Spending Settings - Merchant Exceptions

Merchant Exceptions let you block or allow purchases at specific merchants on the Visa® Prepaid Card. When you allow a merchant, you can also choose to allow purchases there only up to a dollar amount you set.

In this article, you'll learn how Merchant Exceptions work with spending categories, how to add one from the online dashboard, and what to do if the merchant you want isn't listed.

Before you begin

• You'll need full access. Only users with full access can add Merchant Exceptions. If you have read-only access, please ask a user with full access on your account to complete these steps.
• Use the online dashboard. Merchant Exceptions are added from the online dashboard, from either the Transactions tab or the Spending Settings tab. Both options are covered below.

How Merchant Exceptions work

With spending categories, you allow or block purchases at categories of merchants. Merchant Exceptions let you make an exception for an individual merchant within a category.

For example, to block purchases at restaurants but allow purchases at one restaurant or chain in particular, block Restaurants in spending categories and allow that restaurant with a Merchant Exception.

You don't have to add a merchant for purchases there to go through. For example, if Restaurants is allowed as a spending category, purchases at restaurants are allowed.

Option 1 – Add a Merchant Exception from the Transactions tab

This option is quickest when the cardholder has already made a transaction at the merchant.

1. On your online dashboard, go to the Transactions tab.
2. Click Show transaction details next to a transaction from the merchant you'd like to add.

   

3. In the expanded window, click the drop-down list to the right of Transaction setting and select Always allow or Always block.
4. If you selected Always allow, choose whether to allow transactions of any amount or only up to a specific amount.

   

5. Click the green Save button in the lower right corner of the expanded window.

A Merchant Exception added from the Transactions tab takes effect immediately for new transactions. It doesn't change transactions that are already pending, blocked, or approved.

Option 2 – Add a Merchant Exception from the Spending Settings tab

1. On your online dashboard, go to the Spending Settings tab.
2. Scroll down to the Merchant Exceptions section.
3. Click the blue + Add Merchant Exception button on the right side of the screen.

   

4. In the pop-up window, select the merchant from the drop-down list.
5. At the bottom of the window, choose to block or allow all transactions from the merchant, or to allow transactions only under a dollar amount you specify.

   

What if the merchant I want to add isn't listed?

If you don't see the merchant you're looking for in the drop-down list, you can still add it by entering the merchant's name yourself.

1. On your online dashboard, go to the Spending Settings tab.
2. Scroll down to the Merchant Exceptions section.
3. Click the blue + Add Merchant Exception button on the right side of the screen.
4. In the pop-up window, check the box next to The merchant I'm looking for isn't on the list!
5. Enter the merchant name exactly as you expect it to appear on transactions. The setting will apply to any transaction whose merchant name contains the text you enter.

Tip: Merchants with multiple locations often appear on transactions with a store number or other details (e.g., "Sheila's Pharmacy 382").

• To apply the exception to one location only, include the store number.
• To apply the exception to all of the merchant's locations, leave out the store number (e.g., "Sheila's Pharmacy").

Please be aware

• Merchant Exceptions take priority over categories. Allowing a merchant lets purchases there go through even if the merchant's spending category is blocked. The same is true for a merchant blocked by a top-line protection, such as international transactions or online and phone purchases.
• Temporary overrides take priority over everything. While a temporary override is on, it takes the place of all other Spending Settings, including Merchant Exceptions.

If you have any questions about Merchant Exceptions, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Support team.