A new update to Google Chrome seeks to make shopping online safer using virtual cards.
Announced at the company’s Google IO 2022 event, the move will enhance user privacy by providing the ability to automatically fill in virtual card details when prompted by the browser, including long card number, expiry date and three-digit CVV number.
This should help protect a user’s actual card details from fraud, as well as ensuring that they are not stored in a merchant’s database, where they could be compromised in the event of data breach.
Google Chrome Virtual Cards
Google is working with Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Capital One to launch the new system, which will initially only be available in the United States before rolling out to other markets soon.
The company says the move will add an extra layer of security when paying online using a payment gateway, removing the need to manually enter card details for each purchase, much like how the contactless card payment in a physical store removes the need to enter. a PIN code, or the seller never sees your long card number.
Users can manage their virtual card details at pay.google.com, where they can also turn the feature on or off for eligible cards, as well as view their virtual card number and track recent transactions.
Google says virtual cards will likely be used most often for one-time purchases, but can also be leveraged for repeat use or subscriptions. The company adds that it won’t use any data based on virtual card usage for ad targeting, but that seems unlikely.
The tool will be available through Chrome Autofill on desktop (ChromeOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux) with Android and iOS editions expected to arrive soon.
Depending on your card provider, you will have different options on the type of virtual cards you will see. Google noted that Capital One members will receive an individual virtual card at each location, however Visa and American Express will use one card at all locations, but use a different CVV each time.