Visa Rules Public PDF

Visa Core Rules and
Visa Product and Service Rules
19 October 2019
© 2014—2019 Visa. All Rights Reserved.
The trademarks, logos, trade names and service marks, whether registered or unregistered
(collectively the “Trademarks”) are Trademarks owned by Visa. All other trademarks not
attributed to Visa are the property of their respective owners.
Visa is committed to providing our partners and interested parties with greater insight into
Visa’s operations. As part of our effort, we are pleased to provide access to the latest
edition of the Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules, which govern participation
of our financial institution clients in the Visa system.
To protect cardholders and merchants and maintain the integrity of the Visa system, we
have omitted proprietary and competitive information, as well as certain details from the
rules relating to the security of the network.
Any regional or country-specific rules within the Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and
Service Rules apply only to the operations of financial clients within the relevant region or
country, and any rules marked with the name of a region(s) or country(ies) are applicable to
financial institutions operating in that region(s) or country(ies) only.
The Visa Rules must not be duplicated, in whole or in part, without prior written permission
from Visa.
If you have questions about Visa’s rules, please contact us.
Contents
Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules
Contents
Contents 3
Tables 28
Summary of Changes 43
Summary of Changes Since the 13 April 2019 Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and Service
Rules 43
Introduction 50
The Visa Rules 50
1 Visa Core Rules 53
1.1 General 53
1.1.1 Governance 53
1.1.2 Local, Domestic, and Regional Rules and Private Agreements 59
1.1.3 Waivers 59
1.1.4 Operating Certificates 60
1.1.5 Confidentiality 60
1.1.6 Visa Rights 64
1.1.7 Use of VisaNet 67
1.1.8 Misencoded Cards 68
1.1.9 Liabilities and Indemnifications 69
1.2 Licensing and Numerics Management 70
1.2.1 Licensing – General Membership 70
1.3 Use of Marks 71
1.3.1 Marks License 71
1.3.2 General Use of Marks 72
19 October 2019 Visa Public 3

Contents
1.3.3 Protecting the Visa Brand 75
1.3.4 Marketing, Promotion, and Advertising Materials 77
1.4 Issuance 81
1.4.1 Issuance Conditions 81
1.4.2 Account Numbers 82
1.4.3 Notification and Disclosure 82
1.4.4 Issuer Operational Standards 84
1.4.6 Zero Liability 87
1.5 Acceptance 88
1.5.1 General Acquirer Requirements 88
1.5.2 Merchant Agreements 93
1.5.3 Marks Display 94
1.5.4 Card Acceptance 94
1.5.5 Card Acceptance Prohibitions 101
1.5.6 Card and Cardholder Verification Requirements 103
1.5.7 Transaction Receipts 103
1.5.8 Merchant Deposits 104
1.5.9 Travelers Cheques 105
1.6 ATM 106
1.6.1 ATM Requirements 106
1.7 Transaction Processing 106
1.7.1 General Processing 106
1.7.2 Data Requirements 107
1.7.3 Acquirer Authorization Requests 108

Contents
1.7.4 Issuer Authorization Processing 108
1.7.5 Clearing 109
1.7.6 Settlement 111
1.7.7 Reversals and Adjustments 111
1.8 Processing Products 113
1.8.1 Original Credits 113
1.9 Interchange 113
1.9.1 Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) Determination and Payment 113
1.9.2 Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) Adjustments and Compliance 114
1.10 Risk 116
1.10.1 Corporate Risk Reduction 116
1.10.2 Brand Protection 120
1.10.3 Investigations 120
1.10.4 Information Security 121
1.10.5 High-Brand Risk Merchants 124
1.10.6 Recovered Cards 124
1.10.7 Counterfeit Losses 125
1.10.8 Agents 125
1.10.9 Card Manufacturing and Distribution 128
1.11 Dispute Resolution 130
1.11.1 Disputes 130
1.11.2 Arbitration and Compliance 131
1.12 Fees and Non-Compliance Assessments 133
1.12.1 Fee Assessment by Visa 133

Contents
1.12.2 Non-Compliance Assessments 133
2 Licensing and Numerics Management 142
2.1 Membership 142
2.1.1 Member Acquisitions and Mergers 142
2.1.2 Acquirer Licensing 143
2.1.4 Changes to Member Information or Status 144
2.3 BIN and Acquiring Identifier License and Administration 144
2.3.1 BIN and Acquiring Identifier Use and License 144
2.3.2 Administration of BINs, Acquiring Identifiers, and Numerics 147
2.3.3 Account Range and BIN Use 149
2.3.4 Use and Disclosure of BIN Information 149
2.4 Marks License 150
2.4.1 Marks License Grant 150
2.5 Visa US Regulation II Certification Program 150
2.5.1 Visa US Regulation II Certification Program – US Region and US Territories 150
2.6 Product-Specific BIN Requirements 151
2.6.1 Visa Consumer Products 151
2.7 Client Portfolio Management Self-Service Tools 151
2.7.1 Client Portfolio Management Self-Service Tools Requirements 151
2.8 Non-Visa BINs and Acquiring Identifiers 152
2.8.1 Non-Visa-Assigned BINs and Acquiring Identifiers 152
2.10 EU Passporting 153
2.10.1 EU Passporting – Europe Region 153
3 Use of Marks 156

Contents
3.1 Marks License 156
3.1.1 Affinity/Co-Branded Card Programs 156
3.1.2 Marks License Grant 157
3.1.3 Sponsorships and Partnerships, Including the Olympics 157
3.2 Use of Marks 158
3.2.1 Use of Marks by Members and Merchants 158
3.2.2 Use of Marks in Promotions, Advertisements, and Solicitations 159
3.2.3 Use of Marks on Cards 160
3.3 Other Card Requirements 162
3.3.1 Magnetic-Stripe Encoding 162
3.4 Point-of-Transaction Display of Marks 163
3.4.1 Display of Marks at the Point of Sale 163
4 Issuance 164
4.1 General Issuance 164
4.1.1 General Issuer Requirements 164
4.1.2 Visa Credit Card Issuance 171
4.1.3 Visa Charge Card Issuance 173
4.1.4 Visa Debit Card Issuance 174
4.1.6 Affinity/Co-Brand and Global Co-Brand Issuance 175
4.1.7 Card Production Standards 180
4.1.8 Virtual Accounts 181
4.1.9 Issuer Disclosures 181
4.1.10 Confidentiality of Cardholder Information 187
4.1.11 PIN Requirements 187

Contents
4.1.12 Data Retention and Transmission 189
4.1.13 Provisional Credit/Zero Liability 190
4.1.14 Emergency Cash Disbursement, Emergency Card Replacement, Global Customer

Assistance Services (GCAS) 193
4.1.15 Insurance/Benefits 199
4.1.16 Preauthorized Payment Cancellation Service 200
4.1.17 Visa Checkout 200
4.1.18 Visa Token Service 201
4.1.19 Chip Issuance Requirements 204
4.1.20 Pass-Through Digital Wallet Requirements 225
4.1.21 Card Personalization – Europe Region 226
4.2 Visa Electron 226
4.2.1 Visa Electron Issuer Requirements 226
4.3 Visa Check Card 227
4.3.1 Visa Check Card – Issuer Requirements 227
4.3.2 Secured Card – Issuer Requirements 228
4.4 Visa Gold 228
4.4.2 Visa Gold – Issuer Requirements 228
4.4.3 Visa Gold – Features and Benefits 229
4.5 Visa Platinum 231
4.5.1 Visa Platinum – Card Requirements 231
4.5.2 Visa Platinum – Customer Service Requirements 231
4.5.3 Visa Platinum – Issuer Requirements 231
4.5.4 Visa Platinum – Features and Benefits 232

Contents
4.5.5 Visa Platinum Prepaid – Issuer Requirements 233
4.6 Visa Rewards 234
4.6.3 Visa Rewards – Features and Benefits 234
4.6.4 Visa Traditional Rewards – Issuer Requirements 235
4.6.5 Visa Traditional Rewards – Features and Benefits 235
4.7 Visa Signature 236
4.7.1 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred – Card Requirements 236
4.7.2 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred – Customer Service Requirements 237
4.7.3 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred – Issuer Requirements 238
4.7.4 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred – Features and Benefits 238
4.8 Visa Infinite 239
4.8.1 Visa Infinite/Visa Infinite Privilege – Card Requirements 239
4.8.2 Visa Infinite/Visa Infinite Privilege – Customer Service Requirements 240
4.8.3 Visa Infinite/Visa Infinite Privilege – Issuer Requirements 241
4.8.4 Visa Infinite/Visa Infinite Privilege – Features and Benefits 243
4.10 Campus Cards 245
4.10.1 Campus Card – Issuer Requirements 245
4.11 Prepaid 246
4.11.1 Prepaid – Issuer Requirements 246
4.11.5 Prepaid – Distribution of Cards Outside the Country of Issuance 249
4.11.6 Prepaid – Authorization Services/Funds Access 250
4.11.7 Prepaid – Partners 250
4.11.10 Prepaid – Visa TravelMoney 251
4.11.11 Prepaid – Visa Buxx 252

Contents
4.11.13 Prepaid – Employee Benefits/Healthcare 253
4.11.14 Prepaid – Visa Mobile 254
4.11.15 Prepaid – Payroll/Salary 256
4.11.16 Prepaid – Visa Vale 257
4.12 Visa Commercial Products 257
4.12.1 Commercial Card Issuance Requirements 257
4.12.2 Commercial Data Management and Reporting 264
4.12.3 V Distribution Program 267
4.12.4 Visa B2B Virtual Payments Program 268
4.13 Visa Small Business Product-Specific Issuance 269
4.13.1 Visa Business – Card Requirements 269
4.13.3 Visa Business – Issuer Requirements 270
4.13.4 Visa Business – Features and Benefits 270
4.15 Visa Platinum Business 272
4.15.1 Visa Platinum Business – Card Requirements 272
4.15.2 Visa Platinum – Customer Service Requirements 273
4.15.3 Visa Platinum Business – Issuer Requirements 273
4.15.4 Visa Platinum Business – Features and Benefits 274
4.16 Visa Signature Business 275
4.16.1 Visa Signature Business – Card Requirements 275
4.16.2 Visa Signature Business – Customer Service Requirements 277
4.16.3 Visa Signature Business – Issuer Requirements 278
4.16.4 Visa Signature Business – Features and Benefits 278
4.17 Visa Infinite Business, Visa Infinite Privilege Business 279

Contents
4.17.1 Visa Infinite Business, Visa Infinite Privilege Business – Card Requirements 279
4.17.2 Visa Infinite Business, Visa Infinite Privilege Business – Customer Service
Requirements 280
4.17.3 Visa Infinite Business, Visa Infinite Privilege Business – Issuer Requirements 281
4.17.4 Visa Infinite Business, Visa Infinite Privilege Business – Features and Benefits – AP
and Canada Regions 283
4.18 Visa Multi-Currency Solution 286
4.18.1 Visa Multi-Currency Solution Issuer Requirements 286
4.19 Visa SavingsEdge – US Region 287
4.19.1 Visa SavingsEdge Requirements – US Region 287
4.20 Visa Purchasing 288
4.20.1 Visa Purchasing – Issuer Requirements 288
4.21 Visa Fleet 289
4.21.1 Visa Fleet Card – Issuer Requirements 289
4.22 Visa Large Purchase Advantage – US Region 290
4.22.1 Visa Large Purchase Advantage Requirements – US Region 290
4.23 Visa Meetings Card 291
4.23.1 Visa Meetings Card – Issuer Requirements 291
4.24 Visa Infinite Corporate – LAC Region 291
4.24.1 Visa Infinite Corporate Card Requirements – LAC Region 291
4.24.2 Visa Infinite Corporate – Issuer Requirements – LAC Region 292
4.24.3 Visa Infinite Corporate – Features and Benefits – LAC Region 293
4.25 Visa Platinum Corporate – LAC Region 294
4.25.1 Visa Platinum Corporate – Card Requirements – LAC Region 294

Contents
4.25.2 Visa Platinum Corporate Issuer Requirements – LAC Region 294
4.25.3 Visa Platinum Corporate Features and Benefits – LAC Region 295
4.26 Visa Premium Corporate – LAC Region 295
4.26.1 Visa Premium Corporate – Issuer Requirements – LAC Region 295
4.27 Visa Signature Corporate – LAC Region 299
4.27.1 Visa Signature Corporate Issuer Requirements – LAC Region 299
4.28 Prepaid Commercial Corporate 300
4.28.1 Commercial Prepaid – Card Requirements 300
4.28.2 Corporate Prepaid – Features and Benefits 300
4.29 Visa Agro – LAC Region 301
4.29.1 Visa Agro – Card Requirements – LAC Region 301
4.29.2 Visa Agro – Customer Service Requirements – LAC Region 301
4.29.3 Visa Agro – Issuer Requirements – LAC Region 302
4.30 Visa Cargo – LAC Region 302
4.30.1 Visa Cargo Card Requirements – LAC Region 302
4.31 Visa Drive Card – Europe Region 303
4.31.1 Visa Drive Card – Europe Region 303
4.32 Visa SimplyOne – Europe Region 305
4.32.1 Visa SimplyOne Card – Europe Region 305
4.33 Visa Multichoice – Europe Region 306
4.33.1 Visa Multichoice Card – Europe Region 306
4.34 Carte Bleue Nationale Cards – Europe Region 307
4.34.1 Carte Bleue Nationale Cards Issuer Requirements – Europe Region (France) 307
4.35 Carte Bleue Nationale Affaires Cards – Europe Region (France) 308

Contents
4.35.1 Carte Bleue Nationale Affaires Cards Issuer Requirements – Europe Region (France) 308
5 Acceptance 310
5.1 Responsibilities Related to Information and Notification 310
5.1.1 Provision of Information, Registration, and Reporting 310
5.2 Acquirer Responsibilities Related to Merchants 312
5.2.1 Merchant Agreements, Merchant Onboarding, and Merchant Relationships 312
5.2.2 Acquirer and Payment Facilitator Responsibilities Related to Deposit Accounts 321
5.3 Payment Facilitator, Staged Digital Wallet Operator, and Marketplace Responsibilities
and Requirements 321
5.3.1 Acquirer Responsibilities and Liabilities in Payment Facilitator and Staged Digital
Wallet Operator Agreements 321
5.3.2 Payment Facilitator, Staged Digital Wallet Operator, and Marketplace

Responsibilities and Requirements 325
5.3.3 Acquirer Responsibility for Staged Digital Wallet Operators 327
5.3.4 Acquirer Responsibility for Marketplaces 330
5.4 Merchant and Cardholder Interaction 334
5.4.1 Honoring Cards 334
5.4.2 Conditions of Card Acceptance and Cardholder Rights 334
5.4.3 Merchant Use of Cardholder Account Information 336
5.5 Merchant Verification of Card and Cardholder 338
5.5.1 Card and Cardholder Validation 338
5.6 Surcharges, Convenience Fees, and Service Fees 340
5.6.1 Surcharges – Allowances, Requirements, Restrictions, Amounts, and Disclosures 340
5.6.2 Convenience Fees – Allowances, Requirements, Restrictions, Amounts, and

Disclosures 346

Contents
5.6.3 Service Fees – Allowances, Requirements, Restrictions, Amounts, and Disclosures 349
5.7 Acceptance Devices 352
5.7.1 Acceptance Device Requirements – All Devices 352
5.7.2 Chip Acceptance Device Requirements 364
5.7.3 Unattended Cardholder-Activated Terminals – Transaction Cancellation 371
5.8 Merchant Authorization Requirements 371
5.8.1 Transactions Requiring Authorization 371
5.8.2 Transaction Amount-Related Authorization Requirements 372
5.8.3 Non-Standard Authorizations 372
5.8.4 Merchant Authorization Processing 380
5.9 Specific Acceptance Environments and Procedures 385
5.9.1 Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Prepaid 385
5.9.2 Chip 397
5.9.3 QR Code 400
5.9.4 Electronic Commerce 401
5.9.5 Mail/Phone Order Transactions 410
5.9.6 Aggregated Transactions 410
5.9.7 T&E and Rental Transactions 411
5.9.8 Dynamic Currency Conversion 417
5.9.9 Prepayments and Repeated Payments 418
5.9.10 Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Transactions 426
5.9.11 Debt Repayment 429
5.9.12 Health Care 432
5.9.13 Visa Fleet Card 433

Contents
5.9.15 Up-Selling and Negative Option Merchants 433
5.9.16 Gambling 437
5.9.17 Mass Transit 439
5.10 Transaction Receipt Requirements 441
5.10.1 Transaction Receipt Delivery to Cardholders 441
5.10.2 Transaction Receipt Retention Period 443
5.10.3 Transaction Receipt Data and Format Requirements 444
5.11 Returns, Credits, and Refunds 451
5.11.1 Merchant Processing 451
5.12 Acquirer Requirements for Non-Visa General Purpose Payment Network – LAC Region
(Brazil) 452
5.13 Payment Solution Providers 453
5.13.1 Acquirer Requirements for Consumer Bill Payment Service Providers 453
5.13.2 Acquirer Responsibilities Related to Business Payment Solution Providers 458
6 ATM 460
6.1 Plus Program 460
6.1.1 Plus Program Issuer Participation Requirements 460
6.1.2 Plus Symbol 460
6.2 Visa Global ATM Network 461
6.2.1 Visa Global ATM Network Issuer Participation Requirements 461
6.2.2 Visa Global ATM Network Issuer General Requirements 461
6.2.3 Visa Global ATM Network Acquirer Participation Requirements 462
6.2.4 ATM Operator and Agent Requirements 463

Contents
6.2.6 ATM Processing Requirements 465
6.3 ATM Optional Services 469
6.3.1 ATM Optional Services Issuer Participation 469
6.3.2 ATM Optional Services Acquirer Participation 469
6.3.3 Plus ATM Shared Deposit Service 470
6.4 ATM Fees 473
6.4.1 ATM Access Fees 473
6.4.2 ATM Travelers Cheque Fee 477
7 Transaction Processing 478
7.1 VisaNet Systems Use 478
7.1.1 Use of VisaNet 478
7.2 Access to Visa Systems 479
7.2.1 Visa Extended Access 479
7.2.2 Clearing Processors 483
7.3 Authorization 484
7.3.1 Authorization Routing 484
7.3.2 Authorization Service Participation 484
7.3.3 Member Provision of Authorization Services 485
7.3.4 Authorization Response Time Limits 487
7.3.5 Use of the Exception File 488
7.3.6 Declines 488
7.3.7 Authorization Reversals and Authorization Holds 492
7.3.8 Visa Debit with PIN – US Region 493
7.3.9 Partial Authorization 493

Contents
7.3.11 Account Verification – Europe Region 496
7.3.12 Member Reporting Requirements – Europe Region 496
7.4 Processing of Specific Transaction Types 497
7.4.1 Account Funding Transactions 497
7.4.2 Manual Cash Disbursements 497
7.4.3 Automated Fuel Dispenser Transactions 498
7.4.4 Bill Payment Transactions 498
7.4.6 Online Gambling Transactions 499
7.4.7 Commercial Payables Transactions 499
7.4.8 Card-Absent Environment Transactions – AP Region 500
7.4.9 Visa Purchasing Card Transactions 500
7.4.10 Visa Fleet Card Transactions 500
7.4.11 Visa Commercial Card Transactions 501
7.4.12 Visa Drive Card Transactions – Europe Region 502
7.4.13 In-Transit Transactions – Europe Region 503
7.4.14 Authorization Request Content – Europe Region (United Kingdom) 503
7.5 Clearing 503
7.5.1 File Processing 503
7.5.2 Currency Conversion 504
7.5.3 PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit Adjustments – US Region 504
7.5.4 Reversals – US Region 505
7.5.5 Data Requirements 505
7.6 Online Financial and Deferred Clearing 506
7.6.1 Online Financial and Deferred Clearing Requirements 506

Contents
7.7 Transaction Processing Time Limits and Dates 507
7.7.1 Processing Time Limits 507
7.8 Settlement 508
7.8.2 National Net Settlement Service (NNSS) Requirements 508
7.8.3 Settlement Requirements – AP Region 509
7.8.4 Settlement Requirements – Europe Region 509
7.8.6 Settlement Requirements – US Region 512
7.8.7 Member Readiness for Settlement 512
7.9 System Use – Europe Region 513
7.9.1 Default Infrastructure – Europe Region 513
7.10 Authorization and Clearing Transaction Content 513
7.10.1 Transaction Message Content 513
7.10.2 Payment Stop Service 513
7.11 Strong Customer Authentication – Europe Region 514
7.11.1 Strong Customer Authentication – General Requirements 514
7.11.2 Delegated Authentication Program – Europe Region 514
7.11.3 Trusted Listing Program – Europe Region 516
8 Processing Products 518
8.1 Use of Visa Systems 518
8.1.1 VisaNet Access Points 518
8.1.2 Direct Connection to VisaNet 520
8.1.3 System Changes 520
8.2 Cardholder Loyalty Programs 520
8.2.1 Visa Loyalty Platform Services 520

Contents
8.2.2 Card Linked Offers – Europe Region 521
8.3 Visa Information Systems 523
8.3.1 Visa Online 523
8.3.2 VisaVue Online 523
8.4 Original Credit Transactions 523
8.4.1 Original Credit Transactions – Originating Requirements 523
8.4.2 Original Credit Transactions – Recipient Issuer Requirements 525
8.4.4 Original Credit Transactions – Fast Funds 526
8.5 Mobile Push Payment Transactions 527
8.5.1 Mobile Push Payment Transactions – Issuer Requirements 527
8.6 Visa Processing Services 528
8.6.1 Visa Account Updater 528
8.6.2 Visa Payment Controls 531
8.6.3 Straight Through Processing 531
8.7 Visa Software 532
8.7.1 Software License 532
9 Interchange 533
10 Risk 534
10.1 Corporate Risk Reduction 534
10.1.1 Acquirer Risk Responsibilities 534
10.1.2 Electronic Commerce Merchant Requirements 534
10.1.3 Anti-Money Laundering 536
10.1.4 Blocking of BINs and Acquiring Identifiers 537
10.1.5 Crisis Management and Business Continuity – Europe Region 538

Contents
10.2 Agents and Processors 538
10.2.1 Member Requirements Related to VisaNet Processors and Visa Scheme Processors 538
10.2.2 Member Requirements Related to Third Party Agents 545
10.2.3 Member Requirements Related to Third Parties – Europe Region 551
10.2.4 Independent Sales Organizations – Europe Region 551
10.3 Account and Transaction Information Security 552
10.3.1 Account, Cardholder, and Transaction Information Security 552
10.3.2 Confidential Consumer Cardholder Information 555
10.3.3 Data Protection – Europe Region 556
10.4 Activity and Compliance Monitoring 562
10.4.1 Member Activity Monitoring Requirements 562
10.4.2 Monitoring of Visa Compliance 566
10.4.3 Dispute Monitoring 566
10.4.4 Acquirer Dispute and Fraud Monitoring 571
10.4.5 Merchant Fraud Monitoring 573
10.4.6 High-Brand Risk Merchants 580
10.4.7 High-Brand Risk Merchant Monitoring 581
10.4.8 High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator Requirements 585
10.4.9 Issuer Fraud Monitoring 586
10.4.10 Issuer Fraud Monitoring 590
10.5 Brand Protection 590
10.5.1 Global Brand Protection Program 590
10.6 Fraud Reporting 591
10.6.1 Fraud Reporting Requirements 591

Contents
10.7 Card Recovery 592
10.7.1 Card Recovery at the Point of Sale 592
10.7.2 Return of Recovered Cards 593
10.7.3 Recovered Counterfeit Cards 596
10.7.4 Card Recovery Bulletin (CRB) 596
10.8 Lost or Stolen Cards 597
10.8.1 Lost or Stolen Card Reporting 597
10.9 PIN Security Requirements 597
10.10 Account Data Compromise 598
10.10.1 Global Compromised Account Recovery (GCAR) Program 598
10.11 Terminated Merchants 599
10.11.1 Retention of Merchant Records 599
10.11.2 Required Use of Terminated Merchant Database 599
10.12 Visa Risk Products 602
10.12.1 Address Verification Service (AVS) 602
10.12.2 Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) 603
10.13 Advanced Authorization 606
10.13.1 Visa Advanced Authorization 606
10.14 Transaction Alerts 606
10.14.1 Transaction Alerts Requirements 606
10.15 National Card Recovery File 608
10.15.1 National Card Recovery File – US Region 608
10.16 Visa Secure 608

Contents
10.16.1 Visa Secure General Participation Requirements 608
10.16.2 Visa Secure Issuer Participation Requirements 610
10.16.3 Visa Secure Acquirer and Merchant Participation Requirements 613
10.16.4 Use of Visa Authentication Technology 614
10.17 Credit Bureau Reporting 615
10.17.1 Credit Bureau Reporting – US Region 615
10.20 Visa Merchant Screening Service 616
10.20.1 Visa Merchant Screening Service – AP Region and Europe Region 616
10.21 Fraud Detection Systems 618
10.21.1 Fraud Detection Systems – Europe Region 618
10.22 Prepaid 618
10.22.1 Agent Use/Risk Controls 618
11 Dispute Resolution 620
11.1 Responsibilities for Dispute Resolution 620
11.1.1 Mutual Assistance Between Members 620
11.1.2 Issuer Responsibilities to Cardholders for Dispute Resolution 620
11.1.3 Visa Right to Grant Exceptions to Dispute Processing Requirements 620
11.2 Dispute Resolution General Requirements 621
11.2.1 Dispute Resolution Process General Requirements 621
11.2.2 Dispute Resolution Process – Dispute Category 10 (Fraud) and 11 (Authorization) 621
11.2.3 Dispute Resolution Process – Dispute Category 12 (Processing Errors) and 13

(Consumer Disputes) 623
11.2.4 Mobile Push Payment Transaction Disputes 625
11.3 Use of Visa Systems 625

Contents
11.3.1 Use of Visa Systems for Dispute Processing 625
11.3.2 Transaction Processing Requirements 626
11.3.3 Reversal of a Dispute 627
11.4 Dispute Amount 627
11.4.1 Dispute and Dispute Response Amount General Requirements 627
11.4.2 Currency Conversion Difference 628
11.4.3 Minimum Dispute Amounts 628
11.5 Dispute Rights and Restrictions 629
11.5.1 Prohibition of Multiple Transactions in a Dispute 629
11.5.2 Use of Compelling Evidence 629
11.6 Dispute Categories and Conditions 633
11.6.1 Dispute Categories Table Format 633
11.7 Dispute Category 10: Fraud 634
11.7.1 Dispute Category 10: Cardholder Letter or Certification Requirements 634
11.7.2 Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud 635
11.7.3 Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift – Non-Counterfeit Fraud 638
11.7.4 Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment 642
11.7.5 Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment 645
11.7.6 Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program 652
11.8 Dispute Category 11: Authorization 654
11.8.1 Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin 654
11.8.2 Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization 657
11.8.3 Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization 659
11.9 Dispute Category 12: Processing Errors 663

Contents
11.9.1 Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment 663
11.9.2 Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code 667
11.9.3 Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency 670
11.9.4 Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number 673
11.9.5 Dispute Condition 12.5 Incorrect Amount 676
11.9.6 Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means 679
11.9.7 Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data 684
11.10 Dispute Category 13: Consumer Disputes 687
11.10.1 Dispute Category 13: Cardholder Letter Requirements 687
11.10.2 Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received 687
11.10.3 Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction 693
11.10.4 Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services 696
11.10.5 Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise 703
11.10.6 Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation 706
11.10.7 Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed 713
11.10.8 Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services 716
11.10.9 Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted 723
11.10.10 Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value 725
11.11 Arbitration 728
11.11.1 Required Documentation for Arbitration 728
11.12 Compliance 729
11.12.1 Compliance Filing Conditions 729
11.12.2 Compliance Time Limits 730
11.12.3 Compliance Conditions and Required Documentation 731

Contents
11.12.4 Compliance Right for Improperly Assessed Surcharge – US Region and US

Territories 738
11.12.5 Data Compromise Recovery 739
11.13 Arbitration and Compliance Decision 739
11.13.1 Arbitration and Compliance Filing Authority 739
11.13.2 Use of V.I.P. System Authorization Records in Arbitration and Compliance 740
11.13.3 Withdrawal of an Arbitration or Compliance Case 740
11.13.4 Conditions for an Appeal to the Arbitration and Compliance Committee 740
11.13.5 Appeal Time Limit 740
11.13.6 Appeal Filing Fee 741
11.14 Retrieval Request and Fulfillment 741
11.14.1 Retrieval Request Information Requirements 741
11.14.2 Retrieval Request Fulfillment Requirements 741
11.14.3 Retrieval Request Prohibition 743
12 Fees and Non-Compliance Assessments 744
12.2 Issuance Non-Compliance Assessments 744
12.2.1 Fraud Activity Reporting Non-Compliance Assessments 744
12.3 Acceptance Non-Compliance Assessments 747
12.3.1 EMV Liability Shift and Fallback Non-Compliance Assessments 747
12.3.2 High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator Non-Compliance Assessments 747
12.3.3 Chip Card Non-Compliance Assessments 748
12.3.4 Marketplace Non-Compliance Assessments 748
12.3.5 Mass Transit Non-Compliance Assessments 749
12.5 Transaction Processing Non-Compliance Assessments 749

Contents
12.5.1 Authorization and Clearing Non-Compliance Assessments 749
12.5.2 Duplicate or Erroneous Data Fee 750
12.6 Risk Non-Compliance Assessments 750
12.6.1 Account and Transaction Information Security Non-Compliance Assessments 750
12.6.2 Anti-Money Laundering Program Non-Compliance Assessments 752
12.6.3 Authentication Non-Compliance Assessments 753
12.6.4 Visa Monitoring Program Non-Compliance Assessments 754
12.6.5 Dispute Monitoring Fees and Non-Compliance Assessments 755
12.6.6 High-Risk/High-Brand Risk Acquirer Non-Compliance Assessments 758
12.6.7 Fraud Monitoring and Reporting Non-Compliance Assessments 758
12.6.8 Terminated Merchant Non-Compliance Assessments 759
12.6.9 Global Brand Protection Program Non-Compliance Assessments 759
12.6.10 Corporate Risk Reduction Non-Compliance Assessments 760
12.6.11 Merchant Agreement with Prohibited Merchant Non-Compliance Assessments –

US Region 760
12.6.13 Non-Compliance Assessments Related to Agents 761
12.7 Fees – General 762
12.7.1 Fee Assessment and Responsibility 762
12.7.2 Global Compromised Account Recovery (GCAR) Fees 763
12.8 Member-to-Member Fees 763
12.8.2 Automated Clearing House Service 763
12.8.3 Member-to-Member Fee Collection and Funds Disbursement 765
12.8.4 Incentive Fulfillment Fees 767
12.8.5 Investigative Services Fees 767

Contents
12.8.6 Rewards for Recovered Cards 767
12.9 Other Non-Compliance Assessments 768
12.9.1 Willful Violations – Europe Region 768
Appendix A 771
Visa Supplemental Requirements 771
Glossary 780

Tables
Tables
Table 1-1: Asia-Pacific Region 56
Table 1-2: Canada Region 56
Table 1-3: Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa Region 56
Table 1-4: Europe Region 57
Table 1-5: Latin America and Caribbean Region 57
Table 1-6: US Region 57
Table 1-7: Permitted Cross-Border Acquiring 89
Table 1-8: Allowed Merchant Outlet Locations for Card-Present Transactions 89
Table 1-9: Allowed Additional Merchant Outlet Locations for Card-Absent Transactions 90
Table 1-10: EMV Liability Shift Participation 131
Table 1-11: General Schedule of Non-Compliance Assessments 134
Table 1-12: General Schedule of Non-Compliance Assessments – Tier 1 135
Table 1-13: General Schedule of Non-Compliance Assessments – Tier 2 136
Table 1-14: Non-Compliance Assessments for Willful Violations of the Visa Rules 139
Table 1-15: Non-Compliance Assessments for Significant Violations of the Visa Rules 139
Table 2-1: Regulatory Closure – Assuming Member Requirements 142
Table 3-1: Specific Marks Requirements – US Region and US Territories 161
Table 4-1: Credit Authorization Requirements 165
Table 4-2: Product Category Identification – Europe Region 168
Table 4-3: Marketing Materials Approvals for Visa Products 169
Table 4-4: Visa Consumer Product Core Card Benefits – LAC Region 171
Table 4-5: Provision of Provisional Credit 190

Tables
Table 4-6: Provision of Emergency Cash Disbursements to Cardholders 195
Table 4-7: Provision of Emergency Card Replacements to Cardholders 196
Table 4-8: Provision of Visa Global Customer Assistance Services 197
Table 4-9: Cardholder Benefits by Product Type – Canada Region 198
Table 4-10: Contactless Payment Device Issuer Requirements 207
Table 4-11: Contactless Payment Device Issuer Requirements – Europe Region 208
Table 4-12: CVM Requirements for Contactless Payment Devices – AP Region and CEMEA
Region 211
Table 4-13: Domestic Contactless Transaction Offline Authorization Limits – AP Region 213
Table 4-14: Contactless Payment Device Issuance Requirements – AP Region, CEMEA

Region, Europe Region, and LAC Region 220
Table 4-15: Visa Gold Product Minimum Level of Cardholder Rewards and Benefits – AP
Region (Japan) 230
Table 4-16: Visa Rewards Product Benefits – AP Region (Australia) 234
Table 4-17: Visa Commercial Card Core Feature Requirements – AP Region, Canada
Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, and US Region 258
Table 4-18: Visa Commercial Card Mandatory Core Services 260
Table 4-19: Visa Business Card Core Benefits – LAC Region 271
Table 4-20: Visa Multi-Currency Solution – Cardholder Disclosure Requirements 286
Table 4-21: Visa Premium Corporate Card Core Product Benefits – LAC Region 295
Table 4-22: Corrective Actions for Issuer Failure to Meet Performance Standards for Visa
Premium Corporate Cards – LAC Region 298
Table 4-23: Visa Drive Card Requirements – Europe Region 303
Table 4-24: Service Requirements for France Domestic Transactions using Carte Bleue
Nationale Cards 307

Tables
Table 4-25: Service Requirements for France Domestic Transactions using Carte Bleue
Nationale Affaires Cards 308
Table 5-1: Allowed Additional Marketplace Locations 326
Table 5-2: Staged Digital Wallet Transaction Processing Requirements 329
Table 5-3: Card and Cardholder Validation in a Face-to-Face Environment 338
Table 5-4: Surcharge Disclosure – AP Region (Australia) 341
Table 5-5: Surcharge Disclosure – US Region and US Territories 345
Table 5-6: Convenience Fee Requirements 346
Table 5-7: Service Fee Assessment Permitted MCCs 349
Table 5-8: Service Fee Assessment Exceptions 351
Table 5-9: Acceptance Device Requirements 352
Table 5-10: Chip Acceptance Device Testing Requirements 364
Table 5-11: Requirements for Deployment of Contactless-Only Acceptance Devices 365
Table 5-12: Conditions for Deployment of Contactless-Only Acceptance Devices 369
Table 5-13: Special Authorization Request Allowances and Requirements 373
Table 5-14: Approval Response Validity Periods 382
Table 5-15: Authorization Reversal Requirement 384
Table 5-16: Cash-Back Requirements 386
Table 5-17: Acquirer Support of Visa Secure by Region/Country/Territory – Requirements 402
Table 5-18: Conditions for Amended Amounts and Delayed Charges 413
Table 5-19: Requirements for Prepayments and Transactions Using Stored Credentials 418
Table 5-20: Eligible MCCs for VEPS Transactions (Effective through 13 September 2019) 427
Table 5-21: Eligible MCCs for VEPS Transactions (Effective 14 September 2019) 428
Table 5-22: Debt Repayment Transaction Requirements 429

Tables
Table 5-23: Required Disclosure/Transaction Receipt/Notification Content and Format for

Up-Selling Transactions 435
Table 5-24: Required Disclosure/Transaction Receipt/Notification Content and Format for

Negative Option Transactions 436
Table 5-25: Transaction Receipt Delivery to Cardholders 441
Table 5-26: Required Transaction Receipt Content for All Transactions 444
Table 5-27: Required Transaction Receipt Content for Specific Transactions 446
Table 5-28: Thresholds for Merchant Credit Transaction Authorization Requests 451
Table 5-29: Consumer Bill Payment Service Provider – Allowed MCCs 455
Table 6-1: Acquirer and ATM Requirements for ATM Access Fees 475
Table 7-1: Maximum Time Limits for Authorization Request Response 487
Table 7-2: Permitted Authorization Response Codes 491
Table 7-3: Acquirer Processing Timeframe Requirements 507
Table 8-1: Fast Funds Processing Requirements 526
Table 8-2: Required Electronic Transaction Receipt Content for Mobile Push Payment
Transactions 527
Table 8-3: VAU Issuer Update Requirements 529
Table 8-4: VAU Enrollment Requirements – Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region,
US Region 530
Table 10-1: Merchant Deposit Monitoring Parameters – Europe Region 564
Table 10-2: VDMP Standard Program Timeline 568
Table 10-3: VDMP High-Risk Program Timeline 569
Table 10-4: VAMP Timeline 572
Table 10-5: VFMP Standard Program Timeline 575
Table 10-6: VFMP High-Risk Program Timeline 577

Tables
Table 10-7: VIMP Timeline 588
Table 10-8: Cross-Border Fraud Monitoring Program Elements – Europe Region 588
Table 10-9: Country/Territory-Specific Visa Secure Participation Requirements 609
Table 11-1: Dispute Resolution Process Steps – Category 10 (Fraud) and Category 11
(Authorization) 621
Table 11-2: Dispute Resolution Process Steps – Category 12 (Processing Errors) and
Category 13 (Consumer Disputes) 623
Table 11-3: Financial Message Types – Category 10 (Fraud) and Category 11 (Authorization) 626
Table 11-4: Financial Message Types – Category 12 (Processing Errors) and Category 13
(Consumer Disputes) 626
Table 11-5: Minimum Dispute Amount 628
Table 11-6: Allowable Compelling Evidence 629
Table 11-7: Dispute Country/Region Descriptions 633
Table 11-8: Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute
Reasons 635
Table 11-9: Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute Rights 635
Table 11-10: Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Invalid
Disputes 636
Table 11-11: Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute Time
Limit 637
Table 11-12: Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute
Processing Requirements 637
Table 11-13: Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Pre-Arbitration
Table 11-14: Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute
Reasons 638

Tables
Rights 639
Table 11-16: Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Invalid
Disputes 639
Time Limit 640
Table 11-19: Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Pre-
Arbitration Processing Requirements 641
Table 11-20: Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment – Dispute
Reasons 642
Rights 642
Table 11-22: Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment – Invalid
Disputes 643
Time Limit 644
Table 11-25: Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment – Pre-
Table 11-26: Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Dispute
Reasons 646
Rights 646
Table 11-28: Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Invalid
Disputes 647

Tables
Time Limit 650
Table 11-31: Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Pre-
Table 11-32: Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program – Dispute Reasons 653
Table 11-33: Dispute Condition 10.5 Visa Fraud Monitoring Program – Invalid Disputes 653
Table 11-34: Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program – Dispute Time Limit 653
Table 11-35: Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program – Pre-Arbitration
Table 11-36: Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Dispute Reasons 654
Table 11-37: Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Invalid Disputes 655
Table 11-38: Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Dispute Time Limit 656
Table 11-39: Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Pre-Arbitration Processing
Requirements 656
Table 11-40: Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Dispute Reasons 657
Table 11-41: Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Dispute Rights 657
Table 11-42: Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Invalid Disputes 657
Table 11-43: Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Dispute Time Limit 658
Table 11-44: Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Pre-Arbitration Processing

Requirements 658
Table 11-45: Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Dispute Reasons 659
Table 11-46: Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Dispute Rights 660
Table 11-47: Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Invalid Disputes 660
Table 11-48: Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Dispute Time Limit 661

Tables
Table 11-49: Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Pre-Arbitration Processing

Requirements 661
Table 11-50: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Reasons 663
Table 11-51: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Rights 664
Table 11-52: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Invalid Disputes 664
Table 11-53: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Time Limit 665
Table 11-54: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Processing Requirements 665
Table 11-55: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Response Processing
Requirements 666
Table 11-56: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Reasons 667
Table 11-57: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Rights 667
Table 11-58: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Invalid Disputes 668
Table 11-59: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Time Limit 668
Table 11-60: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Processing
Requirements 669
Table 11-61: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Response
Table 11-62: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Reasons 670
Table 11-63: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Rights 670
Table 11-64: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Invalid Disputes 671
Table 11-65: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Time Limit 671
Table 11-66: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Processing

Requirements 672
Table 11-67: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Response Rights 672
Table 11-68: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Response Processing
Requirements 673

Tables
Table 11-69: Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Dispute Reasons 674
Table 11-70: Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Invalid Disputes 674
Table 11-71: Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Dispute Time Limit 675
Table 11-72: Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Dispute Processing
Requirements 675
Table 11-73: Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Dispute Response
Table 11-74: Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Reasons 676
Table 11-75: Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Rights 677
Table 11-76: Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Invalid Disputes 677
Table 11-77: Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Time Limit 678
Table 11-78: Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Processing Requirements678
Table 11-79: Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Response Processing
Requirements 679
Table 11-80: Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Dispute
Reasons 679
Rights 680
Table 11-82: Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Invalid
Disputes 681
Time Limit 682
Response Processing Requirements 683
Table 11-86: Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Dispute Reasons 684

Tables
Table 11-87: Dispute Condition 12.7 Invalid Data – Dispute Rights 685
Table 11-88: Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Invalid Disputes 685
Table 11-89: Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Dispute Time Limit 685
Table 11-90: Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Dispute Processing Requirements 686
Table 11-91: Dispute Condition 12.7 Invalid Data – Dispute Response Processing
Requirements 686
Table 11-92: Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Dispute

Reasons 687
Table 11-93: Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Dispute Rights 688
Table 11-94: Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Invalid

Disputes 689
Table 11-95: Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Dispute Time
Limit 689


Table 11-98: Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Reasons 693
Table 11-99: Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Rights 694
Table 11-100: Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Invalid Disputes 694
Table 11-101: Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Time
Limit 695
Table 11-102: Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute

Table 11-103: Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Response

Tables
Table 11-104: Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective

Merchandise/Services – Dispute Reasons 697

Merchandise/Services – Dispute Rights 697

Merchandise/Services – Invalid Disputes 698

Merchandise/Services – Dispute Time Limit 699

Merchandise/Services – Dispute Processing Requirements 700

Merchandise/Services – Dispute Response Processing Requirements 702
Table 11-110: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Reasons 703
Table 11-111: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Rights 704
Table 11-112: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Invalid Disputes 704
Table 11-113: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Time Limit 704
Table 11-114: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Processing

Requirements 705
Table 11-115: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Response

Table 11-116: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Reasons 706
Table 11-117: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Rights 707
Table 11-118: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Invalid Disputes 709
Table 11-119: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Time Limit 709
Table 11-120: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Processing

Requirements 710

Tables
Table 11-121: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Response Processing

Requirements 712
Table 11-122: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Reasons 713
Table 11-123: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Rights 713
Table 11-124: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Invalid Disputes 714
Table 11-125: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Time Limit 714
Table 11-126: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Processing
Requirements 715
Table 11-127: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Response
Table 11-128: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Reasons 716
Table 11-129: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Rights 717
Table 11-130: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Invalid Disputes 718
Table 11-131: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Time

Limit 719
Table 11-132: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute

Table 11-133: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute

Table 11-134: Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted – Dispute
Reasons 723
Table 11-135: Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted – Invalid
Disputes 724
Time Limit 724

Tables
Table 11-139: Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value –
Dispute Reasons 725
Dispute Rights 726
Invalid Disputes 726
Dispute Time Limit 727
Dispute Processing Requirements 727
Dispute Response Processing Requirements 728
Table 11-145: Pre-Compliance Time Limits 730
Table 11-146: Compliance Time Limits 730
Table 11-147: Chargeback Reduction Service Returned or VROL Prevented Valid Dispute,
Dispute Response, or Pre-Arbitration Attempt for Invalid Data 731
Table 11-148: Unauthorized Signature 732
Table 11-149: Cardholder Letter Required for Legal Purposes 733
Table 11-150: Copy of Transaction Receipt 733
Table 11-151: Electronic Commerce Transaction 734
Table 11-152: Authorization Received after Decline Response on Counterfeit Card 734
Table 11-153: Fraudulent Multiple Transactions 735
Table 11-154: Counterfeit Card Transaction with Incomplete Data 735
Table 11-155: No Valid Form of Identification for Domestic Transactions – Europe Region
(Sweden) (Effective through 18 October 2019) 736

Tables
Table 11-156: Fraudulent Credits 737
Table 11-157: Shared Deposit – No Documentation Received for Deposit Return Item 738
Table 11-158: Shared Deposit – Cardholder Did Not Receive Credit or Settlement Amount
Did Not Match 738
Table 11-159: Retrieval Request – Allowable Nonfulfillment Transaction Types 742
Table 12-1: Non-Compliance Assessments for Failure to Report Fraud 744
Table 12-2: Member Non-Compliance Assessments for Non-Compliance with the Chip
Interoperability Compliance Program – AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region,
LAC Region, US Region 745
Table 12-3: Member Non-Compliance Assessments for Non-Compliance with the Chip
Interoperability Compliance Program – Europe Region 745
Table 12-4: Non-Compliance Assessments for Member Failure to Meet Marketplace

Requirements 748
Table 12-5: Non-Compliance Assessments for the Account Information Security Program –

AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region 750
Table 12-6: Non-Compliance Assessments for the Account Information Security Program –
Europe Region 751
Table 12-7: Non-Compliance Assessments for Member Failure to Return a Completed

Anti-Money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing Questionnaire – AP Region, Canada
Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region 753
Table 12-8: PIN Security Non-Compliance Assessments 753
Table 12-9: Non-Compliance Assessments for Excessive Disputes or Fraud Activity-to-Sales

Ratio 754
Table 12-10: Non-Compliance Assessments for Excessive Fraud Activity-to-Sales Ratio 755
Table 12-11: Fees for Visa Dispute Monitoring Program – Standard Program 755
Table 12-12: Fees for Visa Dispute Monitoring Program – High-Risk Program 756
Table 12-13: Non-Compliance Assessments for VFMP – High-Risk Program 758

Tables
Table 12-14: Acquirer Non-Compliance Assessments for Merchant Agreement with a

Prohibited Merchant – US Region 760
Table 12-15: Non-Compliance Assessments Related to Third Party Agents 762
Table 12-16: Non-Compliance Assessments for Willful Violations of the Visa Rules –
Europe Region 769

Summary of Changes
Summary of Changes
Summary of Changes Since the 13 April 2019 Visa Core Rules and Visa
Product and Service Rules
Change
Revisions to Support 8-Digit BINs
Effective 19 October 2019
Updates have been made to align the rules with the new terminology and format that will be used as Visa
migrates to 8-digit BINs.
Multiple Modifications in Support of Card Design Flexibility
Effective 22 August 2019
Revisions have been made to allow Members more flexibility in Card design.
Updated Non-Compliance Assessment Schedules
25 January 2020
The non-compliance assessment schedules for general and willful violations have been updated, and a new
significant violation schedule has been introduced.
Extended Access Proxy Introduction
Effective 1 May 2019
Revisions have been made to introduce requirements for Extended Access Proxy.
Token Account Verification Value (TAVV) and Dynamic Token Verification Value (DTVV) Storage
Prohibition
The account and transaction information security requirements have been updated to clarify that TAVV or
DTVV data must not be stored subsequent to Authorization.
Expansion of Estimated and Incremental Authorizations to Select MCCs
Revisions have been made to allow parking, electric vehicle charging, and card-absent grocery Merchants to
use Estimated Authorization Requests and Incremental Authorization Requests.

Summary of Changes
Change
Consumer Bill Payment Solution Provider Requirements
Revisions have been made to add requirements for Consumer Bill Payment Service (CBPS) providers.
Streamlining of Transaction Receipt Requirements
Revisions have been made to streamline and globalize requirements for Transaction Receipts.
Transaction Deposit Rationalization
Revisions have been made to rationalize and globalize requirements for Transaction Deposits.
ATM Transaction Decline Allowance in the Event of a Fraud Threat
Effective 20 July 2019
Revisions have been made to allow ATM Acquirers to decline a Cash Disbursement Authorization Request
without seeking the Issuer’s permission if there is an immediate fraud threat.
Clarification of Transit Rules to Differentiate Mass Transit Transactions
Revisions have been made to clarify where the Mass Transaction Transit model does not apply to transit-
related Transactions.
Revisions to Support PIN on PCI-Compliant Mobile Payment Acceptance Solutions
Revisions have been made to allow Merchants the option to accept Magnetic-Stripe-read Transactions
through alternate means in order to support the Merchant’ deployment of PCI-compliant software-based
PIN entry solution for commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) devices.
Distribution of Visa Prepaid Cards Outside the Country of Issuance
Revisions have been made to provide Issuers and their partners with the ability to support global corporate
incentive programs for multinational corporate clients.
Visa Account Updater (VAU) Advice Clarification and Participation Updates

Summary of Changes
Change
Effective 13 June 2019
Revisions have been made to clarify the permitted use of Visa Account Updater Issuer advices and delete
Europe Region enrollment requirements for high-volume Acquirers.
Requirements for Free Trial and Promotional Offer Merchants
Effective 18 April 2020
Revisions have been made to update and globally align requirements for Merchants that offer free trials or
promotional discounts that then automatically become Recurring Transactions.
Client Directory Tool Updates
Revisions have been made to reinforce the requirements for Client Directory updates.
Updates to Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Limits and Qualification
Effective 14 September 2019
In the Europe Region: Revisions have been made to the Transactions that qualify for the Visa Easy Payment
Service (VEPS), in line with PSD2 requirements.
Effective 30 August 2019 and 17 April 2020
In the Europe Region (Sweden, Turkey): Updates have been made to the Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS)
limits.
Removal of Card Signature Panel – AP, Canada, CEMEA, Europe, LAC Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, LAC Region: Clarifications have been made
to remove the requirement to have a signature panel on a Card.
In the US Region: A signature panel will still be required.
Ecosystem Risk Performance Fee Updates – Canada, LAC, and US Regions
Effective 18 April 2020 and 17 April 2021
In the Canada Region, LAC Region, US Region: Revisions have been made to expand a series of risk-adjusted
fees.
Updates to Mass Transit Transaction Requirements – AP Region (Taiwan)

Summary of Changes
Change
In the AP Region (Taiwan): Revisions have been made to increase the maximum Transaction amount that can
be cleared following the first Decline Response.
Redesign of Visa Rewards Product – AP Region (Australia)
In the AP Region (Australia): Revisions have been made to Visa Rewards product requirements and
Cardholder benefits.
Updates to Cardholder Benefit Requirements – AP Region (Cambodia)
In the AP Region (Cambodia): Revisions have been made to allow Issuers to provide alternative Cardholder
benefits for Visa Platinum, Visa Signature and Visa Infinite products.
Introduction of Consumer-Presented QR Codes – AP Region
In the AP Region: Revisions have been made to support consumer-presented QR codes.
Changes to Visa Signature and Visa Infinite Debit Product Requirements – AP Region (India)
In the AP Region (India): Revisions have been made to Visa Signature and Visa Infinite debit product
requirements.
Use of Visa Secure with 3D Secure 2.0 – AP Region (Hong Kong, Macau, Philippines)
In the AP Region (Hong Kong, Macau, Philippines): Revisions have been made to require Members to
support Visa Secure with 3-D Secure 2.0.
Updates to Visa Platinum Debit Card Requirements – AP Region (Australia, New Zealand)
In the AP Region (Australia, New Zealand): Revisions have been made to extend the Visa Platinum Debit Card
requirements to include New Zealand and update the product requirements for Australia.
Updates to Provision of Required Merchant Information – CEMEA Region
In the CEMEA Region: Revisions have been made to implement the use of the Global Merchant Repository

Summary of Changes
Change
(GMR) and require the use of the Acquirer Merchant Master File (AMMF) format to deliver required
Merchant information to Visa.
Updates to Visa Rewards Requirements – CEMEA Region (Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan)
In the CEMEA Region (Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan): Updates have been made to introduce the Visa Rewards
product.
Ecosystem Risk Performance Requirements – Europe and LAC Regions
In the Europe Region, LAC Region: Revisions have been made to ensure the proper use of Transaction
decline codes, ensure authorization consistency and mitigate invalid transactions.
Use of Visa Secure Authentication Technology – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: Revisions have been made to clarify requirements for the use of Visa Secure
authentication technology.
Prepaid BIN File Introduced for Acquirers in the European Union – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: To help Acquirers in the European Union comply with new requirements to prevent
money laundering and terrorism financing, Visa has introduced a Prepaid BIN file that identifies Non-
Reloadable Prepaid Cards.
Use of Acquirer Merchant Master File – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: Revisions have been made to require Acquirers to submit Merchant data through the
Acquirer Merchant Master File (AMMF).
Removal of ATM PIN Change and Unblock Mandate – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: The previously announced ATM Acquirer mandate to enable PIN change and unblock
capabilities at ATMs for all Visa Chip-enabled Cards will now be optional for ATM Acquirers.
Visa Delegated Authorization Processing – Europe Region

Summary of Changes
Change
In the Europe Region: Visa Delegated Authorization Processing has been introduced.
Update to Passporting Requirements – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: Updates have been made to Passporting requirements for Members in the European
Economic Area (EEA).
ATM Access Fee Changes – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: Acquirer requirements for ATM Access Fees in the Europe Region have been aligned
with global requirements.
Account Information Security Program Assessment Update – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: Revisions have been made to requirements relating to on-site Account Information
Security Program assessments of Acquirers.
Third Party Agent Non-Compliance Assessment – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: The non-compliance assessments (NCAs) applicable to Third Party Agents globally
have been extended to include the Europe Region.
PIN Entry Device Requirement Updates – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: Revisions have been made to remove the mandate to sunset unattended PIN
encrypting device (PED) arrangements for pre-PCI v2 devices. All PED requirements for the Europe Region are
now contained in the Visa PIN Security Program Guide.
Marketplace Requirements – Europe Region
Effective 19 October 2019 and 18 April 2020
In the Europe Region: Revisions have been made to Marketplace requirements including the introduction of
a Non-Compliance Assessment schedule.
Issuer Participation in 3-D Secure 2.0 – Europe Region

Summary of Changes
Change
Effective 14 March 2020 and 14 September 2020
In the Europe Region: Updates have been made to Issuer participation requirements for 3-D Secure.
Prepaid Card Load Limit Clarification and Alignment – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: Revisions have been made to align the load amount for Non-Reloadable Prepaid
Cards with all other Visa Regions.
Updated Rules for Domestic Installment Payment Transactions – LAC Region (Brazil)
In the LAC Region (Brazil): Revisions have been made to include Dispute requirements for Domestic
Installment Transactions in Brazil.
Extension of 3-D Secure 2.0 Activation Date – US Region
In the US Region: The activation date by which Issuers must support the 3-D Secure 2.0 protocol for
authenticating US Cardholders, or be liable for fraud, has been extended to 31 August 2020.
Clarification of Cash-Back without Purchase Requirement – US Region
In the US Region: Revisions have been made to clarify that providing Cash-Back without requiring a
purchase is permitted, subject to a Merchant’s discretion.
Effective Date Revisions
Most effective dates older than 6 months have been deleted.
Editorial Changes
Editorial revisions have been made to ensure consistency and clarity and to delete obsolete or redundant
language.
ID# 0030660 Edition: Oct 2019 | Last Updated: New

Introduction
Introduction
The Visa Rules
The Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules
Introduction to the Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules
Visa has established rules that are designed to minimize risks and provide a common, convenient,
secure, and reliable global payment experience while supporting geography-specific rules that
allow for variations and unique marketplace needs. They are set and modified by Visa to support
the use and advancement of Visa products and services, and represent a binding contract
between Visa and each Member.
The Visa Core Rules contain fundamental rules that apply to all Visa system participants and
specify the minimum requirements applicable to all Members to uphold the safety, security,
soundness, integrity, and interoperability of the Visa system.
The Visa Product and Service Rules contain rules that apply to Visa system participants based on
use of a product, service, the Visa-Owned Marks, VisaNet, the dispute resolution process, and
other aspects of the Visa payment system. The Visa Product and Service Rules also include
operational requirements related to the Visa Core Rules.
The Visa Supplemental Requirements are Visa- or third-party-administered documents or
websites that contain requirements beyond the content of the Visa Core Rules and Visa Product
and Service Rules (for example: Visa Product Brand Standards, BASE II Clearing Services, Visa
Integrated Circuit Card Specification, Payment Card Industry (PCI) Card Production and Provisioning –
Logical Security Requirements).
ID# 0020308 Edition: Oct 2019 | Last Updated: Apr 2017
Writing Conventions
The following conventions apply to the Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules:
l “Visa” refers to any Visa Region, office, management, or committee.
l If the singular is used, it means the plural, and the plural means the singular. For example: “A
Merchant must ...” means that “All Merchants must...”
l Responsibility is assigned to a Member. For example: “A Merchant must…” means “An Acquirer
must ensure that its Merchant…”

Introduction
l Capitalized words have a meaning defined in the Glossary, except for the names of some Visa
products or services, which are capitalized but not defined.
l Defined terms are often combined.
Changes to the Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules
Changes to the Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules are communicated and
identified as part of the “Summary of Changes” for each edition.
Unless an effective date is specified in the text for a change to the Visa Core Rules and Visa
Product and Service Rules, all changes are effective on the publication date.
ID# 0020315 Edition: Oct 2019 | Last Updated: Oct 2014
Unique Rule IDs and Additional Information

The bar below each rule contains the following information:
Information in Rule ID
ID# A unique 7-digit identification code that includes leading zeros. This unique ID remains with
each rule for the life of that rule.
Edition The month/year of the current edition of the Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules
Last The month/year in which the rule was last changed

Updated

Part 1:
Visa Core Rules
Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
1.1 General
1.1.1 Governance
1.1.1.1 Applicability of Rules

All participants in the Visa system are subject to and bound by the Visa Charter Documents and the
Visa Rules, as applicable based on the nature of their participation and geography. In the event of
any conflicts between the Visa Charter Documents and the Visa Rules, conflicts will be resolved in
the following order of precedence:
l Visa Charter Documents
l Visa Core Rules
l Visa Payment System Operating Regulations – Russia (if applicable)
l Published domestic rules within the Europe Region (if applicable)
l Visa International Travelers Cheque Operating Regulations (if applicable)
l V PAY Operating Regulations (if applicable)
l Visa Product and Service Rules
l Visa Supplemental Requirements
Any use of or participation in any Visa services or products not covered in the Visa Rules will be
governed by applicable participation agreements and associated documentation.
Previously, rules were contained in the Visa International Operating Regulations, Visa Europe
Operating Regulations, other operating regulations or rules, extension documents, and certificates
of incorporation and bylaws of various Visa entities.
The Visa Rules represent modifications and amendments to such existing Visa rules and
requirements, which continue in substance and effect except as expressly modified in the Visa
Rules. By reorganizing and renaming this body of requirements, Visa does not intend to modify the
meaning or enforceability of any Visa published documents, forms, or contracts to which Visa is a
party, or any contracts that are required by Visa to include provisions to comply with Visa’s
certificate of incorporation or bylaws, operating regulations, or other Visa requirements. Regardless
of whether this document or other documents refer to these requirements as the Visa International
Operating Regulations or by other prior naming conventions, such references are deemed to refer
to and incorporate the Visa Rules.

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
1.1.1.2 Applicability of Processing Rules – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Member is not subject to or bound by processing rules in the Visa Core
Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules where it is indicated that such processing rules do not
apply to a Member.
A Member is subject to all applicable rules set out in the Visa Europe Operating Regulations –
Processing for:
l Interregional Transactions processed through Visa systems
l Intraregional Transactions and Domestic Transactions processed through Visa systems, if the
Member has elected to use Visa as its Visa Scheme Processor
1.1.1.3 Applicable Laws and Conflicts

Each Member must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and other legal requirements
including, but not limited to, laws and regulations regarding banking, financial institutions,
payment systems, foreign currency exchange, money transmission, anti-money laundering, anti-
terrorist financing, sanctions (such as those administered by the US Department of the Treasury’s
Office of Foreign Assets Control or the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade), privacy and security, consumer protection, and trademarks and copyright for each country in
which the Member operates. Each Member is also responsible for ensuring that any of its affiliates,
subsidiaries, parent companies, third-party agents, Merchants, and any other of its appointed
agents participating in Visa’s system comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and other legal
requirements applicable to each country in which its affiliates, subsidiaries, parent companies,
third-party agents, Merchants, and other appointed agents operate. Each Member is encouraged to
consult with its own legal counsel to ensure that it is in full compliance with all applicable laws,
regulations, and other legal requirements in each country in which the Member operates.
A Transaction must be legal in both the Cardholder’s jurisdiction and the Merchant Outlet’s
jurisdiction.
In the event of any conflict between the Visa Rules and any applicable laws or regulations, the
requirements of the laws or regulations govern.

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
1.1.1.6 Use of the Visa Rules

The Visa Rules are only to be reviewed or used in connection with Visa payment services and must
not be used, modified, copied, downloaded, transferred, or printed in part or in total for any other
purpose without the express written permission of Visa.
The Visa Rules govern the relationship between Visa and its Members and their agents. The Visa
Rules do not constitute a contract, promise, or representation or confer any rights, privileges, or
claims of any kind as to any third parties.
Visa may amend, modify, delete, or otherwise change the Visa Rules at any time. Changes will be
reflected in the next edition of the Visa Rules.
Rules that do not have a geography-specific (Visa Region or country) indication in the title or
language of a rule apply to all Members unless noted otherwise. Geography-specific rules apply
only to the operations of Members within the relevant geography.
1.1.1.7 Restricted Use of Visa Systems and Services

Any entity that accesses or uses a Visa system and/or service must both:
l Restrict its use of the Visa system and/or service to purposes expressly approved by Visa
l Comply with Visa requirements and documentation for system and/or service access and use
1.1.1.8 Member Responsibilities Related to System Changes

A Member must do all of the following:
l Respond to and implement, as specified by Visa, any system changes required by Visa
l Ensure that its agreements with Cardholders, Merchants, Visa-approved manufacturers, Third-
Party Personalizers, and agents allow for the implementation of system changes required by Visa
l Include in its agreements with Cardholders, Merchants, Visa-approved manufacturers, Third-Party
Personalizers, and agents the Member’s obligation to inform the contracted entity, in a timely
manner, of any major system changes implemented by Visa or the Member

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
1.1.1.9 Countries and Territories in Visa Regions

The Visa Regions are comprised of the countries and/or territories listed below.
Table 1-1: Asia-Pacific Region
American Samoa; Australia (including Cocos [Keeling] Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk
Island, Lord Howe Island, Macquarie Island); Bangladesh; Bhutan; British Indian Ocean Territory; Brunei;
Cambodia; Mainland China; Cook Islands; Crozet Islands; Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; Fiji
(including Rotuma Island); French Polynesia; Guam; Hong Kong; India; Indonesia; Japan; Kerguelen Island;
Kiribati (including Canton and Enderbury Islands, Christmas Island (Kiritimati), Fanning Island, Malden
Island, Starbuck Island, Washington Island); Laos; Macau; Malaysia; Maldives; Marshall Islands; Mascarene
Islands; Micronesia; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nauru; Nepal; New Caledonia; New Zealand (including Antipodes
Island, Auckland Island, Bounty Island, Campbell Island, Chatham Island, Kermadec Island, Stewart Island);
Niue; Northern Mariana Islands; Palau; Papua New Guinea; Pescadores Island; Philippines; Pitcairn Islands;
Republic of Korea; Rodrigues Island; Samoa; Singapore; Solomon Islands; Sri Lanka; St. Paul Island; Taiwan;
Thailand; Timor-Leste; Tokelau; Tonga; Tuvalu; US Minor Outlying Islands (including Baker Island, Howland
Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Island, Midway Island, Palmyra Island, Wake Island); Vanuatu; Vietnam; Wallis
and Futuna
Table 1-2: Canada Region
Canada
Table 1-3: Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa Region
Afghanistan; Albania; Algeria; Angola; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bahrain; Belarus; Benin; Bosnia and
Herzegovina; Botswana; Bouvet Island; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cameroon; Cape Verde; Central African
Republic; Chad; Comoros; Congo (Brazzaville); Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast); Democratic Republic of the Congo;
Djibouti; Egypt; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Eswatini; Ethiopia; Gabon; Gambia; Georgia; Ghana; Guinea;
Guinea-Bissau; Iran; Iraq; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Kosovo; Kuwait; Kyrgyzstan; Lebanon; Lesotho;
Liberia; Libya; Macedonia; Madagascar; Malawi; Mali; Mauritania; Mauritius; Moldova; Montenegro;
Morocco; Mozambique; Namibia; Niger; Nigeria; Oman; Pakistan; Qatar; Reunion; Russian Federation
(including Franz Josef Land, Komandorskiye Island, New Siberian Island, Novaya Zemlya, Ostrov Ratmanova,
Sakhalin, Severnaya Zemlya); Rwanda; Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha (including Gough
Island); Sao Tome and Principe; Saudi Arabia; Senegal; Serbia; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Somalia; South
Africa; South Sudan; Sudan; Syria; Tajikistan; Tanzania; Togo; Tunisia; Turkmenistan; Uganda; Ukraine;
United Arab Emirates; Uzbekistan; Western Sahara; Yemen; Zambia; Zimbabwe

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
Table 1-4: Europe Region
Andorra; Austria; Bear Island; Belgium; Bulgaria; Channel Islands; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark;
Estonia; Faroe Islands; Finland (including Aland Islands); France (including its “DOM-TOMs”); Germany;
Gibraltar; Greece; Greenland; Hungary; Iceland; Republic of Ireland; Isle of Man; Israel; Italy; Latvia;
Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Monaco; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal (including
Azores, Madeira); Romania; San Marino; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain (including Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla);
Sweden; Switzerland; Turkey; United Kingdom; Vatican City
Table 1-5: Latin America and Caribbean Region
Anguilla; Antigua and Barbuda; Argentina; Aruba; Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Bermuda; Bolivia; Bonaire,
Sint Eustatius, and Saba; Brazil; British Virgin Islands; Cayman Islands; Chile; Colombia; Costa Rica; Cuba;
Curacao; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; El Salvador; Grenada; Guadeloupe; Guatemala; Guyana;
Haiti; Honduras; Jamaica; Martinique; Mexico; Montserrat; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Puerto Rico;
Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Sint Maarten; St. Lucia; Suriname; Trinidad and
Tobago; Turks and Caicos Islands; US Virgin Islands; Uruguay; Venezuela
Table 1-6: US Region
United States of America
1.1.1.10 Visa Canada Member Responsibilities – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: A Member must perform obligations imposed on Visa Canada under the Visa
Rules that arise out of Interchange or a Transaction resulting in Interchange between the Member
and a non-Member of Visa Canada.
A Member must not do anything to cause Visa Canada to violate the Visa Rules.
1.1.1.11 Obligation to Comply with the Code of Conduct – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: All Members must abide by the Code of Conduct for the Credit and Debit Card
Industry as it may be amended from time to time and adopted by Visa (the “Code”).

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
Each Member acknowledges and agrees that Visa may interpret the Code in accordance with any
published interpretation bulletins or guidance issued by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.
Members must ensure that all participants for which the Member is responsible under the Visa
Rules, including participants that interact directly or indirectly with Merchants or Cardholders
(including without limitation, VisaNet Processors and Third Party Agents) on behalf of the Member
must abide by the Code.
All Members are required, on an annual basis, to submit to Visa:
l By 31 January of each year, an officer’s certificate, in the form attached as Visa Canada Member
Certification – “Code of Conduct” (Schedule A-1), confirming its compliance with the Code
l By 15 August of each year, a Code of Conduct Compliance Questionnaire in the form required by
Visa
A Member that fails to submit a completed officer’s certificate or questionnaire as required will be
subject to a non-compliance assessment of CAD 100,000 per month of non-compliance.
Visa may, in its sole discretion, charge any Member or Members fees charged to Visa Canada by the
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada with respect to compliance with the Code, where such fee is
attributable to that Member or its VisaNet Processor or its Third Party Agent.
1.1.1.13 Visa U.S.A., Inc. Member Responsibilities – US Region

In the US Region: A Member must perform all obligations imposed on Visa U.S.A. Inc. under the
Visa Rules that arise out of Interchange or a Transaction resulting in Interchange between the
Member and a non-Member of Visa U.S.A. Inc.
The Member must not do anything to cause Visa U.S.A. Inc. to violate the Visa Rules. An Acquirer is
responsible for Visa Transactions it submits into Interchange regardless of the Acquirer’s ability to
return the Transaction to the Merchant for any reason.
1.1.1.14 Obligation to Comply with Code of Conduct – Europe Region (Germany)

In the Europe Region (Germany): A Member must comply with the Code of Conduct
(Verhaltenscodex).
An Acquirer must provide to its Merchants documentation outlining the relationship between the
Acquirer and the Merchant, which does not replace the written contract between the Acquirer and
Merchant.

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
An Acquirer must submit annually to Visa the following data:

l Number of newly acquired Merchants
l Number of closed Merchant accounts
1.1.2 Local, Domestic, and Regional Rules and Private Agreements
1.1.2.3 Transaction Country Rules

Regardless of how an Authorization or Transaction is routed or where it is processed, a Transaction
is subject to the applicable Visa Rules affecting the Transaction Country. These rules may be
superseded by either Private Agreements or the operating regulations of Group Members.
Private Agreements must exclude Interchange originating from the following:
l An Airline that participates in the International Airline Program
l A Merchant that participates in the Multinational Merchant Acceptance Program
1.1.3 Waivers
1.1.3.1 Waivers to the Visa Rules

A Member that cannot comply with a rule or requirement in the Visa Rules must submit a Waiver
request to Visa.
If the Member cannot comply due to applicable laws or regulations that contravene the Visa Rules,
Visa may require proof of the specific laws or regulations, in English or accompanied by a certified
English translation.
Visa will notify the Member in writing of its decision on a Waiver request. The Waiver is effective as
specified in such Notification.
Each Waiver granted by Visa is unique, may include specific conditions, and is limited only to the
specific circumstances of the individual request. A Member must not apply a previously granted
Waiver to any other future programs or services or consider a previously granted Waiver as
determining the outcome of future requests.
Visa may repeal, amend, extend, or revoke any Waiver upon Notification to the Member.

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
1.1.4 Operating Certificates
1.1.4.1 Operating Certificate Filing

A Member or Non-Member Administrator must submit a complete and accurate Operating
Certificate and include Interchange Transactions, On-Us Transactions, and other Transactions that
are not processed through VisaNet, as specified by Visa.
The Operating Certificate must be executed by an authorized officer of the Member or Non-
Member Administrator.
The Member or Non-Member Administrator must maintain records that allow for an accurate
determination and verification of the information contained in each Operating Certificate and
provide the records upon Visa request.
1.1.4.2 Exchange Rates for Operating Certificates

A Member (or its Sponsor) must use the exchange rate provided by Visa to file an Operating
Certificate when a conversion is required. The quarterly exchange rate is provided via Operating
Certificate tools and is a simple average of 3 monthly spot rates for the quarter, sourced from the
Financial Times and Thomson Reuters.
1.1.5 Confidentiality
1.1.5.1 Visa Confidential and Visa Restricted Materials – Member Responsibilities

A Member must comply with all of the following:
l Maintain Visa Confidential and Visa Restricted information in strict confidence
l Not disclose any Visa Confidential or Visa Restricted information, unless expressly permitted or
required by Visa
l Store and handle Visa Confidential and Visa Restricted information in such a way as to prevent
unauthorized disclosure

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
l Take reasonable measures to protect Visa Confidential and Visa Restricted information and treat
it with at least the degree of care with which a Member treats its own confidential and
proprietary information, or in case of Visa Restricted information, as follows:
– For information labeled or otherwise designated as Visa Restricted, in accordance with Visa
handling instructions, which may be delivered with its transmission or in its content
– For information labeled or otherwise designated as Visa Restricted – Personal Data, with the
strongest level of protection (including encryption or sufficient compensating controls, and
limited distribution for any transmissions) applied by the Member for its highly sensitive
information
l Disclose Visa Confidential or Visa Restricted information only to those employees with specific
need to know
l Immediately upon Visa request, return to Visa, or destroy, originals and all copies of any Visa
Confidential or Visa Restricted information in any medium and, if required by Visa, certify that it
has done so
l Notify Visa immediately in the event that the Member becomes legally compelled to disclose
any Visa Confidential or Visa Restricted information and, if legally required to disclose any Visa
Confidential or Visa Restricted information, only disclose that portion that it is legally required to
disclose
l Process and transfer personal data (whether or not it is classified as Visa Confidential or Visa
Restricted information) in accordance with the Visa Rules and applicable laws or regulations
1.1.5.2 Confidentiality of VisaNet Information

Information regarding VisaNet is proprietary and Visa Confidential. A Member must take
appropriate action, by agreement or otherwise, to ensure that its employees or agents with access
to VisaNet are all of the following:
l Advised of the confidential and proprietary nature of these systems
l Prohibited from providing access to or disclosing these systems to any third party
l Prohibited from using these systems for any purpose not authorized in the Visa Rules
1.1.5.3 Use or Disclosure of Confidential Information

A Member must not publish, disclose, convey, or distribute to any person or organization, or use
for filing patents, any Visa confidential or proprietary information (including, but not limited to,

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
documents, ideas, products, and data) without the prior written approval of Visa.
This does not apply to:
l A third party (organization, or person, including contractors), if both of the following apply:
– The third party is providing services to the Member and the disclosure is required to perform
services in connection to the Member’s Visa Program
– The third party does not compete with Visa with respect to Visa or its Members with respect
to their Visa Programs
l The Member’s parents or subsidiaries that do not participate in a competing payment program
l Information that has been publicly released by Visa
A Member that discloses information to a third party must have a written agreement with the third
party that it:
l Will not disclose the confidential information to any other third party
l Will use the confidential information only to provide services to the Member for use only with
the Member’s Visa products and services
Any confidential information disclosed to the third party must comply with all of the following:
l Remain solely the property of Visa
l Be returned to Visa immediately upon Visa request
l Be returned to the Member immediately upon termination of the relationship that required use
of the confidential information
The Member is responsible for the third party’s compliance with these conditions and must not
allow a non-Member VisaNet Processor to use the V.I.P. System or BASE II unless the non-Member
VisaNet Processor has delivered to Visa a completed VisaNet Letter of Agreement (Exhibit 5A).
Unauthorized use or disclosure of Visa Confidential information by a Member in connection with
any patents or patent applications grants to Visa a fully paid-up, royalty-free, worldwide,
irrevocable license to exercise all rights under that patent, including the right to grant and
authorize sublicenses.
1.1.5.4 Confidentiality of Visa Systems Information

A Member, VisaNet Processor acting on behalf of a Member, or Visa Direct Connect Merchant1
must take appropriate action to ensure that its employees or agents with access to VisaNet or
related documentation comply with all of the following:

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
l Are advised of the confidential and proprietary nature of these systems and documentation
l Use their best efforts to protect the VisaNet Access Points
l Are prohibited from both:
– Providing access to or disclosing these systems and documentation to any third party
– Using these systems and documentation for any purpose not authorized in the Visa Rules
A Member or Visa Direct Connect Merchant1 must not disclose any confidential information of Visa
or its subsidiaries to a non-Member.
1
In the Europe Region: This rule does not apply. Where a Member uses Visa for processing, as specified in Section 1.1.1.2,
Applicability of Processing Rules – Europe Region, it must refer to Visa Europe Operating Regulations – Processing.
1.1.5.5 Visa Disclosure of Confidential Member Information

Visa and its subsidiaries will not disclose to any third party any confidential, proprietary matters of
any Member including, but not limited to, documents, ideas, products, and data, other than for any
of the following:
l Disclosure in the ordinary course of business to provide services to a Member or a Member’s
designated Agent, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
– Completing a Transaction
– Risk control
– Dispute resolution
– Marketing services
l Disclosure with the consent of the Member
l Disclosure of data that is aggregated so as not to disclose the data of any single Member
l Other disclosure that is in accordance with applicable laws or regulations
1.1.5.6 Visa Use and Disclosure of Confidential Consumer Cardholder Information –

US Region
In the US Region: Visa and its subsidiaries will not use or disclose Confidential Consumer
Cardholder Information to third parties, other than for any of the following:

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1 Visa Core Rules
l Use or disclosure in the ordinary course of business to provide services to a Member or a

Member’s designated Agent, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
– Completing a Transaction
– Risk control
– Dispute resolution
– Marketing services
l Use or disclosure with the consent of the Cardholder
l Other use or disclosure that is in accordance with applicable laws or regulations
1.1.6 Visa Rights
1.1.6.1 Visa Ownership of Intellectual Property

A participant in the Visa system must recognize Visa’s ownership of its intellectual property,
including the Visa name, Visa Marks, and Visa technology, and agree to protect these ownership
rights and the integrity of the Marks by complying with the applicable Visa Rules in all activities,
including issuing, acquiring, and processing.
A Member or Visa Direct Connect Merchant1 does not have any property or other right, claim, or
interest, including any patent right, trade secret right, or copyright interest, in VisaNet, or in any
systems, processes, equipment, software, data, or materials that Visa or its subsidiaries use with
VisaNet, or in connection with a Visa Program, except for Merchant- or Member-supplied data or
equipment.
1
1.1.6.2 Visa Right to Monitor, Audit, Inspect, and Investigate

At its sole discretion, at any time, Visa may, either itself or through an agent, do any of the
following:
l Investigate, review, audit, or inspect a Member, or the Member’s agents, Merchants,
Marketplaces, Sponsored Merchants, Payment Facilitators, or Digital Wallet Operators, including
by inspecting the premises and auditing the books, records, and procedures of the Member,
agent, Merchant, Marketplace, Sponsored Merchant, Payment Facilitator, or Digital Wallet

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1 Visa Core Rules
Operator to ensure that it is complying with the Visa Charter Documents, Visa Rules, and
applicable brand and security standards and procedures, and operating in a safe and sound
manner
l Monitor, investigate, review, audit, or inspect the premises, books, records, or procedures of a
Visa-approved vendor or Third-Party Personalizer, including security and quality control
procedures of each Visa-approved manufacturer and Third-Party Personalizer
l Obtain from any Visa-approved manufacturer or Third-Party Personalizer a production-run
sample of a Visa Card that includes all security features
l In addition, in the Europe Region:
– Require a Visa Commercial Card Issuer to impose an obligation on its agents and any other
entities that participate in the Issuer’s multinational programs to permit Visa to audit those
agents and other entities
– Require a Merchant Agreement with a Merchant that sells Visa Prepaid Cards to allow Visa to
audit the records and procedures of the Merchant
A Member must cooperate fully, and ensure that its agent, Merchant, Marketplace, Sponsored
Merchant, Payment Facilitator, or Digital Wallet Operator cooperates fully, with Visa in any such
investigation, inspection, audit, or review. This cooperation includes providing access to the
premises and to all pertinent records, including financial reports, and releasing any information to
Visa upon request within the stipulated timeframe.
Any investigation, inspection, review, or audit will be conducted at the Member’s expense, unless
otherwise specified in the applicable Fee Schedule.
1.1.6.3 Right to Impose Conditions on Visa Product or Visa Service Participation

Participation in or use of a Visa service or Visa product is at the discretion of Visa, which may limit
or impose conditions on its use, and may discontinue the service or product at any time.
1.1.6.4 Right to Use Patents Relating to Visa Token Service

In partial consideration for participation in the Visa Token Service, an Issuer grants Visa a fully paid-
up, royalty-free, worldwide, non-exclusive, irrevocable, non-terminable license and covenant not to
sue (and not to assist or provide consent to sue) under patents to make, have made, use, offer for
sale, sell, import and otherwise provide the Visa Token Service (or any portion thereof) and to
practice any method, process or procedure in connection therewith. The Issuer grants and extends
the foregoing license and covenant not to sue to Visa Token Service participants, users, business

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partners, contractors, agents, processors, and service providers and hereby irrevocably covenants
not to rely upon or refer to the Visa Token Service or any portion, functionality or other
characteristics thereof in any assertion or allegation of patent infringement (direct or indirect) or to
assist or provide consent to do so.
1.1.6.5 Right to Use Member Feedback

Visa has, and a Member grants, the right to use, disclose, distribute, or commercialize generally for
itself and others any feedback, ideas, suggestions, submissions, data, or information (whether
provided in written or oral form), and all intellectual property rights relating thereto, that Visa, its
subsidiaries, or its affiliates receive from a Member in connection with Visa products, programs,
services, or systems for any and all purposes.
1.1.6.6 Investigation Response Requirement

A Member must respond to and provide information requested by Visa for a Visa Rules violation
that is under investigation.
The Member must submit its response and information, within the time period specified, by mail,
courier, facsimile, hand, email, or other electronic delivery method. The Notification response is
effective when posted, sent, or transmitted by the Member or its agent to Visa.
1.1.6.7 Right to Request Cards

Visa may request a functional Visa Card or Proprietary Card or access to any New Channel
associated with a BIN licensed or used by an Issuer.
Upon written request, an Issuer must both:
l Provide Visa with a Visa Card or a Proprietary Card or access to any New Channel and its
associated PIN within 30 calendar days
l Personalize the Visa Card or Proprietary Card or New Channel, as specified by Visa

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1.1.7 Use of VisaNet
1.1.7.1 Non-Assignable Right to Use VisaNet

Effective through 30 April 2019
A Member’s or Visa Direct Connect Merchant’s1 right to use VisaNet is not assignable and its
duties are non-delegable without prior written consent from Visa. However, a Member or Visa
Direct Connect Merchant1 may use a non-Member VisaNet Processor that has executed and
delivered to Visa a VisaNet Letter of Agreement (Exhibit 5A).
A VisaNet Processor or Visa Direct Connect Merchant1 acknowledges and agrees that the
VisaNet endpoint connectivity is a Visa asset and not transferable without the express written
consent of Visa. A VisaNet Processor or Visa Merchant Direct Exchange Merchant must not
transfer its VisaNet endpoint to another Member or Agent. It must notify Visa in writing at least
90 days before the effective date of a change, for example, but not limited to, a sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the operation, acquisition, merger, ownership change, or
financial restructuring, and promptly provide Visa with any related information that is
requested.
A Member’s, VisaNet Processor’s, or Visa Direct Connect Merchant’s1 right to use VisaNet is not
assignable and its duties are non-delegable without prior written consent from Visa. However,
a Member or Visa Direct Connect Merchant1 may use a non-Member VisaNet Processor that
has executed and delivered to Visa a VisaNet Letter of Agreement (Exhibit 5A).
A VisaNet Processor or Visa Direct Connect Merchant1 acknowledges and agrees that the
VisaNet endpoint connectivity is a Visa asset and not transferable without the express written
consent of Visa. A VisaNet Processor or Visa Direct Connect Merchant must not transfer its
VisaNet endpoint to another Member or Agent. It must notify Visa in writing at least 90 days
before the effective date of a change, for example, but not limited to, a sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the operation, acquisition, merger, ownership change, or
financial restructuring, and promptly provide Visa with any related information that is
requested.
1

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1.1.8 Misencoded Cards
1.1.8.1 Liability for Misencoded Cards

Visa assigns liability for payment of Transaction Receipts resulting from the use of a misencoded
Card as follows:
l To the Acquirer that received the Transaction Receipt, if the misencoded Card bears a BIN that
was not assigned to an Issuer. The Acquirer is liable until both:
– The misencoded Card is recovered.
– Visa identifies the Issuer that ordered its manufacture.
l To the Issuer to which the BIN is assigned, if an Acquirer receives a misencoded Card bearing a
valid BIN but an invalid Account Number. The Issuer is liable both:
– If the Acquirer presents the Transaction Receipt within 180 calendar days of the Transaction
Date
– Until the Issuer that ordered the manufacture of the Visa Card or Visa Electron Card is
identified
In the Europe Region: There is no time limit on a Member’s right to reassign liability to the Issuer.
1.1.8.2 Liability for Misembossed or Misencoded Cards – US Region

In the US Region: Visa assigns liability for payment of Transaction Receipts resulting from the use
of misembossed or misencoded Cards based on the following priorities in the order shown:
l Issuer that appears on the misembossed or misencoded Card, if the Card has been recovered
l Issuer whose BIN appears on the Transaction Receipt, if the misembossed or misencoded Card
has not been recovered or if the name of the Issuer does not appear on the Card
l Issuer that first received the Transaction Receipt. If the misembossed or misencoded Card is
recovered within 12 months of the Transaction Date, the Issuer may transfer liability for the
Transaction Receipt to the Issuer that appears on the misembossed or misencoded Card.

