A merchant lock lets you set exactly where your money is spent. You can set one or multiple merchant locks per card at any time!

Merchant locks help give you, the employer or manager, peace of mind when creating and assigning cards for employees or freelancers. It takes less than 30 seconds to do.

Note: Only an Admin or Budget Owner who created the card has the authority to make changes to the merchant lock. However, Finance or Employee users may request changes by following the steps provided in this article.

How to set a merchant lock

On your Aspire dashboard, click "Cards" in the left navigation bar (web app) or click "Menu" and choose "Cards" (mobile app).
Search and click on the card you would like to add the merchant lock
Click on "Edit" in the top right corner
Under Spend controls, you can assign merchant locks based on the Merchant categories and the specific merchant itself
1. Merchant category restrictions: Choose to Allow or Block merchants based on their category. Category examples: Advertising, Airlines, Fuel & Gas, Clothing, etc.
  1. Allow: Transactions made from selected merchant categories will be allowed
  2. Block: Transactions made from selected merchant categories will be declined
2. Specific merchant restrictions: Choose to Allow or Block directly on the specific merchants. Merchant examples: Air Asia, Agoda, Canva, etc.
  1. Allow: Transactions made from selected merchants will be allowed, regardless of category restrictions.
  2. Block: Transactions made from selected merchants will be declined, regardless of the category's setting (allowed).
Select the merchants or categories that you want the card to be spent on by checking the appropriate box, then click "Add categories" and "Add merchants".
Once selected, click on "Update Card".

Notes:

Merchant category restrictions and Specific merchant restrictions can be applied at the same time.
IDR cards that are issued by Mastercard can only have 1 Merchant category restriction and 1 Specific Merchant Restriction.
If you can't find the merchant you need from the list, don't worry! You can simply submit a request through this link. Please make sure to include the merchant's URL in all your requests. Our team will review it and add the merchant to our system if applicable.

How to remove a merchant lock

On your Aspire dashboard, click "Cards" in the left navigation bar (web app) or click "Menu" and choose "Cards" (mobile app).
Search and click on the card you would like to remove the merchant lock from
Click on "Edit" in the top right corner
Under spend controls, remove the merchant categories or specific merchants by clicking on them.
Once done, click on "Update Card"

What types of merchants fall under the Merchant Category Restrictions?

Please view the table below for the available merchants under each category.

