Credit One Bank lets you access a virtual card number through its mobile app before your physical card arrives in the mail. Once approved for a Credit One credit card, you can typically find your virtual card details in the Credit One Bank mobile app, giving you the ability to start making purchases right away rather than waiting a week or more for the plastic card.
Finding Your Virtual Card in the App
After you’re approved for a Credit One credit card, download the Credit One Bank mobile app (available for both iOS and Android). Log in with the credentials you created during your application, or set up a new account if prompted. Once inside the app, look for the option to view your card number or virtual card details. The app displays your full card number, expiration date, and CVV, which is everything you need to shop online or add the card to a digital wallet.
If you don’t see the virtual card details immediately after approval, give it a few hours. Some accounts need a short processing window before the digital card information populates in the app. You can also try logging out and back in, or updating the app to its latest version.
Adding Your Card to a Digital Wallet
Once you have your virtual card details, you can add the card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. This lets you tap to pay at physical stores with contactless payment terminals, not just shop online. Almost any business that uses an NFC payment processor will accept these digital wallets, and you’ll see the contactless symbol or the wallet logo at checkout.
To add your Credit One card to a digital wallet, open the wallet app on your phone and follow the prompts to add a new card. You’ll enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV from the Credit One app. Credit One may send a verification code via text or email to confirm it’s really you. Once verified, the card is ready to use in stores, in apps, and on websites wherever that digital wallet is accepted.
What You Can Do With the Virtual Card
Your virtual card number works the same as the number printed on your physical card. You can use it for online shopping by entering the card details at checkout on any site that accepts Visa or Mastercard (depending on which Credit One card you have). You can pay for subscriptions, set up autopay for bills, or make in-app purchases on your phone.
Through a digital wallet, you can also use the virtual card for in-person purchases at stores with contactless payment terminals. This effectively replaces the physical card for everyday spending. The charges, rewards, interest rates, and credit limit are all identical whether you use the virtual number or the physical card.
When the Virtual Card Isn’t Available
Not every Credit One cardholder will see virtual card access right away. If your application is approved but requires additional identity verification, the bank may hold your card details until that process is complete. In some cases, the virtual card feature may not appear until the physical card has been mailed or activated.
If you’ve checked the app and don’t see your card number after 24 hours, contact Credit One’s customer service. A representative can confirm whether your account is fully set up and whether virtual card access is enabled for your specific product. Keep in mind that some older or less common Credit One card products may have different digital features than newer ones.
Places That Won’t Accept a Virtual Card
A handful of situations still require a physical card. Some merchants need to see or swipe a physical card for verification, particularly car rental counters, certain hotel check-ins, and government offices. Gas station pay-at-the-pump terminals that don’t support contactless payments also won’t work with a digital wallet alone. For most other daily purchases, the virtual card covers you until your physical card arrives.
Once your physical card does arrive, activate it through the app or by calling the number on the sticker. Your virtual card number and physical card number are tied to the same account, so all transactions show up in one place regardless of which method you use to pay.