Security

Why are virtual cards safer than real ones?

• The default limit of a virtual card is TL 0.01 (one new kurush). This limit cannot be increased unless you actually make the change yourself. Before you make an online purchase therefore you must transfer an amount from the main card to the virtual card account. After the purchase has been paid for, you can move anything that's left back to the main card. This method provides you with complete security because even if someone else gains access to the virtual card's information, that information is useless to them.
• Virtual cards can't be used except to pay for "virtual" (internet and telephone) purchases, which further ensures the confidentiality and security of your credit card information.
• Virtual card limit changes can be made from the Garanti Online Branch whenever you wish.
• You can find out the main card information (number, expiry date, and CVV2 security code) that you need to use your virtual card from the Garanti Online Branch or from Alo Garanti on 444 0 333.
• You can find out your Garanti virtual card's credit card verification code (CVV2) from the Garanti Online Branch from the "My credit cards" menu: My virtual cards / Card information.

Things to be careful about when using your Garanti virtual card.

• Before making a purchase, go to the Garanti Online Branch and increase your virtual card's limit to the amount that you'll need. After the payment has been approved, return to the Garanti Online Branch and change the limit back to TL 0.01. Purchases that you make from websites outside Turkey can be made in Turkish liras or US dollars. When making such purchases, it's a good idea to specify a limit of about 10% more than the designated price in TL in order to cover possible movements in currency exchange rates.
• You can cancel a Bonus Virtual MasterCard at any time by calling Alo Bonus on 444 0 334. To cancel a Garanti Virtual Card, a Virtual Credit Card, or a Shop&Miles Virtual Visa Card you should call Alo Garanti on 444 0 333.
• So long as you have a valid Garanti credit card, you can apply for a new virtual card at any time from the Garanti Online Branch.
• Virtual cards don't physically exist. For this reason, a "real" (plastic) Garanti virtual card can't be issued.
• When you pay for a purchase that you make from an online vendor, the virtual card's limit is blocked by the amount of the payment almost immediately. In some cases, the blocked amount may not be released when a purchase is cancelled. This is usually due to delays on the part of the counterparty bank in processing cancellation orders. If your limit remains blocked for some time after a purchase has been cancelled, you should call Alo Bonus on 444 0 334 and explain the situation. The block will be released after the matter has been looked into and the counterparty bank has given its authorization.
• Since 1 October 2001, online vendors are supposed to require credit card verification (CVV2) codes along with credit card numbers and expiry dates and this information is supposed to be checked with the bank issuing the card. However some vendors are still not requiring CVV2 codes. For your own security, GarantiBank advises against making any purchases without this code.
• For security reasons you should never use your Garanti virtual card for "trial" purchases etc.