Privacy Virtual Cards
Spending Limits

Set a spending limit and Privacy will decline any transactions that go over the limit

Merchant-Locked Cards

Lock Privacy Cards to the first merchant they’re used at to prevent misuse if stolen

Single-Use Cards

Create Privacy Cards that close automatically after the first purchase is made on them

Pause/Close Cards

Pause or close your Privacy Cards at any time to block future transaction attempts

Sign Up For Privacy Now

NordPass Review—Features, Pricing, and Support

Reviewed by
Oct 4, 2024
 • 
10
 Min Read
Protect Your Payments

With over 5.5 million users worldwide, NordPass is an established presence in the password manager market[1]. Offered by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, the service provides a seamless experience for securely storing, generating, and managing passwords across multiple devices.

This NordPass review will examine the password manager's features, customer support, and pricing, providing a comprehensive evaluation of its offerings. If you're interested in securing your financial transactions, we'll also explain how you can leverage virtual cards to shield your payment details from hackers.

Disclaimer: The information in this review is accurate as of the time of writing. For more up-to-date details, visit the official service provider's website.

What Does NordPass Password Manager Offer?

To evaluate NordPass's offerings, we'll explore four key areas:

  1. Security measures
  2. Password and file management features
  3. Device compatibility
  4. Customer support
  5. Pricing

Security Measures

A close-up photo of a combination padlock with an open shackle placed on a laptop's keyboard
Source: TheDigitalWay

NordPass incorporates a robust set of security features designed to safeguard users' data:

  • Zero-knowledge architecture—With zero-knowledge encryption, even the service provider can't view or decrypt stored information[2].
  • XChaCha20 encryption—NordPass leverages the XChaCha20 encryption algorithm, a more modern alternative to AES-256[3].
  • Biometric authentication—The service allows users to replace their master password with a fingerprint, offering them a secure way to access their accounts[4].
  • Third-party audited—NordPass has undergone an audit conducted by independent third parties, ensuring it meets stringent standards for information security management[5].
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for NordPass accounts—The service supports backup codes, authenticator apps, and security keys as MFA options. This feature adds a verification step beyond passwords and usernames when signing into the vault, boosting account security[6]

Password and File Management Features

NordPass offers several features to make managing passwords and sensitive information straightforward:

  • Passwordless login—The password manager offers passkeys for supported third-party websites, eliminating the need to memorize multiple passwords[7].
  • Password generator—The service provides a password generator that creates strong, unique passwords tailored to user preferences, including specific lengths and character types[8].
  • Autofill—This feature allows the tool to automatically enter login credentials on websites and apps, reducing the need for manual entry and minimizing errors[9].
  • Secure Notes—Users can store sensitive details like alarm system codes and Wi-Fi passwords, ensuring they remain protected and easily accessible when needed[9].
  • Data Breach Scanner—The tool continuously monitors the dark web for compromised credentials and credit cards tied to user accounts, sending alerts for immediate action[10].
  • Password Health—This feature assesses the strength of saved passwords, identifying weak or reused ones and recommending enhancements to improve security[11].
  • File storage—Users can securely store and manage files, with encryption applied to safeguard sensitive documents[9].
  • Two-factor authenticator—NordPass can be used to create codes for two-factor authentication for accounts that support it[12].
  • Secure sharing—The service allows users to share passwords while keeping them encrypted, limiting access to authorized individuals[13].
  • Email masking—NordPass allows users to create proxy email addresses and use them instead of their actual email addresses for enhanced privacy[14]

Users can also grant trusted friends and family members emergency access to their vaults[15].

A photo of a desktop computer keyboard secured with a chain wrapped around it and locked with a metal padlock
Source: succo

Device Compatibility

NordPass works seamlessly with several browsers and operating systems, which ensures users can securely manage their passwords and data on their preferred platforms. Here's a breakdown of the browsers and operating systems that support NordPass[16]:

Supported Browsers Supported Operating Systems
  • Google Chrome

  • Mozilla Firefox

  • Opera

  • Edge

  • Safari

  • Android 9.0 and above

  • iOS 15.0 and later

  • Windows 10 and later versions

  • macOS 11 and above

  • Linux systems compatible with Snap 64-bit

While the NordPass desktop application is not available for Chromebooks, users can still access the service through the standalone browser extension.

