Google’s virtual card feature is a safer way to make payments, both in-app and online. When you use this feature, a unique virtual card number replaces your physical card number. This way, when you check out, your actual payment details remain undisclosed, protecting against fraud and identity theft. Keep reading to learn how to create and use virtual cards on yourgo-to Chromebookor PC and phone.
How does Google’s virtual card work?
The virtual card feature gives you a new card number that overrides your physical card number when making online purchases. When you use this feature, the virtual card number, CVC, and expiration date may differ from the actual details on your physical card. For added security, your virtual card number or CVC might change for different transactions and merchants.
How to create a virtual card on your Android phone
As helpful as Google’s virtual card feature is, not everyone can use it. There are a few reasons for this. For starters, the feature is only available in the US. Additionally, your physical card needs to support the feature.
Here’s how to turn on and use a virtual card through the Chrome app:
How to create a virtual card on your Chromebook or PC
Here’s how to turn on the virtual card feature in Google Chrome:
You can also create a virtual card through the Google Pay website. Here’s what you’ll do:
Check the details of a virtual card
After you create a virtual card, you can use it for several transactions as long as your original physical card is valid. If you need to check the virtual card details for any reason, follow these steps:
Using a virtual card with Google Pay
After creating your virtual card, follow these steps to use it for different types of transactions.
Online purchases
You can make payments quickly, securely, and efficiently when shopping online with the Google Pay virtual card. The checkout page of a supported website brings up the option to autofill your virtual card for payment. If it doesn’t appear, follow the steps in the previous section to check the card information and input it manually.
In-app purchase
Many applications, including theGoogle Play Store, offer in-app purchases or subscription services. When buying on such platforms, the Google Pay option comes up. Use your virtual card to complete the process.
Google doesn’t charge fees for using its virtual card. Your bank or payment network — Mastercard, Visa, or American Express — may deduct regular transaction charges.
If you haven’t created a virtual card, checking out on a supported platform with your regular card may allow you to turn on the virtual card feature before you complete your purchase.
How to turn off a virtual card
If you choose to deactivate your card, follow these steps in the Google Chrome browser:
To deactivate a virtual card on your Android device, follow these steps:
Google says turning off a virtual card deactivates it on Google Pay, but it may be active on other platforms where you manually used it. Contact the issuer to cancel the card outside of Google Pay.
Protect your cards when shopping online
Google’s virtual cards offer a convenient and secure way to make online transactions without revealing sensitive personal information to merchants. You’lladd a physical credit or debit cardthat supports the feature to your account to use it.
