Virtual Credit Card, Anyone?

A couple of months ago, I received a free "virtual credit card" from BDO via mail. Among all my siblings (who are also BDO credit card holders), I was the only one "lucky" enough to be issued a virtual credit card without having to go through any application process. Must be because I was the sole individual in the family with a penchant for buying stuff online. Anyway, has anyone ever heard of it? I've had it for some time now, and I still haven't figured out how to use it.

According to the information packet that came with the virtual card, the card is supposed to be used strictly for internet transactions. Bearing a different card number from that of your regular card, it aims to protect your regular credit line from misuse and data interception.

Upon receiving the virtual card, I wasted no time in trying it out. First stop: cebupacificair.com! Only problem is, the system refused to accept the virtual card. Figuring it must be some sort of glitch, I again attempted to purchase another ticket this time with Philippine Airlines. Surprise, surprise! It STILL didn’t work. Wondering what the problem was, I immediately began to reread the instructions and information packet … only to discover the fine print that screamed RESTRICTIONS:

Virtual cards are NOT accepted for online transactions that require presentation of a physical credit card bearing the same account number as the credit card account used to make the online purchase. Examples are airline booking and hotel reservations. Xxx

In cases where virtual cards are not accepted or presentation o f a physical credit card is required, use your regular BDO credit card instead to make the online purchase.

What kind of crappy rule is that?!? Let me get this straight. Does this mean that I cannot use my virtual credit card for online transactions when the store requires presentation of the physical card? Well gee, that pretty much covers ALL online establishments I know of! I even tried it with cashcashpinoy.com, and it STILL was denied! What good would a virtual credit card do me if it is virtually (no pun intended) useless anyway?

At present, I have yet to find an establishment willing to accept my BDO virtual credit card. Thus, the need to resort to the old-fashioned way of:

1. revealing my regular credit card details but ONLY to trustworthy online establishments, or
2. depositing the payment in some online seller’s bank account and pray to God that he or she remains true to his word to deliver my purchases, or
3. “Eyeball!” Meet in some public, well-lighted area (preferably a mall with an LRT station nearby) and pay upon delivery of the goods.

Among the three modes recommended, the third option is widely preferred because of the security it affords and the opportunity to inspect the goods beforehand. *Sigh* So much for advances in technology.

Diane Cecilia S. Yu, Entry #1