Virtual Card Number (Vcn)
What is a Virtual Card Number (VCN) in Business Travel?
A Virtual Card Number (VCN) is a secure, digital payment credential that works like a traditional credit card but exists only in digital form. Each VCN includes a unique card number, expiration date, and CVV, making it safer and more controlled than physical cards. Companies use VCNs to issue one-time-use or reusable payment numbers for specific bookings, vendors, or employees. This reduces fraud risks, simplifies reconciliation, and ensures spending aligns with company policies. In corporate travel, VCNs are widely used for flights, hotels, and car rentals, with platforms like TripGain enabling automated issuance and expense tracking.
Examples Of Virtual Card Number (Vcn) Usage
1.
Hotel Stay Authorization
A Travel Manager Generates A Vcn For An Employee’S Hotel Stay, Ensuring The Payment Is Secure And Restricted To That Booking.
2.
Airline Ticket Control
A Finance Team Issues Vcns For Flight Bookings, Preventing Unauthorized Or Accidental Overspending.
3.
Vendor & Subscription Payments
Companies Assign Vcns For Recurring Software Or Vendor Payments, Simplifying Reconciliation And Policy Enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Card Number (Vcn)
1.
How is a VCN different from a regular credit card?
A VCN is digital-only, often single-use or restricted-use, whereas a regular credit card has a permanent number and physical form.
2.
Can VCNs be used for in-store purchases?
VCNs are mainly for online and phone transactions, though some mobile wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Pay) allow in-store usage.
3.
Does TripGain support Virtual Card Numbers?
Yes! TripGain integrates with corporate payment providers to generate and manage VCNs, enabling secure and controlled travel payments.