Customer Support

NordPass provides various support options to ensure that assistance is readily available whenever issues arise. It offers a comprehensive Help Center with troubleshooting guides and information on how to contact the support team[17]

Three contact methods offered by the provider are[17]:

  • Request form—Within the Help Center, there's an option to submit a request form, enabling users to seek personalized support for more specific problems.
  • Live chat—For those requiring immediate help, NordPass features a 24/7 live chat service within the Help Center, connecting users with support representatives in real time.
  • Email support—Direct communication with the support team is also available via email, providing a straightforward way to address more detailed inquiries.

Pricing

NordPass offers free and paid plans for individual users. The Free plan allows users to store passwords, passkeys, and credit card information, use the autofill feature, unlock their vaults with biometrics, and use MFA[18].

The two paid plans are[18]:

  1. Premium—This plan is priced at $1.59 per month, and it builds on the Free plan by offering premium features such as Password Health, Data Breach Scanner, Email Masking, secure item sharing, and file attachments.
  2. Family—The Family plan, priced at $2.79 per month, extends the Premium features to six users.

NordPass also offers a plan for businesses, starting at $1.79 per user/month[19].

Is NordPass a Good Password Manager?

Whether NordPass is a good choice depends on users' needs and preferences. It excels in providing a user-friendly interface, secure password storage, and seamless integration across multiple devices. With features like biometric login and data breach monitoring, NordPass gives users a mix of security and convenience features.

Users who still want to shop around might look into these five alternatives:

  1. Dashlane—Offers robust security features, including industry-grade encryption and a built-in VPN on Premium and Family plans, providing both password management and online privacy tools
  2. RoboForm—Excels in form-filling capabilities, with strong password management features and cross-platform compatibility
  3. 1Password—Provides a seamless user experience with features like Travel Mode, which hides sensitive data when crossing borders, and extensive third-party app integrations
  4. Keeper—Uses a zero-knowledge security model, ensuring that only the user can access passwords, along with add-ons like dark web monitoring and secure file storage
  5. LastPass—Features multi-factor authentication for enhanced security, password sharing, and a zero-knowledge security model

Users looking for password managers with comprehensive free plans can also look into open source password managers such as Proton Pass and Bitwarden. Norton Password Manager and Microsoft Authenticator offer all of their features for free, as do browser-based solutions such as Edge's password manager.

Close-up photo of hands, one holding a smartphone displaying an eCommerce website and the other holding a payment card
Source: PhotoMIX-Company

Can Password Managers Protect Your Financial Information?

Even though dedicated password managers use robust security measures to safeguard your passwords and payment card details, their protection is limited to each tool's environment

Once you use a password manager to autofill your payment details during an online transaction, the safety of those details depends on the vendor's security practices. If the merchant experiences a data breach, your financial information could be exposed.

To further safeguard your sensitive financial information, consider using virtual cards for online transactions. Virtual cards consist of random card numbers you can use at checkout, shielding your actual payment details from cybercriminals.

While leading financial institutions like American Express® and Capital One® offer virtual cards, independent providers like Privacy provide advanced customization and card control options alongside industry-grade security measures.

Use Privacy Virtual Cards To Protect Your Financial Information

Privacy allows you to connect your bank account or debit card and generate virtual cards for online transactions. As a PCI-DSS-compliant company, Privacy employs stringent security measures to safeguard your sensitive financial information. For example, it encrypts data using the highest security standards, protecting it from unauthorized access. 

Privacy also undergoes regular audits by reputable external organizations, which ensures that it meets the highest security standards for protecting your financial information. 

Additional safeguards Privacy offers include:

  • Two-factor authentication—Requires an additional verification step to access your account, enhancing security
  • Real-time transaction alerts—Sends immediate notifications for every successful or declined transaction, allowing you to monitor your account activity
  • Fraud investigation—Provides thorough investigation of any disputed transactions, addressing potentially unauthorized charges

Privacy Card Types

Privacy allows you to generate three types of virtual cards:

Card Type How It Works
Single-Use Cards
  • These cards are designed for one-time use and become invalid shortly after completing the first transaction.

  • By closing after a purchase, Single-Use Cards protect against misuse by merchants or hackers hackers.

