The 13 Best Virtual Credit Cards [Detailed Guide] (2024)

In a world where credit card theft and fraud are on the rise, one can, understandably, be very wary when using a credit card to make online purchases.

Even if an online merchant implements consistent safety practices to protect your information, there’s no guarantee that evildoers won’t try to hack these companies’ systems.

Because of this, virtual credit cards have begun to gain wider acceptance, and many are looking for credit card products that have virtual credit card numbers when deciding which cards to open!

So in this guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of virtual credit cards. First, we’ll go through a high-level introduction; then, we’ll show you our favorite virtual credit cards, both personal and business.

Let’s get into it!

What Is a Virtual Credit Card?

So what is a virtual credit card and how does it work? Simply put, a virtual credit card is a unique credit card number tied to your main credit card account that does not reveal your primary credit card number.

This allows you to use a different credit card number for each merchant you spend at, prevent fraudsters from getting your primary account details, and set spending limits or expiration dates for each virtual credit card.

All in all, virtual credit cards provide extra protection for online purchases, as well as the added convenience of managing and limiting spending with each virtual credit card number.

The 5 Best Virtual Credit Cards for Personal Use

So let’s say you do a lot of shopping online. And let’s say that you shop at many different merchants, typically following the best deals with no particular loyalty to a single company. To adequately protect your data, you should get the best virtual credit cards for personal use.

Currently, 2 major issuers offer a complete virtual credit card solution for personal cards: Citi and Capital One (via Eno).

Other issuers, including American Express, Chase, and Discover, may offer similar solutions, but these aren’t exactly the same as virtual credit cards.

Here are our favorites!

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CardEarnings and BenefitsAnnual Fee
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
  • Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
  • 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked throughCitiTravel.com
  • 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, EV charging stations, air travel, and hotels
$95
Citi Double Cash® Card
  • Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months.
  • 2% cash-back (1% when you spend and 1% when you pay your bill, earned as ThankYou Points)
$0
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
  • Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
  • 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • $300 annual travel credit on bookings via Capital One Travel
  • 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary
  • Access to Capital One Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
  • Rental car and travel insurance, cell phone insurance
$395 ()
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
  • Earn 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
  • 5xmiles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
$95 ()
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
  • Earn 20,000 miles when you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
  • 5xmiles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
$0 ()

Citi Strata Premier Card

NEW CARD LAUNCH

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Learn More

(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

70,000 points

$1,120

$95

21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

Pros

  • 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
  • 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
  • $100 annual hotel benefit

Cons

    • $95 annual fee

Read Full Review

  • Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
  • Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:None

The Citi Strata Premier card is one of the best credit cards for everyday spending. It helps that Citi offers the ability to create virtual credit cards!

There’s no monthly fee for virtual credit cards, but youdo need to enroll before creating your first virtual credit card. After that, just visit the Citi website and create one whenever you need a virtual credit card.

Just keep in mind that virtual credit card numbers can’t be used for in-person or in-app purchases.

In addition to a fantastic welcome offer, expect to earn up to 3x ThankYou Points on your purchases:

  • 3x points per $1 spent on air travel and at restaurants,supermarkets,gas stations,and hotels
  • 1x points per $1 spent on all other purchases

We value ThankYou Points at 1.6 cents each, but you can certainly get better value by transferring to travel partners for luxury flights!

Additionally, this card has an annual hotel savings benefit of $100 off a stay of at least $500 when booked through thankyou.com or 800-THANKYOU (once per calendar year).

Lastly, there are no foreign transaction fees or authorized user fees.

Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Learn More

(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Double Cash® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

$200 cash back

$0

0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

The Citi Double Cash® Cardhas long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

Pros

  • Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
  • Flexible redemption options
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • No bonus categories
  • 3% foreign transaction fees

Read Full Review

  • Bonus Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • 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.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
  • Citi Double Cash® Card Travel Portal Limited Time Offer: Earn a total of 5 ThankYou Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi TravelSM portal on ThankYou.com or by calling 1-800-Thankyou and saying “Travel.” Offer is valid through 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) 12/31/2024.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

The Double Cash card is yet another great example of a Citi card that offers rewards and a virtual credit card number.

Currently, the Double Cash card has an attractive 0% balance transfer APR, but the real reason to use this card is to earn up to 2% cash-back per dollar spent.

