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What is a Virtual Card purchase request, and how do I create one?

  • Updated

The Sezzle Virtual Card is only available for shoppers in the U.S. at this time. No international purchases will be accepted.  

Purchase requests are pre-approved loan amounts you request for each Virtual Card use. These are put in place as an extra security measure to protect your account. Creating and approving a purchase request is just a few quick and easy steps. 

(Purchase requests are in BETA. Because of this, they may not be available for all users. If you do not see them even after updating to the newest version of the Sezzle app, please check again later as we work to implement this new feature for all Virtual Card users. You may continue with the Virtual Card  experience as you see in your app.)

How to create a purchase request through the “Virtual Card” tab

(For general Virtual Card use or shopping with Sezzle Anywhere.)

  1. From the Sezzle app, navigate to the “Virtual Card” tab and click “Request a Purchase Amount.” 
  2. Enter the amount you’d like to spend. Make sure it’s within your spending power. Don’t forget to include shipping, tax, or tip. You'll only be charged for what you spend and won’t be charged until you make a purchase. Your active purchase request is good for three days. Once it expires, you'll just need to create a new request.
  3. Finally, you’ll be asked to agree to the loan terms and view your payment schedule. The down payment will be collected once you place your order, and the subsequent payment due dates will follow bi-weekly. Once you agree to the terms, you may use the virtual card to make purchases up to the amount you made the request for. You’ll only be charged for what you spend.

 

 

How to create a purchase request through the “Shop” tab

(For shopping with Sezzle Premium merchants.)

  1. If you are shopping with an approved Virtual Card merchant, click on the merchant in the Sezzle app, then “Pay with Sezzle.” Click “Make a Purchase Request” from the pop-up. 
  2. Enter the amount you’d like to spend. Make sure it’s within your spending power. Don’t forget to include shipping, tax, or tip. You'll only be charged for what you spend and won’t be charged until you make a purchase. Your approved amount is good for three days. Once it expires, you'll just need to create a new request.
  3. Finally, you’ll be asked to agree to the loan terms and view your payment schedule. The down payment will be collected once you place your order, and the subsequent payment due dates will follow bi-weekly. Once you agree to the terms, you may use the Virtual card to make purchases up to the amount you made the request for. You’ll only be charged for what you spend.

 

*Note: If Pay-in-Full is enabled, and/or any Virtual Card purchase order amount is under $20, the order will be charged in full. No purchase request is required.

The option to pay online or in-store will not be available unless you have an active purchase request and have agreed to the terms. You will be declined if you attempt a purchase without these steps first. An active purchase request is good for one purchase only and cannot amount to more than the approved amount. You may have multiple purchase requests as long as they are within your spending power. Order declines still apply. 

Common Questions

What happens if I attempt to use the Virtual Card without having an active purchase request?

If you are attempting to use your Virtual Card and do not have an active purchase request, you will be sent a notification right away asking you to create a purchase request before completing the order. Although it’s just a few steps, it’s best to create one before you shop for a smoother checkout experience.

What happens to my spending power after creating a purchase request?

See "How does a Virtual Card purchase request impact my spending power?"

Can I cancel a purchase request after agreeing to loan terms?

Yes, if you decide not to proceed with the purchase or change your mind, simply navigate to the Virtual Card tab, identify your purchase request, and select cancel.

Why did my purchase request expire?

Either you did not make a purchase within the 72-hour period, or the merchant did not confirm your order. When the purchase request expires, you may request another one and attempt a new purchase. 

What if I don’t use the entire purchase request?

Since you are not charged until you make the purchase, your payment plan will be updated to reflect the new order total divided into four payments and new payment due dates, and your spending power will be adjusted to reflect the new purchase. 

What if my purchase ends up being more than the purchase amount?

You will need to cancel the current purchase amount and request a new one for the higher amount. Ensure it is within your spending power. 

Please note that purchase requests cannot be combined to complete an order with a higher transaction total. For example, 2 approved purchase requests of $25 cannot be used to complete an order for $50. 

How to checkout in-store or online

Next, see “How do I use the Sezzle Virtual Card?” for more instructions on how to use your card in-store or online after creating a purchase request. 

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