Set Up a Separate Virtual Card for Online Subscriptions and Purchases

Every time you enter your card number on a website, you are trusting that company to keep it secure forever. Data breaches happen constantly, and a single compromised card connected to dozens of services creates a cascade of problems — unauthorized charges, the hassle of updating payment info everywhere, and potential exposure of your primary account.

A virtual card acts as a buffer between your real money and the internet. If it gets compromised, you close it and open a new one in minutes. It also makes canceling subscriptions effortless — close the card, and recurring charges simply stop. Many banks now offer free virtual cards. Set one up specifically for online spending and keep your main card for in-person transactions only.