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1.1.9 Liabilities and Indemnifications
1.1.9.1 Taking Responsibility

Each Member is solely responsible for its issuance of Visa products and acquiring of Merchants to
accept Visa products, including responsibility for settlement of Transactions, compliance with the
Visa Charter Documents and the Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules, and ensuring
that their Visa programs comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Each
Member shall Indemnify Visa for and against Claims and Liabilities arising out of or in connection
with its issuance of Visa products and acquiring of Merchants, and broadly disclaims liability against
Visa for such activities.
1.1.9.23 Responsibility for Losses Caused by VisaNet Processors

A Member is responsible for any and all losses caused by its VisaNet Processor. All Members using
a Clearing or authorizing VisaNet Processor, whether a Member or non-Member, are jointly and
severally responsible for the proper performance by that VisaNet Processor of all the requirements
of the Visa Rules.
1.1.9.24 Limitation of Liability for VisaNet Processors

A Member may limit its liability for the failure of a VisaNet Processor if it provides Visa with an
updated VisaNet Processor and Third Party Registration and Designation (Exhibit 5E) showing that it
had terminated the VisaNet Processor relationship before the failure.
This limitation of liability is effective upon receipt by Visa of Member notification.
1.1.9.29 Member Responsibility for Agents – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Member must include in its agreements with its respective agents a term
that provides that the Member is responsible for the acts or omissions of the agents.

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1.1.9.53 ATM Member Liability for Plus Shared Deposit Service

An Issuer participating in the Shared Deposit Service is responsible to the Acquirer for any and all
Claims and Liabilities (including returned checks, Dispute Responses, forged or altered checks) or
expenses (for example: processing ineligible deposit items) that are incurred and arise out of or are
in connection with the processing of the Shared Deposit Transaction.
The maximum damage for an Acquirer’s failure to comply with the requirements specified in
Section 6.3.3.2, Acquirer Participation in the Plus Shared Deposit Service, and Section 6.3.3.3, Shared
Deposit Service – Acquirer Responsibilities, with respect to a particular deposit is limited to the
amount incurred by the Issuer with respect to that deposit, not to exceed the amount of the
deposit, reduced by the amount of loss that the Issuer would have incurred even if the Acquirer had
complied with the applicable rules. In addition, the Acquirer will not be liable to the Issuer for any
amount that the Issuer could have recovered from its Cardholder.
1.1.9.55 Visa Central Travel Account – Issuer Liability

An Issuer assumes full liability for any misuse on physical Cards issued on a Visa Central Travel
Account.
1.2 Licensing and Numerics Management
1.2.1 Licensing – General Membership
1.2.1.1 BIN and Acquiring Identifier Use and Jurisdiction

A BIN Licensee or an Acquiring Identifier Licensee or a BIN Licensee’s or Acquiring Identifier
Licensee’s Sponsored Member must use a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier only:
l For programs and activity as agreed and licensed by Visa
l As specified by Visa requirements and procedures for licensing and use
l In a country in which the BIN Licensee or Acquiring Identifier Licensee is licensed
A BIN or an Acquiring Identifier is licensed for use in a single country, except as specified for the
following:
l Visa Multinational Program
l Visa Prepaid program

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l International Airline Program

l Multinational Merchant Acceptance Program
l In the Europe Region: A Member that has passported its license to a Host Country in line with EU
passporting legislation
Visa will recover a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier that remains uninstalled in Visa systems for 12
months after its assignment.
1.2.1.4 Prohibition of BIN or Acquiring Identifier Sale or Exchange

A BIN Licensee or an Acquiring Identifier Licensee must not sell, rent, or exchange any BIN or
Acquiring Identifier. In the event of a portfolio sale or merger, the BIN Licensee or Acquiring
Identifier Licensee is responsible for notifying Visa.
1.3 Use of Marks
1.3.1 Marks License
1.3.1.1 Visa Proprietary Rights to the Visa-Owned Marks and Visa Brand Name
Members acknowledge the proprietary rights of Visa and that unauthorized or inappropriate use of
the Visa-Owned Marks and Visa Brand Name may cause Visa irreparable damage or injury. Visa has
the full authority to enforce all Visa rules governing Members, Merchants, agents, and other entities
that use the Visa-Owned Marks and Visa Brand Name.
1.3.1.2 Infringement Proceedings Regarding the Visa-Owned Marks

Unless Visa grants express consent, Visa reserves the sole right to initiate infringement proceedings
or other challenges involving any use of the Visa-Owned Marks.

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1.3.1.3 Denotation Requirements for Visa-Owned Marks

A Member must not use any denotation or legend of Marks registration or ownership in connection
with the Visa-Owned Marks, except as required or approved by Visa. Upon the Member’s
written request, Visa will both:
l Advise whether a denotation or legend must be used in a specific country
l Provide the appropriate denotation or legend to be used with Visa-Owned Marks
1.3.2 General Use of Marks
1.3.2.1 Visa Program Marks List

The Visa Program Marks include:
l Visa Flag Symbol
l Visa Brand Mark
l Visa Brand Name
l Visa wordmark
l Dove design
l Any other Mark that Visa adopts for use with the Visa Program
1.3.2.2 Use and Protection of the Visa-Owned Marks

The Visa-Owned Marks must appear exactly as shown in the Visa Product Brand Standards.
A Member must cooperate with Visa to ensure protection of each of the Visa-Owned Marks and
must ensure that all use of the Visa-Owned Marks, as well as the nature and quality of all services
rendered under these Marks, complies with the Visa Rules.
If requested, a Member must supply Visa with samples of any materials produced by or for the
Member that bear a Visa-Owned Mark.

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1.3.2.3 Card Design Requirements

All Card designs must comply with the Visa Product Brand Standards.
1.3.2.4 Restricted Use of the Visa-Owned Marks

A Member must use the Visa-Owned Marks, including associated elements, only for the following:
l To denote or promote a Visa Program or Visa products, offers, sponsorships, services,
processing, or acceptance
l To promote a Member’s Visa Program
1.3.2.5 Member Use of Country Name with the Visa-Owned Marks

A Member must not use the name of a country with the Visa Brand Name or any other Visa-Owned
Mark in its corporate name or other business name, unless Visa has granted exclusive jurisdiction to
the Member under the Visa International Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws and has granted
express permission.
A country name may be used in a Member’s corporate name in which the country name is an
integral part.
1.3.2.6 Use of “Visa” in Group Member Corporate Identity

In a country with a single Group Member, the Group Member may use “Visa” as a part of its
corporate legal name and identity, as permitted in the Visa Rules.
In a country with multiple Group Members, a Group Member must not use “Visa” (including the
Visa-owned Marks) as part of its corporate legal name or identity. When multiple Group Members
exist in the same country, 12 months after the formation of a new Group Member, an existing
Group Member must not use the name “Visa” in its corporate name and identity.

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1.3.2.7 National Organization Use of Visa Name

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: A National Organization
established in compliance with Article XVI of the Visa International Certificate of Incorporation and
By-Laws may use “Visa” as part of its corporate legal name and identity, as provided in the Visa
Rules.
In the Europe Region: A National Organization established in compliance with the Visa Europe
Limited Membership Regulations must not use “Visa” or any of the Visa-Owned Marks as part of its
corporate legal name and identity, unless Visa had granted consent to do so before 1 October
2007.
1.3.2.8 “Visa” as Part of Corporate Identity

A Member must obtain written approval from Visa to use the name “Visa” or any other Visa-Owned
Mark as part of its corporate name or identity. If permission is granted, the name or Mark must be
used:
l In the Member’s corporate name, with the country identifier. The name “Visa” must not be used
without the country identifier.
l In all media (for example, business cards, letterhead, press releases, websites), with a clear
indication of actual corporate identity, including full legal name
l In a contract or legal instrument with third parties. The Member must clearly state that it does
not have the authority to act (and is not acting) as an agent of, or represent, Visa or any affiliate of
Visa.
l Solely for the promotion of Visa products and services
1.3.2.9 Ownership of Visa-Owned Marks

A Member must not state or imply that it is the exclusive owner or provider of any Visa-Owned
Mark, Visa Card Product, or Visa Program, except as otherwise permitted in the Visa Rules.

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1.3.2.10 Visa Endorsement of Goods/Services

A Member must not use any of the Visa-Owned Marks to indicate that Visa endorses, is identified
with, or sponsors goods or services other than those of Visa.
1.3.2.12 Use of Visa-Owned Marks in Marketing Materials

In marketing collateral, a Member must not use:
l A Visa-Owned Mark in such a way that it could be mistaken for an actual Card and used in a
Transaction
l The Visa Brand Name in any classified advertising section, except to indicate the availability of
Visa Program services and other Card services
l The Visa Brand Name on a check
1.3.2.13 Card Reproduction Prohibition

A Member must not distribute or display a reproduction of a Card as an indication of acceptance of
Visa products at the Point-of-Transaction.
Only the Visa Brand Mark may be used to denote acceptance at the point of sale.
1.3.2.14 Obscured/Defaced Visa-Owned Marks

No portion of a Visa-Owned Mark may be obscured, distorted, or defaced.
A Visa-Owned Mark that is a graphic design must not be used separately.
1.3.3 Protecting the Visa Brand
1.3.3.1 Protecting the Visa Brand Reputation

No activities or materials may infringe, dilute, denigrate, or impair the goodwill and/or reputation
of the Visa brand or Visa-Owned Marks.

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1.3.3.2 Prohibition of Marks Infringement and Brand Denigration

A Member’s Visa Card Program, Visa Electron Program, Visa Secure, or Visa TravelMoney Program
materials, including Global Co-branded Card and Affinity/Co-Branded Card materials or other
Member materials using any Mark(s) of the Visa Card Program, must not contain any matter that
would tend to infringe, dilute, degrade, or denigrate any of the Visa-Owned Marks, Visa products,
Visa services, or any Member or Merchant or impair the reputation or goodwill of Visa or the
goodwill associated with the Marks.
An Issuer that engages in Dual Payment Card Marketing must ensure that all communications and
marketing material relating to Marks, products, or services of a non-Visa general purpose payment
card network, as designated by Visa, are not positioned in conjunction with Visa-Owned Marks,
products, or services in a manner that dilutes or denigrates the Visa brand.
1.3.3.3 Marks Use and Marketing Restrictions

A Member must not adopt any Mark, or market, either directly or indirectly, any Visa product or
service to consumers, Merchants, or other Members in a manner that has the likely effect of
confusing, misleading, defrauding, or deceiving such consumers, Merchants, or Members, either as
to the program, product, or service or the source, affiliation, sponsorship, or association of such
program, product, or service. Such prohibited acts include, without limitation, making direct or
indirect, false, confusing, or misleading statements or failing to disclose a material fact about the
programs, products, or services, or any aspect thereof, of a Member, Visa, another Member, a
Merchant, or a competitor.
1.3.3.4 Brand Protection and Use of the Visa-Owned Marks

A Member must not use the Visa-Owned Marks:
l In any manner that may bring the Visa-Owned Marks or Visa Inc. or its affiliates into disrepute
l In relation to, or for the purchase or trade of, photographs, video imagery, computer-generated
images, cartoons, simulation, or any other media or activities including, but not limited to, any of
the following:
– Child pornography
– Bestiality

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– Rape (or any other non-consensual sexual behavior)

– Non-consensual mutilation of a person or body part
A Member that does not comply with these requirements will be subject to non-compliance
assessments prescribed under the Global Brand Protection Program.
1.3.4 Marketing, Promotion, and Advertising Materials
1.3.4.1 Visa Review of Brand, Sponsorship, and Marketing Materials

A Member must obtain prior written approval from Visa for all of the following:
l Proposed designs for all form factors intended for use in Visa payments in a physical or digital
form.1,2 These must be submitted to Visa before production and each time the design is
changed.
l Use of any Visa-Owned Mark in the Member’s sponsorship of any events, including a specific
sporting, musical, artistic, or other event.3 The Member must provide all advertising, promotions,
and public relations material for each country in which the sponsorship activity will occur.4 If a
Member plans sponsorship activities in an additional country at a later date, it must submit a new
request.
l Dual Payment Card Marketing5 (including all offers, solicitations, promotions, and
communications that include any Visa-Owned Marks or Visa-branded products), before
production and distribution
l In the US Region: Use of Limited Acceptance signage for any purpose other than those
permitted in the Visa Rules
l In the US Region: All marketing materials or other customer communications pertaining to any of
the core and optional services, as specified in the implementation materials available from Visa,
before production and distribution
A Member must submit brand or marketing-related materials containing a Visa-Owned Mark for
review if requested by Visa.
A Member must use each Visa-Owned Mark within the scope of the written approval from Visa.
After Notification from Visa, a Member must correct any improper use of any Visa-Owned Mark.
Visa review or approval of a Card design or brand or marketing-related materials does not:
l Replace the need for a Member to consult with its own legal counsel regarding the use of a Card
design or brand or marketing-related materials
l Offer legal protection from possible infringement or other types of actions

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l Relieve the Member of its responsibility for accurate disclosure and compliance with legal and
regulatory requirements
In the US Region: A Member must not use the Visa-Owned Marks in connection with a Member’s
promotion, offer, or solicitation of a Visa Card not defined as a US Covered Visa Debit Card, or the
maintenance of a US Cardholder relationship for a Visa Card not defined as a US Covered Visa
Debit Card, together with Marks that are associated with payment card products issued by the
American Express Company, Discover Financial Services, and their subsidiaries or affiliates
(including, by way of example and not limitation, “American Express,” “Optima,” “Discover,” “Bravo,”
“Novus,” and “Membership Rewards”) or together with Marks associated with any other payment
card company deemed competitive by the Board of Directors, if such Marks are owned or
controlled by such competitors.
In the US Region or a US Territory: A Member may use the Marks of the American Express
Company, MasterCard Worldwide (including Maestro), Discover Financial Services, or the
subsidiaries or affiliates of these entities or other entities deemed competitive by Visa in
connection with a Member’s promotion, offer, or solicitation of a US Covered Visa Debit Card, or
the maintenance of a Cardholder relationship for a US Covered Visa Debit Card.
1
Visa will retain digital design art and may use it in Visa-sponsored or Visa-owned services in which an Issuer participates.
Visa may provide digital design art to a payment Token requestor to display enrolled Cards in a wallet application.
2
In the Europe Region: An Issuer must submit a completed Card Design Member Self-Certification Form for the appropriate
product.
3
Not applicable to the purchase of advertising not specifically tied to the sponsorship of these events.
4
In the Europe Region: Two months before the anticipated release date of the materials.
5
In the AP Region: Dual Payment Card Marketing is not allowed for Visa Infinite Business Cards and Visa Ultra High Net
Worth Cards.
1.3.4.2 Member Identification

A Member must identify itself by city1 and principal name, and may substitute a local Branch name
and city, if desired, on all supplies, materials (including broadcast), and oral or written solicitations
sent to current or prospective Cardholders or Merchants. A Member must not state or imply in
these materials that any other Member’s Cards or Merchant materials are being replaced, are
invalid, or should be destroyed. A Member must not state or imply that Visa provided or endorsed
the materials unless Visa designed them for Member use.
1
In the Europe Region: This does not apply.

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1.3.4.3 Merchant Use of the Visa-Owned Marks in Promotions and Advertising

A Member must not allow a Merchant or other entity to use a Visa-Owned Mark for promotional or
advertising purposes in any media, unless:
l The Visa Rules permit its use
l The Member distributes the material containing the Visa-Owned Mark
l In the US Region: The Member’s name and city appear on the material containing the Visa-
Owned Mark, as applicable
1.3.4.4 Use of Competitive Marks with the Visa-Owned Marks

A Member may use certain Visa Program Marks on items other than Cards or for sponsorship
activities with the Marks of the following or its subsidiaries or affiliates:
l American Express Company
l Discover Financial Services
l MasterCard Worldwide
l Any other entity Visa deems competitive
The overall appearance of this use must unmistakably convey the idea that the Visa-Owned Mark,
when used on items other than Cards or for sponsorship activities, clearly identifies a product or
service that is separate and distinct from any product or service of the entities listed above.
In the Europe Region: An Issuer that issues Cards within the European Economic Area may, with the
agreement of Visa, use non-Visa-Owned Marks on a Card, including competitive Marks, alongside a
Visa-Owned Mark.
In the US Region: A Member must not use the Marks of the American Express Company, MasterCard
Worldwide (including Maestro), Discover Financial Services, or the subsidiaries or affiliates of these
entities on Visa Cards not defined as US Covered Visa Debit Cards, except that:
l A wordmark may be used to denote ATM sharing only if it appears on the back of a Visa Card, as
specified in Section 3.2.3.3, Use of Other Marks – US Region and US Territories.
l The PULSE Mark may appear on the back of a Visa Check Card or a Visa Debit Card if the Issuer
processes Non-Visa Debit Transactions.
In the US Region: A Member may use the Visa Program Marks in conjunction with the Marks of
these entities on items and materials other than Visa Cards provided that the overall appearance
resulting from such use unmistakably conveys the idea that the Marks associated with Visa identify a

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product or service separate and distinct from any product or service of the American Express
Company, MasterCard Worldwide (including Maestro), Discover Financial Services, or their
subsidiaries or affiliates.
In the US Region or a US Territory: A Member may use the Marks of the American Express
Company, MasterCard Worldwide (including Maestro), Discover Financial Services, or the
subsidiaries or affiliates of these entities, or other entities deemed competitive by Visa, on US
Covered Visa Debit Cards, as specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards, provided that the
overall appearance resulting from such use unmistakably conveys the idea that the Marks associated
with Visa identify a product or service separate and distinct from any product or service of the
American Express Company, MasterCard Worldwide (including Maestro), Discover Financial
Services, or their subsidiaries or affiliates.
1.3.4.5 Restricted Use of Other Marks

A Member must not use a Mark other than the Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron
Identifier on a Card to indicate Card acceptance at a Merchant Outlet outside the country of Card
issuance.1
A Mark owned by an individual Merchant or a group of Merchants that operate under a common
trade name may appear on a Card as part of an Affinity/Co-Brand Program approved by Visa. If
this Mark is different than the one used as an identifier of payment services at other Merchant
Outlets the Mark is not considered to indicate payment acceptance.
A Member may use non-Visa-owned brand Marks to indicate acceptance at Merchant Outlets solely
within the country of Card issuance only if these non-Visa-owned brand Marks are clearly less
prominent than the Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier.2,3
Except for the Account Number, a Visa Card must not bear any number or device, whether
embossed, printed, etched, encoded, or otherwise affixed, that is used for international payment
purposes. This does not apply to a Card issued inside the European Economic Area (EEA) that bears
another number, payment application, payment device, or payment scheme to initiate a transaction
at a Merchant Outlet inside the EEA. In the Europe Region, an Issuer must notify Visa of its intention
to issue such a Card.
A Member must not use the Marks of a non-Visa general purpose payment card network on a Visa
Card without prior written consent from Visa.3
A Member may use the Visa Program Marks in conjunction with the Marks of these entities on items
and materials other than Visa Cards provided that the overall appearance resulting from such use
unmistakably conveys the idea that the Marks associated with Visa identify a product or service

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separate and distinct from any product or service of any non-Visa general purpose payment card
network.
1
In the Europe Region: This does not apply to a Member located in the European Economic Area (EEA), which may use a
non-Visa-owned Mark that is as prominent as the Visa Brand Mark to indicate acceptance within the EEA.
2
In the Canada Region: This does not apply to Cards bearing the Mark of the Interac Association.
3
In the US Region and US Territories: This does not apply to US Covered Visa Debit Cards.
1.3.4.6 Prohibited Use of Competitive Trade Name or Mark

The following must not appear on any part of a Visa Card:
l Any Trade Name or Mark that identifies or is associated with any entity, or its subsidiaries or
affiliates, deemed competitive by Visa,1,2 including:
– American Express Company
– Discover Financial Services3
– MasterCard Worldwide (including Maestro)4
l Any Trade Name or Mark that is confusingly similar to any other Visa-Owned Mark
1
In the US Region and US Territories: This does not apply for US Covered Visa Debit Cards.
2
In the Europe Region: This does not apply to Cards issued within the European Economic Area.
3
In the US Region: This does not apply for Visa Cards bearing the Pulse Mark and Cards bearing the Plus Symbol.
4
In the LAC Region, US Region: This does not apply to certain Visa Cards bearing the Cirrus Wordmark.
1.4 Issuance
1.4.1 Issuance Conditions
1.4.1.1 Offer/Issuance Conditions

A Member must not condition the offer or issuance of any payment card product bearing the Visa
Program Marks or the maintenance of a Visa Cardholder relationship upon the possession or
acceptance of a product bearing the Marks of the American Express Company, MasterCard
Worldwide, Discover Financial Services, Diner’s Club, JCB, or any other non-Visa general purpose
payment card network, as designated by Visa, without the prior written consent of Visa.

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In the US Region or in a US Territory: A Member may condition the offer or issuance of a US

Covered Visa Debit Card, or the maintenance of a Cardholder relationship for a US Covered Visa
Debit Card, upon the possession or acceptance of a product bearing the Marks of the American
Express Company, MasterCard Worldwide, Discover Financial Services, Diner’s Club, JCB, or any
other non-Visa general purpose payment card network, as specified in the Visa Product Brand
Standards.
1.4.1.3 New Visa Card Program Third-Party Brand Requirement

A Member must ensure that a new Visa Card program that contains a third-party brand complies
with the Affinity/Co-Brand requirements specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards.
1.4.1.4 General Member Card Program Requirements – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: A Visa Canada General Member must:
l Operate its own Card program
l Issue Cards in its own legal name or in a Trade Name or Mark owned by the Member and
approved by Visa, bearing the Visa-Owned Marks, to eligible Cardholders
1.4.2 Account Numbers
1.4.2.1 BINs and Account Numbers on Cards

BIN and Account Number structures embossed, encoded, or printed on a Visa Card and Visa
Electron Card
1.4.3 Notification and Disclosure
1.4.3.1 Notification of Card Use Restrictions

An Issuer must include language in its Cardholder agreement that a Card must not be used for any
unlawful purpose, including the purchase of goods or services prohibited by applicable laws or

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regulations.
1.4.3.2 International Transaction or Currency Conversion Fee Disclosure

An Issuer must provide a complete written disclosure of any fees that may be charged to a
Cardholder for an International Transaction or when Currency Conversion occurs and must include
the exchange rate between the Transaction Currency and the Billing Currency as either of the
following:
l A rate selected by Visa from the range of rates available in wholesale currency markets for the
applicable Processing Date, which rate may vary from the rate Visa receives
l The rate mandated by a government or governing body in effect for the applicable Processing
Date1
When Currency Conversion occurs, the Visa rate may be adjusted by the application of an Optional
Issuer Fee as determined by the Issuer or via any Issuer self-determined markup outside of VisaNet.
An Issuer may choose the method by which it notifies the Cardholder. This may include one or
more of the following, which may include electronic forms of communication:
l Original Cardholder application agreement
l Terms and conditions
l Billing statement
l Any other agreement between the Cardholder and the Issuer
1
This does not apply in the Canada Region, where Issuers must disclose the fact that the Currency Conversion rate is
provided by Visa, and then marked up accordingly by the Issuer if it chooses to add such a markup.
1.4.3.3 Required Data on Cardholder Billing Statement

An Issuer must include on the Cardholder billing statement all of the following:
l The data transmitted in the Clearing Record that both:
– Identifies one of the following, as applicable:
▪ The Merchant
▪ The Sponsored Merchant and its Payment Facilitator

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▪ The Staged Digital Wallet Operator and retailer

– Enables the Cardholder to contact the Merchant1
l The Issuer name, in a prominent position
l In the Europe Region (United Kingdom): The Airline Ticket Identifier, where it has been provided
in the Merchant name field of the Clearing Record
1
In the Europe Region: The Clearing Record for an Intraregional Recurring Transaction must contain either an Electronic
Commerce Merchant’s website address in the Merchant name field or, for all other Merchants, an internationally
accessible telephone number in the Merchant city field.
1.4.3.4 Cardholder Signature on Card

When an Issuer issues or reissues a Card that has a signature panel, the Issuer must:
l Advise the Cardholder to immediately sign the signature panel on the Card
l Indicate that the Card must be signed in order to be valid
1.4.3.5 Disclosure of Visa Transaction Information – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer may only disclose Visa Transaction Information to third parties
approved by Visa and for the sole purpose of:
l Supporting a loyalty program
l Providing fraud control services
This does not apply to a Visa Commercial Card Issuer.
1.4.4 Issuer Operational Standards
1.4.4.1 PIN Issuance

An Issuer must make a PIN available to each Cardholder for use with a Card, except as approved
otherwise for one of the following:

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l Emergency Card Replacement

l Non-Reloadable Prepaid Card
l Visa Prepaid Card where cash access is restricted
1.4.4.2 PIN Issuance Requirements

An Issuer must:
l Notify its Cardholders of PIN availability. In the Europe Region, an Issuer will be subject to a non-
compliance assessment if it does not issue PINs to at least 75% of its Cardholders, or, if it did not
issue a PIN, notify those Cardholders that they may select their own PINs, or request that a PIN be
issued.
l Successfully complete certification testing to demonstrate its capability to perform PIN
Verification, or designate Visa to perform this function
l Ensure the security of the PIN
l Select Stand-In Processing Issuer options pertaining to a Transaction for which a PIN is used. In
the Europe Region, an Issuer must communicate these options to Visa.
l In the US Region: Notify its Cardholders of the availability of the Visa ATM Network. An Issuer
must provide the notification annually to all active Cardholders of all of the following:
– Visa Check Card
– Visa Signature
– Visa Signature Preferred
1.4.4.3 Issuer Responsibility for Stand-In Processing Authorizations

An Issuer is responsible for a Transaction authorized by Stand-In Processing.
1.4.4.4 Issuer Credit Transaction Posting

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, LAC Region: An Issuer must post a
Credit Transaction Receipt to a Cardholder’s account within 5 calendar days from the Settlement
date.

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In the US Region: An Issuer must post a Credit Transaction Receipt to a Cardholder’s account:
l For Visa Credit Cards, within 3 business days from the Settlement date
l For Visa Check Cards, within 1 business day of Settlement, unless circumstances or account
history warrant a delay
l For Visa Prepaid Cards, within 1 business day of Settlement, unless circumstances or account
history warrant a delay
1.4.4.5 VisaNet Issuer Billing Currency Selection Requirements

An Issuer must ensure that the Billing Currency designated in VisaNet is the same currency in which
the Cardholder is debited1 for Transactions, or in which the Issuer bills and receives payment for
Cardholder Transactions.
If an Issuer offers multiple currencies for billing and/or payment, the default Billing Currency must
be the national currency.2
1
The Billing Currency designated in VisaNet must match the currency of the underlying account or source of funds.
2
This does not apply to Visa Cards enabled with the Visa Multi-Currency Solution, Visa Prepaid travel Cards (including Visa
TravelMoney), or Centralized Card Issuance.
1.4.4.6 Cardholder Account Currency

Any non-fiat currency funds must be converted to a fiat currency before deposit into a Cardholder
account linked to a Visa Prepaid Card or Visa Debit Card.1 Conversion of non-fiat currency funds
must be carried out in accordance with applicable laws in the country of issuance.
The Issuer must receive Visa approval before implementing a Visa Program linked to a Cardholder
account that accepts deposited funds that were previously converted from a non-fiat currency.
An Issuer must not claim that a Visa product is directly linked to or funded by an account
containing a non-fiat currency.
1
An account linked to a Visa Credit Card must not be funded via such a conversion or by a non-fiat currency.

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1.4.6 Zero Liability
1.4.6.1 Zero Liability

An Issuer must limit a Cardholder’s liability to zero upon notification from the Cardholder of an
unauthorized Visa Transaction.
The limitation of liability does not apply to the following:
l Visa Corporate Card Transactions
l Visa Purchasing Card Transactions
l Anonymous Visa Prepaid Card Transactions
The Issuer may increase the amount of the Cardholder’s liability for unauthorized Visa Transactions
if the Issuer reasonably determines, based on substantial evidence, that the Cardholder was
fraudulent or negligent in the handling of the account or the Card.
The Issuer must communicate any restrictions to its Cardholders.
In the Europe Region: An Issuer must limit a Cardholder’s liability to zero upon notification from
that Cardholder of an unauthorized Transaction.
The limitation of liability does not apply to the following:
l Visa Corporate Card Transactions
l Visa Purchasing Card Transactions
l Anonymous Visa Prepaid Card Transactions
The Issuer may increase the amount of the Cardholder’s liability for unauthorized Visa Transactions
if the Issuer reasonably determines, based on substantial evidence, that either or both:
l The Cardholder has acted fraudulently or negligently in the handling of the account or the Card.
l The Cardholder is proven to have participated in the Transaction.
The Issuer must communicate any restrictions to its Cardholders.

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1.5 Acceptance
1.5.1 General Acquirer Requirements
1.5.1.1 Acquirer Jurisdiction and Restriction of Cross-Border Acquiring

An Acquirer must accept and submit Transactions into Interchange only from Merchants,
Marketplaces, Payment Facilitators, Sponsored Merchants, and Staged Digital Wallet
Operators within that Acquirer’s jurisdiction.
An Acquirer must accept Transactions only from a Merchant Outlet within the Acquirer’s Country of
Domicile (and that country’s territories and possessions) unless any of the following:
l The Acquirer is licensed by Visa to accept Transactions from a Merchant Outlet in another
country. In the Europe Region, a Transaction must be deposited in the Transaction Country.
l The Merchant is an Airline1 or an on-board service provider contracted by the Airline2 and the
Acquirer maintains the relationship in accordance with the provisions of the International Airline
Program.3
l The Merchant Outlet is, or is located in or on the premises of, a military base, embassy, or
consulate or international governmental organization (for example: the United Nations) on
foreign territory.2
l Visa has provided written permission for the Acquirer to participate in the Multinational
Merchant Acceptance Program in the Merchant Outlet country.
l In the Europe Region: An Acquirer has passported its license in line with EU passporting
regulations.
A Payment Facilitator must not contract with a Sponsored Merchant that is outside the country in
which the Payment Facilitator and its Acquirer are located.
In the Europe Region: A Payment Facilitator located in a Europe Region country may contract with a
Sponsored Merchant located in another Europe Region country only if both the Payment Facilitator
and its Acquirer have appropriate business licenses for that country.
In the Canada Region, US Region: An Acquirer may cross-border acquire Electronic Commerce
Transactions and Mail/Phone Order Transactions only as follows:

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Table 1-7: Permitted Cross-Border Acquiring
Acquirer Region Merchant Region Cardholder Region Currency Used in

Advertising and
Transaction Processing
Canada US Canada CAD
US Canada US USD
Visa may determine the country of a Merchant Outlet and an Acquirer’s ability to contract with it
based on an evaluation of the Merchant’s business structure and any other information. A decision
by Visa is final.
1
For the purchase of travel or lodging at a travel agency, the Transaction Country is the country in which the travel agency
is located.
2
Such a Merchant may contract with an Acquirer that is licensed in the Merchant’s home country, the Merchant Outlet
Country, or both.
3
The Acquirer must pay the domestic Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) when entering a domestic Airline Transaction
Receipt into international Settlement.
1.5.1.2 Assignment of Merchant Outlet Location

An Acquirer must assign the correct location of its Merchant’s Merchant Outlet. An Acquirer must
not misrepresent or alter, or allow its Merchant or agent to misrepresent or alter, a Merchant Outlet
location.
For a Card-Present Environment Transaction, the Acquirer must assign the following as the
Merchant Outlet location:
Table 1-8: Allowed Merchant Outlet Locations for Card-Present Transactions
Transaction Merchant Outlet location for that Transaction must

be:
Transaction at a Merchant Outlet in a fixed location Location at which the Transaction is completed
In-Transit Transaction One of the following:

l The location where the journey originated
l An interim or the final destination

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Table 1-8: Allowed Merchant Outlet Locations for Card-Present Transactions (continued)
Transaction Merchant Outlet location for that Transaction must

be:
l The location of the Merchant’s Principal Place of

Business
Transaction at a Merchant Outlet not in a fixed Either:

1
location
l The location at which the Transaction is
completed
l The location of the Merchant’s Principal Place of
Business
For a Card-Absent Environment Transaction, the Acquirer must assign the country of the Merchant’s
Principal Place of Business2 as the Merchant Outlet location. The Acquirer may assign additional
Merchant Outlet locations if the Transaction is one of the following:
Table 1-9: Allowed Additional Merchant Outlet Locations for Card-Absent Transactions
Transaction Additional Merchant Outlet location may be:

2
Transaction at an Airline, The country from which the first leg of the purchased travel originates
2
passenger railway Merchant,
2
Cruise Line, or other travel
2
Merchant
Transaction at a Lodging The country in which the Cardholder’s stay occurs

2
Merchant
Transaction at a Vehicle The country in which the Cardholder rents the car or the journey originates
2
Rental Merchant, taxi
Merchant, or ride service
Merchant
3
Transaction at any other The country in which all of the following occur, as specified in the Visa
4
Merchant Merchant Data Standards Manual:
l The Merchant has a permanent location at which the Merchant’s
employees or agents conduct the business activity directly related to the
provision to the Cardholder of the goods or services purchased in the
specific Transaction.
l The Merchant assesses sales taxes on the Transaction activity.

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Table 1-9: Allowed Additional Merchant Outlet Locations for Card-Absent Transactions (continued)
Transaction Additional Merchant Outlet location may be:
l The location is the legal jurisdiction, for the Transaction, that governs
the contractual relationship between the Merchant and the Cardholder
as the purchaser of the goods or services.
If Visa disputes a Merchant Outlet location assigned by an Acquirer, the correct location of the
Merchant Outlet may be determined by Visa in its sole discretion.
1
A location (or locations) at which a Merchant completes Transactions and is not the fixed or permanent premises of the
Merchant. This does not apply to a mobile Acceptance Device within a fixed Merchant Outlet.
2
For the purchase of travel or lodging at a travel agency, the Merchant Outlet location must be the country in which the
travel agency is located.
3
In the Europe Region: An exception applies to Merchant Outlet locations within the European Economic Area.
4
If a Card-Absent Merchant (except a travel/lodging Merchant) qualifies for one or more additional Merchant Outlet
locations, the Acquirer may assign the location for a Transaction only as the location where the underlying business
activity occurs for the specific Transaction (either the Principal Place of Business or a qualifying additional Merchant
Outlet location).
1.5.1.3 Merchant Qualification Standards

Before entering into a Merchant Agreement, an Acquirer or a Payment Facilitator must ensure that
the prospective Merchant is all of the following:
l Financially responsible
l Not engaged in any activity that could cause harm to the Visa system or the Visa brand
l Operating within an allowed jurisdiction
l Not misrepresenting its Merchant Outlet location or locations
The Acquirer or Payment Facilitator must also determine that there is no significant derogatory
background information about any of the Merchant’s principals.
1.5.1.4 Submission of Illegal Transactions

An Acquirer must not knowingly accept from a Merchant for submission into the Visa payment
system any Transaction that is illegal or that the Acquirer or Merchant should have known was

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illegal.
1.5.1.5 Acquirer Use of Digital Certificates

An Acquirer that issues Digital Certificates to its Merchants or Payment Facilitators to enable them
to access Visa-owned system components must use only Digital Certificates associated with Visa.
1.5.1.6 Security of Account Numbers and Payment Account References

An Acquirer must ensure all of the following:
l That the Account Number associated with a payment Token in a Transaction is not disclosed to
the Merchant
l That a Payment Account Reference (PAR) is not stored with its associated full Account Number(s)
or payment Token(s)
l That a Transaction is not initiated with a PAR
l That a PAR is used only for the following:
– Providing or managing customer service
– Performing fraud and risk control activities
– Supporting value-added services in which the Cardholder has opted to participate
– Aiding compliance with applicable laws or regulations
1.5.1.7 Authorization Rejection Based on Internal Tables

An Acquirer must not selectively reject or decline Authorization Requests based on an internally
developed table of BINs or Account Numbers.
This prohibition both:
l Includes tables developed using the Client Directory
l Does not include Authorization Requests originating from a Limited Acceptance Merchant for
Account Numbers that contain a BIN not accepted by the Merchant

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1.5.1.8 Acquirer Rights to Provide Merchant Information

An Acquirer, a Marketplace, a Payment Facilitator, or a Digital Wallet Operator must ensure that it
has all necessary and appropriate rights under applicable laws or regulations, privacy policies, or
agreements to provide Merchant or retailer information to Visa.
1.5.1.9 Termination of Merchant Agreement

After verifying that Visa has prohibited a Merchant, Sponsored Merchant, or Payment
Facilitator from participating in the Visa or Visa Electron Program, an Acquirer must terminate the
Merchant Agreement or Payment Facilitator Agreement no later than the date specified by Visa.
If the Acquirer does not terminate the Merchant Agreement or Payment Facilitator Agreement by
the specified date, Visa may assess the Acquirer a non-compliance assessment.
An Acquirer or Payment Facilitator that enters into a Merchant Agreement with a Merchant,
Sponsored Merchant, or known principals of a Merchant or Sponsored Merchant that Visa has
prohibited from participating in the Visa Program or Visa Electron Program may be assessed a non-
compliance assessment.
1.5.2 Merchant Agreements
1.5.2.1 Merchant Agreement Requirements

An Acquirer must have a Merchant Agreement with each of its Merchants to accept Visa Cards and,
if applicable, Visa Electron Cards. A Payment Facilitator must have a Merchant Agreement with each
of its Sponsored Merchants.
The Merchant Agreement must include language that requires the Merchant to do all of the
following:
l Perform its obligations under the Merchant Agreement in compliance with applicable laws or
regulations
l Comply with the Visa Rules regarding use of the Visa-Owned Marks, Visa acceptance, risk
management, Transaction processing, and any Visa products, programs, or services in which the
Merchant is required to, or chooses to, participate
l Not knowingly submit any Transaction that is illegal or that the Merchant should have known was
illegal

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l Include the right of Visa to limit or terminate the Acquirer’s agreement with the Merchant or the
Payment Facilitator’s agreement with the Sponsored Merchant
An Acquirer and a Payment Facilitator may accept Transactions only from an entity with which it has
a valid Merchant Agreement.
1.5.3 Marks Display
1.5.3.1 Display of Card Acceptance Marks

A Member or Merchant must display the appropriate Visa-Owned Marks to indicate which Cards it
accepts for payment.
An Acquirer must ensure that each of its Limited Acceptance Merchants displays the appropriate
Visa-Owned Marks to indicate only the Cards that it accepts for payment in accordance with its
Merchant Agreement. A Limited Acceptance Merchant must not display any Visa graphic that
indicates acceptance of all Visa Cards.
1.5.4 Card Acceptance
1.5.4.1 Accepting Visa Products for Payment

Visa Merchants displaying Visa acceptance Marks at payment locations agree to accept
corresponding Visa-branded products for payment. If the customer indicates that he or she wants
to pay with a Visa product, a Merchant must complete and process the Visa Transaction as defined
in the Visa Rules.
1.5.4.2 Honor All Cards

A Merchant must accept all Cards1 properly presented for payment.
This does not apply to the following, where limited acceptance is permitted:
l Merchant Outlets that deploy Contactless-only Acceptance Devices, as specified in Section 5.7.2.2,
Deployment of Contactless-Only Acceptance Devices

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l Merchants that accept only Mobile Push Payment Transactions. Such Merchants must accept all
Mobile Push Payment Transactions (except Cash-In and Cash-Out Transactions, which the
Merchant may choose to accept)
l In the AP Region (Australia), Canada Region, US Region: Certain categories of Visa products for
domestically issued Cards
l In the Europe Region: A Merchant in the European Economic Area (EEA), for certain Product
Categories, as specified in Section 1.5.4.6, Limited Acceptance Merchant Requirements – Europe and
US Regions
A Merchant may not refuse to accept a Visa product that is properly presented for payment (for
example: a Card that is foreign-issued2,3 or co-branded with the Merchant’s competitor’s Mark).
A Merchant may attempt to steer customers who initially present a Visa Card to an alternative
method of payment, but may not do so in a manner that denies consumer choice.
A Merchant may also consider whether present circumstances create undue risk (for example: if the
sale involves high-value electronics but the Card signature panel is not signed, and the Cardholder
does not have any other identification).
1
Based on the technology supported by the Merchant
2
In the AP Region (Australia), Canada Region, US Region: A Merchant may decline to accept certain categories of Visa
products for domestically issued Cards.
3
In the Europe Region: A Merchant in the European Economic Area (EEA) may decline to accept certain Product
Categories.
1.5.4.3 Honor All Cards – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: Unless a Merchant has elected to not be a Visa Debit Acceptor, a Merchant
that accepts Visa Cards must accept any valid Visa Card that a Cardholder properly presents for
payment. This means that the Merchant must permit the Cardholder to choose whether to pay for a
transaction with that Visa Card or with some other means of payment accepted by the Merchant.
Merchants that have elected to be a Visa Debit Acceptor may choose whether or not to accept
domestic Visa Credit Cards. Similarly, Merchants that have elected to be a Visa Credit Acceptor may
choose whether or not to accept Visa Debit Category Cards issued by Canada Issuers.
If a Cardholder presents a Visa Card that bears a Mark representing another payment service, the
Merchant may not intentionally mislead the Cardholder concerning what payment service or system
will be used. If the Merchant provides any information regarding the customer’s rights related to
various transaction choices, that information must be accurate.

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1.5.4.4 Honor All Cards – US Region

In the US Region: A Merchant that wishes to accept Visa Cards must accept any valid Visa Card in its
category of acceptance that a Cardholder properly presents for payment. This means that the
Merchant must permit the Cardholder to choose whether to pay for a transaction with that Visa
Card or with some other means of payment accepted by the Merchant. The Merchant may request
or encourage a Cardholder to use a means of payment other than a Visa Card.
1.5.4.5 Selection of Payment System – Europe and US Regions

In the Europe Region: At a Merchant in the European Economic Area (EEA), if a Cardholder presents
a Card that is issued in the EEA and that is co-badged with another payment scheme accepted by
the Merchant, the Merchant must both:
l Honor the Cardholder’s choice of payment scheme
l Process the transaction according to the Cardholder’s choice of payment scheme
In the US Region: If a Cardholder presents a Visa Card1 that is in the Merchant’s category of
acceptance and that bears a Mark representing another payment service:
l The Merchant must honor the Cardholder’s request if the Cardholder indicates that the
transaction is to be processed as a Visa Transaction.
l The Merchant may process the transaction as something other than a Visa Transaction despite an
initial indication by the Cardholder that the transaction is to be processed as a Visa Transaction,
but only if the Cardholder agrees that the transaction may be processed as something other than
a Visa Transaction. The Merchant may not mislead the Cardholder concerning what payment
service or system will be used. If the Merchant provides any information regarding the
customer’s rights related to various transaction choices, that information must be accurate.
1
In the US Region or a US Territory: This does not apply to a US Covered Visa Debit Card.
1.5.4.6 Limited Acceptance Merchant Requirements – Europe and US Regions

In the Europe Region, US Region: A Merchant that accepts Visa Cards may choose Limited
Acceptance.

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In the Europe Region: A Limited Acceptance Merchant in the European Economic Area (EEA) must
both:
l Accept all Cards that carry the Product Categories accepted by the Merchant
l Accept any valid Visa Card issued by an Issuer outside the EEA
In the US Region: A Merchant that accepts all Visa Cards or a Limited Acceptance category of Visa
Cards must accept any valid Visa Card issued by a non-US Issuer, as specified in the Visa Rules.
1.5.4.7 Limited Acceptance Notification Requirements – Europe and US Regions

In the Europe Region: An Acquirer must register with Visa each of its Limited Acceptance
Merchants.
In the US Region: An Acquirer must register with Visa and provide reporting on any Merchant that
elects to be a Limited Acceptance Merchant.
1.5.4.8 Chip Card Acceptance Requirements

The Card and Cardholder must be present for all Chip-initiated Transactions.
If a Chip-initiated Transaction is declined by the Issuer, the Transaction must not be processed by
any other means.
1.5.4.9 Visa Mini Card Merchant Acceptance Requirements

A Merchant that accepts Visa Cards must both:
l Attempt to accept a Visa Mini Card
l Request a corresponding standard-sized Card, if available, if either the:
– Acceptance Device is unable to read the Magnetic Stripe on the Visa Mini Card
– Full Account Number is not placed on the Visa Mini Card

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1.5.4.10 Uniform Services – Acquirer Requirements

An Acquirer must both:
l Accept all Cards properly presented for payment
l Offer and render services uniformly to all Cardholders1
This does not apply to Contactless-only Acceptance Devices, as specified in Section 5.7.2.2,
Deployment of Contactless-Only Acceptance Devices.
1
This does not apply to discounts, promotional offers, or in-kind incentives offered by the Merchant.
1.5.4.11 Uniform Services – Merchant Requirement

A Merchant must process Transactions with all Cardholders in exactly the same manner.
This does not apply to discounts, promotional offers, or in-kind incentives offered by the Merchant
to a subset of Visa Cards.
1.5.4.12 Discount Offer – US Region and US Territories

In the US Region and a US Territory: A Merchant may request or encourage a Cardholder to use a
means of payment other than a Visa Card or a Visa Card of a different product type (for example:
Visa Classic Card, Visa Traditional Rewards Card, Visa Signature Card) than the Visa Card the
consumer initially presents. Except where prohibited by applicable laws or regulations, the
Merchant may do so by methods that include, but are not limited to:
l Offering the consumer an immediate discount from the Merchant’s list, stated, or standard price,
a rebate, a free or discounted product or service, or any other incentive or benefit if the
consumer uses a particular general purpose payment card with an acceptance brand other than a
Visa Card or other particular means of payment
l Offering the consumer an immediate discount from the Merchant’s list, stated, or standard price,
a rebate, a free or discounted product or service, or any other incentive or benefit if the
consumer, who initially presents a Visa Card, uses instead another general purpose payment card
or another means of payment
l Expressing a preference for the use of a particular general purpose payment card or means of
payment

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l Promoting the use of a particular general purpose payment card with an acceptance brand other
than Visa or means of payment through posted information, through the size, prominence, or
sequencing of payment choices, or through other communications to consumers
l Communicating to consumers the reasonably estimated or actual costs incurred by the Merchant
when a consumer uses a particular general purpose payment card or means of payment or the
relative costs of using different general purpose payment cards or means of payment
1.5.4.13 Acquirer Requirements – Discount at the Point of Sale – US Region and US

Territories
In the US Region or a US Territory: An Acquirer must not adopt, maintain or enforce any rule
(including any bylaw, policy, standard, guideline, or practice), or enter into or enforce any
agreement that directly or indirectly prohibits, prevents, or restrains its Merchants from requesting
or encouraging a Cardholder to use a means of payment other than a Visa Card or a Visa Card of a
different product type (e.g., Visa Classic Card, Visa Traditional Rewards Card, Visa Signature Card)
than the Visa Card the consumer initially presents. The methods by which a Merchant may request
or encourage a Cardholder to use a means of payment other than a Visa Card or a Visa Card of a
different product type include but are not limited to the methods specified in Section 1.5.4.12,
Discount Offer – US Region and US Territories.
An Acquirer may enforce agreements or enter into agreements with its Merchants where the
Merchant selects Visa Cards as the only general purpose payment cards the Merchant will accept.
1.5.4.14 Incentive to Use Other Payment Method – US Region

In the US Region: A Merchant may offer a non-monetary benefit to a Cardholder as an inducement
for the Cardholder to use a means of payment other than a Visa Card.
A Merchant may offer a monetary benefit in the form of a discount, as specified in Section 1.5.4.12,
Discount Offer – US Region and US Territories, as an inducement for the Cardholder to use a means
of payment other than a Visa Card.
1.5.4.15 Credit Refund Requirements

A Merchant may establish its own credit refund policy, but must disclose it as specified in Section
5.4.2.4, Disclosure to Cardholders of Return, Refund, and Cancellation Policies

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A Merchant must not:

l Accept payment from a Cardholder for the purpose of depositing funds to the Cardholder’s
account1
l Process a Credit Transaction Receipt without having completed a previous retail Transaction with
the same Cardholder
These restrictions do not apply to:
l The loading of value to a Visa Prepaid Card that participates in the Visa Prepaid Load Service
l In the US Region: The loading of value to a Visa Prepaid Card or to another Non-Visa Branded
Account that participates in Visa ReadyLink
If a Merchant provides a refund to a Cardholder for a previous purchase, the following conditions
apply:
l To the extent possible, the Merchant must process a Credit Transaction2 to the same Visa
Account Number as used in the original Transaction.
l If unable to process the Credit Transaction to the same Account Number, the Merchant may
either:
– Process the Credit Transaction to a secondary Account Number, if available, and if a
Transaction Receipt or other proof of purchase exists, and either:
▪ The original Account Number is unavailable (account is closed, transferred, reported
lost/stolen).
▪ An Authorization Request for the Credit Transaction2 to the original Account Number
receives a Decline Response.
– Refund the Transaction amount through alternate means (cash, check, in-store credit, or
prepaid card), if any of the following conditions apply:
▪ The Cardholder does not have a Transaction Receipt or other proof of purchase.
▪ The customer is not the original Cardholder and is returning a gift.
▪ The Cardholder claims that the Visa Prepaid Card used for the original purchase has been
discarded.
▪ The Authorization Request for a Credit Transaction to the original or secondary Visa
Account Number receives a Decline Response.
In the AP Region (Australia, New Zealand), Europe Region, US Region, US Territory: The Merchant
must refund any surcharge3 assessed on the Transaction amount. For partial refunds, the surcharge3
amount must be pro-rated.
1
Except a Cash-In Transaction

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2
This does not apply to a Straight Through Processing Transaction.
3
In the AP Region (Australia): A Surcharge. In the US Region, US Territory: A US Credit Card Surcharge.
1.5.5 Card Acceptance Prohibitions
1.5.5.1 Prohibition of Minimum or Maximum Transaction Amount

A Merchant must not establish a minimum or maximum Transaction amount as a condition for
honoring a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card.
This does not apply to a Transaction initiated with a Visa Credit Card issued in the US Region or a
US Territory used at a Merchant Outlet in the US Region or a US Territory, as specified in Section
5.4.2, Conditions of Card Acceptance and Cardholder Rights
1.5.5.2 Surcharges
A Merchant must not add any amount over the advertised or normal price to a Transaction, unless
applicable laws or regulations expressly require that a Merchant be permitted to impose a
surcharge. Any surcharge amount, if allowed, must be included in the Transaction amount and not
collected separately.
In the AP Region (New Zealand): This does not apply under certain terms and conditions, as
communicated to Members. Further information is available from Visa.
In the US Region and US Territories: This does not apply to Visa Credit Card Transactions, as
specified in Section 5.6.1.5, US Credit Card Surcharge Requirements – US Region and US Territories.
In the Europe Region: The Merchant must clearly communicate any surcharge amount to the
Cardholder, and the Cardholder must agree to the surcharge amount, before the Merchant initiates
the Transaction.
1.5.5.3 Cardholder Identification

Unless specified in the Visa Rules, a Merchant must not request Cardholder identification as a
condition of purchase.
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: A Merchant that suspects
fraud in a Face-to-Face Environment may request Cardholder identification. If the identification is

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expired or does not match the name on the Card, or if the Cardholder does not provide
identification, the Merchant may decide whether to accept the Card.
1.5.5.4 PIN Disclosure

A Merchant must not ask a Cardholder to reveal the Cardholder’s PIN.
1.5.5.5 Scrip Prohibition

An Acquirer or Merchant must not accept a Visa Card for the purchase of Scrip, except in Sub-
Saharan Africa.1
1
Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Seychelles, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Includes: Mascarene Is., Rodrigues Is.
1.5.5.6 Merchant Cash Disbursement Prohibition

A Merchant must not provide cash to a Visa Cardholder unless the Merchant provides Cash-Back or
Cash-Out or sells foreign currency.
In the AP Region (Nepal): This does not apply for a disbursement in local currency by a Merchant
that is licensed to sell foreign currency.
In the CEMEA Region (South Africa): This does not apply.
1.5.5.7 Visa Prepaid Card Cash Redemption

A Visa Prepaid Card must not be redeemed for cash by a Merchant that accepts the Visa Prepaid
Card.

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1.5.6 Card and Cardholder Verification Requirements
1.5.6.1 Authorized Card User

An Acquirer or a Merchant must validate that the presenter of a Card is authorized to use the Card,
as specified in Section 5.5.1.1, Card and Cardholder Validation in a Face-to-Face Environment.
1.5.6.2 Electronic Commerce Data Protection

An Acquirer must ensure that its Electronic Commerce Merchant offers Cardholders a Visa-
approved method for protecting personal Cardholder data.
1.5.7 Transaction Receipts
1.5.7.1 Cardholder Verification without Final Transaction Amount

A Merchant must not require a Cardholder to perform Cardholder Verification before the final
Transaction amount is entered on the Transaction Receipt or displayed to the Cardholder. A
Merchant may only perform Cardholder Verification before displaying the final Transaction amount
for any of the following:
l A Merchant specified in Section 5.8.3.1, Authorization Amount Requirements. This in itself does
not constitute Cardholder acceptance of the final Transaction amount.
l A Merchant that uses a Visa-approved “quick Chip” processing solution, where available, only if
all of the following conditions are met:
– The Merchant’s POS system automatically calculates the final amount
– The final amount is displayed and confirmed by the Cardholder before the Merchant submits
an Authorization Request1
– A fully itemized Transaction Receipt is offered to the Cardholder
1
Except at a Merchant Outlet that receives or accepts tips.

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1.5.8 Merchant Deposits
1.5.8.1 Transaction Deposit Conditions

A Merchant, Payment Facilitator, Marketplace, or Staged Digital Wallet Operator must not submit a
Deposit for a Transaction until one of the following occurs:
l The Transaction is completed.
l The merchandise or services are shipped or provided. This does not apply if the Cardholder has
paid a partial or full prepayment.
l The Merchant, Sponsored Merchant, Marketplace or Staged Digital Wallet Operator has fulfilled
the conditions of its agreement with the Cardholder for an Installment Transaction, a Recurring
Transaction, or an Unscheduled Credential-on-File Transaction.
A Merchant, or Staged Digital Wallet Operator, must only submit a Deposit for a Transaction that it
has completed with a Cardholder.
A Marketplace must only submit a Deposit for a Transaction between a Cardholder and a retailer
that sells goods or services through the Marketplace.
A Payment Facilitator may only submit a Deposit for a Transaction between a Cardholder and a
Sponsored Merchant of the Payment Facilitator, but must not submit a Deposit for a Transaction on
behalf of another Payment Facilitator, Digital Wallet Operator, or Marketplace.
1.5.8.2 Acquirer Payments to Card Acceptors

An Acquirer must pay or credit its Merchant’s, Marketplace’s, Sponsored Merchant’s, Payment
Facilitator’s, or Staged Digital Wallet Operator’s account promptly after Transaction Deposit. These
payments must be the same as the Transaction totals, less any Credit Transaction Receipts,
applicable discounts, Disputes, other agreed fees or Merchant reserve funds (if applicable)
accumulated to guarantee the Merchant’s, Sponsored Merchant’s, Marketplace’s, Payment
Facilitator’s, or Staged Digital Wallet Operator’s payment system obligations to the Acquirer.
An Acquirer may directly pay or credit only:
l A Merchant
l A Payment Facilitator, on behalf of a Sponsored Merchant
l A Sponsored Merchant for its portion of the Deposit, if the Acquirer also contracts with the
Payment Facilitator

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l A Staged Digital Wallet Operator

l A Marketplace
If a Payment Facilitator receives payment from an Acquirer, it must pay or credit its Sponsored
Merchant’s account promptly after Transaction Deposit. These payments must be the same as the
Transaction totals, less any Credit Transaction Receipts, applicable discounts, Disputes or other
agreed fees.
A Marketplace must pay or credit its retailer’s account promptly after Transaction Deposit. These
payments must be the same as the Transaction totals, less any Credit Transaction Receipts,
applicable discounts, Disputes or other agreed fees.
In the LAC Region (Brazil): An Acquirer or a Payment Facilitator must pay or credit its Merchant’s or
Sponsored Merchant’s account, as follows:
l For domestic Credit Transactions, no later than 32 days after the Processing Date
l For all other Transactions, no later than 5 days after the Processing Date
1.5.9 Travelers Cheques
1.5.9.1 Travelers Cheque Acceptance Requirements

A Member must accept and encash all Cheques denominated in currencies usually exchanged in the
local market.
A Member’s encashment policy must be as favorable for Cheques as for other cheque brands.
1.5.9.2 Travelers Cheque Acceptance Procedures

When encashing a Cheque, a Member must:
l Witness the customer countersigning the Cheque in the lower left signature area
l Compare the countersignature with the signature appearing in the upper right signature area. If
the signatures appear similar, the Member may accept the Cheque.
If the Member is uncertain about the similarity of the signatures, it may request that the customer
sign the Cheque on the back and provide identification. If the Member is satisfied with the
identification comparison, it may accept the Cheque.

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If a Cheque has already been countersigned, or if the presenter is not the original purchaser of the
Cheque, the Member must only accept the Cheque if the presenter is a known customer and full
recourse is available.
If the Cheque issuer does not honor a validly issued Cheque as a result of the issuer’s financial
condition or circumstances beyond the issuer’s control, Visa guarantees reimbursement for the
Cheque amount if the Member complies with the above encashment procedures.
1.6 ATM
1.6.1 ATM Requirements
1.6.1.1 Compliance with Visa Product and Service Rules: ATM

ATM rules are contained in Visa Product and Service Rules: ATM
1.7 Transaction Processing
1.7.1 General Processing
1.7.1.1 Authorization, Clearing, and Settlement of Transactions through VisaNet

A Visa participant must authorize, clear, and settle messages for international Visa Transactions
through VisaNet, including those resulting from the use of restricted cards outside the country of
issuance, and report to Visa all domestic Visa Transactions processed outside of VisaNet.
In some jurisdictions, except for those with processing exceptions approved by Visa, a participant
must authorize, clear, and settle all Visa Transactions through VisaNet, which enhances Visa’s ability
to manage risks, meet consumer expectations, and provide leading fraud-protection solutions.
In the Canada Region: A Visa Debit Acquirer must process all Visa Debit Transactions through
VisaNet.
In the Europe Region: For International Transactions that are European Economic Area Transactions,
a Member will use a Visa Scheme Processor.

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1.7.1.2 BIN and Acquiring Identifier Processing Capability

A Member and VisaNet Processor must be capable of accepting and processing a BIN and an
Acquiring Identifier for any Visa-defined purpose.
1.7.2 Data Requirements
1.7.2.1 Complete and Valid Transaction Data

An Acquirer must ensure that all Authorization Requests and Clearing Records contain complete,
accurate, and valid data.
If an Authorization is obtained, any data in the subsequent Clearing Record must be the same as, or
consistent with, comparable data in the Authorization Request and Authorization Response.
In the Canada Region, Europe Region, LAC Region, US Region: An Acquirer, a Merchant, a
Payment Facilitator, or a VisaNet Processor that reattempts an Authorization Request following
a Decline Response, as specified in Section 7.3.6.4, Declined Transaction Resubmission
Requirements – Canada, Europe, LAC, and US Regions, must not intentionally manipulate any
data elements from the original Authorization Request, including, but not limited to, the
following:
l Acquirer BIN
l Acquirer and Merchant Country
l MCC
l POS condition code
l POS environment field
l POS Entry Mode
l Electronic Commerce Indicator
Merchant Outlet country data must be the same throughout the Transaction life cycle (including,
but not limited to, an Authorization Request, the Clearing Record, and any subsequent Adjustment,
Dispute, Credit Transaction, or Reversal).

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1.7.3 Acquirer Authorization Requests
1.7.3.1 Required Authorization Processing through VisaNet

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: An Acquirer must process
an Authorization for an International Transaction through VisaNet, as specified in Section 1.7.1.1,
Authorization, Clearing, and Settlement of Transactions through VisaNet.
In the Europe Region: An Acquirer must process an Authorization for an Interregional Transaction
through VisaNet, as specified in Section 1.7.1.1, Authorization, Clearing, and Settlement of
Transactions through VisaNet. For International Transactions that are European Economic Area
Transactions, a Member will use a Visa Scheme Processor.
1.7.3.2 Authorization Currency and Conversion

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: An Authorization Request
must be expressed only in USD, the Transaction Currency, or the local fiat currency.
If the Transaction Currency is not USD, an Acquirer may convert the Authorization amount into USD
before sending the Authorization Request to Visa. If the Acquirer converts the Authorization
amount, it must use a generally accepted wholesale currency market rate.
An Acquirer must submit an Authorization Request for an ATM Cash Disbursement and a Manual
Cash Disbursement in the Transaction Currency.
In the Europe Region: An Authorization Request must be expressed in the Transaction Currency.
1.7.4 Issuer Authorization Processing
1.7.4.1 Issuer Requirement to Evaluate Each Transaction

An Issuer must evaluate each Transaction that has been properly accepted, processed, and
submitted in order to make an Authorization, a payment Token provisioning,1 or other decision,
and must not block, refuse, or decline Authorization Requests, payment Token provisioning
requests,1 or Transactions in a systematic or wholesale manner,2 unless there is an immediate fraud
threat or an exception is otherwise specified by applicable laws or regulations or in the Visa Rules.3
In the LAC Region: This does not apply to a Card-Absent Environment Transaction conducted with a
Visa Electron Card or an unembossed Visa debit Card issued in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia,
Mexico, or Trinidad.

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1
Applies only to Visa Token Service participants and only to Stored Credential or Electronic Commerce enabler payment
Tokens
2
Including, but not limited to: by BIN, by geography, by payment channel, by payment device, by Transaction type
3
An Issuer must send a Decline Response to an Authorization Request or a payment Token provisioning request if it has
determined that the Transaction is illegal.
1.7.4.2 Referral Responses – Prohibited Transaction Types

An Issuer must not send a referral response to an Authorization Request. In the event that an Issuer
sends a referral response to such an Authorization Request, VisaNet will process the Authorization
Request according to the Issuer’s Stand-In Processing parameters.
1.7.4.3 Reversal of Duplicate or Erroneous Authorizations

An Issuer must reverse a duplicate or erroneous Authorization Transaction from its Cardholder’s
account upon receipt of a Reversal.
1.7.4.4 Issuer Authorization of Chip Fallback Transactions – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Issuer or the Issuer’s agent must send a Decline Response to all
Authorization Requests for domestic Chip Fallback Transactions.
1.7.5 Clearing
1.7.5.1 Transaction Currency for Original Presentments

An Acquirer must enter all original Presentments into Interchange in the exact amount of
Transaction Currency authorized by the Cardholder.
1.7.5.2 Transaction Receiving Decline Response


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An Acquirer may enter into Interchange a Transaction that has received a Decline Response
only if either:
l The Transaction received a subsequent Approval Response to a new Authorization Request,
and the Issuer did not send an Authorization Pickup Response of 04, 07, 41, or 43 for the
account.
l The Transaction originated from a Mass Transit Merchant, as specified in Section 7.3.6.3,
Resubmission following a Decline Response to a Transit Transaction.
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region: An Acquirer may enter into Interchange a Transaction that has
received a Decline Response only if either:
l The Transaction received a subsequent Approval Response to a new Authorization Request,
and the Issuer did not send an Authorization Pickup Response of 04, 07, 41, or 43 for the
account.
l The Transaction originated from a Mass Transit Merchant, as specified in Section 7.3.6.3,
Resubmission following a Decline Response to a Transit Transaction.
1.7.5.3 Transaction Receipts with Illegible or Invalid Account Numbers

If an Acquirer that receives a Transaction Receipt with an illegible or invalid Account Number
contacts the Issuer for assistance in obtaining the Account Number, the Issuer:
l Must assist the Acquirer
l May require that all requests be in writing
If the Acquirer is not able to identify the Issuer, the Acquirer that first received the Transaction
Receipt is liable, unless the Acquirer can identify the Issuer within 12 months of the Transaction
Date and clear the Transaction Receipt directly with the Issuer.
A Transaction processed under these procedures is not subject to Dispute Condition 12.1 (Late
Presentment).

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1.7.6 Settlement
1.7.6.11 Reimbursement for Valid Transactions

An Issuer must pay the Acquirer the amount due for a Transaction occurring with the use of a valid
Card. This includes Transactions resulting from geographically restricted Card use outside the
country of issuance.
1.7.7 Reversals and Adjustments
1.7.7.1 Online Financial Transaction Reversal Requirements

An Acquirer must process a Reversal for an Online Financial Transaction if either the:
l Acquirer, Merchant, or Acceptance Device did not receive an Authorization Response
l Transaction is subsequently voided or cancelled
1.7.7.2 Transaction Processing Subsequent to an Authorization Reversal

A Merchant must not deposit, and an Acquirer must not process, a Transaction that either:
l Was subsequently reversed for the full amount
l Represents the amount of the partial Authorization Reversal
1.7.7.3 Transaction Reversal or Adjustment

A Merchant must process a Reversal or an Adjustment within 30 calendar days1 if it processed a
Transaction in error.
1
In the US Region: 45 calendar days for PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit Transactions

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1.7.7.4 Member Reversal of Duplicate or Erroneous Data

A Member that detects duplicate or erroneous data or is notified by Visa that it has processed such
data must reverse the data and do all of the following:
l Identify the Processing Date of the Transaction that it is reversing
l Maintain all data from the duplicated or erroneous Transaction, except for the appropriate
Reversal codes
l Send the Reversals to Visa (or, in the case of a Domestic Transaction under a Private Agreement,
to the Receiving Member) within one business day of detection or notification of the duplicate
or erroneous data
1.7.7.5 Issuer Reversal of a Duplicate or Erroneous Transaction

An Issuer must reverse any duplicate or erroneous Transaction from its Cardholder’s account upon
receipt of Reversal information. Visa reverses the duplicate or erroneous Transaction using the
Currency Conversion Rate effective on the Processing Date of the duplicate or erroneous data.
Visa assesses the responsible Members any foreign exchange loss due to currency fluctuation
between the Processing Date of the duplicate or erroneous data and the Reversal date using the
VisaNet fee collection process.
1.7.7.6 Credit Reversals and Debit Adjustments

An Acquirer may initiate a credit Reversal only to correct inadvertent processing errors.
The Acquirer must process a credit Reversal or a debit Adjustment within 301 calendar days of the
Processing Date of the initial Credit Transaction.
For a Shared Deposit Transaction, an ATM Acquirer must submit an Adjustment reversal within 10
calendar days of the Settlement Date of the original Adjustment.
1
In the US Region: 45 calendar days for PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit Transactions.

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1.8 Processing Products
1.8.1 Original Credits
1.8.1.1 Original Credit Acceptance

A Member must accept an incoming Original Credit Transaction1 unless prohibited by applicable
laws or regulations.
If prohibited by applicable laws or regulations, the Member must submit a written request to Visa
to block incoming Original Credit Transactions.
1
Excluding all Non-Reloadable Prepaid Cards and Reloadable Prepaid Cards where Cardholder data is not on file or where
the source of loads may be restricted (for example: government, healthcare, or insurance programs).
1.9 Interchange
1.9.1 Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) Determination and Payment
1.9.1.2 What is Interchange? – AP, Canada, CEMEA, LAC, US Regions

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Interchange
Reimbursement Fees (IRF) help to make electronic payments possible by enabling Visa to expand
Card holding and use, increasing the places consumers can use their Cards, and providing a
financial incentive for all parties to pursue system-wide improvements, such as rewards, innovation,
and security. An Interchange Reimbursement Fee is a default transfer price between Acquirers and
Issuers within the Visa system. Merchants pay what is known as a merchant discount fee or merchant
service fee negotiated with their Acquirer, which may take into account the interchange fee,
processing costs, fees for terminal rental, customer services, and other financial services. The
merchant discount fee or merchant service fee is negotiated individually with the Merchant’s
Acquirer; each Acquirer sets its fees independently, in competition with other Acquirers, competing
payment systems, and other forms of payment.
Interchange is consistently monitored and adjusted – sometimes increased and sometimes
decreased – in order to ensure that the economics present a competitive value proposition for all
parties. Interchange Reimbursement Fees must encourage Card holding and use, as well as
expansion in the number and types of businesses that accept Cards. If rates are too high, retailers
won’t accept Cards; if rates are too low, Issuers won’t issue Cards. Visa may establish different
Interchange Reimbursement Fees in order to promote a variety of system objectives, such as
enhancing the value proposition for Visa products, providing incentives to grow merchant

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acceptance and usage, and reinforcing strong system security and Transaction authorization
practices.
1.9.1.3 Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) Requirements

A Transaction must meet the qualifications defined in the Visa Rules and in the applicable
Interchange Reimbursement Fee rate qualification guide to qualify for a particular Interchange
Reimbursement Fee.
An Acquirer must also request the correct Interchange Reimbursement Fee, as applicable, when
submitting a Transaction into Interchange.
1.9.2 Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) Adjustments and Compliance
1.9.2.1 Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) Adjustments

If Interchange Reimbursement Fees are inappropriately received or paid by an Issuer or Acquirer,
Visa reserves the right to rectify the improper allocations.
Interchange Reimbursement Fee adjustments may be made only as follows:
l Adjustments are limited to Transactions occurring within 90 calendar days of the Processing Date
of the oldest Transaction submitted by the Member or identified by Visa.
l Transactions beyond 90 calendar days (not to exceed 2 years from the date submitted by the
Member or identified by Visa) may be considered for adjustment if Visa determines that
extenuating circumstances prevented the Member from discovering the violation sooner.
l When an Issuer or Acquirer is at fault, the impacted Issuer(s) or Acquirer(s) is required to use the
Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance process.
l Adjustments will only be made when the total Interchange Reimbursement Fee amount to be
corrected is greater than USD 2,500.
l Individual correcting Transactions will only be made if the amount of the correcting transaction
is greater than USD 50.
Interchange Reimbursement Fee adjustments will be processed as follows:

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l Visa will notify the Members that will receive a correcting Transaction.
l Visa will initiate a correcting Fee Collection Transaction (Transaction code 10) and Funds
Disbursement Transaction (Transaction code 20) through VisaNet.
l All Visa decisions are final.
l A Member may appeal a decision only if the Member can provide new evidence not previously
available and the amount in dispute is greater than USD 5,000.
Visa may, at its sole discretion, offer to use this adjustment process regardless of the adjustment
amount.
1.9.2.2 Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) Compliance Filing Requirements

A Member must not file for Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) Compliance unless all of the
following:
l A violation of the Visa Rules or any applicable regional or domestic Interchange Reimbursement
Fee (IRF) guide occurred.
l The Member received or paid incorrect IRF as a direct result of the violation by another Member.
l The Member’s financial loss is a direct result of an incorrectly applied IRF rate.
l The Member would not have incurred a financial loss if the violation had not occurred.
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: The violating
Transactions were processed through VisaNet.
l The IRF rate paid or received is not governed by any bilateral or private agreements, either
domestic, intraregional, or interregional.
l Visa has granted permission for the Member to file.
A Member may aggregate up to 1,000,000 Transactions into a single IRF Compliance case if the
Transactions involved the same opposing Member and violated the same operating regulation or
the same requirement in an applicable IRF guide. The value of the aggregated Transactions must
not be less than the sum of the IRF screening fee and the IRF filing fee specified in the applicable
regional fee guide.
Visa may refuse to allow a filing Member to participate in IRF Compliance. The decision by Visa to
refuse participation is final and not subject to any challenge.
A Member must comply with the Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Process Guide.

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1.10 Risk
1.10.1 Corporate Risk Reduction
1.10.1.2 Member Risk Reduction Requirements

Visa may impose conditions on a Member if it reasonably believes the Member’s Visa Program is
not being operated in a sound and safe manner or exposes Visa or its Members to financial loss.
Upon receipt of instructions imposing conditions, a Member or its agent must implement risk
reduction measures that may include, but are not limited to, the following:
l Prohibiting or limiting any of the following actions:
– Issuing new or reissued Cards
– Signing or re-signing Merchants
– Using an agent
l Blocking the Authorization of Transactions or prohibiting Acquirers from obtaining Authorization
for Transactions on behalf of certain Merchants
l Terminating some or all Merchants that:
– Conduct Transactions where the Cardholder is not present or where goods or services are to
be delivered after the Transaction Date
– Receive a volume of Disputes that substantially exceeds the system average
l Pledging collateral to secure one or more of the following:
– A Member’s or agent’s obligations to Visa and reimbursement to Visa for any expenses
incurred to ensure compliance
– The liquidity impact to Visa of Settlement or other payments due to Visa from a Member, its
affiliates, or its Clearing Processor as approved by Visa
– Reimbursement to Visa for any expenses incurred to ensure compliance
l Consolidating into a single Funds Transfer Settlement Reporting Entity all or some of the
Settlement payments in a Settlement Currency of a Member and its affiliates or of a Clearing
Processor as approved by Visa for one or more Members arising from one or more Settlement
systems operated by Visa or its subsidiaries or affiliates, operated privately, or by a third party, in
order to reduce the liquidity impact of such Settlement payments on Visa (Settlement Payment
Consolidation) or risk of Settlement Loss (as defined in Section 9.01 of the Visa International
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws and the Visa U.S.A. Inc. Certificate of Incorporation and By-
Laws).

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l Redirecting Settlement funds to avoid potential losses, as specified in Section X, including, but
not limited to, the following:
– Rerouting Settlement funds around the financial institution that normally holds the Member’s
or agent’s funds
– Holding funds to ensure the correct application of Cardholder funds
– Holding funds for the payment of Merchants
– Holding funds for the future payment of Disputes
– Withholding funds for the purpose of obtaining collateral or meeting other Member
obligations
– Prohibiting or limiting a Member’s right to sponsor eligible Members
l Requiring a Member to change one or more of its designated agents
l Requiring a Member to provide to Visa data establishing, for any given time period, the amount
of funds that a Merchant has received from Cardholders, for goods and services that it is yet to
provide to those Cardholders
Visa is not obligated to take these actions to protect any Member, Merchant, Sponsored Merchant,
or Cardholder from financial injury.
1.10.1.3 Visa Right to Terminate Merchants, Payment Facilitators, Marketplaces,

Sponsored Merchants, or Digital Wallet Operators
Visa may permanently prohibit a Merchant, Marketplace, Payment Facilitator, Sponsored Merchant,
Digital Wallet Operator, or any other entity, or one or more of its principals, from participating in
the Visa Program or Visa Electron Program for any reasons it deems appropriate, such as:
l Fraudulent activity
l Presenting Transaction Receipts that do not result from an act between a Cardholder and a
Merchant or Sponsored Merchant (laundering)
l Entering into a Merchant Agreement or Payment Facilitator Agreement under a new name with
the intent to circumvent the Visa Rules
l Activity that causes the Acquirer to repeatedly violate the Visa Rules
l Activity that has resulted in Visa prohibiting the Merchant, Sponsored Merchant, or Payment
Facilitator from participating in the Visa Program or Visa Electron Program
l Exceeding the Visa Dispute Monitoring Program thresholds

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l Entering illegal or brand-damaging Transaction activity into the Visa payment system
l Any other activity that may result in undue economic hardship or damage to the goodwill of the
Visa system
Visa may contact a Merchant, a Marketplace and its retailers, a Sponsored Merchant, or a Payment
Facilitator directly, if warranted.
In the Europe Region: An Acquirer may appeal to Visa with proof that the prohibition or any other
conditions are impractical or unwarranted.
1.10.1.4 Acquirer Responsibility for Costs Due to Failure to Terminate a Merchant

An Acquirer is responsible for all costs incurred by Visa due to the Acquirer’s failure to terminate a
Merchant, Marketplace, Sponsored Merchant, Payment Facilitator, or Staged Digital Wallet
Operator. This includes attorney’s fees and costs of any legal action undertaken by Visa to protect
the goodwill of the Visa system or to prevent further harm to Members and Cardholders.
1.10.1.5 Visa Anti-Bribery Program

Visa maintains an anti-bribery compliance program designed to comply with the requirements and
restrictions of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery laws. A Member
must cooperate with Visa in the administration of the Visa anti-bribery program, including, but not
limited to, the following:
l Complete, upon request, the Anti-Money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF), Sanctions
and Anti-Bribery Compliance Program Questionnaire disclosing the level of ownership, control,
and influence of any non-US government, agency, or instrumentality thereof in the Member
l Notify Visa when a non-US government acquires (either as one agency or collectively through
different agencies or instrumentalities) an equity interest of 30% or more in the Member
This does not apply in the US Region.
1.10.1.6 Anti-Money Laundering Program Requirement

A Member must implement and maintain an anti-money laundering program that is reasonably
designed to prevent the use of the Visa system to facilitate money laundering or the financing of
terrorist activities.

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1.10.1.7 Visa Anti-Money Laundering Program – Member Requirements

A Member must cooperate with Visa in the administration of the Visa anti-money laundering
program, including, but not limited to, the following:
l Completing the Anti-Money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF), Sanctions and Anti-
Bribery Compliance Program Questionnaire when requested by Visa and returning the form within
the time limit specified by Visa
l Assisting Visa in guarding against Card issuance and Merchant acquiring in circumstances that
could facilitate money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities
l Identifying circumstances of heightened risk and instituting policies, procedures, controls, or
other actions specified by Visa to address the heightened risk
l Providing a copy of the Member’s anti-money laundering plan if requested by Visa
l Ensuring the adequacy of the applicable controls implemented by designated agents of the
Member
1.10.1.8 Anti-Money Laundering Program Compliance

If Visa determines that a Member or the Member’s designated agent has failed to comply with
Section 1.10.1.6, Anti-Money Laundering Program Requirement, and Section 1.10.1.7, Visa Anti-Money
Laundering Program – Member Requirements, Visa may impose conditions on or require additional
actions of the Member or the Member’s designated agent to prevent possible money laundering
or financing of terrorist activities. These actions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
l Implementation of additional policies, procedures, or controls
l Termination of a Merchant Agreement
l Termination of a Cardholder agreement
l Termination of an agent agreement
l Termination of Visa membership
l Non-compliance assessments
l Other action that Visa in its sole discretion determines to take with respect to the Member or the
Member’s designated agent

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1.10.2 Brand Protection
1.10.2.1 Acquirer Brand Protection Requirements

An Acquirer must ensure that a Merchant, Marketplace, Payment Facilitator, Sponsored Merchant, or
Staged Digital Wallet Operator does not accept Visa Cards for, or display a Visa-Owned Mark on a
website and/or an application that is used in relation to, either:
l The purchase or trade of photographs, video imagery, computer-generated images, cartoons,
simulation, or any other media or activities including, but not limited to, activities listed in
Section 1.3.3.4, Brand Protection and Use of the Visa-Owned Marks
l The purchase of products that claim or imply a similar efficacy as prescription drugs, controlled
substances, or recreational/street drugs, irrespective of claims of legality
1.10.2.2 Global Brand Protection Program – Requests for Information

An Acquirer must provide information relating to any request for information presented by Visa, its
designees, or any regulatory agency, as required under the Global Brand Protection Program.
The Acquirer must provide the required information in writing as soon as possible, but no later
than 7 business days following receipt of the request for information.
1.10.3 Investigations
1.10.3.1 Investigation Assistance to Other Members

A Member must assist other Members in an investigation of fraudulent activity with a Visa Card or
Visa Electron Card by performing tasks including, but not limited to, the following:
l Interviewing Merchants, Sponsored Merchants, Cardholders, suspects, witnesses, and law
enforcement personnel
l Obtaining handwriting samples, photographs, fingerprints, and any other similar physical
evidence
l Recovering lost, stolen, or Counterfeit Cards
l Providing information to proper authorities for the possible arrest of suspects, at the Issuer’s
request
l Performing any other reasonable investigative assistance

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l Inspecting the facilities of credit card manufacturers, embossers, encoders, mailers, and chip
embedders
1.10.3.2 Investigation Assistance Standards – CEMEA and Europe Regions

In the CEMEA Region, Europe Region: A Member must respond to a request from another Member,
Visa, or a law enforcement agency
1.10.4 Information Security
1.10.4.1 Account and Transaction Information Security Requirements

A Member must:
l Maintain all materials or records in any form that contains account or Transaction Information in a
safe and secure manner with access limited to authorized personnel, as specified in the Payment
Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
l Ensure that agreements and contracts with agents and Merchants clearly establish their
responsibilities to meet Visa standards, the liabilities for failure to meet the standards, and the
requirement to allow for inspections by the Member or Visa
l Ensure that all agents and Merchants with access to account or Transaction Information comply
with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
l Ensure that all agents and Merchants do not store any of the following subsequent to
Authorization:
– Full contents of any data taken from the Magnetic Stripe (on a Card, in a Chip, or elsewhere)
– Card Verification Value 2
– PIN or the encrypted PIN block
– Token Authentication Verification Value (TAVV)
– Dynamic Token Verification Value (DTVV)
– Visa Secure Cardholder Authentication Verification Value
l Comply with, and ensure that all agents and Merchants use Payment Applications that comply
with, the Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS)

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l Upon request, certify to Visa that agents and Merchants are in compliance with the Payment Card
Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
l Comply with, and ensure that its Merchants, agents, and other third parties with access to account
or Transaction Information comply with, the requirements of the Account Information Security
Program. The Member must also ensure that its Merchants both:
– Implement and maintain all Account Information Security Program requirements
– If using a Third Party Agent, ensure that the Third Party Agent implements and maintains all of
the security requirements specified in the Account Information Security Program
1.10.4.2 Cardholder and Transaction Information Disclosure Limitations

An Acquirer must obtain the prior written consent of the Issuer and Visa before disclosing a
Cardholder’s Account Number, personal information, or other Transaction Information to a third
party that is not the Agent of the Acquirer for the sole purpose of completing a Transaction. The
Acquirer must ensure that its Agents and the Agents’ employees both:
l Make no further disclosure of the information
l Treat the information as confidential
An Acquirer or Merchant may disclose Transaction Information to third parties without the prior
consent of the Issuer and Visa only for the following:
l Supporting a loyalty program
l Providing fraud control services
l Assisting the Merchant in completing the initial Merchant Transaction
An Agent must not disclose an Account Number, Cardholder personal information, or other
Transaction Information to third parties, other than for the sole purpose of completing the initial
Merchant Transaction or with the permission of the Issuer, Acquirer, or Visa. Any such disclosure
must be subject to strict, written, confidentiality obligations.
1.10.4.3 Issuer Fraud Activity Reporting

A Member must immediately report all fraudulent activity or other criminal risk activity to Visa.
An Issuer must report1 Fraud Activity through VisaNet, as specified in the Fraud Reporting System
(FRS) User’s Guide, when either a:

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l Fraudulent user has obtained a Card or Account Number

l Card was obtained through misrepresentation of identification or financial status
The Issuer must report the Fraud Activity upon detection, but no later than:
l 60 calendar days from the Transaction Date
l 30 calendar days following the receipt of the Cardholder’s dispute notification, if the notification
is not received within the 60-calendar day period
At least 90% of rejected Fraud Activity must be resubmitted and accepted into the Fraud Reporting
System.
In addition, for Intraregional Transactions in the Europe Region, an Issuer must report Fraud Activity
through its Visa Scheme Processor, as follows:
l Upon detection, ensuring that 80% of fraud related to lost Cards, stolen Cards, Counterfeit Cards,
and Cards not received is reported within 60 days of the Transaction Date, and the remaining
20% within 90 days
l Upon detection, ensuring that 65% of fraud related to fraudulent use of Account Numbers is
reported within 60 days of the Transaction Date and the remaining 35% within 90 days
l Immediately upon confirmation, but no later than 60 days after the Transaction Date
If an Issuer does not comply with these fraud reporting requirements, the Issuer is subject to non-
compliance assessments.
1
In the Europe Region: From the date an Account Number is reported to Visa, the Account Number is outside of the scope
of the requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and Account Information Security
Program.
1.10.4.4 Counterfeit Activity Reporting

An Acquirer must report both:
l Counterfeit activity through VisaNet (or, in the Europe Region, through its Visa Scheme
Processor), using the appropriate fraud advice transaction code in the same manner as specified
for Issuers in Section 1.10.4.3, Issuer Fraud Activity Reporting
l A counterfeit Transaction within 60 calendar days of a Dispute, when no pre-Arbitration or
Arbitration right is available

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1.10.5 High-Brand Risk Merchants
1.10.5.1 High-Brand Risk Acquirer Requirements

An Acquirer of High-Brand Risk Merchants, High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitators, or High-Brand
Risk Sponsored Merchants must provide Visa with a suspect violation report if a Merchant or Agent
is identified by the Member as processing illegal or prohibited Transactions1
1
Visa may waive or suspend non-compliance assessments to accommodate unique or extenuating circumstances or if
violations of the Visa Rules are identified and rectified before receipt of formal Notification from Visa that a violation has
occurred.
1.10.5.2 High-Brand Risk Acquirer Approval Criteria

An Acquirer of High-Brand Risk Merchants, High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitators, or High-Brand
Risk Sponsored Merchants must do all of the following:
l Be investment-grade and have at least USD 100 million in equity capital 1
l Comply with the Visa Rules and all requirements and policies
l Conduct appropriate due diligence to ensure compliance with the Visa Global Acquirer Risk
Standards
l Be in good standing in all Visa risk management programs
l If required, complete and fully remediate an on-site operation review
1
Visa may waive these requirements in exchange for assurance and evidence of the imposition of risk controls satisfactory
to Visa. Such controls and requirements may include, but are not limited to, the pledging of additional collateral.
1.10.6 Recovered Cards
1.10.6.1 Recovered Card Return Requirement

An Acquirer must notify the Issuer, through Visa Resolve Online or an Electronic Documentation
Transfer Method, that its Visa Card or Visa Electron Card has been recovered, as specified in Section
10.7.2.1, Recovered Card Handling and Notification Requirements.

