Using a virtual Visa card in stores is becoming an increasingly popular payment option. A virtual Visa card is a digital representation of a physical Visa card that can be used for online or in-person payments. With more people moving towards cashless and contactless payments, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual Visa cards provide a convenient and secure way to pay both online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
What is a virtual Visa card?
A virtual Visa card, also known as a Visa virtual account number, is a 16-digit card number, expiration date, and security code that can be used to make payments. This card information is generated through your bank or a third-party virtual card provider. The biggest difference between a physical and virtual card is that the card details are digital and stored securely on your phone or online account.
Virtual Visa cards are linked and pull funds from your actual bank account or balance with the card provider. When you use a virtual card for payment, the transaction works the same as if you had used a physical plastic card. The merchant receives the virtual card details and processes it like any other Visa card payment.
Benefits of virtual Visa cards
Here are some of the main benefits of using virtual Visa cards:
- Improved security – Virtual card numbers are temporary and can be easily deactivated if the details are compromised.
- Control spending – Set spending limits and use different virtual card numbers for different purchases or merchants.
- Easy to manage – Virtual cards can be accessed and managed directly from your smartphone or online account.
- Convenient for online shopping – Virtual cards can be used just like plastic cards for online purchases without having to enter your actual card details.
- Contactless – Virtual cards enable touch-free, secure payments using mobile wallets or QR codes.
- Accessibility – Virtual cards are available anytime without having to carry your physical wallet.
Can you use a virtual Visa card in stores?
Yes, you can use virtual Visa cards for in-person payments at brick-and-mortar retail stores, restaurants, gas stations, and anywhere else that accepts Visa contactless or chip payments. Here are two main ways to pay in-store using a virtual Visa card:
Method 1: Mobile wallet apps
Add your virtual Visa card details to a mobile wallet app like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. These apps store your card information and allow you to tap and pay at contactless in-store terminals. Most major retail stores have contactless terminals enabled, so you can checkout simply by holding your smartphone near the payment device – no need to insert or swipe.
Mobile wallets keep your actual card details hidden and use device-specific tokens for payments, so your virtual card details stay protected. Payments authenticate using biometric authentication like fingerprint or face ID on your phone.
Method 2: Chip payment with virtual card details
If a store only accepts chip card payments, you can still use your virtual Visa. Some virtual card providers allow you to request a digital or plastic physical card sent to you by mail. This card is linked to your virtual account and can be used just like a regular chip card for in-store purchases.
Alternatively, you may be able to request temporary virtual card details including the card number, expiration date, and CVV security code. You can use these details to make chip payments by manually entering them into a chip card terminal during checkout.
Pros and cons of using virtual Visa cards in-store
Here are some of the key advantages and potential disadvantages to keep in mind when using a virtual Visa card for in-person store payments:
Pros
- Convenient – Don’t need to carry your physical wallet or cards
- Secure – Virtual card details add a layer of protection
- Contactless – Quick tap payments through mobile wallets
- Easy to manage – Activate, deactivate, or update card details as needed
- Accessible – Retrieve card details easily in your mobile app or account
- Eco-friendly – Reduce use of plastic payment cards
Cons
- Technology issues – App crashing or phone battery dying would prevent use
- Checkout errors – Entering card details manually could lead to input errors
- Merchant acceptance – Some smaller stores may not accept contactless or virtual card payments
- Device security – Potential risk if your phone is lost, stolen or hacked
- Card limits – Virtual card capabilities depend on issuer-imposed limits
Tips for using a virtual Visa card in stores
To ensure the best experience, here are some useful tips when paying in-store with your virtual Visa card:
- Make sure your smartphone is sufficiently charged before heading to the store.
- Confirm the merchant accepts contactless or chip payments before attempting to use your virtual card.
- For chip payments, verify your temporary virtual card details in the app prior to entering them into the terminal.
- Save your virtual card details into your mobile wallet before arriving at the store.
- When tapping to pay, hold your phone very close to the terminal – usually within 1-2 inches.
- Be ready to provide an alternate form of payment if the virtual card payment fails for any reason.
- Contact your virtual card issuer if your temporary virtual card details are declined when manually entered.
- Check your virtual card balance and transaction history regularly to catch any unauthorized charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a virtual Visa card the same as a prepaid Visa card?
No, a virtual Visa card is different from a prepaid Visa card. A prepaid card has a fixed dollar amount loaded onto it for spending. In contrast, a virtual card pulls funds directly from your bank account balance like a debit card. Virtual cards also offer added security and spending control features compared to prepaid cards.
What do I need to use a virtual Visa card in stores?
To pay with a virtual Visa card in stores, you need:
- A smartphone with a mobile wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay)
- A contactless payment terminal at the checkout
- OR a chip card reader to manually enter virtual card details
Some virtual card providers also offer a physical or digital companion card linked to your virtual account.
Is paying with a virtual Visa card safe in stores?
Yes, paying with a virtual Visa card is generally very safe thanks to encryption technology and tokenized payment processes. The virtual card details store securely in your device or account. Contactless mobile wallet payments only exchange the encrypted token with the payment terminal, not your actual information.
As long as you protect access to your phone and online account, virtual Visa cards are safer than paying with your physical plastic card.
Do virtual Visa cards work internationally?
It depends on the virtual card issuer. Some may only allow domestic usage, while others offer international functionality. Check with your virtual Visa provider to see if your card can be used globally and if any foreign transaction fees apply.
Can I dispute a charge made with a virtual Visa?
Yes, you have the same rights to dispute unauthorized or fraudulent transactions with a virtual Visa as with a regular Visa card. Contact your virtual card issuer to report the charge and initiate a dispute. They will handle the claims process on your behalf like any traditional bank.
Conclusion
Using virtual Visa cards in stores is a secure, convenient way to pay in-person without needing your physical wallet. Mobile wallets and contactless payments enable you to quickly tap and pay at checkout with just your smartphone. You can also manually enter temporary virtual card details printed or displayed on your device screen when faced with stores requiring chip card payments.
With more stores upgrading their terminals to accept contactless and virtual cards, using a virtual Visa is becoming a viable mainstream payment option for in-person shopping and transactions. As long as you take some basic precautions, paying with a virtual Visa card can give you the flexibility and security advantages of digital payments for all your brick-and-mortar purchases.
