Citi
BofA
Fia (MBNA)
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Note that with BofA, a number, once used, only good at the same merchant, even within expiration date. You can set up a VAN to last 12 month and schedule repeated payments though

Economist said:Citi
BofA
Fia (MBNA)
Discover

Note that with BofA, a number, once used, only good at the same merchant, even within expiration date. You can set up a VAN to last 12 month and schedule repeated payments though

What FIA card can you do this on? I have the ML+ visa and I don't see the option anywhere.

Does anyone know if the same Citi VAN can be used for different purchases with PP or GCO? They both add the name of the merchant in the transaction description (like "PAYPAL *username" or "GOOGLE *merchant google.com"). Since Citi VANs are limited for use at only one merchant, I'm curious if it works for multiple different purchases.

dorkiedoode said:Office Depot won't refund me because i used a virtual account number....

How would they even know its a VAN?

scripta said:akhan7 said:dorkiedoode said:Office Depot won't refund me because i used a virtual account number....How would they even know its a VAN?Probably because it expired.

You need to provide another card. Or generate VANs that don't expire so soon.

I don't know about other banks, but I've had refunds post to closed VANs with BoA. I believe they still have a record of what account the number was linked to after it's closed.

akhan7 said:BofA

Except BofA in WA and Idaho

scripta said:Does anyone know if the same Citi VAN can be used for different purchases with PP or GCO? They both add the name of the merchant in the transaction description (like "PAYPAL *username" or "GOOGLE *merchant google.com"). Since Citi VANs are limited for use at only one merchant, I'm curious if it works for multiple different purchases.In my experience, it can only be used for multiple purchases with the same Paypal merchant (due to what you described). Unless a different Paypal merchant uses the same CC tag, in which case it may work.

akhan7 said:What's the deal with that anyway? I always see the "*Except WA and ID" disclaimer on most pages on the BoA website. They even have a separate number for you guys to call for customer support. Is there some banking regulation that requires this? I've always wondered...

I believe that WA and ID branches were acquired from some other bank that they took over. They haven't been able or willing to integrate those bank branches into their computer network.

Although VAN's can appear to be useful, I've had more headaches with them then they're worth. I just use my AMEX Plat for everything I can and deal with them directly if I ever have a problem. Chargebacks are so easy with AMEX, especially with Internet merchant's because they don't have a leg to stand on. Most Internet merchants don't even get the opportunity to dispute a chargeback with AMEX thanks to their strict merchant policies. I know this because I am one of them. haha. It can suck at times on the receiving end of it.