By itself, the Double Cash card earns 1% back when you buy and 1% back when you pay, totaling 2% cash-back (earned as 2x ThankYou Points).

But what’s special about the Double Cash card is that if you have a card such as the Citi Strata Premier card, you can combine the ThankYou Points you earn to transfer them to the full suite of Citi’s travel partners. That means that the 2x ThankYou Points you earn could deliver a return on spend of 3.2%!

This card comes with zero fraud liability, access to Citi Entertainment, and no authorized user fees.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Learn More

(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

$1,350

$395

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-840)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

  • $395 annual fee ()
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One offers Eno, a credit card assistant, in the form of a browser extension and app tool, to help you shop securely online.

With Eno, you can create virtual credit cards to hide your real credit card number — lock, unlock, or delete your virtual cards anytime and fully control your online shopping security.

The Capital One Venture X card is an incredible credit card option — offering a huge welcome offer, excellent rewards, and fantastic benefits, this should be a contender for a slot in your wallet.

You’ll earn:

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights booked via Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

To build on that, this card boasts $300 annual travel credit on Capital One Travel bookings, 10,000 bonus miles on each account anniversary year, access to airport lounges including Capital One Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and Priority Pass Select lounges, and up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.

Throw in complimentary Hertz President’s Circle status, cell phone insurance, up to 4 authorized users for no additional annual fee (), and the ability to create virtual credit cards, and you’ve got a winner!

Lastly, take note of no foreign transaction fees (), and high-end travel insurance.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Learn More

(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

$1,350

$95

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Cardis one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros

  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

  • $95 annual fee ()
  • Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

The Capital One Venture card is the little sibling card of the Capital One Venture X card. With this card, you’ll still get the ability to create virtual credit cards, maintain simple structures, and get a welcome offer.

You’ll still earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, but you’ll also get 5x points on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Enjoy up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, solid travel insurance, no foreign transaction fees (), and no authorized user fees ().

» Related: Capital One Venture Card vs. Capital One Venture X Card [Detailed Comparison]

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Learn More

(at Capital One's secure site)

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.

20,000 miles

$360

$0

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros

  • No annual fee ()
  • No foreign transaction fees ()
  • Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

The Capital One VentureOne card is the entry-level product that Capital One offers within the Venture family. This card can create virtual credit cards via Eno, which is a huge plus.

Your welcome offer won’t be as large, but you will earn:

  • 5x miles on hotels and rentals cars booked via Capital One Travel
  • 1.25x miles on all other purchases

There’s also an introductory 0% APR benefit you can take advantage of (), no foreign transaction fees (), the ability to transfer miles to travel partners, and no authorized user fees ().

The 3 Best Amex Personal Cards With Click to Pay

American Express doesn’t offer true virtual credit cards for personal products, but it partners with Visa, Mastercard, and Discover to offer Click to Pay, an online payment method that effectively shields your credit card number from merchants to simplify and secure the checkout process.

As such, some Amex cards do enjoy an additional layer of security thanks to Click to Pay, but these cards can’t give you a true virtual credit card number like Capital One and Citi can.

But since American Express offers such attractive rewards and benefits, you should give these next cards some thought.

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CardEarnings and BenefitsAnnual Fee
The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
  • The best airport lounge access from any card, including Centurion Lounges
  • 5x points per $1 spent for flights booked directly with airlines or with AmexTravel.com up to $500,000 per year, and prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
$695 ()
American Express® Gold Card
  • Earn 60,000 points when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
  • 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants
  • 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
  • Access to The Hotel Collection
$250 ()
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.
  • 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
  • 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more
  • Up to $120 in Equinox+ credits
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 ()

The Platinum Card® from American Express

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

The Platinum Card® from American Express

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Learn More

(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved withno credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

$1,760

$695

See Pay Over Time APR

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum cardis a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros

  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

  • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peaco*ck, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip:Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Platinum card currently has an enormous welcome offer, the best airport lounge access benefit of any card out there, excellent travel rewards, and other high-end benefits.

To start, earn according to this list:

  • 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
  • 1x Membership Rewards points everywhere else

This card comes with access to the incredible , plus a ton of annual or monthly statement credits from merchants including Uber, Equinox, Saks Fifth Avenue, and even airline fee credits and prepaid hotel credits on eligible AmexTravel.com bookings.

Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees (see ).

American Express® Gold Card

BEST FOR DINING

American Express® Gold Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Learn More

(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved withno credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.

60,000 points

$1,320

$250

See Pay Over Time APR

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The American Express® Gold Cardis a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros

  • 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
  • 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

  • $250 annual fee (see rates and fees)
  • No lounge access

Read Full Review

  • 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.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip:Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Gold card is yet another fantastic card that offers Click to Pay. With an attractive welcome offer and the ability to earn up to 4x points, this card is one of our top favorites.

Get up to 4x Membership Rewards points as follows:

  • 4x Membership Rewards points per $1 spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 4x Membership Rewards points per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year)
  • 3x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com

Get up to $240 in annual statement credits as follows:

  • $10 per month in Uber Cash towards rides or eats in the U.S. (up to $120 per year)
  • $10 per month in dining credits at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations upon enrollment (up to $120 per year)

The Amex Gold card has access to The Hotel Collection, and you won’t be hit with any foreign transaction fees or authorized user fees, either, so the card is packed to the brim with value (see ).

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

HIGHEST CASH BACK

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Learn More

(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved withno credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

$250

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a stellar cash-back credit card for those looking to maximize every purchase they make.

With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases, this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases, this could be the card for you!

Pros

  • 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and on select streaming services
  • 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
  • 3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)

Cons

    • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)

Read Full Review

  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
  • Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Rewards Center

Redeem cash-back through your American Express account

We’re big fans of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card because it offers fantastic cash-back rewards fit for frugal families.

When you use Click to Pay, you don’t need to worry about your card information getting compromised online — that makes it easy to get up to 6% cash-back:

  • 6% cash-back back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
  • 6% cash-back on select streaming services
  • 3% back at U.S. gas stations and ontransit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)
  • 1% back on all other purchases

Also, this card has a statement credit welcome offer and an introductory 0% APR promotion.

The 5 Best Virtual Credit Cards for Business Use

Now, let’s talk about business cards! Business owners know that paying vendors with credit cards can get complicated.

For B2B purposes, American Express offers a virtual credit card solution through a partnership with Extend, a New York-based fintech company that offers virtual cards to business owners. This is one of the most exciting developments in the virtual credit card space!

Whether it’s making secure vendor payments, easily tracking bill back expenses, gaining visibility over ad hoc spending, or more effectively controlling employee cards and spending, you can instantly level up your security and expense management game!

It’s super easy to sign up, and Extend’s dashboard is easy to use. You can currently create virtual cards in 4 ways:

  • Standard Card — a basic virtual card with all the set controls you need to securely send a company card
  • Auto-refill Card — a card that automatically refills for recurring expenses such as monthly subscriptions or regular employee purchasing cards
  • Guest Access Card — virtual cards sent to people outside of Extend via email with a secure link
  • Advanced CSV Upload — a batch of different virtual cards for a list of people, up to 100 unique cards at once

For corporate cards (not discussed in this article), Amex offers American Express Go.

Otherwise, the 2 major issuers that offer virtual credit cards are:

  • Citi
  • Capital One (via Eno)

SCROLL FOR MORE

CardEarnings and BenefitsAnnual Fee
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
  • 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
  • 1.5x Membership Rewards points per $1 in select business categories and on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year)
  • The best airport lounge access from any card, including Centurion Lounges
  • 35% Pay with Points rebate (up to 1 million points back per year)
  • Access to Fine Hotels and Resorts and The Hotel Collection
  • No foreign transaction fees ()
$695 ()
American Express® Business Gold Card
  • 4x Membership Rewards points per $1 on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each month (from a list of 6 categories)
  • Access to The Hotel Collection
  • No foreign transaction fees()
$375 ()
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
  • 5xmiles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles on all other purchases
  • $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
  • No foreign transaction fees
$95
Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business
  • 5xmiles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 1.5x miles on all other purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
$0
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
  • 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
  • 2x miles at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, and at gas stations
  • 1x miles on all other purchases
  • First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries
  • Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
  • No foreign transaction fees
$99

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

150K OFFER

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Learn More

(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

150,000 points

$3,300

$695

19.49% - 28.49% Variable

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Hot Tip:Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Pros

  • 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
  • Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
  • Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)

Cons

  • High annual fee of $695 ()
  • Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

  • Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first yearof membershipwiththe Business Platinum Card®.Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to theCard.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • $695 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.49% - 28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip:Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Business Platinum card is one of the best products that can help you take your business to new heights.

