How to Process a Virtual Credit Card

Processing a Virtual Credit Card (VCC) is a straightforward task that requires following just a few simple steps. LekkeSlaap provides VCCs to facilitate secure and streamlined credit card payments for hosts. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you successfully charge a VCC using your credit card facilities, along with some troubleshooting tips and common error messages.

What is a Virtual Credit Card?

A virtual credit card (VCC) is a digital version of a physical credit card, used to make secure online payments. It has a unique set of card details (such as card number, expiration date, and CVV code) generated for each transaction or a specific vendor. These cards function just like a normal credit card, so if you have card processing facilities, you can accept VCC payments.

VCC Usage Restrictions

Before proceeding, please note these important restrictions:

Validity Period: VCCs are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Maximum Chargeable Amount: The amount you can charge will be specified in the email sent to you.
Currency: VCCs must be charged in ZAR (South African Rand).
Single-use: VCCs can only be used for one transaction.

Step 1: Obtain Virtual Credit Card Details

You will receive an email from LekkeSlaap containing the necessary VCC details, which include:

16-digit card number
Expiry date (MM/YY)
CVV (Card Verification Value) code

Make sure to save or copy these details securely.

Step 2: Access Your Payment Processing System

Next, log in to your payment processing system, which could be:

A physical POS terminal, or
An online payment gateway (e.g., Paybridge, PayPal, Paygate, DPO).

Ensure you have the necessary access rights to charge credit cards through your chosen system.

Step 3: Enter Virtual Credit Card Information

Once in your payment processing system, input the VCC details as follows:

Card Number: Enter the 16-digit VCC number provided.
Expiry Date: Input the month and year (MM/YY) of expiration.
CVV: Enter the 3-digit CVV code.
Amount: Enter the specified amount, ensuring it is within the card’s limit.

Step 4: Initiate the charge

After entering all the required information, click the ‘Submit’ or ‘Process Payment’ button. Allow a few seconds for the payment to be authorised.

Step 5: Confirm the transaction

Once the payment is processed, you should receive confirmation of a successful transaction. Note down the transaction ID or save the receipt for your records. This is important for accounting and in case any disputes arise.

Troubleshooting VCC Payments

If the transaction fails, follow these steps to troubleshoot:

Step 1: Check the Card Details

Ensure all details have been entered correctly, including the following:

16-digit card number
Expiry date
CVV code

Step 2: Confirm the Validity Period

Ensure the card is still valid and has not expired. If it has expired, please contact your support consultant.

Step 3: Check Usage Restrictions

Make sure the amount charged does not exceed the card’s limit, and that the currency is ZAR.

Step 4: Ensure the Correct Payment Method

Verify that you use the appropriate payment method (online vs. offline) and that your POS system supports virtual cards.

Step 5: Retry the Transaction

If the transaction fails, wait a few minutes and retry. If a different payment gateway is available, try it.

Step 6: Check for Fraud Detection or Card Blocks

Sometimes, the issuing bank blocks transactions due to potential fraud risks. Contact the card issuer to check for any blocks or restrictions.

Step 7: Contact Customer Support

If you continue to experience issues, please contact our property support team for further assistance.