Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
A virtual credit card is a randomly generated card number you can use when shopping online or over the phone. It's designed to protect your account information from being stolen in case of a data breach or an insecure internet connection. Typically, if you have a physical credit card, you can also request a virtual card number online — provided your issuer offers this feature.
CNBC Select analyzed over a dozen credit cards from major issuers that provide virtual card numbers and compiled a list of the best options for various needs. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best virtual cards.)
Best virtual credit cards
- Best for groceries: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Best for cash back: Citi Double Cash® Card
- Best for dining: American Express® Gold Card
- Best for travel: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Best for entertainment purchases: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*
Best for groceries
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
On the American Express secure site
Rewards
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Intro APR
0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% variable. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Pros
- High 6% cash back at U.S. supermarket spending (up to $6,000 a year, then 1%)
- Unlimited 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- Unlimited 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit
Cons
- 2.7% fee on purchases made abroad
- Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $679
- Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,397
Rewards totals incorporate the cash back earned from the welcome bonus
Who's this for? If groceries make up a large chunk of your family's budget, you can stretch your dollars with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express thanks to its high cash-back rate on purchases at U.S. supermarkets.
Standout benefits: The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express lets you sign up for virtual card numbers by adding it to your Google account. Then, when shopping online using Google Chrome, you'll be prompted to enroll for a virtual card number on the checkout page.
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Best for cash back
Citi Double Cash® Card
Rewards
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24
Welcome bonus
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% for the first 18 months on balance transfers; N/A for purchases
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% variable
Balance transfer fee
For balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening, an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies; after that, a balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Fair/Good/Excellent
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Read our Citi Double Cash® Card review.
Pros
- 2% cash back on all eligible purchases
- Simple cash-back program that doesn't require activation or spending caps
- One of the longest intro periods for balance transfers at 18 months
Cons
- 3% fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
- Estimated rewards earned after 1 year:$443
- Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,213
Who's this for? The Citi Double Cash® Card is a good pick for anyone who likes simplicity. It offers an above-average return on everyday purchases without spending caps or activation requirements.
Standout benefits: Cardholders with eligible Citi cards, such as the Citi Double Cash® Card, can enroll in virtual card numbers online on the issuer's website.
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Best for dining
American Express® Gold Card
On the American Express secure site
Rewards
4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual fee
$250
Intro APR
Not applicable
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Read our American Express® Gold Card review.
Pros
- Up to $120 dining credit annually ($10 a month) for purchases made with Grubhub, Goldbelly and other eligible restaurants (after a one-time enrollment)
- Up to $120 Uber Cash annually ($10 a month) for U.S. Uber Eats orders and U.S. Uber rides (card must be added to Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit)
- Strong rewards program with 4X points earned at restaurants and 3X points earned on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com
- Baggage insurance plan covers up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage that is damaged, lost or stolen
- No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
Cons
- No introductory APR period
- $250 annual fee
- Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,074
- Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,969
Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus
Who's this for? The American Express® Gold Card is the ultimate travel credit card for foodies. Besides high rewards rates on groceries and dining purchases, it offers generous statement credits that make this card almost pay for itself.
Standout benefits: In addition to instant access after approval, American Express cardholders can request virtual card numbers when shopping online through Google Chrome. To get started, you must add your Amex card to your Google account. Then, when shopping online, you'll be prompted to enroll for a virtual card number on the checkout page.
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Best for travel
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Learn More
Rewards
Unlimited 2X miles on all eligible purchases, and 5 Miles per dollar on flights and 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booked via Capital One Travel portal
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$395
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% variable APR
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fees
$0
Credit needed
Excellent
See rates and fees, terms apply.
Read our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review.
Pros
- Large welcome bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
- Up to $100 statement credits for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
Cons
- High annual fee
- No introductory 0% APR period
Learn More
Who's this for? The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) is an excellent option if you travel frequently and are in the market for a premium credit card. It has a simple rewards system that can provide a lot of value, as well as luxury perks such as annual travel credits, airport lounge access and credits for expedited airport security.