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1.10.7 Counterfeit Losses
1.10.7.1 Assignment of Liability for Counterfeit Transactions

Visa assigns liability to the Issuer or Acquirer for counterfeit Transactions, based on the following
priorities in the order shown:
l The Acquirer, if the Merchant identified on a Visa Fraud Monitoring Program report in the
enforcement period contributed to the origination of the Transaction Receipt1 for a counterfeit
Transaction
l The Acquirer first receiving the Transaction Receipt, if the BIN is not assigned to an Issuer
l The Acquirer that submitted the Transaction into Interchange, if an Authorization was required
and not obtained or, where the Account Number is displayed on the Card, the Account Number
encoded on the Magnetic Stripe of a Visa Card was authorized but was different than the
embossed or printed Account Number submitted into Interchange1
l The Issuer identified by the manufacturer product information printed on the reverse side of the
Visa Card, if the counterfeit Visa Card was recovered and resulted from either the loss or theft of
an unembossed and unencoded Visa Card1
l The Issuer, if its BIN appears on the Transaction Receipt or Clearing Record for the counterfeit
Transaction1
For a Transaction Receipt with an illegible or invalid Account Number, an Acquirer must comply
with the applicable rules for counterfeit losses if it appears that a Transaction Receipt resulted from
the use of either a:
l Counterfeit Card
l Misembossed or misencoded Visa Card
In the Europe Region: There is no time limit on a Member’s right to reassign liability to the Issuer
for a Transaction in which a Counterfeit Card or a misencoded Card is used.
1
For qualifying Transactions, the EMV liability shift, as specified in Section 1.11.1.2, EMV Liability Shift Participation takes
precedence over this section to assess liability in the event of a conflict.
1.10.8 Agents
1.10.8.1 VisaNet Processor and Visa Scheme Processor Registration

A Member that uses a VisaNet Processor, whether or not the VisaNet Processor is itself a Member,
must submit to Visa a VisaNet Processor and Third Party Registration and Designation (Exhibit 5E)

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before using the VisaNet Processor.

A Member that uses a non-Member as a VisaNet Processor must ensure that the non-Member
submits to Visa a VisaNet Letter of Agreement (Exhibit 5A) before using the non-Member as a
VisaNet Processor.
In the Europe Region: In addition, a Member must do all of the following for a Processor or Visa
Scheme Processor:
l Notify Visa of any change to the identity of the Processor or Visa Scheme Processor, or any
change to the scope of the activities of the Processor or Visa Scheme Processor, within 5
business days of such change
l Only contract processing services to a Processor or Visa Scheme Processor that is compliant with
the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
l Ensure that the Processor or Visa Scheme Processor (or third party) operates a separate funds
transfer settlement reporting entity (FTSRE) for the transfer of the Settlement Amount
1.10.8.2 Losses Resulting from Unauthorized Use

For losses resulting from Unauthorized Use, Visa may collect funds from one of the following, in
the order listed:
l Member that caused the loss or Members using the Third Party Agent that caused the loss
l VisaNet Processor that processed the Transaction, if either:
– No Member is directly responsible for the Unauthorized Use
– The responsible Member does not meet its financial obligations
l Members using the VisaNet Processor, if the VisaNet Processor does not meet its financial
obligations
1.10.8.3 VisaNet Processor Contingency Plans

A Member must have in place contingency plans for its VisaNet Processors in the event of failure,
including bankruptcy, insolvency, or other suspension of business operations. The contingency
plans must be provided to Visa upon request.

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1.10.8.4 VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor Disclosure of Account or Visa

Transaction Information
A Member, in the event of the failure, including bankruptcy, insolvency, or other suspension of
business operations of one of its VisaNet Processors or Visa Scheme Processors, must ensure that
the VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor does not sell, transfer, or disclose any materials
that contain Account Numbers, personal information, or other Visa Transaction Information to any
other entity. The Member must ensure that its VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor either:
l Returns this information to the Member
l Provides acceptable proof of secure destruction of this information to the Member
1.10.8.5 Third Party Agent Contract

A Third Party Agent must have a direct written contract with a Member to perform services on
behalf of the Member.
1.10.8.6 Third Party Agent Registration Requirements

A Member must register a Third Party Agent with Visa. The Member must both:
l Use the Program Request Management application
l Complete the appropriate regional forms
Registration must be completed before the performance of any contracted services or Transaction
activity.
Visa may deny or reject a Third Party Agent’s registration at any time with or without cause.
A Third Party Agent is exempt from the registration requirements and the associated fees if it only
provides services on behalf of its affiliates (including parents and subsidiaries) that are Members
that own and control at least 25% of the Third Party Agent.
1.10.8.7 Merchant Third Party Agent Registration Requirements

An Acquirer must register with Visa a Third Party Agent that has been engaged by any of its
Merchants before the performance of any contracted services by the Third Party Agent on behalf of

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the Merchant.
Registration of a Third Party Agent is specific to each Acquirer, and requires a separate registration
by each Acquirer for any Third Party Agent that either:
l Uses its Acquiring Identifier
l Provides contracted services on behalf of the Acquirer or its Merchants
In the LAC Region: Registration is per Acquirer, per country, and per agent.
1.10.8.8 Assignment of Liability for Third Party Agents

If a Member fails to meet its responsibilities regarding Third Party Agents, Visa assigns liability in
the following order of precedence:
l The Member from whose performance or nonperformance (including by its Third Party Agents)
the loss arose
l The Member, if any, that sponsored the above Member, with limitations specified in the Visa
International Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws, Section 2.11
l BIN Licensees of BINs or Acquiring Identifier Licensees of Acquiring Identifiers used in
Transactions, with limitations specified in Section X
l Other BIN Users or Acquiring Identifier Users, in an order determined by Visa
1.10.9 Card Manufacturing and Distribution
1.10.9.1 Card Security Staff Requirements

An Issuer must have a qualified fraud control and Card security officer and staff that are primarily
responsible for all areas of security for Visa Cards and Visa Electron Cards. The security staff must
do all of the following:
l Investigate all fraudulent use of the Issuer’s Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards
l Plan and supervise the manufacturing, embossing, encoding, printing, and mailing of the Issuer’s
Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards
l Plan and supervise the physical protection of the Issuer’s Center and building
l Participate in Center employee background investigations

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1.10.9.3 Visa Product Personalization

An Issuer that personalizes Visa Products on its own behalf must create and maintain a secure
environment.
An Issuer that personalizes Visa Products on behalf of other Issuers must comply with all of the
following:
l Payment Card Industry (PCI) Card Production and Provisioning – Physical Security Requirements
l Payment Card Industry (PCI) Card Production and Provisioning – Logical Security Requirements
l Applicable regional Issuer personalization policy
For each Third Party Agent performing Instant Card Personalization Issuance, the Issuer must
validate the Third Party Agent’s compliance with the Visa Global Instant Card Personalization
Issuance Security Standards, and complete an annual self-audit against the Visa Global Instant
Card Personalization Issuance Security Standards, for each location.
1.10.9.4 Use of Approved Manufacturers, Approved Personalizers, and Approved

Fulfillment Vendors
An Issuer that does not perform its own manufacturing, personalization, or fulfillment must do all
of the following:
l Use a Visa-approved manufacturer to manufacture or print Visa Products1
l Ensure that the Visa-approved manufacturer is posted on the Visa Global Registry of Service
Providers2 and complies with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Card Production and Provisioning –
Physical Security Requirements
l Use a Visa-approved Card personalizer or Visa (if applicable) to personalize Visa Products, unless
using an Instant Card Personalization Issuance Agent or another Issuer
l Ensure that the Visa-approved personalizer is posted on the Visa Global Registry of Service
Providers2
l Use a Visa-approved fulfillment vendor to package, store, or ship Visa Products unless using a
Distribution Channel Vendor for pre-manufactured, commercially ready Visa Products
l Ensure that the Visa-approved fulfillment vendor is posted on the Visa Global Registry of Service
Providers2

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l Immediately3 notify Visa if the Visa-approved manufacturer, personalizer, and/or fulfillment

vendor is unable to complete its responsibilities
l Contract through another Issuer, Visa (if applicable), or Visa-approved manufacturer, personalizer,
or fulfillment vendor for the production, personalization, or fulfillment of Visa Products
l Review completed Card products for accuracy, including embossing, printing, and encoding
1
In the Europe Region: An Issuer must ensure that its Cards (except Reference Cards) are produced by a Visa-approved
manufacturer.
2
In the Europe Region: An equivalent Visa list of approved service providers
3
In the Europe Region: Within 5 days
1.10.9.6 Use of Distribution Channel Vendors

An Issuer that uses a Distribution Channel Vendor must validate annually the Distribution Channel
Vendor’s compliance with the Visa Global Physical Security Validation Requirements for Data
Preparation, Encryption Support and Fulfillment Card Vendors.
1.11 Dispute Resolution
1.11.1 Disputes
1.11.1.1 Attempt to Settle

Before initiating a Dispute, the Issuer must attempt to honor the Transaction.
If the attempt fails and the Issuer has already billed the Transaction to the Cardholder, the Issuer
must credit the Cardholder for the disputed amount.
The Issuer must not be reimbursed twice for the same Transaction.
A Cardholder must not be credited twice as a result of both a Dispute and a Credit processed by a
Merchant.
1.11.1.2 EMV Liability Shift Participation

The EMV liability shift applies to qualifying Transactions, as follows:

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Table 1-10: EMV Liability Shift Participation
Region Transactions in EMV Liability Shift
AP Region All domestic,1 intraregional, and interregional2 counterfeit POS

Transactions, except Domestic Transactions in Mainland China
All domestic,1 intraregional, and interregional2 counterfeit ATM

Transactions, except Indonesia,3 and Domestic Transactions in Mainland
China
4 2 5
Canada Region, CEMEA All domestic, intraregional, and interregional POS and ATM Transactions
4 4
Region, Europe Region, LAC
4
Region
US Region Effective through 30 September 2020

All domestic and interregional2 counterfeit POS and ATM Transactions,
except Domestic Transactions at Automated Fuel Dispensers
All domestic and interregional2 counterfeit POS and ATM Transactions
1
In the AP Region (Malaysia): Also includes fraudulent qualifying domestic non-counterfeit Transactions completed
with a lost or stolen Card or “not received item” (NRI) except qualifying Visa Easy Payment Service Transactions
2
Among Visa Regions, individual countries and/or territories participating in the EMV liability shift
3
Effective through 31 December 2021
4
Except for fraudulent qualifying Visa Easy Payment Service Transactions completed with a lost or stolen Card or “not
received item” (NRI)
5
Counterfeit, lost, stolen, and “not received item” (NRI) fraud only
1.11.2 Arbitration and Compliance
1.11.2.1 Invalid Arbitration or Compliance Case Rejection

If Visa determines that an Arbitration or Compliance request is invalid, it may reject the case and
retain the filing fee.

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1.11.2.2 Arbitration and Compliance Decision

Visa bases its Arbitration or Compliance decision on all information available to it at the time of
reaching the decision, including, but not limited to, the provisions of the Visa Rules effective on
the Transaction Date and may, at its sole discretion, consider other factors, such as the objective of
ensuring fairness. The decision is delivered to both Members in writing and is final and not subject
to any challenge, except for any right of appeal permitted in the Visa Rules.
1.11.2.3 Arbitration or Compliance Financial Liability

An Arbitration or Compliance decision may result in either:
l One Member assigned full liability
l Members sharing financial liability
The responsible Member is financially liable for both:
l Transaction amount. For Arbitration cases, Visa will debit or credit the Members involved
through Visa Resolve Online (VROL), as appropriate. For Compliance cases, the requesting
Member may collect this amount from the opposing Member through VisaNet.
l Review fee
When the case is adjudicated, Visa will collect the review fees through the Global Member Billing
Solution from the responsible Member.
Either Member in an Arbitration or a Compliance case may also be liable for a non-compliance
assessment for each technical violation of the applicable Visa Rules.
1.11.2.4 Arbitration or Compliance Appeal

The decision on any permitted appeal of an Arbitration or Compliance ruling is final and not
subject to any challenge.

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1.12 Fees and Non-Compliance Assessments
1.12.1 Fee Assessment by Visa
1.12.1.2 Fee Adjustments

If Visa confirms that a Member has either underpaid or overpaid its fees, Visa may process a fee
adjustment. The fee adjustment time period is limited to the 2 years before the date that either of
the following occurred:
l The overpayment or underpayment was reported to Visa by the Member.
l Visa discovered that an adjustment was due to the Member.
Visa reserves the right to collect an underpayment from a Member beyond the 2-year period.
Any collection or refund does not include interest.
1.12.2 Non-Compliance Assessments
1.12.2.1 Visa Right to Impose Non-Compliance Assessments

The Visa Rules specify all of the following:
l Enforcement mechanisms that Visa may use for violations of the Visa Charter Documents or Visa
Rules
l The procedure for the allegation and investigation of violations
l The rules and schedules for non-compliance assessments
A Member that does not comply with the Visa Charter Documents or Visa Rules will be subject to
non-compliance assessments. Depending on the violation, a non-compliance assessment may be
levied per Merchant, Merchant Outlet, Transaction, device, or Card, as defined by the impacted rule.
These procedures and non-compliance assessments are in addition to enforcement rights available
to Visa under other provisions of the Visa Rules, or through other legal or administrative
procedures.
Visa may assess, suspend, or waive non-compliance assessments, in whole or in part, to
accommodate unique or extenuating circumstances.
Visa may, at its sole discretion, deviate from the schedules specified in Section 1.12.2.2, General
Non-Compliance Assessment Schedules, and Section 1.12.2.8, Willful or Significant Violations

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Schedules. For example, this may be by using a different non-compliance amount entirely, or by
additionally levying a non-compliance assessment from another schedule. In these instances, all of
the following will be considered:
l Type of violation
l Nature of the damage, including the amount incurred by Visa and/or its Members
l Repetitive nature of the violation
l Member history or prior conduct
l Effect of the assessment upon the safety and soundness of the Visa system and the Member,
including the Member committing the violation
l Any other criteria Visa deems appropriate
1.12.2.2 General Non-Compliance Assessment Schedules

Effective through 24 January 2020
The non-compliance assessments specified in Table 1-11, General Schedule of Non-
Compliance Assessments, may be assessed for a violation of the Visa Rules and are in
addition to any other non-compliance assessments specified in the Visa Rules.
In the Europe Region: If a specific non-compliance assessment has been prescribed for
the first violation only, the subsequent non-compliance assessments specified in Table
1-11, General Schedule of Non-Compliance Assessments, will apply for each repeated
violation.
Table 1-11: General Schedule of Non-Compliance Assessments
Violation Non-Compliance Assessment
First violation of rule Warning letter with specific date for correction and
USD 1,000 (in the Europe Region, USD 500)
Second violation of same rule in a 12-month period USD 5,000

after Notification of first violation
Third violation of same rule in a 12-month period USD 10,000

Fourth violation of same rule in a 12-month period USD 25,000


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Table 1-11: General Schedule of Non-Compliance Assessments (continued)
5 or more violations of same rule in a 12-month Visa discretion

period after Notification of first violation
If the 12-month period is not violation-free and the Additional non-compliance assessment equal to all
non-compliance assessments total USD 25,000 or non-compliance assessments levied during that 12-
more month period
Effective 25 January 2020

Visa may assess a non-compliance assessment for a violation of the Visa Rules. Unless
addressed by a specific non-compliance assessment program in Chapter 12, Fees and Non-
Compliance Assessments, a violation to the Visa Rules is subject to either:
l For the rules contained in Chapter 1, Visa Core Rules, Table 1-12, General Schedule of Non-
Compliance Assessments – Tier 1
l For all other Visa Rules, Table 1-13, General Schedule of Non-Compliance Assessments – Tier 2
Visa may, at its sole discretion, deviate from these schedules, for example by using a tier 2
non-compliance assessment for a core rule, as specified in Section 1.12.2.1, Visa Right to
Impose Non-Compliance Assessments.
Where the violation is considered “willful” or “significant”, non-compliance assessments in
Section 1.12.2.8, Willful or Significant Violations Schedules, may also be applied.
Table 1-12: General Schedule of Non-Compliance Assessments – Tier 1
Event Visa Action/Non-Compliance Assessment
Notification issued for violation of a rule Warning letter with a request for a
compliance/resolution plan
Response date has passed and either: Non-compliance assessment of USD 25,000
l Rule violation not corrected

l Rule violation corrected but violation of same
rule repeated after correction
30 calendar days have passed after response due Non-compliance assessment of USD 50,000
and either:

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
Table 1-12: General Schedule of Non-Compliance Assessments – Tier 1 (continued)

and either:

and either:
Non-compliance assessments will continue to be
l Rule violation not corrected levied each month until the rule violation is
corrected, with the amount doubling each month.
Table 1-13: General Schedule of Non-Compliance Assessments – Tier 2
Notification issued for violation of a rule Warning letter with a request for a
Response date has passed and either: Non-compliance assessment of USD 5,000

and either:

and either:

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
Table 1-13: General Schedule of Non-Compliance Assessments – Tier 2 (continued)

and either:
l Rule violation not corrected levied each month until the rule violation is
corrected, with the amount doubling each month.
1.12.2.3 Determination of Violation of the Visa Rules

Determination of a violation of the Visa Charter Documents or Visa Rules may be made based on
one of the following:
l The response from a Member to a Notification of investigation and other available information.
Visa will determine whether a violation of the Visa Charter Documents or Visa Rules has occurred.
l A review by Visa of the evidence in relation to the identified violation, including any previous
compliance cases and/or audit findings.
l The Member’s failure to respond to a Notification of investigation and to provide all information
requested.
1.12.2.4 Notification of Determination of Violation

Visa will notify a Member if it determines that a violation of the Visa Charter Documents or Visa
Rules has occurred, or if it determines that a violation is continuing to occur, and will specify a date
by which the Member must correct the violation. The Notification will advise the Member of all of
the following:
l Reasons for such determination
l Non-compliance assessment amount
l Right to appeal the determination and/or the non-compliance assessments for the violation, as
specified in Section 1.12.2.9, Enforcement Appeals

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
Visa may require a Member to submit a compliance plan to resolve the violation.
1.12.2.5 Non-Compliance Assessment Member Responsibility

A non-compliance assessment is imposed by Visa on a Member. A Member is responsible for
paying all non-compliance assessments, regardless of whether it absorbs them, passes them on, or
increases them in billing its customer (for example: Cardholder or Merchant). A Member must not
represent to its customer that Visa imposes any non-compliance assessment on its customer.
1.12.2.8 Willful or Significant Violations Schedules

In addition to the non-compliance assessments specified in the Visa Rules, a Member
found to have willfully violated the Visa Rules, adversely affecting the goodwill
associated with the Visa system, brand, products and services, operation of the Visa
Systems, or operations of other Members will be subject to a further non-compliance
assessment. A violation is considered “willful” if the Member knew, or should have
known, or its knowledge can be fairly implied, that its conduct constituted a violation
of the Visa Rules.
When determining the amount of a non-compliance assessment, in addition to the
criteria above, all of the following will be considered:
l Type of violation
l Nature of the damage, including the amount incurred by Visa and its Members
l Repetitive nature of the violation
l Member history or prior conduct
l Effect of the assessment upon the safety and soundness of the Visa system and the
Member, including the Member committing the violation
l Any other criteria Visa deems appropriate
A Member found to have either willfully and/or significantly violated the Visa Rules, adversely
affecting the goodwill associated with the Visa system, brand, products and services, operation
of the Visa systems, or operations of other Members, will be subject to a non-compliance
assessment for either:

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
l Violations as specified in Table 1-14, Non-Compliance Assessments for Willful Violations of

the Visa Rules, where a violation is considered “willful” in that the Member knew, or should
have known, or its knowledge can be fairly implied, that its conduct constituted a violation
of the Visa Rules
l Violations as specified in Table 1-15, Non-Compliance Assessments for Significant Violations
of the Visa Rules, where a violation is considered “significant” in that the Member’s action,
error or omission, intended or unintended, known or unknown, presents immediate and/or
substantial risks, economic or otherwise, to Visa, its Members, Cardholders, Merchants,
and/or a country’s applicable laws or regulations
Visa may, at its sole discretion, deviate from these schedules, as specified in Section 1.12.2.1,
Visa Right to Impose Non-Compliance Assessments.
Table 1-14: Non-Compliance Assessments for Willful Violations of the Visa Rules
Notification issued for violation of a rule Both:
l Warning letter with a request for a

l USD 50,000 non-compliance assessment (payment
will be suspended until end date for correction)
Response date has passed and either: Non-compliance assessment, between USD 100,000
and USD 1,000,000
levied each month in increasing amounts, at Visa
rule repeated after correction within a 12-month
discretion, until the rule violation is corrected.
period
Table 1-15: Non-Compliance Assessments for Significant Violations of the Visa Rules
Notification issued for violation of a rule Both:
l Warning letter with a request for a

l USD 50,000 non-compliance assessment (payment
will be suspended until end date for correction)
Response date has passed and either: Non-compliance assessment, between USD 50,000
and USD 500,000

Visa Core Rules
1 Visa Core Rules
Table 1-15: Non-Compliance Assessments for Significant Violations of the Visa Rules (continued)
l Rule violation not corrected Non-compliance assessments will continue to be

levied each month in increasing amounts, at Visa
discretion, until the rule violation is corrected.
rule repeated after correction within a 12-month
period
1.12.2.9 Enforcement Appeals

A Member may appeal a determination of a violation or non-compliance assessment to Visa where
the Member can provide new evidence not previously available that shows a violation did not
occur, as follows:
l The Member’s appeal letter must be received by Visa within 30 calendar days of the Member’s
receipt of the Notification of the violation or non-compliance assessment.
l The appealing Member must submit with the appeal any new or additional information or
supporting arguments necessary to substantiate its request for an appeal.
l A fee of USD 5,000 will be assessed to the Member upon receipt of the appeal. This fee is
refundable if the appeal is upheld.
Visa will make its decision. All decisions are final and not subject to challenge.

Part 2:
2 Licensing and Numerics Management
2.1 Membership
2.1.1 Member Acquisitions and Mergers
2.1.1.1 Member Acquisition upon Regulatory Closure – US Region

In the US Region: In the event of a regulatory closure, the assuming organization must comply with
the requirements specified in Table 2-1, Regulatory Closure – Assuming Member Requirements.
Table 2-1: Regulatory Closure – Assuming Member Requirements
Condition Required Action
Assuming organization is not a Member at the time of its l Submit to Visa a Client Licensing Application
assumption of Visa programs and is eligible for agreement within 10 calendar days after
membership the assuming organization’s assumption of
the Visa programs
l Submit the appropriate membership
materials within the time specified by Visa
l Meet any conditions of membership within
30 calendar days of the assuming
organization’s assumption of the Visa
programs
Assuming organization is not a Member at the time of its l Cease all operations of the Visa programs
assumption of Visa programs and does not submit the and use of the Visa-Owned Marks
required Client Licensing Application agreement within the l Be liable for Liabilities asserted against or
specified time incurred by Visa and its Members resulting
from unauthorized operations
Assuming organization is not a Member of Visa at the time Immediately cease both:
of its assumption of Visa programs and is not eligible for
l All use of the Visa-Owned Marks and all
the appropriate membership or if Visa declines its other activities reserved for Members
application
l Exercising the rights and privileges
reserved for Members
Assuming Member is not authorized to engage in one or l Submit the appropriate membership
more of the assumed Visa programs materials within the time frame specified by

Table 2-1: Regulatory Closure – Assuming Member Requirements (continued)
Condition Required Action
Visa
l Meet any conditions of membership within
30 calendar days of the Assuming
Member’s assumption of the Visa programs
A Member that assumes the Visa programs of a failed Member immediately assumes full liability
for those Visa programs.
Upon verification from the applicable regulatory agency that a Member has assumed the Visa
programs of a failed Member, Visa will provide Notification listing the Visa programs for which
Visa understands the Assuming Member is liable.
The Assuming Member must submit to Visa, within the time specified in the Notification, written
confirmation of the Visa programs assumed.
2.1.1.5 Termination of Membership – LAC Region (Brazil)

In the LAC Region (Brazil): A membership status may be terminated either:
l As a result of the client’s substantial non-compliance with the business plan or description
presented to, or agreed with Visa do Brasil as a condition for its participation in the Visa payment
system
l If the client has no reported sales volume for a minimum of one year
2.1.2 Acquirer Licensing
2.1.2.1 Acquirer Licensing Requirements – LAC Region (Brazil)

In the LAC Region (Brazil): A Member must obtain a Merchant acquiring license before performing
any acquiring activities within its jurisdiction, even if the Member already holds a Principal-type or
an Associate-type license.

2.1.4 Changes to Member Information or Status
2.1.4.2 Client Directory Data Submission

Effective through 18 October 2019
A Member or VisaNet Processor assigned a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier must submit online
to Visa any new or revised Visa Client Directory data, as follows:
l All directory data, within 10 business days of BIN or Acquiring Identifier implementation
l All directory updates, at least 10 business days before the effective date of the change
A Member that is assigned a BIN or Acquiring Identifier must submit any new or revised
information in the Visa Client Service Provider Directory module of the Client Directory via
Visa Online, as follows:
l All directory data: Within 10 business days of a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier
implementation
l All directory updates: Within 10 business days of the effective date of the change
A Member that is assigned a BID must submit any new or updated contact information,
including the designation of a primary center manager contact, for its organization in the
Client Contact Tool module of the Client Directory, as follows:
l Contact data: Within 10 business days of a BID implementation
l Contact updates: Within 10 business days of the effective date of the change
2.3 BIN and Acquiring Identifier License and Administration
2.3.1 BIN and Acquiring Identifier Use and License
2.3.1.1 Sponsor and Licensee Responsibilities for BINs and Acquiring Identifiers
A Principal-Type Member must license and use only its assigned BIN or Acquiring Identifier.
An Associate-Type Member must either:

l License its own BIN or Acquiring Identifier. A BIN or an Acquiring Identifier licensed to an
Associate-Type Member on or after 22 July 2017 must have only one Sponsor.
l Use a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier licensed to its sponsoring Principal-Type Member. The
Principal-Type Member must ensure that the BIN or Acquiring Identifier is unique to the
Associate-Type Member.
A Participant-Type Member does not have the right to license a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier, and
must use only a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier designated to it by its Sponsor in accordance with
the applicable Visa Charter Documents.
A BIN or an Acquiring Identifier may have only one BIN Licensee or Acquiring Identifier Licensee.
The BIN Licensee is responsible1 for all activities associated with any BIN that it licenses. The
Acquiring Identifier Licensee is responsible for all activities associated with any Acquiring Identifier
that it licenses.
A Sponsor’s responsibility is limited to the BINs or Acquiring Identifiers associated with the
sponsoring relationship between the Sponsor and the Sponsored Member.
If a BIN User or an Acquiring Identifier User is no longer authorized by the BIN Licensee or
Acquiring Identifier Licensee to use its BIN or Acquiring Identifier, the BIN User or Acquiring
Identifier User must discontinue use of the BIN or Acquiring Identifier.
A BIN Licensee or an Acquiring Identifier Licensee, or its designated Sponsored Member, must use
a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier Licensee only for a purpose approved by Visa, or Visa may block
and remove the BIN or Acquiring Identifier from VisaNet.
A BIN Licensee and an Acquiring Identifier Licensee must do all of the following:
l Maintain the accuracy of the information relative to the BIN or Acquiring Identifier
l Notify Visa of any inaccuracies on BIN or Acquiring Identifier licensing reports
l Notify Visa of, or request, any changes to the BIN or Acquiring Identifier
Responsibility for activities associated with a payment Token is assigned to the BIN Licensee for the
Account Number represented by the payment Token.
1
This does not apply to a BIN licensed to Visa for the provision of payment Tokens to Issuers.
2.3.1.2 VisaNet Processor BIN and Acquiring Identifier Use

A Member that designates a VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor to act on its behalf must
ensure that the VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor only:

l Processes transactions on the Member’s BIN(s) or Acquiring Identifier(s) for activities for which
the BIN or Acquiring Identifier is licensed
l Processes transactions on the Member’s BIN(s) or Acquiring Identifier(s) that are originated by the
BIN Licensee or Acquiring Identifier Licensee or the BIN Licensee’s or Acquiring Identifier
Licensee’s Sponsored Members approved to share the BIN or Acquiring Identifier
l Clears or settles transactions on the Member’s BIN(s) or Acquiring Identifier(s) that are originated
by the BIN Licensee or Acquiring Identifier Licensee or the BIN Licensee’s or Acquiring Identifier
Licensee’s Sponsored Members approved to share the BIN or Acquiring Identifier
A VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor that is not also a Member must both:
l Use its licensed BINs or Acquiring Identifiers exclusively for processing activities
l Not use the BINs for issuing purposes or Acquiring Identifiers for acquiring purposes
2.3.1.3 BIN and Acquiring Identifier Conversion to Newly Designated VisaNet

Processor or Visa Scheme Processor
If a Member converts a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier to a newly designated VisaNet Processor or
Visa Scheme Processor, the Member must require the new VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme
Processor to complete any activity associated with the converted BIN or Acquiring Identifier.
This does not apply if the former VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor agrees to complete
the activity associated with the converted BIN or Acquiring Identifier.
2.3.1.4 Sponsor Liability – AP, CEMEA, LAC Regions

In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region: A Principal-Type Member is responsible and liable
for all activities, including accuracy of information provided to or received from Visa, for BINs or
Acquiring Identifiers licensed directly to an Associate-Type Member that it sponsors. The Sponsor’s
liability is limited to the BINs or Acquiring Identifiers associated with the sponsorship relationship
between the Principal-Type Member and Associate-Type Member.

2.3.1.5 BIN Currency – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer must ensure that the denominated currency of the BIN on which a
Card is issued is the same as the Billing Currency.
2.3.2 Administration of BINs, Acquiring Identifiers, and Numerics
2.3.2.1 Release of BINs and Acquiring Identifiers

A BIN Licensee or an Acquiring Identifier Licensee that no longer uses a BIN or an Acquiring
Identifier must release it to Visa.
When a BIN Licensee or an Acquiring Identifier Licensee releases a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier to
Visa, all of the following apply:
l The BIN Licensee or Acquiring Identifier Licensee remains liable for any exception activity and
fees related to the BIN or Acquiring Identifier that were incurred prior to its release.
l The BIN Licensee or Acquiring Identifier Licensee must notify all impacted parties that they must
delete the released BIN or Acquiring Identifier from their systems. Visa reserves the right to
notify, and provide relevant documentation to, impacted parties.
l Voluntary termination of membership will not be effective until all BINs, Acquiring Identifiers,
and other Numeric IDs assigned to the Member are released from the Member’s assignment.
l The BIN or Acquiring Identifier must have been inactive for at least 120 days. Visa will determine
the eligible date of the BIN release from its current assignment based on the last date of
approving authorizations or, for the Acquiring Identifier release from its current assignment,
based on the last date of acquiring activity.
2.3.2.2 Private Label BIN Use

If a BIN Licensee or its designated Sponsored Member uses a BIN for a Private Label Card program,
the Issuer or its Sponsored Member must have a written acceptance agreement directly with each
Merchant that accepts its Private Label Cards.

2.3.2.3 Use of BINs and Acquiring Identifiers for Non-Visa Programs

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region (non-EEA countries only), LAC
Region, US Region: A BIN or an Acquiring Identifier must not be used in connection with any non-
Visa program, payment network, or system, including any non-Visa program that is co-badged or
co-resident with a Visa Program, without written approval from Visa. If a Member receives Visa
permission to use a BIN or Acquiring Identifier for a non-Visa program (including, but not limited
to, a Private Label Card program), it must use the BIN or Acquiring Identifier only for the approved
non-Visa program.
In the Europe Region (EEA countries only): A Member must notify Visa in advance if the Member
intends to use a BIN or Acquiring Identifier for non-Visa purposes. The Member must use the BIN
or Acquiring Identifier only as specified in the notification to Visa.
2.3.2.4 Use of Numeric ID

A Member, VisaNet Processor, or Visa Scheme Processor that receives a Numeric ID must ensure
that the Numeric ID is used only for the activity approved by Visa.
A licensee of a Numeric ID is responsible for all of the following:
l Notifying Visa of any changes to the Numeric ID, including:
– Portfolio sale or transfer
– Merger or Acquisition
– Cessation of use
– Modification to service
– Change in user
l All fees for the assignment and administration of the Numeric ID
l Compliance with Section 2.3.2.1, Release of BINs and Acquiring Identifiers, for alternate routing
identifiers, as applicable
l All activity occurring on the Numeric ID until it is fully deleted from VisaNet
If a Numeric ID is used for a purpose other than that approved by Visa, Visa may block and remove
the Numeric ID from VisaNet.

2.3.3 Account Range and BIN Use
2.3.3.1 Combining Card Programs on a Single BIN

An Issuer must not combine the following Visa Card programs on a single BIN:1
l Credit, debit, and prepaid
l Consumer and commercial
1
In the LAC Region (Brazil): This does not apply for Visa Agro Cards.
2.3.4 Use and Disclosure of BIN Information
2.3.4.1 Disclosure of BIN or Other Product Data Information to Merchants

BIN information is proprietary and must not be disclosed by an Acquirer to its Merchant or Agent.
In the US Region, US Territory: An Acquirer may provide BIN information or other product-
identifying data to its Merchant or Agent solely for the purpose of identifying Visa Card product
types at the point of sale. An Acquirer must provide BIN information to any Merchant requesting it
for the permitted purpose.
If the Acquirer provides such information, it must both:
l Include requirements concerning the sharing of BIN information or other product-identifying
data in its Merchant Agreement or Agent contract as a separate addendum
l Ensure that its Merchant or Agent both:
– Does not disclose BIN information or other product-identifying data to any third party and
treats BIN information as proprietary and confidential information belonging to Visa and with
the same degree of care as information labeled “Visa Confidential”
– Does not use such information for any reason other than to identify Visa Card product types at
the point of sale and for the purpose of implementing acceptance practices permitted by the
Visa Rules

2.4 Marks License
2.4.1 Marks License Grant
2.4.1.1 License Grant for Visa-Owned Marks

Visa grants to each Member a non-exclusive, non-transferable license1 to use each of the Visa-
Owned Marks, including Interlink and Plus, only in conjunction with the applicable Visa Programs
that are licensed to the Member.
1
In the Europe Region: And royalty-free
2.4.1.2 License for Plus Card Acceptance – US Region

In the US Region: Visa grants a Member that is required to display the Plus Symbol on its ATM a
license to use each of the Plus Program Marks for the purpose of accepting Plus Cards at ATMs,
subject to the Plus System, Inc. Bylaws and Operating Regulations. A Member granted such a license
acknowledges that Visa owns the Plus Program Marks.
2.5 Visa US Regulation II Certification Program
2.5.1 Visa US Regulation II Certification Program – US Region and US Territories
2.5.1.1 Visa US Regulation II Certification Program Requirements – US Region and

US Territories
In the US Region or a US Territory: A BIN Licensee that is subject to US Federal Reserve Board
Regulation II must comply with the Visa US Regulation II Certification Program requirements.
The BIN Licensee is solely responsible for ensuring that all consumer debit, commercial debit, and
prepaid programs conducted under its BINs comply with applicable laws or regulations, including
US Federal Reserve Board Regulation II.
The BIN Licensee or proposed BIN Licensee must submit a Dodd-Frank Act Certification Addendum
and Fraud Prevention Adjustment Addendum, as applicable, when requesting, modifying, or
transferring a consumer debit, commercial debit, or prepaid BIN.

An Issuer that is subject to US Federal Reserve Board Regulation II and that receives certification
materials from Visa is required to respond within the published timeframes.
Any Issuer of consumer debit, commercial debit, or prepaid programs that is subject to the US
Federal Reserve Board Regulation II and that receives fraud-prevention standards notification
materials from Visa is required to respond within the published timeframes.
An Issuer subject to US Federal Reserve Board Regulation II must submit the notification materials,
as applicable, if the Issuer’s compliance with the fraud prevention standards has changed.
2.6 Product-Specific BIN Requirements
2.6.1 Visa Consumer Products
2.6.1.1 Visa Health Savings Account (HSA) BIN Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must use a unique consumer Visa Prepaid Card BIN designated for
Health Savings Account (HSA) programs to issue HSA Cards.
The Issuer may use an existing Visa Debit BIN if the HSA program complies with all of the
following:
l Does not use Third Party Agents
l Has no restrictions on MCC or ATM access
l Will have less than 10,000 accounts issued
2.7 Client Portfolio Management Self-Service Tools
2.7.1 Client Portfolio Management Self-Service Tools Requirements
2.7.1.1 Client Portfolio Management Self-Service Tools Information

A Member, VisaNet Processor, or designated Agent must not disclose any information from the
Client Portfolio Management Self-Service Tools, or any other information associated with the tools,
to any other parties unless it is permitted in the Visa Rules or otherwise authorized in writing by
Visa. Information from and associated with the Client Portfolio Management Self-Service Tools is

the property of Visa and is for the sole use of Visa Members and their registered third-party service
providers in support of the Members’ Visa programs.
2.7.1.2 Use of Client Portfolio Management Self-Service Tools

A Member is responsible for all of the following for a Member, VisaNet Processor, or designated
Agent that has been granted permission to access the Client Portfolio Management Self-Service
Tools on the Member’s behalf:
l The Member’s use and its VisaNet Processor’s or designated Agent’s use in accordance with the
Visa Rules
l Monitoring its users’ access to ensure that only authorized users are granted access to the service
l Ensuring that only authorized officers of the institution approve membership requests
l The accuracy of all information and any changes made to the information by the Member and its
authorized users
l Ensuring that changes to the Member’s information are accompanied by an Electronic Signature
2.8 Non-Visa BINs and Acquiring Identifiers
2.8.1 Non-Visa-Assigned BINs and Acquiring Identifiers
2.8.1.1 Management of Non-Visa-Assigned BINs and Acquiring Identifiers

A BIN Licensee or an Acquiring Identifier Licensee of a non-Visa-assigned BIN or Acquiring
Identifier that is used for a Visa service must both:
l Maintain the accuracy of the information relative to the BIN or Acquiring Identifier
l Notify Visa of any changes to the BIN or Acquiring Identifier, including any release of the BIN or
Acquiring Identifier from its approved use
A BIN Licensee of a non-Visa-assigned BIN and an Acquiring Identifier Licensee of a non-Visa-
assigned Acquiring Identifier must comply with Section 2.3, BIN and Acquiring Identifier License and
Administration.

2.10 EU Passporting
2.10.1 EU Passporting – Europe Region
2.10.1.1 Host Country Activity – European Economic Area

In line with EU passporting regulation(s), a Member is eligible to passport its license to
operate in a Home Country to one or more Host Countries. A Member that chooses to
passport its license may act as an Issuer and/or Acquirer across the European Economic Area
(EEA).
Requirements inside the EEA
A Member must inform Visa of both:
l Its intention to passport its license into a Host Country
l Its intention to passport that license into any subsequent Host Country
A Member that is located within the EEA and chooses to provide payment services in a Host
Country that is located within the EEA must both:
l Provide any of the following as evidence of an application to provide payment services in a
Host Country:
– A copy of the “outward notification” from the competent domestic authority of the
Home Country to the competent domestic authority of the Host Country
– A copy of the acknowledgement from the Host Country’s competent domestic authority,
recognizing and approving the “outward notification” to provide payment services in that
Host Country
– Other evidence from the Home Country’s or Host Country’s competent domestic
authority recognizing that the Member has applied to provide payment services in that
Host Country
l Satisfy financial and operational risk criteria established by Visa
Requirements outside the EEA
A Member that is located within the EEA and chooses to operate in a Host Country that is
located outside the EEA, or a Member that is located outside the EEA and chooses to operate
in a Host Country that is located within the EEA or outside the EEA, must both:

l Provide Visa with a copy of the confirmation, received by that Member from the competent
domestic authority within that Host Country, approving that Member’s request to offer
payment services within that Host Country
l Satisfy financial and operational risk criteria established by Visa
A Member must notify Visa as soon as possible, within 3 business days, if it is no longer
allowed to provide payments services in any given Host Country.
BIN Requirements
In line with Product Category requirements, an Issuer that has passported its license into one
or more Host Countries must allocate and use a unique BIN to cover all passporting activity,
and allocate and use a unique Account Range within that BIN for each respective Host Country.
Processing Requirements – Issuer
An Issuer that has passported its license into more than one Host Country must be capable of
processing at an account range-level.
Cardholder Support
An Issuer that has passported its license into one or more Host Countries must provide
Cardholder support and contact details in the local language of that Host Country.
Acquiring Identifier Assignment
An Acquirer that has passported its license into one or more Host Countries may allocate the
same Acquiring Identifier for acquiring activity in its Home Country and Host Countries.
Processing Requirements – Acquirer
An Acquirer that has passported its license into one or more Host Countries must both:
l Ensure that all Transaction records include the correct Merchant city and country code
l Be capable of processing in the currency of the Host Country
Settlement Obligation
An Acquirer that has passported its license into one or more Host Countries must ensure that it
settles in one of the Settlement Currencies approved by Visa.
National Net Settlement Service
An Acquirer that has passported its license into one or more Host Countries must participate in
the respective National Net Settlement Service (NNSS), where applicable.
Merchant Support

An Acquirer that has passported its license into one or more Host Countries must provide
Merchant support and training in Card acceptance in the local language of that Host Country.
Domestic Regulation
Where a Member offers Visa products and services within a Host Country, that Member must
comply with all applicable domestic regulations.
Quarterly Operating Certificates
Members participating in passporting activity must ensure that all required information is
reported, for Cards issued and Transactions acquired, on the Quarterly Operating Certificate.
Where a Member located in the European Economic Area (EEA) chooses to operate outside of
its home country and provide services in one or more host countries across the EEA, it must
provide to Visa written confirmation that that Member has all necessary regulatory permissions
for the provision of those services.
Where a Member operates in one or more host countries, it must do all of the following:
l For issuing activity, distinguish between Cards issued in a Home Country and a Host Country
by allocating and using one or more unique BIN(s), or Account Ranges within a BIN, to
identify each country in which issuance takes place
l For acquiring activity, allocate and use a single Acquiring Identifier for its host country
activity
l Settle in a Visa-approved Settlement Currency for any given host country
l Participate in the respective National Net Settlement Service (NNSS), where applicable

3 Use of Marks
3 Use of Marks
3.1 Marks License
3.1.1 Affinity/Co-Branded Card Programs
3.1.1.1 Affinity/Co-Branded Card Marks Prohibitions

An Affinity/Co-Branded Card must not bear:
l A Mark or name similar to an existing Visa program or service
l A Mark or image that is political, provocative, or socially offensive, as determined by Visa, that
would result in non-acceptance of the Card or other issues at the Point-of-Transaction
l A Functional Type or Mark that facilitates payment for goods or services
3.1.1.2 Affinity/Co-Brand Program Positioning and Advertising

An Affinity/Co-Brand Card Issuer must comply with all of the following:
l Position the Card as a Visa Card1
l Refer to the Affinity/Co-Brand Card as a “Visa Card” in all Collateral Material
l Ensure that all Collateral Material and Cards clearly state that the Member is the Issuer of the Card
l Ensure that the Visa Brand Name or Visa Brand Mark is prominently featured, or is at least the
same size as, Marks owned by the Issuer and the Affinity/Co-Brand partner on all Collateral
Material
l Not position the Card as adding superior acceptability at the Point-of-Transaction2
l Not state or imply that the Affinity/Co-Brand Card is accepted only by a particular Merchant or
class of Merchants
l Portray itself as the owner of the Affinity/Co-Brand program
l Ensure that the Affinity/Co-Brand partner does not state or imply that the Affinity/Co-Branded
Card is owned or issued by the Affinity/Co-Brand partner
Visa may prohibit the use of any materials that denigrate the Visa brand.
1
In the US Region: A limited exception is allowed for Campus Cards to facilitate closed-loop proprietary college or

3 Use of Marks
university system transactions and permit the use of campus identification/access applications. A Campus Card must still
be positioned as a Visa Card, but with the additional functionality noted here.
2
This requirement does not apply to discounts, offers, or in-kind incentives offered by the Merchant.
3.1.2 Marks License Grant
3.1.2.1 Registration/Ownership Denotation

A Member desiring to use a denotation or legend of registration or ownership with any proprietary
Mark or Trade Name used in association with, or on the same piece as, any Visa-Owned Mark may
do so only if proper trademark attribution is given to the Visa-Owned Mark as follows:
[Visa-Owned Mark] is a trademark owned by Visa International Service Association and used under
license.
3.1.3 Sponsorships and Partnerships, Including the Olympics
3.1.3.1 Marketing Partnership/Sponsorship Agreement

A partnership or sponsorship agreement governs in the case of ambiguity, conflict, or inconsistency
between that agreement and the Visa Rules or any contract, sublicense, agreement, or other
arrangements between Visa and a Member, a Merchant, or an affiliate.
3.1.3.2 Sponsorship/Member Use of Marks

A Member’s enjoyment of pass-through rights to use the Marks and promotional materials of any
organization with which Visa has signed a global sponsorship agreement is always subject to the
prior written approval of Visa and the partner or sponsor organization.
A Member must not use the Visa-Owned Marks with the Marks of any of the following, or of its
subsidiaries or affiliates, in any sponsorship activity:

3 Use of Marks
l MasterCard Worldwide (including Maestro)

l Any other entity that Visa deems competitive
Upon Notification from Visa, a Member must correct any improper use of the partnership or
Sponsorship Marks.
3.1.3.3 Member as Sponsor

A Member that participates in any sponsorship activity of which Visa is the sponsor must clearly
convey in all of its communications and displays that only Visa, not the Member, is the sponsor.
A Member that participates in any sponsorship activity of which the Member is granted
sponsorship rights by Visa must clearly convey in all of its communications and displays that only
the Member, not Visa, is the sponsor. The Member must not state or imply that it owns any of the
Visa-Owned Marks.
3.2 Use of Marks
3.2.1 Use of Marks by Members and Merchants
3.2.1.1 Use of Visa-Owned Marks

A Member or Merchant that uses a Visa-Owned Mark must comply with all of the following:
l Not use the Visa-Owned Mark in a way that implies endorsement of any other product or service
l Not use, adopt, register, or attempt to register a company name, product name, or Mark that is
confusingly similar to any Visa product or service name or any Visa-Owned Mark
l Ensure that any material on which the Visa-Owned Mark appears does not infringe, dilute, or
denigrate any of the Visa-Owned Marks or Visa products or services or impair the reputation or
goodwill of Visa or the goodwill associated with the Marks
l Not refer to Visa in stating eligibility for its products, services, or membership
In addition, a Member or Visa Checkout Merchant that uses the Visa Checkout Mark must not use it
as a substitute for the Visa-Owned Mark to indicate payment acceptance.
An Acquirer must ensure that a Merchant using any Visa-Owned Mark complies with the Visa
Product Brand Standards.

3 Use of Marks
3.2.1.2 V PAY Brand Mark Use

The V PAY Brand Mark is a Visa-Owned Mark. Implementation of the V PAY Product and use of the V
PAY Brand Mark outside the Europe Region is subject to approval and trademark availability. The V
PAY Brand Mark must appear exactly as specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards.
3.2.1.3 Use of the Visa Brand Name and the Visa Brand Mark on Merchant Websites
and Applications
A Merchant website and/or application must display the Visa Brand Mark in full color, as specified
in the Visa Product Brand Standards.
The Visa Brand Name must be used to indicate acceptance only when a visual representation of the
Visa Brand Mark is not possible on the website or application.
A Merchant that displays the Visa Secure badge on its website or application must comply with the
Visa Product Brand Standards.
A Merchant that retains Stored Credentials must display on the payment screen and all screens that
show Account information both:
l The last 4 digits of the Account Number or Token
l The Visa Brand Mark or the name “Visa” in text immediately next to a Visa payment option
3.2.2 Use of Marks in Promotions, Advertisements, and Solicitations
3.2.2.1 Card and Product Positioning

An Issuer must refer to its Visa Card as a “Visa Card” in all communications regarding its program,
including solicitations, advertising, promotions, and other Collateral Material.

3 Use of Marks
3.2.2.2 Limited Acceptance Merchant Signage

A Limited Acceptance Merchant may use the signage associated with the Limited Acceptance
category it has selected, on promotional, printed, or broadcast materials only to indicate the types
of Cards it accepts for payment.
3.2.2.3 Non-Member Marks on Collateral Material – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: Except as permitted by Visa, a name, Trade Name, or Mark of a non-Member
must not be used on Collateral Material bearing the Visa Program Marks that is used for soliciting
applications or communicating with Cardholders.
This does not apply to the Marks of the Interac Association.
3.2.2.4 Advertising Materials – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: Point-of-Transaction advertising and promotional materials (except credit
card application forms) must not indicate that the Merchant has been signed by, or represents the
interests of, a particular Member.
3.2.3 Use of Marks on Cards
3.2.3.1 Hierarchy of Visa-Owned Marks on Cards

If more than one Visa-Owned Mark is present on a Card, an Issuer must designate a Primary Mark,
complying with the following hierarchy of Marks:
l Visa Brand Mark
l Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
l Plus Symbol
All other Visa-Owned Marks must both:
l Appear together
l Not be separated by any non-Visa-Owned Marks

3 Use of Marks
3.2.3.2 Prohibition of Non-Visa Payment Functionality on Visa Cards

A Member must not use a Functional Type or any other Mark on a Visa Card to facilitate payment
for goods or services. This includes any mixture of alphanumeric characters that denotes
participation in a program or benefit (for example: a loyalty or rewards program, a membership
identification number).
In the Europe Region: A Member must provide Visa with details of the exact functionality of the
Functional Type or Functional Graphic.
3.2.3.3 Use of Other Marks – US Region and US Territories

In the US Region or a US Territory: A Member must comply with the Visa Product Brand Standards
and Table 3-1, Specific Marks Requirements – US Region and US Territories.
Table 3-1: Specific Marks Requirements – US Region and US Territories
Card Type Marks Allowed?
Visa Card that primarily Interlink Program Marks No

accesses a line of credit
US Covered Visa Debit Card Marks of a non-Visa general Yes

purpose payment card network
US Covered Visa Debit Card Non-Visa-owned brand Marks Yes, to indicate acceptance at
Merchant Outlets solely within the
country of Card issuance. The Marks
must be equally prominent with or
less prominent than the Visa Brand
Mark.
US Covered Visa Debit Card Marks that are specifically related to Yes
bank card programs and/or services
related to those programs
US Covered Visa Debit Card Marks of the American Express Yes

Company, Discover Financial
Services, MasterCard Worldwide

3 Use of Marks
Table 3-1: Specific Marks Requirements – US Region and US Territories (continued)
Card Type Marks Allowed?
(including Maestro) or the

subsidiaries or affiliates of these
entities deemed competitive by Visa
US Covered Visa Debit Card Marks of entities deemed Yes

bearing the Plus Symbol competitive by Visa
Card not defined as US Marks that are specifically related to No

Covered Visa Debit Card bank card programs and/or services
related to those programs, unless
the Visa Rules expressly allow them
3.3 Other Card Requirements
3.3.1 Magnetic-Stripe Encoding
3.3.1.1 Magnetic-Stripe Encoding Requirements

The Magnetic Stripe on a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card must be encoded on both track 1 and 2.
In the LAC Region: This does not apply for Magnetic-Stripe personalization of embossed instant-
issue Visa Cards.
In the US Region: This does not apply for the Magnetic Stripe used to facilitate closed-loop
campus applications on dual Magnetic-Stripe Campus Cards.
3.3.1.3 Magnetic-Stripe Encoding – Europe Region (Germany)

In the Europe Region (Germany): An Issuer must encode the Magnetic-Stripe on all Cards using
2750 oersted high coercivity encoding technology, as specified in the industry standards adopted
by Visa-approved manufacturers and Magnetic-Stripe encoding equipment providers.

3 Use of Marks
3.4 Point-of-Transaction Display of Marks
3.4.1 Display of Marks at the Point of Sale
3.4.1.1 Improper Display of Affinity/Co-Brand Partner Trade Name or Mark

Upon Notification from Visa, a Merchant must correct any display of an Affinity/Co-Brand
partner’s Trade Name or Mark at a Merchant Outlet if the display adversely affects the Visa brand.
3.4.1.2 Display of Marks at Point of Payment Choice for Electronic Commerce and
Payment Applications
A Merchant website and/or application must display at the point of payment choice the Visa POS
graphic in full color, as specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards.
3.4.1.3 Display of Marks at the Point-of-Sale

The Visa-Owned Marks must not appear less prominently than any other payment Marks.1
A Merchant must display the Visa POS graphic prominently, as follows:
l At the Merchant entrance or storefront
l On the payment Acceptance Device, as specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards
1
In the US Region or a US Territory: This does not apply.

4 Issuance
4 Issuance
4.1 General Issuance
4.1.1 General Issuer Requirements
4.1.1.1 Visa Card Product and Token Positioning

An Issuer must not:
l Position any Visa Card as something other than a Visa Card. A Visa Card that facilitates additional
functionality or provides access to applications or services must still be positioned as a Visa
Card1
l Position a Visa Business, Visa Corporate, or Visa Purchasing Card as something other than a Visa
Card for the payment of business expenditures
l Position its Trade Name or Mark as adding superior acceptance of the Card at the Point-of-
Transaction2
An Issuer must ensure that a payment Token both:
l Maintains the same product characteristics of the Card represented by that payment Token
l Is presented to the Cardholder as a Visa Product or Service
If an Issuer provisions a non-Visa payment credential3 for a co-resident network on a Visa Card, it
must also both:
l Provision a Visa payment Token before or at the same time as the non-Visa payment credential3
l Ensure that the applicable Token Requestor has received Visa Token Service approval of its
digital wallet or other payment solution
1
For example, a Visa Card with added functionality such as Cardholder identification, participation in a loyalty program, or
membership in an organization or, in the US Region, a Campus Card that facilitates closed-loop proprietary college or
university transactions, must still be positioned as a Visa Card.
2
3
A payment token or other payment credential generated for a non-Visa general purpose payment card network that is co-
resident on a Visa Card and uses a BIN to identify the payment card within that co-resident payment card network.

4 Issuance
4.1.1.2 Delivery of Visa Premium Product Value to Cardholders – AP, Canada,

CEMEA, Europe and LAC Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, LAC Region: An Issuer must
structure its Visa premium products to deliver product value based on features, performance
standards, and spending limits, such that:
l A Visa Infinite Card and a Visa Signature Card delivers higher value than a Visa Platinum Card.
l A Visa Platinum Card delivers equal or higher value than a Visa Gold/Premier Card.
l A Visa Gold/Premier Card delivers higher value than a Visa Classic Card.
l A Visa Business Gold Card delivers higher value than a Visa Business Card.
l In the Canada Region: A Visa Platinum Prepaid Card delivers higher value than a Visa Prepaid Card
4.1.1.3 Non-Standard Card Prohibitions

An Issuer of a non-standard Card must not:
l Permit exclusive or preferential acceptance by a Merchant1
l Link the non-standard Card to a Virtual Account
In the Europe Region: A non-standard Card issued within the European Economic Area (EEA) must
identify the correct Product Category on the Chip.
1
4.1.1.4 Issuer Requirements for a Credit Authorization on Returned Purchases

An Issuer must comply with the following Credit Authorization Requirements on returned
purchases:1
Table 4-1: Credit Authorization Requirements
Region Requirements
Effective through 17 April 2020 Be prepared to receive and respond to an

AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Authorization Request for a Credit Transaction
Region, US Region

4 Issuance
Table 4-1: Credit Authorization Requirements (continued)
Region Requirements
All Regions
Effective through 17 April 2020 Process the Credit Transaction so that Cardholder-
Canada Region, LAC Region, US Region facing applications are updated with the pending
credit information in the same time frame as a
Effective 19 October 2019 through 17 April 2020
AP Region, CEMEA Region purchase Transaction

All Regions
1
This is optional for Non-Reloadable Prepaid Cards.
4.1.1.5 Issuance of Domestic Use-Only Visa Cards

In the LAC Region: An Issuer must not issue a Visa Card that is restricted to use only in the country
of issuance, as follows:
l In Brazil: A Visa Consumer Card, Visa Commercial Card, or Visa Electron Card
l In Mexico: A Visa consumer credit Card, Visa consumer debit Card, or Visa Electron Card
An Issuer must not issue a Visa consumer credit Card or a Visa consumer debit Card that is
restricted to use only in the country of issuance.
This does not apply in the:
l Europe Region
l LAC Region, as follows:
– A Card issued under a Visa Program in existence before 13 October 2017 by an Issuer in the
Dominican Republic, Haiti, Paraguay, Uruguay
– A Card issued in Argentina, Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Jamaica, Trinidad
With prior Visa approval, an Issuer may issue a Visa Prepaid Card that is restricted to use only in the
country of issuance.

4 Issuance
4.1.1.6 Mailing of Individual Personalized Visa Products

An Issuer must do all of the following:
l Proof and prepare Visa Products for mailing under dual control in a high-security area separate
from other operations
l Prevent unauthorized entry into the area
l Ensure that Cardholder addresses, including postal codes, are complete and correct
l Maintain stuffed, sealed, and stamped envelopes in a vault under dual control until mailing
l Record the exact date, time, and place of mailing for each Visa Product
l Report any Visa Products lost in the mail to Visa, the postal authorities, and the appropriate
carrier
4.1.1.8 General Member Card Plan – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: Each Visa Canada General Member must operate its own Card plan that
conforms to all of the following minimum standards:
l Each Member must issue Cards in its own name and own the receivables arising from the use of
such Cards. Securitization does not impact ownership for the purpose of the Visa Rules.
l Cards issued by each Member will entitle Cardholders to make purchases of goods and services
and to obtain Cash Disbursements.
l Subject to appropriate Authorization, each Member will honor Cards issued by other Members
for Cash Disbursements.
l Subject to appropriate Authorization, each General Member will cause its Merchants to honor
Cards issued by other such Members for the purchase of goods and services.
4.1.1.9 Product Category Identification Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer must identify a newly issued or reissued Card that is issued within
the European Economic Area (EEA) by the correct Product Category, as specified in the Visa Product
Brand Standards and Table 4-2, Product Category Identification – Europe Region.
An Issuer may identify a Card issued outside the EEA by the correct Product Category, as specified
in the Visa Product Brand Standards and Table 4-2, Product Category Identification – Europe Region.

4 Issuance
Table 4-2: Product Category Identification – Europe Region
Product Category Debit Credit (including Deferred Prepaid

Debit)
Interchange Fee Consumer Immediate Consumer Credit Consumer Immediate

Category Debit Debit
BIN Category Debit Credit or Deferred Debit Prepaid
In France: Visa Affaires Cards that use the “EN“ corporate product sub-type must be identified with:
l The credit Product Category
l The EMVCo-allocated “Application Product Identifier” tag value that identifies the product as
credit
4.1.1.10 Issuer Requirements for Gambling Transactions in Norway – Europe Region

In the Europe Region (Norway): An Issuer must ensure that Cards issued in Norway are not used for
gambling Transactions outside of Norway.
4.1.1.11 Card Accessing Cardholder Funds on Deposit – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must not issue or reissue a Visa Card that accesses Cardholder funds on
deposit at an organization other than the Issuer’s, unless it both:
l Receives prior written consent from the organization where the funds are deposited
l Completes automated clearing house notification requirements
This prohibition does not apply to monthly periodic payments by the Cardholder to the Issuer.
4.1.1.12 Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) Issuer Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must provide Visa with valid CVV2 encryption keys and test Account
Numbers with CVV2 values and expiration dates.

4 Issuance
4.1.1.13 Positioning, Acceptance, and Accounts – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must not:
l Designate or design any of its Visa Cards, whether through the use of a Trade Name, Mark,
numbering scheme, code on the Magnetic Stripe or Chip, QR code, or any other device or
means, in order to either:
– Permit exclusive or preferential acceptance of any of its Visa Cards by any Merchant. This does
not apply to discounts, promotional offers, or in-kind incentives offered by the Merchant.
– Allow any Transaction involving use of these Cards to be treated as anything other than a Visa
Transaction, except as specified in Section 7.1.1.4, Non-Visa Debit Transaction Disclosure
Requirements – US Region1
l Allow a Visa Card that is used primarily to access a line of credit to participate in any PIN-based
debit program, unless the participation is for ATM access only
1
This does not apply to Campus Cards that facilitate closed-loop proprietary college or university system transactions and
permit the use of campus identification/access applications. A Campus Card must still be positioned as a Visa Card, but
with additional functionality.
4.1.1.14 Marketing Materials for Visa Products

An Issuer must receive written approval from Visa before distribution of marketing materials, as
follows:
Table 4-3: Marketing Materials Approvals for Visa Products
Applicable Products Issuer Region Requirements
Visa Signature AP Region, CEMEA l In the AP Region: Includes all Cardholder

Region, US Region communication materials
l In the CEMEA Region: Includes all marketing
materials
l In the US Region: Includes Visa Signature
marketing materials, customer communications,
terms and conditions, and/or disclosures
Visa Signature Preferred US Region Includes Visa Signature Preferred marketing

materials, customer communications, terms and
conditions, and/or disclosures

4 Issuance
Table 4-3: Marketing Materials Approvals for Visa Products (continued)
Applicable Products Issuer Region Requirements
Visa Infinite All Regions l Includes Merchant partnership and emergency

services material
l Additionally in the AP Region and Canada Region,
includes all Cardholder communication materials
Visa Infinite Privilege Canada Region Includes marketing materials for its Cardholders
with terms and conditions and/or disclosures
Visa Platinum Business CEMEA Region All Cardholder communication material
Visa Signature Business AP Region and CEMEA l In the AP Region: Includes Cardholder
Region communication material relating to Merchant
partnership or emergency services
l In the CEMEA Region: Includes all marketing
materials
Visa Infinite Business AP Region and Canada l In the AP Region: Includes all Cardholder
Region communication materials
l In the Canada Region: Includes Cardholder
communication material relating to Merchant
partnership or emergency services
Visa Infinite Corporate LAC Region Includes Merchant partnership and emergency
services material for the Cardholders
4.1.1.15 Visa Card Customer Service Requirements

A Visa Card Issuer must provide to its Visa Cardholders customer service that is available 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week to obtain emergency and account-related information services.1
1
Optional for Visa Electron, Visa Classic, and Non-Reloadable Prepaid Cards

4 Issuance
4.1.1.16 Presence of Payment Account Reference

A Visa payment account must have an associated Payment Account Reference.
4.1.1.17 Card Personalization – Europe Region (Germany)

In the Europe Region (Germany): An Issuer must ensure that all Cards are personalized to support
Cash-Back.
4.1.2 Visa Credit Card Issuance
4.1.2.1 Second Line of Credit for On-Us Transactions – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: An Issuer’s offer of a second line of credit must comply with all of the following:
l Be offered only in association with an Affinity/Co-Brand partner
l Be restricted to purchase Transactions completed as Visa Transactions at the Affinity/Co-Brand
partner’s Merchant Outlet
l Be restricted to On-Us Transactions
l Not exceed the amount of primary line of credit
4.1.2.2 Visa Consumer Product Core Card Benefits – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Consumer Card Issuer must, at a minimum, provide its Cardholders with
all of the following core product benefits, unless prohibited by applicable laws or regulations:
Table 4-4: Visa Consumer Product Core Card Benefits – LAC Region
1,2
Core Benefit Visa Classic Visa Gold Visa Platinum Visa Signature Visa Infinite
Travel Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide

Information
Services
Price Minimum USD Minimum USD Minimum USD Minimum USD Minimum USD
Protection

4 Issuance
Table 4-4: Visa Consumer Product Core Card Benefits – LAC Region (continued)
1,2
25 price 25 price 25 price 25 price 25 price

difference per difference per difference per difference per difference per
item up to USD item up to USD item up to USD item up to USD item up to
200 per 400 per 2,000 per 2,000 per USD 4,000 per
account, per account, per account, per account, per account, per
year year year year year
Purchase N/A Up to USD 1,000 USD 5,000 per USD 5,000 per USD 10,000 per
Protection per account, item up to USD item up to USD item up to USD
per year 10,000 per 10,000 per 20,000 per
account, per account, per account, per
year year year
Extended N/A USD 1,000 per USD 5,000 per USD 5,000 per USD 5,000 per
Warranty item up to USD item up to USD item up to USD item up to USD
5,000 per 10,000 per 10,000 per 25,000 per
account, per account, per account, per account, per
year year year year
Auto Rental N/A Worldwide, Worldwide, Worldwide, Worldwide,

Insurance including including including including
country of country of country of country of
3
residence residence residence residence
International N/A N/A Up to USD Up to USD Up to USD

Emergency 150,000 200,000 200,000
Medical
Services
Baggage N/A N/A N/A USD 500 per USD 600 per
Delay beneficiary, per beneficiary, per
event event
Baggage Loss N/A N/A N/A Up to USD 1,000 Up to USD 3,000

per beneficiary, per beneficiary,
per event per event
Missed N/A N/A N/A N/A Up to USD 300

Connection

4 Issuance
Table 4-4: Visa Consumer Product Core Card Benefits – LAC Region (continued)
1,2
Trip Delay N/A N/A N/A N/A Up to USD 300

more than 4
hours of delay
Trip N/A N/A N/A N/A Up to USD 3,000

Cancellation
Personal N/A N/A Provided Provided Provided

Concierge through Visa through Visa through Visa
Service
Priority Pass N/A N/A N/A N/A Complementary

Membership membership for
Core Priority
Pass programs
1
In Mexico: This does not apply to Visa Classic debit Cards.
2
In Brazil: This does not apply to Visa Classic Cards.
3
This does not apply to Visa Gold debit Cards.
4.1.3 Visa Charge Card Issuance
4.1.3.1 Visa Charge Card Classification

An Issuer must identify a Visa Charge Card and distinguish it from a Visa Consumer Credit Card by
using one of the following classification levels:
l BIN
l Account Range Definition (ARDEF)
l Registered Program Identification Number (RPIN)
l Account Level Processing

4 Issuance
4.1.3.2 Visa Charge Card Authorization Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Charge Card issued as a Visa Signature Card or Visa Signature Preferred
Card must be issued with no pre-set spending limit.
4.1.3.3 Visa Charge Card Issuer Registration – AP and US Regions

In the AP Region, US Region: A Visa Charge Card Issuer must register its Visa Charge Card program
and obtain prior approval from Visa.
4.1.4 Visa Debit Card Issuance
4.1.4.1 Visa Debit Card Issuer Cash-Back Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Debit Card Issuer and Visa Business Check Card Issuer must support the
Visa Cash-Back Service.
This requirement does not apply to certain Visa Prepaid Cards, as specified in Section 1.4.4.1, PIN
Issuance.
4.1.4.2 Visa Debit Card Partial Preauthorization – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Debit Card Issuer or Visa Business Check Card Issuer and its VisaNet
Processor must support partial preauthorization Responses for PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit
Transactions.
4.1.4.3 Consumer Visa Deferred Debit Card Equivalent – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must position a Consumer Visa Deferred Debit Card only as a Card that
accesses a consumer’s deposit, investment, or other asset account, including a fiduciary account,
where the amount of any individual Transaction is not accessed, held, debited, or settled from the
consumer asset account sooner than 14 days from the date of the Transaction.

4 Issuance
A Consumer Visa Deferred Debit Card is treated as a Visa credit Card only for Limited Acceptance
purposes.
4.1.4.4 Visa Debit Category Transaction Identification – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: A Visa Debit Category Card Issuer must both:
l Identify all Visa Debit Category Transactions as Visa Transactions in all communications
displaying Transaction information, including account activity statements
l Clearly disclose to the Cardholder any distinction between a Visa Debit Category Transaction and
other payment services
4.1.4.5 Visa Debit Category Issuer Chip Requirements – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: A Visa Debit Category Issuer must ensure that the Visa Application Identifier
(AID) is present on the Card and the Application Selection Flag (ASF) settings comply with the Visa
Canada Debit Card – Technical Specifications.
4.1.6 Affinity/Co-Brand and Global Co-Brand Issuance
4.1.6.1 Co-Branding Partnership Approval Documentation Requirements

A Global Co-Branding Partner and Issuer must provide a dossier of proprietary and public
information for approval to Visa, including both:
l Co-Branding Partnership Regional Approval Form for each proposed interregional and
intraregional co-branding program
l Global Co-Branding Partners’ Marks and design guidelines (including color proofs) or evidence
that a trademark search has been conducted
4.1.6.2 Global Co-Branding Partner Eligibility

A Global Co-Branding Partner must comply with all of the following:

4 Issuance
l Be sponsored by an Issuer
l Not be an entity deemed to be a competitor of Visa
l In the Europe Region: Not be eligible for Visa membership. This does not apply to Visa Prepaid
Cards.
4.1.6.3 Global Co-Branding Issuer Qualification and Notification

An Issuer that partners with a Global Co-Brand Partner must both:
l Be a qualified Issuer in countries where Global Co-Brand Cards will be issued
l Notify Visa of its plans to expand interregional and intraregional Global Co-Brand Partners
4.1.6.4 Affinity/Co-Branded Card Program Requirements

An Affinity/Co-Brand Card Issuer must do all of the following:
l Submit a completed Affinity/Co-Brand Application and obtain written approval from Visa for
each Affinity/Co-Brand program before issuing Affinity/Co-Brand Cards
l Only issue Affinity/Co-Brand Cards to residents of the Visa Region in which the Issuer is located
l In the Europe Region: All of the following:
– Identify an Affinity/Co-Brand program using an eligible Account Range
– Notify Visa in the Affinity/Co-Brand Application which Account Range corresponds to which
Affinity/Co-Brand program
– Require the Affinity/Co-Brand partner to submit written agreement to the Issuer
acknowledging the rights of Visa to the Visa-Owned Marks
If requested by Visa, the Issuer must provide additional documentation, including all of the
following:
l The agreement between the Issuer and the Affinity/Co-Brand partner
l Collateral Material
l Information regarding the reputation and financial standing of the Affinity/Co-Brand partner
l Other documentation

4 Issuance
In the Canada Region: A General Member and Affinity/Co-Brand partner must complete all required
documentation and agreements required by the applicable Mark owners.
4.1.6.5 Visa Requests for Affinity/Co-Brand Program Information

A Member must submit both of the following to Visa upon request to determine compliance with
Affinity/Co-Brand program requirements:
l Any and all contracts with the Affinity/Co-Brand partner
l Any other documentation relative to the Affinity/Co-Brand program
4.1.6.6 Affinity/Co-Brand Partner Eligibility Requirements

An Affinity/Co-Brand partner must not be an organization that is deemed to be a competitor of
Visa.
To display the Marks of another Member or a non-Member that is engaged in banking activities
and eligible for Visa membership as an Affinity/Co-Brand partner on its Visa Cards,1 an Issuer must
l Obtain prior approval from Visa
l Clearly identify itself as the Issuer on the Card and program materials
l Ensure that the Affinity/Co-Brand program is established solely to distribute or sell Visa Cards.
The Affinity/Co-Brand partner must act only as the distributor/reseller.
l Maintain complete control over the Affinity/Co-Brand Cards, including responsibility for
customer service and assumption of financial liability. The Affinity/Co-Brand partner must not be
engaged in an ongoing contractual relationship with the Cardholder in connection with the
Issuer’s Visa Card.
l For Visa Prepaid Cards, assume complete responsibility for oversight and control of its
Affinity/Co-Brand partner, as specified in Section X.
In the Europe Region: If an Affinity/Co-Brand partner is a retailer, its Merchant Outlets must accept
Visa Cards.
1
In the Europe Region: This is allowed only for Visa Prepaid Cards.

4 Issuance
4.1.6.7 Affinity/Co-Brand Program Ownership and Control

An Issuer that partners in offering an Affinity/Co-Brand program must comply with all of the
following:1
l Underwrite, issue, and maintain the account associated with an Affinity/Co-Brand Card
l Always be portrayed as the owner of the Affinity/Co-Brand program
l Own and control an Affinity/Co-Brand program as defined by Visa on the basis of the Issuer’s
entire relationship with the Affinity/Co-Brand partner, including all of the following:
– Whether the Issuer controls, or exercises controlling influence over, the management policies
with respect to the Affinity/Co-Brand program
– The extent to which the Issuer conducts credit evaluations, participates in Cardholder billing,
or provides customer services in connection with the Affinity/Co-Brand program
– Whether all or part of the receivables are financed by the Affinity/Co-Brand partner
1
In the AP Region (Australia): This does not apply to mortgage originator programs, pastoral companies, and
superannuation funds.
4.1.6.8 Affinity/Co-Branded Card Transaction Processing

A Transaction completed with an Affinity/Co-Branded Card (including an On-Us Transaction) must
be processed and treated as a Visa Transaction.
In the AP Region (Japan): This does not apply to Cards issued with multiple Magnetic Stripes
In the Europe Region: This does not apply to Cards issued with 2 or more payment scheme brands
In the US Region: This does not apply to Campus Cards that facilitate closed-loop proprietary
college or university system transactions and permit the use of campus identification/access
applications. A Campus Card must still be positioned as a Visa Card.
In the US Region: This does not apply, as specified in Section 7.1.1.4, Non-Visa Debit Transaction
Disclosure Requirements – US Region.
4.1.6.9 Affinity/Co-Branded Card Account Access

An Affinity/Co-Branded Card must not be used to debit any credit, charge, payment, or deposit
account other than the account maintained by the Issuer in connection with that Affinity/Co-

4 Issuance
Branded Card.
In the AP Region (Japan): This does not apply to Cards issued with multiple Magnetic Stripes.
In the LAC Region: This does not apply as specified in Section 4.1.2.1, Second Line of Credit for On-Us
Transactions – LAC Region.
4.1.6.10 Affinity/Co-Branded Card Rules for Proprietary Cards Bearing the Plus
Symbol
Affinity/Co-Branded Card rules do not apply to Proprietary Cards that display non-Member
identification and bear the Plus Symbol, but no other Visa Mark.
4.1.6.11 Determination of Affinity/Co-Brand Program Violations

If Visa determines that any provisions of the Affinity/Co-Brand program requirements have been
violated, Visa reserves the right to both:
l Require modification of the program, including both:
– Assignment of the program to a third party
– Suspension of the program
l Impose non-compliance assessments or terminate the program with 90 calendar days’ written
notice
4.1.6.12 Co-Brand Partner Contract Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Member must include a provision in its contracts with a Co-Brand Partner
that specifies that the Co-Brand Partner must not misrepresent itself as being a Member.

4 Issuance
4.1.7 Card Production Standards
4.1.7.2 Cardholder Name on Chip and Magnetic Stripe – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: If the Cardholder name is encoded on the Chip and on the Magnetic Stripe
on a Card, the names encoded must be the same as the name displayed on the Card as far as is
allowed by the character sets supported by the Chip and the Magnetic Stripe.
4.1.7.4 Card Activation Stickers

With the exception of a Card activation sticker, an Issuer must not affix any adhesive material to the
front or back of a Card unless it is integral to the manufacturing of the Card.
The Issuer must ensure that a Card activation sticker affixed to the front or back of its Card does not
interfere with any security features of the Card.
The Card activation sticker or other material enclosed with the Card mailer must provide a method
for the Cardholder to activate the Card upon receipt.
4.1.7.5 Visa Mini Card Issuer Requirements

A Visa Mini Card Issuer must comply with all of the following:
l Issue the Visa Mini Card with the same expiration date as the standard-sized companion Card
l Issue the Visa Mini Card as the same Visa product type and with the same benefits as the
standard-sized companion Card
l At the time of issuance, inform the Cardholder of potential usage restrictions
l In the US Region: Issue the Visa Mini Card in conjunction with a corresponding standard-sized
Visa Card
l In the US Region: Not establish a daily Transaction amount limit for Visa Contactless Mini Card
use

4 Issuance
4.1.8 Virtual Accounts
4.1.8.1 Virtual Account Requirements

An Issuer that offers a Visa Virtual Account must comply with the electronic payment authentication
requirements established by Visa.
4.1.8.2 Virtual Account Issuer Requirements

A Virtual Account Issuer must comply with all of the following:
l Use the BIN designated for the specific product or program for which a Virtual Account is issued
l Verify Account Information, including name of the Virtual Account owner, Account Number,
account expiration date, and Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) and communicate it securely to the
Virtual Account owner
l If a Reference Card is provided, comply with Reference Card design requirements
l In the Europe Region: Report Virtual Account products on the Quarterly Operating Certificate
4.1.9 Issuer Disclosures
4.1.9.1 Issuer Disclosure of Authorization Request Amounts

If an Issuer includes information from an Authorization Request in an online Cardholder statement,
Cardholder alert, or other communication to the Cardholder, it must both:
l Notify its Cardholder that an Estimated Authorization Request, Initial Authorization Request, or
Incremental Authorization Request amount may differ from the final Transaction amount
l For an Automated Fuel Dispenser Transaction, not notify its Cardholder of the amount of the
Authorization Request in the online Cardholder statement, Cardholder alert, or other
communication. It may notify the Cardholder of the final Transaction amount from the Acquirer
Confirmation Advice or the Completion Message.

4 Issuance
4.1.9.2 Emergency Services Telephone Numbers

An Issuer must notify its Cardholders at least once each year of the availability of emergency
services and provide a toll-free or international collect-call telephone number through which
Cardholders may obtain these services.
4.1.9.3 Disclosure of Responsibility for Charges – AP Region

In the AP Region: A Member must not represent to its Cardholder or its Merchant that Visa imposes
any charge on the Cardholder or the Merchant. A Member is responsible for making whatever
disclosures applicable laws or regulations require with respect to its charges to its Cardholders or
its Merchants.
4.1.9.4 Issuer Contact Disclosure – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Issuer must disclose in its consumer Cardholder agreements that a
Cardholder may contact the Issuer to discuss disputes the Cardholder may have with respect to a
Transaction on their statement.
4.1.9.5 Issuer Disclosure of Fees and Charges – CEMEA Region

In the CEMEA Region: An Issuer of Visa Cards, Proprietary Cards bearing the Plus Symbol, and Cards
bearing the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier must notify its Cardholder in writing of the
following:
l That the exchange rate between the Transaction Currency and the Billing Currency used for
processing International Transactions is either:
– A wholesale market rate
– The rate mandated by a government or governing body
l Additional fees and charges (if any) assessed by the Issuer through the application of an Optional
Issuer Fee to the Currency Conversion Rate or any other fees for currency conversion

4 Issuance
l Specific fees and charges to be assessed to the Cardholder, where appropriate, including:
– Annual fee
– Interest rate(s), if applicable
– ATM Cash Disbursement fee
– Manual Cash Disbursement fee
– PIN replacement charge
– Fee for additional statement copies
– Late payment fee
l Date on which the Cardholder will incur a late payment fee if the Issuer does not receive
payment for outstanding Transaction amounts appearing on the Cardholder billing statement
An Issuer may choose the method by which it notifies the Cardholder in writing. This may include
one or more of the following:
l Cardholder agreement
l Cardholder terms and conditions
l Any other agreement between the Cardholder and Issuer
l Monthly billing statement
4.1.9.6 Cardholder Agreement Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Taking into account all the products and services provided by Visa, all
information required under applicable data protection legislation must be provided in the
Cardholder Agreement including, but not limited to, the following:
l The identity of the Issuer
l The purposes for which the processing of any Personal Data is intended, including building a
profile of the Cardholder’s interests
l The recipients of the Personal Data, such as:
– The Member’s subsidiaries and/or group of companies, agents, and employees
– Visa, its employees, and its third party subcontractors and their employees
– Third parties with whom the Cardholder transacts and has agreed to share Personal Data

4 Issuance
– Third parties in an approved partnership with Visa, only where such data is presented in either
an anonymized, pseudonymized, or aggregated form and will never be able to be used by
those third parties to identify a particular Cardholder
– Such other entities to which it may be reasonably necessary to disclose and transfer Personal
Data (for example: credit reference agencies, law enforcement agencies, anti-terrorism or
organized crime agencies, fraud monitoring agencies, central banks)
– Any other entities, to be clearly specified as otherwise required or permitted by applicable
laws or regulations
l That the transfer and disclosure of personal data may take place worldwide and that the transfer
of Personal Data outside the European Economic Area (EEA) is on the basis of either:
– Appropriate or suitable safeguards as required by applicable laws or regulations
– An adequacy decision by the European Commission
Where the basis of the transfer is for appropriate or suitable safeguards, the Member is
responsible for ensuring that Cardholders can have access to such appropriate or suitable
safeguards.
l Any other information necessary to guarantee fair and transparent processing of Personal Data
under applicable laws or regulations, including without limitation:
– That aggregated, anonymized data may be created based on Personal Data
– That data may be used and/or shared where deemed applicable with third parties for:
▪ Billing purposes
▪ Product enablement and build
▪ Testing or product improvement purposes
▪ To reply to requests from public authorities
– That Cardholders are not identifiable from this data
– That data may be analyzed by Visa and its partners for offers or promotional activities that
Cardholders have entered or agreed to be a part of
– The categories of Personal Data processed, whenever considered necessary for the legitimate
interest pursued by the Member
– A contact point for data protection-related enquiries and/or subject access requests
In addition, where a Member is located and/or issues a Card to a Cardholder located within the EEA,
the Cardholder Agreement must include all of the following:

4 Issuance
l The identity of the Issuer as data controller and corresponding contact details (including a
representative in the EEA, where the data controller is based outside the EEA
l The identity of any additional data controller and corresponding contact details
l The identity and contact details for the appropriate data protection officer
l The legitimate interest of the data controller where any processing is based on such interest
l The data storage period or, where not specific, the criteria used to determine that period
l All data rights available to the Cardholder, taking into account the relevant Visa services,
including the right to lodge a complaint with an authority and, where applicable, the right to
erasure and/or correction of Personal Data and data portability
4.1.9.7 Cardholder Choice of Payment Scheme – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: For a Card issued inside the European Economic Area, an Issuer must include
a provision in its Cardholder agreement to explain that when a Card supports more than one
payment scheme and is used at a Merchant Outlet that accepts those payment schemes, the
Cardholder retains, at the Point-of-Transaction, complete discretion over the payment scheme that
is used to initiate a Transaction.
This requirement does not apply to Transactions at an Unattended Cardholder-Activated Terminal
with no Cardholder input interface.
4.1.9.8 Communication of Change of Card Details – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer must communicate to its Cardholder in writing any change in the
Cardholder’s Card details. This communication must both:
l Advise the Cardholder of the impact of changing Card details and any need for action
l Prompt the Cardholder to contact any Merchants with which it has either:
– A Recurring Transaction agreement
– An agreement to store the Cardholder’s Stored Credential
4.1.9.9 Issuer Disclosure Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer must notify its Cardholders in writing of the following:

4 Issuance
l Specific fees and charges to be assessed to the Cardholder, including, but not limited to:
– Annual fee
– Interest rate(s), if applicable
– ATM Cash Disbursement fee
– Manual Cash Disbursement fee
– PIN replacement charge
– Fee for additional billing statement copies
l Date on which Transactions will be debited from the Cardholder’s account
4.1.9.10 Card Application Processing Fee – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer or Agent that charges a fee to a Cardholder for processing a Visa Card
application must comply with all of the following:
l Disclose the application processing fee as being separate from any other fees associated with
use of the Visa Card
l Provide the disclosure in a way that allows the Cardholder to avoid the fee if they do not want to
pursue the application
The Issuer or its Agent must not:
l Charge a fee for providing an application to a prospective Cardholder
l Use a “900” area code, “976” telephone exchange, or any similar telephone number to indirectly
charge a fee for inquiries about obtaining a Card
4.1.9.11 Disclosure of Card Features and Services – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must disclose to its Cardholders, in a timely manner, upgraded features
and services when a Cardholder converts from one Card program to another (for example: Visa
Traditional to Visa Signature). The Issuer is responsible for any liability that arises from the timing
of the disclosure.

