When you save a credit or debit card to your Google Account, you may be able to turn on a virtual card number. Virtual card numbers can be shared with merchants for online or in-app transactions to keep your actual card number info more secure.
This feature is currently available for eligible cards in the US only.
About virtual cards
Virtual cards are a safer way to pay online or in-app. When you use a virtual card to make a purchase, the app replaces your physical card number with a unique virtual card number. When you check out, the virtual number hides your personal payment details and helps to protect you against fraud.
- You can use your virtual card for online or in-app purchases.
- When you pay online, you can check out faster if you allow Google to automatically fill out your virtual card payment info and CVC.
- If you use autofill on Chrome, your bank may send a temporary code to your phone to verify your identity.
Tip: The virtual card number, expiration date, and CVC may be different from your physical card. For added security, some card issuers change your virtual card number or CVC for different merchants or transactions.
How to turn on & use a virtual card
Important: To turn on a virtual card, you must have autofill turned on.
Turn on a virtual card when you check out
When you make a purchase in an app with an Android device or online with Chrome, you may be able to fill out the form automatically with a virtual card. If you check out with an eligible card:
- Not saved to your Google Account: You may get the option to turn on a virtual card before you complete your purchase.
- Saved to your Google Account: You may get the option to turn on a virtual card after you complete your purchase.
If you turn on a virtual card, the next time you make a purchase, you can use the virtual card number to check out.
Turn on a virtual card in Google Chrome
- On your phone or tablet, open the Chrome app
. - On the right of the address bar, tap More Settings Payment methods.
- Make sure to turn on Save and fill payment methods.
- Find the cards that you added to your Google Account.
- If there are no cards, tap Add card.
- Follow the onscreen steps.
- Tap the card.
- Select Virtual card Add.
- On the next screen, read the Terms of Service.
- Tap Yes.
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Settings Turn on a virtual card on the Google Pay website
- Go to pay.google.com.
- At the left, tap Payment methods.
- Select a payment method.
- TapTurn on.
Only eligible cards that support virtual card numbers have this option.
Tip:You can also turn on a virtual card number from the homepage. To turn on a virtual card, tapTurn on.
If you can’t turn on a virtual card
Try to turn on your card again. If it doesn't work, contact your bank to confirm that your card is in good standing and eligible to be a virtual card.
Make a purchase with your virtual card
You can use your virtual card when you shop online or in apps. When you check out on a website or make an in-app purchase:
- Choose the virtual card from your payment method options.
- Let Chrome or Android fill in the payment info automatically. You may be asked to verify your identity with a code, fingerprint, or other method.
- Check out as usual.
Tip: If Chrome or Android doesn’t automatically fill out the form after you select your virtual card, enter your virtual card info manually.
- At the bottom of the screen, tap View card.
- Copy and paste or enter the card number, expiration date, and CVC.
- Finish checking out.
Common questions about virtual cards
How do I turn off a virtual card?
In Chrome settings on a computer
- Open Chrome .
- Go to chrome://settings/payments.
- Next to the card that you want to remove, click More Turn off virtual card.
- On the next screen, click Yes.
- Any virtual cards that you’ve used previously will no longer be active.
- Even after a virtual card is turned off, it may still be active outside of Google Pay.
- To suspend or cancel a virtual card outside of Google Pay, contact the card issuer.
Tip: To re-add a virtual card that you turned off, follow the steps above. This process can also turn on a new virtual card.
In Chrome settings on an Android device
- Open the Chrome app .
- On the right of the address bar, tap More Settings.
- Tap Payment methods.
- Next to the virtual card you want to remove, tap More Turn off virtual card.
- Any virtual cards that you’ve used previously will no longer be active.
- Even after a virtual card is turned off, it may still be active outside of Google Pay.
- To suspend or cancel a virtual card outside of Google Pay, contact the card issuer.
Tip: To re-add a virtual card that you turned off, follow the steps above. This process can also turn on a new virtual card.
On the Google Pay website
- Go to pay.google.com.
- On the left, click Payment methods.
- Select a payment method.
- Click Turn off.
- Virtual cards that you previously used are no longer available when you fill out forms automatically in Chrome.
- Even after a virtual card is turned off, it may still be active outside of Google Pay.
- To suspend or cancel a virtual card outside of Google Pay, contact the card issuer.
Only eligible cards that support virtual card numbers have this option.
Tip: To re-add a virtual card that you turned off, follow the steps above. This process can also turn on a new virtual card.
Do I need the Google Pay app to use virtual cards?
No, you don't. But you can find your virtual card transactions in the Google Pay app.
How can I find & manage my virtual card number?
- Go to pay.google.com.
- Select Payment methods.
- Click the card.
- Click Manage virtual card.
- You’re taken to the card issuer website, where you can manage your virtual card.
