To do this, we’ve added the ability to limit card spending to specific categories of merchants, so any non-approved transactions are declined immediately. Controls can be applied and edited on both physical and virtual cards at any time!
- Merchant controls help admins limit spending to specific categories of merchants
- Any transactions made outside of a category will be declined
How do I add Merchant Controls to cards?
By default, all merchant categories are enabled, and any categories you’d like to restrict will need to be deselected.
When creating a new card: Click “Add control” under “Merchant Controls”, and remove the categories of merchants you’d like to restrict.
To add controls to an existing card: While logged in as an admin, navigate to the card you'd like to add controls to. Select “Edit Card” and make your changes in the “Allowed Spend Categories” section.
🔍 How will a cardholder know where they can spend?
What happens if a Card is Used at a Merchant in a Restricted Category?
Any transactions attempted at merchants outside the approved category list will be automatically declined. We'll let the cardholder know the reason for the decline immediately by email, or sms if their phone is connected to the account.
When checking on the declined transaction at app.floatcard.com, the reason for the decline will be displayed as “Merchant category not approved for this card”
How does Float determine a merchant’s category?
How accurate are Merchant Category Codes?
- Gas stations that sell other goods would still be categorized as Gas & Charging.
- Car dealerships likely provide vehicle maintenance services.
Can merchants be in multiple categories?
- Uber’s taxi service falls under the Transportation category, while its food delivery service falls under the Restaurant category.
Using multiple MCCs is optional for the merchant, and as such many opt to use a single category to define all of their sales.
Is this a required field?
We do not support restricting all categories on a card. If you do not want a card to be usable, please pause or archive the card (found on the card management page).
Can I add more specific Merchant Controls?
You can watch a full walkthrough of Merchant Category Controls here: