Are you tired of worrying about the security of your credit card info online? Virtual credit cards are here to shield your finances with unique, disposable numbers for each purchase.
Our guide lays out the 13 top virtual credit cards in 2024, perfect for both personal and business use, with features that cater to every shopper’s needs. Dive in for a safer way to spend!
What are Virtual Credit Cards?
Virtual credit cards function as digital versions of your physical credit card. They’re designed to keep your main card information safe and reduce the risk of fraud during online transactions.
When you set up a virtual card, it generates a new credit card number that links back to your existing account. This temporary number works just like your regular card for online purchases but without exposing your real details.
Using a virtual payment card boosts security because even if the single-use credit card details get stolen, they cannot be reused or linked back to your actual account information.
You can create multiple virtual cards and customize them with specific spending limits or expiration dates, adding an extra layer of control over how much money you spend and where.
Since these numbers are disposable after use or after their expiry date passes, they help in maintaining tight security on online shopping activities.
The Best Virtual Credit Cards for Personal Use
Looking for the best virtual credit cards for personal use? Check out our detailed guide on top options like Citi Premier Card, Citi Double Cash Card, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Citi Premier Card
Dive into the world of rewards with the Citi Premier Card, where your spending earns you a bounty of benefits. Rack up to 60,000 bonus ThankYou Points by simply making $4,000 in purchases during the initial three months—a head start that translates to $600 when redeemed for gift cards or travel experiences.
The card carries an annual fee of just $95 and offers an attractive points system that lets you accumulate 3x ThankYou Points on a variety of purchase categories.
With this card, shopping becomes more rewarding and jet-setting is sweeter since it waives foreign transaction fees. Say goodbye to extra costs while using your card abroad. Accessing virtual payment options is straightforward; enroll through the Citi website and generate a virtual credit card for secure online shopping.
Experience travel perks without hassles and make your spendings go further with flexible redemption options available through your Citi Premier account.
Citi Double Cash Card
Following the Citi Premier Card, the Citi Double Cash Card stands out for those who want a simple cash back program without an annual fee. Earn $200 in cash back after you spend just $1,500 within six months of account opening; this card keeps it straightforward yet rewarding.
You’ll collect ThankYou Points as you make purchases and gain an additional 1% back when you pay off those purchases.
With the Citi Double Cash Card, managing your expenses feels more gratifying since it offers a dual-layer of rewards—effectively giving you up to 2% on every dollar spent. Unlike other personal credit cards, there’s no need to track rotating bonus categories or sign up for specific promotions.
The variable APR ranges from 19.24% to 29.24%, but that takes nothing away from its appeal as a prime choice for everyday use with added benefits upon payment completion.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a generous 75,000 miles welcome bonus when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. With an annual fee of $395, cardholders can earn 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel and 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel.
For all other purchases, there are 2x miles per $1 available. The variable APR for this card ranges from 19.99% to 29.99%.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a generous welcome bonus of 75,000 miles upon spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months. With an annual fee of $95, cardholders can access benefits such as lounge access and earn 2x miles on every purchase.
The card’s APR ranges from 21.24% to 29.24% Variable and has received positive ratings from industry experts for its travel rewards features.
This travel rewards credit card provides an opportunity to earn significant miles with everyday spending, making it a valuable option for those seeking flexible redemption options and travel perks.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card provides a welcome bonus of 20,000 miles when users spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, equivalent to $200 in travel.
With no annual fee and a variable APR of 19.99% – 29.99%, cardholders can earn unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and enjoy access to airport lounges, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.
Additionally, the card allows users to create virtual credit cards for added security and protection for online purchases. Furthermore, it offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months before converting to a variable APR after that period.
This rewarding option is tailored for individuals with good to excellent credit scores (670-850), making it an appealing choice for those seeking valuable rewards without the burden of an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
The Best Virtual Credit Cards for Business Use
Discover the top virtual credit cards tailored for businesses, including The Business Platinum Card from American Express and Capital One Spark Miles for Business, offering features and benefits designed to meet the specific financial needs of corporate users.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
The Business Platinum Card from American Express offers an enticing welcome offer of 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first 6 months. This card allows for optimal control over ad hoc spending and expense tracking with virtual credit card solutions offered through a partnership with Extend.
The annual fee stands at $695, while foreign transaction fees are non-existent. Cardholders can also enjoy access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, the Amex International Airline Program, as well as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits.
Accessing prepaid hotel bookings and earning 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on flights adds significant value to this corporate credit card. Additionally, employee card control is made possible through secure vendor payments provided by Extend.
American Express Business Gold Card
The American Express Business Gold Card boasts a generous welcome offer of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months. With an annual fee of $250, cardholders can enjoy benefits such as access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection and American Express transfer partners without worrying about foreign transaction fees.
This business credit card also offers 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x points on flights, a $120 annual dining credit, and $120 annual Uber cash.
