Important: You can create a virtual card online or through your bank then use it for online or in-app transactions with Google Chrome autofill. This card is different from virtual cards you create on a device after you add a card to the Google Wallet app.
When you save a credit card in your Google Account, you may be able to turn on a virtual card. 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
A virtual card is a digital version of your actual card, with a randomly generated number that replaces your actual card number. Your virtual card is shared with the merchant when you pay online or in-app with Google Chrome autofill to help keep your actual card information safe.
You can check out faster when you pay online if you allow Google to automatically fill out your virtual card payment info and CVC.
If you use autofill on Chrome, your bank can send a temporary code to your phone to verify your identity.
You can't use virtual cards on certain merchant sites or apps that opted out of accepting virtual cards.
Tip: The virtual card number, expiration date, and CVC can be different from your physical card. For safety, some card issuers change your virtual card number or CVC for different merchants or transactions. Learn how to find and manage your virtual card number.
Turn on & use a virtual card
Turn on a virtual card at 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
- Make sure to turn on Save and fill payment methods.
- Find the cards that you save in your Google Account.
- If there are no cards, tap Add card.
- Follow the onscreen steps.
- Tap the card.
- Select Virtual card
- On the next screen, read the Terms of Service.
- Tap Yes.
Settings Turn on a virtual card on the Google Wallet website
- Go to wallet.google.com.
- At the left, tap Payment methods.
- Select a payment method.
- Tap Turn on.
Only eligible cards that support virtual card numbers have this option.
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. Learn how to find and manage your virtual card number.
- 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
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 the Google Wallet website:
- Go to wallet.google.com.
- Select Transactions.
- Find your virtual card transaction.
- Select the transaction.
- Under the selected card's last 4 digits, find “Virtual card in ending in.”
If neither of these have the last 4 digits, go to your card issuer website or contact your bank for support.
Return something you bought online through Google Pay
If you used Google Pay to buy something from a non-Google website or app, contact the merchant's customer support team for a refund. If you receive a refund, you can find it on the statement of your linked payment method.
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.