A Look at the Capital One Virtual Credit Card—Features and Setup
As credit card fraud continues to pose a major threat in 2023, virtual cards are becoming an indispensable tool for cardholders. Because of that, an increasing number of card issuers are opting to provide the service and help their customers stay safe.
One such issuer is Capital One®[1]. With the help of Eno, its online browser extension and assistant, Capital One customers can generate and manage virtual cards for free[1].
This article will explore the Capital One virtual credit card and present some key facts about it. You’ll learn:
- What the Capital One virtual credit card number is
- How it can be used
- How to apply for it
The content in this article is valid as of September 2023. Please visit the official Capital One website or contact the bank directly for the most recent information.
What Is the Capital One Virtual Credit Card?
A virtual card is a digital version of a payment card that allows cardholders to shop more safely. It’s connected to a real funding source, but it shields the actual card or bank information during transactions in order to protect it. If user data becomes exposed during a data breach on a merchant’s website, the hackers can only access the virtual card numbers.
This shouldn’t be confused with the use of a temporary bank card for when you need to wait for a new physical card to arrive from your bank.
Capital One allows eligible credit cardholders to create virtual card numbers[1], which is why they’re often referred to as virtual credit cards. Typically, each virtual card number can work with only one merchant[2]. Users can create as many virtual cards as they need to, provided they don’t exceed 20 cards a day[2].
How Does the Capital One Virtual Credit Card Work?
Buying with a Capital One virtual credit card number is the same as with any of the issuer’s standard credit cards. Virtual cardholders can enjoy all the benefits regular Capital One credit cards offer, including rewards[1]. They will receive purchase notifications (if enabled), and the transaction information will appear in their account statements[2].
If damaged or defective goods are purchased with a virtual card, the user may be able to return the item and get a refund, provided they follow the store’s return policy and show the receipt[1]. However, the receipt is needed as proof of transaction since the store doesn’t have the buyer’s real credit card information[2].
The user will also receive alerts if Capital One detects fraudulent activity on their virtual cards[2].
With the Eno browser extension, users can generate virtual card numbers without leaving the checkout page[1], and Eno saves each card to the user’s account[1]. To view and manage the cards, the user should[2]:
- Click on the Eno icon in the browser toolbar
- Select the Manage option with the gear icon above it, after which they’ll be taken to their Capital One account
The user can then lock, unlock, or delete their virtual card numbers whenever they need to[1]. However, it’s not possible to set spending limits—the limit for virtual cards is determined by the credit limit on the individual’s credit card account[2].
How To Apply for a Capital One Virtual Credit Card
To get the virtual card numbers, the users first need to own an eligible credit card[1]. At the time of writing this article, Capital One hasn’t provided an official list of accepted cards, so it’s best to contact the bank directly to check which cards are eligible.
The user also needs to have the Eno extension, which is currently available with the following browsers[2]:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Chromium Edge
- Safari
After acquiring the eligible credit card and extension, the user should follow these steps to access the virtual card feature:
- Register their eligible credit card (or multiple cards)[2]
- Use one of the offered methods to verify their identity[3]
- Verify the registered credit card by entering its security code[3]
At checkout, Eno will pop up, prompting the user to sign in and create a virtual card[2]. If it doesn’t, the option can be accessed by clicking the Eno icon in the top-right corner of the browser toolbar[2]. Eno should also auto-populate the card details at checkout[2]. By toggling on Express checkout, the user can avoid having to sign in every time, which makes the purchases even faster[1].
In case the user’s credit card expires or gets stolen and needs to be replaced, the virtual cards will remain unaffected, as they’ll automatically be linked to the credit card account rather than the individual card[2].
