"Virtual" and/or "prepaid" credit Cards

[Mikepd]

Where do you guys get them issued?

[LasciviousXXX]

Bank of America issues Pre-paid credit cards. That's the only one I'm aware of :tu

[Mikepd]

Dustin, Do you have to be a member of the bank to get one?

[Darrell]

They have them at the grocery store here in several denominations all the way up to $500.

[markem]

They have them at the grocery store here in several denominations all the way up to $500.

:tpd: These are great. If you want to go higher, just buy more.


Virtual credit cards are a form of "virtual cash", a really neat security idea from a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.

Here is a great article with names of some banks/companies doing the virtual.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/41938-use-virtual-credit-cards

[LasciviousXXX]

Dustin, Do you have to be a member of the bank to get one?

I believe so brother.

[Cigary]

You can learn more about this type of card thru this site:
http://www.accountnow.com/

[Smokin Gator]

I have looked into the one from Western Union. It just seems a little expensive to set up and add money to it.

[alley00p]

I know that HayGal issues a MasterCard for one time use, but I'm not sure if someone could use MC to buy cigars online. Especially since haygal is so down on tobacco products.

I have used them occassionally to make other purchases online with no problem. If anyone has ever tried it and it works, that might be the way to go...




:dance:

[Don Fernando]

I know that HayGal issues a MasterCard for one time use, but I'm not sure if someone could use MC to buy cigars online.


all my online orders are paid with my MasterCard.

[icehog3]

I know that HayGal issues a MasterCard for one time use, but I'm not sure if someone could use MC to buy cigars online. Especially since haygal is so down on tobacco products.

I have used them occassionally to make other purchases online with no problem. If anyone has ever tried it and it works, that might be the way to go...




:dance:

Mastercard for cigars, yes.

A Mastercard issued by Payp*l for cigars? Sounds like a quick way to get your Payp*l account suspended. :2

[BigAl_SC]

Check and see if you have a 'Simon" mall around. They issue a Visa in any amount for $1. Best price around.

[Col. Kurtz]

Are there any issues with purchases not on US soil?

Though about loading one up, but not sure it would go through for int'l purposes.

[NCRadioMan]

The local Wal Mart has pre-paid Visa's available. If I am not mistaken they are only $1 as well.

[markem]

Mastercard for cigars, yes.

A Mastercard issued by Payp*l for cigars? Sounds like a quick way to get your Payp*l account suspended. :2

Read the fine print. As I recall, if someone offers a mastercard (or visa) but denies purchases for a vendor that is MC approved, well, they get their MC pulled by MC itself.

[ChasDen]

I have a MC issued by hey gal (actually a debit card but for all practical purposes its a MC) and I use it all the time to purchase cigars from all the major online vendors. One of them is cigar international and I'm pretty sure it shows up right on my hey gal account balance page as "cigars international". Its a great way to spend my hey gal money without having to ask for a check.

Chas

[Silound]

I'm fairly certain heygal cannot ban your account for using your MC issued by them at a legally licensed tobacco dealer, since they function just like any other commercial business does.

The ban on use of heygal to pay for tobacco products most likely originates from the inability to prevent sale to minors, ensure taxes are properly paid, and because eCrap doesn't allow the sale of tobacco and heygal is owned by eCrap.

[awsmith4]

Green Dot prepaid cards are available at many drugstores and grocery stores, I have used mine for every different transaction possible with no issues what so ever.

https://www.greendotonline.com/Contents/Login.aspx

[sodomanaz]

poopal issues these too if you dont want to actually leave your house.

[shadow king]

I recently applied for a Vision MC. It has a $1000 cap load. I thought it was going to be a great deal until I received the cardholder agreement booklet.

They hit you with so many nickel and dime charges that it's almost comical. Even when you cancel your card its $14.95. I haven't used it yet, not sure I will now. If Wal-Mart has prepaid cards there, I just might head over there and check them out.

[newcigarz]

Certain Credit Card companies like Citi. allow you to set up "virtual" account #'s that are directly linked to your main account. you pick the amount (up to your available limit) and expiration (2 - 12 months) and it assigns a "virtual" #.
It is just like your normal Credit card, it has a 16 digit card #, an expiration date, and a cvc #.
Once the "virtual" is used a few things happen. It deducts the purchase amount from the available credit on the "virtual" card as well as the main card.
The card is only good for one vendor so once the initial purchase is made that "virtual" # can not be used for any other vendor. Also if the amount is close or equal to the available amount on the "virtual" card it can not be authorized for more. In some cases it you want to designate the "virtual" # for a vendor that you use all the time, you can go back and increase the amount and expiration date.
So if someone were to get ahold of your "virtual" account # they will not be able to authorize any charges.
Hope this helps.

