Mastercard Brings Embedded Virtual Card Tech to Commercial Payments

Mastercard has led the way in Virtual Card Number (VCN) solutions through its innovative platform, forming strategic partnerships across a diverse network of platform providers for decades.

These collaborations include ERP platforms, working capital providers, expense management tools, event technologies, and hotel booking systems, all of which have simplified the integration of virtual cards into corporate workflows.

As of 1 April, banks utilising Mastercard’s VCN technology can now offer platform partners enrolled in a new programme to accelerate the adoption of embedded, consumer-like payment experiences in commercial transactions.

This initiative benefits all parties involved:

-Banks gain scalability and greater access to embedded payment opportunities.

-Platform partners can deliver embedded payments with minimal integration effort.

-Corporate users enjoy a smoother, consumer-like payment experience with fewer steps.

As corporate employees increasingly expect the seamless, intuitive payment experiences they encounter in their personal lives, Mastercard is responding by embedding VCN technology into the systems businesses already use.

This approach enhances efficiency and streamlines processes.

With commercial payments evolving, Mastercard’s new programme accelerates VCN adoption by eliminating lengthy onboarding procedures and unlocking operational efficiency for all participants in the VCN ecosystem.

By removing the need for direct engagement between banks and platform partners, this initiative simplifies integration and reduces barriers.

Once integrated, corporate users can leverage VCN technology within the tools they use daily—such as their ERP systems—allowing them to complete tasks with fewer clicks and significantly improving workflow efficiency.

User-Centric Payment Solutions

Fragmented and disconnected payment systems often hinder corporate employees from enjoying the seamless, consumer-like payment experiences they expect.

VCN technology addresses this challenge by enabling smooth, integrated payments within the everyday tools employees already use.

For instance, tasks like paying invoices or handling expenses can be streamlined to a single click or even automated, enhancing both efficiency and user satisfaction.

Hassle-Free Onboarding

Mastercard is revolutionising the onboarding process by removing the need for direct relationships between participating banks and platform partners.

By eliminating traditional formalities like contracting, extensive paperwork, and technical vetting—which often take months or even years—this streamlined approach accelerates integration.

As a result, corporate end-users can effortlessly access and utilise VCN technology within the systems they already use daily, such as HRS and Cvent, enhancing both efficiency and user experience.

Mastercard Looks to Revolutionise Comemrical Payments

Mastercard is reshaping the landscape of commercial payments.

Through VCN-driven embedded payments, banks, platform partners, and corporate users all gain access to faster, more secure, and streamlined payment solutions.

By eliminating integration barriers, Mastercard is simplifying onboarding and speeding up adoption.

The future of commercial payments is unfolding, ushering in a new era of innovation.

Raj Dhamodharan, Mastercard's executive vice president of blockchain and digital assets, said:

"We bring the scale and reach that we have to the space for the money to flow between the two worlds in a simple way.”