How to Use a Virtual Card in a Store

Virtual cards provide secure and convenient payments. They exist solely in a digital format, featuring a unique 16-digit number, an expiration date, and a security code. Generated and stored online or within a mobile application, they enhance security by masking your actual card details, making them useful for in-store payments when integrated with mobile wallets.

Obtaining and Preparing Your Virtual Card

Before using a virtual card in a physical store, you must obtain one and link it to a mobile payment wallet. Many financial institutions, including banks and credit card issuers, offer virtual card services, often accessible through their banking apps or websites. Dedicated payment services also provide virtual cards, which you can generate after opening an account and linking a funding source.

Once you have a virtual card, add it to a mobile wallet on your smartphone or smartwatch, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. This process usually involves opening the wallet application, selecting to add a new card, and then entering the virtual card’s details: the card number, expiration date, and security code. Some banking apps allow for a direct “Add to Wallet” button, streamlining the setup by automatically populating the card information. After entering the details, you may need to complete a verification step, often involving a code sent via text message or email, to activate the card within your mobile wallet.

Using Your Virtual Card at the Point of Sale

With your virtual card successfully set up in a mobile wallet, in-store payment is streamlined. Payments rely on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, allowing your device to communicate wirelessly with a compatible payment terminal. To pay, activate your mobile wallet, often by double-clicking a side button or opening the app.

If you have multiple cards, select the specific virtual card you wish to use by swiping through your stored cards within the app before holding your device near the terminal. Once the correct card is selected, hold the top part of your smartphone or the display of your smartwatch close to the contactless reader on the payment terminal. The terminal will process the transaction, and you will typically see a confirmation message on your device screen, often accompanied by an audible cue, indicating that the payment was successful. For security, you might also be prompted to authenticate the purchase using facial recognition, a fingerprint, or a passcode, depending on your device’s settings.

Important Considerations for In-Store Use

Before using a virtual card in a store, confirm the merchant accepts contactless payments. Most stores display the EMVCo Contactless Symbol (four curved lines) on their payment terminals or at the checkout counter, indicating NFC technology and mobile wallet processing.

For virtual debit card transactions, a Personal Identification Number (PIN) might be required, similar to how a physical debit card operates. While many smaller contactless transactions may not prompt for a PIN, larger purchases can trigger this security measure. When processing a return or refund for a purchase made with a virtual card, the process is generally straightforward. You should retain your receipt, as the merchant will process the refund to the original payment method, which is your virtual card linked to your mobile wallet. The refunded amount will then typically be credited back to your underlying bank account or credit card. Ensuring your device is sufficiently charged before shopping is a practical tip to prevent any interruptions during the payment process.