Stripe Issuing

Stripe Issuing is an API for creating virtual and physical cards programmatically. It fits platforms, marketplaces, and product teams that need to build card programs into their own software.

What it enables:

• Card creation: spin up virtual cards through the API.
• Spending controls: set rules, limits, and merchant categories in code.
• Physical cards: order branded cards for users or staff.
• Authorization logic: approve or decline transactions in real time.

The difference here is programmability. Cards become a building block inside your product, not a signup-and-spend account.

Setup and compliance expectations are heavier than a normal business-card signup flow. Last reviewed: 2026-05-20.