Virtual Citibank Credit Cards for Online Shoppers
A Credit Article Contributed by Kris Griebe
What is a Citibank Virtual Credit Card?
Citibank now offers a credit card that is virtual. It is called an "eCard" and is only allowed for use through online transactions. That is to say, you can only use this card on the internet. It is not even a credit card, in the traditional sense. You will not receive a little plastic card that you swipe in stores, instead, you receive a card number, plus an expiration date. You can enter these in at an online retailer just like you can a regular credit card.
The Citibank eCard comes with the MasterCard logo, meaning you can use it at any online retailer that accepts regular MasterCard credit cards. This gives you the flexibility to use your eCard at millions of online merchants worldwide, without having to worry about all the drawbacks to having a real plastic credit card.
What are Some Drawbacks to the Citibank Virtual Credit Card?
Unlike a real credit card, as mentioned above, this card can only be used for online shopping. That means if you need to go to the supermarket for milk and eggs, you will not be able to use this card (unless you can order ahead of time online! ). This can be a bit of a hassle to some people, if only because it can be handy to be able to use your card in real life as well as on the internet. But, not physically having the card is probably the only real drawback to the Citibank virtual credit card.
What are Some Benefits to the Citibank Virtual Credit Card?
Unlike a real credit card, you do not have to worry about losing it. Say you are out for a stroll one day, and you happen to drop your wallet. Now, you recover it some time later, but find that all your cash and credit cards are missing! Now you are in serious trouble. You have to rush home and contact your credit card company to let them know, otherwise someone could go spending money on your credit card! Nobody wants to pay a bill they didn't create!
With the Citibank eCard, you don't have to worry about this. There is no card to lose or get stolen (though you should keep track of your information for the card! ). The only minor threat to having your number stolen is an identity thief, but, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, it is now nearly impossible for anyone to steal your credit card information online.
Almost all online merchants employ secure websites and encrypted data transferring to ensure that your information is not stolen by someone. This should give you the peace of mind you need to use your eCard without hesitation online.
On top of all the protection the websites offer, Citibank themselves offer you a refund on any fraudulent purchases made with your card. So, if by some fluke someone does steal your card, you are still protected. Nothing they charge will be your responsibility to pay!
