The Virtualis card is a free service offered by Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne. This means of payment makes it possible to pay for purchases remotely in complete security. Discover how the CMB Virtualis virtual card works, as well as its advantages. Everything you need to know about the single-use card number.
Summary
Credit Mutuel de Bretagne: presentation
Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne is part of one of the two federations of Crédit Mutuel Arkea with Triskalia Groupama. Created in 1979, Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne covers the whole of Brittany. Moreover, the bank participates in sponsorship and patronage operations to support the development of the region.
In addition, it is a bank that offers the same banking services as a traditional organization (current account, savings, insurance, subscription to a loan, etc.). It also offers online services and tools.
The Virtualis virtual card
The Virtualis virtual card offered by Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne is easy to use and effective. It allows you to pay for your purchases remotely (on the Internet, by correspondence or by telephone) without communicating the number of your real credit card.
The principle is simple. You get a new virtual card number for each of your purchases on the Internet. Different from that of your real credit card, the number issued allows you to settle your transactions. On the other hand, the amount is limited to that of the purchase and the number is also limited in time.
Also be aware that Virtualis is accessible 24 hours a day from any computer or smartphone via the iPhone, Android or iPad applications. And Virtualis can be used on all MasterCard or Visa payment cards issued by Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne.
Focus on security to avoid hacking
Using a CMB Virtualis virtual card to pay for purchases remotely helps prevent hacking. Indeed, on the Internet, some malicious and unreliable sites may ask you for your credit card number to receive your order. However, once the transaction is completed, you do not receive your ordered product. And instead, your bank account is debited with unexplained sums.
The Virtualis virtual card saves you from having to communicate your real credit card number. You are using a one-time use fictitious number. This cannot be used for fraudulent use of your personal information (phishing).
To know : some merchant sites may also ask you for your date of birth to enhance the security of online payments. These online stores have joined the 3D Secure program offered by MasterCard and Visa. You may also be asked for a single-use code received by SMS in addition to your Virtualis card number. In this case, it is important to correctly fill in your personal information on the site.
The prices of the CMB Virtualis virtual card
Note that the Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne card is offered free of charge bank customers who hold a blue card.
The free service is a plus. Indeed, many banking organizations that offer the same secure payment system charge for it.
Benefits
First of all, there is the ease of use of the Virtualis card, which allows you to pay for your purchases in complete security, whether online, by telephone or by correspondence. And only in a few clicks.
Continuously accessible from any Internet medium, the Virtualis card is a free service. You can use the CMB Virtualis card anywhere. It works on most French and foreign merchant sites.
However, you should know that some online payments must be made with the number of your real credit card. This is true for car rental sites, hotel reservations, ticketing, and on the SNCF site (except e-tickets). Indeed, in these cases, you may be asked to present the card used for the transaction.
On the other hand, the main advantage of the Virtualis virtual card is based on security. By using a single-use card number, your real card number will not circulate on the Internet. This helps prevent fraudulent use of your personal information. Thus, your bank account is not at risk of being debited with unexplained sums.
Finally, you continue to guarantee the same insurance and assistance linked to your real payment card.
How to use it ?
Activate service
To activate the service for free, simply make a request to Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne. To achieve this, you have different means:
- on the Internet via the CMB website;
- in a branch, by going to the counter or by contacting your customer adviser;
- by telephone at the following number: 0820 32 08 19 (0.12 cts/minute);
- by email: svirtualis@partnre.com
Note: if you want to have the virtual card as soon as possible, it is advisable to go to an agency. Your connection codes will be communicated to you immediately. On the other hand, by making the request remotely, you will have to wait for the sending of your identifiers (postal delay of 2 to 3 days).
Obtain a one-time number
There are several ways to obtain a Virtualis number. You can first access Virtualis through the button at the top of the CMB site home page. And there are also access buttons present at the bottom of each page. On the other hand, it is possible to obtain a virtual number on the bank’s mobile site (cmb.fr) and on the Android and iPhone applications. If you are logged in, go to the “Means of payment” menu.
Next, you must specify the maximum transaction amount, knowing that the purchase amount may be less than the selected amount. The card does not need an exact amount. Also indicate the period of validity (between 1 and 24 months).
Finally, your account will be debited at each deadline set by the merchant. And this, until reaching the chosen amount.
Note: if the amount or duration is reached, the Virtualis card number is no longer valid.