4 Issuance
4.1.9.12 Communication of Cardholder Assistance Telephone Number – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must communicate one of the following toll-free telephone numbers
to each Cardholder at least once a year:
l Visa Customer Care Services telephone or fax number
l Issuer’s or its agent’s assistance center telephone or fax number
The toll-free telephone number must be printed on material furnished to the Cardholder.
4.1.10 Confidentiality of Cardholder Information
4.1.10.1 Cardholder Information Privacy Requirements – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Issuer must certify to Visa that it has met the applicable requirements of
privacy legislation for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal Cardholder information
among Visa and its employees and agents, for the purpose of processing, authorizing, and
authenticating a Cardholder’s Transactions and providing customer assistance services to a
Cardholder.
4.1.10.2 Contest and Promotion Privacy Requirements – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Issuer will have met the applicable requirements of privacy legislation
where the Issuer’s Cardholders participate in contests and promotions administered by Visa on
behalf of the Issuer.
4.1.11 PIN Requirements
4.1.11.1 PIN as Cardholder Verification Method – Issuer Requirements – AP Region

(India)
In the AP Region (India): An Issuer must have PIN as the preferred Cardholder Verification Method
(CVM) for all newly issued or re-issued Visa debit Cards and Reloadable Prepaid Cards.

4 Issuance
An Issuer must respond with a Decline Response when an Authorization Request for a Domestic
Transaction conducted in a Card-Present Environment on a Visa debit Card or Reloadable Prepaid
Card does not include a PIN or the confirmation that PIN was correctly entered.
4.1.11.2 PIN Verification Service Request – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer must submit a written request to Visa at least 90 calendar days
before implementing the PIN Verification Service.
4.1.11.3 PIN Verification Service – Issuer Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: If an Issuer uses the PIN Verification Service, the Issuer must either:
l Encode the PIN Verification Value on the Magnetic Stripe, and for Cards containing a Chip, both
the Magnetic Stripe and Chip. This applies only if the Issuer requires Stand-In Processing to verify
PINs.
l Ensure that the PIN Verification Value resides on the PIN Verification Value file maintained by
Visa
4.1.11.5 PIN Issuance for Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred Cards – US
Region
In the US Region: An Issuer must comply with Section 1.4.4.2, PIN Issuance Requirements, within one
year of issuing either of the following Card products to a new Cardholder:
l Visa Signature
l Visa Signature Preferred
An Issuer whose internal systems support customer PIN selection must offer the availability of PINs
to all of its Cardholders.
An Issuer whose internal systems do not support customer PIN selection must issue PINs to all of its
Cardholders and not simply notify its Cardholders that PIN is available upon request.

4 Issuance
4.1.11.6 PIN as Cardholder Verification Method – Europe Region (Slovakia)

In the Europe Region (Slovakia): For a Visa Electron Transaction in a Card-Present Environment, the
primary Cardholder Verification Method must be PIN.
4.1.12 Data Retention and Transmission
4.1.12.1 Cardholder Data Provision for Prize Awards – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must provide Cardholder data to Visa for the purposes of awarding
prizes in conjunction with promotional activities conducted by Visa.
If prohibited by applicable laws or regulations from disclosing Cardholder data, the Issuer must
both:
l Notify the Cardholder of the awarded prize and obtain necessary documentation
l Ensure that the prize is awarded directly to the Cardholder
4.1.12.2 Enriched Transaction Data – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer that receives enriched data with any of the following Transactions must
either print the data on the Cardholder statement or retain the data for a minimum of 200 calendar
days from the Transaction Date:
l CPS/Hotel and Car Rental Card Present
l CPS/Hotel and Car Rental Card Not Present
l CPS/e-Commerce Preferred Hotel and Car Rental
l A Transaction that includes Airline itinerary data or ancillary data
4.1.12.3 Issuer Requirements for Reporting Linked Consumer Credit Accounts – US

Region
In the US Region: An Issuer with more than USD 1 billion in annual Visa Consumer Credit Card
Transaction volume must link its Visa Consumer Credit Cards if the Account Numbers are different,
as follows:

4 Issuance
l A secondary Card(s) to its primary Card through the Cardholder Maintenance File (CMF)
l A virtual Card(s) to its primary or secondary physical Card(s) through the CMF
4.1.13 Provisional Credit/Zero Liability
4.1.13.1 Provisional Credit

An Issuer must provide provisional credit for the amount of a dispute or an unauthorized
Transaction (as applicable) to a Cardholder’s account, as follows:
Table 4-5: Provision of Provisional Credit
Issuer Product Type Provisional credit must be Additional Requirements / Allowances

Region provided to a Cardholder’s
account:
AP Region Visa Infinite Within 24 hours of The Issuer must do all of the following:
Visa Infinite notification of a Cardholder
l Place the disputed Transaction amount in
Business dispute a suspense account until the dispute is
resolved
l If the Merchant refutes the Dispute,
inform the Cardholder and attempt to
resolve the dispute
l Send letter of explanation to the
Cardholder when the dispute is resolved
Visa Signature Within 24 hours of The Issuer must place the disputed
notification of a Cardholder Transaction amount in a suspense account
dispute until the dispute is resolved.
Visa Ultra High Within 24 hours of The Issuer must not assess finance charges
Net Worth notification of a Cardholder on the disputed amount.
dispute
All other Cards Within 5 business days of N/A

notification, unless the
Issuer determines that
additional investigation is
warranted

4 Issuance
Table 4-5: Provision of Provisional Credit (continued)

account:
Canada Visa Debit Within 2 business days of The Issuer must dispute the Transaction
Region Category notification of a dispute or amount if any of the following conditions
unauthorized Transaction, apply:
unless any of the following
l The dispute relates to an Electronic
apply: Commerce or Mail/Phone Order
l The Issuer determines Transaction.
the need for special l The Merchant has not refunded the
investigation Cardholder within 30 days of the
l Transaction type or prior Cardholder’s attempt to resolve the
account history warrants dispute.
a delay l The Cardholder is not expected to receive
l The nature of the a refund from any other entity, fund, or
Transaction justifies a source for the disputed Transaction.
delay in crediting the
Cardholder’s account
All other Cards When both of the following If the Issuer does not dispute the
are confirmed: Transaction amount as required, the credit
to the Cardholder’s account must be final.
l The dispute meets the
Dispute criteria The Issuer may reverse a provisional credit
only if it properly initiated a Dispute that is
l The dispute is determined by Visa to be invalid, except
determined to be
where the Dispute is determined by Visa to
legitimate
be valid on its merits and properly
documented, but declined by reason of the
Issuer’s failure to meet a Visa requirement.
CEMEA Visa Ultra High Within 24 hours of The Issuer must not assess finance charges
Region Net Worth notification of a Cardholder on the disputed amount.
dispute
LAC Region Visa Credit Within 24 hours of The Issuer may place the disputed
notification of a Cardholder Transaction amount in a suspense account
Visa Debit
dispute, unless any of the until the dispute is resolved.
following apply:

4 Issuance

account:
l The Issuer determines

the need for special
investigation
l Transaction type or prior
account history warrants
a delay
l The nature of the
Transaction justifies a
delay in crediting the
Cardholder’s account
Prepaid Within 5 business days of N/A

notification of an
unauthorized transaction,
unless the Issuer
determines that additional
investigation is warranted
and allowed by applicable
laws or regulations
US Region Visa Business Within 5 business days of N/A

Check notification of an
Visa Debit, unauthorized Transaction,
except for unless the Issuer
ATM Cash determines that additional
Disbursements investigation is warranted
and allowed by applicable
laws or regulations
Visa Infinite Immediately The Issuer must do all of the following:

l Ensure that the disputed amount is not
calculated as part of the total balance or
displayed on Cardholder statements or
account summaries
l If the Merchant refutes the Dispute,

4 Issuance

account:
inform the Cardholder and attempt to

resolve dispute
l Send letter of explanation to the
Cardholder when the dispute is resolved
l Notify the Cardholder before the
Transaction is reposted to the account if
the Dispute is reversed1
l Not assess any finance charges on the
disputed amount for the period of the
dispute
1
For a Member that participates in Enhanced Dispute Resolution, applies if the Issuer is responsible for the Dispute
amount
4.1.13.2 Advertising for the Zero Liability Program – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: Any promotional, advertising, or marketing language used for the Zero
Liability Program must contain messaging, in the body of the promotional, advertising, or
marketing language and not as a footnoted disclaimer, to the effect that Cardholders are
responsible for ensuring that they protect their PIN.
4.1.14 Emergency Cash Disbursement, Emergency Card Replacement, Global

Customer Assistance Services (GCAS)
4.1.14.1 Issuer Requirements for Using the Visa Global Customer Assistance Services
(GCAS) for Emergency Cash Disbursement and Emergency Card Replacement
An Issuer that uses the Visa Global Customer Assistance Services (GCAS) for Emergency Cash
Disbursements or Emergency Card Replacements must comply with all of the following:

4 Issuance
l At least 30 calendar days before BID or BIN activation, submit to GCAS all required contact
information
l Advise its Cardholders of the availability of an Emergency Cash Disbursement or Emergency Card
Replacement, as applicable
l Provide Cardholders with a telephone number that is available worldwide 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week for Emergency Cash Disbursements and Emergency Card Replacements. The telephone
number may be either the:
– Visa Global Customer Assistance Services (GCAS) telephone numbers
– Issuer’s own worldwide emergency services telephone number
l Designate one or more Emergency Service Locations
l Notify GCAS within 30 calendar days of any changes to an Emergency Service Location
l Notify GCAS at least 2 weeks before any change in its Emergency Cash Disbursement or
Emergency Card Replacement contact
l Approve or deny a request from GCAS or a Cardholder within 2 hours of notification
l Approve a Status Check Authorization unless there is an issue with the validation of the track 1 or
track 2 data on the Magnetic Stripe or the Full-Chip Data on the Emergency Card Replacement
l For Emergency Card Replacements, both:
– Provide accurate Cardholder information, including the correct spelling of the Cardholder’s
name as it should appear on the Emergency Card Replacement and Cardholder verification
data
– Assume responsibility for each Emergency Card Replacement issued by GCAS when the Card is
embossed and encoded both:
▪ According to the Issuer’s instructions
▪ With a Stand-In Processing Account
4.1.14.2 Emergency Cash Disbursement and Emergency Card Replacement Provision

Requirements
An Issuer or the Issuer’s agent must provide an Emergency Cash Disbursement and Emergency Card
Replacement as specified in Table 4-6, Provision of Emergency Cash Disbursements to Cardholders,
and Table 4-7, Provision of Emergency Card Replacements to Cardholders except under the following
circumstances:

4 Issuance
l Delivery to the requested country is prohibited by applicable laws or regulations (for example:
the country is embargoed).
l The Cardholder failed to provide accurate delivery information.
l Clearance through the country’s international customs office is delayed.
l The destination is remote and not easily reachable.
l The Issuer or the Issuer’s agent and the Cardholder have agreed to a specific delivery timeframe.
The Issuer or the Issuer’s agent must not assess additional charges to the Cardholder if a service or
timeframe is required for the Card type, as specified in Section 4.1.14.5, Visa Global Customer
Assistance Services Provision Requirements.
Table 4-6: Provision of Emergency Cash Disbursements to Cardholders
Card Type If Cardholder location is If Cardholder location is

within the Canada outside the Canada
Region or US Region Region or US Region
Visa Classic, Visa Electron, Visa Debit, Visa Prepaid Within 1 business day Within 1 business day
from the time that the from the time that the
Issuer approves the Issuer approves the
request request
Visa Gold/Premier, Visa Rewards, Visa Platinum, Visa Within 24 hours from the Within 1 business day
Business, Visa Business Electron, Visa Corporate, time that the Issuer from the time that the
Visa Purchasing approves the request Issuer approves the
request
1,2
Visa Infinite (including Visa Infinite Business), Visa Within 24 hours from the Within 24 hours from the
Signature (including Visa Signature Business), Visa time that the Issuer time that the Issuer
Infinite Privilege, Visa Ultra High Net Worth approves the request approves the request
1
In the Canada Region: A Visa Infinite Privilege Issuer must offer an Emergency Cash Disbursement for a lost, stolen,
or damaged Card reported by the Cardholder.
2
In the US Region: A Visa Infinite Card Issuer must offer an Emergency Cash Disbursement for a lost, stolen, or
damaged Card reported by the Cardholder.

4 Issuance
Table 4-7: Provision of Emergency Card Replacements to Cardholders
Card Type If Cardholder location is If Cardholder location is

within the Canada outside the Canada
Region or US Region Region or US Region
Visa Classic, Visa Electron, Visa Debit, Visa Prepaid Within 1 business day Within 3 business days
from the time that the from the time that the
Issuer approves the Issuer approves the
request request
Visa Gold/Premier, Visa Rewards, Visa Platinum, Visa Within 24 hours from the Within 1 business day
Business, Visa Business Electron, Visa Corporate, time that the Issuer from the time that the
Visa Purchasing approves the request Issuer approves the
request
1
Visa Infinite (including Visa Infinite Business), Visa Within 24 hours from the Within 24 hours from the
Signature (including Visa Signature Business), Visa time that the Issuer time that the Issuer
2
Infinite Privilege, Visa Ultra High Net Worth approves the request approves the request
1
In the US Region: For a Visa Infinite Card, the Issuer must issue a Chip-enabled Emergency Card Replacement if the
Issuer or its agent supports Chip technology.
2
In the Canada Region: A Visa Infinite Privilege Issuer must issue a Chip-enabled Emergency Card Replacement if the
Issuer or Issuer processor is enabled for Chip issuance.
4.1.14.3 Requirements for Emergency Service Locations

An Issuer must ensure that its Emergency Service Location complies with all of the following:
l Is able to authorize an Emergency Cash Disbursement if Stand-In Processing Accounts for the
Issuer are available and if the Issuer fails to respond as specified in Section 4.1.14.2, Emergency
Cash Disbursement and Emergency Card Replacement Provision Requirements
l Is available during normal business hours to respond to a request for an Emergency Cash
Disbursement or Emergency Card Replacement
l Notifies Visa Global Customer Care Services (within 3 calendar days) that the Cardholder has
picked up the Emergency Cash Disbursement or Emergency Card Replacement

4 Issuance
4.1.14.4 Issuer Provision of Stand-In Processing Accounts for Emergency Cash

Disbursements and Emergency Card Replacements
If an Issuer supports Stand-In Processing Accounts for Emergency Cash Disbursements and
Emergency Card Replacements, it must provide to Visa Global Customer Care Services, via a secure
method, at least 5 activated Stand-In Processing Accounts per BIN.
4.1.14.5 Visa Global Customer Assistance Services Provision Requirements

An Issuer must provide the Visa Global Customer Assistance Services, as follows:
Table 4-8: Provision of Visa Global Customer Assistance Services
Service Issuer must provide service for:
Cardholder Inquiry Service All Visa products, except:
l Visa Large Purchase Advantage

l In the Europe Region: Virtual Accounts
Emergency Cash Disbursement All Visa products, except:1
l Virtual Accounts2
l Visa Agro Cards
l Visa Check Cards
l Visa Classic Cards
l Visa Electron Cards (In the CEMEA Region: Required for Visa
Business Electron Cards)
l Visa Prepaid Cards (A Visa Corporate Prepaid Issuer must
have the ability to offer an Emergency Cash Disbursement, if
requested.)
l Visa TravelMoney/Visa Prepaid travel Cards (in the
LAC Region: required for Visa TravelMoney Student Cards)
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe
Region, LAC Region: Visa Purchasing Cards
l In the Europe Region: Visa Gold Cards issued to Visa Prepaid
accounts where full Cardholder due diligence (for example:
KYC) has not been completed to the Issuer’s satisfaction

4 Issuance
Table 4-8: Provision of Visa Global Customer Assistance Services (continued)
Service Issuer must provide service for:
Emergency Card Replacement All Visa products, except:1
l Virtual Accounts2
l Visa Classic Cards
l Visa Electron Cards
l Visa Large Purchase Advantage
l Visa Prepaid Cards
Exception File Updates As specified in Section 7.3.5.1, Exception File Updates
Lost/Stolen Card Reporting All Visa products

1
The Issuer must provide a response to each Cardholder request for the service.
2
In the AP Region, Canada Region, Europe Region, LAC Region, US Region: Prohibited for Virtual Accounts
4.1.14.6 Visa Cardholder Benefit Requirements by Product – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Issuer must, at minimum, provide the following product-specific
Cardholder benefits:
Table 4-9: Cardholder Benefits by Product Type – Canada Region
Product Auto Rental Legal Referral Assistance Medical Referral

Collision/Damage and Cash Disbursement Assistance and Cash
Waiver Disbursement
Visa Optional Optional Optional
Visa Gold Optional Optional Optional
Visa Platinum Optional Optional Optional
Visa Infinite Required Required Required
Visa Infinite Privilege Required Required Required

4 Issuance
Table 4-9: Cardholder Benefits by Product Type – Canada Region (continued)
Product Auto Rental Legal Referral Assistance Medical Referral

Collision/Damage and Cash Disbursement Assistance and Cash
Waiver Disbursement
Visa Business Optional Optional Optional
Visa Infinite Business Required Required Required
Visa Corporate Optional Required Required
Visa Purchasing Optional Not applicable Not applicable
4.1.15 Insurance/Benefits
4.1.15.2 Insurance Program Issuer Requirements – US Region

An Issuer that offers Visa-funded insurance Card benefits must comply with the following
requirements:
l Meet all Cardholder notification requirements prescribed by insurance regulators and available at
[email protected]
l Defend and pay a Cardholder for any insurance claim if the Cardholder files a claim based on an
insurance certificate or other disclosure of terms, conditions, and exclusions and either of the
following:
– The Issuer failed to send, or cannot provide evidence of having sent, information advising the
Cardholder that such coverage was no longer available.
– The Issuer misrepresented the actual terms of the coverage underwritten, misstated the type
or scope of coverage offered by the Issuer, or altered the insurance coverage description
without written approval provided by the insurance provider or its appointed designee, and
such misrepresentation, misstatement, or alteration results in an obligation or claim to pay a
claim that was not otherwise covered.
l If choosing to meet the required minimum benefits for a given product platform via an alternate
insurance provider, assume all related expense, operational support, and notification
requirements, including the necessary quality assurance and program liability. The Issuer must
also notify Visa and provide details as requested by Visa and/or insurance agency to ensure that
the minimum requirements are met.

4 Issuance
l Pay for an otherwise valid insurance claim if either of the following:

– The Issuer did not maintain coverage.
– The insurance carrier would have been responsible but failed to pay a valid claim due to
insolvency, bankruptcy, or other financial inability to meet its policy obligations.
l Inform Cardholders that in order to receive benefits their beneficiaries must prove that the
Cardholder purchased the product or service with a Visa Card
4.1.16 Preauthorized Payment Cancellation Service
4.1.16.1 Preauthorized Payment Cancellation Service Issuer Participation

An Issuer that participates in the Preauthorized Payment Cancellation Service must do all of the
following:
l Correctly specify the type of stop payment order
l Provide complete and accurate information pertaining to the stop payment order
l Keep stop payment order information current in the Cardholder database
4.1.16.2 Preauthorized Payment Cancellation Service Limitations

A Member must not disclose information associated with the Preauthorized Payment Cancellation
Service other than data relating to the Member’s own Cardholder and/or Merchant to any other
party unless otherwise authorized by Visa.
4.1.17 Visa Checkout
4.1.17.1 Visa Checkout – Card Enrollment

An Issuer must not restrict a Visa Checkout Account Holder from enrolling the Issuer’s Card in one
or more Visa Checkout accounts.

4 Issuance
4.1.17.2 Visa Checkout – Transaction Requirements

If a Transaction is conducted through Visa Checkout with a Visa-branded product, it is subject to
the same requirements as any other Visa Transaction.
4.1.18 Visa Token Service
4.1.18.1 Visa Token Service (VTS) Issuer Participation Requirements

An Issuer that uses the Visa Token Service (VTS) may participate in one or more Token Requestor
solutions available through the applicable enrollment process.
The Issuer assumes full responsibility for all of the following:
l Validating Cardholder identity1
l Provisioning and maintenance decisions for payment Tokens
l Compliance with terms and conditions1
l Performing life cycle management associated with payment Tokens and their underlying PANs2
Visa Token Service Basic Issuer Participants3 will be enrolled by Visa to participate in the VTS for
Card-Absent Environment Transactions and must, unless otherwise specified, comply with all rules
relating to payment Tokens and the VTS.
In the Europe Region: An Issuer may choose to opt out of being a Visa Token Service Basic Issuer
Participant.
1
This requirement does not apply to a Visa Token Service Basic Issuer Participant.
2
This requirement is optional for a Visa Token Service Basic Issuer, except in the CEMEA Region, the Europe Region, and the
LAC Region.
3
Where an Issuer authorizes an Account Verification request from the Visa Token Service, that Authorization represents an
instruction to Visa to provision a Token. Visa will not issue a Token on the Issuer’s behalf if the Issuer declines an Account
Verification request from the Visa Token Service.
4.1.18.2 Visa Token Service – Visa Use of Participating Issuer Data

An Issuer that uses the Visa Token Service agrees and acknowledges that Visa may access, use, store,
update, or disclose1 the Issuer’s data, including Issuer data associated with the Issuer’s participation

4 Issuance
in other Visa products, programs, or services, in compliance with applicable laws or regulations to
do any of the following in connection with a Issuer’s use of payment Tokens:
l Generate, store, modify, monitor, or provision payment Tokens and Payment Account References
l Process, support, and resolve customer inquiries or disputes
l Prevent or reduce actual or potential fraud, unauthorized Transactions, claims, or liability
l Manage risk and compliance obligations
l Create and distribute aggregated statistics and reports that do not reveal personally identifiable
information
l Comply with any judicial process or government agency having or claiming jurisdiction over Visa
l Provide information to a Token Requestor to enable the Token Requestor to do any of the
following:
– Obtain a payment Token for use in connection with the Token Requestor’s payment solution
– Provide Transaction alerts to the Cardholder
– Provide Transaction history to the Cardholder
– Deliver reporting to a Token Requestor
1
Includes disclosure to Visa employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, counsel, and agents as necessary
4.1.18.3 Visa Token Service – Issuer Use of Token Requestor Data

Unless bilateral agreements are in place between a Token Requestor and an Issuer, an Issuer that
participates in the Visa Token Service and receives Token Requestor data in connection with the
Visa Token Service may use such data to perform the following activities:
l Provide customer service support and manage or resolve disputes
l Support operational functions including accounting, billing, auditing, and collection
l Create, use, or distribute aggregated statistics and reports that do not reveal personally
identifiable Cardholder information
l Develop, manage, and enhance fraud prevention and risk mitigation strategies for payment
Token provisioning
l Comply with any judicial or government-mandated processes
l Protect or exercise any legal rights afforded by law
The Issuer must not:

4 Issuance
l Sell or resell the Token Requestor data

l Isolate raw Token Requestor data for any purpose
l Reformulate aggregated data to establish any identifiable association between the data and Visa
Token Service participants
4.1.18.4 Payment Token Transaction Processing Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: If a Transaction is initiated with a payment Token, the Transaction must be
submitted for Online Authorization.
Visa reserves the right to decline, on an Issuer’s behalf, a Transaction initiated with a payment Token
if the payment Token does not comply with domain control requirements specified in the EMV
Payment Tokenization Specification.
4.1.18.5 Visa Payment Token Service Issuer Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: To participate in the Visa Payment Token Service, an Issuer must register with
Visa and ensure that no third-party Token Service Provider associates a payment Token with an
Account Number in an Account Range assigned to the Visa Payment Token Service.
If an Issuer chooses to act as a Token Requestor for Cards it has not issued, the Issuer must engage
with Visa as a third-party Token Requestor.
4.1.18.6 Host Card Emulation and Secure Element Third-Party Wallet Token
Requirements – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: An Issuer that engages with a third-party wallet Token Requestor for a host
card emulation (HCE) or secure element Token service must do all of the following:
l Notify Visa of the Visa-approved third-party Token Requestor with which the Issuer intends to
engage
l Implement an engagement and testing period, the duration of which will be agreed on a case-
by-case basis by the Issuer, third-party Token Requestor, and Visa
l Provide call center and customer service support

4 Issuance
l Comply with provisioning requirements, as specified in Section 4.1.18.5, Visa Payment Token
Service Issuer Requirements – Europe Region
l Effective 14 September 2019 Agree that a Token Requestor that is enrolled in the Delegated
Authentication Program will provide strong customer authentication, on the Issuer’s behalf, in
line with the Delegated Authentication Program.
4.1.18.7 Issuer Mobile Application Token Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer that acts as a Token Requestor through a mobile payment
application deployed by the Issuer must submit the proposed application to Visa for approval.
Visa reserves the right to withdraw approval of a mobile payment application at any time if Visa
determines that the application does not comply with Visa requirements and payment industry
standards.
4.1.18.8 Use of Issuer Card Artwork in Tokenization Services – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer must provide Visa with its Card artwork and consent to Visa sharing
the Card artwork with all of the following:
l A third-party Token Requestor for use in that Token Requestor’s mobile application
l A Stored Credential Token Requestor for use on its payment screen and all screens that show
account information
l A Merchant, where Visa provides that Merchant with a payment Token
Where an Issuer does not supply its Card artwork, Visa will provide default Card artwork to all of
the above entities.
4.1.19 Chip Issuance Requirements
4.1.19.2 Contact Chip and Contactless Issuer Requirement for Cryptogram Version
Number

4 Issuance
An Issuer must ensure that a contact Chip or Contactless Card issued or reissued on or after 17
October 2020 is not personalized to support Cryptogram version number (CVN) 10 or 17, or
proprietary CVNs that use a static key in the calculation.
1
Effective 17 August 2021 for the AP Region (Japan)
4.1.19.3 Chip Card Issuing Requirements – AP Region (Australia, New Zealand)

In the AP Region: All of the following must be EMV-Compliant and VIS-Compliant:
l In Australia and New Zealand: All Reloadable Prepaid Cards (except Visa TravelMoney Cards)
l In New Zealand: All Visa debit Cards
4.1.19.4 Cash-Back Services on Visa Debit Chip Cards – AP Region (Australia)

In the AP Region (Australia): An Issuer must offer Cash-Back services on its Visa debit Chip Cards.
4.1.19.5 Chip Card Issuing Requirement – AP Region (India)

In the AP Region (India): An Issuer must be capable of issuing EMV-compliant Cards.
All Magnetic-Stripe Visa debit Cards and Visa Credit Cards that have been used internationally must
be reissued as EMV Chip Cards with PIN as the preferred Cardholder Verification Method (CVM).
4.1.19.6 Chip Card Account Requirements

An Issuer of a Chip Card must do all of the following:
l Not use a Visa Smart Payment application to directly credit or debit any account other than an
account that is maintained by that Issuer or another Member under contract with the Issuer
l Allow a Cardholder to select the service and account to be used for a Transaction, as permitted
by applicable laws or regulations
l Designate an Account Number for each account accessed by a Visa Smart Payment application

4 Issuance
l Specify an alphanumeric name for each funding account facilitated by the Visa Smart Payment
application when the Chip provides access to more than one account
l In the Europe Region: In addition, notify Visa of all Payment Applications contained in the Chip.
Visa reserves the right to review and approve or prohibit the use of Payment Applications on Visa
Cards or for Visa services.
4.1.19.7 Visa Chip Card Payment Application

A Chip Card bearing a Visa-Owned Mark must be capable of facilitating the Payment Application
associated with that Mark.
The Payment Application on all Visa or Visa Electron contact Chip Cards must be VIS-Compliant.
4.1.19.8 Appropriate Marks on Chip Cards

A Card containing a Chip must bear the appropriate Mark for the Visa or Visa Electron Payment
Application facilitated by the Chip.
4.1.19.9 Non-Visa Services Facilitated by Chip Cards

A Chip Card may facilitate access to non-Visa services only if all of the following requirements are
met:
l Services do not compromise the security or functional integrity of the Visa Smart Payment
Applications.
l Additions of these services are managed and controlled by the Issuer or its Sponsored Member.
l The Issuer Indemnifies Visa for and against Claims and Liabilities arising out of or in connection
with non-Visa services facilitated by the Chip Card.
Visa may review and approve all applications contained in a Chip used to facilitate a Visa payment.
4.1.19.10 Contactless Issuer Requirements

A Contactless Payment Device Issuer must comply with the following:

4 Issuance
Table 4-10: Contactless Payment Device Issuer Requirements
Applies to Region/Country Required VCPS Support for Support for Form Factor
Contactless Version qVSDC MSD Indicator
Payment Transaction Transaction
Devices issued Path Path
or replaced on
or after:
1 January 2012 AP Region, 2.0 or later Required Optional N/A

Canada Region,
CEMEA Region,
Europe Region,
LAC Region
1 January 2012 US Region Any Optional Required N/A
1 April 2015 AP Region 2.1 or later Required Not permitted, Required

(excluding except for
Japan), Mobile Payment
CEMEA Region Devices
(excluding
Bahrain, Jordan,
Kuwait,
Lebanon, Oman,
Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, United
Arab Emirates)
1 April 2015 AP Region 2.1 or later Required Not permitted, Required

(Japan) except:
l Optional for
Mobile
Payment
Devices
l Optional for
Issuers that
issued a
Contactless
Payment
Device before

4 Issuance
Table 4-10: Contactless Payment Device Issuer Requirements (continued)
Applies to Region/Country Required VCPS Support for Support for Form Factor
Contactless Version qVSDC MSD Indicator
Payment Transaction Transaction
Devices issued Path Path
or replaced on
or after:
1 April 2015
1 July 2015 CEMEA Region 2.1 or later Required Not permitted, Required
except for
Mobile Payment
Devices
1 October 2015 AP Region, 2.1 or later Required Not permitted, Required

CEMEA Region, except for
Europe Region, Mobile Payment
LAC Region Devices
1 October 2015 Canada Region, 2.1 or later Required Optional Required

US Region
31 December Canada Region 2.1 or later Required Not permitted Required

2015 for any device
personalized
with a Token
In the Europe Region: A Contactless Payment Device Issuer must be certified by Visa for the
Authorization, Clearing, and Settlement of Contactless payments and must comply with the
following:
Table 4-11: Contactless Payment Device Issuer Requirements – Europe Region
Applies to: Required Support for Support for Form

VCPS qVSDC MSD Factor
Version Transaction Path Transaction Indicator
Path
1
All Contactless Payment Devices (except 2.1 Required Not permitted Required
Mobile Payment Devices)
1
All Contactless Payment Devices (except 2.1.1 Required Not permitted Required

4 Issuance
Table 4-11: Contactless Payment Device Issuer Requirements – Europe Region (continued)
Applies to: Required Support for Support for Form

VCPS qVSDC MSD Factor
Version Transaction Path Transaction Indicator
Path
Mobile Payment Devices) that are Visa

Prepaid Cards
1
All Contactless Payment Devices with an X2X 2.1.1 or Required Not permitted Required
Service Code later
1
In the Europe Region: An Issuer must decline any Authorization Request using the Contactless MSD transaction path
4.1.19.11 Visa Contactless Authentication Issuer Requirement

A Contactless Chip Card issued on or after 13 April 2019 must support offline data authentication
with Online Authorization using fast Dynamic Data Authentication, as specified in Visa Contactless
Payment Specification version 2.1 and later.
l In the Europe Region: A payment solution that uses a cloud-based payments Mobile Application,
unless it is to be used for a Mass Transit Transaction
l In the US Region: A Contactless Chip Card
4.1.19.12 Notification of Contactless Payment Device Risks and Restrictions

An Issuer that provides a Contactless Payment Device to a Cardholder must provide, before or at
the time of issuance, written notification that informs the Cardholder of potential risks and
restrictions associated with the Contactless Payment Device, including, but not limited to, the
following:
l The inability to use the Contactless Payment Device at an Acceptance Device where Card
insertion is required
l Any daily Transaction amount limit implemented by the Issuer in connection with the Contactless
Payment Device, if applicable

4 Issuance
l For a Contactless Payment Device in the form of an adhesive Visa Micro Tag, the risk of impairing
the functionality of a mobile phone or other device to which a Contactless Payment Device is
attached
l For a Contactless Payment Device in the form of an adhesive Visa Micro Tag, the risk of
invalidating the manufacturer’s warranty, if applicable, for a mobile phone or other device to
which Contactless Payment capability is attached
4.1.19.13 Contactless Payment Device Requirements

An Issuer that issues a Contactless Payment Device must ensure that the Contactless Payment Device
complies with all of the following:
l Is linked to a valid, unexpired Visa Card account,1 excluding Visa Prepaid devices (a Contactless
Payment Device may be assigned a different Account Number)2
l Is issued with a PIN for use at ATMs, if the Issuer supports Visa Contactless ATM Transactions
l In the AP Region, CEMEA Region: If issued on or after 1 April 2015,3 both:
– Is personalized with the application program ID
– Supports offline data authentication for Online Authorization
1
If the Contactless Payment Device is not a physical Card, the linked account must also have a standard Card issued to it
(except if the Contactless Payment Device is a Visa Prepaid Card).
2
In the AP Region (South Korea): This does not apply.
3
In the CEMEA Region (Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates): 1 July 2015
4.1.19.16 Cardholder Verification Method Preferences

A Chip Card Issuer must ensure that the Cardholder Verification Method (CVM) preferences are
communicated by the Chip Cardholder Verification Method list to the Chip-Reading Device at the
Point-of-Transaction.
The Issuer of a Chip Card bearing a Payment Application must comply with 4.1.19.16, Cardholder
Verification Method Preferences. This does not apply to Mobile Payment Devices.
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region: A Contactless Payment Device must include a Cardholder
Verification Method to facilitate Contactless Payment Transactions, as follows:

4 Issuance
Table 4-12: CVM Requirements for Contactless Payment Devices – AP Region and CEMEA Region
Region/Country Applies to Contactless Payment

Devices issued on or after:
AP Region 1 April 2015
CEMEA Region (excluding Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, 1 April 2015

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates)
CEMEA Region (Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, 1 July 2015

Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates)
4.1.19.17 Cardholder Verification Method List – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Issuer of a Compliant Chip Card must ensure that all of the following
requirements are met:
l The compliant Chip Card contains a Cardholder Verification Method (CVM) list, with at minimum,
the following methods of Cardholder verification:
– “Offline PIN at POS”
– “Online PIN at ATM”
– “Signature”
– “No CVM required”
l Use of CVM condition codes relating to cash or Cash-Back do not prevent the completion of
Manual Cash Disbursements.
l The CVM “Offline PIN at POS” is activated and is the preferred CVM unless either the:
– Compliant Chip Card was issued no more than 6 months before the date of the Compliant
Chip Card Transaction in question
– Cardholder is subject to a disability or impairment that would prevent PIN use
4.1.19.19 Additional Cardholder Authentication for Token Issuance – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: When an Issuer requires additional Cardholder authentication before
provisioning a payment Token to a third-party wallet, the Issuer must implement at least 2

4 Issuance
additional Cardholder authentication methods.
4.1.19.21 Card Verification Value Requirements

An Issuer must be capable of receiving the POS Entry Mode code and, for Magnetic-Stripe
Transactions, processing the Card Verification Value.1
All EMV Chip Cards issued on or after 1 January 2009 must use Chip Card Verification Value-iCVV as
part of the Magnetic-Stripe Image.
1
An Issuer may verify the CVV itself, or may use VisaNet or its processor.
4.1.19.22 Chip Card Authentication

All Chip Card Issuers must perform, and be capable of acting on the results of, validation of EMV
Online Card Authentication Cryptograms for all Chip-initiated Authorization messages processed
through VisaNet. Online Card Authentication support may be provided by the Issuer directly, or
through either:
l VisaNet
l Third party/VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor
4.1.19.23 Parameters to Enable Offline Chip Authorization

An Issuer of the following Chip Cards must define parameters to enable Offline Chip Authorization:
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: A Chip Card containing
a Visa Smart Payment Application with Offline Authorization controls
l In the Europe Region: A Visa or Visa Electron Chip Card
An Issuer may exempt a Visa Card encoded with X Service Code from this requirement. In the
Europe Region: In addition, an Issuer may exempt Visa Purchasing Cards from this requirement.

4 Issuance
4.1.19.24 Consecutive Offline Chip Authorization Counters

When Offline Authorization controls are defined in a Chip and the upper limit for consecutive
offline counters is specified, all Chip-initiated Transactions must go Online if the upper limit for the
total number or value of consecutive offline Transactions is exceeded. If the terminal is unable to
go Online, the Transaction must be declined.
4.1.19.25 Consecutive Offline Chip Authorization Counters Requirement – AP Region

In the AP Region: An Issuer must ensure a domestic Contactless Transaction is authorized online if
the cumulative value of consecutive domestic Contactless Transactions authorized offline exceeds
the following limits:
Table 4-13: Domestic Contactless Transaction Offline Authorization Limits – AP Region
Country / Territory Cumulative Offline Limits
Hong Kong HKD 1,000
Indonesia IDR 500,000
Japan JPY 50,000
Malaysia MYR 400
Philippines PHP 5,000
Singapore SGD 200
Taiwan NTD 10,000
Thailand THB 4,500
4.1.19.26 Cardholder Name on Chip

For all Contactless Payment Devices issued on after 1 October 2015,1,2 an Issuer must ensure that
the Cardholder name is either:

4 Issuance
l Not personalized to be accessible via the contactless interface in the Chip

l Encoded with a generic identifier so that the actual Cardholder name is not transmitted through
a Contactless Transaction
1
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region: 1 April 2015
2
In the CEMEA Region (Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates): 1 July
2015
4.1.19.27 Service Codes on Chip Cards

An Issuer must use a Service Code X on all EMV-Compliant and VIS-Compliant Chip Cards bearing
the Visa Brand Mark, Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier, or Plus Symbol.
4.1.19.28 Effective Date and Expiration Date Consistency

The expiration date contained in the Chip must be the same as the expiration date encoded on the
Magnetic Stripe and on the Card (if displayed). If applicable, the expiration date of proprietary
services on the Card must not exceed the Visa or Visa Electron Payment Application expiration date.
The expiration date on a Visa Card, Visa Electron Card, or Card bearing the Plus Symbol must not be
later than the expiration date of the Issuer’s Public Key, or any security feature containing an
expiration date in a Chip, if one is present on the Card.
If an application effective date on a Chip Card is provided within the Chip, it must reflect the same
month as the “VALID FROM” date displayed on the Card, if such a date appears on the Card.
For Chip Card products approved by Visa on or after 1 January 2016, an Issuer must ensure that the
expiration date contained in the Chip, encoded on the Magnetic Stripe and, if applicable, printed
on the Card does not extend beyond the date the product is scheduled to be removed from the
list of Visa-approved Chip products.
Visa reserves the right to remove a Chip product from the list earlier than the scheduled date if it
discovers a significant security flaw with the associated Chip.

4 Issuance
4.1.19.29 Integrated Circuit Card Verification Value (iCVV) Requirements – AP Region

In the AP Region: A Chip Card Issuer must certify support for the Integrated Circuit Card Verification
Value (iCVV) in the Magnetic Stripe data encoded on the Chip.
The Card Verification Value (CVV) encoded on other (non-Magnetic Stripe) technologies must
differ from the CVV encoded on the physical Magnetic Stripe.
4.1.19.30 Issuer Requirements for Post-Issuance Updates

Post-Issuance Updates, or new application loading to a Chip containing a Visa or Visa Electron
Payment Application must not adversely impact the Transaction completion time at an Acceptance
Device or an ATM.
Post-Issuance Updates to add an application or a service to a Visa or Visa Electron Payment
Application is not permitted unless the Card bears the appropriate Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand
Mark with the Electron Identifier.
Post-Issuance Updates to load an application or a service to a proprietary ATM application that
supports Plus requires the addition of the Plus Symbol at the time of Card reissuance. Card
reissuance must occur within 5 years of loading the application or service.
4.1.19.31 Issuer Control of Post-Issuance Updates

Post-Issuance Updates to a Chip Card containing a Visa or Visa Electron Payment Application must
be controlled exclusively by the Issuer.
4.1.19.32 Mobile Gateways – Issuer Requirements

An Issuer that uses a mobile gateway for its Mobile Payment Devices must ensure that the mobile
gateway is approved by Visa.

4 Issuance
4.1.19.33 Mobile Payment Devices – Cardholder Verification Method Requirements

An Issuer of a Mobile Payment Device must ensure that the Mobile Payment Device1 supports a
Consumer Device Cardholder Verification Method (CDCVM).
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, US Region: An Issuer of a Mobile Payment Device must ensure
that the Mobile Payment Device supports signature as a Cardholder Verification Method.
In the AP Region: Mobile Payment Devices that facilitate QR code Transactions must support
CDCVM as the only Cardholder Verification Method.
1
Except a Visa Micro Tag
4.1.19.34 Mobile Payment Devices – Issuer Requirements

An Issuer of a Mobile Payment Device must both:
l Register with Visa
l Ensure that the Mobile Payment Device is approved by Visa
An Issuer may use any of the following:
l A Visa-approved secure element and a Visa-approved Visa Mobile Payment Application
l A Visa-approved cloud-based payments Visa Mobile Payment Application.
l Effective through 19 July 2019 In the US Region: An Issuer may use a QR code.
l Effective 20 July 2019 In the AP Region, US Region: An Issuer may use a QR code.
If an Issuer pre-sets a Consumer Device Cardholder Verification Method (CDCVM) on the Mobile
Payment Device, it must not use a CDCVM that is the same as, or otherwise represents, the PIN on
the account if the PIN may also be used with the corresponding standard Card.
An Issuer must not systematically synchronize the Online PIN and the CDCVM on a Mobile Payment
Device if the Online PIN is also linked to the corresponding standard Card.
If an Issuer that provides access to a mobile wallet (or an entity acting on the Issuer’s behalf to
provide access to a mobile wallet solution) uses a secure element and a Visa Mobile Payment
Application deployed on or after 1 June 2015, the expiration date of the mobile payment account
set by the Issuer or the entity acting on its behalf must not exceed 10 years1 from the EMVCo
Integrated Circuit Certificate Number (ICCN) approval date, if known.

4 Issuance
If the ICCN approval date is not known, the expiration date of the mobile payment account must
not exceed 3 years from the date of provisioning of the account.
1
In the AP Region (Japan): The expiration date of the account must not exceed 5 years.
4.1.19.35 Smart Payment Application Options

An Issuer must define the Payment Application options for its Visa Smart Payment program.
4.1.19.36 Issuer Use of Visa Public Keys

An Issuer must ensure that the Visa Public Keys used for a Visa or Visa Electron Payment Application
are used solely for that purpose.
4.1.19.37 Chip Card Issuer Terminal Risk Management

A Chip Card Issuer must not inhibit Terminal Risk Management (for example: by programming the
Chip to bypass Terminal Risk Management).
4.1.19.38 Dynamic Data Authentication (DDA) Issuer Requirement

All Chip Cards that do not have contactless functionality and that support offline Authorization
must both:
l Support DDA1 (support for combined DDA/application cryptogram generation remains optional)
l Not support static data authentication2
1
Online-only Chip Cards that do not have contactless functionality or any type of offline data authentication are still
permitted.
2
In the AP Region (Japan): Effective 1 October 2023

4 Issuance
4.1.19.39 Visa Contactless Application Requirement – AP Region (Australia, Malaysia)

and US Regions
In the AP Region (Australia, Malaysia), US Region: An Issuer that issues a Visa Card with contactless
payment capability must enable the Visa Contactless Application on the Card.
In the AP Region (Australia): An Issuer must also do both of the following for a Visa Card with
multiple contactless payment applications:
l Designate and retain the Visa Contactless Application as the highest priority application
l Not modify the priority of the Visa Contactless Application after issuance
4.1.19.40 PIN as Cardholder Verification Method – Issuer Requirements – AP Region

(Australia, New Zealand)
In the AP Region (Australia, New Zealand): All newly issued or reissued Visa Cards must be issued
with a PIN as the preferred Cardholder Verification Method (CVM).1
In the AP Region (Australia): When PIN bypass is performed for a domestic Chip-initiated
Transaction that requires a PIN, the Authorization Request must be declined. This does not apply to
an Unattended Transaction.
In the AP Region (New Zealand): When PIN bypass is performed for a domestic Chip-initiated
Transaction, the Authorization Request must be declined. This requirement does not apply to an
Unattended Transaction.
1
This does not apply to non-PIN-preferring Cards issued to accommodate specific individual Cardholder needs, as required
by applicable laws or regulations.
4.1.19.41 Chip Card Application Selection Flag – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Issuer may only program an Application Selection Flag (ASF) as follows:
l Where a Compliant Chip Card displays any Visa Brand Name and a competitor brand, the Issuer
of that Compliant Chip Card may program an ASF to suppress the ability of the Visa Smart
Payment Application contained in the Compliant Chip Card to transact at domestic ATMs.
l Where a Compliant Chip Card displays any Plus Program Mark, the Issuer of that Compliant Chip
Card may program an ASF to suppress the ability of the Visa Smart Payment Application
contained in the Compliant Chip Card to transact at domestic POS and ATM locations.

4 Issuance
4.1.19.42 Chip Card Online/Offline Data Authentication – Canada and Europe Regions
The following must instruct the terminal to go Online if offline data authentication fails:
l In the Canada Region: A Compliant Chip Card
l In the Europe Region: The Payment Application
If the terminal is unable to go Online, the Transaction must be declined.
4.1.19.43 Chip Card Script Message Length – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Issuer of a Compliant Chip Card must ensure that the length of any script
message sent to any of its Compliant Chip Cards does not exceed 128 bytes per Transaction.
4.1.19.45 Chip Card Issuing Requirements – Europe Region (Liechtenstein,

Switzerland)
In the Europe Region (Liechtenstein, Switzerland): An Issuer may issue Cards using card applications
that comply with at a minimum the EMVI’16 specifications only if the Issuer satisfies the Visa
approval requirements for the use of the EMVI’16 specifications.
4.1.19.46 Chip Card Issuing Requirements – Europe Region (Germany, Luxembourg)

In the Europe Region (Germany, Luxembourg): An Issuer may issue Cards using card applications
that comply with the SECCOS specifications only if the Issuer satisfies the Visa approval
requirements for the use of the SECCOS specifications.
4.1.19.47 Identification of a Chip Card – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Chip Card Issuer must ensure that the Issuer is designated and identified to
a Cardholder as the Issuer of that Cardholder’s Chip Card. Only one Issuer may be identified to the

4 Issuance
Cardholder in relation to each Chip Card.
4.1.19.48 Visa Smart Debit/Credit Personalization Assistant – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: For a new and/or modified Chip Card program, an Issuer must submit to Visa
both:
l A Card profile for validation using the Visa Smart Debit/Credit Personalization Assistant Tool
l A personalized Card showing that the production Card matches the Visa Smart Debit/Credit
Personalization Assistant Profile submitted to, and approved by, Visa. The personalized Card may
contain either test keys or production keys and may be used for Issuer host certification.
4.1.19.49 Contactless Payment Device Issuance Requirements – AP, CEMEA, Europe,

and LAC Regions
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, LAC Region: An Issuer must comply with all of the
following:
Table 4-14: Contactless Payment Device Issuance Requirements – AP Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region,
and LAC Region
Issuer Region/Country Requirements
AP Region
All countries A Chip Card issued on or after 13 October 2018 must have Contactless
capability. This does not apply to a Non-Reloadable Prepaid Card.
CEMEA Region
Effective 13 April 2019 A Card issued on or after 13 April 2019 must have Contactless capability.
This does not apply to a Non-Reloadable Prepaid Card.
All countries
Europe Region
Andorra, Austria, Bulgaria, A new or replacement Card must have Contactless capability or be issued
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, in conjunction with a Visa Micro Tag or a Mobile Payment Device. This
Denmark, Finland, France, does not apply to:
Germany, Gibraltar, Greece,
l A Visa Prepaid Card

4 Issuance
Table 4-14: Contactless Payment Device Issuance Requirements – AP Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region,
and LAC Region (continued)
Issuer Region/Country Requirements
Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, l A Visa Purchasing Card

Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,
l A card that requests Online Authorization for every Transaction
Netherlands, Poland, Republic
of Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, l An ATM access-only Card that is not used at a Point-of-Transaction
Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Acceptance Device
United Kingdom, Vatican City l A Card issued to a Cardholder that chooses to opt out of being issued
a Contactless Payment Device
Belgium, Estonia, Latvia,
Lithuania, Malta, Monaco,
Norway, Portugal, San Marino,
Sweden

Israel, Turkey
Italy l A new or replacement Card must have Contactless capability. This does
not apply to:
– An ATM access-only Card that is not used at a Point-of-Transaction
Acceptance Device
– A Card issued to a Cardholder that chooses to opt out of being
issued a Contactless Payment Device
l Effective 15 April 2023 All Cards must have Contactless capability.
LAC Region
All countries A Card issued on or after 13 October 2018 must have Contactless
capability. This does not apply to a Non-Reloadable Prepaid Card.
4.1.19.50 Issuer Liability for Visa Smart Payment – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer is responsible for setting the parameter values and processing
options contained in a Visa Smart Payment application, and any loss resulting from such parameter
values and processing options will be borne by the Issuer.

4 Issuance
4.1.19.51 Integrated Circuit Card Verification Value (iCVV) Requirements – Europe

Region
In the Europe Region: All EMV-Compliant Chip Cards must use the Integrated Card Verification
Value (iCVV) in the Magnetic Stripe data encoded on the Chip.
4.1.19.52 Chip Authorization Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: For an Authorization of a Chip Transaction that is below the Floor Limit, an
Issuer must ensure that the controls contained in each Chip are capable of both:
l Instructing the Acceptance Device to go Online
l Approving the Chip Transaction offline
4.1.19.53 Application Identifier Priority – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa-owned Application Identifier must always be the highest priority
Application Identifier personalized on a VSDC Applet,1 including in situations where the Visa Rules
permit the personalization of non-Visa Application Identifiers on a VSDC applet.
When both the Visa Application Identifier and the Visa US Common Debit Application Identifier are
personalized on a VSDC applet, the Visa Application Identifier must be the highest priority
Application Identifier.
1
This does not apply to the Visa US Common Debit Application Identifier when personalized on a non-Visa Card.
4.1.19.54 Contact and Contactless Chip Application Transaction Counter (ATC)

An Issuer must not decline a Transaction solely on the basis that the Application Transaction
Counter (ATC) is out of sequence.
In the US Region: An Issuer must validate the ATC on each of its Cards with Magnetic-Stripe Data
contactless payment capability during the Authorization process for a Contactless Transaction.

4 Issuance
4.1.19.55 Visa-Owned Chip Technology Use

Visa-owned Chip technology must be used solely for the purpose of facilitating a Visa Transaction,
Interlink transaction, Visa Electron Transaction, or Plus Transaction.1 Any other use requires the prior
written permission of Visa.
Visa-owned Chip technology includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
l Visa Integrated Circuit Card Specification
l Visa Smart Debit/Credit (VSDC) applet
l Visa Contactless Payment Specification
l Visa Mobile Contactless Payment Specification
l Visa Cloud-Based Payments Contactless Specification
l Visa Mobile Payment Application
l Visa, Interlink, Visa Electron, and Plus Payment Application Identifiers
1
In the US Region, US Territory: This does not apply to a transaction initiated using the Visa US Common Debit Application
Identifier from a US Covered Visa Debit Card personalized in accordance with the US common debit personalization
requirements or a transaction initiated as specified in the Plus System, Inc. Operating Regulations or Interlink Core Rules
and Interlink Product and Service Rules
4.1.19.56 Visa Micro Tag Issuance Requirements

An Issuer may issue a Visa Micro Tag only if a Cardholder either:
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Already possesses a
corresponding full-size Card
l Is issued a corresponding full-size Card at the same time as the Visa Micro Tag
The Visa Micro Tag and the corresponding full-size Card must be the same Visa product type and
offer the same benefits.
This does not apply to Visa Prepaid Cards that are Contactless Payment Devices.

4 Issuance
4.1.19.57 Chip Interoperability Compliance Program

Visa requires the implementation of the Chip Interoperability Compliance Program when Visa
determines that progress toward an agreed resolution is no longer acceptable.
4.1.19.58 EMV Liability Shift – Issuer Liability for Card-Present Counterfeit Chip Card
Transactions
A Counterfeit Card Transaction completed in a Card-Present Environment is the liability of the
Issuer if both:
l The Transaction takes place at an EMV-Compliant Chip-Reading Device.
l If the Transaction is Chip-initiated, it is correctly processed, and, if authorized Online, the
Authorization Request includes Full-Chip Data.
In the Europe Region: In addition, a Counterfeit Card Transaction completed in a Card-Present
Environment is the liability of the Issuer if all of the following apply:
l The Transaction does not take place at a Chip-Reading Device that complies with the Transaction
Acceptance Device Requirements, and is not a Fallback Transaction completed following correct
acceptance procedures.
l The Card is a Chip Card containing a Visa Smart Payment.
l If Online Authorization was obtained, the Authorization record indicates that either CVV
verification was not performed or that the CVV failed verification.
4.1.19.59 EMV Liability Shift – Issuer Liability for Non-Counterfeit Card-Present

Fraudulent Transactions
A non-Counterfeit Card fraudulent Transaction completed in a Card-Present Environment is the
liability of the Issuer if all of the following occur:
l The Transaction takes place at an EMV PIN-Compliant Device.
l Correct acceptance procedures have been followed (including obtaining Online approval for
Transaction amounts over the applicable maximum authorized Floor Limit).
l The Transaction is Chip-initiated and correctly processed to completion and, if authorized
Online, the Authorization Request includes Full-Chip Data.

4 Issuance
4.1.19.60 Liability for Chip Fallback Transactions

A Transaction accepted as a Fallback Transaction is the liability of the Issuer if all of the following
apply:
l The Transaction is authorized by the Issuer or the Issuer’s agent.
l Appropriate values identifying the Transaction as a Fallback Transaction are included within the
related Authorization Message.
l Correct acceptance procedures are followed.
4.1.19.61 Liability for Chip-Initiated Offline-Authorized Transactions

The Issuer is liable for a Chip-initiated, offline-authorized Transaction if all of the following apply:
l Terminal Risk Management is performed.
l Merchant’s Floor Limit is not exceeded.
4.1.19.62 Liability in Card-Present Environment – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Issuer is liable for a Transaction in a Card-Present Environment, whether or
not the Transaction is Chip-initiated, when both the:
l Transaction takes place at a Compliant Chip Card Reading Device with a Compliant PIN entry
device within Canada
l The Acquirer has complied with all Card acceptance requirements
4.1.20 Pass-Through Digital Wallet Requirements
4.1.20.1 Pass-Through Digital Wallet Requirements

For a Pass-Through Digital Wallet, a Digital Wallet Operator (DWO) must:

4 Issuance
l At the time of loading the Cardholder information in the Pass-Through Digital Wallet, obtain
written Cardholder consent to all of the following:
– Use of the stored account information to initiate Transactions
– The purpose for which the Cardholder’s information will be used
– The expiration date of the agreement, if applicable
l Not contract with another DWO to provide payment services
l Display on the payment screen and all screens that show Account information both:
– The last 4 digits of the Account Number or Token
– The Visa Brand Mark or the name “Visa” in text immediately next to a Visa payment option
4.1.21 Card Personalization – Europe Region
4.1.21.1 Card Personalization Requirements – Europe Region (Italy)

In the Europe Region (Italy): An Issuer must ensure that all Cards are personalized to support Cash-
Back.
4.2 Visa Electron
4.2.1 Visa Electron Issuer Requirements
4.2.1.1 Visa Electron Program Features

An Issuer must ensure that its Visa Electron Program offers all of the following:
l Use for International Transactions1 and Domestic Transactions
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Use for Electronic
Commerce Transactions and other Card-Absent Environment Transactions2
l For Card-Present Environment Transactions (including ATM and Manual Cash Disbursements),
both:
– Signature or PIN verification
– 100% Online Authorization

4 Issuance
1
Except as specified in Section 4.1.1.5, Issuance of Domestic Use-Only Visa Cards
2
This does not apply in the LAC Region (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Trinidad).
4.2.1.2 Cardholder Instructions for Visa Electron Card Use

A Visa Electron Issuer must inform its Cardholders that a Visa Electron Card may be used:
l At a Merchant Outlet displaying the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
l At an ATM displaying the Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
4.3 Visa Check Card
4.3.1 Visa Check Card – Issuer Requirements
4.3.1.1 Visa Check Card Account Restrictions – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Check Card may be used to access a deposit, investment, or other
consumer asset account, including a fiduciary account.
A Visa Check Card must not be used to obtain credit, as defined in 12 CFR Part 226 (Regulation Z),
unless it involves only an incidental extension of credit under an agreement between the
Cardholder and the Issuer, either:
l When the Cardholder’s account is overdrawn
l To maintain a specified minimum balance in the Cardholder’s account
Visa reserves the right to determine the application of the definition of the Visa Check Card.
4.3.1.2 Visa Check Card Activation – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must both:
l Require activation of all Visa Check Cards initially issued to Cardholders who did not expressly
request or apply for the Visa Check Card
l As part of the activation process, require Cardholders to validate their identity by reasonable
means before being able to use the Card

4 Issuance
4.3.1.3 Visa Check Card Point-of-Sale Balance Inquiry – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Check Card Issuer must not provide account balance information in
response to a Point-of Sale Balance Inquiry on any of its Visa Check Card products.
4.3.2 Secured Card – Issuer Requirements
4.3.2.1 Secured Card Security Deposit Requirement – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must hold any cash security deposit for issuance of a Visa Card in a
federally insured account in the name of the Cardholder.
The Issuer must not assign an interest in a security deposit to any third party.
4.3.2.2 Secured Visa Card Solicitations – US Region

In the US Region: A Member or its Agent that solicits a secured Visa Card account must do all of the
following:
l Specify in its solicitation material that to obtain the Visa Card, the potential Cardholder must
open a deposit account that will serve as collateral for the Visa Card account
l Indicate the portion of the deposit that will be allocated as the line of credit accessed by the
Visa Card
l Ensure that any secured Visa Card application processing fees accepted from the Cardholder are
made payable to the Issuer, not the Agent
4.4 Visa Gold
4.4.2 Visa Gold – Issuer Requirements
4.4.2.1 Visa Gold/Premier Card Issuance

A Visa Gold Card or Visa Premier Card Issuer:

4 Issuance
l Must comply with the global support services requirements, either independently or through
Visa
l May offer its Visa Gold Cards or Visa Premier Cards as any type of payment device with an option
to access any of the following:
– Line of credit
– Depository account
– Other Cardholder assets available through the Issuer
l In the Europe Region (France): A Visa Premier Card Issuer must:
– Provide a welcome pack, approved by Visa, for newly subscribed Cardholders, including the
services associated and, at least twice a year, information on Merchant offers
– Provide travel insurance and medical assistance for all trips, in accordance with the
corresponding notice information
4.4.2.2 Visa Gold and Platinum Cards Issued on a Visa Platinum BIN – CEMEA Region
In the CEMEA Region: A Visa Gold Card issued on a Visa Platinum BIN must comply with the Visa
Gold Card design requirements.
4.4.2.3 Visa Gold/Premier Issuer Certification – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Visa Gold/Premier Issuer must provide to Visa, at least 30 calendar days
before issuance, an application for written certification from Visa certifying that its programs,
systems, procedures, and services comply with the Visa Rules.
4.4.3 Visa Gold – Features and Benefits
4.4.3.1 Visa Gold Card Product Requirements – AP Region (Japan)

In the AP Region (Japan): A Visa Gold Card Issuer must do all of the following:

4 Issuance
l Provide a Minimum Spending Limit of JPY 500,000 to its Visa Gold Cardholders
l Provide travel accident insurance coverage and/or Cardholder rewards and benefits as specified
in Table 4-15, Visa Gold Product Minimum Level of Cardholder Rewards and Benefits – AP Region
(Japan).
l Submit to Visa in writing an official quote from an insurance company for both the travel
accident insurance and any proposed new features at least 30 calendar days before its
implementation
l Certify its compliance with all of the Visa Gold product requirements 90 calendar days before
program launch
Table 4-15: Visa Gold Product Minimum Level of Cardholder Rewards and Benefits – AP Region (Japan)
Travel accident insurance Total benefit value from the Rewards

four categories of insurance,
retail, travel, and lifestyle, per
year
Credit USD 500,000 USD 70 50 basis points
N/A USD 150 50 basis points
USD 500,000 N/A 100 basis points
Debit USD 500,000 N/A 50 basis points
4.4.3.2 Visa Gold Card Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver – Canada Region
In the Canada Region: A consumer Visa Gold Card Issuer may offer collision/loss damage insurance
either:
l Through the Visa Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver program
l Independently
If the Issuer offers the Visa Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver program, the Cardholder may
obtain information about the program through Visa Global Customer Care Services, unless Visa has
approved alternate arrangements.

4 Issuance
4.5 Visa Platinum
4.5.1 Visa Platinum – Card Requirements
4.5.1.2 Visa Platinum Debit Product Name Requirements – AP Region (Australia)

In the AP Region (Australia): A Visa Platinum debit Card Issuer must use either the product name
“Platinum” or an alternative name that complies with all of the following:
l Reflects the status of a premium debit product
l Is a unique name to identify the product type
l Is easily recognizable by a Merchant
l Is clearly displayed on the front of the Card
l Is not used for any other Visa product type
l Is only shared with other payment network-branded products that target an equivalent customer
segment
4.5.2 Visa Platinum – Customer Service Requirements
4.5.2.1 Visa Platinum Card Customer Service Telephone Number – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: A Visa Platinum Card Issuer must provide to its Visa Platinum Cardholders a
customer service telephone number available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4.5.3 Visa Platinum – Issuer Requirements
4.5.3.2 Visa Platinum Card Issuance Requirements – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: A Visa Platinum Card Issuer must comply with all requirements related to
Visa Gold Cards.

4 Issuance
4.5.3.4 Visa Platinum Card Issuance Requirements – Europe Region (France)

In the Europe Region (France): A Visa Platinum Card Issuer must:
l Display the Visa Platinum URL (visaplatinum.fr) in all communications to Cardholders
l Implement a website enabling Cardholders to access all documents relating to Visa Platinum
4.5.4 Visa Platinum – Features and Benefits
4.5.4.4 Visa Platinum Card Core Services – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Visa Platinum Card Issuer must do all of the following:
l Provide both of the following services, through contract with a service provider, to its
Cardholders travelling outside the country of Card issuance:
– Medical referral service. The service provider must do all of the following:
▪ Supply the Cardholder with details of the nearest hospital or doctor
▪ Appoint a qualified medical practitioner to establish the condition of the Cardholder during
treatment and relay that information to the Cardholder and the Cardholder’s family
members
▪ Offer telephone translation services between the Cardholder and the medical attendant
▪ Offer to assist in arranging payment of emergency medical bills. The Cardholder is fully
liable for payment of emergency medical bills.
– Legal referral service. The service provider must do all of the following:
▪ Supply the Cardholder with details of local attorneys, embassies, or consulates
▪ Offer to communicate details throughout the emergency to the Cardholder’s family or
associates
▪ Offer to assist in arranging payment of bail or emergency legal fees. The Cardholder is fully
liable for payment of bail or emergency legal fees.
l Ensure that the services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
l Notify its Cardholders of the availability of the emergency travel assistance services and provide
them with the telephone number through which they may obtain these services.

4 Issuance
4.5.4.6 Visa Platinum Card Travel Rewards Program – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Platinum credit Card Issuer must provide a rewards program that offers
Cardholders, through purchases with Visa Platinum Cards, the ability to accumulate points that can
be redeemed for, at a minimum, airline travel.
The rewards program may be sponsored by Visa (Visa Rewards), an Issuer, or through an Airline
Affinity/Co-Brand program.
Cardholders must not be assessed an additional fee for membership in the rewards program.
Visa Platinum debit Cards are exempt from any obligation to offer any rewards programs.
4.5.5 Visa Platinum Prepaid – Issuer Requirements
4.5.5.3 Visa Platinum Prepaid Card Program Issuance Requirements – Canada

Region
In the Canada Region: A Visa Platinum Prepaid Card Issuer must do all of the following:
l Comply with the requirements for Visa Prepaid Cards and Section 4.11.1.1, Visa Prepaid Card
Program Issuance Requirements
l Ensure all Visa Platinum Prepaid Cards are:
– Issued as EMV Chip Cards with the Visa Contactless Application
– Issued for domestic and international use
– Issued as Reloadable Cards and allow a minimum cumulative load of CAD 2,000
l Enable the Cardholder to do all of the following:
– Have access to online account management (account balance, Transaction history)
– Offer a mobile application that at a minimum allows the Cardholder to check balances and
transaction history
– Establish alerts via email, text message, or mobile application
l Provide an ongoing and relevant benefits or a rewards program

4 Issuance
4.6 Visa Rewards
4.6.3 Visa Rewards – Features and Benefits
4.6.3.2 Visa Rewards Product Benefits Requirements – AP Region (Australia)

In the AP Region (Australia): A Visa Rewards Product Issuer must provide its Visa Rewards
Cardholders all of the following benefits:
Table 4-16: Visa Rewards Product Benefits – AP Region (Australia)
Benefit Description
1
Cardholder Insurance Provide one or more insurance options to Visa Rewards Product Cardholders.
The total unit cost per premium must match or exceed the current unit of cost
providing USD 500,000 (or local currency equivalent) of travel accident insurance
except where prohibited by applicable laws or regulations.
The Issuer must submit to Visa in writing an official quote from an insurance
company for both the travel accident insurance and the proposed new features
at least 30 calendar days before its implementation.
1
Concierge Services Offer concierge services and must make these services available through a
customer service attendant by telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Rewards Program If it sets a cap on spend that earns rewards currency, not set such spend cap at
less than X per month or X per year.
Communicate both of the following to its Visa Rewards Cardholders:
l Visa benefits of the Visa Rewards Card at least twice per year
l New benefits or changes to existing benefits at least 2 months before the
effective date
Effective 20 July 2019 An Issuer that opts to not offer a Minimum Spending Limit to its Cardholders
2
Merchant Benefit must instead offer a Merchant-specific benefit (for example: free shipping, free
expedited delivery, free goods and services) of AUD 100 per year.
1
An Issuer may instead offer an alternative Cardholder benefit, as specified in Section X.
2
This does not apply to an Issuer that offers its Cardholder an annual Minimum Spending Limit, as specified in
Section X

4 Issuance
4.6.4 Visa Traditional Rewards – Issuer Requirements
4.6.4.1 Visa Traditional Rewards Product Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Traditional Rewards Card Issuer must comply with Visa Traditional product
requirements, including, but not limited to, core service requirements.
4.6.4.3 Issuer Rewards Program Registration – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must:
l Register its Visa Traditional Rewards program with Visa
4.6.4.5 Visa Traditional Rewards Program Penalties for Non-Compliance – US

Region
In the US Region: A Visa Traditional Rewards Card Issuer must meet the Visa Traditional Rewards
Card product requirements to qualify for and receive the Visa Traditional Rewards Interchange
Reimbursement Fee (IRF), or it may be subject to non-compliance assessments.
4.6.5 Visa Traditional Rewards – Features and Benefits
4.6.5.1 Visa Traditional Rewards Program Participation – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Traditional Rewards Card Issuer must do all of the following:
l Offer a rewards program to its Visa Traditional Cardholders
l Notify Cardholders, at least quarterly, of their Rewards Currency via a stand-alone communication
piece
4.6.5.2 Visa Traditional Rewards Terms and Conditions – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Traditional Rewards Card Issuer must comply with all of the following:

4 Issuance
l Provide complete and accurate disclosure of all Visa Traditional Rewards Card terms and
conditions, including, but not limited to, Rewards Currency, Rewards Currency accrual, expiration
and maximum cap, point redemption, costs, fees (if any), an explanation of Qualifying Purchases,
and all other material terms and conditions upon Cardholder enrollment in the program, and as
required by applicable laws and regulations
l Communicate in writing the value of the Rewards Currency to its Cardholders, annually or as
required by applicable laws or regulations, including, at minimum, all of the following
information:
– Amount earned
– Amount redeemed
– Balance remaining
l Notify the Cardholder of any material changes to the program terms and conditions before the
revision effective date
l Ensure the accuracy of any information that it or its Agent provides to its Cardholders
4.7 Visa Signature
4.7.1 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred – Card Requirements
4.7.1.1 Visa Signature Card Requirements

A Visa Signature Card Issuer must include features and services equivalent to the Visa Infinite Card
and all of the following:
l No pre-set spending limit1
l Access to web services specific to Visa Signature Cardholders
l A Card design specific to a Visa Signature Card
1
In the US Region: This only applies to Visa Signature Cards issued as Visa Charge Cards.

4 Issuance
4.7.1.4 Visa Signature Card Point-of-Sale Spend Requirement – AP and CEMEA

Regions
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region: A Visa Signature Card must meet the country-specific spend
threshold established by Visa, failing which Visa may automatically modify the Interchange
Reimbursement Fee (IRF) designation for the Card account using the spend qualification
assessment. The IRF designation will be determined based on whether the Card account meets or
does not meet the Visa Signature Card spend threshold.
Spend qualification assessment methodology may be defined by Visa within the specific country.
4.7.2 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred – Customer Service

Requirements
4.7.2.1 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred Card Customer Service
Requirements – US Region
In the US Region: A Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred Issuer must do all of the following:
l Provide to its Cardholders a customer service toll-free telephone number available 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week
l Ensure that the number is:
– Serviced either by a customer service agent or a voice response unit
Issuers must also ensure access to account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through any
or all of the following:
l Customer service agent
l A voice response unit
l Online access
4.7.2.2 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred Card Website – US Region
In the US Region: A Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred Issuer must provide its Cardholders
access to a website that offers special information and services specific to its Visa Signature and
Visa Signature Preferred Cardholders.

4 Issuance
4.7.3 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred – Issuer Requirements
4.7.3.9 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred Cardholder Notification – US

Region
In the US Region: A Visa Signature or Visa Signature Preferred Issuer must provide notification to
the Cardholder both:
l Before ongoing Transactions can be declined
l When an account needs to be suspended or closed for any reason
4.7.3.10 Visa Signature Card Enhanced Billing Support – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Signature Issuer must provide enhanced billing support resolution services
to X.
4.7.4 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred – Features and Benefits
4.7.4.6 Visa Signature Card Travel Rewards Program – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Signature Card Issuer must provide a rewards program that offers
Cardholders, through purchases with Visa Signature, the ability to accumulate points that can be
redeemed for Airline travel. The rewards program may be sponsored by Visa (Visa Rewards), an
Issuer, or an Airline Affinity/Co-Brand program. Cardholders must not be assessed an additional fee
for membership in the rewards program.
4.7.4.7 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred Spending Limits and Payment
Options – US Region
In the US Region: A Visa Signature Issuer may allow a Visa Signature Cardholder the option to
either:

4 Issuance
l Pay in full each statement cycle. The Minimum Spending Limit for a Visa Signature Card issued as
a Visa Charge Card must not be less than USD 2,000 per month.
l Revolve. This option does not apply to Visa Charge Cards.
– For Visa Signature Cards, if positioned as a revolving product, the Issuer must permit a
minimum revolving balance of at least USD 5,000 during each statement cycle.
– For Visa Signature Preferred Cards, if the Visa Signature Preferred Cardholder is allowed the
option to revolve, the Issuer must permit a minimum revolving balance of at least USD 5,000
during each statement cycle.
4.7.4.8 Visa Signature and Visa Signature Preferred Rewards Program Participation
– US Region
In the US Region: A Visa Signature or Visa Signature Preferred Issuer must both:
l Offer a rewards program to its Visa Signature or Visa Signature Preferred Cardholders
l Notify Cardholders, at least quarterly, via billing statement or stand-alone statement, of reward
points earned during the relevant period
4.8 Visa Infinite
4.8.1 Visa Infinite/Visa Infinite Privilege – Card Requirements
4.8.1.1 Visa Infinite Card Spending Limits

In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, LAC Region, US Region: An Issuer1,2 must offer its
Visa Infinite Cardholders either:
l A no pre-set limit, excluding Emergency Card Replacements
l A Minimum Spending Limit of X during each statement cycle in which a Cardholder has satisfied
previous obligations to the Issuer.
1
Effective through 30 June 2019
In the AP Region (Mainland China): This requirement does not apply to Visa Infinite debit Card Issuers.
In the AP Region (Mainland China, India): This requirement does not apply to Visa Infinite debit Card Issuers.
2
In the AP Region (Singapore): This requirement does not apply to Visa Infinite debit Card Issuers.

4 Issuance
4.8.1.2 Visa Infinite Card Features and Branding Requirements

A Visa Infinite Card Issuer must do all of the following:
l Offer features that differentiate the Visa Infinite Card from any other Visa Card product it issues
l Offer highest purchasing power available within the applicable Visa Region and the Issuer’s Visa
Card portfolio, except when the Member-developed Card product:
– Is not branded with a Visa Card product name
– Does not use the Sample Card Design or reserved color of a Visa Card product
l In the US Region: Use the product name “Visa Infinite” on all Visa Infinite Cards and include it in
all solicitations, advertising, promotions, and all its Cardholder communications
4.8.1.4 Visa Infinite Debit Card Issuance Requirements – AP Region (Mainland China,
India, Singapore)
In the AP Region (Mainland China): An Issuer may provide a Visa Infinite debit Card only to a
Cardholder who has a minimum assets under management of X (or foreign currency equivalent)
with the Issuer.
In the AP Region (India): An Issuer may provide a Visa Infinite debit Card only to a Cardholder
who has minimum assets under management of INR 3,000,000 with the Issuer.
In the AP Region (Singapore): An Issuer may provide a Visa Infinite debit Card only to a Cardholder
who has a minimum assets under management of SGD 500,000 with the Issuer.
4.8.2 Visa Infinite/Visa Infinite Privilege – Customer Service Requirements
4.8.2.2 Visa Infinite Card Emergency Services

If a Visa Infinite Issuer offers emergency services through the Visa Global Customer Assistance
Services, it must do all of the following:

4 Issuance
l Provide a toll-free or international collect-call telephone number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
l Communicate the telephone number to the Cardholder annually
l In the US Region: In addition, both:
– Activate and publish the domestic toll-free and international collect-call telephone number
for emergency support
– Provide the domestic toll-free number on the monthly billing statement.
4.8.2.3 Visa Infinite Cardholder Notification and Complaints

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, US Region: A Visa Infinite Card
Issuer must both:
l Provide advance notification to the Cardholder when an account needs to be suspended or
closed for any reason
l Monitor customer complaints related to Transaction Authorizations
4.8.3 Visa Infinite/Visa Infinite Privilege – Issuer Requirements
4.8.3.1 Visa Infinite/Visa Infinite Privilege Card Permitted Account Types

At the option of Visa, a Visa Infinite Issuer may support the following account types:
l In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region: A credit, charge, or debit account
l In the Canada Region: For Visa Infinite, a credit, charge, or debit account
l In the Canada Region: For Visa Infinite Privilege, a credit or charge account
l In the LAC Region: Credit, charge, debit, or Prepaid Account
l In the US Region: A credit or charge account

4 Issuance
4.8.3.6 Visa Infinite Privilege Program Compliance with Visa Infinite Rules – Canada
Region
In the Canada Region: A Visa Infinite Privilege Card Issuer must comply with all requirements
related to the Visa Infinite Card program.
4.8.3.8 Declined Visa Infinite Privilege Card Transactions – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: For Visa Infinite Privilege Cards issued with a no pre-set spending limit, an
Issuer must provide notification to the Cardholder before ongoing Transactions may be declined.
4.8.3.9 Visa Infinite Privilege Card Marketing – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: A Visa Infinite Privilege Card Issuer must promote the Visa Infinite Privilege
features, benefits, and services to Cardholders
4.8.3.13 Visa Infinite Card Delinquent Account Notification – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: For Visa Infinite Cards with no pre-set spending limit, an Issuer must provide
notification to the Cardholder before declining any Transactions.
4.8.3.16 Visa Infinite Requirement to Provide Cardholder Disclosure – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Infinite Issuer must disclose all of the following to its Cardholders:
l Information related to Card benefits arranged by the Issuer with third parties
l That it may provide personal Cardholder data to Visa, its contractors, or to Third-Party Agents for
the purpose of providing Emergency Card Replacement, Emergency Cash Disbursement, or other
Card-related benefits and services
l That to the extent personal Cardholder data is provided or disclosed to obtain travel and lifestyle
or insurance benefits, the benefit providers will handle such information in accordance with their
privacy policies

4 Issuance
The Issuer must obtain Cardholder consent to the release of this information as a condition of
obtaining a Visa Infinite Card.
4.8.3.17 Visa Infinite Issuance Requirements – Europe Region (France)

In the Europe Region (France): A Visa Infinite Card Issuer must:
l Display the Visa Infinite URL (visainfinite.fr) in all communications to Cardholders
l Implement a website enabling Cardholders to access all documents relating to Visa Infinite
4.8.4 Visa Infinite/Visa Infinite Privilege – Features and Benefits
4.8.4.1 Visa Infinite Card Minimum Benefits

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, US Region: An Issuer must
provide enhanced benefits to its Visa Infinite Cardholders for all the following benefit categories:
l Priority assistance and convenience
l Exclusive privileges and rewards
l Safety and security
Effective 1 July 2019 In the AP Region (India): This does not apply to an Issuer of Visa Infinite debit
Cards.
1
Effective through 9 June 2019
In the AP Region (Myanmar): An Issuer may instead offer an alternative Cardholder benefit.
In the AP Region (Cambodia, Myanmar): An Issuer may instead offer an alternative Cardholder benefit.
4.8.4.2 Visa Infinite Card Web Services

In the AP Region,1 Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, US Region: An Issuer must, either
independently or through Visa, offer its Visa Infinite Cardholders access to a website that offers
special information and services to high-end consumers.
The Visa Infinite website must comply with all of the following:

4 Issuance
l Be limited to Visa Infinite Cardholders only

l Provide a description of Visa Infinite Card services, benefits, and features
l Provide a detailed listing of the Visa Infinite Exclusive Privileges Merchant partner offers
l Include all of the following minimum value-added content and services for travel and
entertainment:
– Travel-related content not readily available from other sources
– Online concierge service, if concierge service is offered by the Visa Region or Member’s
Infinite product
– Contact information for Cardholders to inquire about Visa Infinite services and to provide
feedback
l In the US Region: In addition, both:
– Enable Cardholder access to the Visa Infinite benefits portal hosted by Visa on behalf of the
Issuer
– Comply with the Visa content guidelines and approval requirements for any offers or content
provided by or on behalf of the Issuer for use in connection with the Visa Infinite benefits
portal
1
In the AP Region (India): This requirement does not apply to Visa Infinite debit Card Issuers.
4.8.4.13 Visa Infinite Privilege Card Website – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: A Visa Infinite Privilege Card Issuer must provide its Cardholders exclusive
access to the Visa Infinite Privilege website that:
l Details information about Visa Infinite Privilege Card features, services, and benefits
l Enables Cardholders to link from the Issuer website to the Visa Infinite Privilege dedicated
website
4.8.4.15 Visa Infinite Card Core Features – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Visa Infinite Card Issuer must provide all of the following core services to
its Cardholders:

4 Issuance
l Both of the following safety and security features:

– Medical referral, assistance, and emergency services
– Legal referral, assistance, and Cash Disbursement services
l Both of the following priority assistance and convenience features:
– Customer service representatives available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
– Concierge service
l Merchant partner program
4.10 Campus Cards
4.10.1 Campus Card – Issuer Requirements
4.10.1.1 Visa Campus Card Issuance – US Region

In the US Region: Participation in Visa Campus Card program is limited to principal Issuers and
Sponsored Members.
A Campus Card Issuer must do all of the following:
l Limit issuance of a Visa Campus Card to:
– A Visa Debit Campus Card or a Visa Prepaid Card
– “Active” student, staff, or faculty members at colleges and universities as defined by the Issuer
in association with each school. “Active” status must be associated with the Cardholder’s
academic or employment status with the school.
l Ensure that any student identification number printed on the Campus Card does not contain any
portion of the student’s Social Security Number, the Account Number or any other number that
may present a privacy or security risk
l Limit issuance of a Visa Campus Card to:
– Identification
– Building access
– Library access
– Other Visa-approved proprietary closed-loop applications
l Enable alternative network routing as required to comply with Regulation II

4 Issuance
4.10.1.2 Campus Card Extraneous Numbers or Devices – US Region

In the US Region: Any extraneous number or device embossed, printed, etched, encoded, or
otherwise affixed to a Campus Card must not be used to facilitate any financial transactions, other
than closed-loop proprietary college or university system transactions.
4.11 Prepaid
4.11.1 Prepaid – Issuer Requirements
4.11.1.1 Visa Prepaid Card Program Issuance Requirements

A Visa Prepaid Card Issuer must:
l Obtain Visa approval prior to implementing a Visa Prepaid Card program
l Adhere to anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing requirements
l Prohibit unauthorized reselling of its Visa Prepaid Cards or accounts
l Not issue Visa Prepaid Cards as any type of consumer credit program that extends a line of credit
l Ensure that the expiration date encoded on the Magnetic Stripe and Chip (when used) and
embossed or printed on the Visa Prepaid Card (if applicable) does not exceed 5 years from the
date of issuance
l Provide a customer service telephone number to Cardholders
l Support Authorization Reversals
4.11.1.3 Visa Prepaid Card Funds and Reserves Requirements

A Visa Prepaid Card Issuer must establish fund reserves to cover Visa Prepaid Card Transactions and
Settlement obligations. The Issuer must do all of the following:
l Ensure that prepaid funds are used only for valid Presentments
l Ensure that reserves are used only to cover direct program losses

4 Issuance
l Monitor Agent reserves and account funding, including that of Mobile Network Operators
(MNOs), and have access to Agent and MNO systems
l Periodically review and monitor Cardholder funds, including exception reporting
l In instances where the settlement or movement of funds between a Visa Prepaid Card Issuer and
its Agent is delayed, Issuers must ensure timely settlement of funds with their Agents to be
compliant with Visa Issuer settlement requirements
A Visa Prepaid Card Issuer must hold and control all Visa Prepaid Card funds and Agent reserves in
an account controlled by the Issuer. This requirement does not apply to:
l Members in countries where applicable laws or regulations require funds to be held in approved
trust accounts
l In the US Region, Issuers of Visa Health Savings Account (HSA) programs, where funds must be
held in an IRS-approved trust account
l Issuers of Visa Mobile Prepaid (VMP) where funds are held with an Issuer-approved Mobile
Network Operator’s (MNO) financial institution partner
l In the US Region, funds on deposit at an organization other than the Issuer’s, as specified in
Section 4.1.1.11, Card Accessing Cardholder Funds on Deposit – US Region
A Visa Mobile Prepaid (VMP) Issuer must:
l Establish and hold reserves from the MNO to cover Card Transactions and Visa Settlement
obligations
l Perform annual due diligence on the MNO’s financial institution partner
4.11.1.4 Visa Prepaid Account Balances

An Issuer must disclose its obligation for Card balances to its Visa Prepaid Cardholder. The
disclosure must comply with all of the following:
l Be either in writing or other appropriate means as approved by Visa
l Identify the Issuer responsible for Prepaid Account balances either on the front or back of the
Card
l Not imply that Visa is liable for outstanding balances

4 Issuance
4.11.1.8 Point-of-Sale Balance Inquiry and Point-of-Sale Balance Return Service –

Issuer Participation Conditions
An Issuer that participates in the Point-of-Sale Balance Inquiry and/or a Point-of-Sale Balance
Return Service must complete systems testing with Visa.
4.11.1.11 Visa Prepaid Card Transaction Data Requirements – LAC Region (Brazil)
In the LAC Region (Brazil): An Issuer of a Visa Prepaid Card must be able to receive the Merchant
legal name and Merchant tax identification number in the Clearing Record for a Transaction
completed with a Visa Prepaid Card of government programs.
4.11.1.14 Visa Consumer and Government Disbursement Reloadable Prepaid Cards –

Issuer Requirements – Canada Region
In the Canada Region: An Issuer of a Visa Consumer Card or government disbursement Reloadable
Prepaid Card1 must do all of the following:
l Not charge the Cardholder a fee for domestic point-of-sale and domestic Card-Absent
Environment Transactions
l Offer free access to financial education and tools to the Cardholder and clearly communicate
available financial education and tools in Cardholder communications and where the Reloadable
Prepaid Card is being promoted2
l Enable the Cardholder to:
– Reload funds on the Card through one free method, including, but not limited to, bill
payment, bank transfers, retail load hubs, direct deposit, credit or debit Card, cash, person-to-
person funds transfer, mobile remote check deposit, or point-of-sale reload network
– Check available balance through one free method, including, but not limited to internet,
integrated voice response (IVR), or ATM
1
This does not apply to travel Visa Prepaid Cards issued in foreign currency and Visa Commercial Card Issuers.
2
Financial education tools may be Issuer-proprietary (Issuer-branded, -owned, and -developed) or developed by third
parties, as long as the Issuer provides the links to those resources.

