15 Comments

PayPal starts Virtual Debit Card (Beta)

December 23, 2006 by in Privacy,Random with 15 Comments

Paypal Virtual Card

PayPal has begun offering beta access for a new Virtual Debit Card service for PayPal customers. The service aims to provide online shoppers with a unique virtual credit or debit card number for shopping online. Oddly enough, the service requires that customers download a Windows application to install which creates a virtual card number each time you shop. Where was this service before the holiday season (missed opportunities)?

The service works something like this:

  • Download and install the PayPal Virtual Card number generator (application)
  • Shop as you normally would online – add items to your shopping cart and checkout
  • At the checkout form which prompts customers for their credit card number, PayPal’s virtual card service prompts you with a window to sign in
  • Once signed in, PayPal generates a virtual card number and prefills the checkout form accordingly (including shipping & billing info)
  • You get a new number every time you shop
  • Additionally anti-phishing security measures protect your online transactions

Ready to integrate PayPal a little more into the financial aspect of your life? Look for the virtual card beta invite link after signing into PayPal.

I could have sworn PayPal – at one time or another – used to offer a free virtual card number which debited your PayPal account balaance.


  • TMTracy

    You’re right, they did…and I’m sure they still do. Though it was very hard to find and wouldn’t give you a cvv2 code if I remember correctly

  • http://www.pjllobell.com PVL

    “I could have sworn PayPal – at one time or another – used to offer a free virtual card number which debited your PayPal account balaance.”

    I think they did but it was only good at participating online shops. Don’t quote me tho…

  • http://is.derekpunsalan.com Derek

    Thanks for the clarification guys. Supports that fact that I did see something about a virtual card with PayPal before. It looks like this version offers full card number plus verification support.

    TM, where’s my Jawbone headset ;)

  • user1

    they’ve had this service for a while for CITI card members. it’s called CITI Virtual Account Numbers.

  • alang

    is this for US account holder only?

  • Justin

    I don’t see it on their website…can you give a direct link?

  • http://is.derekpunsalan.com/ Derek

    It is a beta so the feature may not be available to everyone. If you’re signed in, try this: Virtual Debit Card (taken from my account sidebar).

  • http://www.profilegoodies.com/ Don Wilson

    A little retarded that you have to have an application on your computer to do it (and windows only…). Why not do it all through the PayPal website?

  • jak

    please help for create virtual card for payapl account (mexico)

  • morag

    USA only i think ;p
    cant get it in canada

  • Dr. Tchocky

    Do not install this software. My laptop was totally jacked after I installed this software. After you install the software, you are prompted to allow “blocked content” when you log onto the PayPal website. I could no longer run any of my other programs after I installed the software. I tried removing the program but was unsuccessful. Why does everything eBay touch turn into shit?

  • http://www.warez4u.blog.com ali

    hi

  • David

    How do you get a virtual debit card.

  • donato deserio

    How do I redownload the virtual debit card app. ?

  • James Cross

    Can you give an idea where to get a Pay Pal Virtual Debit Card of some sort.

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