MBNA promoted one-time use credit card numbers and robust online account features in the mid-2000s. Bank of America acquired MBNA in 2006 and later integrated MBNA services into broader online banking. The disposable-number concept has evolved into modern virtual card numbers and tokenization available from many issuers and mobile wallets. Consumers should check their current card issuer for availability of virtual/disposable card options and consolidated account management.
What MBNA offered
MBNA was an early credit-card issuer to promote online security tools for shoppers. In the mid-2000s the company highlighted the ability to create temporary, one-time-use credit card numbers for web purchases. Those temporary numbers protected the real card number from exposure during online transactions and appealed to shoppers who wanted a disposable card number for a single merchant or purchase.In January 2006 Bank of America announced a purchase of MBNA. Since that acquisition, MBNA-branded services have largely been consolidated under the acquiring bank's platforms. 1
Core services that mattered then - and now
The features MBNA promoted remain familiar today: online account access, downloadable and printable statements, consolidated views of multiple accounts, online bill payment, and the ability to request credit-line changes. These capabilities are now standard for most card issuers and are delivered through secure online banking portals and mobile apps.MBNA also supported customer resources and community programs that many issuers maintain today through corporate foundations. The status and structure of the original MBNA Foundation and any successor programs should be checked with the current issuer. 2
How the technology evolved
The one-time card number concept was an early form of what the industry now calls "virtual card numbers" or tokenization. Today, issuers and third-party services offer temporary or merchant-specific card numbers, and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Wallet) provide tokenized payment credentials that keep your real card number hidden.If you liked the idea of disposable numbers, check whether your current card issuer offers virtual card numbers, a tokenized mobile-wallet option, or a browser extension/service that issues single-use or merchant-locked numbers.
Practical steps for consumers
- Use your issuer's secure online portal or mobile app to view transactions, pay bills, and manage alerts.
- If you want disposable numbers, search your issuer's site for "virtual card numbers," "disposable card numbers," or "tokenization."
- For multi-card management, look for account aggregation or enroll multiple cards under one username where supported.
- Contact your issuer directly for current programs, charity initiatives, or to request credit-line changes.
Bottom line
MBNA helped popularize consumer protections for online shopping. The underlying ideas - temporary card identifiers and centralized online account management - are now widespread. If you hold a legacy MBNA product, review your current issuer's website or contact customer service to confirm which features remain available and how to enable them.- Confirm that MBNA explicitly offered one-time-use credit card numbers and documentation of that feature.
- Verify the current status and structure of any MBNA Foundation programs or successor charitable initiatives.
- Confirm how MBNA-branded online services were integrated or rebranded following Bank of America's 2006 acquisition.