Single-use virtual cards are a convenient way to manage specific purchases, but there are some important guidelines to keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience. Here’s everything you need to know:
What You Can Do ✅
Cancel a Virtual Card Request
If you’ve decided not to use a single-use virtual card, it’s best to cancel the request. This way, the funds allocated to the card will be released and returned to your company account.
How to cancel a request:
Navigate to the Requests tab in your Spendesk account.
Select the card by clicking on the white box.
Click the Cancel button.
Use Single-Use Virtual Cards on Amazon
For purchases on Amazon, we recommend using a physical card or a recurring virtual card instead of a single-use virtual card.
Pro tips for Amazon purchases:
Ensure the cardholder name matches the name of the Amazon account owner.
Use the billing address associated with your Spendesk card (this is your company’s billing address).
Keep your Spendesk mobile app updated to ensure smooth 3D Secure (3DS) verification.
If a payment fails on Amazon, one of these factors is often the cause.
Hotels and Accommodations Booking
Since single-use virtual cards are only valid for one month, they may not work for trips booked far in advance. Many hotels and service providers require the payment card to remain active at the time of your stay for charges or potential adjustments.
Our recommendation: Use a recurring virtual card for bookings. These cards:
Are valid for 4 years.
Can be charged multiple times.
Can be deleted anytime from your Subscriptions tab.
What You Cannot Do ❌
Edit the Budget of a Single-Use Virtual Card
Once created, the budget of a single-use virtual card cannot be edited or reduced. If the amount is incorrect, you’ll need to:
Delete the existing card.
Create a new card with the correct amount.
After one month, any unused funds on the card will automatically return to your Spendesk account.
Add Funds to an Existing Single-Use Virtual Card
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to add funds to an existing card. If your purchase requires more money than anticipated:
Delete the current card request.
Create a new request with the updated amount.
Pro Tip: Always request slightly more than the estimated amount. Any leftover funds will automatically return to your company’s account.
Extend the Expiry Date
Single-use virtual cards are valid for one month to minimize the risk of misuse and fraud. Extensions are not possible.
Consider Recurring Virtual Cards
If you frequently make purchases on the same platform or vendor, a recurring virtual card may be a better fit. These cards:
Have a monthly budget.
Remain valid for 4 years.
Provide flexibility for ongoing transactions.
By following these tips and best practices, you can make the most of your single-use virtual cards while minimizing potential issues. For more help or questions, feel free to contact our support team!