Add an extra layer of protection to your wallet: Porte Virtual Cards. Today we’re breaking down what they are, how they work, their benefits, and the best ways to use yours.
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What are Virtual Cards?
Virtual Cards are unique sets of numbers, expiration dates, and security codes that are tied to your account. Purchases made with your Virtual Card will still hit your account, but since your primary card number isn’t provided to the merchant there’s an extra layer of protection.
For example, if a merchant’s system ever gets hacked, you can cancel the Virtual Card you made the purchase with, making the card information the merchant has on file useless to fraudsters.
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How do Porte Virtual Cards work?
Porte Virtual Cards are only usable online or over the phone. Merchants process virtual cards the same way they process a traditional credit or debit card.
You can use Porte Virtual Cards for multiple transactions. Meaning, you can use your Virtual Card until you close it. Once you close a Porte Virtual Card you have the option to immediately generate a new Virtual Card with a different number. With your account, you can create up to six Porte Virtual Cards at one time.
Porte Virtual Cards also allow you to access your funds immediately. After you set up and fund your account² you don’t have to wait to receive your physical card in the mail. Instead you can create a Virtual Card to use for online bill pay and purchases.
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What are the benefits of Virtual Cards?
- They add an additional level of security to your online purchases and bill pay.
- They reduce the risk of fraud or cloning your debit card.
- You can cancel them through the Porte App.
- When the card is cancelled, it won’t affect other recurring payments tied to your Porte account.
- They’re not a physical card, which means you can’t lose them.
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What are the best ways to use Porte Virtual Cards?
We love how easy it is to track your spending with Virtual Cards. We recommend categorizing your online purchases by which Virtual Card you use. Here’s some ideas to get you started:
- Subscriptions and subscription trials
- Online bill pay (utilities, rent, cell phone, auto insurance)
- Online shopping
- Charitable giving
- Entertainment and travel
Remember, while you can easily manage subscriptions, budget better, and protect your card information with Virtual Cards, no security measure is 100 percent foolproof. If you use Virtual Cards, it’s still important to enable activity notifications about your Porte account, as well as to review your monthly statements and credit score to ensure they’re free of fraudulent activities.