One of the biggest selling points is that this card has no preset spending limit, but the most popular perks are all rewards- and travel-related.

There’s a huge welcome offer and the ability to earn up to 5x Membership Rewards points on purchases:

  • 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at AmexTravel.com
  • 1.5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million in these purchases per year)
  • 1x Membership Rewards points on all other purchases

Go ahead and make use of the American Express Global Lounge Collection, rental car and hotel elite status, as well as the 35% Pay with Points rebate.

This fabulous card comes with tons of statement credits:

  • Up to $200 in airline fee statement credits
  • Up to $189 in CLEAR Plus credit
  • Up to $400 per year with Dell Technologies
  • Up to $360 per year with Indeed
  • Up to $150 per year with Adobe
  • Up to $120 per year on wireless telephone purchases
  • Up to $100 in Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credits

Don’t forget to feel like a superstar when you book stays at .

American Express® Business Gold Card

BEST FOR BONUSES

American Express® Business Gold Card

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Learn More

(at Amex's secure site)

American Express® Business Gold Card

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership

70,000 points

$1,540

$375

19.49% - 28.49% Variable

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The American Express® Business Gold Card is excellent at racking up rewards for your business spend.

The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.

Pros

  • 4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categorieseach month up to $150,000 each calendar year in purchases; categories include:
    • NEW! Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
    • NEW!U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
    • NEW!Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
    • U.S. purchases at gas stations
    • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
    • Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
  • 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
  • Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection

Cons

  • $375 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status

Read Full Review

  • Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
  • Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
  • Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
  • Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
  • *Terms Apply

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.49% - 28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

One of our favorite American Express business cards available is the Amex Business Gold card — it’s perhaps the best spending-focused card Amex has to offer.

This card earns4x Membership Rewards points on the top 2 categories in which your business spends the most every month(up to $150,000 in combined purchases every calendar year):

  • NEW! Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • NEW!U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
  • NEW!Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
  • U.S. purchases at gas stations
  • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)

And that’s not even taking into account the welcome offer!

Although you don’t get fancy luxury travel perks such as lounge access, you do getaccess to The Hotel Collection.

The Amex Business Gold card doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees or employee card fees for up to 99 total cards after the first employee card fee of $50 (see ).

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

The 13 Best Virtual Credit Cards [Detailed Guide] (11)

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every $1 you spend. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every $1 you spend. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

50,000 miles

$900

$0 intro for the first year, $95 after that

26.24% (Variable)

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is a great option for business owners looking for an uncomplicated rewards card that earns double miles on every purchase they make and offers access to transfer partners, all for a low annual fee.

Pros

  • Unlimited 2x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • 5x miles per $1 spent on hotel and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge per year

Cons

    • Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that

Read Full Review

  • Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account
  • Unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
  • Skip the lines with up to a $100 statement credit on TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
  • Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 26.24% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

To recap, Capital One offers virtual credit cards through Eno, and one of the best business credit cards Capital One can offer is the Capital One Spark Miles card.

It has a sizable welcome offer and earns an unlimited 2x miles on all purchases with no blackout dates, seat restrictions, or minimum to redeem.

In addition, you can earn 5x miles on hotel and rental car bookings made via Capital One Travel. There’s also a $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit!

You won’t get hit with foreign transaction fees or employee card fees.

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business

The 13 Best Virtual Credit Cards [Detailed Guide] (12)

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

(Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business

(Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

$0

0% Intro APR for the first 9 months after account opening,Ongoing APR: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable

The Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business is an excellent option for business owners looking for straightforward earning with no blackout dates, no seat restrictions, and no minimum when redeeming your miles.

