How do I activate a virtual card?

Virtual cards are used by OTAs as a way of providing you with payment information for a reservation without the need to provide you with the guest's credit card details. If they have already paid their deposit to the OTA, the card details that the OTA then provides to you on the reservation may be those of a virtual card.

Virtual cards are effectively the same as an ordinary credit card except that they do not exist in physical form. The card will be active for a set period of time depending on the rules set by the OTA. As of Summer 2020, virtual cards for booking.com only become active on the day after check in however historically they have been able to be charged up to 6 months prior to check in. Expedia virtual cards are activated on the day of check in. 

Whether or not an OTA uses a virtual card for your reservations depends entirely on what payment settings you have agreed with them. You may be able to change this setting in your Extranet, otherwise you will need to speak with their Support Team or your Account Manager if you have one.