To pay with a virtual card, use the generated card number online by entering details at checkout or use it in-store by adding it to a mobile wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay) and tapping your phone at checkout for contactless payment, both methods offering secure, tokenized transactions.
When you check out on a website or make an in-app purchase:
You can use a virtual credit card in-store by adding it to a digital wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) for tap-to-pay, or by manually entering the virtual card number, expiration, and CVV at the terminal if the merchant allows it, though adding it to your phone's wallet is usually easier and more secure for contactless payments.
In most cases, it isn't possible to use a virtual card at a store, as these cards are intended for online use. Depending on the issuer and retailer, you may be able to enter your virtual card number at the card reader. But because this won't always be an option, it may be a good idea to rely on other payment methods.
Yes, virtual cards are typically safer than physical cards because they create a buffer between merchants and your real credit card account information. This helps limit the impact of data breaches and protects against fraud and misuse.
Here are some of the most secure payment methods available online:
A virtual credit card is a card number that's tied to your traditional credit card account but isn't the same as the number on your physical card. This helps protect you from credit card fraud.
You generally can't use a standard virtual card directly at a gas pump because they're designed for online use, but you can use them by adding them to a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Wallet) for tap-to-pay, linking them to specific gas station apps (like Shell), or generating a single-use virtual card within a "Buy Now, Pay Later" app for in-store payment. Direct entry at the pump usually fails, so digital wallet or app integration is the best bet for contactless fueling.
Yes, you can tap with a virtual card by adding it to a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, then using your phone to tap the contactless reader at checkout, which uses the card's details securely without needing the physical card. Alternatively, some virtual cards allow manual entry of the card number, expiration, and CVV directly at the terminal.
Virtual credit cards can be used for online, in-app, over-the-phone, or in-person transactions. For in-person payments, you can either key in the virtual card details at checkout or, if your issuer supports it, add the virtual card to your digital wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Your virtual card may decline if you don't have enough balance, the merchant doesn't accept your card, your card is inactive, or you are using the wrong billing address.
You can use only one “virtual” TAP card at a time to tap and pay. However, you may manage several plastic TAP cards in the TAP app.
Your customers can use virtual cards for online shopping, subscription payments, travel bookings, and in-app purchases. If the virtual card is compatible with mobile wallets like Google Pay or Apple Pay, it can also be used for contactless payments at physical stores. This gives your customers more flexibility.
Once they're in your Virtual Wallet, and the funds are there, you can either:
To use a virtual card at checkout, especially online, select it as the payment method and let your browser autofill the details, or manually enter the unique card number, expiration, and CVV generated by your bank; for in-store use, you typically add it to a digital wallet (like Apple Pay/Google Pay) and tap to pay at the contactless reader, if supported.
Using Google Pay in store and other places
1. Unlock your phone 2. Hold the back of your phone close to the payment terminal • If your payment is successful – you'll see a blue check mark on the screen • If your payment is unsuccessful – try holding your phone in a different way.
You can use your virtual card number online wherever Visa is accepted.
Virtual Visa cards do not have PINs.
If you're being prompted for a PIN, make sure you are choosing “credit” at checkout and that you are not trying to make a cash back transaction. To set up a PIN for your Physical Visa card, please visit our Physical Visa activation page and have your card ready.
Yes, you can use a virtual card in stores, primarily by adding it to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless tap-to-pay, or sometimes by manually entering the card number at the reader if the retailer supports it, though they're generally designed for online use and may not work for swiping or inserting like physical cards.
For top-tier fraud protection, Chase stands out with its Zero Liability, 24/7 monitoring, virtual card numbers, quick cash reimbursements, and robust digital tools, while Bank of America (BofA) is recognized for its advanced security with IBM's Trusteer Rapport and leading cyber trust scores. Many major banks, including Wells Fargo, offer strong baseline protection like Zero Liability and card locking, but Chase and BofA often lead in advanced features and customer-centric responses to fraud.