One Time Credit Cards

Using a credit card online, does seem to be a bit dicey these days. Hackers are getting into company databases and while you do have recourse when you have a credit card, the hassle factor makes things more difficult.

One way to keep your credit card safe is to use one-time credit card numbers. Then if someone does steal or hack that number they won’t be able to charge anything to that account.

Citibank is one of the credit card companies that have this feature and I set up a credit card with them just to get this feature. I use fake answers for the Security Questions. After you get the card, you can go online and receive a one-time credit card number which will be charged to your regular account.

I did this and while it does involve an extra step and a couple extra minutes, it does give you peace of mind that your main credit card is safe.

Here’s the process:

• In your browser, allow pop-ups. In Chrome – Settings – Privacy – Content Settings (or just Search for Pop)
• Go to http://www.citibank.com
• Sign On – email and password
• Services –
• Credit Card Services
• Virtual Account Number
• Launch web based version
• Note – on Chrome, it actually doesn’t popup, but I notice a 2nd version of Chrome is started and I have to open that tab.
• Generate
• This will give you a one time credit card.
• You now need to capture or print this card for later use.
• Main Menu – this allows you to make some more Virtual Credit Cards.
• Now you have the satisfaction of knowing that you can use the credit card safely and it can never be used again.

ALSO – if you have trouble with any purchase and they want to credit your credit card, they can give you credit to that credit number and it will go back to your main account.