Virtual card payment
A payment made with a single-use card number issued through the buyer's AP platform, which the supplier charges like any card transaction.
Buyers like virtual cards because they keep control of timing and can earn rebates. Suppliers pay card processing fees and often have to log into a portal to retrieve each card's details.
For AR teams that adds steps to cash application: retrieving the card, charging the exact amount and recording the fee against the invoice.
Related terms
- AP portalA buyer-run website, such as Coupa, Ariba or a retailer's own system, where suppliers must submit invoices and track their status to get paid.
- Cash applicationMatching incoming payments to the open invoices they pay and posting them in the ERP, so receivables and cash stay accurate.
- Short paymentWhen a customer pays less than the full invoice amount, leaving a balance that needs to be explained, accepted or collected.