only credit card, and many such commonly-recognized names).
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A temporary credit card number is a computer-generated e-version of your physical credit card. While the virtual credit card is linked to the original, the numbers on the virtual credit card are completely different from its physical plastic cousin.
Why use a virtual credit card?
Using a disposable credit card has several benefits. First, it serves as an additional obstacle that digital thieves have to cross over. Although, it is not completely hacker proof, it does serve as a slight deterrent to lazy hackers — if they weren’t lazy would they resort to stealing other people’s hard-earned credit?
Theoretically, if your temporary credit card is compromised, you would need to cancel just that number as opposed to your entire account and all associated information. Further, some credit card companies place a cap on the total dollar amount that could be charged on a disposable credit card so your risk is minimized. Remember, it is still possible to reach your primary account but there is an additional barrier that makes the work that much harder. For many digital thieves, this additional level of security could be a great “put off”.
Technically, you could opt to sign up for either a one-time use credit card (100% disposable) that could be used for one pre-approved transaction or a temporary credit card that could be used with multiple merchants, for a much longer duration of time, and for substantially higher amounts. Your credit card company’s website should provide basic information about obtaining and using a disposable credit card.
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Are the terms on a temporary credit card different?
Ideally, no, but you would need to check with the credit card company that is providing you with the virtual credit card. As a general observation, the terms (such as interest rate, grace period, repayment terms, and other charges) would mimic the primary credit card to which the virtual clone is linked.
How can I obtain a virtual credit card?
Under most circumstances, you will be able to obtain a temporary credit card number on your issuer’s website or by calling the customer service hotline.
Does my company offer a temporary credit card number?
Most major credit card companies offer temporary credit card numbers. You can check your issuer’s online provider or call their toll free number to obtain additional information. If, for some reason, your credit card company does not offer a virtual credit card, you can purchase one online from third party services. The ideal way, however, would be to obtain one from your credit card company.
Where can I use it?
It works pretty much the same way as a physical card and for most purposes it would be accepted anywhere your regular card is accepted.
What else should I know?
A virtual credit card is not 100% hacker safe; it is simply an additional layer or hurdle that a hacker needs to cross. You still need to monitor both your account and your credit report to ensure there are no unwanted charges or thefts taking place on your account. If your security has been compromised and unauthorized purchases have taken place, you can always dispute the transaction. You can read more about disputing a credit card transaction.
You can also have a virtual card account associated with a debit card but there is a catch here. If your security is compromised, your balance could be at stake as well.
Can I have more than one virtual credit card?
Under most circumstances, yes, you can have more than one disposable card. You can have more than one temporary credit card, provided your issuer allows you to obtain more than one number.
How much would my credit line be?
Ideally, your credit line would be equivalent to your regular account but both you and the credit card company would have the discretion to adjust the limit as well as daily spending restrictions on the card to avoid unwanted purchases from taking place.
How is virtual credit card different from a regular credit card?
Not much difference. Other than being unable to carry it in your wallet, the digital counterpart functions in pretty much the same way as its plastic twin. Furthermore, you can use your temporary card for phone purchases and in rare circumstances physical, in-store purchases as well (the merchant would have to key the numbers in — most merchants may not accept them in store but would welcome them online).
Further, some merchants will find it difficult to process these cards, but most should be able to work through it just fine. As a precaution, you may want to have an alternate source of payment read should the digital card fail to do its job.
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Can I get a prepaid version?
Yes, both your credit card provider and third party services would be able to offer you a prepaid version (which is just like a debit card) that allows you to purchase a prepaid credit card for any amount you need. In such a case, you could fund $100 and obtain a prepaid credit card that would have a credit line of up to $100. The advantage of a prepaid temporary credit card is that you won’t need to worry about security issues, unless, of course the site where you purchase the virtual prepaid version is compromised.
How long does it take to obtain a temporary credit card?
Instantly. Since the temporary credit card is computer-generated you can obtain it in real time and start using it almost instantly. No need to wait for the plastic version to arrive via snail mail.
What is a substitute credit card number?
A substitute credit card number is the same as a virtual credit card number or a temporary credit card number. Some banks prefer to use that term.
What is the expiration date?
When you purchase the card, you can set a pre-determined expiration date either at your choice or based on the conditions and guidelines imposed by the issuer.
Is there a fee?
Again, you would have to refer to the terms and conditions outlined by your service provider but, theoretically, there should not be any fee.
How to protect your temporary card number?
The basic precautions are the same as those that apply to traditional credit cards. Ideally, you should do at least the following:
– Verify the security certificate of the merchant
There are several ways to check the authenticity of the security certificate. You should take a look at your browser’s settings. There should be an option that will walk you through identifying and authenticating security certificates. Also, if you see a “lock sign” at the bottom of your browser, that is an indication that the site is secure.
– Check online if the merchant has negative reviews
Don’t trust every review sites. There are plenty of review sites that have some form of a “paid relationship” with the business being reviewed. If so, the review is going to be biased and you shouldn’t be trusting it. There are, however, genuine review sites that don’t sell reviews. The wisdom goes in favor of both positive and negative reviews. Just as positive reviews can be purchased, jealous competitors may purchase negative reviews as well. Use your judgment and plenty of common sense.
– Query BBB to evaluate complaints
The Better Business Bureau may also be able to provide you with a better idea about the company’s reputation and complaints. There are plenty of other sites that provide an unbiased overview of the company’s reputation and track record.
– Call the merchant to determine privacy policy, security practices, and other similar parameters
If you have any doubt, do not hesitate to call the company’s toll free number and ask pointed questions about the provider’s security policies and privacy policy.
Remember, it is your personal financial information that is at stake. A few extra minutes of research may sound cumbersome but could go a long way toward protecting your financial instruments.
In conclusion
Temporary credit card (or one-time use credit card) is not a complete solution. It does provide an additional layer of protection under many circumstances and for many that in itself is a sufficient benefit to continue using disposable credit cards.
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Nimish Thakkar is the founder of DontSpendMore.com. He holds two graduate degrees, including an MBA in Finance. Thakkar has been featured on major media outlets, such as The New York Times Blog, Reuters, and numerous others.