Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms, with billions of users worldwide. Given its ubiquity, many people wonder if Facebook supports virtual cards like virtual visa cards or virtual MasterCards that can be used for purchases on Facebook.
What are virtual cards?
Virtual cards, also known as virtual credit cards or disposable credit cards, are temporary credit card numbers that are generated for online purchases. They are linked to your real credit card account but with a different card number and security code. After the purchase is completed, the virtual card details expire and cannot be used again.
Virtual cards provide an extra layer of security when shopping online since your real credit card details are not exposed. Even if the virtual card details are compromised, it prevents any fraudulent activities on your actual credit card.
Virtual cards can be of two types:
- Single-use virtual cards – These cards are meant for one-time use only. The card details become invalid after one successful transaction.
- Multi-use virtual cards – These cards can be used for multiple transactions until the card expires, either after a defined period or spending limit is reached.
Many banks now offer virtual card services, including top players like Citi, Chase, Capital One, and Wells Fargo. Third-party apps like Privacy also allow you to generate virtual cards easily.
Does Facebook allow virtual card payments?
Unfortunately, Facebook does not directly support making payments with virtual credit or debit cards as of now. You can only make purchases on Facebook by adding your actual credit or debit card details.
When adding a payment method on Facebook, it requires entering the actual card number, expiration date, and CVV security code. There is no option to use temporary or virtual card details.
This applies when purchasing ads on Facebook or making payments across Facebook platforms like Instagram and Messenger. You cannot use virtual card numbers generated by third-party apps or your bank.
Facebook likely does not support virtual cards due to the potential for misuse. Virtual card numbers provide anonymity to the cardholder, which can enable fraudulent activities in some cases.
Why Facebook should consider supporting virtual cards
Here are some key reasons why Facebook should reconsider its stance on virtual card payments:
- Enhanced security – Virtual cards protect users’ financial information from potential data breaches related to Facebook ads or commerce tools.
- Convenience – Users will not need to fetch their actual card every time they want to place a Facebook ad. Virtual cards are available instantly on apps.
- Control over spending – Virtual cards with spending limits allow users better control over how much they spend on Facebook ads and services.
- Budgeting – Virtual single-use cards are great for one-off purchases on Facebook without impacting the actual card usage limits.
By supporting virtual cards, Facebook can provide flexibility and security for payments made across its family of apps. The company may need to institute certain safeguards to prevent misuse of virtual card numbers.
Are there any workarounds to use virtual cards on Facebook?
As Facebook does not directly allow virtual card usage, there are limited options available to use them for Facebook payments:
Using a virtual card to fund a PayPal account
You can add your virtual card details to digital wallets like PayPal and then use that PayPal account to make Facebook payments. Here are the steps to do this:
- Generate a virtual card number through your bank or third-party apps like Privacy.
- Add that virtual card as a payment method within your PayPal wallet.
- Top up your PayPal balance using the virtual card.
- Use the available PayPal balance to make purchases on Facebook platforms.
When you check out on Facebook, choose PayPal as the payment option, and the amount will be deducted automatically from your PayPal balance funded by the virtual card.
Using virtual card with Apple Pay / Google Pay
Another option is to add your virtual card to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. You can then use those digital wallets to make payments on Facebook.
For example, to use a virtual card on Facebook with Apple Pay:
- Generate a virtual card number.
- Add this card to Apple Pay on your iPhone.
- When making a Facebook purchase, choose Apple Pay as the payment method.
- Confirm using Touch ID or Face ID on your iPhone.
This approach also keeps your actual card details protected. The transaction happens via the virtual card number stored in the digital wallet.
Payment methods supported by Facebook
While virtual cards are not supported directly, you can use the following payment methods on Facebook currently:
- Credit and debit cards – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- PayPal
- Facebook Pay – Add a payment method to Facebook Pay to enable payments across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.
- Debit card (India only) – For Facebook Lite users in India.
- UPI Payments (India only) – Unified Payments Interface (UPI) linked to bank account.
- Netbanking (India only)
- Mobile Payments – Carrier billing, phone number confirmation for purchases (available in some countries and select merchants)
- Gift cards – Redeem code from physical or digital gift cards to add funds to your Facebook account.
So while you cannot directly use virtual cards, you can use digital payment tools like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay funded by your virtual card details.
Should you use actual or virtual cards on Facebook?
When making payments on Facebook platforms, using your actual credit or debit card details directly may seem more convenient. But virtual cards have some clear advantages that you should consider:
| Actual Cards | Virtual Cards |
|---|---|
| – Real card details exposed in each transaction | – Virtual number provides anonymity |
| – Risk of card details being hacked | – Temporary number limits fraud risk |
| – Transactions visible on card statement | – Keeps Facebook purchase history separate |
| – No control over authorized spending | – Can set spending limits on virtual card |
Virtual cards are great for making one-off transactions on Facebook or if you have concerns around security. For recurring subscriptions or Facebook ad spends, you may want the convenience of using your real payment card.
Tips for using virtual cards safely on Facebook
If you decide to use virtual cards for Facebook payments, here are some tips to stay secure:
- Use a reputable virtual card issuer connected to your bank account
- Don’t share virtual card CVV/security codes publicly
- Create a unique virtual card number for Facebook payments
- Set a low spending limit on the virtual card
- Don’t reuse virtual card numbers
- Don’t use public/shared devices to access the virtual card
The future of payments on Facebook
Facebook will likely continue enhancing its payments infrastructure across its apps. Some developments that can be expected related to payments include:
- Support for cryptocurrency payments
- New cross-border payment capabilities
- Tie-ups with digital wallets and payment processors
- Native payments within Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram
Facebook is also building its own blockchain-based digital currency platform called Diem (formerly Libra project). If regulatory approvals come through, Diem integration could allow on-platform payments using Diem stablecoins.
Facebook needs to maintain high security standards for all payment methods to prevent the platform from being used for fraudulent activities. But more payment flexibility will benefit both consumers and businesses that advertise on Facebook.
With privacy and data security becoming bigger concerns, supporting virtual cards could be the next step for Facebook payments. It provides a convenient workaround for now, but native options to use virtual cards may arrive eventually.
Conclusion
Virtual credit and debit cards provide enhanced security, control, and privacy for online purchases. However, Facebook does not currently allow making payments directly using virtual card numbers.
You can use a virtual card indirectly by funding payment tools like PayPal or digital wallets that are supported by Facebook. This allows you to get some of the benefits of virtual cards while making purchases across Facebook’s apps.
As user demand grows and digital payments evolve, Facebook may eventually enable native support for virtual cards on its platform.