What are virtual cards?
Virtual cards are payment card numbers issued digitally, without a plastic card, from a company's card or spend platform. Each has its own number, expiry date, limit and rules, so a business can create one card per supplier, subscription, project or single purchase, and freeze or cancel it without affecting any other spending.
Also calledvirtual credit cardssingle-use cardsVCNs
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- Issued
- Instantly, in software
- Typical use
- Subscriptions and one-off purchases
- Category
- Expense and spend management
How businesses use virtual cards
The most common use is subscriptions: a separate card for each software tool, with a monthly limit just above the expected charge, so price rises and forgotten renewals show up and a cancelled tool cannot keep charging. Single-use cards are created for one purchase and expire after it, which limits the damage if a number leaks. Teams get cards for a budget or project, with the spend coded automatically to the right cost centre. In accounts payable, virtual cards are also used to pay suppliers who accept cards: the payer gains time before the card bill is due and may earn cashback, while the supplier pays the card acceptance fee, so not every supplier will take them. Because every card is tied to one purpose, matching transactions to receipts and accounts is simpler. Ramp, Brex, Payhawk, Pleo, Moss and BILL issue virtual cards from their platforms.
Common questions
Are virtual cards safer than physical cards?+
Generally, because each number is limited to one purpose or merchant, has its own limit and can be frozen or cancelled without affecting other cards. A leaked number can only be used within those limits.
Can suppliers be paid by virtual card?+
Those who accept card payments can. The payer may gain extra days before paying and earn cashback; the supplier pays the card acceptance fee, which is why some suppliers prefer bank transfer.
What is a single-use virtual card?+
A card number valid for one transaction, sometimes for an exact amount, which then expires. It suits one-off purchases from new suppliers.
Virtual card providers
RampCorporate cards, expenses and bill pay with savings insights.Profile →
BrexCorporate cards, expenses and treasury for growth companies.Profile →
PayhawkCards, expenses and multi-currency accounts for global teams.Profile →
PleoCompany cards with automatic receipt capture and budgets.Profile →
MossCorporate cards, invoices and budget controls for Europe.Profile →
BILLAP and AR automation with approvals, payments and accounting sync.Profile →Part of Accountio’s accounting technology coverage · Glossary
