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What is Tokenization?

Credit Card Glossary · Updated April 2026

A security technology that replaces your actual card number with a unique digital token for each transaction. If the token is stolen, it's useless to fraudsters because it can't be used for other transactions. Used by digital wallets and online payment systems.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tokenization?

A security technology that replaces your actual card number with a unique digital token for each transaction.

What does Tokenization mean on a credit card?

A security technology that replaces your actual card number with a unique digital token for each transaction. If the token is stolen, it's useless to fraudsters because it can't be used for other transactions. Used by digital wallets and online payment systems.

What terms are related to Tokenization?

Closely related concepts include Digital Wallet (Mobile Wallet). Each of these helps clarify different aspects of the same topic.

Where does Tokenization apply?

Tokenization is a security concept. It typically appears in the context of fraud prevention and account safety.

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