Check fraud, theft and other payment security issues like business email compromise cost companies dearly each year. The most obvious fraud-protection advantage virtual card offers over other formats, the fact that each payment is made via a one time use randomly generated, sixteen-digit account number.

Additionally, there are several lesser-known features of virtual card payments that help stop security breaches and block the costs associated with them. These include non-forwardable payment notification emails, pin-controlled payment access, controls on the amount to be processed, and Merchandise Category Code (MCC) checks.

Finally, security is enhanced by the fact that, suppliers keep no buyer payment info on file. No card number on file = no opportunity for theft of card number. Limiting the use of plastic in favor of virtual cards reduces risk of “maverick” spending that comes with purchase cards by centralizing buying through virtual cards, which are authorized for a specific payee and specific payment amount that can't be altered by a third-party.