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.
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For some cards, you may not be able to use a virtual card on certain merchant sites or apps if the merchant has opted out of using the virtual cards.
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 online with Chrome on iOS and iPadOS, the virtual card automatically fills out the form. 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, to check out the next time you make a purchase, you can use the virtual card number.
Turn on a virtual card on the Google Wallet website
- Go to wallet.google.com.
- On the left, tap Payment methods.
- Select a payment method.
- Tap Turn 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, tap Turn 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. When you check out on a website or make an in-app purchase:
- Choose the virtual card from your payment method options.
- Let Chrome 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 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.
- Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVC.
- Finish check out.
Common questions about virtual cards
Turn off virtual card.How can I find & manage my virtual card number?
Is there a fee or charge to use a virtual card?
Do virtual cards have a single card number?
Do I have to reenter my virtual card info each time?
Does a virtual card mean that I have multiple cards with separate credit lines?
If I lose my card, can someone create virtual cards with it?
Can I set up a virtual card to be used with only one merchant?
How do I fix a chargeback issue or unauthorized transaction?
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.
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.