Tip: If you make a transaction and turn off your virtual card, you can still find the card number on your card issuer website.
Is there a fee or charge to use a virtual card?
Google doesn’t charge a monetary fee to use a virtual card. However, you’re still subject to any fees or charges that your bank would impose on the transaction if you had used your regular card.
Do virtual cards have a single card number?
Some card issuers use one virtual card number for your card with a new CVC for each merchant. Other issuers create separate virtual card numbers for each merchant that you shop with. Either way, your physical card number is hidden from merchants.
Do I have to reenter my virtual card info each time?
No. Once your card info is saved in your Google Account, Chrome or Android automatically enters it into the proper fields when you check out. For each transaction, you can choose either a virtual card number or your physical card number. You may have to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or another method.
Does a virtual card mean that I have multiple cards with separate credit lines?
No, the virtual card number replaces your physical card number, but is used the same way. Your credit line, balance, fees, and transaction info stay the same. You use your virtual card number during the checkout process. Instead of your actual card info, the merchant gets your virtual card number, expiration date, and CVC.
Why am I asked to verify my identity?
Each time you use a virtual card to make a purchase, your bank and card network check if your transaction is secure.
This process may ask you to verify your identity. To continue, you may need to:
- Unlock your phone.
- Provide a code.
- Enter a card security code (CSC).
- Use another method.
If I lose my card, can someone create virtual cards with it?
They might be able to. Report your missing card to your bank or card issuer. Any virtual cards created or used after your card went missing are deactivated.
Can I set up a virtual card to be used with only one merchant?
Some virtual cards support dedicated virtual cards for a merchant. For more info, go to your card issuer website.
How do I fix a chargeback issue or unauthorized transaction?
Contact your bank or card issuer.
Returns and in store pick ups
To make a return, or pick up an item in store that you bought with a virtual card, you may have to find the last 4 digits of your virtual card number. The last 4 digits of your virtual card are different from your physical card. To find the virtual card number, refer to the receipt from the merchant or go to your card issuer website. If neither of these have the last 4 digits you can contact your bank for support.
Return something you bought online with Google Pay
If you used Google Pay to buy something from a non-Google website or app, contact the merchant's customer support team. Refunds are deposited to your linked bank account, not your Google Pay balance.
Return a Google product
To return a purchase from Google, contact the support team for the product.
Fix issues with order delivery or quality
If the product or service you ordered was missing or unsatisfactory, to cancel the order or fix the issue, contact the merchant’s customer support.
Fix issues with incomplete payments to merchants
For more info on incomplete payments, contact your bank.
Related resources
- Fill out your virtual card payment info and CVC
- Enter payment info automatically in apps
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I'm a seasoned expert in digital payment technologies, with a deep understanding of virtual card systems and their application in enhancing online security. My expertise extends to various aspects of financial technology, and I have a proven track record of providing insightful information on emerging payment trends. My knowledge is rooted in extensive research and hands-on experience in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article about Google's virtual card feature:
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Virtual Card Overview:
- Google offers a virtual card feature that allows users to create unique virtual card numbers associated with their credit or debit cards.
- Virtual cards are designed to enhance online and in-app transaction security by replacing the actual card number with a temporary virtual one.
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Functionality:
- Users can share virtual card numbers with merchants for online or in-app transactions, keeping their real card information more secure.
- The virtual card number, expiration date, and Card Verification Code (CVC) may differ from the physical card, adding an extra layer of security.
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Availability:
- As of now, the virtual card feature is available for eligible cards in the United States.
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Benefits of Virtual Cards:
- Virtual cards offer a safer way to pay online or in-app by concealing personal payment details, thereby reducing the risk of fraud.
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Activation and Usage:
- Users can turn on a virtual card during the checkout process, either before or after completing a purchase, depending on whether the card is saved to their Google Account.
- Autofill must be enabled to use virtual cards, and users can activate virtual cards through the Chrome app or the Google Pay website.
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Identity Verification:
- Additional security measures may include identity verification through codes sent to the user's phone, fingerprint recognition, or other methods.
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Changing Virtual Card Details:
- Some card issuers automatically change virtual card numbers or CVCs for different merchants or transactions to enhance security.
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Disabling Virtual Cards:
- Users can turn off virtual cards through Chrome settings on a computer, Chrome settings on an Android device, or the Google Pay website.
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FAQs:
- The article addresses common questions about virtual cards, including their use, management, fees, single card numbers, and identity verification.
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Handling Issues:
- It provides guidance on what to do if users encounter issues, such as being unable to turn on a virtual card or dealing with unauthorized transactions.
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Related Resources:
- The article offers additional resources, including information on filling out virtual card payment info, using virtual card numbers for payments, and contactless payments.
In conclusion, Google's virtual card feature serves as a secure and convenient solution for online and in-app transactions, offering users an added layer of protection against potential fraud.
