Virtual Card Glossary (UI-Ready)

Purpose

Clear, friendly explanations of key card terms users see in your dashboard or during card usage — presented as:

Tooltip popups

Help modals

Info icons (i) beside fields

Dedicated "Card Glossary" page


Glossary Entries (UI copy + longer explanation)

term
tooltip copy (short ui version)
full explanation (support/docs)
CVV
The 3-digit security code on your card
CVV (Card Verification Value) is a 3-digit code used to verify your card during online transactions. It adds a layer of security to protect your card from unauthorized use.
Expiry Date
When your card becomes invalid
The expiration date shows when your virtual card will stop working. It's usually in MM/YY format. You can always create a new card once one expires.
Card Termination
Card permanently disabled
A terminated card has been deactivated and cannot be used again. You can still receive refunds to it, but it won't work for new transactions.
Card Freeze
Temporary block on card usage
A frozen card can't be used for transactions. You can unfreeze it if needed. Cards may be frozen for security reasons like suspicious activity or multiple failed attempts.
Top-up
Add money to your card
This is how you fund your virtual card. You can top it up from your wallet or float.
Withdrawal
Move funds from card to wallet
You can move money back from your card into your wallet, but you must leave at least $1 on the card to keep it active.
Decline
The payment didn't go through
A declined transaction means your card couldn't complete the payment. This can be due to insufficient funds, merchant blocks, or other restrictions.
Cross-Border Fee
Fee for paying international merchants
Even though your card is in USD, some merchants process payments outside the US, which triggers a cross-border fee. It's common with companies like Meta, Netflix, etc.
Reversal
A cancelled charge before money left your card
A reversal happens when a transaction is stopped right after authorization. No money is deducted, and the amount is unlocked again. It can take a few days to reflect.
Refund
Money returned after a completed charge
A refund is when a merchant returns money for a completed transaction — maybe because you cancelled an order. It goes back to your card or your wallet depending on card status.
Chargeback
Dispute initiated for a transaction
If you didn't authorize a transaction or the product wasn't delivered, you can initiate a chargeback. This starts a formal investigation and may refund you if approved.
MCC (Merchant Category Code)
Code that tells us what type of merchant charged your card
Some merchants are blocked based on this code — like crypto, gambling, etc. This protects your card from risky transactions.
BIN (Bank Identification Number)
The first 6–8 digits that identify the card issuer
This determines the card's type (prepaid, debit), country of issue, and helps merchants understand card behavior.
Authorization
Pre-check before a card is charged
This happens when the merchant checks if your card can pay. If successful, the funds are reserved. It doesn't mean money has left yet.
Float
Your wallet balance available for top-up
Float is your pool of funds that can be used to top up cards, make payments, or receive refunds.
FX Fee
Currency conversion fee
Charged when your card pays in a currency different from its base (USD). It's usually a small percentage.
Sandbox
Safe environment to test cards
Use the sandbox to test how card APIs or actions work without real money. Developers use this before going live.

Integration Ideas

In the UI:

Add (i) icons next to CVV, BIN, MCC, Termination, etc.

Hover or tap reveals the tooltip version

"What does this mean?" links open modal with full glossary

Use glossary search bar or sidebar in the docs or support portal


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