Spend Controls

P-Cards come with the ability for the end-user organization to apply controls to the cards, such as:

• Spend limits (per transaction, per month/cycle)

• Velocity limits (number of transactions allowed per day, month, etc.)

• Country blocks, such as blocking transactions originating outside the U.S.

• Merchant category code (MCC) restrictions, including blocking cash/ATM access

MCCs are four-digit codes, used in the card industry, to signify a merchant’s primary type of business. It is selected/assigned by a merchant or its acquirer when the merchant is set up to accept card payments.

You do not necessarily need all of these controls on every card. The key is to strike the right balance—do not over- or under-control cards. Limits and restrictions should align with program goals. For example, if the target purchase amount for P-Cards is anything under $5,000, then most cardholders should not have higher limits. Conversely, if card usage is encouraged for everything, then limits need to be high enough to accommodate this strategy. Further, limits and restrictions can be customized to meet the needs of each cardholder, based on their business needs.

Related Resources

• Merchant category code (MCC) surprises in a card program

• P-Card risk analysis

• Program controls

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