What is Virtual Credit Card?
Definition
A temporary or limited-use digital card number that can be used for subscription payments to enhance security and control.
Understanding Virtual Credit Card
Virtual credit cards (VCCs) generate unique card numbers for each subscription, providing security and control. Services like Privacy.com, Capital One Eno, and Citi Virtual Account Numbers let you create cards with spending limits, merchant locks, and the ability to close instantly. Benefits for subscription management include: setting spending limits per subscription, easily canceling by closing the virtual card, preventing merchants from increasing charges without consent, and testing free trials without risking real card details.
VCCs are one of the most powerful tools for subscription cost control.
Related Terms
Payment Method
The financial instrument used to pay for a subscription, such as a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or bank account.
Subscription Fraud
Deceptive practices involving subscriptions, including unauthorized charges, fake free trials, and stolen payment credentials used for sign-ups.
Subscription Management
The ongoing process of tracking, optimizing, and controlling all active subscriptions to ensure maximum value and minimum waste.
Free Trial
A limited-time period where users can access a subscription service at no cost before committing to a paid plan.