The Pros and Cons of the Capital One Virtual Credit Card
The following table will highlight the pros and cons of the Capital One virtual credit cards:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| - Fast checkouts—The Eno extension allows users to create virtual cards directly at checkout[2]. It also saves the cards for future purchases[1] and auto-completes the card details at checkouts[2]. - Suitable for recurring payments—Capital One’s virtual card numbers can be used repeatedly at a single merchant, making them suitable for recurring purchases, such as bills and subscriptions[2]. - Access to the card benefits—Regardless of whether they transact with a physical credit card or a virtual one, the user has access to the same card benefits, such as rewards and fraud alerts[2]. |
- No custom limits—The spending limit of Capital One virtual cards is determined by the account’s credit limit[2]. - Accessibility—Although the virtual card feature is free and available to individuals who own an eligible Capital One credit card, those who don’t may find it easier to get virtual cards from a bank-agnostic provider such as Privacy. |
Privacy Virtual Cards—Securing Payments Since 2015
With accreditation from the Better Business Bureau® (BBB), Privacy is a trusted virtual card provider enabling safe digital payments. It uses some of the most advanced security technology in the industry, allowing its users to fortify their online security and keep their financial data safe.
Privacy lets you connect your debit card or bank account from most U.S. financial institutions and create customizable virtual cards effortlessly. Since the cards are issued by either Visa® or Mastercard®, Privacy Virtual Cards can be used at most merchants that accept U.S. credit or debit cards.
Like Capital One, Privacy enables you to create Merchant-Locked Cards. This card locks to the first merchant you use it at. In case the virtual card numbers get stolen during a data breach, hackers won’t be able to use them anywhere else.
Privacy also offers Single-Use Cards, which close automatically minutes after the first transaction, rendering them useless to potential hackers. Single-Use Cards are perfect for shopping on websites you don’t plan to visit again or whose security practices you’re unsure of.
Why Choose Privacy Virtual Cards
Some of the most notable Privacy benefits include:
- Fast and seamless checkouts–The Privacy browser extensions, available for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge help you speed through checkout. They auto-complete card details for you, saving you from having to reach for your wallet and type in card numbers manually. Privacy’s Safari extension is also available for iOS, for users who like seamless shopping on the go.
- Spending control–Unlike Capital One, Privacy lets you set custom card and account-level spending limits to ensure merchants can’t charge you more than the agreed price. You can also pause or close virtual cards without impacting your bank account or debit card. Privacy will decline all charge attempts on the paused or closed card, preventing unwarranted charges from sneaky merchants and unwanted subscription services.
- Transaction alerts–Privacy has an app that lets you generate and manage virtual cards from your iOS or Android mobile device. You can receive real-time notifications whenever a virtual card is used or declined, helping you detect potential fraud timely.
- Password manager–Privacy’s integration with 1Password provides you with a safe and convenient way to store all your sensitive information, such as login credentials and card numbers, and manage them from a centralized platform.
How Privacy Safeguards User Data
Privacy employs numerous measures to keep users’ data safe, such as split-key encryption, password hashing with 100,000 iterations, and two-factor authentication. The company is Payment Card Industry (PCI)-compliant, which means it maintains the same level of security as any credible bank.
Get Your Privacy Virtual Cards Today
Follow the steps below to start using Privacy:
- Register
- Provide the details needed to verify your identity
- Connect a debit card or bank account
- Request Privacy Virtual Cards
Privacy’s Personal plan is free for domestic purchases, and the subscribers get 12 virtual cards a month, access to the browser extension and mobile app, and features such as spending limits and card pausing and closing. By opting for one of the paid plans, Pro ($10/month) or Premium ($25/month), you can also get:
- Up to 60 virtual cards monthly
- Priority support
- 1% cashback on eligible purchases (capping at $4,500/month)
- No fees on international transactions
To be eligible to request Privacy Virtual Cards, you must be a U.S. resident over 18 years old with a checking account at a U.S. bank or credit union.
References
[1] Capital One. https://www.capitalone.com/digital/eno/virtual-card-numbers/, sourced September 2023
[2] Capital One. https://www.capitalone.com/digital/eno/virtual-card-numbers/help/, sourced September 2023
[3] Capital One. https://www.capitalone.com/digital/eno/virtual-card-numbers/setup/, sourced September 2023
Other Virtual Card Resources to Help Find Your Fit
Here are some guides about how virtual cards work.
Find answers to questions about virtual card offerings from specific banks and financial service providers below.