  • Single-Use Cards are perfect for shopping on unfamiliar websites.

Merchant-Locked Cards
  • These cards are "tied" to the first merchant they are used with.

  • Once "locked", they can only be charged by the specific merchant, ensuring that even if the card details are compromised, they cannot be used elsewhere.

  • You can use Merchant-Locked Cards for recurring payments like subscriptions or services you frequently use.

Category-Locked Cards
  • These cards "lock" to a specific merchant category, such as groceries or travel.

  • If a transaction is attempted outside the designated category or above your limit, Privacy will automatically block it, helping you define where and how your funds are spent.

  • Category Cards are ideal for budgeting or managing expenses

Privacy Cards also offer various spending controls to help manage and protect your finances:

  • Card pausing/closing—You can pause or close your Privacy Cards at any time, blocking further transactions. This feature is useful when canceling subscriptions, as it protects against unauthorized or accidental charges.
  • Setting a spending limit—Privacy allows you to set the maximum amount your card can be charged. If any transaction exceeds this limit, it will be automatically declined, protecting you from unexpected fees or price hikes you weren't informed about.
A close-up of a laptop, with a payment card, notebook, and crumpled paper on a desk

Additional Convenience Features

Privacy offers several features designed to streamline the management of your virtual cards:

  • 1Password integration—Privacy's integration with 1Password allows you to manage your virtual cards alongside your passwords and other sensitive information within the password manager's browser extension.
  • Browser extension—The Privacy Browser Extension, available for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Safari for iOS, simplifies the checkout process by automatically filling in your virtual card details.
  • Mobile app—The Privacy App, available for Android and iOS, allows you to manage your virtual cards on the go. With the app, you can create new cards, monitor transactions, and receive instant notifications, providing seamless access to the service.
  • Shared Cards—Privacy allows you to share your cards with close friends and family without disclosing your actual payment details. 

How To Join Privacy

Joining Privacy is a straightforward process that involves four simple steps:

  1. Sign up for an account on the Privacy website
  2. Submit the necessary information to verify your identity
  3. Connect a funding source, such as your bank account or debit card
  4. Request your first Privacy Card

Privacy offers four plans:

Plan Price Features & Benefits
Personal Free for domestic transactions
  • 12 new virtual cards per month

  • Merchant-Locked Cards and Single-Use Cards

  • All card spending controls

  • The mobile app and browser extension

Plus $5/month
  • Everything in Personal, plus:

  • 24 cards per month

  • Category-Locked Cards

  • Shared Cards

  • Card Notes

  • Priority support and Live Chat (Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET)

Pro  $10/month
  • Everything in Plus, and:

  • 36 cards per month

  • No foreign transaction fees

  • 1% cashback on eligible purchases (on up to $4,500 in spend per month)

Premium  $25/month
  • Everything in Pro

  • 60 new cards per month

References

[1] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/password-manager/offer/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[2] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/features/zero-knowledge-architecture/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[3] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/features/xchacha20-encryption/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[4] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/features/biometric-fingerprint/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[5] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/blog/nordpass-security-audit-2020/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[6] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/features/mfa/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[7] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/passkeys/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[8] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/password-generator/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[9] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/features/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[10] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/have-i-been-hacked/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[11] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/features/password-health-report/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[12] NordPass. https://support.nordpass.com/hc/en-us/articles/8061258237585-How-to-use-NordPass-Authenticator/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[13] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/features/secure-password-sharing/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[14] NordPass. https://support.nordpass.com/hc/en-us/articles/19683375522321-Email-Masking, Sourced August 15, 2024
[15] NordPass. https://support.nordpass.com/hc/en-us/articles/5691777958929-How-to-give-Emergency-Access-in-NordPass, Sourced August 15, 2024
[16] NordPass. https://support.nordpass.com/hc/en-us/articles/360013369457-Operating-Systems-that-support-NordPass, Sourced August 15, 2024
[17] NordPass. https://support.nordpass.com/hc/en-us/articles/360007135538-How-to-contact-NordPass-customer-support-team, Sourced August 15, 2024
[18] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/plans/, Sourced August 15, 2024
[19] NordPass. https://nordpass.com/plans/business/, Sourced August 15, 2024

Privacy — Seamless & Secure Online Card Payments
Sign Up