To use a virtual card in a mobile wallet, add the virtual card details—card number, expiry, and CVV—into the Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app, just like a physical card. For in-person, contactless payments, select the card in your phone's digital wallet at checkout. For online shopping, select the virtual card from your saved payment methods.
Turn on a virtual card on the Google Wallet website
To use a virtual card in a store, first add it to your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) by entering the details, then use your phone's tap-to-pay (NFC) at checkout; alternatively, some merchants allow manually typing the virtual card number and security code into the POS terminal. The most common method is linking to a digital wallet for secure tap-to-pay at modern terminals that support it, providing enhanced security over traditional cards.
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.
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.
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.
You can use digital wallets to make purchases online or to tap your device to pay in stores. Virtual card numbers are unique numbers that are different from your physical card number but are still linked to your credit card account. They're primarily for online use—to make online shopping safer and more convenient.
Yes, tapping your card is generally considered safer than inserting it because it uses tokenization and encrypted one-time codes, preventing your actual card details from being exposed to the terminal and reducing the risk of skimming, keeping your card in your possession at all times, and often requiring biometric authentication with mobile wallets, though both methods are secure due to EMV technology. While both tap and insert (chip) use strong EMV security, tapping avoids physical contact with potentially compromised readers and keeps your data encrypted for each transaction, making it a superior choice for security and hygiene.
Some merchants where the card is accepted include:
The 2/3/4 rule is a guideline, primarily used by Bank of America, that limits how many new credit cards you can get: no more than 2 in 30 days, 3 in 12 months, and 4 in 24 months, helping to prevent over-application and manage hard inquiries on your credit report. While not universal, it's a useful benchmark for responsible card application, though other banks have different rules (like Chase's 5/24 rule).
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 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.
Google Pay
Select the virtual card you would like to load to your mobile wallet. Under the card image, select the Add to Apple Wallet (for iOS) or Add to Google Pay (for Android) button. Follow the prompts to accept the Terms & Conditions and load your card to your wallet.
Top 10 Digital Wallets in 2025 (Worldwide)
Virtual credit cards are digital credit cards that function like physical credit cards—but without the plastic. Rather than providing the same card number to multiple vendors, companies can limit their exposure to potential fraud by generating different 16-digit card numbers and expiration dates for each transaction.
Virtual cards can be paused at any time, just like your physical card. Although virtual cards don't require a PIN to be used, you should treat this card's information as you would any physical debit card.
No, virtual cards do not require activation. You can use your virtual card instantly for online spending after topping up via the Crypto.com App. Card activation is only required for physical cards upon arrival.
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.
You could get a virtual credit card instantly
Instantly access your credit and start using your new virtual card right away, if eligible.