Category Name	Description
Marketing	Direct Marketing - Catalog Merchant Direct Marketing - Combination Catalog and Retail Merchant Direct Marketing - Outbound Telemarketing Merchant Direct Marketing - Inbound Teleservices Merchant Direct Marketing - Continuity/subscription Merchant Direct Marketing - Other Direct Marketers (Not Elsewhere Classified) Direct Marketing - Travel-related Arrangement Services Direct Marketing - Insurance Services Advertising Services
Airlines	MCC specific to airline companies Airlines and Air Carriers (Not Elsewhere Classified) Airports, Flying Fields, and Airport Terminals
Alcohol and Bars	Drinking Places - Bars, Taverns, Nightclubs, Cocktail Lounges, and Discotheques Package Stores - Beer, Wine, and Liquor
Books and Newspapers	Miscellaneous Publishing and Printing Books, Periodicals and Newspapers Book Stores News Dealers and Newsstands Quick Copy, Reproduction,and Blueprinting Services
Car Rental	MCC specific to car rental companies Car Rental Agencies (Not Elsewhere Classified) Truck and Utility Trailer Rentals Motor Home and Recreational Vehicle Rentals
Charities	Charitable Social Service Organizations
Clothing	Men's, Women's, and Children's Uniforms and Commercial Clothing Commercial Footwear Department Stores Men's and Boys' Clothing and Accessories Stores Women's Ready-To-Wear Stores Women's Accessory and Specialty Shops Children's and Infants' Wear Stores Family Clothing Stores Sports and Riding Apparel Stores Shoe Stores Furriers and Fur Shops Men's and Women's Clothing Stores Tailors, Seamstresses, Mending, and Alterations Wig and Toupee Stores Miscellaneous Apparel and Accessory Shops Used Merchandise and Secondhand Stores Clothing Rental - Costumes, Uniforms, Formal Wear
Clubs and Memberships	Sporting and Recreational Camps Commercial Sports, Professional Sports Clubs, Athletic Fields, and Sports Promoters Public Golf Courses Membership Clubs (sports, Recreation, Athletic), Country Clubs, and Private Golf Courses Civic, Social, and Fraternal Associations Automobile Associations Membership Organizations (Not Elsewhere Classified)
Contractors	General Contractors - Residential and Commercial Heating, Plumbing, and Air Conditioning Contractors Electrical Contractors Masonry, Stonework, Tile Setting, Plastering and Insulation Contractors Carpentry Contractors Roofing, Siding, and Sheet Metal Work Contractors Concrete Work Contractors Special Trade Contractors (Not Elsewhere Classified) Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies Metal Service Centers and Offices Swimming Pools - Sales and Service Real Estate Agents and Managers
Construction Materials	Construction Materials (Not Elsewhere Classified) Commercial Equipment (Not Elsewhere Classified) Electrical Parts and Equipment Hardware, Equipment and Supplies Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies Industrial Supplies (Not Elsewhere Classified) Paints, Varnishes and Supplies Home Supply Warehouse Stores Lumber and Building Materials Stores Glass, Paint, and Wallpaper Stores Hardware Stores Chemicals and Allied Products (Not Elsewhere Classified)
Dealerships	Mobile Home Dealers Car and Truck Dealers (new and Used) Sales, Service, Repairs, Parts, and Leasing Car and Truck Dealers (used Only) Sales, Service, Repairs, Parts, and Leasing Boat Dealers Camper, Recreational and Utility Trailer Dealers Motorcycle Shops and Dealers Motor Homes Dealers Snowmobile Dealers Miscellaneous Automotive, Aircraft, and Farm Equipment Dealers (Not Elsewhere Classified) Security Brokers/Dealers
Education	Elementary and Secondary Schools Colleges, Universities, Professional Schools, and Junior Colleges Correspondence Schools Business and Secretarial Schools Vocational and Trade Schools Schools and Educational Services (Not Elsewhere Classified)
Electronics	Electronics Stores Electric Razor Stores - Sales and Service Electronics Repair Shops Video Amusement Game Supplies
Entertainment	Motion Picture Theaters DVD/Video Tape Rental Stores Dance Halls, Studios and Schools Ticket Agencies and Theatrical Producers (except Motion Pictures) Bands, Orchestras, and Miscellaneous Entertainers (Not Elsewhere Classified) Billiard and Pool Establishments Bowling Alleys Video Game Arcades/Establishments Recreation Services (Not Elsewhere Classified) Trailer Parks and Campgrounds Motion Picture and Video Tape Production and Distribution
Financial Institutions	Money Transfer Financial Institutions - Manual Cash Disbursements Financial Institutions - Automated Cash Disbursements Financial Institutions - Merchandise, Services, and Debt Repayment Non-financial Institutions - Foreign Currency, Non-fiat Currency (e.g., Cryptocurrency), Money Orders (Not Money) Non-financial Institutions - Stored Value Card Purchase/Load Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies
Fines	Fines
Courier Services	Courier Services - Air and Ground, and Freight Forwarders Postal Services – Government Only
Fuel and Gas	Petroleum and Petroleum Products Service Stations (with Or Without Ancillary Services) Automated Fuel Dispensers Electric Vehicle Charging Fuel Dealers - Fuel Oil, Wood, Coal, and Liquefied Petroleum
Gambling	Government-Owned Lotteries (U.S. Region Only) Government Licensed Online Casinos (U.S. Region Only) Government Licensed Horse/Dog Racing (U.S. Region Only) Betting, Including Lottery Tickets, Casino Gaming Chips, Off-track Betting, Wagers At Race Tracks and Games of Chance To Win Prizes of Monetary Value Government-owned Lotteries (non-U.S. Region)
General Merchandise	Durable Goods (Not Elsewhere Classified) Piece Goods, Notions, and Other Dry Goods Nondurable Goods (Not Elsewhere Classified) Duty Free Stores Discount Stores Variety Stores Miscellaneous General Merchandise Digital Goods - Large Digital Goods Merchant Camera and Photographic Supply Stores Sewing, Needlework, Fabric and Piece Goods Stores Door-to-door Sales Artist's Supply and Craft Shops Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Shops Luggage and Leather Goods Stores Antique Shops - Sales, Repairs, and Restoration Services Pawn Shops Wrecking and Salvage Yards 5937: Antique Reproductions Gift, Card, Novelty and Souvenir Shops Glassware/Crystal Stores Stamp and Coin Stores Typewriter Stores - Sales, Rentals, and Service
Government Services	Government Services (Not Elsewhere Classified) U.S. Federal Government Agencies Or Departments