  • Earn a one-time bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get unlimited 1.5miles on every purchase with your business credit card with no blackouts or seat restrictions, and no minimum to redeem.
  • Earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel.
  • Use your miles on flights, hotels, vacation packages and more—you can even transfer miles to any of our 15+ travel partners.
  • We’ve got you covered with zero fraud liability if your card is lost or stolen. Plus, get automatic fraud alerts via text, email or phone call.
  • 0% intro APR for 9 months; 18.24% – 28.24% variable APR after that.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 0% Intro APR for the first 9 months after account opening,Ongoing APR: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

A step below the Capital One Spark Miles card, the Capital One Spark Miles Select card offers business rewards with no annual fee.

Get 5x miles on hotel and rental car bookings that are made through Capital One Travel and 1.5x miles on all purchases.

This card also comes with an introductory 0% APR benefit, zero fraud liability, no foreign transaction fees, and free employee cards.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®

U.P. Rating

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A low annual fee, a free checked bag, and tons of perks and discounts make this card valuable for business owners who travel.

Learn More

(at Citi's secure site)

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®

A low annual fee, a free checked bag, and tons of perks and discounts make this card valuable for business owners who travel.

For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening.

75,000 miles

$1,050

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99

21.24% - 29.99% Variable

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

With the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®, you get a card that gives you perks like boarding privileges, free checked bags, and discounts on inflight purchases, while also earning more miles for your next award redemption.

Pros

  • 2x miles per $1 spent on American Airlines purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 spent on cable and satellite providers, at gas stations, on car rentals, and on select telecommunications merchants
  • 1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

Cons

  • $99 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

  • Designed for businesses
  • For a limited time, earn 75,000American Airlines AAdvantage®bonus miles after $5,000in purchases within thefirst5months of account opening.
  • First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line.
  • 25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card
  • Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
  • Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations
  • Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases
  • Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 21.24% - 29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees:None

Rewards Center

American Airlines AAdvantage Frequent Flyer Program

The very last card we’ll discuss is the CitiBusiness Platinum Select card, a co-branded partnership between Citibank and American Airlines.

This business card is virtual credit card-enabled, earns a nice welcome offer, and racks up miles as follows:

  • 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, telecommunications merchants,cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, andgas stations
  • 1 AAdvantage mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

You’ll also get your first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries, preferred boarding on American Airlines flights, no foreign transaction fees, and free employee cards!

Drawbacks of Virtual Credit Cards

Virtual credit cards come with subtle, but important drawbacks.

For example, if you buy goods online with a virtual credit card number and want to return your item at a physical location, you will often be asked to insert the original form of payment that you used for the purchase.

So if you have a virtual credit card, you may have no choice but to accept a store credit instead of a refund.

Also, virtual credit cards may require you to keep track of more information, including virtual credit card account numbers, expiration dates, and spending limits.

Final Thoughts

Virtual credit cards are on the rise. Those who are wary of their credit card information being leaked have probably come across virtual credit cards.

And we’re here to tell you that they can offer extra protection when shopping online, especially if you think that online merchants are prone to hacks or data breaches.

Citi and Capital One offer virtual credit cards for their major products, while Amex and Chase offer Click to Pay.

Additionally, Amex offers virtual cards via a partnership with Extend on its business card products, and it has American Express Go for corporate cards.

We hope you’ve found this guide useful in helping you pick the best virtual credit cards for your needs.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Enrollment required through Capital One website or mobile app. Upon enrollment, 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.

The information regarding the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Information regarding the Capital One Spark Miles for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, clickhere.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here.

The 13 Best Virtual Credit Cards [Detailed Guide] (2024)

FAQs

What is the best virtual credit card? ›

Best Virtual Credit Cards
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best Virtual Credit Card for Flexible Rewards.
  • Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card: Best 0% Intro APR Virtual Credit Card.
  • X1 Card: Best Virtual Credit Card For Free Trials Or Subscriptions.
  • Citi Double Cash® Card: Best Virtual Cash-Back Credit Card.
Jun 3, 2024

What is the 2 3 4 rule for credit cards? ›

The 2/3/4 rule: According to this rule, applicants are limited to two new cards in a 30-day period, three new cards in a 12-month period and four new cards in a 24-month period. The six-month or one-year rule: Some issuers may only let borrowers open a new credit card account once every six months or once a year.

What is the 3 12 rule for credit cards? ›

Bank of America's 3/12 or 7/12 rule

If you do NOT have a deposit account with Bank of America, your credit card application will be denied if you have opened three new cards in the past 12 months, based on what's visible on your credit report.