Standout benefits: Capital One cardholders can request a virtual credit card number through Eno, the issuer's browser extension. Eno allows users to create merchant-specific virtual card numbers, as well as lock, unlock or delete them at any time.
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Best for entertainment purchases
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Learn More
Information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
Rewards
4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 4% on eligible streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening
Annual fee
$95
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% variable
Balance transfer fee
4% for promotional APR offers; none for balances transferred at regular APR
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Terms apply.
Pros
- Unlimited 4% cash back on entertainment purchases
- Ability to redeem rewards at any amount, unlike some other cards with $25 minimums
- No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- No introductory 0% financing offers for purchases or balance transfers
Learn More
Who's this for? The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card* is geared toward those who like to have fun — whether that is by attending entertainment events, such as concerts and sports games, or bystreaminga movie and ordering takeout.
Standout benefits: Like the Capital One Venture X, the Capital One Savor offers virtual card numbers through Eno. The tool also offers useful features like reminders before free trials end, so that you have the opportunity to cancel before you're charged.
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More on our top virtual cards
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a cash-back credit card that offers 6% cash back on grocery shopping and U.S. streaming subscriptions. This rate is hard to beat, even considering the card's modest annual fee. It also offers elevated returns on U.S. gas station and transit purchases.
Rewards
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
- 3% cash back on transit
- 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months.
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees).
Notableperks
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers cardholders an up to $7 monthly statement credit after using their enrolled card to spend $9.99 or more per month on a subscription to the Disney Bundle. They can also enroll their card to pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ and receive $10 in monthly statement credits (up to $120 back annually).
Other perks include purchase and return protection, a ShopRunner membership (after enrollment), extended warranty and car rental insurance, among other benefits.
Cardholders can also take advantage of a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a 19.24% - 29.99% variable APR applies. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99% (see rates and fees).
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
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Citi Double Cash® Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card is a cash-back card that earns an unlimited 2% back on all purchases. Double cash back can add up fast, especially when you consider the card has no annual fee.
Rewards
Earn 2% cash back: 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay. For a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi TravelSM portal through 12/31/24.
Welcome bonus
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Notableperks
Cardholders receive 0% intro APR for the first 18 months on balance transfers (then a 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR) initiated within 4 months of opening an account.
Other perks include Mastercard ID Theft Protection and access to Citi® Identity Theft Solutions, a service that will help you if you're a victim of identity theft. Plus, cardholders can get special access to ticket sales through Citi Entertainment.
Cashback earned with this card can be redeemed for checks, direct deposits, statement credits, gift cards and more. You can alsotransfer rewardsto three of Citi's travel partners: Wyndham, JetBlue and Choice Privileges.
Pro tip: Although billed as a cash-back card, if you have the Citi Strata Premier℠Card, you'll be able to transfer your Citi ThankYou Rewards to any of Citi's airline and hotel partners. (see rates and fees)
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American Express® Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card stands out for its generous return on dining and U.S. supermarket purchases. While the annual fee can seem high, the card's rewards and various perks help make up for it.
Rewards
- 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
- 4X points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X)
- 3X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first 6 months of card membership.
Annual fee
$250 (see rates and fees)
Notableperks
American Express Gold cardholders can receive up to $240 in annual statement credits: up to $120 on dining ($10 per month) for purchases made with Grubhub, Goldbelly and other eligible restaurants (enrollment required) and up to $120 in Uber Cash ($10 per month) for U.S. Uber Eats orders and U.S. Uber rides. Enrollment required. Terms apply.
The card also provides travel insurance, including a baggage insurance plan and car rental insurance. Plus, if you book a stay at one of the properties in The Hotel Collection with American Express Travel, you can get a $100 experience credit (a minimum two-night stay is required).