[14holestogie]

Certain Credit Card companies like Citi. allow you to set up "virtual" account #'s that are directly linked to your main account. you pick the amount (up to your available limit) and expiration (2 - 12 months) and it assigns a "virtual" #.
It is just like your normal Credit card, it has a 16 digit card #, an expiration date, and a cvc #.
Once the "virtual" is used a few things happen. It deducts the purchase amount from the available credit on the "virtual" card as well as the main card.
The card is only good for one vendor so once the initial purchase is made that "virtual" # can not be used for any other vendor. Also if the amount is close or equal to the available amount on the "virtual" card it can not be authorized for more. In some cases it you want to designate the "virtual" # for a vendor that you use all the time, you can go back and increase the amount and expiration date.
So if someone were to get ahold of your "virtual" account # they will not be able to authorize any charges.
Hope this helps.



I've used the Bank of America version of this. No charge and secure. :tu

[newcigarz]

I've used the Bank of America version of this. No charge and secure. :tu

Good point. they don't charge extra for this service.

[rack04]

Certain Credit Card companies like Citi. allow you to set up "virtual" account #'s that are directly linked to your main account. you pick the amount (up to your available limit) and expiration (2 - 12 months) and it assigns a "virtual" #.
It is just like your normal Credit card, it has a 16 digit card #, an expiration date, and a cvc #.
Once the "virtual" is used a few things happen. It deducts the purchase amount from the available credit on the "virtual" card as well as the main card.
The card is only good for one vendor so once the initial purchase is made that "virtual" # can not be used for any other vendor. Also if the amount is close or equal to the available amount on the "virtual" card it can not be authorized for more. In some cases it you want to designate the "virtual" # for a vendor that you use all the time, you can go back and increase the amount and expiration date.
So if someone were to get ahold of your "virtual" account # they will not be able to authorize any charges.
Hope this helps.

My Discover card has this service. However, many online retailers that I use don't accept Discover. :(

[CueTheMusic]

Certain Credit Card companies like Citi. allow you to set up "virtual" account #'s that are directly linked to your main account. you pick the amount (up to your available limit) and expiration (2 - 12 months) and it assigns a "virtual" #.
It is just like your normal Credit card, it has a 16 digit card #, an expiration date, and a cvc #.
Once the "virtual" is used a few things happen. It deducts the purchase amount from the available credit on the "virtual" card as well as the main card.
The card is only good for one vendor so once the initial purchase is made that "virtual" # can not be used for any other vendor. Also if the amount is close or equal to the available amount on the "virtual" card it can not be authorized for more. In some cases it you want to designate the "virtual" # for a vendor that you use all the time, you can go back and increase the amount and expiration date.
So if someone were to get ahold of your "virtual" account # they will not be able to authorize any charges.
Hope this helps.

I use this, it works great and costs nothing.

[romwarrior]

Does Wells Fargo offer something like this? My only Visas/MC's are through them.

[cbsmokin]

There needs to be some clarity here about all of this.

A prepaid credit card is really just a debit card for people with bad credit. You send a bank money and they give you a percentage revolving line of credit based on the amount you have deposited.

A visa gift card you buy locally or on-line in denominations of your choosing. Some can be refilled, some can not. Many expire or charge a monthly fee if you don't use them. A transaction over your balance will be declined.

A virtual credit card is a secondary number issued for a traditional credit card (one time, one vendor, or specified time period) that prevents thieves from using your actual credit card information in the future.

Different banks have different fee schedules and some are not valid for transactions in foreign currency.

I would like to use visa gift cards but I am concerned about transaction fees or conversion fees if used for an international transaction. Can some one please tell me what their experience has been with this?

[zmancbr]

Like was posted above the Citi Virtual CC feature Rocks! I can set a limit, say exactly what I know an order might be and then it clears instantly... you can close the card out after that, or let it expire in 2 months.

I know that Chase offers Visa gift cards for customers, and the limit is up to $500 I believe. Not sure how well they will work to purchase items online, but I might look into it here soon for the holiday season and for my own paranoid self lol...if I remember right, they are free to Chase customers...

[awsmith4]

There needs to be some clarity here about all of this.

A prepaid credit card is really just a debit card for people with bad credit. You send a bank money and they give you a percentage revolving line of credit based on the amount you have deposited.

A visa gift card you buy locally or on-line in denominations of your choosing. Some can be refilled, some can not. Many expire or charge a monthly fee if you don't use them. A transaction over your balance will be declined.

A virtual credit card is a secondary number issued for a traditional credit card (one time, one vendor, or specified time period) that prevents thieves from using your actual credit card information in the future.

Different banks have different fee schedules and some are not valid for transactions in foreign currency.

I would like to use visa gift cards but I am concerned about transaction fees or conversion fees if used for an international transaction. Can some one please tell me what their experience has been with this?

Actually Craig a prepaid is similar to a gift card but can be refilled, the description you have listed is a Secured Credit Card meaning the debt is secured by the initial deposit. I have yet to get any international fees when ordering with my prepaid card

[ahc4353]

OK here is my question.

Can this be done with any credit card or do you have to have a Citi card to make it work?

What I want to do is assign my bank visa card to pay this "temp" card to pay for my smokes.

What I don't want is fee's or monthly charges etc. etc.

