Single-Purchase Cards Overview
Single-purchase cards are debit cards designed for a one-time purchase or a single item on marketplaces. They offer a simple, secure, and flexible way to handle specific transactions.
Expiration and Lifespan of Single-Purchase Cards
A single-purchase card does not expire until you view its card details on the Requests page. If you have not accessed the card details yet, it remains valid.
Single-purchase cards expire in the following circumstances:
Immediately after a payment has been initiated (i.e., when a settlement process starts).
4 days after the first authorization from the bank, even if the transaction is not completed.
15 days after the card was generated if it hasn’t been used (this applies if you simply open the card details and do not use it for a transaction within 15 days).
If a single-purchase card is generated on a specific date, it will be valid until the last day of the following month. For example, if you create a card on September 8th, it will expire on October 31st. After this date, the card can no longer be used.
When to Use Recurring Cards
For specific transactions such as car rentals, travel bookings, or hotel reservations, a recurring card may be a better option. Single-purchase cards are typically not suited for these types of ongoing payments.
Cancelling and Handling Failed Transactions
If a transaction authorization is cancelled after being approved, no charge will be made. The funds will be returned to your available balance. Charges are due within 18 days, after which the authorization will be automatically cancelled (in rare cases, up to 32 days).
This is why some payments might appear as "pending" before being cancelled.
Settlement Process
A payment is considered complete once the merchant confirms the transaction, typically 1-4 days after the initial authorization. After confirmation, the transaction will move from Requests to Payments of the Month.
From 'Requests' to 'Payments'
Once a payment has been authorized, the request will disappear from the Requests tab and appear in the Payments section. Virtual cards are often blocked quickly after they are used, which may require generating a new card if a merchant refuses payment. This happens because the card is marked as "used."
Small-Amount Authorizations
When making a purchase, some merchants perform small test transactions (usually 1 or 2 EUR) to verify the card's validity. These tests are followed by the actual purchase amount. In some cases, the total balance may not be sufficient to cover both the test and the purchase, which is why we recommend setting a slightly higher budget to avoid issues.
FAQ
What happens if a single-purchase card expires before I use it?
If a single-purchase card expires before you use it, you can generate a new card. Remember, cards expire after 15 days if not used or immediately after the first authorization or settlement.How can I cancel a payment if the merchant doesn’t complete the transaction?
If an authorization is cancelled by the merchant or you decide to cancel it, the charge will not be processed. Any funds will be returned to your available balance.Can I use a single-purchase card for subscriptions?
Single-purchase cards are designed for one-time transactions. For recurring payments like subscriptions, we recommend using a recurring card instead.How do I know if a payment has been completed or cancelled?
You can track your payments through the Payments of the Month section. Any transactions that are cancelled will also show as pending or cancelled in your account until they are fully processed.