American Express Virtual Cards are simply non-physical, virtual versions of your credit card(S) that you can use to make purchases online. To get an American Express Virtual Card, you will need to log into your account where you can then request one. This virtual card only works online and does not function as a normal credit or debit on file.

The easiest way to get an American Express Virtual Card is by going straight to the source, logging into your account.

If you do not have an American express account, please visit americanexpress.com and sign up for a new account in order to access the online subscription form in which you can request a virtual card. You will need to have a valid American Express credit or debit card number in order to complete registration.

In order to use your virtual card, simply visit the merchant’s website and enter your Virtual Card number as detailed in our instructions below:

  • Click on “Shop for Goods/Services” (or similar)
  • When asked if you want to pay with your Virtual Card, click “Yes”
  • When prompted to enter the credit card number, use the 16 digit American Express Virtual Card number
  • Type in your security code (card verification value) which is 3 digits found on the front of your Amex card.

The virtual card will allow you to continue through the checkout process as you would when using a normal credit or debit card. The security code must be entered in order to complete the transaction.

You can use this virtual card number for one-time purchases only at participating merchants within the US, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, who accept American Express online transactions. Please refer to your merchant’s terms for payment for any restrictions or limitations.

American Express Virtual Cards are issued by American Express Prepaid Card Management Corporation (“AEPCMC”), a Virginia corporation, which is authorized to issue virtual prepaid cards by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), an agency within the Department of Treasury, under license No. 1637. AEPCMC may have patents, patent applications, trademarks and other intellectual property rights covering the American Express Virtual Cards. You may not use any such patents, patent applications, trademarks or other intellectual property right of AEPCMC without the prior express written consent of AEPCMC.

American Express Virtual Card acts as your cardholder agreement with American Express Prepaid Card Management Corporation (“AEPCMC”), a Virginia corporation, and American Express Payment Services of Canada (“AEPCC”).