4 Issuance
4.11.5 Prepaid – Distribution of Cards Outside the Country of Issuance
4.11.5.1 Limitation on Distribution of Visa Prepaid Cards Outside the Country of

Issuance
An Issuer authorized to distribute Visa Prepaid Cards outside its country of Issuance must limit such
distribution to Prepaid products that are funded solely by a multinational corporation or a
government entity.
For Visa Prepaid Cards distributed outside the country of issuance and funded by a multinational
corporation, the Issuer must do all of the following:
l Be licensed to issue Visa Cards in the country in which the multinational corporation has its
global or regional headquarters1
l Obtain prior written approval from Visa for each Visa Prepaid Card program enabled for
distribution in a different country
l Not engage in any activity that amounts to active solicitation and issuance outside the countries
in which it holds a Visa license
l Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations in each country of distribution
l Effective 20 July 2019 With the exception of corporate disbursement cards issued as incentive
cards to employees, ensure that at least 50% of the Visa Prepaid Cards issued to the multinational
corporation are distributed in countries in which the Issuer holds a Visa license
l Effective 20 July 2019 For corporate incentive programs, ensure that the number of Visa Prepaid
Cards distributed in any single country does not exceed the number distributed in the country in
which the Issuer holds a Visa license and the multinational corporation is headquartered
l For a Visa Prepaid Card funded for the purpose of insurance-to-consumer programs, ensure that
the insurance company is located within the country of the Issuer and Cards are provided only to
policy holders who are living abroad. Centralized global Card distribution for global or
multinational insurance companies is prohibited.
For Visa Prepaid Cards distributed outside the country of issuance and funded by a government
entity, the Issuer must ensure that both:
l No more than 25% of the total beneficiaries of the government disbursements under the
specified government program reside outside the country of the Issuer
l The government entity is located within the same country as the Issuer
1
This restriction does not apply to Airlines, Cruise Lines, and sea-based shipping companies.

4 Issuance
4.11.6 Prepaid – Authorization Services/Funds Access
4.11.6.1 Visa Prepaid Card Selective Authorization

A Visa Prepaid Card Issuer’s systematic decline responses to Authorization Requests for specific
Prepaid Cards must be based only on the following criteria:
l MCC
l Merchant name or terminal identification
l Location or Merchant Outlet
A Prepaid Card Issuer must obtain approval from Visa before implementing Selective Authorization
programs or limiting acceptance, except when the Issuer suspects fraudulent or unusual activity.
4.11.6.2 Partial Authorization Service – Issuer Requirements

A Visa Prepaid Card Issuer and its VisaNet Processor that offers Partial Authorization must support
Partial Authorization Transactions and Authorization Reversals.
In the Canada Region and US Region: A Visa Prepaid Card Issuer and its VisaNet Processor must
support Partial Authorization Transactions.
In the CEMEA Region (Kenya, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine): An Issuer and its VisaNet Processor must
support Partial Authorization service for domestic POS Transactions with Cash-Back.
4.11.7 Prepaid – Partners
4.11.7.2 Prepaid Partner – Load Partner Requirements

In addition to the requirements specified in Section X, a Prepaid Partner that provides Load
Transaction services must do all of the following:
A Prepaid Partner that participates in Load and Activation services must obtain Issuer approval of an
activation and load Authorization Request for Card activation for both Reloadable Prepaid Cards
and Non-Reloadable Prepaid Cards.

4 Issuance
4.11.10 Prepaid – Visa TravelMoney
4.11.10.1 Visa TravelMoney Participation

A Prepaid Card Issuer that participates in the Visa TravelMoney program must comply with all of
the following:
l Participate in the Card Verification Service
l Issue pre-assigned or customer-selected PINs to all Visa TravelMoney Cards
l Accept PIN for Cardholder verification at an ATM
l Support ATM Cash Disbursements at both Visa/Plus ATM and Manual Cash Disbursements at Visa
Member offices
l Not position Visa TravelMoney Cards as equivalent to Traveler’s Cheques
4.11.10.2 Visa TravelMoney Student Card Issuer Requirements – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa TravelMoney Student Card Issuer must both:
l Issue Cards as a Chip-enabled Prepaid Card
l Enable both Point-of-Transactions and ATM functionality on its Visa TravelMoney Student Cards
4.11.10.3 Visa TravelMoney Student Card Core Benefits – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa TravelMoney Student Card Issuer must, at a minimum, provide to its
Cardholders all of the following core product benefits, unless prohibited by applicable laws or
regulations:
l Rental car insurance, including country of residence
l Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
l Visa Purchase Protection
l Visa Price Protection
l Visa Extended Warranty
l Visa Trip Delay
l Visa Luggage Delay

4 Issuance
4.11.10.4 Visa TravelMoney – Access to Funds – US Region

In the US Region: If an Issuer offers multiple Visa TravelMoney Cards to a Cardholder, the Issuer
must both:
l Ensure full access to Visa TravelMoney funds for each Visa TravelMoney Card held by the
Cardholder. If one or more Visa TravelMoney Cards are lost, the remaining Cards must still have
access to funds.
l Replace one or more Cards up to the total number of Visa TravelMoney Cards originally
purchased if one or more are lost, stolen, or damaged.
4.11.10.5 Visa TravelMoney – ATM and POS Functionality

An Issuer that is licensed only for the issuance of Visa TravelMoney Cards must restrict the
functionality on the Card to ATM use only.1
1
This does not apply to Visa TravelMoney Student Cards.
4.11.10.6 Visa TravelMoney Cardholder Notification

An Issuer of Visa TravelMoney Cards must inform its Cardholders that a Visa TravelMoney Card may
be used at a Visa/Plus ATM location.
4.11.11 Prepaid – Visa Buxx
4.11.11.1 Visa Buxx Card Issuer Implementation Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: At least 30 days before issuing Cards, a Visa Buxx Issuer must submit to Visa
written certification that its programs, systems, procedures, and services can support Visa Buxx Card
requirements.

4 Issuance
4.11.11.2 Visa Buxx Card Issuer Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Buxx Issuer must designate a parent or an adult sponsor as the account
owner of the Card with the option for the minor/underage person to be an authorized user:
A Visa Buxx Issuer must comply with all of the following:
l Not market a Visa Buxx Card to an underage person and decline the application if the intended
authorized user is under the age of 13
l Offer the account owner the option to:
– Establish defined spending and cash access limits by Transaction amount, type, and/or
frequency
– Receive text message, email or mobile application notifications when the limits are exceeded
– Support on-demand, scheduled, or recurring minimum balance reloads in at least 3 ways, one
of which must make funds available to the Cardholder within one hour of initiating the load
l Either itself, through Visa, or a third-party provider, offer:
– Parental notification of payment activity and current balance information
– The option to receive paper and/or electronic delivery of periodic Card statements
– The ability to manage the account online
– The ability to check available balance via internet, interactive voice response (IVR), or ATM
l Enable Cardholder access to funds through the Visa ATM network with a PIN if cash access is
authorized on the account by the parent account holder.
4.11.13 Prepaid – Employee Benefits/Healthcare
4.11.13.1 Visa Employee Benefit Card Issuer Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Prepaid Card Issuer must comply with both of the following:
l Not permit cash access for its Employee Benefits Cards
l Support Retrieval Request reason code 27 (Healthcare Auto-Sub Data Retrieval Request), for the
purpose of obtaining detailed Transaction Receipt data from Acquirers, via fax, for Visa Flexible
Spending Accounts (FSA) or Visa Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

4 Issuance
4.11.14 Prepaid – Visa Mobile
4.11.14.1 Visa Mobile Prepaid General Requirements – AP, CEMEA, and LAC Regions
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region: A Member participating in Visa Mobile Prepaid must
l Receive Original Credit Transactions, where available
l Ensure that all Visa Mobile Prepaid accounts are linked to a valid mobile telephone number
l Provide Visa with mobile phone number (Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network-
Number – MSISDN) to Account Number mapping data for each active Visa Mobile Prepaid
account
4.11.14.2 Visa Mobile Prepaid Issuer Requirements – AP, CEMEA, and LAC Regions
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region: A Visa Mobile Prepaid Issuer must do all of the
following:
l Use a unique Visa Mobile Prepaid product sub-type and a Visa Prepaid Card BIN assigned to a
Visa Consumer Card, Visa Business Card, or Visa Commercial Card
l Ensure that a physical companion Card issued for a virtual Visa Mobile Prepaid account complies
with the same branding requirements as any other Visa Card
l Inform the Visa Mobile Prepaid user of any fees that may be charged
l Comply with the routing directory requirements
l Issue commercial Visa Mobile Prepaid Accounts to its Mobile Money Agents if participating in
interoperable Mobile Money Agent services
l Support authentication for all Visa Mobile Prepaid Transactions
4.11.14.3 Visa Mobile Prepaid Quarterly Reporting – AP, CEMEA, and LAC Regions
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region: A Member participating in the Visa Mobile Prepaid
Program must report its Visa Transactions in its Operating Certificate.

4 Issuance
4.11.14.4 Visa Mobile Prepaid Companion Card Requirements – AP, CEMEA, and LAC
Regions
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region: A Visa Mobile Prepaid Issuer that makes a
companion Card available to a Visa Mobile Prepaid account holder must both:
l Ensure that the Card does not have an expiration date of more than 5 years from the date of
issuance
l Encode the Magnetic Stripe with an “X2X” Service Code
4.11.14.5 Visa Mobile Prepaid Processing Requirements – AP, CEMEA, and LAC
Regions
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region: All Visa Mobile Prepaid Transactions completed on a
BIN must be processed through VisaNet.
4.11.14.6 Visa Mobile Money Operator Requirements – AP, CEMEA, and LAC Regions
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region: A Mobile Money Operator must do all of the
following:
l Register as a Third Party Agent if it is not the licensed Issuer of Visa Mobile Prepaid
l Monitor its Mobile Money Agents for signs of fraud or other illegal activity
l Maintain an accurate list of its Mobile Money Agents, which must be provided to Visa upon
request
l Ensure that its Mobile Money Agents do not add fees to what is already charged by the Mobile
Money Operator for services provided to Visa Mobile Prepaid account holders at the Mobile
Money Agent location
4.11.14.7 Visa Mobile Money Operator Authentication Requirements – AP, CEMEA,

and LAC Regions
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region: A Mobile Money Operator must do all of the
following:

4 Issuance
l Complete a Mobile Money Consumer Authentication, before sending an Authorization Request

l Complete a Mobile Money Agent Authentication, before completing a Transaction or sending an
Authorization Request. Only a Mobile Money Operator may complete the Mobile Money Agent
Authentication.
l Require the Visa Mobile Prepaid account holder to complete Mobile Money Consumer
Authentication for a Transaction only from the mobile telephone registered to the account
holder
l Protect the Visa Mobile Prepaid account holder’s account passcode in the same way that a PIN is
protected during a Transaction
4.11.14.8 Mobile Money Agent Authentication – AP, CEMEA, and LAC Regions
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region: A Mobile Money Operator must both:
l Ensure that a Mobile Money Agent completes a Mobile Money Consumer Authentication for a
Transaction only from the mobile telephone registered to the account holder’s Visa Mobile
Prepaid account
l Protect the Mobile Money Agent’s account passcode in the same way a PIN is protected during a
Transaction
4.11.15 Prepaid – Payroll/Salary
4.11.15.1 Visa Payroll Card – Cardholder Identification

A Visa Payroll Card Issuer must implement Card activation procedures that require Cardholders to
validate their identity by some reasonable means before being able to use the Card.
4.11.15.2 Visa Payroll Card – Access to Wages

A Visa Payroll Card Issuer must support Cardholder access to funds through both:
l Visa ATM Network with a PIN
l Manual Cash Disbursements at a Branch

4 Issuance
In the US Region: A Visa Payroll Card Issuer must enable Visa Payroll Cardholders to withdraw the
full balance in the Account, without cost, both:
l At least once per month
l If wages are paid more frequently than weekly, at least once per week
4.11.15.3 Visa Payroll Card – Federally Insured Cardholder Funds – US Region

In the US Region: Visa Payroll Card funds must be federally insured for the benefit of Visa Payroll
Cardholders.
4.11.16 Prepaid – Visa Vale
4.11.16.1 Visa Vale Issuer Participation – LAC Region (Argentina, Brazil)

In the LAC Region (Argentina, Brazil): An Issuer that participates in the Visa Vale program must
authorize and settle Visa Vale Transactions.
4.12 Visa Commercial Products
4.12.1 Commercial Card Issuance Requirements
4.12.1.1 Commercial Card Issuance

An Issuer may only issue Visa Commercial Cards to provide a means of payment for business-
related goods and services1,2 and must not issue a Visa Commercial Card to an individual, except as
follows:
l Employees of public- or private-sector organizations, including sole proprietors and self-
employed individuals
l Employees or contractors of an organization as part of an employer-sponsored program
l At the discretion of Visa, members of an affinity group or association that requires a means to
pay for business-related goods and services and is represented by a public- or private-sector
company

4 Issuance
1
In the US Region: This requirement does not apply to Visa Business Check Cards used to pay debt.
2
In the Europe Region: An Issuer must ensure that the terms and conditions provided to a Visa Commercial Cardholder
explicitly state that the Visa Commercial Card must be used only as a means of payment for business expenditures.
4.12.1.2 Commercial Products Core Feature Requirements

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: A Visa Commercial Card
Issuer must provide the core features specified as follows. A description of each core feature is
provided below the table.
In the Europe Region: A Visa Commercial Card Issuer must comply with the .
Table 4-17: Visa Commercial Card Core Feature Requirements – AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region,
LAC Region, and US Region
Core Feature Visa Business Card Visa Corporate Visa Purchasing Visa Platinum
1 1
and Visa Business Card Card Business Card and
1
Electron Card Visa Signature
2,3
Business Card
4
ATM Access X X X X
5
Central or X X
Individual Billing
6
Centralized Billing X X
Local Currency X X X X
6,7
Billing
4
Service Level X X X X
6,7
Standards
8 5 5
Charge Card X X
Limited Corporate X X
8
Liability
4
Management X X
Information
6,9
Reporting
Flexible X

4 Issuance
Table 4-17: Visa Commercial Card Core Feature Requirements – AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region,
LAC Region, and US Region (continued)
Core Feature Visa Business Card Visa Corporate Visa Purchasing Visa Platinum
1 1
and Visa Business Card Card Business Card and
1
Electron Card Visa Signature
2,3
Business Card
Transaction
6,7,8
Authorization
5
Individual Memo X X
10
Statements
1
In the LAC Region: Does not apply to Visa Business Electron Cards, Visa Corporate Electron Cards, and Visa
Purchasing Electron Cards
2
In the CEMEA Region: Applies to Visa Platinum Business Cards and Visa Signature Business Cards
3
In the LAC Region: Applies to Visa Signature Business Cards and Visa Infinite Business Cards
4
In the LAC Region: Applies to Visa Corporate debit Cards
5
In the US Region: Core features required for Visa Purchasing Cards
6
In the LAC Region: Also applies to Visa Agro Cards
7
In the US Region: Does not apply to Visa Commercial Cards
8
Does not apply to Visa Corporate Prepaid Cards
9
In the AP Region (Malaysia): Also applies to Visa Signature Business Charge Cards and Visa Infinite Business Charge
Cards
10
Applies to Visa Corporate Prepaid Cards
l ATM access: An Issuer must have the ability to offer a PIN to allow ATM Cash Disbursements, if
requested. This ability is not required for Visa Purchasing Cards, unless requested by the
customer. ATM access is not permitted for Vehicle-Specific Fleet Cards.
l Central or individual billing: An Issuer must offer the following billing options:
– Individual Cardholder billing with individual payment
– Individual Cardholder billing with centralized company payment
– Centralized company billing and payment
l Local currency billing: An Issuer must have the ability to bill the subscribing company’s
Cardholders in the local currency of the country where the company and Cardholder physically
reside
l Charge Card: An Issuer must have the ability to offer a non-revolving, pay-in-full option

4 Issuance
l Limited corporate liability: An Issuer must be capable of providing insurance coverage to the
subscribing company (where available) in the event of Visa Corporate or Visa Purchasing Card
misuse by employees.
l In the Canada Region: An Issuer must provide insurance to protect businesses against
unauthorized charges from misuse by employees with a minimum reimbursement of CAD
100,000 per Cardholder. Additional detailed information regarding insurance availability, options,
and features is available from Visa upon request.
l Management information reporting: An Issuer must provide management information reports on
Card usage to the subscribing company including:
– Detailed Visa Corporate Card spending by vendor, employee, and company organization units
– Detailed Visa Purchasing Card spending activity necessary to administer a Visa Purchasing Card
program. Spending activity processing requirements may be defined by Visa
– In the CEMEA Region: A detailed Visa Platinum Business Debit Card and Visa Signature Business
Debit Card spending by employee
l Flexible Transaction Authorization: An Issuer must have the ability to restrict a purchase based
upon a Transaction amount or Merchant Category Code specified by a client.
l Individual memo statements: An Issuer must have the ability to send a Transaction verification
statement to each Cardholder.
4.12.1.3 Commercial Products Mandatory Core Services

A Visa Commercial Card Issuer must provide to its Cardholders all of the core services specified as
follows:
Table 4-18: Visa Commercial Card Mandatory Core Services
Mandatory Core Services Visa Visa Visa

Business Corporate Purchasing
Card Card Card
1,2,3 4
Medical referral, medical assistance, and emergency services X X N/A
1,2,3 4
Legal referral, legal assistance, and cash disbursement services X X N/A
Free 24-hour telephone number to obtain emergency services X X X

(Issuer must communicate the telephone number to the
3
Cardholder at least once each year)
1
In the Europe Region: An exception to this requirement applies.

4 Issuance
Table 4-18: Visa Commercial Card Mandatory Core Services (continued)
Mandatory Core Services Visa Visa Visa

Business Corporate Purchasing
Card Card Card
2
This is an optional service for Visa Corporate Prepaid Cards.
3
In the AP Region: This requirement does not apply for Visa Business Cards, Visa Corporate Prepaid Cards, or Visa
Purchasing Cards.
4
In the Canada Region: Medical referral, medical assistance, legal referral, and legal assistance are optional services
for Visa Business Cards.
4.12.1.4 Visa Commercial Card Issuer Certification – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Visa Commercial Card Issuer must provide to Visa, at least 30 calendar days
before issuance, an application for written certification from Visa certifying that its programs,
systems, procedures, and services comply with the Visa Rules.
4.12.1.5 Visa Platinum Commercial Card Issuance – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer may issue a Visa Platinum Commercial Card within an existing Visa
Business Card or Visa Corporate Card program.
4.12.1.6 Requirements for Visa Commercial Cards that are Direct (Immediate) Debit
Cards – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: An Issuer may issue a Visa Commercial Card that is a Direct (Immediate) Debit
Card as either a Visa Business Card or Visa Business Electron Card.1 The Card must be used to access
a business current account or deposit/savings account, where purchases and Cash Disbursements
arising from the use of that Card are posted to the account within the normal time for check
clearing.
1
In the Europe Region (Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom): An Issuer must not issue a Visa Business Electron Card.

4 Issuance
4.12.1.7 Visa Commercial Card Transaction Data Requirements – LAC Region (Brazil)
In the LAC Region (Brazil): An Issuer of Visa Commercial Cards must be able to receive the Merchant
legal name and Merchant tax identification number in the Clearing Record for Transactions
completed with Visa Commercial Cards of government programs.
4.12.1.8 Visa Commercial Customer Service Telephone Number – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must provide customer assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via a
toll-free telephone number where its Visa Commercial Product Cardholders may obtain assistance
while traveling.
4.12.1.11 Visa Central Travel Account – Core Feature Requirements

All Visa Central Travel Account Issuers must do all of the following:
l Comply with the core feature requirements for the applicable product
l Offer electronic management information reports1 at a company level detailing all spend
relating to the company account on at least a monthly basis. The management information
reports must include at a minimum all of the following:
– Ticket number
– Passenger name
– Date of travel
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Provide travel accident
insurance coverage when travel-related tickets are purchased using the Visa Central Travel
Account. If standard policies do not include Visa Central Travel Accounts, Members must
purchase coverage through Visa or another provider.
1
In the Europe Region: If an Issuer uses Visa’s service for the Visa Central Travel Account, it must comply with the terms of
service and set up data feeds to Visa using the latest version of the Visa Commercial Format (or a format agreed by Visa).
4.12.1.12 Visa Central Travel Account – Issuance Requirements

All Visa Central Travel Accounts must comply with all of the following:

4 Issuance
l Issued using a Visa Corporate Card BIN or a Visa Purchasing Card BIN
l Issued to a Client Organization or a designated unit of the entity
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Linked to a Virtual
Account (when available) or to a physical Visa Card Account Number
l In the Europe Region: Issued as a Virtual Account
l In the Europe Region: Distinguished from other Visa Commercial Cards issued on the same BIN
4.12.1.15 Centralized Card Issuance – Dual-Issuer Branded Visa Commercial Card

Requirements
Only an Issuer that is a registered Visa Multinational Program participant may issue Dual-Issuer
Branded Visa Commercial Cards.
The Lead Bank and the Partner Bank must be registered Visa Multinational Program participants and
have contractual agreements with each other that clearly define the Dual-Issuer Branded Visa
Commercial Card program.
The Issuer of a Dual-Issuer Branded Visa Commercial Card must be clearly identified on the back of
the Card and in all Cardholder agreements.
A Dual-Issuer Branded Visa Commercial Card must be issued using a BIN that is licensed to the
Partner Bank.
Before issuing Dual-Issuer Branded Visa Commercial Cards, the Lead Bank and the Partner Bank must
provide contractual evidence of the partnership agreement to Visa for review and approval.
The Lead Bank must ensure that the Dual-Issuer Branded Visa Commercial Card program complies
with all applicable laws or regulations in the country in which the Cards are issued and the country
in which the Lead Bank is domiciled.
4.12.1.16 Visa Commercial Card Product Types – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must refer to the Visa Commercial Card products as one of the
following types of Cards for business expense use:
l Visa Business Card
l Visa Corporate Card or Visa Travel Card1

4 Issuance
l GSA Visa Corporate Card

l Visa Purchasing Card
1
Visa Travel Card is for use by public sector or non-profit entities that are not corporations.
4.12.2 Commercial Data Management and Reporting
4.12.2.1 Visa Commercial Solutions Data and Reporting Tools Participation and
Indemnification – AP, Canada, CEMEA, LAC and US Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Where available, an
Issuer is authorized to grant Visa Commercial Solutions Data and Reporting Tools access and use to
a Client Organization.
An Issuer participating in any Visa Commercial Solutions Data and Reporting Tools must do all of
the following:
l Sign a participation agreement, where applicable, and comply with and ensure that their Client
Organizations comply with applicable terms and documentation
l Ensure an agreement is in place with the Client Organization governing that entity’s use of such
Visa Commercial Solutions Data and Reporting Tools prior to granting a Client Organization
access to and use of any tools
l Notify, or ensure that the Issuer’s Client Organization notifies, individual Commercial Cardholders
and obtain any required consents, in accordance with applicable laws or regulations, that certain
data concerning those Cardholders, including Enhanced Data, will be provided to the Issuer and
the Issuer’s Client Organization
l Comply, and ensure that its Client Organization complies, with any other applicable legal
requirements that must be met to allow the provision of the Enhanced Data to the Issuer and the
Issuer’s Client Organization
The participating Issuer may not use any Enhanced Data for any marketing purposes.
An Issuer that is authorized to participate in Visa Commercial Solutions Data and Reporting Tools,
and grants access and use to a Client Organization, Indemnifies Visa for and against Claims and
Liabilities arising out of or in connection with a Client Organization’s use of such tools and services.

4 Issuance
4.12.2.2 Visa Commercial Reporting and Data Services Limitations – US Region

In the US Region: All of the Commercial reporting and data services provided by Visa are the
property of Visa and are for the use of the Issuer and its Client Organization solely in support of its
Visa Commercial Card Products.
4.12.2.3 Disclosure of Enhanced Data to Third Parties – US Region

In the US Region: Enhanced Transaction-Level Data and Confidential Enhanced Merchant-Level Data
may be disclosed to third parties only either:
l In connection with the management and administration of Visa Commercial Card programs for
the Client Organization, and necessary supporting functions, which may include, but are not
limited to, accounting, tax management, policy compliance, and other business management
functions, such as account setup and management reporting
l In aggregate, in such a way that Card-specific Enhanced Data cannot be related to a specific
Merchant or Cardholder
Third party means only persons, real or corporate, other than the Issuer, Client Organization, or
Cardholder, providing services that directly support an Issuer’s Visa Commercial Card program.
These restrictions do not apply to Non-Confidential Enhanced Merchant-Level Data.
4.12.2.4 Use and Disclosure of Card-Specific Enhanced Data – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Commercial Card Issuer may use or disclose Card-specific Enhanced Data
only in connection with the management and administration of a Visa Commercial Card program
for the Client Organization, and necessary supporting functions.
4.12.2.5 Third Party Agreement for Enhanced Data Usage – US Region

In the US Region: If an Issuer discloses Card-specific Enhanced Transaction-Level Data or
Confidential Enhanced Merchant-Level Data to a third party, it must have a written agreement with
the third party that requires the third party to do all of the following:
l Treat the information as confidential
l Make no further disclosure of the information without permission

4 Issuance
l Limit the third party’s use of the data to uses permitted by the Issuer
Permission granted for further disclosure by a third party must impose the same restrictions on use
and disclosure that apply to the Issuer’s disclosure.
Each Issuer bears the sole responsibility for compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
4.12.2.6 Visa Payables Automation Participation Requirements

An Issuer participating in the Visa Payables Automation service must ensure that it, and its
participating clients or Client Organizations, comply with all of the following:
l Implement appropriate security and anti-fraud measures to ensure that all of the following:
– The Account Numbers are protected from misuse.
– The payment instructions submitted to Visa are accurate.
– Employees with administrative and user access rights adhere to security policies.
l Maintain administrative and user accounts and remove access rights for terminated employees
immediately.
l Provide payables instructions to Visa that do not violate any existing supplier agreements.
4.12.2.7 Visa Purchasing Card Enhanced Data Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: In a country where Visa has obtained VAT accreditation agreements, a Visa
Purchasing Card must be issued as an Enhanced Data product with VAT accreditation.1
An Issuer in these countries must both:
l Be able to receive and process the following data types:
– Basic Transaction data
– Enhanced Data for management information purposes that does not comply with VAT
accreditation requirements
– Enhanced Data that complies with VAT accreditation requirements
l Provide its clients with VAT evidence reporting

4 Issuance
In a country where Visa has not obtained VAT accreditation agreements, an Issuer must configure its
BINs and Account Ranges to receive and process Enhanced Data for management information
purposes.
1
This does not apply to Visa Drive Cards that are “extra” Cards, which must not be issued as Enhanced Data products with
VAT accreditation.
4.12.2.8 Visa IntelliLink Spend Management Participation – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: To participate in Visa IntelliLink Spend Management, an Issuer must do all of
the following:
l Comply with the Europe Region IntelliLink Spend Management Terms of Use
l Comply with the Europe Region IntelliLink Spend Management Services Participation Agreement
l Set up data feeds to Visa IntelliLink Spend Management using the current version of the Visa
Commercial Format or format as agreed to by Visa
4.12.2.9 Data Field Processing Requirement – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer must be able to process the additional data fields transmitted by an
Acquirer in any processing records in accordance with the level of data capability of the BIN as
specified by the Issuer.
4.12.3 V Distribution Program
4.12.3.1 V Distribution Requirements

An Issuer participating in the V Distribution Program must comply with all of the following:
l Provide payment services to a V Distribution Program Cardholder purchasing goods and services
from a V Distribution Program participating Merchant.
l Be certified to issue either:
– Visa Purchasing Cards
– Visa Business Cards

4 Issuance
l Be registered with Visa

l Be capable of processing Authorization Requests, billing, and reporting
4.12.4 Visa B2B Virtual Payments Program
4.12.4.1 Visa B2B Virtual Payments Product – Issuance Requirements

An Issuer participating in the Visa B2B Virtual Payments Program1 must comply with all of the
following:
l Obtain Visa approval prior to participating in the program
l Submit a BIN License Agreement or Numeric License Agreement to Visa to register the product
l Use the account only as a credit Card account within the commercial product type or, in addition,
in the Europe Region, as a credit Card account or Deferred Debit Card account within the
commercial product type
l Complete a separate Credit Card or Deferred Debit Card Schedule of the regional Operating
Certificate to report product activity
l Offer the product as a Virtual Account and support the generation of a dynamic, virtual Account
Number for Visa B2B Virtual Payments Program Transactions
l Offer the product to eligible business entities only for business-to-business payment for goods
or services invoiced by a qualifying Merchant
l Ensure the Transaction is both:
– For an amount below USD 750,000
– Key-entered in a Card-Absent Environment
l If enrolled in the Authorization and Settlement Match Service, comply with the requirements
specified by the service
1
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Not available in countries where Visa does not
process Domestic Transactions or does not set the Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF). In the Europe Region: Not
available in countries where Visa does not set the Interchange Reimbursement Fee.

4 Issuance
4.13 Visa Small Business Product-Specific Issuance
4.13.1 Visa Business – Card Requirements
4.13.1.1 Visa Business Card ATM Access Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Business Card Issuer must provide ATM access.
4.13.1.2 Visa Business Card Account Billing Options – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer may offer its Visa Business Card Cardholders any of the following
account billing options:
l Line of credit
l Depository account
l Other company assets available through the Issuer
l Charge Card (non-revolving, pay-in-full)
4.13.1.3 Visa Business Check Card Account Limitations – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must not use a Visa Business Check Card to obtain credit, as defined in
12 CFR Part 226 (Regulation Z), unless it involves only an incidental extension of credit under an
agreement between the Cardholder and the Issuer either:
l When the Cardholder’s account is overdrawn
l To maintain a specified minimum balance in the Cardholder’s account
For Interchange category purposes, a Visa Business Check Card used to obtain credit is not
considered a Visa Business Check Card if both:
l Actual debiting of funds from the business asset account occurs periodically rather than daily
l These periods are at least X days apart

4 Issuance
4.13.1.4 Visa Business Check Card Account Access – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Business Check Card may be used to access a deposit, investment, or other
business asset account, including a fiduciary account.
4.13.1.5 Unauthorized Visa Business Card Transaction Exclusions – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer of Visa Business Cards may define an unauthorized Visa Transaction to
exclude any Transaction allegedly conducted by:
l A business co-owner
l The Cardholder or person authorized by the Cardholder
l Any other person with an interest in or authority to transact business on the account
4.13.3 Visa Business – Issuer Requirements
4.13.3.6 Visa Business Insurance Requirements – Europe Region (France)

In the Europe Region (France): A Visa Business Card Issuer must provide to Cardholders a welcome
pack, approved by Visa, including the services associated and, at least once a year, information on
Merchant offers.
4.13.4 Visa Business – Features and Benefits
4.13.4.3 Visa Business Card Core Benefits – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Platinum Business, Visa Signature Business, and Visa Infinite Business Card
Issuer must, at a minimum, provide its Cardholders with all of the following core product benefits,
unless prohibited by applicable laws or regulations:

4 Issuance
Table 4-19: Visa Business Card Core Benefits – LAC Region
Core Benefit Visa Platinum Business Visa Signature Visa Infinite Business
Business
Travel Assistance Services Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide
Price Protection Up to USD 2,000 per Up to USD 2,000 per Up to USD 4,000 per
year year year
Purchase Protection Up to USD 25,000 per Up to USD 25,000 per Up to USD 25,000 per
year year year
Extended Warranty Up to USD 10,000 per Up to USD 10,000 per Up to USD 25,000 per
year year year
Auto Rental Collision Damage Worldwide Worldwide Worldwide

Waiver
Travel Accident Insurance with Up to USD 500,000 Up to USD 1,000,000 Up to USD 1,500,000
accidental death benefit
International Emergency Up to USD 150,000 Up to USD 200,000 Up to USD 200,000

Medical Services
Baggage Delay N/A Up to USD 500 Up to USD 600
Baggage Loss N/A Up to USD 1,000 Up to USD 3,000
Missed Connection N/A N/A Up to USD 300
Trip Delay N/A N/A Up to USD 300
Trip Cancellation N/A N/A Up to USD 3,000
Insured Journey N/A Up to USD 50,000 Up to USD 100,000
Personal Concierge Service Provided through Visa Provided through Visa Provided through Visa
Visa Luxury Hotel Collection Provided through Visa Provided through Visa Provided through Visa
Priority Pass Membership N/A N/A Complimentary

membership for Core
Priority Pass programs

4 Issuance
4.15 Visa Platinum Business
4.15.1 Visa Platinum Business – Card Requirements
4.15.1.3 Visa Platinum Business Cardholder Spending Limit – CEMEA Region

In the CEMEA Region: An Issuer that participates in Visa Platinum Business Card issuance must offer
one of the following spending limit options to its Visa Platinum Business Cardholders:
l No pre-set spending limit except as permitted for:
– Cash Disbursement Transaction
– Transactions resulting from an Emergency Card Replacement
l A Minimum Spending Limit of USD 5,000 (or local currency equivalent), for Transactions during
each statement cycle
The Issuer must allow a Visa Platinum Business Cardholder the option to either:
l Pay in full each statement cycle
l Revolve
4.15.1.4 Visa Platinum Business Card – Card Design Requirements – CEMEA Region
In the CEMEA Region: The product name “Visa Platinum Business” must appear on the front of the
Card.
A Visa Platinum Business Card Issuer must use the product name “Visa Platinum Business” in all
solicitations, advertising, and promotions, Card account statements and other communications
regarding Visa Platinum Business Cards.
4.15.1.5 Visa Platinum Business Card Rewards Program – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: An Issuer must provide a rewards program that offers Cardholders the ability to
accumulate points for purchases made with a Visa Platinum Business Card.

4 Issuance
Any travel rewards program offered to the Cardholder must be sponsored by Visa (Visa rewards),
the Issuer, or an Airline Affinity/Co-Brand program. The Issuer must not assess any additional fees to
the Cardholder for membership in the travel rewards program.
A Visa Platinum Business debit Card Issuer is not required to offer any travel rewards programs.
4.15.2 Visa Platinum – Customer Service Requirements
4.15.2.1 Visa Platinum Business Card – Customer Service Requirements – CEMEA

Region
In the CEMEA Region: A Visa Platinum Business Card Issuer must:
l Monitor customer complaints related to Authorizations and make this information available to
Visa
l Identify action plans to improve customer service
4.15.3 Visa Platinum Business – Issuer Requirements
4.15.3.1 Visa Platinum Business Certification – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: Before issuing Visa Platinum Business Cards, an Issuer must receive written
certification from Visa that it complies with all product requirements and standards.
4.15.3.2 Visa Platinum Business Card Operating Certificate Requirements – LAC

Region
In the LAC Region: A Visa Platinum Business Issuer must report its Visa Platinum Business Activity
separately through the Operating Certificate.

4 Issuance
4.15.3.3 Visa Platinum Business Card Credit Limit – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Platinum Business Credit Card Issuer must both:
l Preserve the premium status of the Visa Platinum Business Card by providing a higher credit limit
for its Visa Platinum Business program than the average credit limit for its Visa Platinum and Visa
Business programs
l Allow each Visa Platinum Business Card account to accumulate charges of at least 10% above the
approved credit limit during each billing statement cycle in which the Cardholder has satisfied
previous obligations to the Issuer
4.15.3.5 Visa Platinum Business Card Payment Options – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: An Issuer must position its Visa Platinum Business Card only as a payment device
that can access one of the following funding sources:
l A line of credit
l A depository account
l Other Cardholder assets available through the Issuer
4.15.3.6 Visa Platinum Business Card Issuance Requirements – Europe Region (France)
In the Europe Region (France): A Visa Platinum Business Card Issuer must:
l Display the Visa Platinum Business URL (visaplatinumbusiness.fr) in all communications to
Cardholders
l Implement a website enabling Cardholders to access all documents relating to Visa Platinum
Business
4.15.4 Visa Platinum Business – Features and Benefits
4.15.4.2 Visa Platinum Business Cardholder Spend Reporting – CEMEA Region

In the CEMEA Region: A Visa Platinum Business Card Issuer must, either itself or through Visa
Business Reporting, provide its Visa Platinum Business Cardholders a report, at least annually, that

4 Issuance
includes both:
l Total annual amount spent by Cardholder or company
l Summary of spending by Merchant category
4.15.4.3 Visa Platinum Business Card Additional Core Services – CEMEA Region
In the CEMEA Region: A Visa Platinum Business Card Issuer, at its discretion, may provide:
l One or more travel accident insurance coverage options with a unit cost per premium that
matches or exceeds the current unit cost of providing up to USD 500,000, (or local currency
equivalent) of travel accident insurance. The Issuer must submit to Visa in writing, an official
quote from an insurance company, for both the travel accident insurance and the proposed new
features, at least 30 calendar days prior to its implementation.
l Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services
l Emergency medical insurance when traveling, with medical expense benefit up to USD 50,000, or
local currency equivalent
The Issuer must communicate all of the following Visa Platinum Business Card Privileges Program
information to Cardholders:
l Visa Platinum Business Card Privileges Program benefits at least once a year
l New benefits or changes to existing benefits, or exclusive quarterly Merchant offers at least 2
months prior to the effective date of Visa Platinum Business Card Merchant Privileges
4.16 Visa Signature Business
4.16.1 Visa Signature Business – Card Requirements
4.16.1.3 Visa Signature Business Cardholder Spending Limit – CEMEA Region

In the CEMEA Region: An Issuer that participates in Visa Signature Business Card issuance must offer
one of the following spending limit options to its Visa Signature Business Cardholders:

4 Issuance
l No pre-set spending limit except as permitted for:

– Cash Disbursement Transaction
– Transactions resulting from Emergency Card Replacement
l A Minimum Spending Limit of USD 10,000 (or local currency equivalent), for Transactions during
each statement cycle
For Cards with no pre-set spending limit, a CEMEA Visa Signature Business Card Issuer must provide
notification to the Cardholder before ongoing Transactions can be declined.
The Issuer must allow a Visa Signature Business Cardholder the option to either:
l Revolve
4.16.1.4 Visa Signature Business Card – Card Design Requirements – CEMEA Region
The product name “Visa Signature Business” must appear on the front of the Card.
In the CEMEA Region: A Visa Signature Business Card Issuer must use the product name “Visa
Signature Business” in all solicitations, advertising, and promotions, Card account statements and
other communications regarding Visa Signature Business Cards.
4.16.1.5 Visa Signature Business Card Rewards Program – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Signature Business Issuer must provide a rewards program that both:
l Offers Cardholders the ability to accumulate points for purchases made with a Visa Signature
Business Card
l Is comparable to any existing Issuer’s Visa Signature or Visa Infinite rewards program
A Visa Signature Business debit Card Issuer is not required to offer any travel rewards programs.

4 Issuance
4.16.1.6 Visa Signature Business Card Account Types and Credit Limit – LAC Region
In the LAC Region: With prior approval from Visa, a Visa Signature Business Issuer must offer the
Card with credit or debit functionality.
A Visa Signature Business credit Card Issuer must both:
l Preserve the premium status of the Visa Signature Business Card by providing a higher credit
limit for its Visa Signature Business program than the average credit limit for its Visa Platinum,
Visa Signature, and Visa Infinite consumer Cards and Visa Business programs
l Allow each Visa Signature Business Card account to accumulate charges of at least 10% above the
4.16.1.7 Visa Signature Business Card Credit Limit Non-Compliance Assessment –

LAC Region
In the LAC Region: A Visa Signature Business Card Issuer that fails to meet the specified credit limit
criteria is subject to a non-compliance assessment per Visa Signature Business Card in the Issuer’s
portfolio.
4.16.2 Visa Signature Business – Customer Service Requirements
4.16.2.2 Visa Signature Business Card – Customer Service Requirements – CEMEA

Region
In the CEMEA Region: A Visa Signature Business Card Issuer must:
l Provide access to a customer service and emergency telephone number 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week and communicate the telephone number to the Cardholder annually
l Monitor customer complaints related to Authorizations and make customer complaint
information available to Visa

4 Issuance
4.16.3 Visa Signature Business – Issuer Requirements
4.16.3.6 Visa Signature Business Card Issuer Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Signature Business Card Issuer must comply with all of the following:
l Complete the certification form
l Support Account Level Processing
l Participate in Visa SavingsEdge
4.16.3.7 Visa Signature Business Card Payment Options – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Signature Business Issuer must allow a Visa Signature Business Cardholder
the option to either:
l Revolve
4.16.3.8 Visa Signature Business Cardholder Notification – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Signature Business Issuer must provide notification to the Cardholder
either:
l Before ongoing Transactions may be declined
l When an account needs to be suspended or closed for any reason
4.16.4 Visa Signature Business – Features and Benefits
4.16.4.3 Visa Signature Business Cardholder Spend Reporting – CEMEA Region

In the CEMEA Region: A Visa Signature Business Card Issuer must either itself or through Visa
Business Reporting, provide its Visa Signature Business Cardholders a report, at least annually, that
includes both:

4 Issuance
l Total annual amount spent by Cardholder or company

l Summary of spending by Merchant category
4.17 Visa Infinite Business, Visa Infinite Privilege Business
4.17.1 Visa Infinite Business, Visa Infinite Privilege Business – Card Requirements
4.17.1.1 Visa Infinite Business Minimum Spending Limit – AP Region

In the AP Region: A Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer must offer one of the following spending limit
options:
l No pre-set spending limit. The Issuer may establish a pre-set spending limit if the Transaction
either:
– Is a Cash Disbursement
– Results from the use of an Emergency Card Replacement
l A Minimum Spending Limit of X (or local currency equivalent) for Transactions during each
statement cycle
4.17.1.3 Visa Infinite Business Card Point-of Sale Spend Qualification Threshold – AP
Region (Australia)
In the AP Region (Australia): A Visa Infinite Business Product program must meet the average
minimum annual spend requirement of AUD 200,000 at the portfolio level. If the threshold is not
met, the Issuer must implement a spend stimulation program.
4.17.1.4 Visa Infinite Business Card Account Types and Credit Limit – LAC Region
In the LAC Region: With prior approval from Visa, a Visa Infinite Business Issuer must offer the Card
with credit or debit functionality.
A Visa Infinite Business Credit Card Issuer must do all of the following:

4 Issuance
l Preserve the premium status of the Visa Infinite Business Card by providing a higher credit limit
for its Visa Infinite Business program than the average credit limit for its Visa Platinum, Visa
Signature, and Visa Infinite consumer cards and Visa Business programs
l Set a minimum credit limit of USD 20,000 (or local currency equivalent) or higher
l Allow each Visa Infinite Business Card account to accumulate charges of at least 20% above the
4.17.1.5 Visa Infinite Business Card Rewards Program – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Infinite Business Issuer must provide a rewards program that:
l Offers Cardholders the ability to accumulate points for purchases made with a Visa Infinite
Business Card
l Is comparable to any existing Issuer’s Visa Infinite or Visa Signature rewards program
A Visa Infinite Business debit Card Issuer is not required to offer any travel rewards programs.
4.17.2 Visa Infinite Business, Visa Infinite Privilege Business – Customer Service
Requirements
4.17.2.1 Visa Infinite Business Card Customer Service Requirements – LAC Region
In the LAC Region: A Visa Infinite Business Issuer must provide all of the following:
l Dedicated customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Visa Global Customer Care
Services
l Cardholder emergency services for Visa Infinite Business
l An exclusive telephone line to its Visa Infinite Cardholders

4 Issuance
4.17.2.2 Visa Infinite Business Core Services and Benefits – Canada Region
In the Canada Region: A Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer must offer its Cardholders all of the
benefits specified in Section 4.1.14.6, Visa Cardholder Benefit Requirements by Product – Canada
Region, and all of the core services specified in Section 4.12.1.3, Commercial Products Mandatory
Core Services.
4.17.3 Visa Infinite Business, Visa Infinite Privilege Business – Issuer Requirements
4.17.3.1 Use of Visa Infinite Business Product Identifier – AP Region

In the AP Region: A Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer must use the product identifier “Visa Infinite
Business” on both:
l All statements
l All communications, including online communications, to the Cardholder regarding the Visa
Infinite Business Card, except in circumstances where this poses a security risk
4.17.3.2 Visa Infinite Business Card Web Services – AP Region

In the AP Region: A Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer must, either independently or through Visa,
offer its Visa Infinite Business Cardholders access to a website that offers special information and
services to high-end consumers.
The Visa Infinite Business website must do all of the following:
l Limit access to Visa Infinite Business Cardholders only
l Provide a description of Visa Infinite Business Card services, benefits, and features
l Provide a detailed listing of the Visa Infinite Business Exclusive Privileges1 offers
entertainment:
– Travel-related content not readily available from other sources
Infinite Business product
– Contact information for Cardholders to inquire about Visa Infinite Business services and to
provide feedback

4 Issuance
1
A Merchant-partner program with exclusive offers for Visa Infinite Business Cardholders
4.17.3.3 Visa Infinite Business Cardholder Notification and Complaints – AP and

Canada Regions
In the AP Region: A Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer must both:
l Monitor customer complaints related to Authorizations
In the Canada Region: A Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer must do all of the following:
l Monitor customer complaints related to Authorizations
l Make customer complaint information available to Visa
4.17.3.4 Visa Infinite Business Card Credit Limit Non-Compliance Assessment – LAC
Region
In the LAC Region: A Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer that fails to meet the specified credit limit
criteria is subject to a non-compliance assessment per Visa Infinite Business Card in the Issuer’s
portfolio.
4.17.3.5 Visa Infinite Business Card Payment Options – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: At the option of Visa, an Issuer may provide a Visa Infinite Business Card with
charge and/or credit capability.

4 Issuance
4.17.3.6 Visa Infinite Business Card Operating Certificate Requirements – Canada

Region
In the Canada Region: A Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer must complete a separate Credit Card
Schedule of the Operating Certificate for reporting Visa Infinite Business Card statistics.
4.17.3.7 Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer Rewards Program Requirements – Canada
Region
In the Canada Region: A Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer must provide a rewards program to its
Visa Infinite Business Cardholders with the following reward value:
l Rewards currency that enables each Cardholder to redeem a minimum value equivalent to 150
basis points per dollar of qualifying spend
l Best reward value in Issuer’s Visa Business Card portfolio
l Minimum earn rate equal to or better than the rate offered by the same Issuer for a consumer
Visa Infinite Card program
4.17.4 Visa Infinite Business, Visa Infinite Privilege Business – Features and Benefits
– AP and Canada Regions
4.17.4.1 Visa Infinite Business Card Features and Branding Requirements – AP and
Canada Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region: A Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer must offer both:
l Unique features that differentiate the Visa Infinite Business Card from any other Visa Card it issues
l The highest purchasing power available within the Issuer’s Visa Business Card suite of products
4.17.4.3 Visa Infinite Business Card Core Features, Benefits and Services – Canada
Region
In the Canada Region: A Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer must offer all of the following core
features, benefits, and services:

4 Issuance
l ATM access
l Local currency billing
l Service level standards
l Management information reporting
l POS Transaction Controls
l Limited corporate liability insurance
l Access to:
– Visa Infinite Business concierge
– Visa Infinite Business events and offers
– Visa Infinite Business website
4.17.4.4 Visa Infinite Business Web Services – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: A Visa Infinite Issuer, either itself or through other agents, must provide its
Visa Infinite Cardholders website access that offers special information and services.
The Visa Infinite website service must comply with all of the following:
l Limit access only to Visa Infinite Cardholders
l Provide a description of Visa Infinite Card services, benefits, and features
l Provide a detailed listing of the Visa Infinite Exclusive Privileges Merchant partner offers
entertainment:
– Travel content that supports the Visa Infinite product positioning that is not readily available
from other sources (for example, special travel articles, expert recommendations on shows in
major cities)
Infinite product
– Contact information for Cardholders to inquire about Visa Infinite services and to provide
feedback on the product or website

4 Issuance
4.17.4.5 Visa Infinite Business Issuer Rewards Program – AP Region (Australia)

In the AP Region (Australia): A Visa Infinite Business Card Issuer must provide a rewards program for
its Visa Infinite Business Cardholders and must do all of the following:
l Define the rewards currency that it intends to offer
l Accrue the rewards currency to the benefit of its Cardholders for every qualifying purchase
Transaction
l Ensure that the approximate retail value of services and merchandise offered for rewards
redemption is comparable to the required redemption value
l Ensure that the rewards currency enables Cardholders to redeem an equivalent to 100 basis
points
l Ensure that the rewards currency is accumulated for every qualifying dollar spent on the Card
l Include each purchase Transaction completed with a Visa Infinite Business Card as a qualifying
purchase. The Issuer may exclude the following Transactions from qualifying for rewards
currency:
– Balance transfers
– Convenience checks
– Finance charges
– Cash Disbursements
– Quasi-Cash Transactions
– Fees paid to the Issuer by the Cardholder (if any)
– Any Transaction not authorized by the Cardholder
l Ensure that any cap on spend that earns rewards currency is not less than USD 5,000 per month or
USD 60,000 per year (or local currency equivalent)
l Notify Cardholders at least quarterly of their rewards currency, including all of the following:
– Rewards currency earned
– Rewards currency redeemed
– Rewards currency balance remaining
– Upcoming rewards currency expiration, if any
If the account is no longer in good standing, the Issuer may elect to withhold rewards currency
accumulation and redemption or take away currency previously accumulated.

4 Issuance
4.18 Visa Multi-Currency Solution
4.18.1 Visa Multi-Currency Solution Issuer Requirements

To enable Visa Cards with the Visa Multi-Currency Solution, an Issuer’s annual cross-border total
volume must meet or exceed 50% of its total volume on the associated BIN or Account Range.
In addition to the requirements specified in Section 1.4.3.2, International Transaction or Currency
Conversion Fee Disclosure, an Issuer must disclose all of the following to its Cardholders that use a
Card with the Visa Multi-Currency Solution:
Table 4-20: Visa Multi-Currency Solution – Cardholder Disclosure Requirements
Disclosure Description At Account Load Post Transaction

1
Exchange rate offered X X
1 2
Exchange rate applied to Transactions X
1
Alternative account to be debited and exchange rate applied in the X X
event the foreign currency account has insufficient funds at the time of
the Transaction (if applicable)
Associated fees X X
Account balance per currency X X
Value of authorized Transactions that have not yet cleared (for X

example: held funds for a car rental or hotel reservation)
3
Explanation of Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) and impact on X
Transaction amount
1
The Issuer must disclose the foreign exchange rate for the applicable processing date.
2
Occurs if the Issuer elects to allow real-time conversion at the time of purchase instead of requiring funds to be loaded
in a different currency in advance
3
On initial account load only

4 Issuance
4.19 Visa SavingsEdge – US Region
4.19.1 Visa SavingsEdge Requirements – US Region
4.19.1.1 Visa SavingsEdge Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must offer Visa SavingsEdge to Cardholders of the following Visa
products issued to small businesses:
l Visa Business Credit Cards
l Visa Business Check Cards
l Reloadable Visa Commercial Prepaid Products:
– Visa Business Prepaid Cards
– Visa Corporate Prepaid Cards
– Visa Purchasing Prepaid Cards
Unless an Issuer opts out of participating in the program, Cardholders of eligible Visa products may
enroll in Visa SavingsEdge in accordance with, and subject to, the program terms and conditions as
revised by Visa from time to time and posted on the program Cardholder registration website.
If an Issuer opts out of the program, but its Cardholders have previously enrolled, those
Cardholders will continue to remain enrolled in the program.
An Issuer that participates in the Visa SavingsEdge program must do all of the following:
l Use the program name only in connection with the Visa SavingsEdge program
l Provide customer service to handle Cardholder inquiries about the program, including questions
related to credit postings
l Not opt Visa Signature Business Credit Cards out of Visa SavingsEdge participation
l Contact its Visa representative to ensure that Cardholders of Reloadable Visa Commercial
Prepaid Products are enabled to enroll
For qualifying purchases made with a Visa SavingsEdge-enrolled Visa Card, an Issuer must both:
l Credit the participating Cardholder’s account within 10 calendar days of receiving the Funds
Disbursement from Visa
l Not alter the original Merchant name and city information posted to the Cardholder statement

4 Issuance
4.20 Visa Purchasing
4.20.1 Visa Purchasing – Issuer Requirements
4.20.1.1 Visa Purchasing Card Transaction Data Reporting – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Purchasing Card Issuer must accumulate and report Transaction data and at
a minimum must both:
l Match Transaction data to Merchant profiles
l Report to the Client Organization all Transactions and all Merchant profile information, both
matched and unmatched
4.20.1.2 Authorization and Settlement Match Participation Requirements

A Visa Purchasing Card Issuer choosing to participate in the Authorization and Settlement Match
service must both:
l Enroll its Visa Purchasing Card BIN (including Visa Fleet Card BIN) or Account Range for the
Authorization and Settlement Match service
4.20.1.3 Visa Purchasing Card Selective Authorization – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Purchasing Card Issuer may decline an Authorization Request based on the
following factors if the entity to which the Card has been issued has specified these or other
factors:
l MCC
l Transaction size
l Location of Merchant Outlet

4 Issuance
4.21 Visa Fleet
4.21.1 Visa Fleet Card – Issuer Requirements
4.21.1.1 Visa Fleet Card Requirements

A Visa Fleet Card Issuer must ensure that all of the following requirements are met:
l In the Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region: Visa Fleet Card is personalized with a Visa
Fleet Card Application Identifier (AID) and a payment application that prompts for personalized
data at the time of transaction
l In the Canada Region, Europe Region, US Region: Magnetic Stripe is encoded with Visa Fleet
specific data that will cause a fleet-enabled terminal to prompt for personalized data at the time
of Transaction
l Visa Fleet Card is issued only as one of the following:
– A driver-assigned Visa Fleet Card
– A Vehicle-Specific Fleet Card
– In the LAC Region: Either a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card
In the Canada Region, CEMEA Region: A Visa Fleet Card Issuer must require the capture and/or
validation of Enhanced Data by the terminal.
In the Canada Region: A Visa Fleet Card Issuer must ensure that the Chip on the Visa Fleet Card is
encoded with Visa Fleet-specific data that will cause a fleet-enabled terminal to prompt for
personalized data at the time of the Transaction.
In the CEMEA Region: A Visa Fleet Card Issuer must ensure that the Visa Fleet Card Chip data
elements include at least both:
l Details about permitted products
l Information about the vehicle and the driver
4.21.1.2 Visa Fleet Card Enhanced Data Requirements

A Visa Fleet Card Issuer must be capable of generating reports containing Enhanced Data when
provided by the Acquirer.

4 Issuance
4.22 Visa Large Purchase Advantage – US Region
4.22.1 Visa Large Purchase Advantage Requirements – US Region
4.22.1.1 Visa Large Purchase Advantage Issuer Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Large Purchase Advantage Card must comply with all of the following:
l Be issued as a Virtual Account product
l Be issued on a credit account
l Be limited to Transactions in the Commercial Payables environment that qualify as one of the
following:
– Electronic Commerce Transaction, including a Straight Through Processing Transaction
– Mail/Phone Order Transaction
– Recurring Transaction
– Installment Transaction
l Not offer Cash Disbursement
l Not provide ATM access
l Unless specified otherwise, comply with the requirements applicable to Visa Purchasing Cards.
4.22.1.2 Visa Large Purchase Advantage Transaction Limitations – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Large Purchase Advantage Transaction must comply with all of the
following:
l Be processed in a Card-Absent Environment
l Not offer Cash Disbursement
l Not provide ATM access

4 Issuance
4.23 Visa Meetings Card
4.23.1 Visa Meetings Card – Issuer Requirements
4.23.1.2 Visa Meetings Card Core Features – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Meetings Card Issuer must provide all of the core features specified in
Section 4.12.1.2, Commercial Products Core Feature Requirements, except for billing, where
centralized company billing and payment are required.
4.23.1.3 Visa Meetings Card Authorization Processing – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Meetings Card Issuer must have the ability to decline an Authorization
Request based on the following factors, if the Client Organization has specified these or other
factors:
l MCC
l Transaction amount
4.24 Visa Infinite Corporate – LAC Region
4.24.1 Visa Infinite Corporate Card Requirements – LAC Region
4.24.1.1 Visa Infinite Corporate Card Credit Limit – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: For Visa Infinite Corporate Cards with a line of credit only, an Issuer must ensure
that both:
l The minimum credit limit allowed is USD 20,000 (or local currency equivalent)
l Each Visa Infinite Corporate Card account may accumulate charges of at least 20% above the
A Visa Infinite Corporate Card Issuer that fails to meet the credit limit criteria is subject to a non-
compliance assessment of USD 5 per Visa Infinite Corporate Card in the Issuer’s portfolio.

4 Issuance
4.24.1.2 Visa Infinite Corporate Card Spending Limits – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Infinite Corporate Card Issuer must offer either of the following spending
limit options:
l No pre-set limit
l Minimum limit allowing each Visa Infinite Corporate Card account to accumulate charges of at
least USD 20,000 (or local currency equivalent) during each or any statement cycle in which a
Cardholder has satisfied previous obligations to the Issuer
Visa may impose additional restrictions to these options.
4.24.2 Visa Infinite Corporate – Issuer Requirements – LAC Region
4.24.2.1 Visa Infinite Corporate Card Benefit Notification – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Infinite Corporate Card Issuer offering benefits in addition to those
provided through Visa must provide Visa with all necessary information concerning those benefits
and the benefit providers on a quarterly basis.
4.24.2.2 Visa Infinite Corporate Card Declined Authorizations – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: An Authorization response code 05 (Authorization Declined) may be
generated for a Visa Infinite Corporate Card Authorization Request only if both the:
l Account is delinquent, for at least a second time
l Transaction is an ATM Cash Disbursement that both:
– Exceeds Issuer activity parameters
– Received a response by Stand-In Processing through an Issuer’s Positive Authorization
Capacity Management Service

4 Issuance
4.24.2.3 Visa Infinite Corporate Card Declined Transactions – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: For Visa Infinite Corporate Cards issued with a no preset limit, the Issuer must
provide notification to the Cardholder before ongoing Transactions can be declined.
Visa Infinite Corporate Card Authorization Requests must only be declined with response code 51
(Not Sufficient Funds) if either:
l The Transaction places the account balance more than 20% above the approved line of credit
l The Transaction is for an ATM Cash Disbursement that exceeds activity parameters and is
responded to by the Issuer
4.24.2.4 Visa Infinite Corporate Card Issuer Certification – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: Before issuing a Visa Infinite Corporate Card an Issuer must receive written
certification from Visa that the Issuer complies with all Visa Infinite Corporate product
requirements and standards.
4.24.2.5 Visa Infinite Corporate Card Issuer Processing System Requirement – LAC
Region
In the LAC Region: A Visa Infinite Corporate Card Issuer or its agent must demonstrate that its
processing system has the minimum capacities to meet the standards for processing Authorizations
regarding Visa Infinite and Visa Corporate Cards.
4.24.3 Visa Infinite Corporate – Features and Benefits – LAC Region
4.24.3.1 Visa Infinite Corporate Card Features and Branding Requirements – LAC
Region
In the LAC Region: A Visa Infinite Corporate Card Issuer must offer both:
l Unique features that differentiate the Visa Infinite Corporate Card from any other Visa Card
product it issues

4 Issuance
l The highest purchasing power available within the LAC Region and an Issuer’s Visa Card portfolio,
except when the Member-developed Card product:
– Is not branded with a Visa Card product name
– Does not use the Sample Card Design or reserved color of a Visa Card product
4.25 Visa Platinum Corporate – LAC Region
4.25.1 Visa Platinum Corporate – Card Requirements – LAC Region
4.25.1.1 Visa Platinum Corporate Card Credit Limit – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: For Visa Platinum Corporate Cards with a line of credit only, a Visa Platinum
Corporate Issuer must both:
l Ensure that the average credit limit for its Visa Platinum Corporate program must be higher than
the average credit limit for its Visa Platinum and Visa Corporate programs
l Allow each Visa Platinum Corporate Card account to accumulate charges of at least 10% above
the approved credit limit during each billing statement cycle in which the Cardholder has
satisfied previous obligations to the Issuer
A Visa Platinum Corporate Card Issuer that fails to meet the credit limit criteria is subject to a non-
compliance assessment per Visa Platinum Corporate Card in the Issuer’s portfolio.
4.25.2 Visa Platinum Corporate Issuer Requirements – LAC Region
4.25.2.1 Visa Platinum Corporate Card Issuer Certification – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: Before issuing a Visa Platinum Corporate Card an Issuer must receive written
certification from Visa that the Issuer complies with all Visa Platinum Corporate product

4 Issuance
4.25.3 Visa Platinum Corporate Features and Benefits – LAC Region
4.25.3.1 Visa Platinum Corporate Card Benefits – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Platinum Corporate Issuer offering benefits in addition to those provided
through Visa must provide Visa with all necessary information concerning those benefits and the
benefit providers.
4.26 Visa Premium Corporate – LAC Region
4.26.1 Visa Premium Corporate – Issuer Requirements – LAC Region
4.26.1.1 Visa Premium Corporate Cards Core Product Benefits – LAC Region
In the LAC Region: A Visa Premium Corporate Issuer must provide its Visa Premium Corporate
Cardholders with all of the following core product benefits, unless prohibited by applicable laws or
regulations:
Table 4-21: Visa Premium Corporate Card Core Product Benefits – LAC Region
Core Product Enhancements Visa Platinum Visa Signature Visa Infinite

Corporate Corporate Corporate
Visa Global Customer Assistance Services Global Global Global
Travel Accident Insurance USD 500,000 USD 1,000,000 USD 1,500,000
Auto Rental Insurance Global Global Global
Visa International Emergency Medical Plan Platinum up to Plan Infinite up to Plan Infinite up to
Services USD 150,000 USD 200,000 USD 200,000
Insured Journey/24 Hour AD&D USD 25,000 USD 50,000 USD 100,000
Visa Concierge Global Global Global
Baggage Delay USD 0 USD 500 USD 600
Baggage Loss USD 750 USD 1,000 USD 3,000
Trip Delay USD 0 USD 0 USD 300

4 Issuance
Table 4-21: Visa Premium Corporate Card Core Product Benefits – LAC Region (continued)
Core Product Enhancements Visa Platinum Visa Signature Visa Infinite

Corporate Corporate Corporate
Trip Cancellation USD 0 USD 0 USD 3,000
Missed Connection USD 0 USD 0 USD 2,000
Hotel Burglary $1000 USD 0 USD 500 USD 1,000
Priority Pass Optional Optional Yes
Corporate Liability Waiver Insurance USD 15,000 USD 15,000 USD 15,000
(CLW)
ATM Assault–Coverage in case of Death USD 0 USD 0 USD 10,000
ATM Assault–Cash Stolen USD 0 USD 0 Up to USD 3,000
Program Membership Rewards Optional Optional Optional
Visa Luxury Hotel Collection Global Global Global
4.26.1.2 Visa Premium Corporate Cards Customer Service Requirements – LAC

Region
In the LAC Region: A Visa Premium Corporate Issuer must do all of the following:
l Provide Customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
l Provide Cardholder emergency services for Visa Platinum, Visa Infinite, or Visa Signature
l Respond to a Visa Premium Corporate Cardholder with a live operator
l Provide an exclusive telephone line to its Visa Premium Corporate Cardholders
Assistance must be provided in English, Portuguese, and Spanish through Visa Global Customer
Care Services.

4 Issuance
4.26.1.3 Visa Premium Corporate Cards Emergency Services – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Premium Corporate Card Issuer must offer customer support services
required for Visa Corporate Cards.
4.26.1.4 Visa Premium Corporate Cards Issuance Requirements – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: An Issuer of Visa Premium Corporate Cards must do all of the following:
l Comply with the requirements for Visa Corporate Cards and Section 4.26.1, Visa Premium
Corporate – Issuer Requirements – LAC Region
l Issue Visa Premium Corporate Cards as any of the following:
– Visa Platinum Corporate
– Visa Infinite Corporate
– Visa Signature Corporate
l Issue Visa Premium Corporate Cards with credit, debit, or charge capability
4.26.1.5 Visa Premium Corporate Cards Mandatory Core Features – LAC Region
In the LAC Region: A Visa Premium Corporate Card Issuer must provide the core features required
for Visa Corporate Cards.
4.26.1.6 Visa Premium Corporate Cards Mandatory Core Services – LAC Region
In the LAC Region: A Visa Premium Corporate Card Issuer must offer customer support services
required for Visa Corporate Cards.
4.26.1.7 Visa Premium Corporate Cards Performance Standards – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Premium Corporate Card Issuer that exceeds the Negative Authorization
Response standard of 2% as a percentage of its total Authorization Responses in a calendar month
is subject to a non-compliance assessment for each Negative Authorization Response exceeding

4 Issuance
the standard. A Negative Authorization Response is any Authorization that is not an Approval
Response.
A Visa Premium Corporate Card Issuer that fails to meet the performance standard specified in this
section is subject to corrective action. Fees double each calendar month of the de-certification
period, as follows:
Table 4-22: Corrective Actions for Issuer Failure to Meet Performance Standards for Visa Premium Corporate
Cards – LAC Region
Stage Action/Response
Grace Period – One calendar month (begins the Written notification of under-performance and
calendar month following the first violation for recommended corrective actions
under-performance)
Observation Period – Two calendar months (begins l Fees imposed as specified above
at completion of Grace Period) l Member has 2 calendar months to apply
corrective actions
Probation Period – Three calendar months (begins l Fees imposed as specified above
at completion of Observation Period) l Visa may audit Member at Member’s expense
De-certification Period - Begins at completion of l Member prohibited from issuing or reissuing Visa
Probation Period Premium Corporate Cards
l Fees imposed and doubled for each calendar
month as specified above
l Visa reserves its right to resolve Authorization
Requests via the PCAS-Full Service system
4.26.1.8 Visa Premium Corporate Cards Reporting Requirements – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Premium Corporate Issuer must report its Visa Premium Corporate Card
activity separately through the Operating Certificate.

4 Issuance
4.27 Visa Signature Corporate – LAC Region
4.27.1 Visa Signature Corporate Issuer Requirements – LAC Region
4.27.1.1 Visa Signature Corporate Card Benefit Notification – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Signature Corporate Card Issuer offering benefits in addition to those
provided through Visa must provide Visa with all necessary information concerning those benefits
and the benefit providers on a quarterly basis.
4.27.1.2 Visa Signature Corporate Card Credit Limit and Spending Limits – LAC
Region
In the LAC Region: An Issuer of Visa Signature Corporate Card must issue Visa Signature Corporate
cards without a pre-set spending limit
The Visa Signature Corporate Card Issuer must ensure that the average credit limit for its Visa
Signature Corporate Card program is higher than the average credit limit for its Visa Signature and
Visa Corporate programs.
A Visa Signature Corporate Issuer that fails to meet the credit limit criteria is subject to a non-
compliance assessment per Visa Signature Corporate Card in the Issuer’s portfolio.
4.27.1.3 Visa Signature Corporate Card Issuer Certification – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: Before issuing a Visa Signature Corporate Card an Issuer must receive written
certification from Visa that the Issuer complies with all Visa Signature Corporate product

4 Issuance
4.28 Prepaid Commercial Corporate
4.28.1 Commercial Prepaid – Card Requirements
4.28.1.1 Visa Commercial Prepaid Product Requirements

A Visa Commercial Prepaid Product Issuer must comply with the Visa Prepaid Card requirements
and general Visa Commercial Card requirements.
4.28.2 Corporate Prepaid – Features and Benefits
4.28.2.1 Visa Corporate Prepaid Card – Commercial Products Core Feature

Requirements
In addition to the Visa Commercial Card core features specified in Section 4.12.1.2, Commercial
Products Core Feature Requirements, for Visa Corporate Cards, a Visa Corporate Prepaid Card Issuer
must support all of the following:
l Individual memo statements
l Personalized and non-personalized Cards
l Domestic use only Transaction Authorization
l Load and Transaction limits
l Instant Card issuance
l Multiple currencies
l Online Cardholder statements
l Program administration services

4 Issuance
4.29 Visa Agro – LAC Region
4.29.1 Visa Agro – Card Requirements – LAC Region
4.29.1.1 Visa Agro Issuer Requirements – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: An Issuer of Visa Commercial Cards may issue a Visa Agro Card as any of the
following:
l Credit
l Debit
l Prepaid commercial, excluding Cards issued in Brazil
l Visa Electron
The Issuer may combine Visa Agro Cards with the commercial applications or commercial products
described above.
Visa Agro Card Issuers must comply with the regulations of each product and application
associated with the Visa Agro Card.
4.29.2 Visa Agro – Customer Service Requirements – LAC Region
4.29.2.1 Visa Agro Card Core Services – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Agro Card Issuer must offer both:
l Visa Global Customer Assistance Services, as specified in Section 4.1.14.5, Visa Global Customer
Assistance Services Provision Requirements
l Free 24-hour telephone number to obtain emergency services
For Visa Agro Prepaid commercial Cards, Issuers must offer the customer support services for Visa
Prepaid Cards, as specified in Section 4.1.14.5, Visa Global Customer Assistance Services Provision
Requirements.

4 Issuance
4.29.3 Visa Agro – Issuer Requirements – LAC Region
4.29.3.1 Visa Agro Card Selective Authorization – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Agro Card Issuer may decline an Authorization Request based on any of
the following factors, if the Client Organization has specified these or other factors:
l Merchant Category Code
4.30 Visa Cargo – LAC Region
4.30.1 Visa Cargo Card Requirements – LAC Region
4.30.1.1 Visa Cargo Issuer Requirements – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: An Issuer may issue a Visa Cargo Card as either:
l Visa Commercial Prepaid Product
l Visa Business Electron Card
Visa Cargo Card Issuers must comply with the regulations of each product and application
associated with the Visa Cargo Card.
4.30.1.2 Visa Cargo Core Benefits – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: A Visa Cargo Card Issuer must provide its Visa Cargo Cardholders with all of the
following core product benefits, unless prohibited by applicable laws or regulations:
l Visa Global Customer Assistance Services, as specified in Section 4.1.14.5, Visa Global Customer
Assistance Services Provision Requirements
l 24 Hours Accident Protection with a coverage amount of USD 1,000 (or local currency equivalent)
l ATM Assault (Cash Stolen) with a coverage amount of USD 100 (or local currency equivalent)

4 Issuance
4.31 Visa Drive Card – Europe Region
4.31.1 Visa Drive Card – Europe Region
4.31.1.1 Visa Drive Card Issuer Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Visa Drive Card Issuer must comply with all of the following
Table 4-23: Visa Drive Card Requirements – Europe Region
Element Requirement
Payment Device May be any of the following:

l A physical Card
l A Contactless Chip Card
l A Contactless Payment Device
l A Virtual Account
Types May be one or more of the following:

l “Standard” Card
l “Extra” Card
l “Open” Card
Issuance May be issued to either:

l One Cardholder
l A specific vehicle, which may have multiple individuals associated with it
BINs l An “open” Card must be issued on a dedicated BIN.

l A “standard” Card and an “extra” Card may be issued on the same BIN, but
each Card must have a dedicated Account Range.
l Cards that are issued to a Cardholder and Cards that are issued to a specific
vehicle must be issued on separate Account Ranges within the same BIN.
Data Must provide Visa with Visa-specified data for Visa Drive Card Transactions
upon Visa request
PIN Changes Must provide the capability for a Cardholder or an authorized individual to
change a PIN at an ATM.

4 Issuance
Table 4-23: Visa Drive Card Requirements – Europe Region (continued)
Element Requirement
“Standard” Card l Must ensure that the Card is configured to be used only in a Closed Loop
Requirements l Must provide the Cardholder with terms and conditions including, but not
limited to:
– Using the Card at a Point-of-Transaction Acceptance Device inside the
Closed Loop for that Issuer
– PIN management
“Extra” Card l Must comply with general requirements for Visa Commercial Cards
Requirements l Must ensure that the Card is configured to be used only at Point-of-
Transaction Acceptance Devices:
– Within a Closed Loop
– With a Merchant with which the Issuer has a Privately Contracted
Agreement
l For a Transaction at a Merchant with whom the Issuer has a Privately
Contracted Agreement, must request Online Authorization, except for the
following MCCs:
– 4784 (Tolls and Bridge Fees)
– 7523 (Parking Lots, Parking Meters and Garages)
l Must provide evidence of Privately Contracted Agreements upon Visa
request
l Is solely responsible for the management of a Privately Contracted
Agreement
l Must provide the Cardholder with terms and conditions including, but not
limited to:
– Prohibition of the use of the Card at any Point-of-Transaction Acceptance
Device outside the Closed Loop if the Issuer does not have a Privately
Contracted Agreement with the Merchant
– PIN management
“Open” Card l Must comply with general requirements for Visa Commercial Cards
Requirements l Must comply with the core feature requirements for the Card it is licensed to
issue

4 Issuance
Table 4-23: Visa Drive Card Requirements – Europe Region (continued)
Element Requirement
l Must provide the Cardholder with terms and conditions including, but not
limited to:
– The Cardholder Verification Method (CVM) allowed for a Card issued for a
specific vehicle
– PIN management
4.32 Visa SimplyOne – Europe Region
4.32.1 Visa SimplyOne Card – Europe Region
4.32.1.1 Visa SimplyOne Card Issuer Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Visa SimplyOne Card Issuer must comply with all of the following:
l Issue the Card as a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card1
l Issue the Card with 2 Account Numbers, which must both:
– Be issued by the same Issuer
– Be associated with the Payment Application(s) encoded on the Chip and the Magnetic Stripe.
One Payment Application must be the Visa Higher Priority Payment Application. Any other
Payment Application will be classified as a Visa Lower Priority Payment Application.
l If issued as a Contactless Chip Card, have the Contactless payment associated to the Visa Higher
Priority Payment Application2
l Issue the Payment Application on a designated BIN, as follows:
– The debit application on a Visa debit Card BIN
– The credit application on a Visa Credit Card BIN
– The consumer application on a Visa Consumer Card BIN
– The commercial application on a Visa Commercial Card BIN
l Comply with debit rules when the Card is used as a Visa debit Card and credit rules when the
Card is used as a Visa Credit Card

4 Issuance
l Not issue a Non-Reloadable Prepaid Card when the Card is used as a Visa Prepaid Card
l Stop or close both accounts in order to stop or close the Card
1
In the Europe Region (Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom): An Issuer must not issue a Visa Electron Card.
2
This does not apply in the Europe Region (Finland), where the Issuer may associate the Contactless payment to the Visa
Lower Priority Payment Application only if it clearly communicates to its Cardholders that the Visa Lower Priority Payment
Application must be selected after the maximum number of cumulative offline Transactions has been reached.
4.33 Visa Multichoice – Europe Region
4.33.1 Visa Multichoice Card – Europe Region
4.33.1.1 Visa Multichoice Card Issuer Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer of a Visa Multichoice Card must ensure all of the following:
l The Card supports 2 or more Payment Applications on the same account
l All the Payment Applications on the Card are issued by the same Issuer using the same Account
Number
l One of the Payment Applications is encoded as the Visa Higher Priority Payment Application on
the Chip and Magnetic Stripe
l The Payment Applications must be either Consumer Credit or Business Credit Payment
Applications
l A Contactless Transaction must be associated with the Visa Higher Priority Payment Application
l The Card is issued on a Visa Credit Card BIN
l The “Issuer Discretionary Data” field in the Chip is used to distinguish between the Payment
Applications
l Consumer Credit and Business Credit Payment Applications are not combined on a Card

4 Issuance
4.34 Carte Bleue Nationale Cards – Europe Region
4.34.1 Carte Bleue Nationale Cards Issuer Requirements – Europe Region (France)
4.34.1.1 Carte Bleue Nationale Cards Issuer Requirements – Europe Region (France)
In the Europe Region (France): A Carte Bleue Nationale Card Issuer (including Cards with systematic
authorization) must comply with Table 4-24, Service Requirements for France Domestic Transactions
using Carte Bleue Nationale Cards.
Table 4-24: Service Requirements for France Domestic Transactions using Carte Bleue Nationale Cards
Card Type Cash Payment Payment Travel Medical Welcome Concierge

2
Withdrawal Services in Services in Insurance Insurance Pack Services
1 1
Services Card- Card-Absent
Present Environment
Environment
Carte Bleue X X X
Nationale
Carte Bleue X X
Nationale
(with
systematic
authorization)
Visa Electron X X
3 3
Visa Classic X X X X X
Visa Premier X X X X X
Visa Platinum X X X X X X X
Visa Infinite X X X X X X X
1
As specified in the corresponding terms and conditions
2
Must include the contract and the associated services
3
For personal trips only; for medical insurance, only international trips

4 Issuance
4.35 Carte Bleue Nationale Affaires Cards – Europe Region (France)
4.35.1 Carte Bleue Nationale Affaires Cards Issuer Requirements – Europe Region
(France)
4.35.1.1 Carte Bleue Nationale Affaires Cards Issuer Requirements – Europe Region
(France)
In the Europe Region (France): An Issuer must comply with all of the following:
l A Visa Affaires Card Issuer must use a Visa Corporate Card BIN
l A Plus Card Issuer must issue this as a debit Card
l A Carte Bleue Nationale Affaires Card Issuer must comply with Table 4-25, Service Requirements
for France Domestic Transactions using Carte Bleue Nationale Affaires Cards
Table 4-25: Service Requirements for France Domestic Transactions using Carte Bleue Nationale Affaires
Cards

1 1 2
Services Card-Present Card-Absent
Environment Environment
3 4
Visa X X X X X
Affaires
5 5
Visa Gold X X X X X
Affairs
6 4
Visa X X X X
Business
Electron
Carte Plus X
6
Carte Bleue X X X X
Nationale
Business

4 Issuance
Table 4-25: Service Requirements for France Domestic Transactions using Carte Bleue Nationale Affaires
Cards (continued)

1 1 2
Services Card-Present Card-Absent
Environment Environment
6 4
Visa X X X X X X
Business
7 7
Visa Gold X X X X X X
Business
7 7
Visa X X X X X X X
Platinum
Business
1
Must be in accordance with the corresponding terms and conditions
2
Must include the contract and the associated services
3
For professional trips only (EUR 100,000 allowance)
4
Overseas travel only (EUR 11,000 allowance)
5
For professional trips only
6
EUR 46,000 allowance for personal trips, EUR 100,000 allowance for professional trips
7
All types of trips (one staff member)

5 Acceptance
5 Acceptance
5.1 Responsibilities Related to Information and Notification
5.1.1 Provision of Information, Registration, and Reporting
5.1.1.1 Provision of Required Merchant Information

In a Visa Region where the collection of Merchant data is required, an Acquirer or its Agent must
provide to Visa the following information for each Merchant, Marketplace, Sponsored Merchant, or
retailer signed by a Staged Digital Wallet Operator, or retailer signed by a Marketplace. The
information must be accurate, updated whenever the information changes, and in the format
specified by Visa.
l T/A (trading as) or DBA (doing business as) name
l Full legal name (if different from DBA name). For a sole proprietor, the information must include
the sole proprietor’s full first and last name, including the middle initial.
l Merchant Outlet address (including street address, city, state/province and postal code)1
l Telephone number (not required for Sponsored Merchants)2
l Acquirer-assigned Merchant ID
l Card acceptor identification3
l Merchant business registration number or tax identification number4
l Payment Facilitator name (for Sponsored Merchants only)
l Effective 19 October 2019 Payment Facilitator identifier assigned by Visa and Sponsored
Merchant identifier assigned by the Payment Facilitator, as applicable
l In the AP Region: In addition, the Acquirer must submit monthly the Merchant data using the
acquirer merchant master file format.
l Effective 19 October 2019 In the CEMEA Region, Europe Region: In addition, the Acquirer must
submit monthly the Merchant data using the acquirer merchant master file format.
l In the Canada Region: In addition:
– The Acquirer must submit monthly, the Merchant data using the acquirer merchant master file
format.
– The Merchant name, Card acceptor identification, and terminal identification for each
Acceptance Device at the Merchant Outlet, as they appear in the Clearing Record

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– The unique identifier for each acceptor device sharing one terminal identification
– The Merchant’s chain identification and Merchant identification, if different from the
Merchant’s Card acceptor identification (optional as appropriate)
– Seasonality indicator (if applicable)
– An indication of whether the Merchant:
▪ Sells online or via mail order/telephone order
▪ Is a Visa Debit Acceptor
▪ Accepts Visa Contactless payments
– An indication of the terminal (if available):
▪ Contactless version
▪ Whether it is a mobile POS (mPOS)
▪ Capabilities: magnetic stripe, Chip, and/or Visa Contactless
– The Merchant’s primary and any secondary MCCs
– If the Acquirer/Merchant relationship has been terminated, the termination date and reason
for termination
l In the LAC Region: In addition:
– The Acquirer must submit monthly, the Merchant data using the acquirer merchant master file
format.
– In Brazil: An Acquirer must obtain consent from a Payment Facilitator to send Merchant data. If
not, the Payment facilitator must send the Merchant data directly to Visa.
l In the US Region: In addition:
– Merchant’s incorporation status (for example: corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, non-
profit)
– Merchant’s primary and any secondary MCCs
– If the Acquirer/Merchant relationship has been terminated, the termination date and reason
for termination
In the US Region: An Acquirer must provide to Visa monthly notification of all new Contactless
Acceptance Device deployments.
1
In the US Region: The 9-digit zip code
2
In the Canada Region: This does not apply.
3
For Sponsored Merchants, the Payment Facilitator’s Card acceptor identification is acceptable.

