What is card tokenisation? How your card number is kept safe
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
Tokenisation swaps a real card number for a stand-in number, called a token, that's only useful in one place. If the token is stolen, it can't be used like the real card, which is why phone wallets and saved-card checkouts use it.
How it works
- A card is added to a phone wallet or saved with a shop.
- The card network or a provider creates a token linked to the real card.
- Payments use the token; only the network and the issuer can link it back to the card.
- If the card is replaced, the token can often be updated so payments keep working.
Where you meet it
Every time you pay with a phone or watch, you're using a token. Many online shops and subscription services also store a token rather than your card number, so a data breach at the shop doesn't expose the card.
Why it matters for businesses
Tokens reduce the card data a business has to protect, can lower fraud, and help recurring payments keep working when cards expire.
Where SendPay fits
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This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.