Citi Virtual Card Accounts - A next-generation payment tool that increases transaction security and control for organizational expenses

Sep 19, 2026

Citi Virtual Card Accounts (VCA) is a next-generation payment tool that generates unique virtual card numbers with client-set authorization controls and enhanced data, helping organizations protect against unauthorized spending and fraudulent purchases. VCA supports secure card-not-present payments for online, phone, and mail order channels, and can complement or streamline existing commercial card programs. Real-time, transaction-level controls limit uses, payment amounts, validity periods, and vendor scope, while workflow options enable additional preapprovals before card creation. Encrypted email delivery of card details and automated reporting enable faster, customizable reconciliation and audit readiness.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryInvoices

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Benefits at a Glance

Increased security minimizes the risk of fraud and misuse

Manage spending more effectively with enhanced real-time controls

Reconciliation and reporting are easy, fast and completely customizable

Leverage Citi’s global reach

How Citi Virtual Card Accounts Works

Treasury and Trade Solutions Citi ® Virtual Card Accounts A next-generation payment tool that increases transaction security and control for organizational expenses Citi’s award-winning solution generates unique virtual card numbers, each carrying client-set controls and enhanced data based on each organization’s specific purchasing needs. Citi Virtual Card Accounts (VCA) safeguards against unauthorized spending, helps prevent fraudulent purchases and simplifies reconciliation. Citi® Virtual Card Accounts offers the flexibility, robust control and enhanceddata capabilities to address a variety of needs within buying organizations. It can complement and help maximize growth of an existing commercial card program, or be used as a standalone solution to streamline purchasing. VCA’s secure capabilities make it an ideal solution for Card-Not-Present transactions made online, via phone or mail order; it also forms the backbone of CitiePayables, a file-based solution targeting post-invoice payments managed by Accounts Payable. Increased security minimizes the risk of fraud and misuse To safeguard against misuse, the VCA solution generates a unique, plastic-less 16-digit virtual card number for each transaction. Each virtual card is issued with client-specified authorization controls that provide peace of mind for centralized purchasing needs, from everyday supplies to larger strategic purchases. Three interfaces— an easy-to-use website, batch-file process, or real-time, XML-based Application Programming Interface (API)— are available to support a diverse set of opportunities. Manage spending more effectively with enhanced real-time controls Granular, transaction-level controls ensure each virtual card is processed correctly by the relevant supplier. Charges by vendors outside of these pre-set conditions will be declined. Controls can be set by: • Number of Uses: Limit each card to a single use or allow multiple charges • Payment Amount: Set a maximum limit, a range, or lock down payment to an exact amount • Validity Period: Limit card use to a few hours or up to two years • Vendor Controls: Restrict payment to vendors within select Merchant Category Codes (MCC)— or to a single supplier These highly effective controls can be set based on standard criteria, or dynamically adjusted as needed. Additionally, organizations can opt to leverage the platform’s workflow capabilities to route select transactions for additional preapprovals before virtual cards are created. Virtual card details and related remittance advice are sent automatically and securely via e-mail to suppliers, helping to streamline vendor management. E-mails are encrypted during transmission using the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol for maximum security and data protection. Collectively, VCA’s flexible, real-time capabilities empower organizations to improve transaction management and reduce risk, while driving greater spend to their existing commercial card programs. Reconciliation and reporting are easy, fast and completely customizable In addition to its secure payment capabilities, VCA provides enhanced card transaction data that enables streamlined program reporting, improved audit capabilities and automated back-end reconciliation processes. Each virtual card can be enriched Benefits at a Glance • Customize transaction controls: Companies can customize and preset authorization parameters as needed for each transaction. • Safeguard against fraud: Virtual card numbers minimize exposure to fraud. • Make reconciliation fast, easy and flexible: up to 29 user-defined fields give companies more choice and flexibility to customize data and simplify the reconciliation process. • Eliminate paper: Replace manual, paper-based payments with a faster, more efficient and traceable electronic payables solution. • A consistent solution available for local-currency payments in 40+ countries and nearly 30 unique currencies. Tre

FAQs

How does Citi Virtual Card Accounts improve transaction security?

VCA generates unique, plastic-less 16-digit virtual card numbers for each transaction and applies client-specified authorization controls. This reduces exposure to fraud and unauthorized spending.

What real-time controls can organizations set for each virtual card?

Controls include number of uses, payment amount limits, validity periods, and vendor restrictions by Merchant Category Codes or a single supplier. Organizations can also route certain transactions for preapprovals before virtual cards are created.

How does VCA support reconciliation and reporting?

VCA provides enhanced transaction data, including up to 29 user-defined fields, to simplify reconciliation and improve audit capabilities. Virtual card details and remittance advice are sent securely by encrypted email to suppliers.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Callum