5 Acceptance
4
In the US Region: The US Federal Taxpayer Identification Number, and identification of the number as either a US Federal
Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Social Security Number (SSN)
5.1.1.3 Acquirer Compliance with Privacy Legislation – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Acquirer must meet all applicable requirements of privacy legislation for
the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information among Visa and its employees and
agents, for the purpose of a Merchant’s participation in the Visa Program.
5.1.1.4 Visa Drive Card – Merchant Requirement for “Extra” Cards – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: If a Merchant establishes a Privately Contracted Agreement with an Issuer, the
Merchant must notify its Acquirer.
5.2 Acquirer Responsibilities Related to Merchants
5.2.1 Merchant Agreements, Merchant Onboarding, and Merchant Relationships
5.2.1.1 Requirements for Acquirers Soliciting Electronic Commerce Merchant

Applications
An Acquirer soliciting Merchant applications must list Merchant Outlet location requirements on its
website and/or application.
5.2.1.2 Due Diligence Review of Prospective Merchant or Sponsored Merchant

Before contracting with a prospective Merchant or Sponsored Merchant, an Acquirer or a Payment
Facilitator must conduct an adequate due diligence review, including a site visit to the business
premises (if applicable) or suitable alternative, to ensure compliance with the Acquirer’s obligation
to submit only legal Transactions to VisaNet.

5 Acceptance
5.2.1.3 Acquirer Monitoring of Merchant Bankruptcy or Regulatory Proceedings –

US Region
In the US Region: An Acquirer that becomes aware of the potential or actual bankruptcy of, or any
regulatory proceedings involving, its Merchants must both:
l Notify Visa no later than close of business on the next business day following such discovery
l Oppose to the best of its ability any request for legal relief that would interfere with the Dispute
process
5.2.1.5 Terminated Merchant File Query – US Region

In the US Region: An Acquirer must query the Terminated Merchant File before entering into a
Merchant Agreement with a prospective Merchant.
If the Acquirer receives a response indicating a possible match to a Merchant listed on the
Terminated Merchant File, the Acquirer must both:
l Verify that the Merchant identified in the response is the same Merchant for which the inquiry
was generated
l Contact the listing Member directly to determine why the Merchant was added to the file
The Acquirer must use Terminated Merchant File data only as an informational tool in the decision-
making process.
5.2.1.6 Acquirer Allowance of Terminal Processing by Competitors – US Region

In the US Region: An Acquirer must not prohibit a Merchant from using terminal processing
services offered by competitors for the direct delivery of Visa Transactions captured at the Point-
of-Transaction to VisaNet for Clearing and Settlement.
5.2.1.7 Multinational Merchant Acceptance Program (MMAP) Requirements

To apply for participation in the Multinational Merchant Acceptance Program (MMAP), an Acquirer
must be a Principal-Type Member in the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe

5 Acceptance
Region, LAC Region, or US Region and must demonstrate compliance with the Visa Charter
Documents.
Before beginning acquiring activity under MMAP in a country, an Acquirer must both:
l Register its participating Merchants with Visa, certifying and demonstrating that each Merchant is
both:
– Compliant with the MMAP qualification criteria detailed in the MMAP Merchant Registration
Form
– Permitted, as specified in the Visa Rules, to locate a Merchant Outlet in those registered
countries
l Obtain Visa approval (in writing) for activity in that country
To process an MMAP Transaction, an Acquirer must do all of the following:
l Use a unique Acquiring Identifier for MMAP Transactions
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Process all
International Transactions and Domestic Transactions through VisaNet
l In the Europe Region: Process all Interregional Transactions through VisaNet
l Ensure that at least 90% of its monthly MMAP Transaction volume in each country takes place in a
Card-Absent Environment
l Settle all qualifying Transactions through the National Net Settlement Service, except if the
currency of the Merchant Outlet country is a Settlement Currency
l For an Acquirer in the Europe Region, only process Transactions from a Merchant located outside
the European Economic Area (EEA)
5.2.1.8 Additional Merchant Agreement Requirements

In addition to the requirements in Section 1.5.2.1, Merchant Agreement Requirements, a Merchant
Agreement must comply with all of the following:
l For International Airline Program participants and Multinational Merchant Acceptance Program
participants, both:
– List the countries from which the Acquirer will accept Transactions
– Require the Merchant to comply with all laws and regulations, and Visa Rules, applicable to
each Merchant Outlet and Merchant country

5 Acceptance
l In the Canada Region: For a Merchant that has elected to be a Visa Debit Acceptor, both:
– Identify Card acceptance-related fees associated with Visa Debit Category Acceptance
– For an existing Merchant Agreement that is renewed, or if the Merchant indicates to its
Acquirer that it wants to accept Visa Debit Category Cards, be revised to include the
Merchant’s option to be a Visa Debit Acceptor and identify all Card acceptance-related fees
– Specify that the Merchant must not misrepresent itself as being a Member
– Include all information required under applicable data protection legislation, including, but
▪ The identity of the Acquirer
▪ The purposes of the processing for which any Personal Data is intended
▪ The recipients of the Personal Data, such as:
▪ Member’s subsidiaries and/or group of companies, agents, and employees
▪ Visa, its employees, and its third-party subcontractors and their employees
▪ Such other entities to which it may be reasonably necessary to disclose and transfer
Personal Data (for example: credit reference agencies, law enforcement agencies, anti-
terrorism or organized crime agencies, fraud monitoring agencies, central banks)
▪ Any other entities, to be clearly specified, as otherwise required or permitted by
applicable laws or regulations
▪ That the transfer and disclosure of Personal Data may take place worldwide and that the
transfer of Personal Data outside the EEA is on the basis of either:
▪ An adequacy decision by the European Commission
▪ Appropriate or suitable safeguards as required by applicable laws or regulations
Where the basis of a transfer is for appropriate or suitable safeguards, the Member is
responsible for ensuring that Merchants can have access to such appropriate or suitable
safeguards.
▪ Any other information necessary to guarantee fair processing of Personal Data under
applicable laws or regulations, including without limitation:

5 Acceptance
▪ That aggregated, anonymized data may be created based on Personal Data

▪ That data may be used and/or shared where deemed applicable with third parties for:
▪ Billing purposes
▪ Product enablement and build
▪ Testing or product improvement purposes
▪ To reply to requests from public authorities
▪ That data subjects are not identifiable from this data
▪ The categories of Personal Data processed, whenever considered necessary for the
legitimate interests pursued by the Member
▪ A contact point for data protection enquiries and/or subject access requests
– Notify the Merchant that Merchant Service Charge (MSC) pricing on a MIF Plus Plus basis is
available for Transactions completed with a consumer credit Card or consumer debit Card and
specify the amount of any administrative fee charged by the Acquirer for this service
– Specify the amount of the MSC, Interchange Reimbursement Fees (IRF), and scheme fees
applicable for each Visa Product Category, unless the Merchant requests in writing that the
pricing information be provided in a different format
– Not blend MSCs between Visa Transactions and the transactions of other payment schemes,
unless specifically requested to do so by the Merchant
– For an Electronic Commerce Transaction processed using Visa Secure, include the Issuer or
Visa-provided Cardholder Authentication Verification Value in an Authorization Request
– Specify that the Merchant must undertake PIN Entry Device asset management on a regular
basis, including all of the following:
▪ Recording all stock and serial numbers of each PIN Entry Device
▪ Recording the location of each PIN Entry Device
▪ Undertaking basic electronic and physical identification, and authentication of each PIN
Entry Device
– That both the Acquirer and Merchant shall ensure that all staff are appropriately trained in line
with their responsibilities under applicable data protection law.
– In addition, where the Member is located in the EEA and the Merchant, also located in the EEA,
is a sole trader, all of the following:
▪ The identity of the Acquirer as data controller and corresponding contact details
▪ The identity of any additional data controller and corresponding contact details

5 Acceptance
▪ Identity and contact details for the appropriate data protection officer
▪ The legitimate interest of the data controller where any processing is based on such interest
▪ The data storage period or, where not specific, the criteria used to determine that period
▪ All data rights available to the Merchant, taking into account the relevant Visa services,
including the right to lodge a complaint with an authority and, where applicable, the right
to erasure and/or correction of Personal Data and data portability
l In the US Region: All of the following:
– Clearly distinguish fees associated with Transactions from fees associated with non-Visa
transactions
– Clearly and obviously specify all of the following:
▪ The Acquirer’s name and location
▪ The terms of payment to the Merchant
▪ The Acquirer’s responsibilities, if an Agent is a party to the Merchant Agreement
– For new or renewed Merchant Agreements, both:
▪ Specify the Limited Acceptance options and the Merchant’s election, if any, of one of those
options
▪ Distinguish all Card acceptance-related fees, such as discount rates or other pricing
methodology, associated with each Limited Acceptance category
– Provide for the immediate termination of a Merchant for any significant circumstances that
create harm or loss of goodwill to the Visa system
– Include all of the following:
▪ Prohibition against the Merchant depositing a Transaction that it knows or should have
known to be either fraudulent or not authorized by the Cardholder
▪ Statement that the Merchant is responsible for its employees’ actions
▪ Transaction Deposit restrictions
▪ Transaction processing prohibitions
▪ Prohibition against a Merchant depositing a Transaction that does not result from an act
between the Cardholder and the Merchant or the Cardholder and a Sponsored Merchant
(laundering)
▪ Disclosure of account or Visa Transaction Information prohibitions
▪ A requirement that the Merchant and its Agents comply with the provisions of the Account
Information Security Program

5 Acceptance
▪ Merchant responsibility for demonstrating compliance by its Agents with the requirements
of the Account Information Security Program
▪ A requirement that the Merchant, if undergoing a forensic investigation at the time the
Merchant Agreement is signed, fully cooperate with the investigation until completed
– Remain on file at the Acquirer’s place of business
– Not be assigned or transferred to another Member without the agreement of the Acquirer
– If used by an Agent, be reviewed by the Acquirer
5.2.1.9 Merchant Agreement Disclosure Requirements and Cancellation Rights –

Canada Region
In the Canada Region: Where an Acquirer uses one or more service providers and where a Merchant
is required to enter into more than one agreement with the Acquirer and such service provider(s) in
connection with its payment acceptance services:
l The Acquirer must provide written disclosure of the following information in a consolidated
fashion, before entering into a Merchant Agreement:
– The name, coordinates, and contact information of each service provider and the nature of the
services being provided by each
– The effective date of each agreement
– Information on the expiration and renewal for each agreement
– Detailed information on any applicable fees and rates for each service provider
– Information on how statements will be provided to Merchants
– The cancellation terms of each service provider’s agreement, including specific information on
any cancellation fees that could apply
– If point-of-sale services are offered to a Merchant, general information on buying, leasing, or
renting options of point-of-sale hardware
– The complaint-handling process for each service provider, including how a Merchant can
contact the complaints department of each
l The Acquirer must ensure that the Merchant is provided with a copy of the agreed-upon terms
for each agreement.
l Except where a Merchant, on its own initiative, enters into separate agreements with unrelated
service provider or service providers which are unrelated to the Acquirer, a Merchant must be
permitted to cancel all related agreements without penalty, following notification of any new or

5 Acceptance
increased fees by the Acquirer and/or service provider, in accordance with the Code of Conduct
for the Credit and Debit Industry.
5.2.1.10 Provision of Merchant Invoices – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Acquirer must provide an invoice to its Merchant for MIFs showing all of
the following for the invoice period:
l The total number of Transactions processed by the Merchant
l The total value of Transactions processed by the Merchant
l The MIFs assessed to the Merchant which, unless the Merchant has chosen blended pricing, must
be broken down by the following Card types:
– Credit Card and Deferred Debit Card
– Direct (Immediate) Debit Card
– Visa Electron Card
– Visa Commercial Card
5.2.1.11 Communication of Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) Rates – Europe

Region
In the Europe Region: An Acquirer must inform its Merchant of the availability of Interchange
Reimbursement Fee rates, including for intra-European Economic Area (EEA) Transactions and
Domestic Transactions within the EEA.
5.2.1.12 Merchant Use of a Third-Party Processor – US Region

In the US Region: A Merchant Agreement must permit a Merchant to designate a third-party
processor that does not have a direct agreement with the Merchant’s Acquirer as its agent for the
direct delivery of Transactions to VisaNet for Clearing and Settlement. The Merchant must:
l Advise the Acquirer that it will use a third-party processor
l Agree that the Acquirer must reimburse the Merchant only for the Visa Transactions delivered by

5 Acceptance
that third-party processor to VisaNet

l Assume responsibility for any failure by its third-party processor to comply with the Visa Rules
5.2.1.13 Merchant Category Code (MCC) Assignment

An Acquirer must assign to a Merchant Outlet the MCC that most accurately describes its business.
An Acquirer must assign 2 or more MCCs to a Merchant Outlet if either:
l The Merchant Outlet has deployed an Automated Fuel Dispenser and sells fuel or other goods or
services in a Face-to-Face Environment.
l Separate lines of business are located at the same Merchant Outlet and one or more of the
following applies:
– A separate Merchant Agreement exists for each line of business.
– Multiple Merchant Outlets on the same premises display different Merchant names.
– One of the lines of business is designated by Visa to be a High-Brand Risk Merchant.
– An Electronic Commerce Merchant Outlet contains a link to a separate electronic commerce
website, and each website qualifies for a different MCC.
5.2.1.14 Merchant Name Assignment

The name used to identify a Merchant must be all of the following:
l The name it primarily uses to identify itself to its customers
l Displayed at each Merchant Outlet or on an Electronic Commerce Merchant’s website1 and/or
application
l Used consistently, including spelling, in every place that it is used, including, but not limited to,
the:
– Transaction Receipt provided to the Cardholder
– Authorization Request
– Clearing Record2
– Dispute, Dispute Response, and Acquirer-initiated pre-Arbitration records
The Acquirer must correct non-compliant Merchant names or those causing Cardholder confusion.

5 Acceptance
1
For Electronic Commerce Transactions, the website address may be used, unless the website address is not directly related
to the Merchant name.
2
The Merchant name in the Clearing Record may differ from the Merchant name on the Transaction Receipt if
abbreviations are required or supplementary data is used.
5.2.1.15 Acquirer Processing of Visa Debit Category Transactions – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Acquirer must be able to process Visa Debit Category Transactions from
any Merchant with which the Acquirer has a Merchant Agreement.
5.2.2 Acquirer and Payment Facilitator Responsibilities Related to Deposit

Accounts
5.2.2.1 Domiciled Institutions Requirements – LAC Region (Brazil)

In the LAC Region (Brazil): An Acquirer and a Payment Facilitator must both:
l Allow the Merchant and the Sponsored Merchant to choose their Domiciled Institution
l Ensure that the Domiciled Institution chosen by the Merchant and the Sponsored Merchant has a
direct contract with Visa
5.3 Payment Facilitator, Staged Digital Wallet Operator, and

Marketplace Responsibilities and Requirements
5.3.1 Acquirer Responsibilities and Liabilities in Payment Facilitator and Staged

Digital Wallet Operator Agreements
5.3.1.1 Required Content of Payment Facilitator Agreement or Staged Digital Wallet

Agreement
The Acquirer must include all of the following in a Payment Facilitator Agreement or a Staged
Digital Wallet Operator (SDWO) agreement:

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l A requirement that the Payment Facilitator and its Sponsored Merchants, or the SDWO comply
with the Visa Rules
l A requirement that the Payment Facilitator enter into a contract with each Sponsored Merchant
l The Acquirer’s right to immediately terminate a Sponsored Merchant, the Payment Facilitator, an
SDWO, or a retailer signed by an SDWO for good cause or fraudulent or other activity or upon
Visa request
l Statements specifying that the Payment Facilitator or the SDWO:
– Is liable for all acts, omissions, Cardholder disputes, and other Cardholder customer service-
related issues caused by the Payment Facilitator’s Sponsored Merchants, or the retailer signed
by an SDWO
– Is responsible and financially liable for each Transaction processed on behalf of the
Sponsored Merchant, or for any disputed Transaction or credit
– Must not transfer or attempt to transfer its financial liability by asking or requiring Cardholders
to waive their dispute rights
– Must not permit a Sponsored Merchant to transfer or attempt to transfer its financial liability
by asking or requiring Cardholders to waive their dispute rights
– Must not deposit Transactions on behalf of another Payment Facilitator
– Must not contract with a Sponsored Merchant, or a retailer in the case of an SDWO, whose
contract to accept Transactions was terminated at the direction of Visa or a government
agency
– Must not deposit Transactions from Sponsored Merchants, or retailers signed by an SDWO
outside the Acquirer’s jurisdiction
– Must provide the names of principals and their country of domicile for each of its Sponsored
Merchants, or retailers signed by an SDWO, and Transaction reports to its Acquirer and to Visa
upon request
– Must ensure that its Sponsored Merchants comply with the Payment Card Industry Data
Security Standard (PCI DSS) and the Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS)
5.3.1.2 Acquirer Liability for Payment Facilitators and Sponsored Merchants

A Sponsored Merchant will be treated as a Merchant of its Payment Facilitator’s Acquirer.
An Acquirer that contracts with a Payment Facilitator is liable for all acts, omissions, and other
adverse conditions caused by the Payment Facilitator and its Sponsored Merchants, including, but
not limited to:

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l Related legal costs

l Settlement to the Payment Facilitator or Sponsored Merchant
The acts and omissions caused by a Sponsored Merchant will be treated as those of the Payment
Facilitator and those caused by a Payment Facilitator or a Sponsored Merchant as those of the
Acquirer.
5.3.1.3 Acquirer Requirements for Contracting with Payment Facilitators

If an Acquirer contracts with a Payment Facilitator, it must comply with all of the following:
l Be financially sound (as determined by Visa)
l Meet a minimum equity requirement
l Ensure that its registration of its Payment Facilitator, including the attestation of due diligence
review, is confirmed by Visa before submitting Transactions on behalf of the Payment Facilitator
or its Sponsored Merchant. If the Payment Facilitator is considered to be high-brand risk, it must
be registered as a High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator even if that Payment Facilitator has
previously been registered with Visa.
l Effective 19 October 2019 All of the following:
– Obtain from Visa a unique Payment Facilitator identifier1 that must be assigned by the
Acquirer to each Payment Facilitator to use in Transaction processing
– Ensure the Payment Facilitator determines and assigns a unique identifier1 to each Sponsored
Merchant
– Ensure that every Transaction contains the Payment Facilitator identifier1 and the Sponsored
Merchant identifier, as follows:
▪ In an Authorization record, both the Payment Facilitator identifier and the Sponsored
Merchant identifier
▪ In a Clearing Record, only the Payment Facilitator identifier
l If the Payment Facilitator’s annual Visa volume in the Acquirer’s jurisdiction exceeds USD 50
million, either:
– Meet a minimum equity requirement
– Enter into a direct Merchant Agreement with, and fund, each of the Payment Facilitator’s
Sponsored Merchants2

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l Enter into a direct Merchant Agreement with a Sponsored Merchant that exceeds USD 100,0003
in annual Transaction volume, as follows:2
– For Sponsored Merchants new to the Payment Facilitator, before processing any Transactions
– For Sponsored Merchants with existing contracts with the Payment Facilitator, the earlier of
either:
▪ The renewal of the Sponsored Merchant agreement with the Payment Facilitator
▪ 2 years after annual Visa volume exceeds USD 100,0003
The Payment Facilitator may continue to provide payment services (including settlement) to
the Merchant.
l If the Acquirer settles the proceeds of Transactions submitted by the Payment Facilitator on
behalf of its Sponsored Merchants, pay the proceeds into a bank account in the Payment
Facilitator location
l Not allow its Payment Facilitator to provide payment services to the following merchant types:2,4
– Internet pharmacies
– Internet pharmacy referral sites
– Outbound telemarketers
l Upon Visa request, submit to Visa activity reporting on its Payment Facilitator’s Sponsored
Merchants that includes all of the following for each Sponsored Merchant:
– Sponsored Merchant name as it appears in the Merchant name field
– Sponsored Merchant DBA name
– Payment Facilitator name
– Monthly Transaction count and amount
– Monthly Dispute count and amount
l Ensure that its Sponsored Merchants and the Sponsored Merchants of its Payment Facilitators
follow all Merchant-related rules
l Ensure that its Payment Facilitators provide customer service directly or through its Sponsored
Merchants
l Ensure that its Payment Facilitators have access to the results of any positive matches on the Visa
Merchant Screening Service (VMSS)
l In addition, all of the following:
– Include in its contract with the Payment Facilitator a clear statement of both the jurisdiction
within which the Payment Facilitator may contract with Sponsored Merchants and the category

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(or categories) of Sponsored Merchants with which it may contract

– When a Cardholder can access a Payment Facilitator’s website and/or application directly,
ensure that its Payment Facilitator both:
▪ Provides customer service and after-sales support, either directly or via its Sponsored
Merchants, in all languages in which services are offered
▪ Clearly display customer service contact information or trading office contact information
on its website and/or application
– Ensure that its Payment Facilitator reports Sponsored Merchant and Transaction Information to
the Acquirer and, upon request, to Visa
– Ensure that its Payment Facilitator uses the appropriate MCC or other required indicators to
identify Merchant or Transaction type
1
In the LAC Region (Brazil): An Acquirer must send the tax identification and Merchant legal name if it has obtained the
Payment Facilitator’s consent to do so. If not, the Acquirer must send the Payment Facilitator identifier and the Sponsored
Merchant identifier.
2
In the LAC Region (Brazil): This does not apply.
3
In the AP Region (Australia, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand), Canada Region, Europe Region, US Region: USD 1 million
4
5.3.2 Payment Facilitator, Staged Digital Wallet Operator, and Marketplace

Responsibilities and Requirements
5.3.2.1 Assignment of Payment Facilitator, Staged Digital Wallet Operator, or

Marketplace Location
An Acquirer must assign the correct location of its Payment Facilitator as the country of the
Payment Facilitator’s Principal Place of Business.
An Acquirer may assign an additional Payment Facilitator location if all of the following occur in
each country:1,2
l The Payment Facilitator has a permanent location at which the Payment Facilitator’s employees or
agents conduct the business activity directly related to the provision of the Payment Facilitator’s
services to the Sponsored Merchant.
l Cardholder correspondence and judicial process are sent by/delivered to the Payment Facilitator.

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l The Payment Facilitator assesses taxes on its provision of Card acceptance services to Sponsored
Merchants.
l The Payment Facilitator is subject to local laws and regulations.
l In addition, in the Europe Region: The Payment Facilitator has a business license to operate in the
country.
An Acquirer must assign the correct location of a Staged Digital Wallet Operator (SDWO) as the
country of the SDWO’s Principal Place of Business.
An Acquirer may assign an additional SDWO location1,2 if all of the following occur in each country:
l The SDWO has a permanent location at which it manages the activities associated with the
Staged Digital Wallet.
l The SDWO pays taxes related to revenue earned from the provision of the wallet services to
Cardholders and acceptance services to retailers signed by the SDWO, if the country levies such
taxes.
l The SDWO is subject to local laws and regulations.
l In the Europe Region: The SDWO has appropriate approvals in place to do business in the
country where its retailers receive payments from the SDWO, as required by applicable laws or
regulations.
An Acquirer must assign the correct location of its Marketplace as the country of the Marketplace’s
Principal Place of Business.
An Acquirer may assign additional Marketplace locations if the Transaction is one of the following:
Table 5-1: Allowed Additional Marketplace Locations
Transaction Additional Marketplace location may be:
Airline, Cruise Line, passenger The country from which the first leg of the purchased travel originates
railway, or other travel
Taxi or ride service The country in which the journey originates

2
All other The country where all of the following occur:
l The Marketplace has a permanent location at which its employees or
agents conduct the business activity and operations directly related to
providing Marketplace services to retailers and Cardholders.
l The Marketplace pays applicable taxes.
l The address for correspondence and judicial process is in that country.

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Visa reserves the right to determine the location of a Marketplace.

1
The Payment Facilitator or SDWO must contract with an Acquirer in each country and sign applicable Merchant
Agreements with Sponsored Merchants or retailers, as applicable.
2
An exception applies to Payment Facilitator and SDWO locations within the Europe Region, and to Marketplace locations
within the European Economic Area, as specified in the Visa Merchant Data Standards Manual.
5.3.2.2 Qualification as a Marketplace, Merchant, Payment Facilitator, or Staged

Digital Wallet Operator
An entity that deposits a Transaction, receives settlement from, or contracts with an Acquirer is
classified as a Merchant if all of the following apply:
l The entity represents itself as selling the goods or services to the Cardholder.
l The entity uses its name primarily to identify its Merchant Outlet to the Cardholder.
l The entity provides recourse to the Cardholder in the event of a dispute.
Otherwise, the entity is classified as one of the following:
l A Staged Digital Wallet Operator (SDWO), if it meets the SDWO criteria
l A Marketplace, if it meets the Marketplace criteria
l A Payment Facilitator
Visa reserves the right to determine whether an entity is a Payment Facilitator, a Marketplace, a
Merchant, or an SDWO and may use additional criteria including, but not limited to, the entity’s
name that appears on the Transaction Receipt and the entity that:
l Owns or takes possession of the goods or services
l Books the sale as revenue
l Provides customer service and handles returns
5.3.3 Acquirer Responsibility for Staged Digital Wallet Operators
5.3.3.1 Staged Digital Wallet Operator Requirements

An Acquirer that contracts with a Staged Digital Wallet Operator (SDWO) must comply with all of
the following:

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l Meet a minimum equity requirement of USD 100 million (USD 500 million if the SDWO’s annual
Transaction volume exceeds USD 50 million)1
l Register the SDWO as a Third Party Agent with Visa
l If the wallet can be used at a High-Brand Risk Merchant, register the SDWO with Visa as a High-
Brand Risk Merchant with the appropriate MCC
l Obtain a Merchant Verification Value (MVV) for each SDWO
l Process the Transaction as a Card-Absent Environment Transaction
l Use the appropriate business application identifier in all Transaction messages
l Pay the proceeds of Transactions conducted via the SDWO into a bank account in the SDWO
location
l Ensure that the SDWO complies with all of the following:
– At the time of loading the Cardholder information in the Staged Digital Wallet, obtains either
written or electronic Cardholder consent to all of the following:
▪ Use of the stored account information to initiate Transactions
▪ The purpose for which the Cardholder’s information will be used
▪ The expiration date of the agreement, if applicable
– Does not assign to a Cardholder an Account Number or an account number of a non-
Visa general-purpose payment network
– In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Is located in the
same country as the retailer that receives payment from the SDWO.
– In the Europe Region: The SDWO is either:
▪ Located in the same country as the retailer that receives payment from the SDWO
▪ Located in any country in the Europe Region, if the SDWO and the retailer have the
necessary approvals to do business in the country where the retailer is located
– Has an acceptance contract with the retailer and conducts appropriate due diligence
– Does not contract with a Payment Facilitator or another SDWO to process Transactions
– Displays on the payment screen and all screens that show Account information both:
▪ The last 4 digits of the Account Number or Token
▪ The Visa Brand Mark or the name “Visa” in text immediately next to a Visa payment option

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l Ensure that all Transactions using a Staged Digital Wallet comply with Table 5-2, Staged Digital
Wallet Transaction Processing Requirements
Table 5-2: Staged Digital Wallet Transaction Processing Requirements
2
Use MCC Transaction Merchant Merchant
Indicator Outlet Name
Location
Funding the wallet before Any of the following: l MVV The Name of
the Cardholder makes the Business country DWO
3
l For account funding, MCC l
purchase 6051 (Non-Financial application where
Institutions – Foreign indicator of WT the
Currency, Non-Fiat SDWO is
l AFT Indicator
Currency [for example: located
Cryptocurrency], Money l Appropriate
Orders [not Money Card-Absent
Transfer], Travelers Environment
Cheques, and Debt indicator or
Repayment) Electronic
Commerce
l If the funds will be used for
Indicator
a High-Brand Risk
Transaction, the applicable
High-Brand Risk MCC
l If the funds are used for a
gambling Transaction, the
applicable gambling MCC
Purchase with back-to-back MCC that describes the l MVV The Name of
funding, where the funding primary business of the l Business country DWO
Transaction is initiated by the retailer application where *name of
SDWO and corresponds to, indicator of WT the retailer
or is otherwise directly retailer is
l Appropriate
connected to, a specific located
Card-Absent
purchase. An Acquirer must
Environment
comply with these processing
indicator or
requirements whether the
Electronic
Transaction represents the Commerce
whole or only a part of the Indicator
3
Transaction.

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1
Visa may waive this requirement in exchange for assurance and evidence of the imposition of risk controls and
requirements satisfactory to Visa. Such controls and requirements may include, but are not limited to, the pledging of
additional collateral.
2
Visa retains the right to determine permitted Transaction types.
3
If there is a mixed source of funding, for example: when a Cardholder uses a wallet that is partially funded before the
Cardholder makes the purchase and partially funded as a back-to-back purchase, each portion must adhere to the rules
for the respective Transaction type.
5.3.4 Acquirer Responsibility for Marketplaces
5.3.4.1 Marketplace Qualification Requirements

Visa classifies an entity that meets all of the following as a Marketplace:
l Brings together Cardholders and retailers on an electronic commerce website or mobile
application
l Its name or brand is:
– Displayed prominently on the website or mobile application
– Displayed more prominently than the name and brands of retailers using the Marketplace
– Part of the mobile application name or URL
l Handles payments for sales and refunds on behalf of the retailers that sell goods and services
through the Marketplace, and receive settlement for Transactions on their behalf
l Is financially liable for Disputes and resolves disputes between Cardholders and retailers by
providing either:
– A decision that binds both Cardholder and retailer
– A money-back guarantee funded by the Marketplace
l Ensures that no retailer exceeds both:
– USD 10 million in annual Visa volume through the Marketplace
– 10% of the Marketplace’s annual Visa volume
The following Merchant types are not eligible to be Marketplaces or retailers using a Marketplace:
l Franchises
l Travel agents
l High-Brand Risk Merchants

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5.3.4.2 Required Additional Content of Marketplace Agreement

In addition to the required content of a Merchant Agreement, an Acquirer must include all of the
following in a Marketplace agreement:
l A requirement that the Marketplace and its retailers comply with the Visa Rules
l A requirement that the Marketplace enter into a contract with each retailer before it deposits
Transactions on the retailer’s behalf
l The Acquirer’s right to prohibit individual retailers from participating in the Visa system and to
immediately stop depositing Transactions for any individual retailer for good cause or upon Visa
request
l Statements specifying that the Marketplace:
– Is permitted to process Transactions for retailers located in a different country to the
Marketplace, and must ensure that Transactions are legal in the country of the Marketplace and
of the retailer
– Is liable for all acts, omissions, Cardholder disputes, and other Cardholder customer service-
related issues caused by the Marketplace’s retailers
– Is responsible and financially liable for each Transaction processed on behalf of a retailer
– Must not transfer or attempt to transfer, or permit the retailer to transfer or attempt to
transfer, its financial liability by asking or requiring Cardholders to waive their dispute rights
– Must deposit Transactions only on behalf of retailers of goods and services that use the
Marketplace’s website or application
– Must not knowingly contract with a retailer whose contract to accept Transactions was
terminated at the direction of Visa or a government agency
5.3.4.3 Acquirer Liability for Marketplaces

An Acquirer that contracts with a Marketplace is liable for all acts, omissions, and other adverse
conditions caused by the Marketplace and its retailers, including, but not limited to:
l Related legal costs
l Settlement to the Marketplace or retailer

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The acts and omissions of a retailer will be treated as those of the Marketplace, and the Acquirer is
fully liable for any losses to Visa, its Members, or other stakeholders caused by a Marketplace or its
retailers.
5.3.4.4 Marketplace Acquirer Requirements

An Acquirer that contracts with a Marketplace must comply with all of the following:
l Meet a minimum equity requirement of USD 100 million (USD 500 million if the Marketplace’s
annual Visa volume exceeds USD 50 million)1
l Register the Marketplace as a Third Party Agent with Visa
l Obtain written confirmation from Visa that the entity qualifies as a Marketplace
l Ensure that adequate due diligence is applied to retailers using a Marketplace and that risk
management controls are in place to do all of the following:
– Prevent Transactions that are illegal in the location of the Marketplace, the location of its
retailers, or the location of the Cardholder
– Prevent the sale of counterfeit products or goods that infringe intellectual property
– Provide a process to investigate and remediate rights-holder complaints
– Ensure that the Marketplace and its retailers are not engaged in any activity that could cause
harm to the Visa brand
– Ensure compliance with all laws, regulations, requirements, and Visa Rules relating to anti-
money laundering and anti-terrorist funding
l Ensure that the Marketplace complies with all Visa Rules relating to Merchants unless otherwise
stated or unless the rule is inconsistent with a rule specific to Marketplaces
l Effective 19 October 2019 Obtain from Visa a unique Marketplace identifier and include the
Marketplace identifier in all Transaction messages2
1
2
In the LAC Region (Brazil): An Acquirer must send the tax identification and Merchant legal name if it has obtained the
Marketplace’s consent to do so. If not, the Acquirer must send the Marketplace identifier and the retailer identifier.

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5.3.4.5 Reporting Requirements for Acquirers of Marketplaces

An Acquirer that contracts with a Marketplace must recertify annually that information provided to
obtain written approval from Visa remains materially unchanged, and inform Visa immediately if
there is a material change in the information provided to obtain approval from Visa to treat the
entity as a Marketplace. Visa approval is withdrawn if the Acquirer fails to comply with this
requirement.
If a Marketplace has at least USD 1 million in total payment volume and 10% or more of its
total Transaction volume is initiated by retailers in a different country to the Marketplace, or
upon Visa request, the Acquirer must report quarterly to Visa both:
l Total Marketplace Transaction value
l Total Marketplace Transaction value generated by retailers in a different country to the
Marketplace
An Acquirer must, for an international Marketplace or upon Visa request, within 90 days of
registration and each quarter thereafter, report to Visa all of the following:
l Total Marketplace Transaction value
l Total Marketplace Transaction value generated by retailers in the same country as the
Marketplace1,2
l Total domestic Marketplace Transaction value generated by retailers in a different country
to the Marketplace (“International Retailer Volume”)3
l Total international Marketplace Transaction value
1
Marketplace volume where the Marketplace, Issuer, and retailer are all in the same country.
2
In the Europe Region: For a Marketplace located within the European Economic Area (EEA), this includes Transactions
where the Marketplace’s retailers are also located within the EEA.
3
Marketplace volume where the Marketplace and Issuer are in the same country, and the retailer is in a different country.

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5.4 Merchant and Cardholder Interaction
5.4.1 Honoring Cards
5.4.1.1 Acceptance of Visa Cards Issued by Non-Canada Issuers – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: A Merchant that accepts Visa Cards must accept any valid Visa Card issued by
a non-Canada Issuer, as specified in the Visa Rules.
5.4.2 Conditions of Card Acceptance and Cardholder Rights
5.4.2.1 Visa Contactless Transaction Requirement in Australia – AP Region

A Merchant or an Acquirer must not override a Cardholder’s choice to access the credit account on
a Visa credit Card with multiple contactless Payment Applications used at a Contactless Acceptance
Device.
5.4.2.2 Maximum Transaction Amount – US Region and US Territories

In the US Region or a US Territory, a Merchant must not establish a maximum Transaction amount
as a condition for honoring a Visa Card, except for a Transaction conducted with a Visa credit Card
issued in the US Region or a US Territory.
Only the following Merchants may establish a maximum Transaction amount for the Card type
specified above:
l An agency of the US federal government
l A Merchant assigned one of the following MCCs:
– 8220 (Colleges, Universities, Professional Schools, and Junior Colleges)
– 8244 (Business and Secretarial Schools)
– 8249 (Trade and Vocational Schools)
Any maximum Transaction amount imposed must not be discriminatory between Issuers or
between Visa and another payment network.

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5.4.2.3 Minimum Transaction Amount – US Region and US Territories

In the US Region or a US Territory, a Merchant must not establish a minimum Transaction amount
as a condition for honoring a Visa Card, except for a Transaction conducted with a Visa credit Card
issued in the US Region or a US Territory.
The minimum Transaction amount must not be greater than USD 10 and must not be discriminatory
between Issuers or between Visa and another payment network.
5.4.2.4 Disclosure to Cardholders of Return, Refund, and Cancellation Policies

If a Merchant restricts the return of goods or cancellation of services, it must clearly disclose to a
Cardholder its return, refund, and cancellation policies, as follows:
l For Card-Present Environment Transactions, at the Point-of-Transaction before the Cardholder
completes the Transaction. If the disclosure is on the back of the Transaction Receipt or in a
separate contract, it must be accompanied by a space for the Cardholder’s signature or initials,
which must be completed by the Cardholder as acceptance of the Merchant’s policy.
l For Transactions at an Electronic Commerce Merchant, during the sequence of pages before final
checkout, and include a “click to accept” button, checkbox, or other acknowledgement. The
disclosure may be a link to a separate page if that link forms part of the “click to accept”
acknowledgement and refers to the return, refund, or cancellation policy.
l For Card-Absent Environment Transactions that are not Electronic Commerce Transactions,
through mail, email, or text message
l In addition, for a Guaranteed Reservation, the Merchant must:
– Disclose the date and time the stay or rental will begin and the location where the
accommodation, merchandise, or services will be provided
– Agree to hold the reservation unless it is cancelled according to the agreed policy. That policy
must include, but is not limited to the following:
▪ Date and time by which the Cardholder must cancel the reservation to avoid a penalty
▪ Amount the Cardholder must pay if the reservation is not properly cancelled by the
deadline and the Cardholder does not claim the accommodations, merchandise, or services
within 24 hours of the agreed time
– If unable to honor the reservation, provide the agreed accommodations, merchandise, or
services, or comparable accommodations, merchandise, or services, at no additional cost to
the Cardholder or as agreed by the Cardholder

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A Merchant must not require a Cardholder to waive the right to dispute a Transaction with the
Issuer.
5.4.3 Merchant Use of Cardholder Account Information
5.4.3.1 Merchant Use of Account Number, Cardholder Signature, Card Verification

Value 2 (CVV2), or Stored Credential
A Merchant must comply with all of the following:
l Not request or use an Account Number for any purpose that is not related to payment for goods
and services, except as specified in Section 5.4.3.2, Use of Visa Account Information for Service
Access.
l Store and reproduce the signature only for the Transaction for which the signature was obtained
l Reproduce the signature only upon specific written request from the Acquirer or in response to a
valid Retrieval Request
l Use a Stored Credential only as agreed with the Cardholder
l Not require a Cardholder to complete a postcard, or similar device, that will cause the Card
account data or the Cardholder’s signature to be in plain view when mailed
l Not request a Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) from the Cardholder on any written form
l Not request a Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) from the Cardholder for a Card-Present
Environment Transaction
l Display on the payment screen and all screens that show Account information both:
– The last 4 digits of the Account Number or Token
– The Visa Brand Mark or the name “Visa” in text immediately next to a Visa payment option
5.4.3.2 Use of Visa Account Information for Service Access

A Merchant may use an Account Number for the purpose of providing access to a service only if
either:
l The service was purchased using that Account Number.
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: The Card is a Visa
Prepaid Card and the service was purchased with cash at a Merchant assigned one of the

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following MCCs:
– 4111 (Local and Suburban Commuter Passenger Transportation, Including Ferries)
– 4112 (Passenger Railways)
– 4131 (Bus Lines)
A Merchant’s use of Visa account information to provide access to a service must be limited to the
generation of a secure, irreversible, and unique access token both:
l At the time the service is purchased
l At the point of access to verify the access token
At the time of purchase, the Merchant must disclose to the Cardholder any restrictions, additional
conditions, or customer service policies that may be relevant to the Cardholder’s ability to access
the service purchased.
5.4.3.3 Access Token Restrictions

A Merchant that uses Visa account information to generate an access token must not:
l Require a Cardholder to perform any Cardholder Verification or present identification in order to
accept the Visa account information as a means to access the service
l Use the Visa account information, instead of an access token, to verify eligibility at the point of
access
l Transmit Visa account information except as required for processing an associated Visa
Transaction
l Store the Visa account information at the point of access
l Use Visa-Owned Marks at the point of access, unless the point of access is also a Point-of-
Transaction
l Use or store Visa account information for any purpose other than to generate an Access Token
5.4.3.4 Reusing Redemption Credentials – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: If an Account Number is used to access previously purchased goods and/or
services more than once using the same redemption credentials each time, the Merchant must:

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l Permit the transfer of a Card’s purchase record to another Card for a legitimate reason (for
example: the Card was lost or stolen)
l Submit an Account Verification of the Card to which the purchase record is being transferred,
whenever a Card’s purchase record is transferred to another Card
5.5 Merchant Verification of Card and Cardholder
5.5.1 Card and Cardholder Validation
5.5.1.1 Card and Cardholder Validation in a Face-to-Face Environment

An Acquirer or a Merchant must validate a Card and Cardholder in a Face-to-Face Environment, as
follows:
Table 5-3: Card and Cardholder Validation in a Face-to-Face Environment
Description Manual Cash All Other

Disbursements Face-to-Face
and Quasi- Transactions
Cash
Transactions
1
Validate the identity of the Cardholder by reviewing the Cardholder’s X
identification document (for example: a valid passport, valid driver’s
license with photo, other government-issued identification, Visa Card
containing the Cardholder’s photograph).
Describe the identification on the Transaction Receipt, excluding the

document number or any other identifying information.
These requirements do not apply to PIN- or Consumer Device

Cardholder Verification Method (CDCVM)-authenticated Manual Cash
Disbursements or Quasi-Cash Transactions if the Transaction amount is
either:
l For a Chip Transaction, USD 500 or less (or local currency equivalent)
l For a US Domestic Transaction, any amount
Verify the Cardholder using one of the following:2 X X
l For a Transaction at a Compliant Chip Reading Device, act on the

5 Acceptance
Table 5-3: Card and Cardholder Validation in a Face-to-Face Environment (continued)
Description Manual Cash All Other

Disbursements Face-to-Face
and Quasi- Transactions
Cash
Transactions
Cardholder Verification Method (CVM) list on the Card or Contactless

Payment Device. A Merchant may process a Transaction without a
Cardholder signature.
l For a Transaction that takes place at a Magnetic-Stripe-only
Acceptance Device, either:
– Signature3
– PIN
The requirement to verify the Cardholder does not apply to Visa Easy
Payment Service (VEPS) Transactions.
Effective through 18 October 2019 X X

In the Europe Region (Sweden): For a Domestic Transaction of SEK 200 or
more that is not verified by PIN, record the Cardholder’s identification
number on the Transaction Receipt or any other written documentation
directly related to the Transaction.
1
In the Europe Region (United Kingdom): The validation of a Cardholder’s identity using secondary identification is
not required for the purchase of gaming chips in casinos.
2
In the AP Region (Japan, Philippines) or where applicable laws or regulations require a Cardholder Verification
Method to be captured, a Merchant must verify the Cardholder using PIN, CDCVM, or a signature. This does not
apply to either Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Transactions or Transactions that take place with a Card that does
not contain a signature panel.
3
For a Transaction that takes place with a Card that does not contain a signature panel, the Merchant must capture a
signature but is not required to verify it.

5 Acceptance
5.6 Surcharges, Convenience Fees, and Service Fees
5.6.1 Surcharges – Allowances, Requirements, Restrictions, Amounts, and

Disclosures
5.6.1.1 Surcharges – AP Region (Australia)

In the AP Region (Australia): If a Merchant adds a Surcharge to a Transaction, the Surcharge amount
must comply with all of the following:
l Be limited to the “reasonable costs of acceptance” of a Visa Card (or Visa Cards) as that concept
is defined by the Reserve Bank of Australia and by applicable laws or regulations
l Not include the cost of accepting any non-Visa payment card
l Be clearly disclosed to the Cardholder before the completion of the Transaction. The Cardholder
must be given the opportunity to cancel without penalty after the Surcharge is disclosed.
l Be charged only by the Merchant that provides the goods or services to the Cardholder. The
Merchant must not permit a third party to charge a Cardholder a separate or additional amount
in respect of the cost of acceptance of the Visa Card, but the Merchant may include third-party
costs relevant to accepting a Visa Card as part of its Surcharge.
l Not differ according to Issuer
l Be different for Visa credit Card Transactions and Visa debit Card Transactions if the “reasonable
cost of acceptance” varies between the 2 Transactions
l Be assessed only on the final total amount charged for the goods or services, after any discount
or rebate from the Merchant has been applied
l Be added to the Transaction amount and not collected separately1
1
A government Merchant may collect the Surcharge amount separately and may use a third party to deposit Transactions if
it is assigned one of the following MCCs:
l 9211 (Court Costs, Including Alimony and Child Support)
l 9222 (Fines)
l 9223 (Bail and Bond Payments)
l 9311 (Tax Payments)
l 9399 (Government Services [Not Elsewhere Classified])
l 9405 (Intra-Government Purchases)

5 Acceptance
5.6.1.2 Surcharge Disclosure Requirements – AP Region (Australia)

In the AP Region (Australia): A Merchant that assesses a Surcharge must do all of the following:
l Inform the Cardholder that a Surcharge is assessed
l Inform the Cardholder of the Surcharge amount or rate
l Not describe the Surcharge as, or inform the Cardholder that the Surcharge is, assessed by Visa
or a financial institution
l Include notices, signs, or decals disclosing that the Merchant assesses a Surcharge. Such notices,
signs, or decals must be in a conspicuous location or locations at the Merchant’s physical point of
sale, or, in the absence of a physical point of sale, prominently during an Electronic Commerce
Transaction or communicated clearly in a telephone order so as it can be reasonably assured that
all Cardholders presenting a Visa Card will be aware of the Surcharge.
l Clearly display or communicate the Surcharge disclosure in the Transaction environment or
process, including (if there is a physical point of sale) at the terminal/cashier’s desk. The
disclosure must be of as high a contrast as any other signs or decals displayed.
A Merchant must clearly and prominently disclose any Surcharge that will be assessed.
The disclosure at the point of sale must include both:
l The exact amount or percentage of the Surcharge
l A statement that the Surcharge is being assessed by the Merchant
For an Electronic Commerce Transaction, a Mail/Phone Order Transaction, and an Unattended
Transaction, the Cardholder must be provided the opportunity to cancel the Transaction
subsequent to the Surcharge disclosure.
For example, the requirement for clear and prominent disclosure will be satisfied if the disclosure
is made consistent with Table 5-4, Surcharge Disclosure – AP Region (Australia).
Table 5-4: Surcharge Disclosure – AP Region (Australia)
Transaction Type Point-of-Entry Point-of-Sale
Face-to-Face N/A Every Customer check-out or payment

Transaction location, in a minimum 16-point Arial font
Electronic The first page that references credit card Checkout page, in a minimum 10-point
Commerce brands accepted, in a minimum 10-point Arial font
Transaction Arial font
Mail order The first page of the catalog that Mail order form, in a minimum 8-point
Transaction Arial font

5 Acceptance
Table 5-4: Surcharge Disclosure – AP Region (Australia) (continued)
Transaction Type Point-of-Entry Point-of-Sale
references credit card brands accepted, in

a minimum 8-point Arial font. The
disclosure must also provide instructions
for calculating the amount of the
Surcharge to be applied and added to the
total Transaction amount.
Telephone order The first page of the catalog that Verbal notice from the telephone order
Transaction references credit card brands accepted, in clerk, including Surcharge amount
a minimum 8-point Arial font. The
disclosure must also provide instructions
for calculating the amount of the
Surcharge to be applied and added to the
total Transaction amount.
Unattended N/A On the Unattended Cardholder-

Transaction Activated Terminal or virtual disclosure
on the payment terminal screen, in a
minimum 16-point Arial font
5.6.1.3 Notification of Intent to Assess Surcharges – US Region and US Territories

In the US Region or a US Territory: An Acquirer must both:
l Ensure that its Merchant notifies Visa and its Acquirer in writing at least 30 calendar days before
assessing a US Credit Card Surcharge. Notice to Visa can be provided as specified on the
“Merchant Surcharge Notification” link at www.visa.com.
l Inform Visa upon request of all notifications of intent to surcharge received from its Merchants.
5.6.1.4 Similar Treatment of Visa Transactions – US Region and US Territories

A Merchant must not assess a US Credit Card Surcharge on Visa Credit Card Transactions in a
specific payment channel if either:

5 Acceptance
l The Merchant is prohibited or effectively prohibited by a Competitive Credit Card Brand from
assessing surcharges on the Competitive Credit Card Brand’s products in that payment channel.
l The Merchant’s ability to surcharge a Competitive Credit Card Brand in that payment channel is
limited by that Competitive Credit Card Brand in any manner1 and the Merchant assesses a US
Credit Card Surcharge on conditions that are not the same as the conditions on which the
Merchant would be allowed to surcharge transactions of the Competitive Credit Card Brand in
that payment channel, or on which the Merchant actually surcharges transactions of the
Competitive Credit Card Brand in that payment channel, after accounting for any discounts or
rebates offered at the Point-of-Transaction.
This prohibition does not apply and a Merchant may assess a US Credit Card Surcharge on Visa
Credit Card Transactions if one of the following:
l The Competitive Credit Card Cost of Acceptance or the Competitive Credit Card Product Cost of
Acceptance to the Merchant is less than the Visa Credit Card Cost of Acceptance or Visa Credit
Card Product Cost of Acceptance to the Merchant and the Competitive Credit Card Brand does
not prohibit or effectively prohibit surcharging credit card transactions.
l The Competitive Credit Card Brand prohibits or effectively prohibits surcharging on credit cards
and the Merchant actually surcharges the Competitive Credit Card Brand’s transactions in an
amount at least equal to the lesser of either:
– The Competitive Credit Card Cost of Acceptance
– The amount of the US Credit Card Surcharge imposed on a Visa Credit Card
l There is an agreement between the Merchant and the Competitive Credit Card Brand in which
the Merchant waives or in any other way restrains or limits its ability to surcharge transactions on
that Competitive Credit Card Brand, provided that:
– The agreement is for a fixed duration, is not subject to an “evergreen clause” (i.e.,
automatically renewed unless terminated by the parties to the agreement) and is not a
standard agreement generally offered by the Competitive Credit Card Brand to multiple
merchants.
– The Merchant’s acceptance of the Competitive Credit Card Brand as payment for goods or
services is unrelated to and not conditional upon the Merchant’s entry into such agreement.
– The agreement is supported by the exchange of material value.
– The agreement expressly specifies a price under which the Merchant may accept the
Competitive Credit Card Brand’s products and surcharge those transactions up to the
Merchant’s Merchant Discount Rate for the Competitive Credit Card Brand, after accounting
for any discounts or rebates offered by the Merchant at the Point-of-Transaction.
1
This provision does not apply if the Competitive Credit Card Brand prohibits only surcharging for an amount greater than
the Competitive Credit Card Cost of Acceptance.

5 Acceptance
5.6.1.5 US Credit Card Surcharge Requirements – US Region and US Territories

In the US Region or a US Territory: A Merchant may assess a fixed or variable US Credit Card
Surcharge on a Visa Credit Card Transaction, subject to applicable laws or regulations.
The Merchant may assess a US Credit Card Surcharge by either:
l Applying the same fixed or variable US Credit Card Surcharge to all Visa Credit Card Transactions
(brand level)
l Applying the same fixed or variable US Credit Card Surcharge to all Visa Transactions of the same
credit product type (product level)
The US Credit Card Surcharge at the brand level must be the same for all Visa Credit Card
Transactions, regardless of the Card’s Issuer or the product type, and after accounting for any
discounts or rebates offered by the Merchant on Visa Credit Card Transactions at the Point-of-
Transaction.
The US Credit Card Surcharge at the product level must be the same for Transactions on a particular
Visa Credit Card product type, regardless of the Card’s Issuer, and after accounting for any
discounts or rebates offered by the Merchant on Visa Credit Card Transactions on the product type
at the Point-of-Transaction.
A Merchant must not assess a US Credit Card Surcharge on Visa Credit Card Transactions at both the
brand and product level.
The US Credit Card Surcharge must be included in the Transaction amount.
5.6.1.6 US Credit Card Surcharge Maximum Amount – US Region and US Territories

In the US Region or a US Territory: A US Credit Card Surcharge assessed at the brand level, as
specified in Section 5.6.1.5, US Credit Card Surcharge Requirements – US Region and US
Territories, must not exceed the Merchant’s Visa Surcharge Cap.
In the US Region or a US Territory: A US Credit Card Surcharge assessed at the product level, as
specified in Section 5.6.1.5, US Credit Card Surcharge Requirements – US Region and US Territories,
must not exceed the Merchant’s Visa Credit Card Surcharge Cap less the Debit Card Cost of
Acceptance.
In no case may the US Credit Card Surcharge amount exceed the Maximum Surcharge Cap.

5 Acceptance
5.6.1.7 US Credit Card Surcharge Disclosure Requirements – US Region and US

Territories
In the US Region or a US Territory: A Merchant must, at both the point of entry into the Merchant
Outlet and the Point-of-Transaction, clearly and prominently disclose any US Credit Card Surcharge
that will be assessed.
The disclosure at the Point-of-Transaction must include all of the following:
l The exact amount or percentage of the US Credit Card Surcharge
l A statement that the US Credit Card Surcharge is being assessed by the Merchant and is only
applicable to credit Transactions
l A statement that the US Credit Card Surcharge amount is not greater than the applicable
Merchant Discount Rate for Visa Credit Card Transactions at the Merchant
Merchants with Acceptance Devices that offer Cardholder choice for debit Transactions in the form
of “credit” and “debit” buttons must ensure that:
l Visa debit Card Transactions are not assessed a US Credit Card Surcharge
l It is made clear to the Cardholder that surcharges are not permitted on debit Transactions
regardless whether a Cardholder selects the “credit” or “debit” button
For an Electronic Commerce Transaction, a Mail/Phone Order Transaction, and an Unattended
Transaction, the Cardholder must be provided the opportunity to cancel the Transaction
subsequent to the US Credit Card Surcharge disclosure.
For example, the requirement for clear and prominent disclosure will be satisfied if the disclosure
is made consistent with Table 5-5, Surcharge Disclosure – US Region and US Territories:
Table 5-5: Surcharge Disclosure – US Region and US Territories
Transaction Type Point-of-Entry Point-of-Transaction
Face-to-Face Main entrance(s) of the Merchant Outlet, Every customer checkout or payment
Transaction in a minimum 32-point Arial font, but in location, in a minimum 16-point Arial
any case no smaller or less prominent font, but in any case no smaller or less
than surrounding text prominent than surrounding text
Electronic The first page that references credit card Checkout page, in a minimum 10-point
Commerce brands accepted, in a minimum 10-point Arial font, but in any case no smaller or
Transaction Arial font, but in any case no smaller or less prominent than surrounding text

5 Acceptance
Table 5-5: Surcharge Disclosure – US Region and US Territories (continued)
Transaction Type Point-of-Entry Point-of-Transaction
less prominent than surrounding text
Mail order The first page of the catalog that Mail order form, in a minimum 10-point
Transaction references credit card brands accepted, Arial font, but in any case no smaller or
in a minimum 8-point Arial font, but in less prominent than surrounding text
any case no smaller or less prominent
than surrounding text
Telephone order The first page of the catalog that Verbal notice from the telephone order
Transaction references credit card brands accepted, clerk, including US Credit Card Surcharge
in a minimum 8-point Arial font, but in amount
any case no smaller or less prominent
than surrounding text
Unattended Main entrance(s) of the Merchant Outlet On the Unattended Cardholder-Activated

Cardholder- (if applicable) (for example: gas [petrol] Terminal or virtual disclosure on the
Activated Terminal station store) in a minimum 32-point Arial payment terminal screen, in a minimum
font, but in any case no smaller or less 16-point Arial font, but in any case no
prominent than surrounding text smaller or less prominent than
surrounding text
5.6.2 Convenience Fees – Allowances, Requirements, Restrictions, Amounts, and

Disclosures
5.6.2.1 Convenience Fees – AP, CEMEA, and US Regions

In the AP Region, CEMEA Region (Russia), US Region: A Merchant that charges a Convenience Fee
must ensure that the fee is assessed as follows:
Table 5-6: Convenience Fee Requirements
Convenience Fee Requirement AP CEMEA US

Region Region Region
(Russia)
Charged for a bona fide convenience in the form of an alternative payment X X X

5 Acceptance
Table 5-6: Convenience Fee Requirements (continued)

(Russia)
channel outside the Merchant’s customary payment channels and not

charged solely for the acceptance of a Card
Added only to a Transaction completed in a Card-Absent Environment X X
Not charged if the Merchant operates exclusively in a Card-Absent X X

Environment
Added only to a domestic Unattended Transaction, excluding Transactions X

at Automated Fuel Dispensers, Telephone Service Transactions, or ATM
Cash Disbursements
Charged only by the Merchant that provides goods or services to the X X

Cardholder
Applicable to all forms of payment accepted in the payment channel X X X
Disclosed clearly to the Cardholder: X X X

l As a charge for the alternative payment channel convenience
l Before the completion of the Transaction. The Cardholder must be given
the opportunity to cancel.
A flat or fixed amount, regardless of the value of the payment due X X X
In the AP Region: An ad valorem amount is allowed as required by applicable

laws or regulations.
In the CEMEA Region (Russia): The amount must not exceed:
l RUB 35 for Transactions processed with MCC 4814

l RUB 60 for Transactions processed with MCC 4900
l RUB 48 for all other Transactions
Included as part of the total amount of the Transaction and not collected X X X
separately
1
Not charged in addition to a surcharge X N/A X

5 Acceptance
Table 5-6: Convenience Fee Requirements (continued)

(Russia)
Not charged on a Recurring Transaction or an Installment Transaction X X X

1
Surcharging is not allowed.
5.6.2.2 Acceptance Device Disclosure Requirements for Convenience Fees – CEMEA

Region (Russia)
In the CEMEA Region (Russia): If a Merchant or third party charges a Convenience Fee, the
Acceptance Device must do all of the following:
l Inform the Cardholder that a Convenience Fee will be charged for the alternative payment
channel convenience, in addition to other Issuer charges. The disclosure must both:
– Be as high a contrast or resolution as any other graphics on the Acceptance Device
– Contain the notice:
Fee Notice: “(Name) will assess a fee to cardholders for transactions at this terminal. This fee is
added to the amount of your transaction and is in addition to any fees that may be charged by
your financial institution.”
l Disclose to the Cardholder the amount of the Convenience Fee
l Identify the recipient of the Convenience Fee
l Request Cardholder approval of the Convenience Fee
l Provide the ability for the Cardholder to cancel the Transaction without incurring a fee or penalty

5 Acceptance
5.6.3 Service Fees – Allowances, Requirements, Restrictions, Amounts, and

Disclosures
5.6.3.1 Service Fee Assessment Requirements – Canada, CEMEA (Egypt, Russia), and
US Regions
A Service Fee may only be charged by a Merchant, Acquirer, or third party in countries specified in
Table 5-7, Service Fee Assessment Permitted MCCs.
Table 5-7: Service Fee Assessment Permitted MCCs
Allowed MCCs are: Canada CEMEA CEMEA US Region

(Egypt) (Russia)
4900 (Utilities – Electric, Gas, Water, X X

Sanitary)
6513 (Real Estate Agents and Managers – X

Rentals)
9311 (Tax Payments) X X X X
9399 (Government Services [Not X X X

Elsewhere Classified])
9222 (Fines) X X X X
9211 (Court Costs, Including Alimony and X X X

Child Support)
8220 (Colleges, Universities, Professional X X X

Schools, and Junior Colleges)
8299 (Schools and Educational Services X

[Not Elsewhere Classified])
8211 (Elementary and Secondary Schools) X X X
8244 (Business and Secretarial Schools) X X
8249 (Vocational and Trade Schools) X X

5 Acceptance
Table 5-7: Service Fee Assessment Permitted MCCs (continued)
Allowed MCCs are: Canada CEMEA CEMEA US Region

(Egypt) (Russia)
8241 (Correspondence Schools) X
8351 (Child Care Services) X
5541 (Service Stations) X
5542 (Automated Fuel Dispensers) X
9223 (Bail and Bond Payments) X X
9402 (Postal Services – Government Only) X
A Merchant, third party, or Acquirer that charges a Service Fee must comply with the following
requirements, unless otherwise specified in Table 5-8, Service Fee Assessment Exceptions.
l Accept Visa as a means of payment in all channels where payments are accepted (for example, in
a Face-to-Face Environment and a Card-Absent Environment, as applicable)
l Be authorized to process tax payment Transactions if the Service Fee is charged by a government
taxing authority or its third party
l Disclose the fee clearly to the Cardholder as a Service Fee, or local language equivalent, before
the Transaction is completed and provide the ability for the Cardholder to cancel the Transaction
without incurring a fee or penalty
l Not represent the Service Fee as a fee charged by Visa
l Ensure that the Service Fee amount is:
– A reasonable reflection of the costs associated with completing the Transaction (such as the
Merchant Discount Rate, Merchant service fee, or any other costs paid to third parties for
services directly related to accepting a Card) and, where possible, capped
– A flat, fixed, banded, or ad valorem amount, regardless of the value of the payment due, as
required by applicable laws or regulations
– Assessed only on the final Transaction amount, after all discounts and rebates have been
applied during the Transaction
– Not charged in addition to a surcharge or Convenience Fee

5 Acceptance
Table 5-8: Service Fee Assessment Exceptions
Canada Region CEMEA Region (Egypt and US Region

Russia only)
These entities A Merchant in a permitted A government Merchant, A government agency or

may assess category, or its third party, and, in Egypt, a fuel education Merchant, or its
Service Fees: that accepts Visa in all Card- Merchant, its Acquirer, or its third party, that complies
Absent Environments where third party, that complies with all of the following:
payments are accepted with the following, as
l Is registered with Visa
applicable:
l Is assigned a unique
l Is registered with Visa
Merchant Verification
l In Russia, also includes its Value
assigned Merchant
Verification Value in the
Authorization Request
and Clearing Record
The Service Fee l Must be limited to 1.5% l Must be flat or variable l If assessed by a
amount: of the final Transaction Merchant, may be
amount for debit and processed as a separate
2.5% of the final Transaction
Transaction amount for
l If assessed by a third
credit and prepaid
party in a Card-Absent
l If assessed by a third Environment, must be
party, may be processed processed as a separate
as a separate Transaction Transaction
l Must not be greater than
the Service Fee charged
on a similar Transaction
completed with a similar
form of payment
l Must be the same as any
Service Fee charged to
any other Issuer’s similar
card products

5 Acceptance
5.7 Acceptance Devices
5.7.1 Acceptance Device Requirements – All Devices
5.7.1.1 Acceptance Device Requirements

An Acceptance Device must comply with the Transaction Acceptance Device Requirements and all
of the following requirements applicable to the device:
Table 5-9: Acceptance Device Requirements
Acceptance Requirements
Device Type
All l Act upon Service Codes or request Online Authorization

l Accept all 16-digit Account Numbers
l Display the appropriate acceptance Mark
l Use the proper POS Entry Mode code
l If not Chip-enabled, be able to process a key-entered Transaction 1
l For an Acceptance Device installed or upgraded on or after 14 October 2017, make
available to the Cardholder all Transaction interfaces supported by the Merchant.2 A
Merchant with an Acceptance Device deployed as of 14 October 2017 that does not
make all interfaces available may continue to deploy such an Acceptance Device if
ADVT and, if applicable, CDET testing (or, in the Europe Region, Visa payWave Test
Tool [VpTT]) was successfully completed on the hardware and software combination
before 14 October 2017.
l In the AP Region: All of the following:
– Support contact Chip-initiated Transactions (excluding ATMs)
– Effective through 31 March 2023
Accept Contactless Transactions, if deployed at a new Merchant or as an upgrade
for an existing Merchant 3
– Effective 1 April 2023
Accept Contactless Transactions3
– In Australia and New Zealand, for devices in a Face-to-Face Environment, activate
the PIN pad to enable PIN Transactions
l In the CEMEA Region: All of the following:
– Support contact Chip-initiated Transactions

5 Acceptance
Table 5-9: Acceptance Device Requirements (continued)
Device Type

Accept Contactless Transactions, if contactless-capable, deployed at a new
Merchant, or deployed as an upgrade for an existing Merchant 3
In Russia: For an ATM installed or upgraded on or after 18 April 2020, be
contactless-capable.
l Effective 17 October 2020
In the Canada Region: Be a Chip-Reading Device, excluding Unattended Cardholder-
Activated Terminals
– Be a Chip-Reading Device
– Effective through 30 December 2019
– Effective 1 January 2018 in the Europe Region (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland,
Slovakia)
Effective 31 December 2019 for all other Europe Region countries
– Effective 14 September 2019 in the Europe Region (Czech Republic, Hungary,
Poland, Slovakia)
Comply with the Visa Europe Contactless Terminal Requirements and Implementation
Guide Version 1.5 or later
– Accept all 11-19 digit Account Numbers that contain a valid BIN
l In the LAC Region: All of the following:
ATM Comply with all requirements specified in the Visa Product and Service Rules: ATM

5 Acceptance
Device Type
Contact Chip l Be EMV-Compliant and approved by EMVCo

l Accept and process VIS and Common Core Definition Chip Cards
l Be able to read a Magnetic Stripe and complete a Magnetic Stripe-read Transaction.
Effective 1 August 2019 This requirement does not apply if the Mobile Payment
Acceptance Solution used by the Merchant is both:
– Compliant with the Payment Card (PCI)-approved solution for commercial-off-the-

shelf (COTS) devices
– Able to complete a payment Transaction through other means at the same

location
l Support Fallback Transactions7

l Process the Transaction using data read from the Chip on a Chip Card unless any of
the following apply, in which case the Transaction must be completed using data
read from the Magnetic Stripe of a Chip Card:7
– The Chip is not EMV-Compliant.
– The Chip reader is inoperable.
– The Chip malfunctions during the Transaction or cannot be read. (In the Europe
Region, the Chip-Reading Device must be capable of requiring an Online
Authorization.)
– The Chip Transaction cannot be completed due to the absence of a mutually
supported Application Identifier (AID).
If neither the Chip nor Magnetic Stripe of a Chip Card can be read and the
Transaction is accepted using a paper voucher or key entry, the device must follow
correct Fallback and acceptance procedures.1
l Include an EMV Online Card Authentication Cryptogram and all data elements used
to create it in all Online Authorization Requests for a Chip Transaction transmitted
to VisaNet
l Read an EMV-Compliant and VIS-Compliant Chip and not allow override of Chip
Authorization controls by prompting for a Magnetic Stripe read8
l Support terminal action codes
l Include all mutually supported Payment Applications between the Chip and the

5 Acceptance
Device Type
device in the application selection process, and not discriminate between Payment
Applications unless stipulated by Chip parameters or a Visa-approved application
selection process
l Act on the Cardholder Verification Method list,9 unless otherwise specified
l If using an active PIN pad, both:
– Comply with Visa encryption standards
– Be active for Visa Chip-initiated Transactions if it is active for other Chip-enabled
payments
l Have a PIN pad or a port capable of supporting a PIN pad and, if using an active PIN
pad, comply with Visa encryption standards
l If the device is equipped with only a PIN pad port or PIN pad is inactive for Chip-
initiated Transactions, support software to ensure compliance with Visa encryption
standards
l Have the capability to have its Visa Public Keys replaced in an acceptable method by
any Visa-specified date
l Perform Terminal Risk Management
l Support Post-Issuance Application commands

l If a PIN-only Chip-Reading Device, not display the Visa Brand Mark (excluding ATMs
and Unattended Cardholder-Activated Terminals [UCATs] that accept only PINs for
Cardholder Verification)
l Prompt a Cardholder for a PIN only if required by the Chip, except for ATMs and
offline-only UCATs, and devices deployed in the Europe Region that are always
required to prompt for a PIN
l Support “Plaintext Offline PIN” if it supports “Enciphered Offline PIN”
l In the AP Region (Australia): All of the following:
– Accept both Online and Offline PIN
– For international Transactions support PIN bypass
– Ensure that a Domestic Transaction uses a PIN, except for:
▪ A Transaction initiated with a Card that is not a PIN-Preferring Chip Card

5 Acceptance
Device Type
▪ An Unattended Transaction, including an Unattended Transaction that does

not qualify as a Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Transaction
▪ A VEPS Transaction
l In the LAC Region (Brazil): If deployed after 18 November 2013, support Offline PIN
Verification (except UCATs in parking lots/garages and vending machines)
l In the Canada Region: Support both:
– “Plaintext Offline PIN”
– “Enciphered Offline PIN”
l In the CEMEA Region:
– Support both:
▪ For an Offline-Capable Chip-Reading Device, support both “Plaintext Offline
PIN” and “Enciphered Offline PIN”
▪ For an Online-only Chip-Reading Device, support either
▪ “Enciphered Online PIN”
▪ Both “Plaintext Offline PIN” and “Enciphered Offline PIN”
– Chip-Reading Devices may suppress their PIN capability for VEPS Transactions
l In the AP Region (Australia, Malaysia): Both:
– If the device supports Cardholder application selection, do all of the following:
▪ Display to the Cardholder all mutually supported application names
(application label or application preferred name) on the Card
▪ Display the application names in the order of the application priority set on the
Card and use them to select the corresponding Payment Application
▪ If unable to display the application names in full, display at least the first 4
positions of the application names
– If the device does not support Cardholder application selection, the Merchant
must inform the Cardholder of the selected application before completing the
Transaction
– Present options for mutually supported Payment Applications contained in the

5 Acceptance
Device Type
Chip to the Cardholder, if the Cardholder has the ability to select the Payment
Application
– Support the terminal action codes and facilitates access to multiple accounts on a
Chip Card
– Support Static Data Authentication and Dynamic Data Authentication (optional
for Online-only devices)
– Either:
▪ For an Online-only device that does not support both “Plaintext Offline PIN”
and “Enciphered Offline PIN,” support “Enciphered PIN Verified Online”
▪ For an Online-capable device, support “Plaintext PIN Verified Offline” and
“Enciphered PIN Verified Offline”
– If deployed after 1 July 2008, accept PINs. This does not apply to the following:
▪ A Merchant assigned MCC 4784 (Tolls and Bridge Fees)
▪ A UCAT installed at a vehicle entrance gate at a ferry Merchant provided that

the UCAT always requests Online Authorization and that PIN verification of
Chip-initiated Transactions may be performed at attended gates at the same
Merchant Outlet
▪ A UCAT that accepts only Contactless Payment Devices
▪ An Unattended Transaction that does not use MCC 4829, 6011, 6012, 6051, or
7995 and is below the maximum applicable Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS)
Transaction amount or, for MCC 4111, 4112, 4131, 4784, or 7523, EUR 100
Contactless Chip l Be approved by EMVCo or Visa

l If deployed after 1 May 2013, not limit the Transaction amount of a Contactless
Transaction in a Face-to-Face Environment
l If deployed on or after 16 October 2015,10 forward to Visa the form factor indicator
field, when provided by a Contactless Payment Device
l In the AP Region (Australia): For International Transactions support PIN bypass
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region: If deployed on or
before 1 January 2012, comply with the Visa Contactless Payment Specification 2.0 or
later7 and be capable of processing a Transaction using the qVSDC transaction path

5 Acceptance
Device Type
and transmitting the resulting Chip data to VisaNet

l In the AP Region and CEMEA Region: All of the following:
– Comply with the Visa Contactless Payment Specification 2.1.3 or later11 or the
equivalent EMV contactless kernel 3
– Be capable of processing a Transaction using the qVSDC transaction path and
transmitting the resulting Chip data to VisaNet
– Disable the device’s Contactless Transaction limit
– Enable the device’s applicable Cardholder Verification Method (CVM) Transaction
limit
– Enable the device’s applicable Contactless Chip Floor Limit
– Support the application program ID (APID)
– Include the form factor indicator in the Authorization Request and Clearing
Record when provided by the Contactless Payment Device10
– Not support the MSD transaction path
l In the Canada Region and LAC Region: If deployed after 1 April 2014, comply with the
Visa Contactless Payment Specification 2.1.1 or later, or the equivalent EMV contactless
kernel 3, and be capable of processing a Transaction using the qVSDC transaction
path and transmitting the resulting Chip data to VisaNet
l Effective 19 October 2019 for all Contactless Acceptance Devices in the Canada
Region Not support the MSD transaction path
– Be approved by Visa to process Contactless Transactions
– If deployed on or before 13 September 2019, comply with the Visa Europe
Contactless Terminal Requirements and Implementation Guide Version 1.3
– Effective 14 September 2019
If deployed on or after 14 September 2019, comply with the Visa Europe Contactless
Terminal Requirements and Implementation Guide Version 1.5 or later12
– If not Contactless-only, be able to process other Chip-initiated Transactions
– If not Contactless-only, support Online Authorization
– Process a Transaction using the qVSDC path

5 Acceptance
Device Type
– Allow the Acquirer to update the following data fields:

▪ “Reader Contactless Floor Limit”
▪ “Reader CVM Required Limit”
– Comply with either:
▪ The Visa Contactless Payment Specification Version 2.1.1 or later
▪ The EMV Contactless Specification for Payment Systems Book C-3
– If compliant with the Visa Contactless Payment Specification Version 2.1 or later or
the EMV Contactless Specification for Payment Systems Book C-3, do all of the
following:
▪ Set the “Reader CVM Required Limit” to the applicable Cardholder Verification
Limit
▪ Set the “Reader Contactless Floor Limit” to the applicable Proximity Payment
Floor Limit
▪ Not configure the “Reader Contactless Transaction Limit”
– Include the form factor indicator in the Authorization Request and Clearing
Record when provided by the Contactless Payment Device
– If an ATM, support only Online Authorization
– Be approved by Visa to process Contactless Transactions
– Not accept a Transaction using the MSD transaction path
l In the LAC Region: Comply with the Visa Contactless Payment Specification 2.1.3 or
later, or the equivalent EMV contactless kernel 3, and be capable of processing a
Transaction using the qVSDC transaction path and transmitting the resulting Chip
data to VisaNet
l For all Contactless Acceptance Devices in the US Region: All of the following:
– Comply with the Visa Contactless Payment Specification 2.1.1 or later
– Actively enable the qVSDC transaction path
– Effective through 18 October 2019 If deployed between 13 April 2019 and 18
October 2019, not support the MSD transaction path
– Effective 19 October 2019 Not support the MSD transaction path

5 Acceptance
Device Type
Contactless-Only Comply with Section 5.7.2.2, Deployment of Contactless-Only Acceptance Devices
Magnetic Stripe l Transmit the entire unaltered contents of all data encoded on track 1 or track 2 of
the Magnetic Stripe
l Not erase or alter any Magnetic-Stripe encoding on a Card
l For devices that can accept Cards with more than one Magnetic Stripe, be capable of
processing and transmitting the payment data from the Visa Magnetic Stripe
l In the AP Region (Australia, New Zealand): Allow PIN bypass for Domestic
Transactions
l In the Europe Region (United Kingdom): Retain the Card on receipt of a Pickup
Response for a Magnetic Stripe-only Acceptance Device
Mobile Payment In the Europe Region: All of the following:

Acceptance
l Include a hardware accessory that must comply with all of the following:
Solution
– Be able to capture Cardholder and Card data
– Have an integrated Chip reader that is EMV-Compliant
– Support secure PIN entry
– Include “signature” in the Cardholder Verification Method
– Comply with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) POS PIN Entry Device Security
Requirements Version 2.0 or later, including the additional Secure Read and
Exchange of Data (SRED) module requirements
– Ensure the SRED module is enabled for point-to-point Cardholder data
encryption
l Have an integrated Magnetic Stripe-reader. Effective 1 August 2019 This
requirement does not apply if the Mobile Payment Acceptance Solution used by the
Merchant is both:
– Compliant with the Payment Card (PCI)-approved solution for commercial-off-the-

shelf (COTS) devices
– Able to complete a payment Transaction through other means at the same

location
l Not read or capture account data except via the hardware accessory

5 Acceptance
Device Type
l Identify the Transaction in the Authorization Request and Clearing Record
QR Code reader l Effective through 19 July 2019 Be deployed only in the US Region
l Effective 20 July 2019 Be deployed only in the AP Region or the US Region
l Comply with the Visa QR Code Payment Specification (VQRPS)
l Use POS Entry Mode code 03
l Transmit Full-Chip Data to VisaNet
Unattended l Identify each Transaction as initiated by a UCAT

Cardholder- l Display the Merchant name and customer service telephone number
Activated
Terminal (UCAT) l If PIN-accepting, be capable of conveying an “invalid PIN – re-enter” message to the
Cardholder
l Effective 15 October 2022
In the Canada Region: All of the following:
– If capable of accepting PINs, both:
▪ Accept PINs
▪ Be capable of conveying all of the following messages to the Cardholder:
▪ Card invalid for this service
▪ Service unavailable now
▪ Invalid PIN – re-enter
– If the UCAT does not accept PINs, support “No CVM (Cardholder Verification
Method) required”
– For a Chip-reading-only UCAT, all of the following:
▪ Be EMV-Compliant
▪ Ensure that Magnetic Stripe-only Cardholders are able to conduct Transactions
at the same location
▪ If a Card cannot be read and the UCAT is Offline-only, must not complete the
Transaction using the Magnetic Stripe Data. If the UCAT is Online-only, may be
capable of completing the Transaction using the Magnetic Stripe Data

5 Acceptance
Device Type
– Support Fallback Transactions only if the UCAT has an integrated Chip and
Magnetic Stripe-reader and Card capture capability, except in the United Kingdom
where Fallback Transactions must not be processed
– If capable of accepting PINs, both:
▪ Accept PINs
▪ Be capable of conveying all of the following messages to the Cardholder:
▪ Card invalid for this service
▪ Service unavailable now
▪ Invalid PIN – re-enter
– If the UCAT does not accept PINs, support “No CVM (Cardholder Verification
Method) required”
– For a Chip-reading-only UCAT, all of the following:
▪ Be EMV-Compliant
▪ Ensure that Magnetic Stripe-only Cardholders are able to conduct Transactions
at the same location
▪ If a Card cannot be read and the UCAT is Offline-only, must not complete the
Transaction using the Magnetic Stripe data (if the UCAT is Online-only, may be
capable of completing the Transaction using the Magnetic Stripe data)
– In the Europe Region (United Kingdom): Both:
▪ For an Automated Fuel Dispenser (AFD), not accept Visa Electron Cards
▪ For a Magnetic Stripe-read Transaction, not support online PIN Verification
l If Online-capable, for Chip-initiated and Contactless Transactions, support “No CVM
required”
l Require PIN or Consumer Device Cardholder Verification Method for Quasi-Cash
Transactions
l If used for the purchase of gambling services, all of the following:
– Display the Merchant location
– Display the terms and conditions (including rules of play, odds of winning, and
pay-out ratios)

5 Acceptance
Device Type
– Before initiating the Transaction, allow the Cardholder to cancel the Transaction
l Follow all applicable Point-of-Transaction Card acceptance requirements when
accepting payment for goods or services, and follow ATM requirements when
dispensing cash
1
If neither the Chip nor Magnetic Stripe of a Card can be read by a Chip-enabled device, a Merchant is not required to
key enter a Transaction.
2
In the LAC Region (Brazil): This does not apply.
3
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region: This does not apply to a Point-of-Transaction Terminal installed at a Branch or an
ATM.
4
In the Europe Region: This does not apply to Mobile Acceptance Terminals used by a Merchant that does not trade
in a fixed location, Point-of-Transaction Terminals installed at a Branch, Automated Fuel Dispensers, or ATMs.
5
In the LAC Region: This does not apply to new Mobile Acceptance Terminals, integrated fuel dispensers, electronic
cash registers, or ATMs.
6
Effective 1 April 2023 through 31 March 2025
In the LAC Region: This does not apply to Mobile Acceptance Terminals, integrated fuel dispensers, electronic cash
registers, or ATMs.
7
In the AP Region (Japan): This does not apply to ATMs.
8
In the AP Region (Japan): This does not apply to Account Number Verification Transactions processed as Magnetic-
Stripe Transactions.
9
This does not apply to a Transaction that takes place at a Compliant Chip Card Reading Device, at which the
Merchant may process a Transaction without a Cardholder signature (except in the AP Region [Japan, Philippines] or
where applicable laws or regulations require a Cardholder Verification Method to be captured, which may include a
signature).
10
In the AP Region (Japan): 1 October 2018
11
In the AP Region (Japan): This requirement does not apply to Visa Touch readers.
12
In the Europe Region (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia): All Acceptance Devices must comply with the
Visa Europe Contactless Terminal Requirements and Implementation Guide Version 1.5 or later.

