I have followed the directions to see the full 16 digit virtual card number but it still only shows the last 4 digits. I need the full number for a merchant dispute. How can I find the full card number?
iPhone 15 Plus, iOS 18
Merchants do not need the full account number for refunds. All they need is the last 4 digits that are provided to you in the Wallet app for verification of the transaction. The full token number sent from your bank is encrypted on your devices Secure Enclave and not viewable and Apple does not know what it is either.
Get a refund for purchases made with credit or debit cards using Apple Pay - Apple Support
Well that's not true. The merchant is NYC MTA/OMNY where you pay for the subway with Apple Pay connected to a credit card. MTA double charged me and MTA cannot find the transaction without the 16 digit credit card number. Obviously I will dispute with the bank, but that is not the ideal situation.
Express transit is activated. I know the last 4 of the virtual card, that appears in my wallet ,but MTA said that wasn’t good enough. I tried to say to customer service that this must be a common issue and she hung up on me.
OK, the reason you’re being charged double is you’re using both Express Transit and Tap-To-Pay. If you use Express Transit your iPhone does not need to be unlocked and just needs to be near the transaction terminal. It does not touch the terminal. You’ll need to decide which method you prefer to use.
Your issuing bank has the key to decrypt the data. The bank does not share the key with Apple. Apple will not be able to provide the account number encrypted by the bank.
The merchant is in violation of the terms and conditions of the Payment Network Operator (Visa, Mastercard, American Express etc.), issuing bank and Apple Pay usage. I’d approach the bank and ask them to work with the PNO to enforce the terms and conditions for refunds that the merchant agreed to. The last 4 digits are all that is required for a refund.
Federal law does not require merchants to have the full credit card number for a refund; only the last 4 digits are required, as stipulated for safety and security under federal banking regulations and industry guidelines. Federal law governs credit card information security and privacy, and regulations like FACTA (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act) strictly protect cardholder data. The truncation requirement is industry-standard and enforced to combat identity theft and fraud. Merchants must ensure refunds go to the correct account, and they must use only the last 4 digits for this purpose.
I am opening a dispute with the bank and will ask about this, but I really doubt I’ll get anywhere with arguing that it’s illegal, I don’t think arguing with MTA is even possible! Also I may have tapped twice by accident, as this was at JFK AirTran and that exit where you tap is confusing and not a normal subway turnstile. It’s a small amount but super annoying that it’s this difficult to get a refund. Appreciate your response.
Did you pay using Apple Pay (Tap-To-Pay) or how exactly?
Just as a point of fact, federal banking laws state only the last 4 digits of a card are required for merchant returns in the US.
Sorry Jeff,
Spent too much time typing and reviewing PNO rules before I saw your post.
Good morning, Jim. No problem!
The title says virtual card and I’m wondering if he knows the difference between virtual card number and Apple Pay tokenized card number.
Yes, tap to pay with the NYC subway / MTA / OMNY system. They look up the transactions based on the 16 digit credit card number and there is no other way for them to find the charge.
No I don't know the difference, I'm not sure what it's called! It's tap to pay with Apple Wallet that is connected to my credit card.
Do you have the last 4 digits that was charged? Did you use the Express Transit feature or did you tap your iPhone on the transaction terminal?
You’re welcome and I hope things work out for you. Just make sure to use Express Transit or Tap-To-Pay, but not both.
Apple Pay Virtual Card Number Not Showing