There are several options for redeeming Membership Rewards points, but you'll get the best value by transferring them to airline and hotel partners.
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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card that earns at least 2X miles on all purchases and offers many benefits that easily make its annual fee worth it.
Rewards
- 10X miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel portal
- 5X miles per dollar on flights booked via Capital One Travel portal
- 2X miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee
$395 (see rates and fees)
Notableperks
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers up to $300 back annually in statement credits for bookings made through Capital One Travel and a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth at least $100 for travel), making it easy to recoup the $395 the annual fee.
On top of that, cardholders receive an up to $100 statement credit for eitherGlobal Entry or TSA PreCheck®, access toCapital One and partner airport lounges and Hertz President's Circle elite status (enrollment required)* through Dec. 31, 2024. Other perks include VIP benefits on hotel stays booked through thePremier CollectionandLifestyle Collection,cell phone insurance** and various travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay coverage, lost luggage reimbursem*nt and car rental insurance.
Plus, there are lots of ways to redeem the rewards you earn with the Venture X, such as offsetting eligible travel purchases made in the last 90 days, booking new trips through Capital One Travel, transferring miles to partner loyalty programs or redeeming for cash or gift cards.
*Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.
**Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.
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Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card* isn't just a great card for entertainment purchases — it can also be a cash-back alternative to the Amex Gold. With an unlimited 4% cash back on dining and 3% back at grocery stores, you can rack up plenty of rewards for a low annual fee.
Rewards
- 4% cash back on dining and entertainment
- 4% on eligible streaming services
- 3% at grocery stores
- 1% on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee
$95
Notableperks
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card* offers 10% cash back on purchases with Uber and Uber Eats and a complimentary Uber One membership through Nov. 14, 2024. Cardholders are also covered by travel and shopping benefits such as travel accident insurance, extended warranties and more. Plus, the card unlocks access to exclusive events and experiences, such aspresale concert tickets, throughCapital One Entertainment(where you'll also earn 8% back).
Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, or you can use them to make purchases online via Amazon or PayPal.
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FAQs
How do I get a virtual credit card?
The process of getting a virtual card number varies by issuer. For instance, with Capital One, you can use virtual card numbers with Eno, while Amex requires that you go through your Google account and Citi lets you sign up online.
Who offers virtual credit cards?
Currently, three major card issuers offer virtual card numbers, including American Express, Capital One and Citi. Chase and Discover do not currently offer virtual card numbers, but you may be able to get them through third-party services.
How do I use a virtual card at a store?
You can use a virtual card in stores that accept digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay if you have added the virtual card number to the wallet.
How do I add a virtual card to my digital wallet?
Typically, to add a virtual credit card to a digital wallet, you simply need to add a new payment method and input your virtual card details.
Do I still get rewards when using a virtual card?
You still earn the same rewards and benefits as you normally would when using a virtual card.
Can I get a virtual credit card online?
If your card issuer offers this feature, you can request a virtual credit card online.
Are virtual credit cards a good idea?
A virtual credit card can be a good idea for extra security when you shop online since it allows you to use your card without exposing the card number.
Bottom line
Virtual credit card numbers can keep your sensitive financial information safe — and you can get one with many popular credit cards. With plenty of choices, make sure to compare all the benefits and rewards these cards offer to apply for one that fits your spending habits best.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best virtual credit cards.
Our methodology
To determine which virtual credit cards are the best, CNBC Select analyzed over a dozen credit cards issued through FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions that are widely available in the U.S. and offer virtual numbers.
We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cashback).
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
For the cards that offered a rewards program, we considered consumer spending data forecasts from location intelligence firm Esri to determine where U.S. consumers are spending the most money, like on dining and travel. We used this to help determine what bonus categories are most useful for consumers. Since the value of a point or mile varies based on what they can be redeemed for, we also considered things like transferability and the ability to redeem for cash-back.
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For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
*Information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
