Is There a Bank of America Virtual Credit Card? The Answer
In an era marked by heightened online security concerns, virtual cards have emerged as a safe and convenient payment method. They mask your actual card numbers with randomly generated ones, fortifying your defense against potential cyber threats. Recently, virtual cards have become immensely popular, and, realizing their potential, many banks and fintech companies have started issuing them.
This article will explore whether it’s possible to get a Bank of America® virtual credit card. Read on to discover the answer as well as some alternative ways to shop safely with your Bank of America card.
The provided information is valid as of September 2023. Visit the official Bank of America website or contact the bank directly for the latest updates.
Does Bank of America Offer Virtual Credit Card Numbers?
No, Bank of America doesn’t issue virtual cards in the traditional sense, but it does provide other digital payment options that serve a similar purpose.
For example, it offers Virtual Travel Cards for businesses[1]. These are disposable virtual account numbers generated for each purchase[1]. Virtual Travel Cards enable managers to optimize their travel programs, implement stronger controls, and create fast and accurate expense reports with enriched transaction data[1].
Bank of America customers looking for a personal virtual card solution can access the following alternatives:
- Digital wallet integration
- Click to Pay
Digital Wallet Integration
By adding their physical Bank of America cards to a digital wallet app, the user can access digital versions of the cards from their mobile device, such as a smartphone or smartwatch[2]. Instead of having to carry a plastic card with them, the user can pay with the chosen device at checkout.
Digital wallets enhance the security of transactions as they never store the real card data on the user's device or share it with merchants[3]. Even if the device is stolen, the thief can’t access the digital wallet since it requires authentication in the form of a passcode, fingerprint scan, or facial recognition[4].
Bank of America also has a $0 Liability Guarantee, which ensures users aren’t responsible for any unauthorized charges on their cards, provided they report the issue timely[2].
Some of the digital wallet options that Bank of America supports include[2]:
- Google Pay™
- Apple Pay®
- Samsung Pay®
- PayPal®
- Fitbit Pay™
- Garmin Pay™
The user needs to set up their digital wallet first, after which they can use it to make purchases at participating vendors online, in-app, or in a physical store[2]. If they connect a debit card, they may also use the wallet to withdraw cash or make deposits at an ATM[3].
Bank of America also allows you to order a temporary debit card as a digital version of the card you’re waiting for. This can be requested via the mobile app and can connect to a digital wallet to use across stores and BofA ATMs that accept cardless payments.
How To Set Up and Use a Digital Wallet
Payment cards can be added to a digital wallet via the Bank of America Mobile App or directly in the digital wallet app[3].
The wallet can typically be used in the following ways:
How Privacy Secures Your Transactions and Data
Privacy employs top-of-the-line security protocols to ensure the protection of its users’ data. It follows OWASP secure coding practices and payment card industry (PCI) compliance guidelines, establishing a secure system that’s on par with the most credible banks.
Some of the most notable security measures Privacy implements include:
- Split-key encryption of sensitive data
- Password hashing to reduce the risk of rainbow table attacks
- Customer data stored on secure and remote hardware
- Server firewalls updated with the latest security patches
- Two-factor authentication and one-time passcodes to verify a user’s identity
As a holder of the Better Business Bureau® accreditation, Privacy demonstrates its commitment to providing exceptional customer service. It was also included in Forbes’s “Top 100 Most Consumer-Centric Companies of 2022” list.
Requesting Privacy Virtual Cards
To become a Privacy user and start creating secure virtual cards, take the following steps:
- Create an account
- Enter the details needed to verify your identity
- Connect a debit card or bank accounts
- Request a Privacy Virtual Card
U.S. residents over 18 years old with a checking account at a U.S. bank or credit union are eligible to sign up for Privacy.
Privacy’s Personal plan is free for domestic purchases and includes up to 12 virtual cards per month. You’ll also be able to use the browser extensions, mobile app, spending limits, and the card pausing and closing feature.
If you need additional cards, you can opt for one of the paid plans—Pro ($10/month) or Premium ($25/month). These plans allow you to generate up to 60 cards a month and include:
- Priority support
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1% cashback on eligible purchases (totaling up to $4,500 a month)
- Masking of transaction details on your bank statement
- Waived foreign transaction fees
References
[1] Bank of America. https://business.bofa.com/en-us/content/virtual-travel-cards.html, sourced September 2023
[2] Bank of America. https://promotions.bankofamerica.com/digitalbanking/mobilebanking/digitalwallets, sourced September 2023
[3] Bank of America. https://bettermoneyhabits.bankofamerica.com/en/personal-banking/what-is-a-digital-wallet, sourced September 2023
[4] Bank of America. https://bettermoneyhabits.bankofamerica.com/en/personal-banking/how-to-pay-with-your-phone-using-digital-wallets, sourced September 2023
[5] Mastercard. https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/frequently-asked-questions.html, sourced September 2023
[6] Bank of America. https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/, sourced September 2023
[7] Visa. https://usa.visa.com/pay-with-visa/checkout-faq.html#Security_and_information_handling, sourced September 2023
Other Virtual Card Resources to Help Find Your Fit
Here are some guides about the different virtual card offerings from other banks and financial service providers.