I like the haypal option I guess if they can't close my account when they see it's a cigar purchase.

[md4958]

Can somebody please provide the link for citi Virtual cards? I was just on the site and I cant find anything about a virtual card.

[CueTheMusic]

Can somebody please provide the link for citi Virtual cards? I was just on the site and I cant find anything about a virtual card.

If you log into your account online at citicard.com then go to the "Tools and Services" tab, you can drop down to "Request a Virtual Account Number". :tu

Also, this will explain it:
https://www.citicards.com/cards/wv/detail.do?screenID=700#Virtualaccountnumber

[zmancbr]

OK here is my question.

Can this be done with any credit card or do you have to have a Citi card to make it work?

What I want to do is assign my bank visa card to pay this "temp" card to pay for my smokes.

What I don't want is fee's or monthly charges etc. etc.

I like the haypal option I guess if they can't close my account when they see it's a cigar purchase.

I would say it depends on your card provider. If they have the option or not. If its a bank, then I doubt they will have something like that. Worst case though, give customer service a call and see what they offer. :tu

[zmancbr]

If you log into your account online at citicard.com then go to the "Tools and Services" tab, you can drop down to "Request a Virtual Account Number". :tu

Also, this will explain it:
https://www.citicards.com/cards/wv/detail.do?screenID=700#Virtualaccountnumber

:tpd:

Then you can DL the software to your computer and run it from there, or log into your account every time and then log into the virtual CC section. :tu

[md4958]

If you log into your account online at citicard.com then go to the "Tools and Services" tab, you can drop down to "Request a Virtual Account Number".
Also, this will explain it:
https://www.citicards.com/cards/wv/detail.do?screenID=700#Virtualaccountnumber

:tpd:

Then you can DL the software to your computer and run it from there, or log into your account every time and then log into the virtual CC section. :tu

Thanks for the info guys, but it doesnt give me that option in the Tools and Services menu. :confused:

maybe its not available with my pitiful card.. you gotta be a Big Balla to have that option :r:r

[CueTheMusic]

From citi's FAQ:
Virtual Account Numbers are available on:
AT&T Universal Savings Platinum Card
AT&T Universal Savings Rewards Card
Citi® Bronze / AAdvantage® MasterCard®
Citi® Bronze / AAdvantage® MasterCard® for College Students
Citi CashReturns® MasterCard
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Citi® Diamond Preferred® Rewards Card
Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® Visa® Card for College Students
Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® MasterCard® for College Students
Citi® Gold / AAdvantage® World MasterCard®
Citi® mtvUTM Platinum Select® Visa® Card for College Students
Citi® Platinum Select® / AAdvantage® World MasterCard®
Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard®
Citi® Platinum Select® Visa® Card for College Students
Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard® for College Students
Citi PremierPass® Card
Citi PremierPass® Card - Elite Level
Citi PremierPass® Expedia.com Card
Citi PremierPass® Expedia.com Card - Elite Level
Citi® Secured MasterCard®

[zmancbr]

Thanks for the info guys, but it doesnt give me that option in the Tools and Services menu. :confused:

maybe its not available with my pitiful card.. you gotta be a Big Balla to have that option :r:r


Maybe give 'em a call and check it out? That is weird that it doesnt have that option for your card... maybe they limit it to different kinds of cards?

Oh and I highly doubt I'm a big balla Moe :r

[ChasDen]

Just curious, why the big desire for the "virtual" cards?

Are you guys afraid of fraud?

Never been too concerned since I only use cards online with low available lines in case they get lifted. I have 2 cap 1 accounts and they raised my credit on the low one a while back. I called them and asked them to lower it back down since its the one I use online.

They obliged and increased the other one by the same amount :rolleyes:

They just don't get it.

Chas

[md4958]

Maybe give 'em a call and check it out? That is weird that it doesnt have that option for your card... maybe they limit it to different kinds of cards?

Oh and I highly doubt I'm a big balla Moe :r

I called and it isnt available with my card because it was originally a transferred card (used to be Macys or some chit, and they switched it over)

Oh, and I KNOW youre a big balla Zach!! :tu

Just curious, why the big desire for the "virtual" cards?

Are you guys afraid of fraud?

Chas

Many of us are ALREADY victims of fraud. The virtual cards can save the hassle of going through it again.

[hotreds]

Chase does not offer these, alas!

[DonnieW]

Stay away from gift/pre-paid cards for online transactions. If the card info is lifted and subsequently used for fraud, it’s a far tougher time getting your money back. Virtual numbers work quite well. My opinion is that traditional bank-issued credit cards are your best bet. Your purchases are insured, you will never be responsible for a fraudulent purchase.

My organization is the largest investigations firm in the world. We ARE the investigators for the big three cards. If you have personal questions about CC fraud or would like straight-forward info on what you're rights are as a cardholder and what your responsibilities are, PM me anytime. For obvious reasons I wouldn't comment about our clients in the open threads.

I repeat - stay the hell away from gift cards (unless ya got money to burn).