Home Furnishings	Furniture, Home Furnishings, and Equipment Stores, Except Appliances Floor Covering Stores Drapery, Window Covering, and Upholstery Stores Fireplace, Fireplace Screens and Accessories Stores Miscellaneous Home Furnishing Specialty Stores Household Appliance Stores Equipment, Tool, Furniture, and Appliance Rental and Leasing Furniture - Reupholstery, Repair, and Refinishing Welding Services
Hotels and Lodging	MCC specific to hotel companies Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services (Not Elsewhere Classified) Timeshares
Insurance	Insurance Sales, Underwriting, and Premiums
Internet and Phone	Telecommunication Equipment and Telephone Sales Telecommunication Services, Including Local and Long Distance Calls, Credit Card Calls, Calls Through Use of Magnetic-Stripe-Reading Telephones Computer Network/information Services Telegraph Services
Intra Company Purchases	Intra-Company Purchases
Jewelry	Precious Stones and Metals, Watches and Jewelry Women's Accessory and Specialty Shops Jewelry Stores, Watches, Clocks, and Silverware Stores Watch, Clock and Jewelry Repair
Agricultural Co-operatives	Agricultural Co-operatives Public Warehousing and Storage – Farm Products, Refrigerated,Goods, Household Goods, and Storage
Landscaping & Horticulture services	Landscaping and Horticultural Services Nurseries and Lawn and Garden Supply Stores Florist Supplies, Nursery Stock and Flowers Florists
Legal Services	Legal Services and Attorneys Court Costs, Including Alimony and Child Support Bail and Bond Payments
Mechanics and Auto Supplies	Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Automotive Tire Stores Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores Automotive Body Repair Shops Tire Retreading and Repair Shops Automotive Paint Shops Automotive Service Shops (Non-Dealer) Car Washes
Medical	Ambulance Services Medical, Dental, Ophthalmic and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Drugs, Drug Proprietaries, and Druggist Sundries Drug Stores and Pharmacies Hearing Aids - Sales, Service, and Supply Orthopedic Goods - Prosthetic Devices Cosmetic Stores Cigar Stores and Stands Health and Beauty Spas Doctors and Physicians (Not Elsewhere Classified) Dentists and Orthodontists Osteopaths Chiropractors Optometrists and Ophthalmologists Opticians, Optical Goods, and Eyeglasses Podiatrists and Chiropodists Nursing and Personal Care Facilities Hospitals Medical and Dental Laboratories Medical Services and Health Practitioners (Not Elsewhere Classified) Testing Laboratories (Non-Medical Testing) Emergency Services (GCAS)
Music and Instruments	Music Stores - Musical Instruments, Pianos, and Sheet Music Record Stores
Office Supplies	Office and Commercial Furniture Photographic, Photocopy, Microfilm Equipment and Supplies Stationery, Office Supplies, Printing and Writing Paper Stationery Stores, Office and School Supply Stores
Parking	Parking Lots, Parking Meters and Garages
Veterinary Services	Veterinary Services Pet Shops, Pet Foods and Supplies Stores
Political Organizations	Political Organizations
Professional Services	Typesetting, Plate Making and Related Services Specialty Cleaning, Polishing and Sanitation Preparations Laundry, Cleaning, and Garment Services Laundries - Family and Commercial Dry Cleaners Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Photographic Studio Beauty and Barber Shops Shoe Repair Shops, Shoe Shine Parlors, and Hat Cleaning Shops Funeral Services and Crematories Counseling Services - Debt, Marriage, and Personal Buying and Shopping Services and Clubs Massage Parlors Miscellaneous Personal Services (Not Elsewhere Classified) Commercial Photography, Art, and Graphics Stenographic and Secretarial Support Exterminating and Disinfecting Services Cleaning, Maintenance, and Janitorial Services Employment Agencies and Temporary Help Services Information Retrieval Services Computer Maintenance, Repair and Services (Not Elsewhere Classified) Management, Consulting, and Public Relations Services Detective Agencies, Protective Services, and Security Services, Including Armored Cars, and Guard Dogs Photofinishing Laboratories and Photo Developing Business Services (Not Elsewhere Classified) Towing Services Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Repair Shops Electrical and Small Appliance Repair Shops Miscellaneous Repair Shops and Related Services Child Care Services Architectural, Engineering, and Surveying Services Cable, Satellite and Other Pay Television/Radio/Streaming Services Professional Services (Not Elsewhere Classified)
Religious Organizations	Religious Goods Stores Religious Organizations
Restaurants	Bakeries Caterers Eating Places and Restaurants Fast Food Restaurants
SaaS/Software	Computers and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Computer Software Stores Digital Goods - Games Digital Goods - Applications (excludes Games) Digital Goods Media - Books, Movies, Digital Artwork/images, Music Dating Services Computer Programming, Data Processing, and Integrated Systems Design Services
Sporting Good Stores	Bicycle Shops - Sales and Service Sporting Goods Stores Hobby, Toy, and Game Shops Tent and Awning Shops
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores	Marketplaces Wholesale Clubs Grocery Stores and Supermarkets Freezer and Locker Meat Provisioners Candy, Nut, and Confectionery Stores Dairy Products Stores Miscellaneous Food Stores - Convenience Stores and Specialty Markets
Taxes & Accounting	Tax Preparation Services Accounting, Auditing, and Bookkeeping Services Tax Payments
Tours, Museums, Amusement and Travel Agencies	Travel Agencies and Tour Operators Package Tour Operators - Germany Only Art Dealers and Galleries Tourist Attractions and Exhibits Amusement Parks, Circuses, Carnivals, and Fortune Tellers Aquariums, Seaquariums, Dolphinariums, and Zoos
Transportation Services	Railroads Local and Suburban Commuter Passenger Transportation, Including Ferries Passenger Railways Bus Lines Marinas, Marine Service, and Supplies Taxicabs and Limousines Steamship and Cruise Lines Boat Rentals and Leasing Tolls and Bridge Fees Transportation Services (Not Elsewhere Classified) Motor Freight Carriers and Trucking - Local and Long Distance, Moving and Storage Companies, and Local Delivery
Utilities	Utilities - Electric, Gas, Water, and Sanitary

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