This article is for vendors who received an email from Melio with a single-use virtual card and are unsure why they received it or what to do with it.
Is this article for you?
This article is about single-use virtual cards: a one-time card issued for a single payment. Melio also offers Melio Card, a different, reusable card that keeps receiving future payments. If you have a Melio Card instead, see the Melio Card section for help.
The article explains why you received a single-use virtual card, the benefits of getting paid with a single-use virtual card, and how to get paid in a different way, if that’s what you prefer. It contains the following sections:
- What is a single-use virtual card, and how do I use it?
- Why am I being paid with a single-use virtual card?
- What are the benefits of single-use virtual cards?
- How do I go back to my previous payment method?
What is a single-use virtual card, and how do I use it?
A single-use virtual card is a fast, secure, and efficient virtual credit card that has become a common payment delivery method for vendors.
It's important to note that to receive single-use virtual card payments, you must have a point-of-sale (POS) terminal that can process credit card transactions. This can be either a physical terminal, such as the ones found at store registers, or a virtual terminal that allows businesses to process online or remote transactions without the actual card.
The card details are delivered via email, and you can only process them once for the total payment amount.
Why am I being paid with a single-use virtual card?
There are two possible scenarios why you’re receiving payment via a single-use virtual card:
- You or someone at your company opted in to receive payments by single-use virtual card through Melio or one of Melio’s network partners.
- A single-use virtual card was selected as the delivery method when this payment was initiated.
What are the benefits of single-use virtual cards?
- Faster - Process payments 24/7 using your Point-of-sale (POS) terminal. You’ll get instant payment authorization and receive payment according to your schedule and not the bank’s.
- Easier on your accounting - Cards are sent with full remittance data - amount, customer, and invoice details. This makes it easier to track and manage every incoming payment. And it helps keep your books organized.
- More secure - No need to share your bank details with your customers. You receive a digital card with a unique 16-digit number that only you can use.
How do I go back to my previous payment method?
To switch from a single-use virtual card to an ACH bank transfer, read this article. This change affects only the payment for which you received a virtual card.
For a permanent delivery method change:
- If you opted in to a virtual card through Melio or one of Melio’s network partners: You can change back to your old receiving method by contacting us at single-use-card@melio.com.
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If your payor selected a virtual card as the delivery method: contact them and ask to change the delivery method in their Melio account.