Myth or reality: Is it safer to use a virtual card when shopping online?

As consumers increasingly invest in online shopping, this method has become a constant target of scams and scams, and even greater care is required to avoid becoming the next victim. In this sense, a very common question may arise: Is it better to use a virtual card to buy online?

Generally speaking, the answer is yes Digital version of credit (or debit) card offers greater security for online purchases. However, even if one opts for the technology, the user still needs to be careful to avoid data theft.

Extra caution should be exercised on Black Friday and other times when sales volume is high, such as Christmas and Mother’s Day. TecMundo explains the differences between these two card types below.

What are the differences between physical and virtual cards?

Starting from the traditional version, physical card is the plastic model issued by banks and financial institutions. However, you can make purchases and payments at the machine and also shop online using a password or approximation to confirm the transaction.

The model offers good practicality by allowing money withdrawals and other transactions from ATMs. Despite, physical version can be copied onto tampered equipment There is a possibility of problems if the card is lost or stolen.

Already virtual card is a digital version of the physical modelwith some changes. This loan, which is issued by the same contracted institution and has a different numerical sequence, expiration date and verification code, is managed by the banking application.

Introduction of credit and bank versions, digital card is normally used for online purchases, but there is nothing preventing it from being used in physical stores. In this case, it must be added to a digital wallet such as Google Pay, Samsung Pay or Apple Pay and the merchant must accept the payment method.

It is safer to use a virtual card when purchasing online

The greater security provided by a virtual card in online shopping is due to various factors. One of them is Possibility to delete data immediately after useIt prevents information from falling into the hands of fraudsters.

In some banks, the virtual version can only be used once, and the data automatically becomes invalid after the transaction. For those who do not offer this option Possibility to block the virtual card after using itjust repost on your next purchase.

In this way, the possibility of copying the physical card, whose data will no longer be entered, can be reduced in online shopping. If the virtual model is fake or there is a problem saving your information, Delete immediately and create a new card.

The model also stands out with its ease of creation by creating a mirror of the physical card in the bank’s application. at no additional cost. It can be produced as needed and used even if there is a problem with the physical card or if it does not reach the customer’s home.

Payments on delivery and transportation apps, music streaming services, movies and TV series, and purchases in online stores are some of the possibilities of using the virtual card. For purchases made from physical stores, the version must be added to the digital wallet as previously stated. Bring your NFC-enabled mobile phone or smart watch closer to the machine.

Purchases made with a virtual card are charged on the same invoice as the physical card.Separating expenses by modality and making it easy to keep track of what is purchased with each one. The limits of both are the same.

Tips for shopping online safely on Black Friday

For Avoid scams during Black Fridayfollow these tips:

• Choose a virtual card instead of a physical card;
• Do not share your bank information or documents with strangers;
• Avoid entering your card information into applications recommended by third parties;
• Beware of suspicious emails and links;
• Do not buy products from links sent in messages;
• Always check the legitimacy of the online store before entering any data and making a purchase;
• Keep your device updated and protected against malware.

Finally, be sure to check out the event’s main offers on TecMundo’s Black Friday hub to find coupons, tips and more!