What is a virtual credit card — and how do you get one?

A virtual credit card is a digital version of a credit card that uses a disposable number that's different from what's on the physical card. This feature adds an extra layer of protection in online and card-not-present transactions by preventing the physical card's information from being exposed by a data breach.

CNBC Select explains how virtual card numbers work, where you can get one and how to use it.

• How a virtual credit card works
• How to get a virtual credit card
• How to use a virtual credit card
• Bottom line

When you get a virtual credit card, your credit card issuer generates a card number along with an expiration date and security code. This information is tied to your card account but doesn't match the information on your physical credit card.

A virtual credit card helps protect you against fraud, since the information generated by the card issuer usually expires after one transaction. And even when that's not the case, you can easily change, lock or delete your virtual credit card anytime you want without it affecting your ability to use your account.

The first step to getting a virtual credit card is figuring out if your card issuer offers this feature. Currently, at least three major issuers do, including American Express, Capital One and Citi.

This gives you plenty of options if you want access to virtual card numbers. For example, if you want simple and consistent cash back, the Citi Double Cash® Card offers just that. The card earns 2% cash back: 1% on all eligible purchases and an extra 1% after you pay your credit card bill. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel^SM portal through 12/31/24.

If you have an eligible Citi card, you can enroll for virtual account numbers online on the issuer's website.

The process looks different for Capital One cardholders who can request a virtual card number through Eno, a Capital One robo-assistant. Eno is a browser extension that allows you to create merchant-specific virtual card numbers you can lock, unlock or remove at any time. If you don't have a Capital One card yet, the issuer has a lot of excellent card products to consider. For instance, CNBC Select recommends the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card for its simple rewards travel rewards system and premium perks. The card offers unlimited 2X miles on all eligible purchases and, at $395 per year in annual fees, is a more affordable luxury card. (See rates and fees.)

As for American Express, you can only enroll your eligible card for a virtual card number by adding it to your Google account. You can do so by using Google Chrome on desktop or an Android smartphone or adding your card to Google Pay on americanexpress.com.

Amex offers some of the most popular credit cards for different types of spenders. And if you don't mind an annual fee, you can expect high rewards rates and desirable perks. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a good example. With 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and 1% cash back on other purchases, the card is a great choice if groceries make up a large chunk of your budget.

Once you enroll for a virtual credit card with your issuer, you can begin using it. Simply input your virtual card information when you're making a purchase online and the transaction will appear in your card account. You'll also be able to see it on your card statement.

While the feature is designed for card-not-present transactions, you can sometimes use it in-store. Specifically, if you can link your virtual card to a digital wallet — such as with American Express — and the store accepts digital wallet payments, it's possible to use a virtual card number when shopping in person.

Note that while virtual cards offer extra safety, they're not always an ideal solution. For instance, let's say you're returning an item you have bought with a one-time virtual card number. If the store only gives you the choice between a refund to the original payment method and store credit, you might have to opt for the latter. Or, if you make a reservation online, you may be asked to verify with the card you used to book — and a virtual card number not matching your actual card information can present a problem.

Virtual credit card numbers can offer an additional layer of protection when you're shopping online or over the phone. Not every credit card issuer provides this feature, but if yours does and you want a little more peace of mind, you may want to sign up.

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

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For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.