What is Issuing Virtual Cards for Clients
Virtual card issuing is the ability to provide end users or clients with payment cards under your brand or through your platform. Technically, this is implemented through BaaS (Banking as a Service) providers that hold Visa/Mastercard licenses and provide APIs.
Typical use cases:
- Ad agencies issuing cards to media buyers
- Corporate expense cards for employees
- Fintech startups embedding cards in their app
- E-commerce platforms with cashback cards for buyers
Key Parameters for Choosing a BaaS Provider
- Supported regions: where cards can physically be used
- Card types: Visa only or also Mastercard
- KYC requirements: whether each cardholder must be verified
- Limits: daily, monthly, per card
- Cost: per card issuance, per transaction, monthly subscription
- API quality: documentation, webhooks, sandbox environment
Top BaaS Providers for Card Issuing
Stripe Issuing — popular for US/EU businesses. Good documentation, fast integration. Works in 30+ countries. From $0 for issuance + transaction fees.
Marqeta — powerful enterprise-grade platform. Used by major fintechs (Cash App, Klarna). Requires significant volume to work with.
Lithic — focused on programmable cards. Popular with neo-banks and startups. Flexible real-time authorization rules.
Railsbank (Railsr) — European BaaS provider. Supports UK/EU card issuance.
Marix — specializes in cards for ad spend: Facebook, Google, TikTok. Simple issuance without complex integration.
Step-by-Step Integration Process
- Choose a provider based on target regions and volumes.
- Submit an application — most providers require a business questionnaire and legal entity review.
- Complete onboarding — sign the agreement, configure webhook endpoints.
- Integrate the API — use the sandbox environment for development.
- Set up a KYC flow for end users (if required by the provider).
- Launch in production — issue first cards and run test transactions.
FAQ
Is a separate license needed to issue cards to clients? No. When working through a BaaS provider, you act as its card program agent. The license is held by the provider. However, you will need a card program agreement and to pass due diligence.
How much does issuing one virtual card cost? At Stripe Issuing — $0 for issuance + 0.2% + $0.20 per transaction. At Lithic — from $0.10 per active card per month. Marqeta prices are individual at volume.
How quickly can a card be issued through an API? With a ready integration — instantly (seconds). Stripe Issuing and Lithic issue a card via a single API call with immediate payment readiness.