Earning rewards has never been easier with this virtual credit card that falls under the categories of travel rewards credit cards and best sign-up bonuses in the rewards center of American Express Membership Rewards.
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Capital One Spark Miles for Business offers a generous welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months. With an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95, this card provides unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.
The APR for this business credit card is 20.99% (Variable), and the earned miles have no expiration date. Additionally, users can create virtual credit cards through this rewards credit card, adding an extra layer of security when making online transactions for business expenses.
Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business
The Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business comes with a welcome offer of 20,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months. It stands out by not having an annual fee and offering unlimited 1.5x miles on every purchase, making it ideal for businesses seeking rewards without added expenses.
Additionally, this card boasts no foreign transaction fees and provides a variable APR between 14.74% to 24.74%. This makes it a favorable choice for business owners who frequently travel or make international transactions.
A key feature of the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business is its lack of foreign transaction fees, ensuring that global business travels remain cost-effective. The absence of an annual fee combined with the generous welcome offer and ongoing rewards points at a relatively low variable interest rate make this card appealing to small businesses looking to maximize benefits while minimizing costs.
CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
The CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard stands out as a top choice for business owners, offering a substantial welcome bonus of 60,000 ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months.
With an annual fee and an APR of 21.24% – 29.24% Variable, this card provides added protection for online purchases and the flexibility to set spending limits or expiration dates for each virtual credit card created.
Issued by Citi, one of the leading providers of virtual credit cards for businesses, industry experts consistently rate the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard as a reliable and secure solution for business transactions.
Detailed Description of Each Card
Discover the unique features, benefits, welcome offers, and annual fees of each virtual credit card to help you make an informed decision for your personal or business use.
Features, benefits, welcome offers, and annual fees
In this section, we’ll dive into the details regarding the features, benefits, welcome offers, and annual fees of the best virtual credit cards for 2024. These cards provide a combination of value, security, and convenience for both personal and business use.
| Credit Card | Features | Benefits | Welcome Offers | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Premier Card | Earn ThankYou Points for various purchases | Transfer points to airline partners | 60,000 ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 in first 3 months | $95 |
| Citi Double Cash Card | Up to 2% cash back on purchases | No categories to track | $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months | $0 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Comprehensive travel rewards | Lounge access and travel credits | 75,000 miles after $4,000 on purchases in first 3 months | $395 |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase | Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit | 75,000 miles after $4,000 on purchases in first 3 months | $95 |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | 1.25X miles on every purchase | No foreign transaction fees | 20,000 miles after $500 on purchases in first 3 months | $0 |
| The Business Platinum Card from American Express | Luxury travel perks | Extensive airport lounge access | 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after $8,000 in purchases in first 6 months | Varies |
| American Express Business Gold Card | 4X points in select categories | Customizable spending categories | 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 spent in first 6 months | Varies |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | 2X miles on all purchases | Yearly bonus miles | Custom welcome offers may apply | $95 (waived first year) |
| Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business | 1.5X miles per dollar | Free employee cards | Custom welcome offers may apply | $0 |
| CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard | AAdvantage miles on purchases | Free checked bag on domestic flights | Custom welcome offers may apply | $99 (waived first year) |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | 6% cash back on select categories | 0% intro APR on purchases | $250 statement credit after $3,000 in first 6 months | $95 (waived first year) |
These cards offer a range of options to suit various spending habits and rewards preferences, ensuring that there’s a virtual credit card out there for everyone. Whether you’re looking for cash back, travel rewards, or business-related perks, these top virtual credit cards have you covered.
Virtual Credit Card Features
Learn about the features of virtual credit cards, including how to create them and their usage limitations. Discover how virtual credit cards provide secure online transactions for personal and business use.
Creating virtual credit cards
To create virtual credit cards, users can enroll in the program offered by their credit card provider. For example, with Citi Premier Card, individuals need to visit the Citi website and generate a virtual credit card when required.
Additionally, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card uses Eno to create virtual credit cards for added security during online transactions.
Virtual credit card solutions are also available through partnerships such as Extend, offering secure vendor payments, expense tracking, ad hoc spending visibility, and employee card control.
Usage limitations
When using virtual credit cards, it’s important to note their usage limitations. These temporary credit card numbers are designed for online transactions and digital payments, providing an extra layer of security and fraud protection.
However, they cannot be used for in-person or in-app purchases, limiting their functionality to electronic payments only.
While virtual credit cards offer transaction security and peace of mind for online purchases, it’s essential to remember that they have specific restrictions when it comes to where and how they can be used.
Conclusion
In conclusion, virtual credit cards offer a secure and convenient solution for online purchases. The top options for personal use come from Citi and Capital One, while American Express, Capital One, and Citi provide great choices for business needs.
These virtual credit cards not only enhance security but also offer various rewards and benefits. Whether you need a card for personal or business use, there are multiple reputable options available to suit your specific financial needs in 2024.