Which banks offer virtual card numbers? ›

Credit card issuers like Capital One and Citibank generate completely new virtual card numbers for you every time you request one. Other issuers like American Express and Chase provide separate numbers for each merchant.

What is the difference between a virtual card and a digital card? ›

Virtual, digital and disposable cards—what's the difference? A “virtual card” is stored on your phone and can be used to pay contactless in stores or online, but has its own unique card number, expiry date, and CVC. A “digital card” is a copy of your physical bank card that's stored on your phone.

How can I get a virtual debit card instantly? ›

Get a virtual debit card instantly from Zil, a cloud-based payment platform, and start using it as soon as you apply for it. Zil virtual cards are an easy way to spend more securely and safely. You can shop online or at any merchants that accept Visa cards and contactless payment.

What is the 15 3 payment trick? ›

By making a credit card payment 15 days before your payment due date—and again three days before—you're able to reduce your balances and show a lower credit utilization ratio before your billing cycle ends. That information is reported to the credit bureaus.

What is the 524 credit card rule? ›

What is the 5/24 rule? Many card issuers have criteria for who can qualify for new accounts, but Chase is perhaps the most strict. Chase's 5/24 rule means that you can't be approved for most Chase cards if you've opened five or more personal credit cards (from any card issuer) within the past 24 months.

What is the double payment trick on credit cards? ›

The 15/3 credit hack gets its name from the practice of making your monthly payment in two installments: the first half 15 days before your due date and the second half three days before your due date. This hack, popular on various social media platforms, claims to be a shortcut to good credit.

What is the golden rule of credit cards? ›

The golden rule of credit card usage is to do everything you can to pay off your entire balance each month. If you can do this, you won't be charged any interest.

What is the new credit card law? ›

The CCCA is a pro-competition bill that finally addresses the failings of the U.S. credit card industry. The Visa and Mastercard duopoly have created a system that allows them to set swipe fee rates and lock out competitors through exclusivity contracts with large banks.

What is the 20% credit card rule? ›

Use credit wisely - follow the 20/10 rule

Never borrow more than 20% of your annual after-tax income. Keep your monthly debt payments to less than 10% of your monthly after-tax income. Keep track of your purchases and don't buy expensive and unnecessary impulse items.

What is an X1 credit card? ›

The X1 Card offers healthy rewards rates compared with other cards that are friendly to those with less-than-perfect credit histories, and you get those rewards as soon as they're earned. The card earns: 2 points per $1 spent. 3 points (on up to $6,500 spent) after you spend $1,000 each month.

What is the Capital One virtual card? ›

To make purchases without your physical card on hand: Virtual cards from Capital One allow you to make purchases without your physical credit card on hand. So if your card has been lost or stolen, you can still use your existing virtual cards to make online purchases or create new virtual cards for specific stores.

How to generate a virtual credit card? ›

Depending on your bank or card issuer, it may be possible to request a virtual card number using your online account management site. Through your existing account, you can also request spending caps on any virtual card number you receive, and custom expiration dates to protect from misuse, fraud or overspending.

Is it a good idea to have a virtual credit card? ›

Virtual credit cards can make online shopping more secure. It's considered a safe payment option that puts an additional barrier between your credit card number and identity thieves.

Which bank provides a virtual credit card? ›

Here are a few top Virtual Credit Cards offered by major banks in the country.
Bank NameCard Name
HDFC BankHDFC NetSafe Virtual Credit Card
Axis BankAxis Bank FreeCharge Credit Card
Kotak Mahindra BankKotak Mahindra Bank Netc@rd
HSBC BankHSBC Advantage Virtual Card
1 more row

How can I get a virtual credit card? ›

Choose the credit card of your choice. Fill in your details and verify with OTP to submit your application. Get instant Approval in Principle* Post successful validation of your KYC and other documents your Virtual credit card will be ready instantly.

How fast can you get a virtual credit card? ›

If your credit card issuer allows you to use a virtual credit card, you can use your card as soon as you're approved. If not, you'll have to wait seven to 10 business days for it to arrive in the mail if you haven't paid for expedited shipping. Just don't forget to activate your card once you receive it.

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