How to Use Virtual Cards? A Complete Guide to Online Payment Procedures

How to Use Virtual Cards is a common question many encounter when starting online shopping. Compared to traditional bank cards, virtual cards offer higher security and privacy protection, especially in scenarios where you do not want to disclose your real card information. This guide will walk you through the complete process of using virtual cards, whether you’re a first-timer or looking to optimize your payment experience.

Three Basic Steps for Virtual Card Payments

The fundamental logic of using virtual cards for payments involves three core stages: preparing card information, entering payment details, and completing identity verification.

First, you need to obtain key data for your virtual card from your payment account page—card number, CVV security code, and expiration date. These details are usually stored in the card management section of your account and can be accessed at any time.

Next, on any shopping website that accepts international payments, select the credit card payment option and fill in the virtual card information into the payment form. Different merchant platforms may have slight variations in their requirements, but the basic fields remain consistent.

Finally, click confirm payment. The system will perform real-time verification to ensure the legitimacy of the transaction.

Key Information to Know Before Binding a Card

Before officially using a virtual card, understanding a few key concepts can help you conduct transactions more securely.

A virtual card is essentially an encrypted string of numbers linked to your main account. Its advantage is that a new virtual card number can be generated for each transaction (supported by some service providers), reducing the risk even if the card number is compromised.

Additionally, virtual cards often have daily transaction limits. For example, a virtual card might be set to a maximum of $500 per day, serving as a protective measure. Make sure your limit settings align with your spending needs.

Identity Verification and Security Authentication

When you make payments on certain merchant websites, the system will trigger an identity verification process. This is an important step to protect your account security.

Modern payment systems mainly use two authentication methods. The first involves biometric recognition, such as facial scans or fingerprint verification. If your account has enabled biometric features, the system will prioritize this method to ensure only the genuine cardholder can complete the transaction.

The second is traditional two-factor authentication, including one-time passwords (OTP) and security questions. If biometric verification is not set up or the transaction amount is large, the system will require you to enter an OTP received via SMS or app push, and answer preset security questions.

During verification, carefully check that the transaction amount is correct, then click the payment button. Once verified successfully, the amount will be temporarily frozen in your account, and the transaction will enter a pending state. Merchants typically take 1 to 30 days to complete authorization; after authorization, the amount will be finally deducted.

Physical Card Payments and Offline Usage

In addition to virtual cards, many service providers also offer physical cards. Virtual and physical cards share the same account system and can be used complementarily.

Using a physical card online is similar to virtual card usage—go to the card management page, click “View Details,” obtain the card number, CVV, and expiration date, then fill in these details on the shopping site.

Offline, using a physical card is even more convenient. Simply insert or tap the card on the payment terminal, and enter the PIN you set when activating the card. Many modern stores also support contactless payments—just hold the card near the reader to complete the transaction.

Note that, according to regulations in regions like Europe, after multiple contactless payments in a row (usually limited to six times), the system will automatically require chip insertion and PIN verification to enhance security. If shopping in certain areas, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with local payment rules.

Quickly Checking Transaction Details and Authorization Records

After completing a payment, many people want to track the transaction status.

Log into your account, go to the card management area, and select the “Full Statement” module. Here, you can view your complete transaction history, including all payments, refunds, and ATM withdrawals. Each transaction is marked with its type and authorization status, helping you understand your fund movements clearly.

Transaction types mainly fall into three categories: payment transactions are completed shopping purchases; refund transactions are merchant refunds to your account; ATM withdrawals are records of cash withdrawals. Authorization status is either “Authorized” or “Revoked.” If a transaction shows “Revoked,” it means the final charge was not successful.

Regularly reviewing transaction records helps you monitor your spending and detect any abnormal activity promptly, allowing you to take necessary actions.