Instant Card: the temporary payment card

The temporary payment card is a digitalized service that operates through specific software. This payment method differs from a classic credit card, Visa, or Mastercard, and is primarily used to combat online banking fraud.

To obtain a temporary payment card, the customer logs into their customer environment or mobile app to generate it. They then enter the information on the merchant's website to complete their order.

In addition to one-time virtual bank cards, banks have developed other services and features to protect your banking information from hacking:

1. The electronic wallet PayLib, a service offered by many banks;
   
   
2. The 3D Secure system and the implementation of double protection with the receipt of a code via SMS to verify your payments on the internet. This option is free with most banks;
   
   
3. The payment card with a dynamic cryptogram whose CVV on the back automatically changes every hour.

1. Go to the Cards section;
2. Click on the Create Card button at the top right;
3. Select Temporary Card;
4. Indicate the total amount and validity period;
5. Enter the confirmation code you receive via SMS.

Once the creation process is complete, your temporary debit card is activated.

When you want to make an online purchase with your company's traditional debit card, you need to enter the following:

1. Your 16-digit card number;
2. The expiration date;
3. The verification code located on the back (the CVV).

A virtual bank card, Mastercard, or Visa, works in exactly the same way. You go to your account to generate your bank card and follow the usual procedure to complete your transaction on the internet.

Therefore, using a virtual payment card for your online expenses changes nothing for the seller. However, as a customer, you benefit from increased security of online transactions and protect your banking information from hackers.

However, using a temporary payment card is not recommended in some cases:

1. Recurring expenses such as a subscription. A one-time payment card is a payment method that does not allow automatic recurring debits. After completing a payment with your virtual payment card, the number is no longer valid and cannot be used again;
2. Paying with a virtual payment card to collect an order. Note that, for example, NS recommends using a physical payment card instead of the temporary payment card to collect your train tickets at a machine or receive a refund. However, nothing prevents you from using a temporary card for this type of expense on the internet.

The 3D Secure system

The 3D Secure system has been implemented by a majority of websites to secure their customers' transactions. During an online transaction, you receive a unique authentication code via SMS on the phone number you provided to your bank to confirm that you are indeed making the transaction. You thus benefit from double protection.

Note that the 3D Secure system is not activated by your bank, but by the online merchant. It is the merchant who integrates it into their payment system to enhance the protection of their customers' banking information and the protection of their own bank account.

The electronic wallet

Another alternative to the virtual card to enhance the security of your online purchases: the electronic wallet. It works in the same way as a classic wallet:

You transfer money from your business bank account to your electronic wallet;

You make your payments on the internet with your electronic wallet.

In this way, you never provide your card number or banking information to the website and reduce the risk of hacking your business bank account.

The credit card with dynamic cryptogram

The card with a dynamic cryptogram is equipped with a mini-screen instead of the 3 digits on the back of bank cards (the CVV). The displayed cryptogram changes every 45 minutes. This makes hacking your banking information completely impossible.

This is available for Visa and Mastercard bank cards, and many banks offer this option to their customers. However, this option comes at a cost. A debit card with a dynamic cryptogram costs an average of 50 euros per year.

The contactless bank card with biometric authentication

The contactless debit card with biometric authentication is the latest innovation in the classic physical bank card. It is called biometric because it is equipped with a built-in fingerprint reader.

You do not need to remember your secret code to pay for your purchases. You place your finger on the fingerprint reader and hold your bank card near the payment terminal.

The biometric bank card thus allows you to:

1. Save time
2. Secure your payments