5 Acceptance
5.7.1.2 Visa Electron Card Acceptance Requirements

A Visa Electron Merchant must process Transactions using:
l An Acceptance Device with Electronic Capability
l In the CEMEA Region (South Africa): A PIN-enabled Acceptance Device
5.7.2 Chip Acceptance Device Requirements
5.7.2.1 Chip Acceptance Device Testing Requirements

An Acquirer must successfully complete testing of a Chip Acceptance Device, as follows:
Table 5-10: Chip Acceptance Device Testing Requirements
Acceptance Device Testing Tool When Required Submission Requirements

Type
Chip-Reading Acquirer Device l Before deploying or l Submit test results using

Device Validation Toolkit upgrading a Chip-Reading the Chip Compliance
(ADVT) Device Reporting Tool (CCRT)1
l Not submit ADVT test
results for a device
containing a kernel or
interface module (IFM) that
has expired
Contactless Chip- Either: Before deploying either a: Submit test results using:
Reading Device
l Contactless l New Contactless Chip- l CCRT1
Device Reading Device
l In the Europe Region: VpTT
Evaluation
l Existing Contactless Chip-
Toolkit (CDET)
Reading Device that has
l In the Europe undergone a significant
Region, Visa hardware or software
payWave Test upgrade
Tool (VpTT)
In the Europe l Acquirer Device Before deploying a new Mobile l Submit test results with the
Region: Mobile Validation Payment Acceptance Solution word “Mobile” in the test
Payment Toolkit (ADVT) that has not previously been result description

5 Acceptance
Table 5-10: Chip Acceptance Device Testing Requirements (continued)
Acceptance Device Testing Tool When Required Submission Requirements

Type
Acceptance l Visa payWave validated by Visa and tested l Submit PCI Secure Read
Solution Test Tool (VpTT) for the same implementation and Exchange of Data
by a different Acquirer (SRED) certification details
l For devices with a
Contactless reader, submit
the VpTT results
1
A centralized, server-based, online solution for the systematic reporting of ADVT and CDET test results. In the
US Region: Not required for Acquirers participating in the Chip Acquirer Self Accreditation program.
5.7.2.2 Deployment of Contactless-Only Acceptance Devices

A Merchant that deploys a Contactless-only Acceptance Device must comply with all of the
following, as applicable:
Table 5-11: Requirements for Deployment of Contactless-Only Acceptance Devices
Region/ Use General Requirements MCC Requirements

Country/Territory
Global General l Ensure that the Acceptance N/A

Device has only a Contactless
Chip reader. A Contactless-only
Acceptance Device must not
have:
– A disabled contact Chip
reader or Magnetic Stripe
reader
– An empty slot for a contact
Chip reader or Magnetic
Stripe reader
l Ensure that all Cards are

5 Acceptance
Table 5-11: Requirements for Deployment of Contactless-Only Acceptance Devices (continued)

Country/Territory
accepted at the Merchant

Outlet. This requirement does
not apply to:
– Merchant Outlets that are
transit passenger vehicles
(for example: buses, ferries,
trains).
– In the AP Region (Japan),
Europe Region: Unattended
Cardholder-Activated
Terminals (UCAT) used for
vending services
– In the AP Region (Japan):
MCC 4784, 7523 (for Parking
Meters only), 7542, and 7841.
l In the AP Region, Canada
Region, CEMEA Region, LAC
Region, US Region: Obtain
Authorization for the full
Transaction amount before
Clearing for a Transaction at
the device
l Include the following values in
the Authorization Request and
Clearing Record:
– POS Entry Mode code 07
– Terminal type 3/UCAT
indicator 1 or 3
– POS terminal entry capability
8
Global Transit If configured to always perform Be assigned one of the following:

(deployed offline data authentication before
l 4111 (Local and Suburban
only at a allowing a Cardholder to access Commuter Passenger

5 Acceptance

Country/Territory
turnstile, the transit services, do all of the Transportation, Including

fare gate, or following: Ferries)
point of 4112 (Passenger Railways)
l Configure the devices in the l
boarding) same transit mode or network l 4131 (Bus Lines)

to perform offline data
authentication
l Support either real-time or
deferred Online Authorization
at all turnstiles, fare gates, or
points of boarding
l Effective through 14 April 2023
Support Visa contactless static
data authentication and
Dynamic Data Authentication
l Effective 15 April 2023

Not support Visa contactless
static data authentication
l Effective 15 April 2023

Support Visa contactless
Europe Region UCAT used Ensure the Transaction amount is Not be assigned any of the
for vending no more than EUR 20 (or local following:
services currency equivalent)
l 4784 (Toll Bridges and Fees)
l 5542 (Automated Fuel
Dispensers)
l 4829 (Wire Transfer – Money
Orders)
l 6011 (Financial Institutions –
Automated Cash Disbursements)
Merchandise, Services, and Debt
Repayment)

5 Acceptance

Country/Territory
l 6051 (Non-Financial Institutions

– Foreign Currency, Non-Fiat
Currency [for example:
Cryptocurrency], Money Orders
[not Money Transfer], Travelers
Cheques, and Debt Repayment)
l 7523 (Parking Lots, Parking
Meters and Garages)
l 7995 (Betting, including Lottery
Tickets, Casino Gaming Chips,
Off-Track Betting, and Wagers at
Race Tracks)
AP Region (Japan) General Register and receive approval Be assigned one of the following:
(except from Visa prior to launch
l 4784 (Tolls and Bridge Fees)
UCAT used
for vending) l 7523 (Parking Lots, Parking
Meters and Garages)
l 7542 (Car Washes)
l 7841 (DVD/Video Tape Rental
Stores)
UCAT used Register and receive approval Not be assigned any of the
for vending from Visa prior to launch following:
services
l 4829 (Wire Transfer – Money
Orders)
Automated Cash Disbursements)
Merchandise, Services, and Debt
Repayment)
l 6051 (Non-Financial Institutions
– Foreign Currency, Non-Fiat
Currency [for example:
Cryptocurrency], Money Orders

5 Acceptance

Country/Territory
[Not Money Transfer], Travelers

l 7995 (Betting, including Lottery
Tickets, Casino Gaming Chips,
Off-Track Betting, and Wagers at
Race Tracks)

A Merchant may deploy a Contactless-only Acceptance Device only as follows:
Table 5-12: Conditions for Deployment of Contactless-Only Acceptance Devices
Region / Country / Territory Transaction Type Maximum Acceptance Requirements

Transaction
Amount
All Unattended Transactions at a None A passenger vehicle (for

transit Merchant turnstile, fare example: bus, ferry) with a
gate, or point of boarding Contactless-only Acceptance
(MCC 4111, 4112, or 4131) Device must accept all
Contactless Payment
Devices. All Cards must be
accepted at other transit
Merchant Outlets.
AP Region (Australia, Hong Face-to-Face or Unattended Less than All Contactless Payment
Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Transactions for toll payments or equal to Devices must be accepted at
Myanmar, New Zealand, (MCC 4784) the limits the Merchant Outlet.
Singapore, Taiwan), Canada specified in
Region, CEMEA Region Section X
(Georgia, Russia), Europe
Face-to-Face or Unattended None All Contactless Payment
Region, LAC Region (Costa
Transactions for donations Devices must be accepted at
Rica)
the Merchant Outlet.
Other Unattended Less than All Contactless Payment

Transactions, except: or equal to Devices must be accepted at

5 Acceptance
Table 5-12: Conditions for Deployment of Contactless-Only Acceptance Devices (continued)
Region / Country / Territory Transaction Type Maximum Acceptance Requirements

Transaction
Amount
l ATM Cash Disbursements the limits the Merchant Outlet.

l Automated Fuel Dispenser specified in
Transactions Section X
l Transit Merchant
Transactions not otherwise
specified
l Quasi-Cash Transactions
Other Face-to-Face None All Cards must be accepted

Transactions at the Merchant Outlet.
If a Merchant deploys a Contactless-only Acceptance Device, it must do all of the following:

l Not have a disabled contact Chip reader or Magnetic-Stripe slot
l Include the following values in the Authorization Request and Clearing Record:
– POS Entry Mode code 07
– POS terminal entry capability 8
l For transit Merchants, if a Contactless-only Acceptance Device is configured to always
perform offline data authentication before allowing a Cardholder to access the transit
services, do all of the following:
– Configure the devices in the same transit mode or network to perform offline data
authentication
– Support either real-time or deferred Online Authorization at all turnstiles, fare gates, or
points of boarding
– Effective through 14 April 2023 Support Visa contactless static data authentication and
– Effective 15 April 2023 Not support Visa contactless static data authentication
– Effective 15 April 2023 Support Visa contactless Dynamic Data Authentication

5 Acceptance
5.7.2.3 PIN-Entry Bypass Prohibition – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Acquirer must ensure that PIN entry on a Compliant Chip-Reading Device
with a PIN Entry Device cannot be bypassed by the Acquirer, the Merchant, or an agent of the
Acquirer or Merchant.
5.7.3 Unattended Cardholder-Activated Terminals – Transaction Cancellation
5.7.3.1 Acquirer Cancellation of Transactions at Unattended Cardholder-Activated

Terminals
If an Unattended Cardholder-Activated Terminal allows an Acquirer to cancel a Transaction, the
Acquirer may use this function without Issuer permission only after one of the following:
5.8 Merchant Authorization Requirements
5.8.1 Transactions Requiring Authorization
5.8.1.1 Floor Limits and Requirement to Authorize Transactions

A Merchant must request Online Authorization if a Transaction amount exceeds the Floor Limit.
For Transactions below the Floor Limit, Authorization is not required for a Magnetic Stripe
Transaction and Offline Authorization is permitted for a Chip-initiated Transaction.
Regardless of the Floor Limit, a Merchant must request Online Authorization if any of the following:
l The Cardholder presents an Expired Card.
l The Service Code requires Online Authorization or the Chip requests Online Authorization.
l The Transaction is any of the following:
– A Transaction that includes Cash-Back
– A Cash Disbursement
– A Credit Transaction, as specified in Section 5.11.1.1, Merchant Processing of Credits to
Cardholders
– A debt repayment Transaction

5 Acceptance
– A Fallback Transaction
– A Quasi-Cash Transaction
l In the Europe Region: The Transaction is at a Merchant assigned one of the following MCCs:
– MCC 5451 (Dairy Products Stores)
– MCC 5921 (Package Stores – Beer, Wine, and Liquor)
– MCC 5994 (News Dealers and Newsstands)
– MCC 7297 (Massage Parlors)
– MCC 7995 (Betting, including Lottery Tickets, Casino Gaming Chips, Off-Track Betting, and
Wagers at Race Tracks)
5.8.2 Transaction Amount-Related Authorization Requirements
5.8.2.1 Merchant Requirement to Check the Card Recovery Bulletin (CRB)

A Merchant must check the appropriate Card Recovery Bulletin (CRB) if the Transaction amount is
below the Floor Limit.
The Merchant is not required to check the CRB if the Transaction occurs at a Chip-Reading Device.
5.8.3 Non-Standard Authorizations
5.8.3.1 Authorization Amount Requirements

A Merchant must submit an Authorization Request for either:
l The final Transaction amount
l A different amount or amounts if the final Transaction amount is not known, and the Merchant or
Transaction type is included in and complies with Table 5-13, Special Authorization Request
Allowances and Requirements1

5 Acceptance
Table 5-13: Special Authorization Request Allowances and Requirements
Merchant / Transaction Allowed Type and Amount of Incremental Other Requirements and
Type First or Only Authorization Authorization Restrictions
Request Request(s)
Allowed?
Card-Absent An amount up to and No The total amount of the Initial

Environment including USD 15 (or local Authorization Request must
Aggregated currency equivalent) not exceed USD 15 (or local
Transactions currency equivalent).
3
Any of the following Estimated Authorization Yes The Merchant must not
2
Merchants: Request include an amount to cover
potential damage or an
l Aircraft rental
insurance deductible.
l Bicycle rental
When submitting the first
l Boat rental Estimated Authorization
l Equipment rental Request, the Merchant must
inform the Cardholder both:
l Motor home rental
l That the Authorization
l Motorcycle rental Request is not final and
l Trailer park or that there may be
campground subsequent Authorization
Requests
l Of the amount of the
Estimated Authorization
Request
Automated Fuel One of the following: No A Status Check Authorization

Dispenser (AFD) is equivalent to an Approval
l Status Check
Transactions (MCC 5542) Authorization 4 Response for an amount up to
6
and including:
l Real-Time Clearing
preauthorization request, l For a Transaction in the AP
not exceeding USD 500 (or Region (Japan), JPY 15,000
local currency equivalent), l For a Transaction in the US
and the actual Transaction Region: Either:
amount (Completion
– For a Visa Fleet Card
Message) within 2 hours of
Transaction, USD 150
the preauthorization

5 Acceptance
Table 5-13: Special Authorization Request Allowances and Requirements (continued)
Request Request(s)
Allowed?
request – For all other

Transactions, USD 100
l An amount not exceeding
USD 150 (or local currency l For other Transactions,
equivalent)5 either:
– For a Chip-initiated
In the Europe Region: An
Transaction with a PIN,
amount based on the USD 100 (or local
Merchant’s maximum currency equivalent)
dispensable fuel amount, not
– For all other
exceeding EUR 150 (or local
Transactions, USD 75 (or
currency equivalent). When
local currency
the final amount is known, the
equivalent)
Acquirer must send an
Acquirer Confirmation Advice
equal to the amount
transmitted in the Clearing
Record.
Card-Absent Price of merchandise or No An additional Authorization is

Environment services, including shipping not required if the Transaction
Transactions (except costs and applicable taxes amount is within 15% of the
6,7
Installment Transactions, authorized amount.
prepayments, Recurring
Transactions, and
Transactions classified
with MCC 4121)
Cruise Lines Estimated Authorization Yes3 The Merchant must not

2
Lodging Merchants Request include an amount to cover

Request, the Merchant must

5 Acceptance
Request Request(s)
Allowed?

Request is not final and
that there may be
subsequent Authorization
Requests
Request
The Merchant is not required

to submit a final Incremental
Authorization Request if the
final Transaction amount is no
more than 15% higher than
the sum of the authorized
amounts.6
Merchants classified with An amount equal to the final No An additional Authorization is

MCC: Transaction amount not required if the final
(excluding an expected tip or Transaction amount
l 4121 (Taxicabs and
Limousines) service amount) (including tip or service
7
amount) is within 20% of the
l 5814 (Fast Food authorized amount.
Restaurants)
l 7230 (Beauty and
Barber Shops)
l 7298 (Health and
Beauty Spas)
3
Card-Absent Estimated Authorization Yes The Merchant must not
2
Environment Request include an amount to cover a
Transactions classified tip if the Cardholder has not
with MCC 4121 (Taxicabs determined the amount of the
tip.

5 Acceptance
Request Request(s)
Allowed?
and Limousines) An additional Authorization is

not required if the final
Transaction amount
(including tip or service
amount) is within 20%7 of the
authorized amount.
Effective 18 October Estimated Authorization Yes 3 An additional Authorization is

2019 Request 2 not required if the Transaction
amount is within 15% of the
Card-Absent
authorized amount.
Environment
Transactions classified
with MCC 5411 (Grocery
Stores and
Supermarkets)
Merchants classified with Either: Yes, only for An Incremental Authorization

MCC: additional Request or additional
l An amount equal to the
goods or Authorization Request is not
l 5812 (Eating Places final Transaction amount
services required if the final
and Restaurants) (excluding an expected tip
ordered
3 Transaction amount
or service amount)
l 5813 (Drinking Places (including tip or service
[Alcoholic Beverages – l Initial Authorization amount) is within 20%6 of the
Bars, Taverns, Request 2 for an amount authorized amount.
Nightclubs, Cocktail equal to what the
If the Merchant submits a final
Lounges, and Cardholder has ordered
Authorization Request for the
Discotheques]) (excluding expected tip or
final Transaction amount
service amount)
before a tip or service amount
is added, an additional
Authorization Request is not
required if the final
Transaction amount
(including tip or service
amount) is within 20% of the
authorized amount.

5 Acceptance
Request Request(s)
Allowed?
3
Merchants classified with Estimated Authorization Yes When submitting the first
2
MCC: Request Estimated Authorization
l 7996 (Amusement
Parks, Circuses, inform the Cardholder both:
Carnivals, and Fortune l That the Authorization
Tellers) Request is not final and
that there may be
l Effective 18 October
2019
Requests
5552 (Electric Vehicle
Charging) l Of the amount of the
l Effective 18 October
Request
2019
7523 (Parking Lots,
Parking Meters and
Garages)
2 3
A Transaction or an Initial Authorization Request Yes The total amount of the Initial
Aggregated Transaction equal to the price of the Authorization Request and
at a turnstile, fare gate, cheapest journey a Cardholder any Incremental Authorization
or point of boarding at can take Requests must not exceed
Merchants classified with USD 25 (or local currency
MCC: equivalent) (in the US Region,
l 4111 (Local and USD 15).
Suburban Commuter
Passenger
Transportation,
Including Ferries)
l 4112 (Passenger
Railways)
l 4131 (Bus Lines)
This does not apply to a

5 Acceptance
Request Request(s)
Allowed?
Mass Transit
Transaction.
Unattended An amount not exceeding USD No The Merchant must notify the
Transactions at 10 (or local currency Cardholder of the
Merchants classified with equivalent) Authorization Request
MCC 7211 (Laundries – amount and give the
Family and Commercial) Cardholder the opportunity to
cancel the Transaction.
Transactions at 15 (or local currency Cardholder of the
Merchants classified with equivalent) Authorization Request
MCC: amount and give the
Cardholder the opportunity to
l 7338 (Quick Copy,
Reproduction, and cancel the Transaction.
Blueprinting Services)
l 7542 (Car Washes)
l 7841 (DVD/Video Tape
Rental Stores)
Transactions for the sale 5 (or local currency equivalent) Cardholder of the
of food or beverages Authorization Request
amount and give the
Cardholder the opportunity to
cancel the Transaction.
3
Vehicle Rental Estimated Authorization Yes The Merchant must not
2
Merchants Request include an amount to cover


5 Acceptance
Request Request(s)
Allowed?


Request is not final and
that there may be
Requests
Request
The Merchant is not required

to submit a final Incremental
Authorization Request if the
final Transaction amount is no
more than the greater of
either:
l The sum of the authorized

amounts plus 15%6
l The sum of the authorized
amounts plus USD 75 (or
local currency equivalent)4,6
1
This does not apply to a Visa Purchasing Card enrolled in Authorization and Settlement Match.
2
The Merchant must use the Estimated/Initial Authorization Request indicator.
3
The Merchant must use the Incremental Authorization Request indicator and the same Transaction Identifier for all
Authorization Requests.
4
This does not apply to a Transaction involving a Merchant in the Europe Region.
5
This does not apply to a Transaction involving a Merchant in the US Region.
6
This does not apply if the last Authorization obtained was a Partial Authorization.
7
This does not apply if the Transaction is a Commercial Payables Transaction completed with a Visa Purchasing Card.

5 Acceptance
5.8.4 Merchant Authorization Processing
5.8.4.1 Mail/Phone Order and Electronic Commerce Expiration Date in

Authorization
A Mail/Phone Order Merchant and an Electronic Commerce Merchant (for a Non-Secure Transaction
and Non-Authenticated Security Transaction) must attempt to obtain a Visa Card expiration date
and submit it as part of the Authorization Request.
5.8.4.2 Prohibition against Split Transaction

A Merchant must not split a transaction by using 2 or more Transaction Receipts, except for the
following:
l Prepayment
l Individual Airline ticket
l Ancillary Purchase Transaction
l Individual Cruise Line ticket
l Installment Transaction
l A transaction in which part of the amount is paid with a Visa Card and the other part paid with
another Visa Card or other form of payment
l In the Canada Region, US Region: Transaction that includes a Service Fee
l In the US Region: Individual passenger railway ticket
5.8.4.3 Single Authorization Request for Multiple Clearing Transactions

A Merchant may obtain a single Authorization and submit multiple Clearing Records only if one of
the following:

5 Acceptance
l The Merchant is an Airline, a Cruise Line, or a US railway Merchant.

l The Merchant is a Card-Absent Environment Merchant that ships goods, and all of the following:
– The purpose is to support a split shipment of goods.
– The Transaction Receipts associated with each shipment contain:
▪ The same Account Number and expiration date
▪ The same Merchant Outlet name
– The Merchant discloses to the Cardholder the possibility of multiple shipments on its website
and/or application or in writing.
– With each shipment, the Merchant notifies the Cardholder of the Transaction amount of the
shipment.
– The Transaction is not completed with a Visa Commercial Card enrolled in Authorization and
Settlement Match.
l Effective 19 October 2019 In the LAC Region (Brazil): The Transaction is a domestic Installment
Transaction
The Acquirer must use a Multiple Clearing Sequence Number.
5.8.4.4 Deferred Authorization Merchant Requirements

Effective 19 October 2019 through 16 April 2021
An Acquirer that sends an Authorization Request for a Transaction that cannot be submitted at
the time of the Transaction due to a connectivity, system issue, or other limitations must both:
l Include a deferred Authorization indicator in the Authorization Request
l Obtain an Authorization as follows:
– For MCC 4111, MCC 4112, or MCC 4131, within 4 days of the Transaction Date
– For all other MCCs, within 24 hours of the Transaction Date
An Acquirer or Merchant that sends an Authorization Request for a Transaction that cannot be
submitted at the time of the Transaction due to a connectivity, system issue, or other
limitations must both:

5 Acceptance
l Include a deferred Authorization indicator in the Authorization Request

l Obtain an Authorization as follows:
– For MCC 4111, MCC 4112, or MCC 4131, within 4 days of the Transaction Date
– For all other MCCs, within 24 hours of the Transaction Date
5.8.4.5 Approval Response Validity Timeframes

An Approval Response is valid for a Transaction completed as follows:
Table 5-14: Approval Response Validity Periods
1
Transaction Type Approval Response is valid for a Transaction Date:
Aggregated Transaction in a Card-Absent No later than 7 calendar days from the date on
Environment which the first Authorization Request received an
Approval Response
In-Transit Transaction Within 24 hours of the Approval Response

(Authorization may occur after the Transaction is
completed)
An Authorization Request for an In-Transit

Transaction may occur while in transit or at the final
destination. The Merchant must obtain
Authorization within 24 hours of the passenger
vehicle reaching its final destination.
2
l Installment Transaction That is the day of the Approval Response
l Prepayment
l Recurring Transaction
l Unscheduled Credential-on-File Transaction
l Card-Absent Environment Transactions classified
with MCC 4121 (Taxicabs and Limousines)
initiated with an Estimated Authorization
Request
Mass Transit Transaction No later than 3 calendar days from the date of the
Approval Response

5 Acceptance
Table 5-14: Approval Response Validity Periods (continued)
1
Transaction Type Approval Response is valid for a Transaction Date:
Transaction (excluding a Mass Transit Transaction) No later than 7 calendar days (in the US Region, 3
initiated with an Initial Authorization Request at a calendar days) from the date of the Approval
turnstile, fare gate, or point of boarding at a transit Response to the Initial Authorization Request. Any
Merchant classified with MCC 4111, 4112, or 4131 Incremental Authorization Requests do not extend
this timeframe.
Transaction initiated with an Estimated No later than 7 calendar days from the date of the
Authorization Request at any of the following Approval Response to the Estimated Authorization
Merchants: Request. Any Incremental Authorization Requests
do not extend this timeframe.
l Aircraft rental
l Bicycle rental
l Boat rental
l Equipment rental
l Motor home rental
l Motorcycle rental
l Trailer parks and campgrounds
Transaction initiated with an Estimated No later than 31 calendar days from the date of the
Authorization Request at any of the following Approval Response to the Estimated Authorization
Merchants: Request. Any Incremental Authorization Requests
do not extend this timeframe.
l Cruise Line
l Lodging Merchant
l Vehicle Rental Merchant
Other Card-Absent Environment Transactions No later than 7 calendar days from the date of the
Approval Response
Other Card-Present Environment Transactions That is the day of the Approval Response
1
As specified in Section 7.7.1.2, Transaction Date Limits
2
In the LAC Region (Brazil): This does not apply to a domestic Installment Transaction.
The Authorization date and the Transaction Date are each counted as one day.

5 Acceptance
5.8.4.6 Merchant Submission of Authorization Reversals

A Merchant must submit an Authorization Reversal, as follows:1
Table 5-15: Authorization Reversal Requirement
Transaction Reversal Amount Reversal Timeframe
For a completed Transaction initiated with an Difference between the Within 24 hours of
Estimated Authorization Request at a Cruise Line, final Transaction amount Transaction completion
Lodging Merchant, or Vehicle Rental Merchant, and and sum of the
the final Transaction amount is more than 15% authorized amounts
below the sum of the authorized amounts
For all other completed Transactions, if the final Difference between the Within 24 hours of
Transaction amount is less than the sum of the final Transaction amount Transaction completion
authorized amounts and sum of the
authorized amounts
For all other Approval Responses, if a Transaction is Authorized amount or Within 24 hours of the
not completed amounts earlier of either:
l When the Transaction
was cancelled or the
Cardholder decided to
pay by other means
l The end of the
Approval Response
validity period, as
specified in Section
5.8.4.5, Approval
Response Validity
Timeframes
When a Merchant submits an Incremental Authorization Request, the Merchant may reverse
multiple authorized amounts with a single Authorization Reversal only if it uses the same
Transaction Identifier for all Authorization Requests and the Authorization Reversal.
1
These requirements do not apply to Automated Fuel Dispenser Transactions in the US Region or in the Europe Region.

5 Acceptance
5.8.4.7 Prohibition of Magnetic Stripe-Read Visa Debit Authorization Requests –

Canada Region
In the Canada Region: A Visa Debit Acquirer must not process a Magnetic Stripe-read Authorization
Request from a domestic Visa Debit Category Card.
5.9 Specific Acceptance Environments and Procedures
5.9.1 Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Prepaid
5.9.1.1 Manual Cash Disbursement Requirements

If a Member makes Manual Cash Disbursements to other Issuers’ Cardholders, it must do so in a
uniform manner for all Visa products properly presented.
In the Canada Region, US Region: A Member authorized to make Cash Disbursements must make
Manual Cash Disbursements to other Issuers’ Visa Prepaid Cardholders at all of its Branches.
A Member may make Manual Cash Disbursements through the offices of its related companies only
if all of the following:
l The companies are primarily engaged in providing financial services to the public.
l The Member or the Member’s holding company wholly owns the company.
l Visa has given the Member prior approval.
5.9.1.3 Manual Cash Disbursement – Acquirer Access Fee

In the AP Region (except Australia and Thailand), CEMEA Region, Europe Region, LAC Region
(except Puerto Rico): An Acquirer must not impose an Access Fee on a domestic Manual Cash
Disbursement unless applicable laws or regulations expressly require that the Acquirer be
permitted to assess an Access Fee.
If an Acquirer assesses an Access Fee on a Manual Cash Disbursement, it must do all of the
following:
l Disclose to the Cardholder the Access Fee before it is assessed and provide the Cardholder the
opportunity to cancel the Manual Cash Disbursement
l Assess the Access Fee as a fixed and flat fee

5 Acceptance
l Assess the same Access Fee on all Visa products, regardless of Issuer
l Not assess an Access Fee on a Manual Cash Disbursement conducted with a Card issued in the
Europe Region (unless applicable laws and regulations expressly require that the Acquirer be
permitted to assess an Access Fee)
l In the Canada Region and US Region: Not assess an Access Fee on a Manual Cash Disbursement
conducted with a domestic Visa Prepaid Card
l Include the Cash Disbursement and Access Fee amounts in the same Clearing Record and identify
the Access Fee separately
5.9.1.4 Cash-Back Requirements

In addition to the requirements for each country/Region in Table 5-16, Cash-Back Requirements, a
Cash-Back Transaction must comply with all of the following:
l Be authorized Online
l Be completed as a domestic Retail Transaction in a Face-to-Face Environment
l Uniquely identify the Cash-Back portion of the Transaction amount
l Be processed in the Merchant’s local currency
A Member must not process a credit refund or Credit Transaction Receipt for the Cash-Back
component of a Transaction.
Table 5-16: Cash-Back Requirements
Region/Country Cash-Back Cash-Back Allowed Cardholder Other

1
without Amount Limits Product Types Verification
Purchase
AP Region
Australia Must be USD 998 (or Debit Card Must contain a Must not be a
available local currency PIN2 or Fallback
equivalent) Consumer Transaction
Device
Cardholder
Verification
Method
(CDCVM)

5 Acceptance
Table 5-16: Cash-Back Requirements (continued)

1
Purchase
India Must be Cash-Back Only products Must contain a N/A

available disbursements permitted by PIN or CDCVM
must not the Reserve
exceed the daily Bank of India
Cash-Back limit
per Card
specified by the
Reserve Bank of
India
Japan Not allowed JPY 20,000 Debit Card Must contain a Must not be a
PIN or CDCVM Fallback
Transaction
Malaysia Not allowed MYR 500 l Debit Card Must contain a Must not be a
PIN or CDCVM Fallback
l Reloadable
Transaction
Prepaid
Card5.9.1.4
Sri Lanka Not allowed LKR 5,000 l Debit Card Must contain a N/A
l Effective PIN or CDCVM
through 12
April 2024
Electron
Card
Canada Region
Canada Not allowed USD 200 (or l Debit Card Must contain a l All Acquirers
local currency PIN or CDCVM and their
l Reloadable
equivalent) processors
Prepaid Chip
must support
and PIN-
Cash-Back at
enabled Card
the POS
l All Acquirers,
Issuers, and

5 Acceptance

1
Purchase
Merchants
must
participate in
Partial
Authorization
CEMEA Region
Botswana, Not allowed USD 200 (or l Debit Card Must contain a l All Acquirers
Kenya, Ghana, local currency PIN or CDCVM and their
l Reloadable
Malawi, equivalent) processors
Prepaid Card
Mauritius, must support
Mozambique, Cash-Back at
Rwanda, Serbia, the POS
Seychelles,
l Partial
Tanzania,
Authorization
Uganda,
not allowed
Ukraine,
Zambia,
Zimbabwe
Egypt Not allowed EGP 500 l Debit Card Must contain a l All Acquirers
PIN or CDCVM and their
l Reloadable
processors
Prepaid Card
must support
Cash-Back at
the POS
l Partial
Authorization
not allowed
Russia Not allowed USD 200 (or l Credit Card Must contain a l All Acquirers
local currency PIN or CDCVM and their
l Debit Card
equivalent) processors
l Reloadable must support
Prepaid Card Cash-Back at
the POS

5 Acceptance

1
Purchase
l Partial
Authorization
not allowed
l Must not be a
Fallback
Transaction
l Cash-Back at
the POS is not
allowed at a
Merchant
Outlet
classified with
the following
MCC:
– 3000 –
3200
– 3351 –
3500
– 4511
– 4784
– 4829
– 5542
– 5944
– 6012
– 6051
– 6211
– 6540
– 7512
– 7513

5 Acceptance

1
Purchase
– 7519
– 7523
– 7995
South Africa Allowed Cash-Back l Credit Card Must contain a Partial

Transaction PIN or CDCVM Authorization
l Debit Card
amount must not allowed
not exceed ZAR l Reloadable
5,000 Prepaid Card
Europe Region
Austria Not allowed EUR 200 l Effective 19 Must contain a N/A

October PIN or CDCVM
2019
Debit Card
Bulgaria Not allowed BGN 50 l Credit Card Must contain a N/A

l Debit Card PIN or CDCVM
l Effective
through 12
April 2024
Electron
Card
Czech Republic Not allowed CZK 3,000 l Credit Card Must contain a N/A
l Effective
through 12
April 2024
Electron
Card
Denmark Not allowed N/A Debit Card Must contain a N/A

PIN or CDCVM

5 Acceptance

1
Purchase
Finland Not allowed EUR 400 l Credit Card Must contain a N/A
l Effective
through 12
April 2024
Electron
Card
Germany Not allowed EUR 200 l Credit Card Must contain a N/A
Greece Not allowed EUR 50 (per l Credit Card Must contain a Merchant Outlet
(must be in Card, per day) PIN or CDCVM must be
l Debit Card
conjunction classified with
with a l Effective MCC 5311 or
through 12
purchase of at 5411
April 2024
least EUR 10)
Electron
Card
Italy Not allowed EUR 100 l Debit Card Must contain a N/A
through 12
April 2024
Electron
Card
l Reloadable
Prepaid
Card5.9.1.4
Poland Not allowed PLN 300 l Credit Card Must contain a N/A
l Effective
through 12
April 2024

5 Acceptance

1
Purchase
Electron
Card
Republic of Not allowed EUR 100 Debit Card Must contain a N/A
Ireland PIN or CDCVM
Romania Not allowed RON 200 l Credit Card Must contain a N/A
l Effective
through 12
April 2024
Electron
Card
Slovakia Not allowed EUR 50 l Credit Card Must contain a N/A

(must be in l Debit Card PIN or CDCVM
conjunction
with a l Effective
through 12
purchase of at
April 2024
least EUR 5)
Electron
Card
Sweden Not allowed SEK 2,000 l Credit Card Must contain a N/A

Switzerland Not allowed l Credit Card Must contain a N/A

Between CHF 10
Debit Card PIN or CDCVM
and CHF 200 l
l Prepaid Card
Turkey Not allowed Between TL 10 l Effective Must contain a N/A

and TL 100 through 12 PIN or CDCVM
April 2024
Electron
Card
l Direct

5 Acceptance

1
Purchase
(Immediate)
Debit Card
United Kingdom Not allowed GBP 100 l Debit Card Must contain a N/A
through 16
April 2021
Electron
Card
LAC Region
Brazil Not allowed USD 200 (or l Debit Card Must contain a N/A
local currency l Electron PIN or CDCVM
equivalent) Card
Costa Rica Must be USD 250 (or Debit Card Must contain a N/A
available local currency PIN or CDCVM
equivalent)
Mexico Not allowed Between MXN Debit Card Must contain a N/A
1,500 and MXN PIN or CDCVM
2,000
US Region
US Region Allowed USD 200 l Debit Card Must contain a Must participate
l Prepaid Card PIN in Partial
Authorization
Other countries (only with Visa permission)

1
Merchants may set a lower Cash-Back Transaction amount limit at their discretion
2
Except Transactions authorized through Stand-In Processing

5 Acceptance
5.9.1.5 Processing of Quasi-Cash Transactions

For a Quasi-Cash Transaction, a Merchant must both:
l Process a Quasi-Cash Transaction as a purchase and not as a Cash Disbursement1
l In the US Region or a US Territory: Not add a service fee or commission to the Transaction if the
Merchant assesses a US Credit Card Surcharge or Service Fee on the Transaction
1
Except in the CEMEA Region (South Africa)
5.9.1.6 Processing of the Sale of Travelers Cheques and Foreign Currency

A financial institution with authority to make Cash Disbursements that sells or disburses travelers
cheques or foreign currency may process the Transaction as either a:
l Quasi-Cash Transaction
l Cash Disbursement
In the US Region: An Acquirer must not add to the Transaction amount any surcharge, commission,
or fee.
5.9.1.8 Wire Transfer Money Order Merchant Disclosures

A Wire Transfer Money Order Merchant that disburses checks or money orders must both:
l Advise the Cardholder that the Merchant accepting the Card is the wire transfer company, not the
payee. The check or money order must be payable to the party cashing the check or money
order.
l Disclose any fee to the Cardholder and include it on the Transaction Receipt
5.9.1.9 Wire Transfer Money Order Requirements and Restrictions – US Region

In the US Region: Unless a Cardholder authorizes a Wire Transfer Money Order Merchant to process
a Wire Transfer Money Order electronically, a Wire Transfer Money Order must be a written
negotiable instrument that complies with all of the following:

5 Acceptance
l Is signed by the maker or drawer

l Is payable on demand
l Is payable to order or to bearer
l Unless otherwise specified, contains all of the following:
– Federal Reserve routing symbol
– Suffix of the institutional identifier of the paying bank or nonbank payor
– Name, city, and state of the paying bank associated with the routing number
The Wire Transfer Money Order Merchant must comply with all of the following:
l In advertising and marketing materials associated with a money order purchase, both:
– Specify that the Transaction involves the purchase of a money order
– Clearly identify the Wire Transfer Money Order Merchant as the Merchant completing the
Transaction
l Not use the Visa-Owned Marks to imply that a Cardholder may use a Card to either:
– Pay for goods or services at the Merchant Outlet
– Satisfy an outstanding debt to the Merchant
l Disclose both of the following to the Cardholder in writing (or, for a telephone order, verbally):
– The name of the Wire Transfer Money Order Merchant accepting the Card
– That the Transaction is the purchase of a check or money order and that any subsequent
Transaction with the third-party merchant is the same as a transaction made with cash
l Not include more than one Wire Transfer Money Order Transaction on a single check or money
order
l Not complete a Wire Transfer Money Order Transaction if the funds are obtained to purchase
goods or services at a third-party merchant outlet under the terms of the agreement between
the Wire Transfer Money Order Merchant and third-party merchant. This does not apply to
agreements involving any of the following:
– Casino or other gambling establishment
– Check-cashing outlet
– Truck stop offering cash access services

5 Acceptance
5.9.1.10 Point-of-Sale Balance Inquiry and Point-of-Sale Balance Return Service –

Acquirer Participation Requirements
An Acquirer that participates in the Point-of-Sale Balance Inquiry and/or a Point-of-Sale Balance
Return Service must complete systems testing with Visa.
5.9.1.14 Visa Prepaid Card Compromise

A Merchant that sells Visa Prepaid Cards must not sell a Visa Prepaid Card if there is evidence of
potential Card compromise, such as tampered packaging. The Merchant must retain the Card and
follow recovered Card requirements.
5.9.1.15 Mobile Push Payment Transactions – Cash-In and Cash-Out Requirements

A Merchant must not:
l Establish a minimum Cash-In or Cash-Out amount
l Process an international Cash-In Transaction
l Perform a Cash-In or Cash-Out Transaction in a currency other than the local currency
l Impose a fee on a Cash-In or Cash-Out Transaction
5.9.1.16 Acquirer Use of Non-Reloadable Prepaid BIN and Account Range Data –
Europe Region
In the Europe Region: If an Acquirer in the European Union chooses to receive a file from Visa
containing data for BINs and Account Ranges that are used to issue Non-Reloadable Prepaid
Cards, the Acquirer may use this data as part of their decision-making process when evaluating
a Transaction, subject to both of the following:
l An Acquirer must use the data solely to comply with local laws and regulations
l An Acquirer must not share the data with Merchants or Third Party Agents

5 Acceptance
5.9.2 Chip
5.9.2.1 Chip Transaction Acquirer Data Requirements

An Acquirer that processes a Chip-initiated Transaction must support Full-Chip Data processing via
its host system and process VIS and Common Core Definitions Chip Cards.
5.9.2.2 Acquirer Liability for Fallback Transactions

Transactions accepted as Fallback Transactions are the liability of the Acquirer if both:
l The Card is a Chip Card containing a Visa and Visa Electron Smart Payment Application or an EMV
and VIS-Compliant Plus application.
l Either:
– Transaction is not authorized by the Issuer or the Issuer’s agent
– Transaction is authorized by the Issuer or the Issuer’s agent, and the appropriate values
identifying the Transaction as a Fallback Transaction are not included within the related
Authorization Message
5.9.2.3 Global Chip Fallback Monitoring Program Criteria

An Acquirer that meets or exceeds all of the monthly performance activity levels for international1
Chip-initiated Transactions will be placed in the Global Chip Fallback Monitoring Program.
Visa may both:
l Modify or create new monthly performance levels
l Apply the program to Domestic Transactions
1
In the Europe Region: All Transactions that are Fallback Transactions are monitored as specified in Section X.

5 Acceptance
5.9.2.4 EMV Liability Shift – Acquirer Liability for Account Generated Counterfeit
Fraud
An Acquirer is liable for counterfeit Transactions completed in a Card-Present Environment if all of
the following:
l The Transaction did not take place at a Chip-Reading Device.
l The Account Number was not resident on the Issuer’s master file on the Transaction Date.
l All valid Cards bearing Account Numbers within the same Account Range as the Counterfeit Card
are Chip Cards containing a Visa or Visa Electron Smart Payment Application.
l The Transaction was below the Merchant’s Floor Limit and did not receive Authorization.
l The Account Number was resident on the Exception File with a Pickup Response on the
Processing Date of the Compliance filing and was on the Exception File for a total period of at
least 30 calendar days from the date of listing.
5.9.2.5 EMV Liability Shift – Acquirer Liability for Card-Present Counterfeit Chip
Card Transactions
Counterfeit Card Transactions completed in a Card-Present Environment are the liability of the
Acquirer if both:
l The Card is a Chip Card containing a Visa or Visa Electron Smart Payment Application or an EMV
and VIS-Compliant Plus application.
l Either:
– The Transaction does not take place at a Chip-Reading Device and is not a Fallback Transaction
completed following correct acceptance procedures.
– The Transaction is Chip-initiated and the Acquirer does not transmit the Full-Chip Data to Visa.
The requirements in this section apply to qualifying Transactions, as specified in Section 1.11.1.2,
EMV Liability Shift Participation.
This section does not apply if the Authorization record indicates that CVV verification was not
performed or that the CVV failed verification.
For a Transaction not involving a Europe Member, this section does not apply if the Transaction
contained a payment Token.

5 Acceptance
5.9.2.6 EMV Liability Shift – Acquirer Liability for Non-Counterfeit Card-Present

Fraudulent Transactions
Non-Counterfeit Card fraudulent Transactions completed in a Card-Present Environment are the
liability of the Acquirer if either:
l For a Chip-initiated Transaction without Online PIN, the Acquirer does not transmit the Full-Chip
Data to Visa.
l All of the following:
– The Transaction takes place at an Acceptance Device that is not EMV PIN-Compliant.
– The Card is a PIN-Preferring Chip Card.
– PIN Verification was not performed.
This section applies to qualifying Transactions, as specified in Section 1.11.1.2, EMV Liability Shift
Participation.
5.9.2.7 Acquirer Requirements for PIN Acceptance and Processing – AP Region

(India)
In the AP Region (India): An Acquirer must comply with all of the following:
l Certify with Visa that its host system supports Chip data and the acceptance of EMV Chip Cards
l Only use or support an EMV-Compliant Acceptance Device with the chip functionality activated
l Deploy and activate PIN pads
5.9.2.8 Acquirer Liability for Chip Transactions in Card-Present Environment –

Canada Region
In the Canada Region: An Acquirer will be liable for a Transaction in a Card-Present Environment,
whether or not the Transaction is Chip-initiated, when all of the following are true:
l Transaction does not take place at a Compliant Chip Card Reading Device with a PIN-entry
device that supports plaintext and enciphered offline PIN at POS, or enciphered online PIN at
ATMs
l Card is a Compliant Chip Card

5 Acceptance
l Transaction is reported as a fraudulent Transaction using one of the following fraud type codes:
– 0 (lost)
– 1 (stolen)
– 2 (Card not received as issued [NRI])
– 4 (Issuer-reported counterfeit)
l Account Number is listed on the Card Recovery Bulletin with an Exception File Pick-up of 04, 07,
41, or 43 on the Processing Date of the Dispute, and is on the Exception File for a total period of
at least 60 calendar days from the date of listing
5.9.2.10 Chip Transaction Processing Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A transaction initiated with a Visa-owned Application Identifier must be
processed as a Visa Transaction, a Visa Electron Transaction, an Interlink transaction, or a Plus
transaction, as applicable.
This does not apply to transactions from US Covered Visa Debit Cards initiated with the Visa US
Common Debit Application Identifier, a Plus-enabled ATM-only Proprietary Card, or an Interlink-
enabled Proprietary Card.
5.9.3 QR Code
5.9.3.1 QR Code Acquirer Data Requirements – AP and US Regions

Effective through 19 July 2019
In the US Region: An Acquirer that processes a QR code Transaction must support Full-Chip
Data processing via its host system.
In the AP Region, US Region: An Acquirer that processes a QR code Transaction must support
Full-Chip Data processing via its host system.

5 Acceptance
5.9.4 Electronic Commerce
5.9.4.1 Merchant Website Requirements

An Electronic Commerce Merchant website and/or application must contain all of the following:
l Customer service contact, including email address or telephone number1
l Clearly and prominently display the country2 of the Merchant Outlet3, assigned as specified in
Section 1.5.1.2, Assignment of Merchant Outlet Location,3,4 or of the Marketplace, assigned as
specified in Section 5.3.2.1, Assignment of Payment Facilitator, Staged Digital Wallet Operator, or
Marketplace Location, either:
– On the same screen view as the checkout screen used to present the final Transaction amount
– Within the sequence of web pages that the Cardholder accesses during the checkout process
A link to a separate web page does not meet this requirement.5
l The address for Cardholder correspondence
l Policy for delivery of multiple shipments
l In addition, on an Online Gambling Merchant’s homepage or payment page, all of the following:
– The statement “Internet gambling may be illegal in the jurisdiction in which you are located; if
so, you are not authorized to use your payment card to complete this transaction.”
– A statement of the Cardholder’s responsibility to know the laws concerning online gambling
in the Cardholder’s country
– A statement prohibiting the participation of individuals under a lawful age
– A complete description of the rules of play, cancellation policies, and pay-out policies
– A statement recommending that the Cardholder retain a copy of Transaction records and
Merchant policies and rules
– An Acquirer numeric identifier6
l In addition, in the Europe Region, the Merchant’s consumer data privacy policy
In addition, a Marketplace must both:
l Disclose the country of the Marketplace retailer within the sequence of pages that the
Cardholder accesses during the purchase process. A link to a separate web page does not meet
this requirement.

5 Acceptance
l Make available to the Cardholder for at least 120 days from the Processing Date both:
– The name of the retailer, Transaction Date, and Transaction amount
– If the retailer is responsible for answering questions about the purchase of the goods, an easy
means for the Cardholder to contact the retailer
1
In the Europe Region: If the Merchant delivers goods or services outside of the Merchant Outlet country, both a local and
an internationally accessible telephone number must be provided
2
In the Europe Region: A Merchant or Sponsored Merchant must include the address of the Merchant Outlet.
3
A travel agency acting on behalf of another Merchant must display the location of the travel agency. If travel or lodging is
sold by a travel agency, the Transaction Country is the country in which the travel agency is located.
4
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: A Merchant or Sponsored Merchant that
primarily operates from a personal residence is not required to provide the residence street address.
5
In the Europe Region: This may be a link to another web page only if the link forms part of the “click to accept”
acknowledgement and refers to the cancellation policy.
6
Except in the Europe Region, specified by Visa.
5.9.4.2 Electronic Commerce Account Number Security

An Electronic Commerce Merchant must not display the full Account Number to the Cardholder
online.
5.9.4.3 Acquirer Support of Visa Secure or Visa Checkout

An Acquirer must do all of the following:
l Notify its Electronic Commerce Merchant of the availability of Visa Secure
l Provide Visa Secure to its Electronic Commerce Merchant as requested
l Comply with Table 5-17, Acquirer Support of Visa Secure by Region/Country/Territory –
Requirements
Table 5-17: Acquirer Support of Visa Secure by Region/Country/Territory – Requirements
Region/ Requirement
Country /
Territory
Australia Ensure that its Electronic Commerce Merchant processes an Electronic Commerce

5 Acceptance
Table 5-17: Acquirer Support of Visa Secure by Region/Country/Territory – Requirements (continued)
Region/ Requirement
Country /
Territory
Transaction using Visa Secure with 3-D Secure 2.0,1 if it is assigned any of the following
MCCs:
l MCC 4722 (Travel Agencies and Tour Operators)

l MCC 4816 (Computer Network/Information Services)
l MCC 4829 (Wire Transfer Money Orders)
l MCC 5085 (Industrial Supplies)
l MCC 5311 (Department Stores)
l MCC 5399 (Miscellaneous General Merchandise)
l MCC 5411 (Grocery Stores and Supermarkets)
l MCC 5661 (Shoe Stores)
l MCC 5691 (Men’s and Women’s Clothing Stores)
l MCC 5699 (Miscellaneous Apparel and Accessory Shops)
l MCC 5722 (Household Appliance Stores)
l MCC 5732 (Electronics Stores)
l MCC 5733 (Music Stores – Musical Instruments, Pianos, and Sheet Music)
l MCC 5734 (Computer Software Stores)
l MCC 5912 (Drug Stores and Pharmacies)
l MCC 5943 (Stationery Stores, Office and School Supply Stores)
l MCC 5944 (Jewelry Stores, Watches, Clocks, and Silverware Stores)
l MCC 5999 (Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores)
l MCC 6211 (Security Brokers/Dealers)
l MCC 7011 (Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services)
l MCC 7832 (Motion Picture Theaters)
l MCC 7995 (Betting, including Lottery Tickets, Casino Gaming Chips, Off-Track Betting,
and Wagers at Race Tracks)
l MCC 8999 (Professional Services)

5 Acceptance
Region/ Requirement
Country /
Territory
l MCC 9402 (Postal Services – Government Only)
If a Merchant is not enrolled in Visa Secure with 3-D Secure 2.0 and is identified by the Visa
Fraud Monitoring Program, it will be subject to the High Risk MCC timeline, as outlined in
the Visa Fraud Monitoring Program.
Effective 18 Ensure that its Electronic Commerce Merchant processes an Electronic Commerce
April 2020 Transaction using Visa Secure with 3-D Secure 2.0,1 if it is assigned any of the following
Hong Kong MCCs:

l MCC 4812 (Telecommunication Equipment and Telephone Sales)
l MCC 5045 (Computers and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software)
l MCC 5621 (Women’s Ready-To-Wear Stores)
l MCC 5816 (Digital Goods – Games)
l MCC 5945 (Hobby, Toy, and Game Shops)
India l Ensure that its Electronic Commerce Merchant processes Electronic Commerce
Transactions using Visa Secure or Visa Checkout 2
l Not process a domestic Electronic Commerce Transaction unless the Cardholder has
been successfully authenticated using Visa Secure or Visa Checkout 2
Indonesia MCCs:
l MCC 4511 (Airlines and Air Carriers [Not Elsewhere Classified])

5 Acceptance
Region/ Requirement
Country /
Territory

Macau MCCs:

l MCC 4812 (Telecommunication Equipment and Telephone Sales)
l MCC 5621 (Women’s Ready-To-Wear Stores)
l MCC 5945 (Hobby, Toy, and Game Shops)
Malaysia MCCs:

l MCC 5977 (Cosmetic Stores)

5 Acceptance
Region/ Requirement
Country /
Territory
l MCC 7011 (Lodging – Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services)
New Zealand Ensure that its Electronic Commerce Merchant processes an Electronic Commerce
Transaction using Visa Secure with 3-D Secure 2.0,1 if it is assigned any of the following
MCCs:
l MCC 4814 (Telecommunication Services, including Local and Long Distance Calls, Credit
Card Calls, Calls through Use of Magnetic Stripe Reading Telephones, and Fax Services)
l MCC 5310 (Discount Stores)
l MCC 5941 (Sporting Goods Stores)
l MCC 9402 (Postal Services – Government Only)
Philippines MCCs:
l MCC 3000-3350 (Airlines, Air Carriers)

l MCC 4814 (Telecommunication Services, including Local and Long Distance Calls, Credit

5 Acceptance
Region/ Requirement
Country /
Territory
Card Calls, Calls through Use of Magnetic Stripe Reading Telephones, and Fax Services)
l MCC 4900 (Utilities – Electric, Gas, Water, and Sanitary)
l MCC 5331 (Variety Stores)
l MCC 5399 (Miscellaneous General Merchandise)
l MCC 5499 (Miscellaneous Food Stores – Convenience Stores and Specialty Markets)
Singapore MCCs:

l MCC 5815 (Digital Goods Media – Books, Movies, Music)
l MCC 5817 (Digital Goods – Applications [Excludes Games])
l MCC 5818 (Digital Goods – Large Digital Goods Merchant)
l MCC 5968 (Direct Marketing – Continuity/Subscription Merchant)
South Korea MCCs:

5 Acceptance
Region/ Requirement
Country /
Territory

Thailand MCCs:

Vietnam MCCs:

l MCC 5311 (Department Stores)
l MCC 7994 (Video Game Arcades/Establishments)
CEMEA Process Electronic Commerce Transactions using Visa Secure

Region
Nigeria Not process a domestic Electronic Commerce Transaction unless the Cardholder has been

5 Acceptance
Region/ Requirement
Country /
Territory
successfully authenticated using Visa Secure
Europe Process Secure Electronic Commerce Transactions using Visa Secure

Region
1
A Merchant must adhere to an Issuer’s requested authentication method.
2
This applies only to Visa Checkout Transactions less than or equal to INR 2,000.
5.9.4.4 Visa Secure Dispute Protection Limitations – US Region

In the US Region: An Acquirer must notify its Visa Secure Merchant that its Electronic Commerce
Transactions are not eligible for Dispute protection from Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud –
Card-Absent Environment if either:
l The Merchant is classified with one of the following MCCs:
– MCC 4829 (Wire Transfer Money Orders)
– MCC 5967 (Direct Marketing – Inbound Teleservices Merchant)
– MCC 6051 (Non-Financial Institutions – Foreign Currency, Non-Fiat Currency [for example:
Cryptocurrency], Money Orders [not Money Transfer], Travelers Cheques, and Debt Repayment)
– MCC 6540 (Non-Financial Institutions: Stored Value Card Purchase/Load)
– MCC 7801 (Government Licensed On-Line Casinos [On-Line Gambling])
– MCC 7802 (Government-Licensed Horse/Dog Racing)
– MCC 7995 (Betting, including Lottery Tickets, Casino Gaming Chips, Off-Track Betting, and
Wagers at Race Tracks)
l The Merchant has been identified in the Visa Fraud Monitoring Program. The Acquirer must
notify the Merchant that it remains ineligible while it is in the program. This condition also
applies if the Merchant enabled Visa Secure while identified in the program.

5 Acceptance
5.9.5 Mail/Phone Order Transactions
5.9.5.1 Disclosure of Mail/Phone Order Merchant Outlet Country

A Mail/Phone Order Merchant must disclose the Merchant Outlet country when presenting
payment options to a Cardholder.
5.9.6 Aggregated Transactions
5.9.6.1 Aggregated Transaction Merchant Requirements

Only the following Merchants may process an Aggregated Transaction:
l Electronic Commerce Merchants
l Merchants assigned one of the following MCCs:
– 4131 (Bus Lines)
An Aggregated Transaction must comply with all of the following:
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, LAC Region: Not include
purchases made more than 7 calendar days apart
l In the US Region: Not include purchases made more than 3 calendar days apart
l For an Electronic Commerce Transaction, not exceed USD 15 (or local currency equivalent)
l For a Transaction (excluding a Mass Transit Transaction) with MCC 4111, 4112, or 4131, not
exceed:
– In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, LAC Region: USD 25 (or local
currency equivalent)
– In the US Region: USD 15
For an Aggregated Transaction, a Merchant must do all of the following:

5 Acceptance
l At the Point of Transaction, inform the Cardholder of all of the following:

– That Transaction aggregation will occur
– The Transaction aggregation terms, including the maximum number of calendar days and
Transaction value
– How to obtain details of the aggregated purchases
l Make individual purchase information and Aggregated Transaction information available to a
Cardholder for at least 120 days after the processing date of the Aggregated Transaction
l In the US Region: Both:
– Be able to process a Partial Authorization
– For an Electronic Commerce Transaction, obtain an Authorization of no more than USD 15 at
the start of each aggregation session
5.9.7 T&E and Rental Transactions
5.9.7.1 Acquirer Requirements for Airlines

When entering into a Merchant Agreement with an Airline for Airline ticket sales, an Acquirer must
l Meet Visa capitalization and reserve requirements
l Submit to Visa, for Visa’s approval, a business plan setting out the expected Transaction volumes
and applicable risk reduction measures, in advance of submitting Transactions on behalf of
either:
– A newly acquired Airline
– A currently acquired Airline, where that Airline is providing services in a new country or has
adopted an alternative payment channel
5.9.7.2 Merchant Requirements for Guaranteed Reservations

If a Merchant accepts a Guaranteed Reservation, the Merchant must do all of the following:

5 Acceptance
l Be one of the following Merchant types:

– Lodging Merchant
– Aircraft rental Merchant
– Bicycle rental Merchant
– Boat rental Merchant
– Equipment rental Merchant
– Motor home rental Merchant
– Motorcycle rental Merchant
– Trailer park or campground
– Vehicle Rental Merchant
l Provide disclosure of reservation conditions to the Cardholder at the time of the reservation. If
the reservation was made by telephone, the Merchant must send to the Cardholder a written
reservation confirmation containing all required disclosures within 24 hours of the reservation.
l Provide to the Cardholder a period of at least 24 hours after delivery of the reservation
confirmation to cancel the reservation without penalty
l Hold the reservation for at least 24 hours after the agreed start time unless the Cardholder
cancels the reservation by the time specified in the Merchant’s cancellation policy
l If the Cardholder claims the reservation within 24 hours of the agreed start time, and the
Merchant has failed to hold the reservation, provide at no cost to the Cardholder comparable
accommodation, merchandise, or services, and pay for associated costs, or as otherwise agreed
by the Cardholder, until the reserved accommodation, merchandise, or services become
available
l Process a No-Show Transaction only if the Cardholder has not properly cancelled the reservation
according to the disclosed and agreed cancellation policy and has not claimed the reservation
5.9.7.3 Conditions for Assessing Amended Amounts or Delayed Charges

A Merchant may process a Transaction evidencing an amended amount or delayed charge, only as
follows:

5 Acceptance
Table 5-18: Conditions for Amended Amounts and Delayed Charges
Amended Amounts Delayed Charges for Loss, All Other Delayed

1
Theft, or Damage Charges
Eligible Merchant l Aircraft rental Merchant

types l Bicycle rental Merchant
l Boat rental Merchant
l Cruise Line
l Equipment rental Merchant
l Lodging Merchant
l Motor home rental Merchant
l Motorcycle rental Merchant
l Trailer parks and campgrounds
l Vehicle Rental Merchant
The charge must: Be directly related to Comply with all of the Be directly related to
both: following: both:
l The merchandise or l Be directly related to the l The merchandise or
services provided by merchandise or services services provided by
the Merchant to the provided by the the Merchant to the
Cardholder (for Merchant to the Cardholder (for
example: insurance or Cardholder during the example: tolls or
rental fees) rental period parking tickets)
l A Transaction in l Be the actual cost for l A Transaction in which
which the Cardholder replacement/repair of the Cardholder
participated damage to the participated
Merchant’s property or
for an insurance
deductible, whichever is
less
l If a prepayment, not be
used to pay for damage,
theft, or loss of use
To support the The amended Within 10 business days of Both:

charge, the Merchant Transaction Receipt the rental return, check-
l The Transaction
must provide to the

5 Acceptance
Table 5-18: Conditions for Amended Amounts and Delayed Charges (continued)

1
Cardholder: out, or disembarkation Receipt for the delayed

date, and before charge
processing any additional l An explanation of the
Transaction, charge (if for a parking
documentation that does ticket or traffic
all of the following: violation, this must
l Explains the charge and include
connects the charge to documentation from
the Cardholder’s use of the appropriate civil
the merchandise or authority with the
services during the license number of the
rental period rental vehicle, the time
and location of the
l Includes2 any accident, violation, and the
police, or insurance amount of the penalty
report in the currency of the
l For damage to a rental civil authority)
vehicle, provides at least
2 quotes from entities
that are legally
permitted to perform
repairs
l Specifies the portion of
the loss, theft,
or damage that will be
paid by insurance and
the reason that the
Cardholder is liable for
the amount claimed
l Informs the Cardholder
that payment for loss,
theft, or damage with
the Cardholder’s Visa
Card is optional and not
a required or default
payment option

5 Acceptance

1
The Cardholder must No, unless required by In the AP Region, No

expressly approve the applicable laws or Canada Region,
charge before the regulations CEMEA Region,
Merchant processes LAC Region, US Region: Yes.
the Transaction The Cardholder must
(except in the Europe expressly agree in writing
Region): to pay the specific charges
after the loss, theft, or
damage has occurred and
after receiving all required
disclosures and amounts
from the Merchant.
In the Europe Region:
l The Cardholder may,

within 10 business days
of receiving this
confirmation, and at no
cost to the Merchant,
provide an alternative
written estimate for the
cost of repairing the
damage.
l If agreement is not
reached between the
Merchant and the
Cardholder for the cost
of repairing the damage,
and if the Merchant
processes the delayed
charge Transaction, the
Cardholder may dispute
the Transaction.
l The Merchant must wait
20 business days from
the date of the

5 Acceptance

1
confirmation receipt
provided to the
Cardholder before
processing a delayed
charge for damages.
The Merchant must 24 hours of check-out or 90 calendar days of the rental return, check-out, or
process the charge rental return disembarkation date
within:
1
Requirements for rental Merchants in the Europe Region are specified in Section 5.9.7.4, Rental Merchant Charges for
Damages – Europe Region
2
Required for Transactions involving car or truck rental. For all other Merchants, as applicable
5.9.7.4 Rental Merchant Charges for Damages – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: When a rental Merchant carries out a delayed charge Transaction for charges
relating to damage to a rental vehicle, the Merchant must provide the Acquirer with all of the
following:
l A copy of the rental agreement
l An estimate of the cost of the damage from an organization that can legally provide repairs
l The relevant civil authority’s accident report (if applicable)
l Documentation showing that the Cardholder has given consent that a delayed charge Transaction
may be processed using the Cardholder’s Card to cover damages to a rental vehicle. This consent
must be evidenced by either:
– The Cardholder’s signature on the same page as, and close to, the description of the charges
that may be covered by the delayed charge Transaction
– The Cardholder’s signature on the agreement and the Cardholder’s initials on each page of the
agreement, including on the same page as the description of the charges that may be covered
by the delayed charge Transaction
l Any other documentation demonstrating the Cardholder’s liability for the damage

5 Acceptance
l A copy of the insurance policy of the rental Merchant, if the Merchant requires that the
Cardholder pay an insurance deductible for damages and a copy of the vehicle rental agreement
showing that the Cardholder consents to be responsible for the insurance deductible
5.9.8 Dynamic Currency Conversion
5.9.8.1 Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) – Acquirer Requirements

Before processing a Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Transaction, an Acquirer must both:
l Comply with the DCC registration and certification requirements specified in the DCC Guide
l Ensure that each Merchant Outlet or ATM that conducts DCC both:
– Complies with the Visa Rules and the DCC Guide
– Does not offer DCC on Visa consumer prepaid or Visa consumer debit Cards enabled with the
Visa Multi-Currency Solution, or on Visa consumer prepaid travel (including Visa TravelMoney)
Cards1
1
See the DCC Guide for information on the account billing currency file to identify applicable Account Ranges.
5.9.8.3 Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) – Merchant and ATM Requirements

A Merchant or ATM Acquirer that offers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) must comply with all
of the following:
l Inform the Cardholder that DCC is optional and not use any language or procedures that may
cause the Cardholder to choose DCC by default
l Ensure that the Cardholder is given all the relevant information to allow them to make a clear and
transparent decision to expressly agree1 to a DCC Transaction
l Not misrepresent, either explicitly or implicitly, that its DCC service is a Visa service2
l Offer DCC in the Cardholder Billing Currency
l Not impose any additional requirements on the Cardholder to have the Transaction processed in
the local currency
l Not convert a Transaction amount in the local currency that has been approved by the
Cardholder into an amount in the Cardholder Billing Currency after the Transaction has been
completed but not yet entered into Interchange

5 Acceptance
l In the US Region or a US Territory: Include the US Credit Card Surcharge amount, if assessed, in
the conversion
l In the AP Region (Australia): Include any Surcharge amount, if assessed, in the conversion
If an Electronic Commerce Merchant uses a Cardholder’s Account Number to determine eligibility
to convert the purchase amount from the Merchant’s currency to the Cardholder Billing Currency it
must comply with all requirements relating to a DCC Transaction.
1
A Cardholder must actively make a selection (for example: checking a box or button) and the DCC option must not be
pre-selected.
2
In the Europe Region: Inform the Cardholder before obtaining Authorization that DCC is a service provided by the
Merchant or Acquirer
5.9.9 Prepayments and Repeated Payments
5.9.9.1 Requirements for Prepayments and Transactions Using Stored Credentials

A Merchant or its agent, a Payment Facilitator, or a Digital Wallet Operator that processes partial
and full prepayments and that stores a Stored Credential and/or processes Transactions using a
Stored Credential must comply with Table 5-19, Requirements for Prepayments and Transactions
Using Stored Credentials .
These requirements do not apply to the following when the Merchant or its agent uses the Stored
Credential for a single Transaction or a single purchase:
l A No-Show Transaction
l A Transaction involving an amended amount or a delayed charge
l A Transaction involving an Incremental Authorization
l A Transaction where the Merchant is allowed to submit a new Authorization Request for the
same Transaction
l A Transaction that received a Decline Response and is resubmitted for Authorization, as specified
in Section 7.3.6.1, Preauthorized Transaction Decline Response
Table 5-19: Requirements for Prepayments and Transactions Using Stored Credentials
Prepayment (Partial) Prepayment (Full) Transaction Using a Stored Credential
Eligible Purchases
Any Any of the following: Any

5 Acceptance
Table 5-19: Requirements for Prepayments and Transactions Using Stored Credentials (continued)
l T&E
l Custom merchandise
or services
l In a Face-to-Face
Environment, where
not all items
purchased in the
Transaction are
immediately available
but will be shipped or
provided at a later
date
l Recreational services
or activities related to
tourism and travel
Disclosure to Cardholder and Cardholder Consent
When entering into a Cardholder agreement, all requirements related to the specific Transaction type listed
below must be clearly displayed at the time that the Cardholder gives their consent and must be displayed
separately from the general purchase terms and conditions.
The Merchant must The Merchant must When capturing a Stored Credential for the first
provide, and the provide, and the time, the Merchant or its agent, the Payment
Cardholder must Cardholder must Facilitator, or the Staged Digital Wallet Operator
1 1 1
consent to, all of the consent to, all of the must establish an agreement with the Cardholder
following in writing at following in writing at that contains all of the following:
the time of the first or the time of the full
l A truncated version of the Stored Credential (for
only partial prepayment: prepayment: example: last 4 digits of the Account Number), as
l Description of l Description of it may be updated from time to time
promised promised l How the Cardholder will be notified of any
merchandise or merchandise or changes to the agreement
services services
l How the Stored Credential will be used
l Terms of service l Terms of service
l The expiration date of the agreement, if
l Timing of delivery to l Timing of delivery to applicable
Cardholder Cardholder
l Effective 18 April 2020 The length of any trial

5 Acceptance
l Transaction amount l Transaction amount period, introductory offer, or promotional period

l Total purchase price l Refund policies In the Europe Region: The Merchant must provide
l Terms of final l Date and time that the Cardholder with confirmation of the
payment, including any refund privileges establishment of the Recurring Transaction
the amount and expire without agreement within 2 business days.
currency prepayment forfeiture In addition, before processing an Installment
l Cancellation and l Any associated Transaction, Recurring Transaction, or Unscheduled
refund policies charges Credential-on-File Transaction, the Merchant or its
agent must obtain the Cardholder’s express
l Date and time that informed consent 1 to an agreement that contains
any cancellation all of the following:
privileges expire
without prepayment l The Transaction amount (including all associated
forfeiture taxes and charges) or a description of how the
Transaction amount will be determined
l Any associated
charges l The Transaction currency
l Where surcharging is permitted,
acknowledgement of any surcharge assessed
and the associated disclosures
l Cancellation and refund policies
l The location of the Merchant Outlet
l In addition, for Installment Transactions, both:
– Total purchase price
– Terms of future payments, including the dates,
amounts, and currency
l In addition, for Recurring Transactions, the
Merchant must both:
– Include the fixed dates or intervals on which
the Transactions will be processed
– At least 7 days before a Recurring Transaction,
notify the Cardholder via email or other agreed
method of communication if any of the
following:

5 Acceptance
▪ Effective 18 April 2020 A trial period,

introductory offer, or promotional period is
going to end. The Merchant must include in
the communication the Transaction amount
and Transaction Date of subsequent
Recurring Transactions and a link or other
simple mechanism to enable the Cardholder
to easily cancel Transactions online or via
SMS/text message.
▪ In the Europe Region:
▪ More than 6 months have elapsed since
the previous Recurring Transaction.
▪ The Recurring Transaction agreement
has been changed, including the amount
of the Recurring Transaction, the date of
the Recurring Transaction, or any other
terms of the agreement.
▪ Effective through 17 April 2020 A trial
period, introductory offer, or
promotional period is going to end. The
Merchant must include in the
communication the Transaction amount
and Transaction Date of subsequent
Recurring Transactions and a link or
other simple mechanism to enable the
Cardholder to easily cancel Transactions
online or via SMS/text message.
l In addition, for Unscheduled Credential-on-File
Transactions:
– The agreement must include the event that
will prompt the Transaction (for example: if the
Cardholder’s balance falls below a certain
amount).
– In the Europe Region: The Merchant must
provide notification to the Cardholder of any

5 Acceptance
change in the Transaction amount or any

other terms of the agreement at least 2
working days before the change.
The Merchant or its agent, the Payment Facilitator,

or the Staged Digital Wallet Operator must retain
the Cardholder’s agreement for the duration of the
agreement and provide it to the Issuer upon
request.
Amount
A prepayment amount The prepayment amount The amount:

must be less than the must be equal to the
l For an Installment Transaction, may include
cost of the merchandise cost of the merchandise interest charges, except in the US Region
or services purchased or services purchased.
and must be applied to l For a Recurring Transaction or an Unscheduled
Credential-on-File Transaction, must not include
the total obligation.
finance charges
Transaction Processing Requirements
Online Authorization for The Merchant must Online Authorization for the initial and subsequent
2
each Transaction. The comply with all Transactions. The amount authorized must be no
amount authorized must requirements applicable more than the amount of the individual Transaction.
be no more than the to the Transaction type. When capturing a Stored Credential for the first
amount of the individual time, the Merchant or its agent, the Payment
Transaction. Facilitator, or the Staged Digital Wallet Operator
If an Authorization must do all of the following:
Request for a
l Either:
subsequent payment is
declined, the Merchant – Submit an Authorization Request for the
must notify the amount due
Cardholder in writing – If payment is not required, submit an Account
and allow the Cardholder Verification
at least 7 days to pay by
l Use the appropriate indicator in the POS
other means.
environment field
l If the initial Authorization Request or Account

5 Acceptance
Verification is not approved, not store the

credential
For a Transaction using a Stored Credential, the

Merchant or its agent, the Payment Facilitator,
or the Staged Digital Wallet Operator must use POS
Entry Mode code 10.
In addition, for a subsequent Recurring Transaction,

Installment Transaction, or Unscheduled Credential
on File Transaction, the Merchant or its agent, the
Payment Facilitator, or the Staged Digital Wallet
Operator must use the appropriate indicator in the
POS environment field.2
For a Transaction using a Stored Credential initiated

by the Cardholder, the Merchant or its agent must
also validate the Cardholder’s identity (for example:
with a login ID and password) before processing
each Transaction.
For an Installment Transaction, all of the following:
l If an Authorization Request for a subsequent

payment is declined, the Merchant or its agent
must notify the Cardholder in writing and allow
the Cardholder at least 7 days to pay by other
means.
l A Merchant or its agent must not process an
initial Installment Transaction until the
merchandise or services have been provided to
the Cardholder and must not process individual
Installment Transactions at intervals less than
either:
– 7 calendar days
– In the US Region: The monthly anniversary of
the shipment date
l Except as specified in the Visa International
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws, Visa

5 Acceptance
assumes no liability for an Installment

Transaction processed more than 30 calendar
days from the Authorization date.
Cancellation Procedure
If the Cardholder cancels If the Cardholder cancels The Merchant or its agent must both:
within the terms of the within the terms of the
l Provide a simple cancellation procedure, and, if
cancellation policy, the cancellation policy, the the Cardholder’s order was initially accepted
Merchant must provide Merchant must provide online, at least an online cancellation procedure
to the Cardholder both to the Cardholder both
l Not complete a Transaction:
of the following within 3 of the following within 3
business days: business days: – Beyond the duration expressly agreed by the
Cardholder
l Cancellation or refund l Cancellation or refund
confirmation in confirmation in – If the Cardholder requests that the Merchant
writing writing or its agent change the payment method
l Credit Transaction l Credit Transaction – If the Cardholder cancels according to the
Receipt for the Receipt for the agreed cancellation policy
amount specified in amount specified in
– If it receives a Decline Response
the cancellation policy the cancellation policy
For an Installment Transaction, if the Cardholder
cancels within the terms of the cancellation policy,
the Merchant or its agent must provide to the
Cardholder both of the following within 3 business
days:
l Cancellation or refund confirmation in writing

l Credit Transaction Receipt for the amount
specified in the cancellation policy
Retention of Payment
If the Cardholder does If the Cardholder does None

not pay the balance and not cancel within the
does not cancel within terms of the cancellation
the terms of the policy, the Merchant may
cancellation policy, the retain a full prepayment
Merchant may retain a only if the Merchant has

5 Acceptance
partial prepayment only disclosed on the

if the Merchant has Transaction Receipt that
disclosed on the the prepayment is
Transaction Receipt that nonrefundable.
the prepayment is
nonrefundable.
Merchant Responsibility to Refund an Amount and Provide a Comparable Substitute
The Merchant must refund the full amount paid if The Merchant or its agent must refund the full
the Merchant has not adhered to the terms of the amount paid if the Merchant has not adhered to
sale or service. the terms of the sale or service.
If the Cardholder claims a reservation, and the
Merchant has not held the reservation, the
Merchant must provide at no additional cost to the
Cardholder comparable merchandise or services and
pay any associated costs for the remainder of the
reserved time period, or as agreed between the
Merchant and the Cardholder.
1
Where required by applicable laws or regulations, the Merchant or its agent must also provide to the Cardholder a
record of the Cardholder’s consent.
2
5.9.9.2 Mobile Phone Airtime Prepayment – Europe Region (United Kingdom)

In the Europe Region (United Kingdom): To accept a Transaction for the purchase of prepaid
mobile phone airtime in a Card-Absent Environment, a Merchant must do all of the following:
l Register no more than 2 Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards per mobile phone account, and no
more than 2 mobile phone accounts per Visa Card or Visa Electron Card
l Obtain the Cardholder’s name and home address
l Check the Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) and Account Verification Service (AVS) data

5 Acceptance
l For a Recurring Transaction, all of the following:

– Establish only one Recurring Transaction agreement per mobile phone account
– Authenticate the initial Recurring Transaction by either:
▪ Visa Secure – Electronic Commerce Indicator 5
▪ CVV2/AVS checks
– Conduct a new CVV2/AVS data check if the Cardholder’s Stored Credential changes
CVV2/AVS checks are not required on subsequent Recurring Transactions when all of the following
criteria are met:
l The account of the Visa Card or Visa Electron Card is one of the 2 registered to that mobile
phone account.
l CVV2/AVS data was submitted as part of a previous Transaction for prepaid mobile phone
airtime, made on the same account of the registered Visa Card or Visa Electron Card, and
confirmed as matched by the Issuer at least 3 months before setting up the Recurring
Transaction.
l The maximum amount of GBP 30 per calendar month is not exceeded.
If an Issuer charges back a Transaction, the Acquirer must inform the Merchant, and the Merchant
must:
l Block the mobile phone account(s) for which the fraudulent prepayment was made
l Cancel the Visa Card or Visa Electron Card registration
l Not reregister a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card with the same Account Number
5.9.10 Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Transactions
5.9.10.1 Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Transaction Qualifying Criteria

A Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Transaction must comply with all of the following:
l Be conducted in a Card-Present Environment with a POS Entry Mode 05, 07, 90 or 91
l Be authorized

5 Acceptance
l Not be any of the following Transaction types:

– An ATM Cash Disbursement Transaction
– A Cash-Back Transaction
– A Manual Cash Disbursement
– A Quasi-Cash Transaction
– A Transaction where Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) is performed
– An Automated Fuel Dispenser (AFD) Transaction
l Not exceed the Transaction amount limit (including taxes, if applicable, and surcharge, if
permitted) specified in Section X
l Effective through 13 September 2019: Be conducted using an eligible MCC, as specified in Table
5-20, Eligible MCCs for VEPS Transactions (Effective through 13 September 2019)
l Effective 14 September 2019: Be conducted using an eligible MCC, as specified in Table 5-21,
Eligible MCCs for VEPS Transactions (Effective 14 September 2019)
Table 5-20: Eligible MCCs for VEPS Transactions (Effective through 13 September 2019)
Region Transaction Environment Eligible MCCs
AP Region, Canada All Card-Present All MCCs

Region, CEMEA Environment
Region, LAC
Region, US Region
Europe Region Contactless Card-Present All MCCs

Environment
Contact Chip and Unattended All MCCs

Magnetic Stripe Transactions
Face-to-Face l 4111 (Local and Suburban Commuter

Environment Passenger Transportation, including
Ferries)
l 4121 (Taxicabs and Limousines)
l 4131 (Bus Lines)
l 5311 (Department Stores)
l 5499 (Miscellaneous Food Store –

5 Acceptance
Table 5-20: Eligible MCCs for VEPS Transactions (Effective through 13 September 2019) (continued)
Region Transaction Environment Eligible MCCs
Convenience Stores and Specialty

Markets)
l 5812 (Eating Places and Restaurants)
l 5814 (Fast Food Restaurants)
l 5912 (Drug Stores and Pharmacies)
l 5993 (Cigar Stores and Stands)
l 5994 (News Dealers and Newsstands)
l 7211 (Laundries – Family and
Commercial)
l 7216 (Dry Cleaners)
l 7338 (Quick Copy, Reproduction, and
Blueprinting Services)
l 7523 (Parking Lots, Parking Meters and
Garages)
l 7542 (Car Washes)
l 7832 (Motion Picture Theaters)
l 7841 (DVD/Video Tape Rental Stores)
Table 5-21: Eligible MCCs for VEPS Transactions (Effective 14 September 2019)
Region Transaction Environment or Eligible MCCs

Transaction Type
AP Region, Canada All Card-Present All MCCs

Region, CEMEA Environment
Region, Europe
Region (Israel), LAC
Region, US Region
Europe Region Contactless Card-Present All MCCs

(excluding Israel) Environment
Contact Chip and Unattended l 4111 (Local and Suburban Commuter

5 Acceptance
Table 5-21: Eligible MCCs for VEPS Transactions (Effective 14 September 2019) (continued)
Region Transaction Environment or Eligible MCCs

Transaction Type
Magnetic Stripe Transactions Passenger Transportation, including

Ferries)
l 4121 (Taxicabs and Limousines)
l 4131 (Bus Lines)
l 7523 (Parking Lots, Parking Meters
and Garages)
5.9.11 Debt Repayment
5.9.11.1 Repayment of Debt

An Acquirer must ensure that a debt1 repayment Transaction complies with all of the following:
Table 5-22: Debt Repayment Transaction Requirements
Requirement Description
Prohibitions l Use of a credit Card or charge Card

l Debt that exceeds the statute of limitations and is no longer collectible in a lawsuit,
unless the Merchant obtains written Cardholder agreement to the charge and the
amount
Restrictions l For debt that has been charged-off and transferred from the original owner to a third
party, the Merchant must be either:
– A regulated financial institution
– Located in the Europe Region and a member of a professional body or association
that creates industry standards
l For payday lending,2 the Merchant must be both:
– Located in the Europe Region
– A member of a recognized professional body or association

5 Acceptance
Table 5-22: Debt Repayment Transaction Requirements (continued)
Processing l Include the debt repayment indicator in the Authorization Request and Clearing
Requirements Record
l Assign MCC 6012 (Financial Institutions – Merchandise, Services, and Debt Repayment)
or MCC 6051 (Non-Financial Institutions – Foreign Currency, Non-Fiat Currency [for
example: Cryptocurrency], Money Orders [not Money Transfer], Travelers Cheques, and
Debt Repayment)
l Complete the Transaction as a purchase
l In the Europe Region: In a Card-Absent Environment:
– The first Transaction must be Cardholder-initiated.
– The first and all subsequent Cardholder-initiated Transactions must either:
▪ Use 3-D Secure
▪ Include all of the following data in the Authorization Request:
▪ Date of birth of recipient account holder
▪ Recipient account number (either partially masked or up to 10 characters)
▪ Last name of recipient account holder
▪ In the United Kingdom: Partial postcode of recipient account holder (numbers
from the postcode only)
Resubmissions A debt repayment Transaction that receives a Decline Response may not be resubmitted
for Authorization if any of the following:
l The Transaction has already been submitted 3 times with each retry resulting in a
Decline Response.
l After more than 14 calendar days from the date of the original Decline Response
l If the Decline Response code is one of the following:
– 04 (Pickup card)
– 14 (Invalid account number (no such number))
– 41 (Pickup card (lost card))
– 43 (Pickup card (stolen card))
– 52 (No checking account)
– 57 (Transaction not permitted to cardholder)

5 Acceptance
Table 5-22: Debt Repayment Transaction Requirements (continued)
– 75 (Allowable number of PIN-entry tries exceeded)

– 78 (Blocked, first used)
– 82 (Negative Online CAM, dCVV, iCVV, or CVV results)
The Merchant must not deposit the Transaction if an Approval Response is received after
a Decline Response that meets one of these conditions.
In the Europe Region (United Kingdom): A Merchant or Acquirer may accept a Visa Card, including a
Visa Credit Card, for the repayment of debt that is considered overdue3 only if it complies with all
of the following:
l Has as its principal business the collection of overdue debts
l Is a Member of its recognized professional body or association
l Effective through 18 October 2019 Uses MCC 7299 (Miscellaneous Personal Services) or MCC
6051 (Non-Financial Institutions – Foreign Currency, Non-Fiat Currency [for example:
Cryptocurrency], Money Orders [not Money Transfer], Travelers Cheques, and Debt Repayment)
l Effective 19 October 2019 Uses MCC 6051 (Non-Financial Institutions – Foreign Currency, Non-
Fiat Currency [for example: Cryptocurrency], Money Orders [not Money Transfer], Travelers
l Includes the debt repayment indicator in the Authorization Request and Clearing Record
l For an Electronic Commerce Transaction, uses 3-D Secure to Authenticate the Cardholder when
initiating, at a minimum, the first Transaction
1
Money owed by one party (debtor) to another party (creditor). Debt includes the obligation to repay money in
connection with: loans, credit card balances, or the funding of the purchase of goods or services by an entity that is not
the seller of the goods or services. Lease payments, where ownership of the goods does not automatically pass to the
lessee at the end of the lease, or installment or delayed payment for the purchase of goods or services under terms
provided to the Cardholder by the seller of the goods or services are not treated as debt for the purpose of the Visa Rules.
2
A loan or advance either as defined by local law or where the consumer is required to repay the loan or advance within 60
days, either as a single repayment or as a repayment in a fixed amount and the total amount paid by the consumer to
extinguish the debt or obligation substantially exceeds the original amount borrowed or advanced.
3
For example: payments to a collection agency or in an attempt to recover funds for a dishonored check

5 Acceptance
5.9.12 Health Care
5.9.12.1 Preauthorized Health Care Transactions – US Region

In the US Region: For a Preauthorized Health Care Transaction, a Health Care Merchant must obtain
from the Cardholder an Order Form that contains all of the following:
l A description of the requested services
l Permission for the Health Care Merchant to charge the Cardholder’s account for the balance due
following the Merchant’s receipt of any applicable insurance payment
l Time period (not to exceed one year) for which permission is granted
A Health Care Merchant must not request Authorization for the amount due until it has received
notification of adjudication from the Cardholder’s insurance company.
5.9.12.2 Acquirer Participation in Healthcare Auto-Substantiation – US Region

In the US Region: To process a Healthcare Auto-Substantiation Transaction, an Acquirer or its agent
must comply with all of the following:
l Be licensed and certified by SIGIS
l Provide the Visa Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Visa Health Reimbursement Arrangement
(HRA) BIN list only to eligible Merchants
l Ensure that HRA and FSA Auto-Substantiation Transactions originate only from a SIGIS-certified
Merchant
l Provide an IIAS Merchant Verification Value to the Merchant and include it in the Authorization
Request
l Comply with all SIGIS requirements, including storage and fulfillment of Transaction Receipt data
l Fulfill Retrieval Requests for Transaction Receipt data associated with Visa Healthcare Auto-
Substantiation Transactions. The Fulfillment must not be processed using Visa Resolve Online.
5.9.12.3 Merchant Participation in Healthcare Auto-Substantiation – US Region

In the US Region: A Merchant that participates in Healthcare Auto-Substantiation must comply with
all of the following:

5 Acceptance
l Be licensed and certified by SIGIS
5.9.13 Visa Fleet Card
5.9.13.1 Visa Fleet Card Acquirer and Merchant Requirements – Canada and CEMEA
Regions
In the Canada Region, CEMEA Region: An Acquirer that agrees to support the Visa Fleet Card
Product must ensure the Visa Fleet Card Application Identifier (AID), and the appropriate terminal
application is implemented in the terminal of its Merchant that wants to support Visa Fleet Card
Transactions.
A Visa Fleet Card Acquirer must ensure that its Merchant that agrees to support Visa Fleet Card
Transactions both:
l Modify POS Systems to support the Visa Fleet Card Application Identifier (AID)
l Modify POS systems to prompt and/or validate the Enhanced Data, and to pass on the Enhanced
Data
5.9.13.2 Visa Fleet Card Merchant Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A Merchant that accepts a Visa Fleet Card must both:
l Prompt the Cardholder to provide the data required by the service prompt indicator
l Pass complete and accurate prompt-input data with the Visa Fleet Card Enhanced Data
5.9.15 Up-Selling and Negative Option Merchants
5.9.15.1 Up-Selling Transaction Requirements

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: An up-selling
Merchant1 must comply with all of the following:

5 Acceptance
l Clearly disclose to the Cardholder all of the following:

– The name of the up-selling Merchant offering the goods and services in a manner that
clearly differentiates the up-selling Merchant from the initial Merchant
– A description of the goods and services
– The length of any trial period, including clear disclosure that the Cardholder will be
charged unless the Cardholder takes steps to cancel the subsequent Transaction
– The Transaction amount and Transaction Date
– The cancellation policy
l Obtain the Cardholder’s express informed consent for any subsequent Transactions by
requiring the Cardholder to do all of the following:
– Enter the Cardholder’s Account Number for the subsequent Transactions
– Enter the Cardholder’s name, address, and contact information
– Perform an additional confirmatory action to indicate consent to the Transaction (for
example: clicking a confirmation button)
l Comply with all other Transaction processing requirements
For a Transaction involving up-selling1, both of the following must occur:
l Before completing a Transaction, the initial Merchant must do all of the following:
– Clearly disclose to the Cardholder all of the information specified in Table 5-23, Required
Disclosure/Transaction Receipt/Notification Content and Format for Up-Selling Transactions.
If the first Transaction is an Electronic Commerce Transaction, this information must be
clearly visible on the checkout screen.
– At the time of the first Transaction, obtain express Cardholder consent for any subsequent
Transactions. If the first Transaction is an Electronic Commerce Transaction, consent must
be obtained via a “click-to-accept” button on the checkout screen.
– Immediately after the first Transaction has been completed, send a Transaction Receipt to
the Cardholder as specified in Table 5-23, Required Disclosure/Transaction
Receipt/Notification Content and Format for Up-Selling Transactions.
l At least 7 days before initiating a subsequent Transaction, the up-selling Merchant must
provide to the Cardholder written notification as specified in Table 5-23, Required
Disclosure/Transaction Receipt/Notification Content and Format for Up-Selling Transactions, if
either:
– The terms of the agreement between the Merchant and the Cardholder have changed.
The notification must also include the new terms and conditions.

