Restrictions

Usage limitations and prohibited activities for api-card services

Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Last Updated: January 1, 2025

1. Overview

This document outlines the restrictions, limitations, and prohibited uses of api-card's virtual card issuance platform and payment processing services. These restrictions are in place to ensure compliance with applicable laws, protect our platform integrity, and maintain the security of our financial ecosystem.

2. Geographic Restrictions

2.1 Prohibited Jurisdictions

Our services are not available in the following jurisdictions:

  • Countries subject to comprehensive US, EU, or UN sanctions
  • Jurisdictions on FATF high-risk lists
  • Regions where virtual card issuance is prohibited by local law
  • Areas where we lack proper regulatory authorization

2.2 Restricted Territories

Enhanced due diligence and limitations may apply in:

  • High-risk jurisdictions as defined by international standards
  • Countries with limited banking infrastructure
  • Regions with evolving cryptocurrency regulations

3. Prohibited Business Activities

3.1 Illegal Activities

The following activities are strictly prohibited:

  • Money laundering and terrorist financing
  • Drug trafficking and controlled substance sales
  • Human trafficking and exploitation
  • Weapons and ammunition sales
  • Fraud, identity theft, and financial crimes
  • Tax evasion and regulatory violations
  • Sanctions violations and embargo breaches

3.2 Adult Content and Services

  • Pornography and adult entertainment
  • Escort services and prostitution
  • Adult dating and matchmaking services with explicit content
  • Sex toys and adult products (restrictions vary by jurisdiction)

3.3 Gambling and Gaming

  • Online casinos and gambling platforms
  • Sports betting and fantasy sports (where prohibited)
  • Lottery and sweepstakes services
  • Skill-based gaming with real money prizes (restrictions apply)

3.4 High-Risk Financial Services

  • Unregulated cryptocurrency exchanges
  • Peer-to-peer lending without proper licensing
  • Investment schemes and MLM programs
  • Debt collection agencies (restrictions apply)
  • Check cashing and payday loan services
  • Unregulated forex trading platforms

3.5 Intellectual Property Violations

  • Counterfeit goods and trademark infringement
  • Copyright piracy and unauthorized content distribution
  • Patent violations and unauthorized technology use
  • Brand impersonation and domain squatting

4. Transaction Limitations

4.1 Amount Limits

Transaction limits vary based on:

  • Customer verification level
  • Geographic location
  • Business type and risk assessment
  • Historical transaction patterns
  • Regulatory requirements

4.2 Velocity Limits

  • Maximum number of transactions per hour/day
  • Cumulative transaction amounts over specific periods
  • Frequency of large transactions
  • Cross-border transaction limitations

4.3 Merchant Category Restrictions

Certain merchant category codes (MCCs) are restricted or prohibited:

  • High-risk merchant categories
  • Government and quasi-government entities
  • Financial institutions and money services
  • Regulated industries requiring special authorization

5. Technology and Security Restrictions

5.1 API Usage Limitations

  • Rate limiting and throttling policies
  • Concurrent connection limits
  • Data access and retention restrictions
  • Prohibited reverse engineering or exploitation

5.2 Security Requirements

  • Mandatory encryption standards
  • Required authentication protocols
  • Network security compliance
  • Incident reporting obligations

6. Cryptocurrency Restrictions

6.1 Prohibited Cryptocurrency Activities

  • Privacy coin transactions (Monero, Zcash, etc.)
  • Cryptocurrency mixing and tumbling services
  • Unregulated token offerings and ICOs
  • Ponzi schemes and pyramid structures
  • Market manipulation and wash trading

6.2 Accepted Cryptocurrencies

We only support transactions with:

  • Major cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT)
  • Regulated stablecoins
  • Cryptocurrencies from reputable exchanges
  • Tokens with clear provenance and compliance

7. Age and Eligibility Restrictions

  • Minimum age of 18 years (or legal age of majority)
  • Legal capacity to enter into contracts
  • Valid government-issued identification required
  • Proof of address and identity verification
  • No previous history of financial crimes

8. Data and Privacy Restrictions

  • Prohibition on sharing sensitive customer data
  • Restrictions on data mining and analysis
  • Limited data retention periods
  • Geographic data processing limitations
  • Third-party data sharing restrictions

9. Compliance and Regulatory Restrictions

9.1 Licensing Requirements

  • Money transmitter licenses where required
  • Payment processor certifications
  • Financial services authorizations
  • Industry-specific compliance certifications

9.2 Reporting Obligations

  • Suspicious activity reporting
  • Large transaction notifications
  • Cross-border payment declarations
  • Regulatory audit cooperation

10. Platform Abuse Prevention

  • Prohibition on creating multiple accounts
  • Restrictions on automated trading systems
  • Limits on API abuse and excessive usage
  • Protection against DDoS and cyber attacks
  • Prevention of account sharing or transfers

11. Environmental and Social Responsibility

  • Prohibition on environmentally destructive activities
  • Restrictions on unethical labor practices
  • Limitations on industries with poor ESG ratings
  • Exclusion of businesses causing social harm

12. Enforcement and Penalties

Violations of these restrictions may result in:

  • Immediate account suspension or termination
  • Transaction holds and fund freezing
  • Legal action and law enforcement referral
  • Permanent blacklisting from services
  • Financial penalties and damages

13. Exceptions and Waivers

Limited exceptions may be considered for:

  • Legitimate business needs with proper documentation
  • Regulatory-approved activities with oversight
  • Pilot programs under strict monitoring
  • Special circumstances with executive approval

14. Updates and Modifications

These restrictions are subject to change based on:

  • Evolving regulatory requirements
  • Risk assessment updates
  • Industry best practice changes
  • Security threat landscape
  • Business policy modifications

15. Contact Information

For questions about restrictions or to request clarification:

  • Email:

By using api-card services, you acknowledge and agree to comply with all applicable restrictions outlined in this document.