Web Push Provisioning: Breaking down barriers to virtual card adoption

Virtual cards are electronically generated prepaid, credit, or debit cards that can be configured for a one-time use or for a specific timeframe. They’re becoming a preferred alternative to many types of corporate payments thanks to the control, convenience, and security they offer. 

Juniper Research predicts that by 2029, the value of virtual card payments will have grown by 235% , climbing from an estimated $5.2 trillion in 2025. This rapid growth highlights the urgent need for solutions that make virtual cards easier to adopt and use.

Despite their potential, the way most people currently use virtual cards isn’t as seamless as it could be. To pay online, users typically need to manually enter card details during checkout or for in-store spending they need to add the card to a digital wallet via a mobile app.

For scenarios where a third party, like an employee, customer, or policyholder, needs to use a virtual card requiring app downloads or manual entry introduces friction. This extra step can slow adoption, reduce usage, and limit the potential of virtual cards to be a real alternative in many everyday payment situations.

This article explores what’s Web Push Provisioning, how it works, its benefits, and how it simplifies virtual card adoption.  

Introducing a new way to add virtual cards to a user’s digital wallet 

To address these pain points, Edenred Payment Solutions has introduced Web Push Provisioning. This innovative feature allows users to add virtual cards directly to widely used digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, using just a web browser. There is no need to download an app or manually type in card details.

Web Push Provisioning simplifies the process by allowing the card enrolment to be triggered via a website link, an email, or an SMS message. This flexibility unlocks entirely new use cases in corporate payments, insurance claims, and other sectors where users may not have a dedicated mobile app or where quick, secure onboarding is vital.

A simple look at how Web Push Provisioning works 

Here is an overview of the Web Push Provisioning process:

• Starting the flow: The issuer or platform triggers the provisioning with a web request, which can be initiated from a web page, email, or SMS.
• Token request: The user will then sign in to their wallet service account e.g. Apple or Google. The system requests a device-specific token from the token service provider.
• Push to wallet: The token is securely pushed to the user’s device(s), prompting their wallet to display the new card.

This process requires minimal effort from the user and can be initiated from any device with a web browser, making virtual card activation faster and more convenient than ever.  

What Web Push Provisioning offers 

This Web Push Provisioning method offers powerful benefits:

• Faster adoption of virtual cards: Eliminating manual setup significantly reduces user onboarding friction, encouraging increased activations and use of virtual cards.
• Unlocks new payment journeys: Whether disbursing emergency funds in insurance claims or managing ad hoc corporate expenses, the streamlined deployment and user process opens up fresh opportunities.
• Enhanced security: Since tokenisation replaces sensitive card data with device-specific tokens, transactions are more secure and less vulnerable to fraud.
• Speed and simplicity: Rapid deployment means corporates can implement this feature in weeks with minimal technical integration complexity.

Web Push Provisioning powered by Edenred Payment Solutions

Edenred Payment Solutions is a UK and EU regulated electronic money issuer and Principal member of Visa and Mastercard®.

Our Web Push Provisioning capability has been fully certified by both Visa and Mastercard, as well as by Apple Pay and Google Pay. This certification guarantees that virtual cards added through Web Push Provisioning are accepted globally and by all merchants supporting these wallets.

Tokenisation is at the core of this solution. To add a virtual card to a digital wallet, the card’s sensitive data, such as the Primary Account Number (PAN), CVC2, and expiration date, is replaced with a token that serves as a reference to the card. When a digital wallet uses a card for a payment, it only provides the token, without exposing any of the original card details, making transactions safer.

As the issuer, Edenred Payment Solutions supports the end-to-end card tokenisation process, program certification and compliance with scheme mandates, through the Visa Tokenisation Service (VTS) and Mastercard Digital Enablement Service (MDES).

Practical examples: How different industries can benefit from Web Push Provisioning

The potential use cases for Web Push Provisioning are diverse. Here are some key sectors and how they can benefit from it:

Insurance and assistance

• Send virtual cards instantly for travel claims, lost luggage, or roadside assistance. The customer receives a prepaid single-use, or limited-duration card, that can be added to their digital wallet, enabling instant access to funds at the point of need.
• Remove the need for policyholders to provide upfront funds or wait for reimbursements, reducing claims paperwork and delays.
• Enable wallet enrolment without requiring policyholders to download a dedicated app, making it easier for claims teams and customers alike.

Corporate expenses

• Simplify expense management with virtual cards that have predefined parameters such as spending limits, filtered by permitted merchant category codes (MCC), and expiry dates.
• Support quick and transparent employee expenses or ad hoc marketing spend, reducing manual reconciliation, whilst maintaining budgets.
• Deliver instant, compliant activation within mobile wallets for remote workers and business travellers, facilitating efficient use of virtual cards.

What you need to know about the integration and deployment of Web Push Provisioning

Web Push Provisioning is designed with developers and operational teams in mind. Its lightweight web service API enables organisations to rapidly deploy WPP capabilities, enabling users to add cards to digital wallets with ease.

*Note, the exact process may vary based on the digital wallet provider.

Final thoughts

Web Push Provisioning is a step-change for virtual card adoption. By removing the need for apps or manual card entry, it accelerates activation, reduces friction, and unlocks new payment scenarios. Coupled with Edenred Payment Solution’s trusted scheme certifications, tokenisation security, and robust operational support, this feature provides a future-proof solution for smarter, safer digital payments.  

Explore how your business can benefit from virtual cards  

Speak to our team of payment experts for a demo or a technical discussion.