Why I use virtual cards for online purchases - and you should too

ZDNET Buying stuff online can be a risky proposition. Sure, the big vendors do their best to make you feel safe, but what if you have to give up your credit card digits to a vendor you don't know? As it turns out, there's a type of financial instrument -- called a virtual card -- that can help. A virtual debit card can be turned on and off, spending limits can be set, and create unique card numbers created. Also: 10 common dangers VPNs won't protect you from online - and how to avoid them Not only will a virtual card come in handy when shopping at unfamiliar online merchants, but you can also use it for those free trials that renew automatically -- and can be difficult to cancel. Use a virtual card, allow it to have one charge, and then it shuts down. No unfair renewals. Similarly, you can use it to prevent overcharges on subscriptions. Set a maximum limit, and you won't suddenly find yourself with a huge bill you must dispute. I use a service that enables me to limit how my card ... Read full article.