VAN is the abbreviation for Virtual Account Number; it is without a doubt the absolute best thing you can use for online purchases of any kind and you’ll understand why in a moment.

What is a VAN? It is a virtual number you generate per your primary account, but only exists in cyberspace. When generated it acts exactly like your primary account works, shows all transactions as from your primary account, but it’s treated as completely separate when used for purchasing items. Think of it the same way you would use an email alias.

Better credit/debit card providers that offer VAN allow you to not only assign virtual numbers but also the limit of how much funds are available per number and its own expiration date.

Those that offer so-so VAN capability allow you to assign a virtual number but you cannot set the fund limit or expiration date. Even so, it’s better than nothing.

The reason VAN is so great is because whenever you suspect the VAN may have been compromised or you feel you’re being overcharged and want the charges to stop right now, you simply login to the card’s web site and delete the VAN. Once gone, it cannot be charged again because it won’t exist any longer at that point.

The only real downside is that there aren’t enough banks offering VAN capability to their customers. It’s my opinion that every bank that issues cards should also offer VAN.

My bank doesn’t offer VAN. Is there another option?

Yes, there’s ShopShield. I’ve never used this service so I can’t even say how well or not well it works. You can try the service for free, and if you like it there you’ll have to pay to use it. The pricing plans for the service are here.

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