5 Acceptance
– A trial period, introductory offer, or promotional period is going to end.
Table 5-23: Required Disclosure/Transaction Receipt/Notification Content and Format for Up-Selling
Transactions
Required Content and Format for Up-Selling Transactions
Required Content
l The name of the up-selling Merchant offering the goods and services in a manner that clearly
differentiates the up-selling Merchant from the initial Merchant
l A description of the goods and services
l The length of any trial period, introductory offer, or promotional period
l Clear disclosure that the Cardholder will be charged unless the Cardholder takes steps to cancel any
subsequent Transactions
l The Transaction amount
l The Transaction Date
l Last 4 digits of the Account Number
l The cancellation policy
l Instructions for an easy way to cancel the agreement and/or any subsequent Transactions
Required Format
If the first Transaction is an Electronic Commerce Transaction, the Merchant must send the Transaction
Receipt or relevant notification electronically.
1
The sale of goods and services different from, and not affiliated with or a subsidiary of, the initial Merchant with whom
the Cardholder initiates the Transaction.
5.9.15.2 Negative Option Transaction Requirements

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: A Negative Option
Merchant must comply with all of the following:
l Obtain the Cardholder’s express informed consent by disclosing all purchase terms and
conditions before initiating the initial Transaction, including, but not limited to, the

5 Acceptance
following:
– The name of the Merchant offering the goods and services
– A description of the goods and services
– The Transaction amount and Transaction Date (including for each recurring charge)
– The length of any trial period, including clear disclosure that the Cardholder will be
charged unless the Cardholder takes steps to cancel the subsequent Transaction
– The cancellation policy
l Provide a simple mechanism for the Cardholder to cancel charges
l Comply with all other Transaction requirements
A negative option Merchant1 must do all of the following:
l Before completing an agreement or Transaction, clearly disclose to the Cardholder all of the
information specified in Table 5-24, Required Disclosure/Transaction Receipt/Notification
Content and Format for Negative Option Transactions. If the initial Transaction is an Electronic
Commerce Transaction, this information must be clearly visible on the checkout screen.
l At the time of the agreement or first Transaction, obtain express Cardholder consent for any
subsequent Transactions. If the first Transaction is an Electronic Commerce Transaction,
consent must be obtained via a “click-to-accept” button on the checkout screen.
l Immediately after the first Transaction (if applicable) and Cardholder consent to subsequent
Transactions, send to the Cardholder a Transaction Receipt (if applicable) or written
confirmation, as specified in Table 5-24, Required Disclosure/Transaction Receipt/Notification
Content and Format for Negative Option Transactions.
l At least 7 days before initiating a subsequent Transaction, provide written notification to the
Cardholder as specified in Table 5-24, Required Disclosure/Transaction Receipt/Notification
Content and Format for Negative Option Transactions, if either:
– The terms of the agreement between the Merchant and the Cardholder have changed.
The notification must also include the new terms and conditions.
– A trial period, introductory offer, or promotional period is going to end.
Table 5-24: Required Disclosure/Transaction Receipt/Notification Content and Format for Negative Option
Transactions
Required Content and Format for Negative Option Transactions
Required Content

5 Acceptance
Table 5-24: Required Disclosure/Transaction Receipt/Notification Content and Format for Negative Option
Transactions (continued)
Required Content and Format for Negative Option Transactions
l The name of the Merchant offering the goods and services

l A description of the goods and services
l The length of any trial period, introductory offer, or promotional period
l Clear disclosure that the Cardholder will be charged unless the Cardholder takes steps to cancel any
subsequent Transactions
l The Transaction amount and Transaction Date for the initial Transaction (even if no amount is due) and
for any subsequent Recurring Transactions
l Last 4 digits of the Account Number
l The cancellation policy
l Instructions for an easy way to cancel the agreement and/or any subsequent Transactions
l If the Merchant sends a Transaction Receipt or notification via email, a link to a page on the Merchant’s
website where the agreement, order, or any subsequent Transactions can be easily cancelled.
Required Format
If Cardholder consent to future Transactions occurred through a website or an application, the Merchant
must send all Transaction Receipts and notifications electronically.
1
A Merchant that requires a Cardholder to expressly reject the Merchant’s offer of additional goods and/or services during
the Transaction process or expressly decline to participate in future Transactions.
5.9.16 Gambling
5.9.16.1 Online Gambling Merchant and Acquirer Requirements

An Online Gambling Merchant must both:
l Have a valid license or other appropriate authority to operate its website and/or application
l Identify an Online Gambling Transaction with all of the following:
– MCC 7995 (Betting), even when gambling services are not the Merchant’s primary business
– In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Identify the
Transaction with the Quasi-Cash/Online Gambling Transaction indicator

5 Acceptance
– In the Europe Region: Identify the Transaction as an Online Gambling Transaction in the
Authorization Request and Clearing Record
If a Member, Merchant, Payment Facilitator, or Sponsored Merchant is unable to distinguish an
Online Gambling Transaction from other Transactions, it must both:
l Identify all Transactions as Online Gambling Transactions
l Inform the Cardholder that Transactions may be identified on the billing statement as gambling
Transactions
5.9.16.2 Use of Funds Transfer for Online Gambling

If a funds transfer to an individual is to be used for an Online Gambling Transaction, an Acquirer
must identify the funds transfer Transaction as an Online Gambling Transaction.
The Acquirer must have processes to identify and eliminate abuse by an individual, funds transfer
Merchant, or Online Gambling Merchant that attempts to circumvent proper Transaction
identification.
If Visa determines that an individual is facilitating Online Gambling Transactions through funds
transfers, Visa may impose these requirements on the funds transfer Merchant for any future funds
transfers to that individual.
5.9.16.3 Disbursement of Gambling Winnings to a Cardholder

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: A gambling Merchant
must not deposit a Credit Transaction to disburse gambling winnings to a Cardholder except for an
Original Credit Transaction.
In the Europe Region: A gambling Merchant must disburse gambling winnings to a Cardholder
using an Original Credit Transaction and not in the form of cash, a check, or any other payment
method.
If a gambling Merchant uses an Original Credit Transaction to disburse gambling winnings to a
Cardholder, it must ensure that both the:
l Original Credit Transaction is processed to the same Account Number that was used to place the
winning wager
l Transaction representing the winning wager was lawfully made, properly identified, and
processed according to the Visa Rules

5 Acceptance
In the US Region: Gambling winnings disbursed to a Visa Prepaid Card are not required to be
issued to the same Account Number that initiated the wager, but must comply with all of the
following:
l Be submitted by a gambling Merchant authorized by the Issuer to disburse winnings via a
program that has been approved by Visa
l Be transmitted to the Issuer using a funding mechanism approved by Visa
l Represent a Transaction for the winning wager that was lawfully made, properly identified, and
processed according to Visa Rules
5.9.16.4 Acquirer Requirements for Gambling Transactions in Norway – Europe

Region
In the Europe Region: An Acquirer that acquires gambling Transactions in Norway must ensure that
gambling Transactions are conducted only at Merchants licensed by the Norwegian Gaming
Authority.
5.9.17 Mass Transit
5.9.17.1 Mass Transit Transaction Authorization Requirements

A Merchant performing a Mass Transit Transaction must submit an Online Authorization Request
either:
l At the end of each Travel Period
l In the Europe Region: If any of the following conditions apply:
– The Card was used for the first time at the Merchant or more than 14 calendar days have
elapsed since Online Authorization was last requested for the Account Number by the
Merchant.
– The Chip on the Card requested Online Authorization at any point during the Travel Period.
– The cumulative value of a Mass Transit Transaction since the last Online Authorization Request
by the Merchant for the Account Number is equal to or greater than the Mass Transit
Transaction cumulative offline limit.1
1
This limit is set to the same value as the Contactless Floor Limit in that country.

5 Acceptance
5.9.17.2 Mass Transit Transaction Requirements

An Acquirer must ensure that its Merchants that perform Mass Transit Transactions do all of the
following:
l Register with Visa
l Deploy Contactless-only Acceptance Devices
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Are able to receive a
Payment Account Reference (PAR)
l Effective 30 September 2019 in the Europe Region: Are able to receive a Payment Account
Reference (PAR)
l Submit an Account Verification when a Card is first used at the Merchant
l Block a Card from being used for travel within one hour of receiving either:
– A Decline Response
– An Issuer response to an Account Verification indicating that the Transaction should not be
completed with that Card
l Reset the Mass Transit Transaction parameters held for a Card on the Merchant’s host system
and/or remove any travel block on the Card only after receiving an Approval Response to an
Authorization Request that contained Full-Chip Data
l Upon completion of a Transaction, provide the Cardholder with access to all of the following
information for a minimum of 120 days following the Transaction Processing Date:
– Merchant name
– Total Transaction amount in the Transaction Currency
– Details of each individual journey completed during the Travel Period, including the start and
end time of each journey
– Final Transaction Date
– Any discounts applied
To obtain an Approval Response following a Decline Response, the Merchant must request Online
Authorization using either of the following amounts:
l If no fare is outstanding, the Transaction amount that was cleared following the Decline
Response. Upon receipt of an Approval Response, the travel block must be removed within one
hour and the Authorization Request must be reversed.

5 Acceptance
l The amount of any outstanding fare. Upon receipt of an Approval Response, the travel block
must be removed within one hour.
5.10 Transaction Receipt Requirements
5.10.1 Transaction Receipt Delivery to Cardholders
5.10.1.1 Transaction Receipt Delivery to Cardholders

A Merchant or Acquirer must provide1 a completed Transaction Receipt to a Cardholder, as follows:
Table 5-25: Transaction Receipt Delivery to Cardholders
Transaction Type Transaction When Transaction Receipt Must Be

Receipt Provided
Required
For all Transactions, unless otherwise specified Yes, if At the time of the Transaction
requested
by
Cardholder
The Merchant initiates the Transaction, including any Yes At the time of the Transaction
of the following:
l Deferred Payment Transactions
l Recurring Transactions
l Installment Transactions
l Unscheduled Credential-on-File Transactions
The Cardholder initiates the Transaction, and any of Yes At the time of the Transaction
the following:
l The Transaction Receipt contains a restricted
return, refund, or exchange policy
l The Merchant requires the Transaction Receipt if
the Cardholder returns merchandise
l The Transaction is a Dynamic Currency Conversion
Transaction

5 Acceptance
Table 5-25: Transaction Receipt Delivery to Cardholders (continued)
Transaction Type Transaction When Transaction Receipt Must Be

Receipt Provided
Required
l The Transaction is a Plus ATM Shared Deposit

Transaction
The Transaction is any of the following: Yes Within 3 business days of a

Cardholder’s departure, check-out,
l Expedited exit Transactions at an amusement park
disembarkation, or rental return
l Express-return Transactions at a rental Merchant
l Priority check-out Transactions at a Cruise Line or
Lodging Merchant
An Unattended Cardholder-Activated Terminal No N/A

Transaction, excluding an Automated Fuel Dispenser
(AFD) Transaction, that is either:
l Effective through 18 October 2019 For an amount
less than or equal to one of the following
– In the AP Region (Australia): AUD 25
– In the AP Region (New Zealand): NZD 25
– USD 15
l Effective 19 October 2019 For an amount less than

or equal to USD 25 (or local currency equivalent)
l A Telephone Service Transaction with MCC 4814

(Telecommunication Service)
If required to provide a Transaction Receipt to the Cardholder, the Merchant must provide a
Transaction Receipt as follows:
l For an Electronic Commerce Transaction, a Mail/Phone Order Transaction, or a Transaction that
occurs at a Contactless-only Acceptance Device, the Merchant may choose to offer only paper or
only electronic Transaction Receipts. This does not apply to a Contactless-only Acceptance
Device used for donations.
l For all other Transactions, the Merchant must offer a paper Transaction Receipt unless the
Cardholder agrees to an electronic Transaction Receipt
1
For a Mobile Push Payment Transaction, instead of the Merchant or Acquirer, an Issuer must provide an electronic

5 Acceptance
Transaction Receipt to the Cardholder, as specified in, Section 8.5.1.2, Electronic Transaction Receipt Requirements for
Mobile Push Payment Transactions
5.10.1.2 Electronic Format Cardholder Receipt Delivery Requirements

If a Merchant provides an electronic Transaction Receipt to a Cardholder, the Merchant must do all
of the following:
l If a link to a website and/or application is provided, all of the following:
– Provide clear instructions to the Cardholder for accessing the Transaction Receipt
– Ensure that the link is a direct link to the Transaction Receipt
– Make the receipt available to the Cardholder for at least 120 calendar days after the
Processing Date
l Provide instructions to enable the Cardholder to obtain the receipt if the Cardholder does not
receive it
l Not store or use personal information provided by the Cardholder to enable the Merchant to
provide the receipt for any other purpose without the express consent of the Cardholder
l Include both of the following in the title of the email or the title or first line of the wirelessly
delivered message:
– The Merchant name as it will appear in the Clearing Record and on the Cardholder billing
statement
– Language indicating that the email or wirelessly-delivered message contains the Cardholder’s
copy of a Transaction Receipt or a link to the Cardholder’s copy of a Transaction Receipt
l Provide the receipt in a static format that cannot be easily manipulated after it has been created
5.10.2 Transaction Receipt Retention Period
5.10.2.1 Transaction Receipt Retention Period

For Transactions in which a Merchant or Acquirer must obtain Cardholder signature, the Merchant
or Acquirer must retain a Transaction Receipt for a minimum of 120 calendar days after the
Processing Date.

5 Acceptance
5.10.3 Transaction Receipt Data and Format Requirements
5.10.3.1 Prohibited Transaction Receipt Content for All Transactions

A Transaction Receipt must not contain:
l If the Transaction Receipt bears the Visa Program Marks, promotional, advertising, or similar
language that conveys preference of a non-Visa payment card
l More information than is embossed or printed on the Card. This does not apply to any of the
following:
– A payment Token
– A Card on which only a partial Account Number is printed
– A Card on which no Account Number is printed
5.10.3.2 Required Transaction Receipt Content for All Transactions

A Transaction Receipt must include all of the following elements:
Table 5-26: Required Transaction Receipt Content for All Transactions
Required Element Additional Requirements
Account Number or The Account Number or payment Token, except for the final 4 digits, must be
1
payment Token disguised or suppressed on the Cardholder’s copy of a Transaction Receipt.
1
Authorization Code Applies only to Transactions that were authorized by the Issuer
2
Card network name Must contain “Visa”
Cardholder This applies to a Transaction only if all of the following apply:

signature on
l The Transaction occurs in a Face-to-Face Environment.
Merchant/Acquirer
Copy l The Transaction takes place at a Magnetic-Stripe-only Acceptance Device.
l The Transaction is not a Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Transaction.
l A PIN is not used to verify the Cardholder.
Description of Description of the purchase

1
goods or services
Merchant, l For a Transaction involving a Merchant Outlet or Marketplace, the city and

5 Acceptance
Table 5-26: Required Transaction Receipt Content for All Transactions (continued)
Marketplace, or state/province of the Merchant Outlet or Marketplace

Digital Wallet l For an ATM Transaction, the location or street address of the ATM
Operator (DWO)
1
location
Acquirer, Consumer l The name used by the Merchant to identify itself to its customers, except for the
Bill Payment Service following:
(CBPS), DWO,
– For an ATM Transaction, the name of the ATM Acquirer
Marketplace, or
Merchant name – For a Transaction involving a Payment Facilitator or High-Risk Internet Payment
Facilitator the name of the Payment Facilitator and the name of the Sponsored
Merchant (or an abbreviation)
– For a back-to-back Transaction involving a retailer signed by a Staged Digital
Wallet Operator (SDWO), the name of the SDWO and the name of the retailer
– For a Transaction involving a Marketplace, the name of the Marketplace and
the name of the retailer
– Effective 18 April 2020 For a Transaction involving an up-selling Merchant, the
name of the up-selling Merchant offering the goods and services in a manner
that clearly differentiates the up-selling Merchant from the initial Merchant
– Effective 17 October 2020 For a Transaction involving a CBPS, the name of the
CBPS and the name of the biller
Return and refund As specified in Section 5.4.2.4, Disclosure to Cardholders of Return, Refund, and
policies Cancellation Policies
Transaction amount Total currency amount of all goods and services sold to the Cardholder at the same
and Transaction time, including applicable taxes and fees and any adjustments or credits
3
currency symbol
The currency symbol denoting the Transaction Currency, if the Transaction Currency
is not the local currency of the Transaction Country
Transaction Date No additional requirements

1
Transaction type One of the following:
l ATM Cash Disbursement
l Cash-Back with no purchase
l Credit

5 Acceptance
Table 5-26: Required Transaction Receipt Content for All Transactions (continued)
l Manual Cash Disbursement

l Prepaid Load
l Purchase
Other details Applies only to the Merchant copy of a manually imprinted Transaction Receipt
1
embossed on Card
1
This does not apply to a Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Transaction.
2
In the US Region or US Territory: This does not apply to a Transaction initiated using the Visa US Common Debit
Application Identifier of a US Covered Visa Debit Card, when the processing network is not known at the time that
the Transaction Receipt is generated. The Transaction Receipt must contain the application label selected (either
“Visa Debit” or “US Debit,” as applicable) or another enhanced descriptor.
3
If the currency symbol or identification is not on the Transaction Receipt, the Transaction Currency is the local
currency of the Transaction Country.
5.10.3.3 Required Transaction Receipt Content for Specific Transaction Types

In addition to the requirements in Section 5.10.3.2, Required Transaction Receipt Content for All
Transactions, and Section 5.4.2.4, Disclosure to Cardholders of Return, Refund, and Cancellation
Policies, a Transaction Receipt must contain all of the following, as applicable:
Table 5-27: Required Transaction Receipt Content for Specific Transactions
Transaction Type Required Content
Aggregated Transaction l Amount of each individual purchase

l Date of each individual purchase
l Description of each individual purchase
Airline Transaction For ticket purchases, itinerary data
ATM Cash Disbursement/Shared Deposit l Balance1

Transaction
l Type of account accessed
l If an Access Fee is charged:
– The words “ATM Fee,” “Terminal Fee,” or “Access Fee”2

5 Acceptance
Table 5-27: Required Transaction Receipt Content for Specific Transactions (continued)
– In the US Region, Canada Region: Identification of the

Acquirer as the recipient of the fee
l In the Europe Region: In addition, all of the following:
– ATM or Load Device Acquirer name and/or name of
affiliated domestic or regional network
– ATM or Load Device street location or location code
– ATM or Load Device city
Transaction at a rental Merchant l Daily rental rate

l Any applicable taxes
l Dates of pick-up and return
l Description of additional costs
Cash-Back Transaction Cash-back amount shown separately to purchase amount
Chip Transaction (Europe Region) l Application Preferred Name3 or Application Label3 (if
present on the Card)
Cruise Line Transaction l Cabin rate

l Dates of embarkation and disembarkation
Debt Repayment Transaction Type of repayment (for example: “loan,” “mortgage,” “credit
card,” “goods,” “services”)
Dynamic Currency Conversion Transaction l Transaction amount, with currency symbols, in:
– Merchant’s or ATM’s local currency
– Transaction Currency
l Words “Transaction Currency” or “Transaction Amount”
next to the Transaction amount
l Currency Conversion Rate
l Currency conversion commission, fees, or markup on the
exchange rate over a wholesale rate or government-
mandated rate
l Statement, easily visible to the Cardholder, that the

5 Acceptance
Cardholder has been offered a choice of currencies for

payment (including the local currency of the Merchant or
the currency dispensed at the ATM) and expressly agrees
to the Transaction
l Statement that Dynamic Currency Conversion is
conducted by the Merchant or ATM Acquirer
Electronic Commerce Transaction l Customer service contact

l Merchant country
l Merchant online address
l Conditions of sale, including return and cancellation
policy
Visa Fleet Card Transaction l In the Canada Region,4 CEMEA Region,4 US Region:
– Fuel product code
– Fuel quantity
– Fuel type
– Fuel unit price
– Odometer reading
– The time of the Transaction 5
Lodging Merchant Transaction (in which l Dates of check-in and check-out

lodging is a component) l Daily room charge
l Any applicable taxes
l Description and dates of individual purchases
Manual Cash Disbursements and Quasi- l Effective through 16 October 2021 4 digits printed below
Cash Transactions the Account Number (if present)
l Type of secondary identification (for example: passport,
driver’s license) without including the number or any
other identifying information
l For a Manual Cash Disbursement, the words “Cash
Disbursement”

5 Acceptance
No-Show Transaction l Daily room charge or rental rate

l Taxes
l Agreed start date of the accommodation or rental
l The words “No Show”
Preauthorized Healthcare Transaction For a Healthcare Auto-Substantiation Transaction, the

(US Region) words “Preauthorized Healthcare”
Prepayment Transaction For a full prepayment:

l Full cancellation and refund policy, including the date and
time that any refund privileges expire without
prepayment forfeiture
l Prepayment amount
l Scheduled start date or delivery date of the merchandise
or services
l The word “Prepayment”
For a partial prepayment:
l Full cancellation and refund policy, including the date and

time that any refund privileges expire without
prepayment forfeiture
l Prepayment amount
l The word(s) “Deposit” or “Partial Payment” if there is a
balance outstanding
l For balance payments, the word “Balance” if the full
remaining cost of the goods or services has been paid
l For cancellations, cancellation confirmation
Effective 18 April 2020 l The length of any trial period, introductory offer, or
promotional period, including clear disclosure that the
Transaction (or establishment of an
Cardholder will be charged unless the Cardholder takes
agreement if no amount is due at the time
steps to cancel any subsequent Transactions
the Stored Credential is captured) involving
a trial period, introductory offer, or l The Transaction amount and Transaction Date for the
promotional period initial Transaction (even if no amount is due) and for

5 Acceptance
subsequent Recurring Transactions

l A link or other simple mechanism to enable the
Cardholder to easily cancel the Transaction and any
subsequent Transactions online or via SMS/text message
Transaction on which a fee is assessed Shown separately and clearly:

(where permitted)
l Convenience Fee
l Service Fee
l Surcharge. The amount must be shown separately on the
front of the receipt in the same type and size of font as
other wording on the Transaction Receipt.
l Wire Transfer Money Order Fee
l Any other fees
Fees and Surcharges must not be identified as a Visa-

imposed charge.
Visa Mobile Prepaid Transaction Available balance in the Visa Mobile Prepaid account
(confirmation message)
1
In the Europe Region: Required only for a Visa Prepaid Card Transaction
2
3
Not required for a Visa Easy Payment Service Transaction
4
For a Merchant that supports a Visa Fleet Transaction through the Visa Fleet Card Application Identifier
5
In the Canada Region, CEMEA Region: Effective 17 October 2020

5 Acceptance
5.11 Returns, Credits, and Refunds
5.11.1 Merchant Processing
5.11.1.1 Merchant Processing of Credits to Cardholders

A Merchant that processes a credit to a Cardholder for a valid Transaction that was previously
processed, must do all of the following:
l Send an Authorization Request1 for the amount of the Credit Transaction, as specified in Table 5-
28, Thresholds for Merchant Credit Transaction Authorization Requests
l Deliver a completed Credit Transaction Receipt to the Cardholder
Table 5-28: Thresholds for Merchant Credit Transaction Authorization Requests
Region Merchants with Estimated All Merchants

Annualized Visa Purchase Return
Sales Volume Equal to or Greater
than:
AP Effective 19 October 2019 through Effective 18 April 2020

17 April 2020
USD 1 million
Canada Effective through 18 October 2019 Effective 19 October 2019
USD 5 million
CEMEA Effective 19 October 2019 through Effective 18 April 2020

17 April 2020
USD 1 million
Europe N/A Effective 18 April 2020
LAC N/A Effective 19 October 2019
US Effective through 18 October 2019 Effective 19 October 2019
USD 10 million
1
Optional for Airlines

5 Acceptance
5.11.1.2 Credit Refunds for Timeshares

A timeshare Merchant must provide a full credit refund when the Cardholder cancelled the
Transaction within 14 calendar days of the contract date or the date the contract or related
documents were received.
5.11.1.3 Prohibition of Resubmission of Returned Transaction

A Merchant must not submit a Transaction to the Acquirer that was previously disputed and
subsequently returned to the Merchant. However, the Merchant may pursue payment from the
customer outside the Visa system.
5.11.1.4 Sales Tax Rebates

A Merchant that provides a sales tax rebate1 to a Cardholder must process the rebate as an Original
Credit Transaction.
A Merchant that offers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) for a sales tax rebate must comply with
all DCC requirements.
1
A rebate of only the tax paid on the purchase, including value-added tax (VAT), goods and services tax (GST), or other
general consumption tax that is rebated to the Cardholder.
5.12 Acquirer Requirements for Non-Visa General Purpose Payment

Network – LAC Region (Brazil)
In the LAC Region (Brazil): An Acquirer must not discriminate against any non-Visa general purpose
payment network.
An Acquirer that contracts with a non-Visa general purpose payment network must do all of the
following:
l Ensure that the non-Visa general purpose payment network complies with all of the following:
– Is authorized by the Brazil Central Bank
– Has a contract with Visa

5 Acceptance
– Only processes funds transfer transactions

l Assign MCC 6051 (Non-Financial Institutions – Foreign Currency, Non-Fiat Currency [for example:
Cryptocurrency], Money Orders [not Money Transfer], Travelers Cheques, and Debt Repayment) to
the funds transfer transactions processed by the non-Visa general purpose payment network
l Ensure that the Merchant name field includes the message “transferência” and the name of the
non-Visa general purpose payment network (or an abbreviation)
5.13 Payment Solution Providers
5.13.1 Acquirer Requirements for Consumer Bill Payment Service Providers

An Acquirer that contracts with a Consumer Bill Payment Service (CBPS) provider1 must do all
of the following:
l Register the CBPS with Visa and obtain written approval for each CBPS before processing
any Transactions as a CBPS. Visa may, at its sole discretion, determine whether a third-party
biller is eligible to participate in the CBPS program.
l Certify that the CBPS qualifies as a CBPS and complies with the Visa Rules
l Meet a minimum equity requirement of USD 100 million2
l Conduct an adequate due diligence review of the CBPS and the non-Visa-accepting billers
to ensure compliance with the Acquirer’s obligation to submit only legal Transactions to
VisaNet and to ensure that the CBPS engages only in legal transactions with such billers.
l Communicate to Visa the Merchant name and the Card acceptor identification assigned to
the CBPS, and consistently use them in all Transaction messages
l Populate an identifier associated with the CBPS on every participating Transaction
l Ensure that if the CBPS applies a Service Fee the underlying biller is located in a permitted
country and uses a permitted MCC, as specified in Section 5.6.3.1, Service Fee Assessment
Requirements – Canada, CEMEA (Egypt, Russia), and US Regions
l Upon Visa request, provide to Visa activity reporting on each CBPS, including all of the
following:
– CBPS name
– Biller name

5 Acceptance
– Biller location
– Monthly Transaction count and amount for each biller
– Any other data requested by Visa
l Ensure that the CBPS:
– In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Makes
payments only to billers that are businesses located in the same country as the CBPS
– In the Europe Region: Makes payments to billers that are businesses located in the same
country as the CBPS or to billers that are businesses located in any country in the
European Economic Area (EEA), if the CBPS and Acquirer have the necessary approvals to
do business in the country where the biller is located
– Uses the appropriate MCC to identify a biller, as listed in Table 5-29, Consumer Bill
Payment Service Provider – Allowed MCCs. If unable to use the biller MCC or meet the
requirements, the biller is ineligible for the program and must use MCC 4829.
– Performs customer verification (KYC) and meets all applicable anti-money laundering
requirements for all non-Visa-accepting billers before initiating Transactions for such
billers
– Only aggregates payments to a single biller
– If using a Card to pay billers for the associated bill payment, only uses a Commercial Card
if the Cardholder paid using a Commercial Card
– Clearly discloses to the Cardholder, before the Transaction takes place, that it is the
Merchant and that the Transaction involves only the transfer of money from the
Cardholder to the third party
– Upon completion of a Transaction, provide the Cardholder with access to all of the
following information for at least 120 days following the Transaction Processing Date:
▪ Biller name
▪ Total Transaction amount in the Transaction Currency
▪ Transaction Date
▪ Biller payment date and method
l Ensure that all Transactions processed by a CBPS include both:
– CBPS name and biller name in the Merchant name field
– CBPS identifier

5 Acceptance
Table 5-29: Consumer Bill Payment Service Provider – Allowed MCCs
Country Allowed MCCs
AP Region
Australia, New Zealand, Any of the following:

Singapore
l 4900 (Utilities – Electric, Gas, Water, and Sanitary)
l 6012 (Financial Institutions – Merchandise, Services, and Debt Repayment)
l 6051 (Non-Financial Institutions – Foreign Currency, Non-Fiat Currency [for
example: Cryptocurrency], Money Orders [Not Money Transfer], Account
Funding [not Stored Value Load], Travelers Cheques, and Debt Repayment)
l 6513 (Real Estate Agents and Managers – Rentals)
l 6300 (Insurance Sales, Underwriting, and Premiums)
l 8211 (Elementary and Secondary Schools)
l 8220 (Colleges, Universities, Professional Schools, and Junior Colleges)
l 8241 (Correspondence Schools)
l 8244 (Business and Secretarial Schools)
l 8249 (Trade and Vocational Schools)
l 8299 (Schools and Educational Services [Not Elsewhere Classified])
Canada Region
Canada Any of the following:

l 8211(Elementary and Secondary Schools)

5 Acceptance
Table 5-29: Consumer Bill Payment Service Provider – Allowed MCCs (continued)
Europe Region
European Economic Area Any of the following:

(EEA) Countries Only
l 4814 (Telecommunication Services)
l 8011 (Doctors and Physicians [Not Elsewhere Classified])
l 8050 (Nursing and Personal Care Facilities)
l 8062 (Hospitals)
l 8099 (Medical Services and Health Practitioners [Not Elsewhere Classified])
LAC Region
Brazil Any of the following:
l 4814 (Telecommunication Services)

l 6300 (Insurance Sales, Underwriting, and Premiums)

5 Acceptance
Table 5-29: Consumer Bill Payment Service Provider – Allowed MCCs (continued)

US Region
US Any of the following:

l 8011 (Doctors and Physicians [Not Elsewhere Classified])
l 8050 (Nursing and Personal Care Facilities)
l 8062 (Hospitals)
l 8099 (Medical Services and Health Practitioners [Not Elsewhere Classified])
1
A Merchant that provides a payment solution that allows Cardholders to pay qualifying billers. A biller may or may not be
a Merchant.

5 Acceptance
2
5.13.2 Acquirer Responsibilities Related to Business Payment Solution Providers
5.13.2.1 Acquirer Requirements for Business Payment Solution Providers

An Acquirer that contracts with a Business Payment Solution Provider (BPSP)1 must do all of the
following:
l Register the BPSP with Visa
l Certify that the BPSP qualifies as a BPSP and complies with the Visa Rules
l Effective 18 April 2020 Meet a minimum equity requirement of USD 100 million2
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Process only Domestic
Transactions for the BPSP
l In the Europe Region: Process only Domestic Transactions and intra-European Economic Area
Transactions for the BPSP
l Process BPSP Transactions with MCC 7399 (Business Services [Not Elsewhere Classified])
l Conduct an adequate due diligence review of the BPSP and the non-Visa-accepting suppliers to
ensure compliance with the Acquirer’s obligation to submit only legal Transactions to VisaNet
and to ensure the BPSP engages only in legal transactions with such suppliers.
l Communicate to Visa the Merchant name and the Card acceptor identification assigned to the
BPSP, and consistently use them in all Transaction messages
l Upon Visa request, provide to Visa activity reporting on each BPSP and each non-Visa-accepting
supplier, including:
– Supplier name
– Supplier location
– BPSP name
– Monthly Transaction count and amount
– Any other data requested by Visa
l Ensure that the BPSP:
– Makes payments only to suppliers3 that are businesses located in the same country4 as the
BPSP in accordance with the buyer’s payment instruction

5 Acceptance
– Initiates a Transaction only after the buyer has confirmed that the non-Visa-accepting supplier
has shipped goods or delivered services and the buyer has approved the payment
– Performs customer verification (KYC) and meets all applicable anti-money laundering
requirements for all non-Visa-accepting suppliers before initiating Transactions for such
suppliers’ invoices
– Uses a secure payment process that ensures funds are paid into individual supplier accounts
– Ensures that each invoice from a non-Visa-accepting supplier to a buyer is processed as a
separate Transaction
– Contractually obligates the buyer, by way of written agreement between the buyer and the
BPSP, to accept all risks associated with non-performance of the non-Visa-accepting supplier
Visa reserves the right to revoke a BPSP’s registration for any reason
1
An entity that provides a business-to-business payment solution that allows buyers to pay non-Visa accepting suppliers
with a Visa Commercial Card
2
3
Payments to a supplier that has been a Merchant within the previous 12 months are prohibited.
4
In the Europe Region: Or within the European Economic Area (EEA), to suppliers in the EEA

6 ATM
6 ATM
6.1 Plus Program
6.1.1 Plus Program Issuer Participation Requirements
6.1.1.1 Plus Program Issuer Participation

To issue a Card with Plus functionality, an Issuer must do all of the following:
l Obtain a license to use the Plus Program Marks and comply with rules for using the Plus Symbol
l Provide Authorization service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
6.1.2 Plus Symbol
6.1.2.1 Plus Program Marks on Cards

A Member must use the Plus Symbol only as a Mark indicating acceptance for ATM services.
An Issuer of a Proprietary Card bearing the Plus Symbol must place the Plus Symbol on all
Proprietary Cards within 5 years from the beginning date of participation in the Plus Program.
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: The presence of the Plus
Symbol is optional on a Visa Card or non-Visa-branded Campus Card if no other ATM acceptance
Mark is present on the Card.
6.1.2.2 Restrictions on the Use of other Marks on Plus Cards – AP, Canada, CEMEA,
LAC and US Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: A Card bearing the Plus
Symbol must not bear the Marks of any entity ineligible for membership in Visa, or of any of the
following entities, or their subsidiaries or affiliates, deemed competitive by Visa:1
l Discover Financial Services2

6 ATM
l JCB
l MasterCard Worldwide
A Card bearing the Plus Symbol is exempt from this requirement if it was issued under an
agreement executed with Visa or Plus System, Inc. before 1 October 1992.
A Card bearing the Plus Symbol must not bear a Trade Name or Mark confusingly similar to any
other Visa-Owned Mark.
1
In the US Region or a US Territory: A US Covered Visa Debit Card bearing the Plus Symbol may bear the Marks of entities
deemed competitive by Visa, as specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards.
2
In the US Region: This does not apply to Visa Cards bearing the Pulse Mark and Cards bearing the Plus Symbol.
6.1.2.3 Plus Symbol Displayed at an ATM

The Plus Symbol must be displayed at an ATM that accepts Plus-enabled Cards for ATM services.
6.2 Visa Global ATM Network
6.2.1 Visa Global ATM Network Issuer Participation Requirements
6.2.1.1 Visa Global ATM Network Issuer Participation

To participate in the Visa Global ATM Network, an Issuer must successfully complete certification
with Visa. Rules regarding Visa Issuer participation in the Visa Global ATM Network apply to all Visa
Cards.
In the US Region: A Visa Consumer Card Issuer must participate in the Visa ATM Network.
6.2.2 Visa Global ATM Network Issuer General Requirements
6.2.2.2 Custom Payment Services/ATM Program Issuer Participation

An Issuer that participates in the Custom Payment Services/ATM must do all of the following:

6 ATM
l Complete Issuer certification

l Receive and return the ATM Transaction Identifier in each Transaction
l Receive the terminal ID code, ATM owner, and ATM location data in each Transaction record
l Include the ATM Transaction Identifier in all Disputes
6.2.3 Visa Global ATM Network Acquirer Participation Requirements
6.2.3.1 Visa Global ATM Network Acquirer Participation

Any ATM owned, leased, sponsored, or controlled by a Member is eligible for participation in the
Visa Global ATM Network.
A Member that sponsors a non-Member agent to deploy or operate an ATM participating in the
Visa Global ATM Network must ensure that the non-Member agent complies with Section 1.10.8.5,
Third Party Agent Contract, and Section 10.2.1.1, VisaNet Processor Contracts.
An Acquirer that participates in the Visa ATM Network must both:
l Ensure that all of its ATMs that participate in other regional or national ATM networks also
participate in the Visa Global ATM Network
l Display Visa ATM and Plus acceptance Marks on all ATMs within 30 days from the date the
Acquirer begins accepting Visa Cards and Plus-enabled Cards
6.2.3.2 ATM Cash Disbursement and Transaction Currency Requirements

An ATM Cash Disbursement is either:
l A Visa Transaction if it is completed with a Visa Card or a Visa Electron Card
l A Plus Transaction if it is completed with a non-Visa-branded card or a Plus-enabled Proprietary
Card, and/or a Card enabled on the Plus network
An ATM must both:
l Disburse cash in the local currency or display the type of currency or travelers cheques dispensed
l Support a Cash Disbursement of at least USD 200 (or local currency equivalent) per day, per
Account Number, and in a single Transaction upon Cardholder request

6 ATM
6.2.3.3 ATM Card Acceptance

An ATM Acquirer must accept all valid Cards for all Transaction functions in which the Acquirer has
elected to participate through the Visa Global ATM Network.
In the Canada Region: This does not apply to a Member that participated in the Visa Global ATM
Network as of 13 June 2013.
In the Canada Region: All ATM Acquirers that began participation in the Visa Global ATM Network
after 14 June 2013 must accept all valid Cards.
At the discretion of Visa, an ATM Acquirer that accepts Plus-enabled Cards may selectively deny
access to its ATMs.
An ATM Acquirer certified to accept Visa Cards may selectively deny access to its ATMs if the Card
presented is both issued to residents of the country where the ATM is located and billed in the
local currency.
An ATM with restricted access must display language with the Visa Brand Mark that both identifies
the ATM Acquirer and describes Visa Card acceptance or the nature of any restrictions.
6.2.4 ATM Operator and Agent Requirements
6.2.4.1 Display of Member Name on Non-Member ATM – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: An ATM Acquirer must ensure that the name of the Member that operates or
sponsors the ATM is prominently displayed on every non-Member ATM.
6.2.4.2 ATM Operator Agreement Requirements

An ATM Acquirer must have a written ATM Operator agreement with each of its ATM Operators1
and must only process Visa ATM Network Transactions from an ATM Operator with which it has a
valid agreement. The form, content, and appearance of an ATM Operator agreement are at the
discretion of the ATM Acquirer, except as specified below. An ATM Operator agreement must
include both:

6 ATM
l The ATM Acquirer’s name, location, and contact information in letters consistent in size with the
rest of the ATM Operator agreement, and in a manner that makes the ATM Acquirer’s name
readily visible to the ATM Operator
l Language stating that the ATM Operator may be terminated for failure to comply with the ATM
Operator agreement
ATM Operator agreements must be made available to Visa upon request and must not contain
contractual details regarding pricing arrangements.
1
Tri-party agreements (ATM Acquirer, Agent, ATM Operator) are permitted.
6.2.4.3 Acquirer Requirements for ATM Operators

Before entering into an ATM Operator agreement, an ATM Acquirer must determine that a
prospective ATM Operator has no significant derogatory background information about any of its
principals. The ATM Acquirer must:1
l Maintain documented policies and procedures to manage its Agent programs
l Validate its Agent’s compliance with the ATM Acquirer solicitation and qualification standards on
a quarterly basis
l Collect all of the following information from its ATM Operators and Agents:
– “Doing Business As” (DBA) name
– ATM Operator legal name
– ATM Operator outlet location, including street address, city, state, and postal code
– In the US Region: Federal Taxpayer Identification Number, Federal Employer Identification
Number, or Social Security Number of all principals
– Full first and last name and middle initial of principals (for example: of corporations,
partnerships, sole proprietors)
– Incorporation status (for example: corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, non-profit)
1
An ATM Acquirer may allow its Agents to execute ATM Operator agreements on its behalf and conduct due diligence
reviews.

6 ATM
6.2.5.2 PIN Change and Unblock Requirements for ATM Acquirers – Europe Region
(Romania)
Effective 13 April 2019 through 18 October 2019 for the Europe Region (Romania)
In the Europe Region (Romania): An ATM Acquirer must ensure that its ATMs allow a
Cardholder to change and unblock the PIN on their Chip Card.
6.2.6 ATM Processing Requirements
6.2.6.1 ATM Acquirer Processing

Before acting as an ATM Acquirer, an Acquirer (including an Acquirer that processes through a
VisaNet Processor with an existing VisaNet endpoint) must do all of the following:
l Comply with applicable licensing and processing requirements
l Be certified to participate in either the:
– Single Message System1
– Custom Payment Services/ATM
If the ATM Acquirer does not meet all tier II requirements, Visa may remove the ATM Acquirer from
the tier II level.
1
All ATM Acquirers in the US Region and all new ATM Acquirers (excluding an Acquirer that processes through a VisaNet
Processor with an existing VisaNet endpoint) must process ATM Transactions using the Single Message System.
6.2.6.3 ATM Misdispense

For a misdispense:
l A Custom Payment Services/ATM Acquirer must process an ATM confirmation message for the
actual amount dispensed.
l A Single Message System ATM Acquirer must both:
– Process an Adjustment for the actual amount of the misdispense within 45 calendar days of
the Processing Date of the original Transaction

6 ATM
– For an over-dispense caused by a misloaded terminal, attempt good-faith collection from the
Issuer before processing an Adjustment to the Cardholder account
6.2.6.4 ATM Transaction Reversal

The Reversal amount must be the original Transaction amount.
6.2.6.5 ATM Account Number Acceptance

An ATM and a Member ATM processing system must accept all valid International Organization for
Standardization numbers of 11-19 digits, starting with any digit from 0 through 9.
6.2.6.6 ATM Transaction Processing

An ATM Acquirer must ensure all of the following:
l The entire, unaltered contents of track 2 of the Magnetic Stripe, or the Magnetic-Stripe Image
from the Chip on the Card, are read and transmitted.
6.2.6.7 ATM Transaction Authorization and Clearing Requirements

An Acquirer must ensure that both:
l An ATM Transaction cleared through VisaNet was also authorized through VisaNet.
l All of the following information matches in the Authorization and Clearing Record:
– Account Number
– Authorization Code
– Acquiring Identifier
– Transaction amount
– Account Selection processing code
– MCC

6 ATM
6.2.6.8 ATM Account Range Table

An ATM Acquirer must do all of the following:
l Use the Visa Account Range table to determine the routing of an Authorization Request
l Install and use the table within 6 business days of its receipt from Visa
l Not disclose or distribute to any third party the ATM Account Range table
If an ATM Acquirer does not route all Transactions to Visa for Cards bearing the Plus Symbol, it
must both:
l Install and use the Plus Account Range table within 3 business days of its receipt from Visa
l Use the Plus Account Range table to determine the routing of an Authorization Request for a
Card bearing the Plus Symbol. This does not apply to licensees of the Plus System, Inc.
6.2.6.9 Decline of an ATM Authorization Based on Expiration Date

An ATM Acquirer must not return or decline an ATM Transaction based on the expiration date, and
must ensure that an ATM Authorization Request originating from an Expired Card is sent Online to
the Issuer for an Authorization Response.
6.2.6.11 ATM Transaction Timeout Time Limit

An ATM and its host system must not timeout a Transaction in less than 45 seconds.
6.2.6.12 Card Retention at an ATM

An ATM is not required to have the ability to retain Cards. If it does have this ability, it may retain a
Card only upon the request of the Issuer.
If a Card is retained, an Acquirer must do all of the following:

6 ATM
l Log it under dual custody immediately after removal from the ATM
l Render the Card unusable, following secure Card destruction requirements, as specified in
Section 10.7.2.1, Recovered Card Handling and Notification Requirements
l Notify the Issuer through Visa Resolve Online that the Card has been recovered, as specified in
6.2.6.13 Accidental Card Retention at an ATM

If a hardware or software failure causes mistaken or accidental Card retention, and to the extent
possible, an ATM Acquirer must return the Card to the Cardholder after reviewing positive
Cardholder identification and, where the Card contains a signature panel, comparing the
Cardholder’s signature to that on the Card signature panel.
If the Cardholder does not request the return of the Card within 7 days, the ATM Acquirer must
follow Card retention rules as specified in Section 6.2.6.12, Card Retention at an ATM, and must not
submit a Fee Collection Transaction for Recovered Card handling fee/reward (reason code 0150).
6.2.6.16 Visa Mobile Prepaid Acceptance for ATM Transactions

An ATM Acquirer that participates in Visa Mobile Prepaid:
l Must transmit all of the following to complete Transaction when the Card is absent:
– Account Number
– Expiration date
– Valid PIN
l May choose to accept cardless Visa Mobile Prepaid ATM Transactions in addition to Transactions
where the Card is present
l Is not required to read and transmit the contents of track 2 of the Magnetic Stripe or the
Magnetic-Stripe Image from the Chip on the Card if the Transaction is initiated through key-
entry by a Visa Mobile Prepaid account holder

6 ATM
6.3 ATM Optional Services
6.3.1 ATM Optional Services Issuer Participation
6.3.1.1 Issuer Participation in Optional ATM Services

To participate in account-to-account transfers, Balance Inquiry,1 mini-statements, PIN change, and
PIN unblock, an Issuer must do all of the following:
l Obtain certification from Visa
l Support the services as separate, non-financial transactions
l For Balance Inquiry, provide balances in the currency of the Cardholder’s account, for conversion
by Visa to the Transaction Currency
To participate in the Shared Deposit Service, an Issuer must comply with the requirements
specified Section 6.3.3.1, Issuer Participation in the Plus Shared Deposit Service.
1
An Issuer must support a Balance Inquiry Service if it supports Balance Inquiry for any network other than its proprietary
network.
6.3.1.2 Issuer Participation in the Access Fee-Free ATM Service

To participate in the Access Fee-free ATM service, an Issuer must submit to Visa a completed Access
Fee-Free Participation Agreement and include a list of participating BINs/Account Ranges.
6.3.2 ATM Optional Services Acquirer Participation
6.3.2.1 Acquirer Participation in Optional ATM Services

To participate in account-to-account transfers, Balance Inquiry,1 mini-statements, PIN change, and
PIN unblock, an ATM Acquirer must do all of the following:
l Obtain certification from Visa
l Support the services as separate, non-financial transactions
l For Balance Inquiry, display the balance in the currency of the ATM, either on the screen or on the
receipt

6 ATM
An ATM Acquirer may supply the Cardholder with any balance information provided by the Issuer
as part of an ATM Cash Disbursement.
To participate in the Shared Deposit Service, an Acquirer must comply with the requirements
specified in Section 6.3.3.2, Acquirer Participation in the Plus Shared Deposit Service.
A participating ATM Acquirer receives a fee for each Shared Deposit, account-to-account transfer,
Balance Inquiry, mini-statement, PIN change, or PIN unblock request.
1
An ATM Acquirer must support a Balance Inquiry Service if it supports Balance Inquiry for any network other than its
proprietary network.
6.3.2.2 Acquirer Participation in the Access Fee-Free ATM Service

To participate in the Access Fee-free ATM service, an Acquirer must comply with all of the
following:
l Submit to Visa a completed Access Fee-Free Participation Agreement and include both:
– Participating ATM locations
– Related Acquiring Identifier(s)
l Honor all Cards that are not subject to an Access Fee
l Be able to identify participating BINs
6.3.3 Plus ATM Shared Deposit Service
6.3.3.1 Issuer Participation in the Plus Shared Deposit Service

An Issuer that participates in the Shared Deposit Service must do all of the following:
l Honor all Adjustments submitted by the Acquirer, subject to Dispute rights, and make all
reasonable attempts to collect the funds
l Upon enrollment and as information changes, provide contact names and telephone numbers to
Visa for exception processing
l Decline a Transaction that exceeds the minimum or maximum deposit amount limits established
by the Issuer

6 ATM
6.3.3.2 Acquirer Participation in the Plus Shared Deposit Service

An Acquirer that participates in the Shared Deposit Service must both:
l Accept Shared Deposits at the same ATMs where it accepts any other network’s deposits
l Certify itself, and ensure that all direct endpoints are certified, to participate in the Shared
Deposit Service
The Acquirer may:
l Participate in the Shared Deposit Service without participating as an Issuer
l Include all or a portion of its owned ATMs for participation in the Shared Deposit Service
An ATM Acquirer that participates in another network’s deposit-sharing arrangement must
participate in the Plus ATM’s Shared Deposit Service unless the Acquirer’s participation in a
deposit-sharing arrangement involves only a Proprietary Network.
6.3.3.3 Shared Deposit Service – Acquirer Responsibilities

An ATM Acquirer that participates in the Shared Deposit Service, where permitted, must do all of
the following:
l Collect deposits received through the service and verify their eligibility
l Act as the Cardholder’s agent in transmitting the deposited funds to the Cardholder’s institution
l Credit the Cardholder’s institution via Plus network Settlement
l If assessing an Access Fee on the Shared Deposit Transaction, both:
– Disclose the Access Fee on the Transaction Receipt and the ATM screen, as specified in Section
5.10.3.3, Required Transaction Receipt Content for Specific Transaction Types
– Comply with the Access Fee requirements specified in Section 6.4.1, ATM Access Fees
l Maintain records for at least 2 years (or longer based on any applicable laws or regulations)
l Upon enrollment and as information changes, provide contact names and telephone numbers to
Visa for exception processing
l Forward the deposit envelope (if applicable) and any ineligible deposits to the issuing institution
in a reasonably secure manner
l Notify the Issuer of the receipt of a return item and, if applicable, return the original document
to the Issuer no later than 45 calendar days from the date of Adjustment

6 ATM
6.3.3.4 Credit Union-Only Shared Deposit Arrangements

A Plus Member that is a credit union that participates in another shared deposit arrangement may
choose not to participate in Shared Deposits, if the Member participates in sharing arrangements
that include only credit unions.
If such sharing arrangements include non-credit unions, a Member must participate in Shared
Deposits.
6.3.3.5 Shared Deposit Verification

An ATM Acquirer must verify and balance the Shared Deposits received at its ATMs within 2
business days of the Transaction Date. If the Transaction occurs on a non-business day, the count
begins from the next official business day.
6.3.3.6 Adjustments for Shared Deposit Transactions

An ATM Acquirer must submit separate Adjustments for each item that is deemed ineligible in a
Shared Deposit. In limited instances, when warranted, the Acquirer may submit multiple
Adjustments for a single Shared Deposit Transaction.
An Acquirer that processes a Shared Deposit Adjustment must comply with all of the following:
l Not submit an Adjustment for a Transaction that has been declined by the Issuer.
l For a debit Adjustment of a returned deposit or an ineligible deposit item, initiate the
Adjustment within both:
– 45 calendar days of the Transaction Date
– One business day from either the receipt of the returned deposit or verification of the
ineligible item, as applicable. An Adjustment submitted more than one business day after the
receipt of a returned deposit or the verification of an ineligible deposit is considered a late
Adjustment, and is subject to a processing fee.
l Not submit a Dispute Response for a late Adjustment of ineligible deposit items including, but

6 ATM
– Empty envelope
– Missing envelope
– Non-negotiable items (or example: Transaction receipts, coupons, blank pieces of paper)
– Foreign currency
– Envelope contents that do not equal the amount shown on the deposit slip and/or envelope
– Envelope contents that do not equal the amount shown in the ATM message
l Be liable for the late Adjustment processing fee, as specified in the applicable Fee Schedule
l Notify the Issuer within 24 hours of submitting an Adjustment that is over USD 500
l Not submit a Dispute Response if the Adjustment was previously disputed
l Return the original document(s) to the Issuer for a debit Adjustment relating to a returned item,
ineligible deposit item, or foreign currency
l Post a credit Adjustment to the Cardholder’s account as soon as possible upon determining that
an item is ineligible
6.4 ATM Fees
6.4.1 ATM Access Fees
6.4.1.1 Domestic ATM Access Fees

An ATM Acquirer must not impose an Access Fee1 on a domestic ATM Transaction unless either:
l The Transaction is a Shared Deposit Transaction
l Applicable laws or regulations expressly require that an ATM Acquirer be permitted to impose an
Access Fee.1
An ATM Acquirer in a country where an Access Fee for domestic ATM Cash Disbursements is
permitted by Visa must comply with the requirements specified for International ATM Cash
Disbursement Access Fees.
1
Effective through 19 July 2019 In the AP Region (Australia, Thailand), Canada Region, Europe Region, LAC Region
(Panama, Puerto Rico), US Region: This does not apply.
Effective 20 July 2019 In the AP Region (Australia, Thailand), Canada Region, LAC Region (Panama, Puerto Rico), US
Region: This does not apply.

6 ATM
6.4.1.2 Domestic ATM Access Fee – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An ATM Acquirer may impose an Access Fee on a domestic ATM Cash
Disbursement or a Shared Deposit Transaction.
An ATM Acquirer may impose an Access Fee if all of the following:
l It imposes an Access Fee on all other interchange transactions through other shared networks at
the same ATM.
l The Access Fee is not greater than the Access Fee amount on all other interchange transactions
through other shared networks at the same ATM.
l The Domestic Transaction is initiated by a Card issued by a Member other than the ATM Acquirer.
l The Access Fee is a fixed and flat fee.
6.4.1.4 Domestic ATM Access Fees on Cash Disbursement – CEMEA Region (Russia)
In the CEMEA Region (Russia): An ATM Acquirer may impose an Access Fee on a domestic ATM Cash
Disbursement if all of the following requirements are met:
l It imposes an Access Fee on all other domestic ATM Cash Disbursements through any other
network at the same ATM.
l The Access Fee is not greater than the Access Fee amount on all other domestic transactions
through any other network at the same ATM.
l The Access Fee is a fixed and flat fee.
l It includes the value of the dispensed cash and any Access Fee amount in the Authorization
Request and Clearing Record.
l The dispensed cash and Access Fee amount are separately identified.
l It informs the Cardholder of the Access Fee amount and that the Access Fee is assessed in
addition to the charges assessed by the Issuer.
l It requests Cardholder approval of the Access Fee and provides the ability to cancel the ATM
Transaction.

6 ATM
6.4.1.5 Acquirer Requirements for ATM Access Fees

Visa reserves the right to request any of the following from an ATM Acquirer that imposes an
Access Fee on international ATM Cash Disbursements or domestic Shared Deposit Transactions:
l Notice of intent to impose an Access Fee
l A report with the physical location of each ATM and the total number of ATMs at which an Access
Fee is imposed
l Message display and language disclosure related to Access Fees
l Any other information required by applicable laws or regulations
An Acquirer that chooses to impose an ATM Access Fee must comply with all of the following:
Table 6-1: Acquirer and ATM Requirements for ATM Access Fees
Requirement Type Requirements
Access Fees l Impose the Access Fee only on the following Transactions:
– International ATM Cash Disbursements, unless applicable laws or regulations

expressly require that an ATM Acquirer be permitted to impose an Access Fee
on domestic ATM Cash Disbursements
– Shared Deposit Transactions

l Impose the Access Fee on all other Shared Deposit Transactions or international
ATM Cash Disbursements processed through any other network at the same ATM
l Ensure that the Access Fee is not greater than the Access Fee amount on all other
similar Transactions through any other network at the same ATM
l Ensure that the Access Fee is a fixed and flat fee
l Include the value of the dispensed cash or the Shared Deposit and any Access Fee
amount in the Authorization Request and Clearing Record
l Separately identify the dispensed cash or the Shared Deposit amount and the
Access Fee amount
l Effective through 19 July 2019 In the Europe Region: In addition, both:
– If an Access Fee is imposed on an intraregional ATM Cash Disbursement, impose
the same Access Fee on a domestic ATM Cash Disbursement
– Ensure that the Access Fee is not greater than the Access Fee amount on all
other Transactions through any other network at the same ATM
Disclosures l Inform the Cardholder that an Access Fee is assessed in addition to the charges

6 ATM
Table 6-1: Acquirer and ATM Requirements for ATM Access Fees (continued)
Requirement Type Requirements
assessed by the Issuer. The disclosure must comply with all of the following:
– Be in English and the local language equivalent
– Be as high a contrast or resolution as any other graphics on the ATM
– Use same font size as other headings and text on the terminal, and ensure it is
legible
– In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, LAC Region:
Contain the notice: Fee Notice “(Member Name) will assess a fee to cardholders
for international ATM Cash Disbursements. This fee is added to the amount of
your transaction and is in addition to any fees that may be charged by your
financial institution.”
– In the US Region: Both:
▪ Contain the notice: Fee Notice – “(Acquirer/Member Name) charges a (USD

amount) fee to US Cardholders for withdrawing cash. This fee is added to the
amount of your withdrawal and is in addition to any fees that may be charged
by your financial institution.”
▪ Be readily visible to the Cardholder in the Cardholder’s line of sight
– For a Shared Deposit Transaction, contain the notice: Fee Notice – “(Member
Name) will assess a fee to cardholders for Shared Deposits. This fee is deducted
from the amount of your deposit and is in addition to any fees that may be
charged by your financial institution.”
l Identify the ATM Acquirer as the recipient of the Access Fee

l Inform the Cardholder of the Access Fee amount before the Transaction takes
place
l Request Cardholder approval of the Access Fee
l Provide the ability for the Cardholder to cancel the ATM Transaction

6 ATM
6.4.2 ATM Travelers Cheque Fee
6.4.2.1 ATM Travelers Cheque Fee Disclosure

If an ATM dispenses traveler’s cheques and charges a fee, the Member must disclose the fee to the
Cardholder.

7 Transaction Processing
7.1 VisaNet Systems Use
7.1.1 Use of VisaNet
7.1.1.1 Submission of Domestic Transactions to VisaNet – AP, Canada, CEMEA, LAC

and US Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Unless prohibited by
applicable laws or regulations, a Member must submit all Domestic Transactions, not otherwise
submitted for Clearing or Settlement, to VisaNet as Collection-Only. This includes, but is not
limited to, any Transaction that is processed as follows:
l Through one of the following:
– A VisaNet Processor
– A non-Visa network
– A domestic switch or any other form of processor
l Under any domestic Private Agreement or bilateral agreement
l As an On-Us Transaction
The following Transaction types are not required to be submitted to VisaNet.1 However, a Member
may choose to submit:
l Domestic ATM Cash Disbursements
l Domestic Manual Cash Disbursements
1
This does not apply to Domestic Transactions in the Canada Region or CEMEA Region (Nigeria).
7.1.1.3 Required Use of VisaNet for Processing – AP Region

In the AP Region (Australia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam): A Member must
authorize, clear, and settle all Domestic Transactions through VisaNet.
In the AP Region (Australia): This does not apply to:

l On-Us Transactions
l Domestic Transactions in a Face-to-Face Environment, on a co-badged Visa Card, where the
domestic debit network associated with the co-badged acceptance mark is selected
In the AP Region (Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam): This does not apply to:
l ATM Transactions
l On-Us Manual Cash Disbursements
l Transactions on a co-badged Visa Card processed on the domestic debit network associated
with the co-badged acceptance mark
In the AP Region (Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam): This includes:
l On-Us Transactions
l Transactions processed through a VisaNet Processor or any other Agent
7.1.1.4 Non-Visa Debit Transaction Disclosure Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer that enables Non-Visa Debit Transactions to be processed without a PIN
must clearly communicate to its Cardholders both:
l That it does not require all such transactions to be authenticated by a PIN
l The provisions of its Cardholder agreement relating only to Visa Transactions are not applicable
to non-Visa transactions
At the time of issuance or implementation of such processing, this Cardholder communication
must be included in the terms and conditions of the deposit and/or debit account.
7.2 Access to Visa Systems
7.2.1 Visa Extended Access
7.2.1.1 Member Requirements for Visa Extended Access and Visa Extended Access
Proxy
If a Member has Visa Extended Access, the Member must use it to transmit its Interchange.

A Member must use Visa Extended Access to access VisaNet. A Member must not make or
attempt to make any repair, adjustment, alteration, or modification to Visa Extended Access.
This does not apply to a Member using Direct Exchange (DEX).
A Member must not use Visa Extended Access or Visa Extended Access Proxy for any purpose
other than to access VisaNet or a permitted Visa application, unless otherwise approved by
Visa. A Member must not make or attempt to make any repair, adjustment, alteration, or
modification to Visa Extended Access or Visa Extended Access Proxy.
7.2.1.2 Member Support of Visa Extended Access and Visa Extended Access Proxy
A Member that participates in Visa Extended Access must provide, at no cost to Visa,
reasonable support requested by Visa for installing the V.I.P. System or BASE II, including all of
the following:
l Providing a location that meets Visa requirements for installing Visa Extended Access on the
Member’s premises1
l Providing a sufficient number of qualified personnel that the Member will train to meet Visa
specifications
l Maintaining V.I.P. System and BASE II records, documents, and logs required by Visa and
providing them at Visa request
l Providing access to its premises and cooperating with Visa and its authorized agents in
conjunction with the installation, service, repair, or inspection of Visa Extended Access1
l Notifying Visa promptly of any failure of Visa Extended Access to operate properly on its
premises or the premises of its agent or independent contractor1
l Providing computer time and a sufficient number of qualified personnel required to ensure
prompt and efficient installation and use of the V.I.P. System or BASE II Edit Package
software supplied by Visa
A Member must notify Visa of any system changes that will affect the VisaNet system and must
provide Visa with a minimum of 45 calendar days’ notice of changes required by the Member
to services currently provided by Visa to the Member, including, but not limited to:
l New Visa Extended Access software and options
l Changes to V.I.P. and BASE II system tables

In the Canada Region: Visa owns a Visa Extended Access server installed at a Member’s location
and is responsible for its acquisition, installation, and maintenance. Unless otherwise agreed by
Visa, both:
l The Member may use the Visa Extended Access server only for V.I.P. System and BASE II
processing.
l Members must not share a Visa Extended Access server.
A Member that participates in Visa Extended Access or Visa Extended Access Proxy must
provide, at no cost to Visa, reasonable support requested by Visa for installing the V.I.P.
System, BASE II, and/or other applicable Visa applications, including all of the following:
l Providing a location that meets Visa requirements for installing Visa Extended Access or Visa
Extended Access Proxy on the Member’s premises1
l Providing a sufficient number of qualified personnel that the Member will train to meet Visa
specifications
l Maintaining V.I.P. System, BASE II, and/or other applicable Visa applications’ records,
documents, and logs required by Visa and providing them at Visa request
l Providing access to its premises and cooperating with Visa and its authorized agents in
conjunction with the installation, service, repair, or inspection of Visa Extended Access or
Visa Extended Access Proxy1
l Notifying Visa promptly of any failure of Visa Extended Access or Visa Extended Access
Proxy to operate properly on its premises or the premises of its agent or independent
contractor1
l Providing computer time and a sufficient number of qualified personnel required to ensure
prompt and efficient installation and use of the V.I.P. System, BASE II, and/or other Visa
applications
A Member must notify Visa of any system changes that will affect the VisaNet system and must
provide Visa with a minimum of 45 calendar days’ notice of changes required by the Member
to services currently provided by Visa to the Member, including, but not limited to:
l New Visa Extended Access of Visa Extended Access Proxy software and options
l Changes to V.I.P., BASE II, or other Visa applications
In the Canada Region: Visa owns a Visa Extended Access or Visa Extended Access Proxy server
installed at a Member’s location and is responsible for its acquisition, installation, and
maintenance. Unless otherwise agreed by Visa, all of the following, as applicable:

l The Member may use the Visa Extended Access server only for V.I.P. System and BASE II
processing.
l The Member may use the Visa Extended Access Proxy server only for Visa applications, as
approved by Visa.
l Members must not share a Visa Extended Access server or Visa Extended Access Proxy
server.
In the Europe Region: This rule does not apply. Where a Member uses Visa for processing, as
specified in Section 1.1.1.2, Applicability of Processing Rules – Europe Region, it must refer to Visa
Europe Operating Regulations – Processing.
1
7.2.1.3 Unavailability of Visa Extended Access and Visa Extended Access Proxy
If a Member’s Visa Extended Access is expected to be unavailable, the Member must either:
l If unavailable for fewer than 5 calendar days, prepare the transmission as usual and send the
Interchange to Visa as soon as the VisaNet Access Point becomes available
l If unavailable for 5 or more calendar days, send the Interchange to Visa as soon as possible
If a Member’s Visa Extended Access or Visa Extended Access Proxy is expected to be
unavailable, the Member must either:
l If unavailable for fewer than 5 calendar days, prepare the transmission as usual and send
the Interchange to Visa as soon as the VisaNet Access Point becomes available
l If unavailable for 5 or more calendar days, send the Interchange to Visa as soon as
possible

7.2.1.4 BIN and Acquiring Identifier Processing Requirements for Visa Extended
Access – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: A Visa Extended Access server used by a Member and/or its Visa Scheme
Processor must be connected to the Visa Europe Authorization Service and the Visa Europe
Clearing and Settlement Service for both:
l A new request for a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier to be licensed for use in the Europe Region
l An existing BIN or Acquiring Identifier that is licensed for use in the Europe Region
l Transactions acquired under the International Airline Program by Acquirers outside of the Europe
Region
l Transactions originating from an Airline or International Airline that is located outside of the
Europe Region and that are acquired by an Airline Authorizing Processor
A Member that does not comply with these requirements will be subject to a non-compliance
assessment.
7.2.2 Clearing Processors
7.2.2.1 Authorizing or Clearing Processor Termination or Downgrade

If an Authorizing or Clearing Processor terminates receipt or transmission of Interchange or
downgrades its VisaNet processing level the Clearing Processor must both:
l Notify Visa in writing at least 3 months before the termination or effective date of the
downgrade
l Be responsible for the VisaNet access charges that would have been assessed until the
designated termination date, if the Clearing Processor terminates the receipt or transmission of
Interchange before the designated termination date
Access and processing levels must have been in effect for at least 12 months on the designated
effective date of the downgrade or termination.

7.3 Authorization
7.3.1 Authorization Routing
7.3.1.1 Account Range Table for Authorization Routing

If an Acquirer chooses to use the Account Range table provided by Visa to determine the routing
of an Authorization Request, it must use the Account Range table to validate Visa Cards and must
install and use the table within 6 business days of receipt.
An Acquirer must not distribute the Account Range table without the prior written consent of Visa.
7.3.1.2 Chip Transaction Routing Requirement – AP Region (Australia, Malaysia)

In the AP Region (Australia): An Acquirer must route an Authorization Request to VisaNet if a Visa
Contactless or VIS-based Payment Application was selected to complete a Transaction.
In the AP Region (Malaysia): An Acquirer must ensure that Merchant choice is respected and
accordingly must route an Authorization request to VisaNet if a Visa Contactless or VIS-based
Payment Application was selected to complete a Transaction.
7.3.2 Authorization Service Participation
7.3.2.1 Stand-In Processing (STIP) Transaction Approval

If Visa approves a Transaction in Stand-In Processing (STIP), both:
l Visa provides the Acquirer with an Authorization Code based on the date, time, and Account
Number.
l The Acquirer must provide the Authorization Code to the Merchant.

7.3.3 Member Provision of Authorization Services
7.3.3.1 Authorization Service Requirements

A Member must participate in the Card Verification Service1 and provide Authorization services for
all of its Cardholders, Merchants, or branches, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, using one of the
following methods:
l Directly, as a VisaNet Processor
l Through another VisaNet Processor, including Visa
l In the Europe Region: Through a Visa Scheme Processor
l By other means approved by Visa
An Issuer must meet the assured Transaction response standards for its Authorization Responses.
In the US Region: An Issuer or its Authorizing Processor (including Stand-In Processing) must
respond to all Authorization Requests in an average time not exceeding 5 seconds during each
calendar month.
1
In the Europe Region: This does not apply. Where a Member uses Visa for processing, as specified in Section 1.1.1.2,
Applicability of Processing Rules – Europe Region it must refer to Visa Europe Operating Regulations – Processing.
7.3.3.2 Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) – Acquirer Processing Requirements

An Acquirer must be able to both:
l Send and receive, and ensure that its Merchant is able to send and receive, responses to all
Authorization Requests containing Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) values1
l Correctly process all CVV2 response codes and include them in the Clearing Record
1
In the US Region: An Acquirer must be certified.
7.3.3.3 Issuer Processing of Mass Transit Transactions

For a Mass Transit Transaction, an Issuer must both:

l Be able to process an Authorization Request for a Mass Transit Transaction

l Not send a Decline Response based solely on either:
– The value of the Application Transaction Counter
– A missing CVV2
7.3.3.4 Visa Delegated Authorization Processing – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: If VisaNet experiences significant degradation or becomes unavailable,
Visa may notify eligible Acquirers that those Acquirers can use Visa Delegated Authorization
Processing1 for a duration of time determined by Visa.
An Acquirer must register with Visa if it wishes to be eligible to use Visa Delegated
Authorization Processing.
1
An optional program where eligible Acquirers may authorize Transactions to maintain continuity of service for Merchants
and Cardholders.
7.3.3.5 Use of Emergency Authorization Procedures – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Acquirer must follow the following emergency Authorization
procedures if it cannot transmit an Authorization Request due to a communications failure:
l If the Transaction amount is USD 150 or higher, the Acquirer must contact the Issuer by
telephone or fax for Authorization.
l If the Transaction Amount is less than USD 150, the Acquirer must both:
– Review an appropriate Card Recovery Bulletin
– Either:
▪ If the Account Number does not appear on a Card Recovery Bulletin, provide the
Merchant with an Authorization Code ending in “x”
▪ If the Account Number appears on a Card Recovery Bulletin, send a Decline Response
to the Authorization Request
An Acquirer must not use the emergency Authorization procedures either:

l For more than 4 hours

l If any other means of electronic interface with Visa is available
7.3.3.6 Acquirer Unavailability Response – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Acquirer that is not able to submit an Authorization Request must
transmit a “service unavailable now” response to an ATM or Unattended Cardholder-Activated
Terminal.
7.3.3.7 Pickup Response Prohibition for Contactless Transactions – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer must send only an Approval Response or a Decline Response to an
Authorization Request for a Contactless Transaction.
If an Acquirer receives a Pickup Response, it must process it as a Decline Response.
7.3.4 Authorization Response Time Limits
7.3.4.1 Authorization Requests – Time Limit for Response

An Issuer must respond to an Authorization Request within the time limits specified as follows:
Table 7-1: Maximum Time Limits for Authorization Request Response
Transaction Type AP Region, Canada Europe Region

Region, CEMEA Region,
LAC Region, and
US Region
POS (including PIN at POS and Unattended 10 seconds 5 seconds

Cardholder-Activated Terminals where PIN is
present)
ATM Cash Disbursement (MCC 6011 only) 25 seconds 5 seconds

If Visa (or, in the Europe Region, a Visa Scheme Processor) does not receive an Authorization
Response from an Issuer within the specified time limit, Visa (or the Visa Scheme Processor) will
respond on behalf of the Issuer, using Stand-In Processing.
7.3.4.2 POS Transaction Timeout and Authorization Reversal

An Acquirer or a Merchant must not timeout a POS Transaction in less than 15 seconds.1 If a
Merchant receives an Approval Response after a timeout, the Merchant must submit an
Authorization Reversal.
1
7.3.5 Use of the Exception File
7.3.5.1 Exception File Updates

An Issuer must add an Account Number to an Exception File if one or more of the following
applies:
l A Visa Card or Visa Electron Card was reported lost, stolen, or counterfeit and must be recovered.
l A Deposit-Only Account Number is reported as compromised.
l Authorization must always be denied to the Account Number.
l Authorization must always be granted to the Account Number.
l Issuer-defined Authorization limits apply to the Account Number.
l The Acquirer must contact the Issuer to obtain Authorization for the Account Number.
7.3.6 Declines
7.3.6.1 Preauthorized Transaction Decline Response

Unless otherwise specified, a Recurring Transaction, an Installment Transaction, a Preauthorized
Healthcare Transaction, or an Unscheduled Credential-on-File Transaction that receives a
Decline Response may be resubmitted for Authorization up to 4 times within 16 calendar days

from the date of the original Decline Response, in an attempt to receive approval, only if the
Decline Response code is one of the following:
l 05 (Authorization declined)
l 51 (Insufficient funds)
l 61 (Exceeds withdrawal amount limits)
l 65 (Exceeds withdrawal frequency)
If an Approval Response is not received within this timeframe, the Merchant must not deposit
the Transaction.
In the AP Region, CEMEA Region: Unless otherwise specified, a Recurring Transaction, an
Installment Transaction, a Preauthorized Healthcare Transaction, or an Unscheduled Credential-
on-File Transaction that receives a Decline Response may be resubmitted for Authorization up
to 4 times within 16 calendar days from the date of the original Decline Response, in an
attempt to receive approval, only if the Decline Response code is one of the following:
l 05 (Authorization declined)
l 51 (Insufficient funds)
l 61 (Exceeds withdrawal amount limits)
l 65 (Exceeds withdrawal frequency)
the Transaction.
7.3.6.2 Decline Response Prohibition for Missing Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2)
An Issuer must not send a Decline Response for:
l A payment Token provisioning request1 based solely on a missing CVV2
l A Transaction initiated with a payment Token based solely on a missing CVV2
In the Europe Region: An Issuer must not send a Decline Response based solely on a missing Card
Verification Value 2 if the capture of CVV2 is prohibited or not required, as specified in Section
10.12.2.3, Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) Requirements – Europe Region.
1
Applies only to Visa Token Service participants and only to Stored Credential or Electronic Commerce enabler payment
Tokens

7.3.6.3 Resubmission following a Decline Response to a Transit Transaction

An Acquirer that has received a Decline Response to a Transaction that originates from a Mass
Transit Merchant may enter that Transaction into Interchange if the following applies:
l The Merchant has received an Approval Response to a subsequent Authorization Request that
included the data from the original Transaction
l The Merchant has not submitted either:
– For a Known Fare Transaction, more than 2 Authorization Requests within 14 calendar days of
the initial Decline Response
– For a Mass Transit Transaction, following the initial Decline Response, more than the number
of permitted Authorization Requests within the timeframes specified in Section 5.9.17.2, Mass
Transit Transaction Requirements
7.3.6.4 Declined Transaction Resubmission Requirements – Canada, Europe, LAC,

and US Regions
In the Canada Region, Europe Region, LAC Region, US Region: Except as specified in Section
5.9.11.1, Repayment of Debt, and in Section 7.3.6.3, Resubmission following a Decline Response to
a Transit Transaction, a Merchant that receives a Decline Response may resubmit the
Transaction for Authorization in an attempt to receive an Approval Response up to 15 times
within 30 calendar days from the date of the original Decline Response.
the Transaction.
Effective 18 April 2020 in the Europe Region, LAC Region
Effective 17 April 2021 in the Canada Region, US Region
A Merchant that receives a Decline Response must not resubmit the Transaction for
Authorization in an attempt to receive an Approval Response if the Decline Response code is
one of the following:
l 03 (Invalid merchant)
l 04 (Pickup card)

l 07 (Pickup card, special conditions)

l 12 (Invalid transaction)
l 15 (No such issuer)
l 41 (Pickup card [lost card])
l 43 (Pickup card [stolen card])
l 57 (Transaction not permitted to cardholder)
l 62 (Restricted card)
l 78 (No account)
l 93 (Transaction cannot be completed)
l R0 (Stop payment order)
l R1 (Revocation of authorization order)
l R3 (Revocation of all authorization)
7.3.6.5 Use of Authorization Response Codes – Canada, Europe, LAC, and US

Regions
In the Canada Region, Europe Region, LAC Region, US Region: An Issuer must attempt to
approve or partially approve an Authorization Request for any valid Account Number in good
standing. If an Issuer is unable to approve a Transaction, it must use a Decline Response code
that most accurately reflects the reason for the decline.
A VisaNet Processor must not alter an Issuer’s Decline Response Code to ensure Acquirers and
Merchants are able to identify the reason for a declined Transaction. Processors must be
capable of supporting an Issuer’s decline response mapping according to the categories
below.
An Issuer that responds to an Authorization Request with a Decline Response code other than
one of the following may be subject to non-compliance assessments:
Table 7-2: Permitted Authorization Response Codes
Category 1 (Issuer will not Category 2 (Issuer cannot Category 3 (Data quality issues)
approve) approve at this time)
l 03 (Invalid merchant) l 19 (Re-enter transaction) l 14 (Invalid account number)

Table 7-2: Permitted Authorization Response Codes (continued)
Category 1 (Issuer will not Category 2 (Issuer cannot Category 3 (Data quality issues)
approve) approve at this time)
l 04 (Pickup card) l 51 (Insufficient funds) l 54 (Expired card)

l 07 (Pickup card, special l 59 (Suspected fraud) l 55 (Incorrect PIN)
conditions)
l 61 (Exceeds withdrawal l 82 (Negative Online CAM,
l 12 (Invalid transaction) amount limits) dCVV, iCVV, or CVV results)
l 15 (No such issuer) l 65 (Exceeds withdrawal l N7 (Decline for CVV2 failure
frequency) [Visa])
l 41 (Pickup card [lost card])
l 75 (Allowable number of PIN- l In the Europe Region: 1A
l 43 (Pickup card [stolen card])
entry tries exceeded) (Additional customer
l 57 (Transaction not permitted authentication required)
l 86 (ATM malfunction)
to cardholder)
l In the Europe Region: 70 (PIN
l 91 (Issuer or switch is
l 62 (Restricted card) data required)
inoperative)
l 78 (No account)
l 96 (System malfunction)
l 93 (Transaction cannot be
l N3 (Cash service not available)
completed)
l N4 (Cash request exceeds
l R0 (Stop payment order)
issuer limit)
l R1 (Revocation of authorization
order)
l R3 (Revocation of all
authorization)
An Issuer must not decline an Authorization Request for a Category 1 Decline Response code
and subsequently approve a resubmitted Authorization Request for the same Transaction.
7.3.7 Authorization Reversals and Authorization Holds
7.3.7.1 Acquirer Requirement to Act on Authorization Reversal

An Acquirer that receives an Authorization Reversal from its Merchant must accept the
Authorization Reversal and immediately forward it to Visa.

7.3.8 Visa Debit with PIN – US Region
7.3.8.1 Visa Debit with PIN Transactions – Preauthorization Transactions – US

Region
In the US Region: A Merchant that initiates a preauthorization request for a PIN-Authenticated Visa
Debit Transaction must send a preauthorization completion message within X of the
preauthorization request.
7.3.9 Partial Authorization
7.3.9.1 Partial Authorization Service Participation – Acquirer Requirements

To participate in the Partial Authorization service, an Acquirer and its Processor must:
l Support Partial Authorization Transactions and Authorization Reversals
l Obtain systems certification from Visa to receive and transmit Visa Partial Authorization
Transactions
l Ensure that its participating Merchants:
– Include the Partial Authorization indicator in the Authorization Request
– Submit an Authorization Reversal if the Cardholder elects not to complete the purchase
– Submit a Clearing Transaction for no more than the amount approved in the Partial
Authorization Response
– Ensure that its participating Merchants support Partial Authorizations for all Visa Card types.
In the US Region: An Acquirer must both:
l Participate in the Partial Authorization service
l Process Partial Authorization messages for all terminals that have been programmed to
participate in the Partial Authorization service
In the CEMEA Region (Kenya, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine): An Acquirer must both:
l Participate in the Partial Authorization service for domestic POS Transactions with Cash-Back
l Process Partial Authorization messages for all terminals that have been programmed to
participate in the Partial Authorization service

7.3.9.2 Automated Fuel Dispenser Partial Authorization Merchant Requirements

An Automated Fuel Dispenser Merchant that participates in the Partial Authorization service must
both:
l Include the Partial Authorization indicator in the Authorization Request or Status Check
Authorization (where permitted)
l For a Transaction where the full Transaction amount is included in the Authorization Request,
submit a Clearing Transaction for no more than the amount approved in the Partial Authorization
Response
In the Europe Region: An Automated Fuel Dispenser Merchant must participate in the Partial
Authorization service.
7.3.9.3 Partial Authorization Service Acquirer Participation – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Acquirer and its VisaNet Processor must both:
l Receive and transmit Partial Authorization Transactions and Authorization Reversals for the
following MCCs:
– 4121 (Taxicabs and Limousines)
– 4812 (Telecommunication Equipment and Telephone Sales)
– 4814 (Telecommunication Services, including Local and Long Distance Calls, Credit Card Calls,
Calls Through Use of Magnetic Stripe Reading Telephones, and Fax Services)
– 4816 (Computer Network/Information Services)
– 5200 (Home Supply Warehouse Stores)
– 5310 (Discount Stores)
– 5311 (Department Stores)
– 5331 (Variety Stores)
– 5411 (Grocery Stores and Supermarkets)
– 5499 (Miscellaneous Food Stores – Convenience Stores and Specialty Markets)
– 5541 (Service Stations [With or Without Ancillary Services])
– 5542 (Automated Fuel Dispensers)
– 5621 (Women’s Ready-To-Wear Stores)

– 5631 (Women’s Accessory and Specialty Shops)

– 5641 (Children’s and Infants’ Wear Stores)
– 5651 (Family Clothing Stores)
– 5661 (Shoe Stores)
– 5691 (Men’s and Women’s Clothing Stores)
– 5732 (Electronics Stores)
– 5734 (Computer Software Stores)
– 5735 (Record Stores)
– 5812 (Eating Places and Restaurants)
– 5814 (Fast Food Restaurants)
– 5912 (Drug Stores and Pharmacies)
– 5921 (Package Stores – Beer, Wine, and Liquor)
– 5941 (Sporting Goods Stores)
– 5942 (Book Stores)
– 5945 (Hobby, Toy, and Game Shops)
– 5947 (Gift, Card, Novelty and Souvenir Shops)
– 5977 (Cosmetic Stores)
– 5999 (Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores)
– 7230 (Beauty and Barber Shops)
– 7298 (Health and Beauty Spas)
– 7399 (Business Services [Not Elsewhere Classified])
– 8999 (Professional Services [Not Elsewhere Classified])
– 9399 (Government Services [Not Elsewhere Classified])
l Obtain systems certification from Visa for Partial Authorization Transaction processing, as follows:
– Standalone POS deployed on or after 17 April 2017
– Integrated POS deployed on or after 16 April 2017
– Effective 13 October 2022 All standalone POS
– Effective 13 October 2022 All integrated POS

7.3.9.4 Partial Authorization Service – Issuer Requirements

To participate in the Partial Authorization service, an Issuer and its Processor must support Partial
Authorizations and Authorization Reversals.
7.3.11 Account Verification – Europe Region
7.3.11.1 Account Verification Processing – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer must be able to respond to Account Verification requests by
sending a response code that indicates either:
l No reason to decline
l Non-approval
An Acquirer must do all of the following:
l Be able to transmit the Account Verification request to the Issuer
l Be able to receive the response from the Issuer for that Account Verification request
l Ensure that its Merchants use Account Verification to validate a Cardholder account. This does not
apply to Automated Fuel Dispensers.
7.3.12 Member Reporting Requirements – Europe Region
7.3.12.1 Member Reporting Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Member that processes Transactions must submit to Visa a daily
transmission file detailing those Transactions including Authorization Responses that are Approval
Responses or Decline Responses.
A Member must not report transactions where a Cardholder has chosen to use a payment brand or
application that is not part of the Visa Europe Scheme.
An Issuer must report a Dispute within 15 calendar days of the Processing Date of the Dispute.
An Acquirer must report a Dispute Response or pre-Arbitration within 15 calendar days of the
Processing Date of the Dispute Response or pre-Arbitration.

7.4 Processing of Specific Transaction Types
7.4.1 Account Funding Transactions
7.4.1.1 Account Funding Transaction Requirements

An Account Funding Transaction must both:
l Not represent any of the following:
– Payment for goods or services
– Funding of a Merchant account
– Debt repayment
l Be processed with an Account Funding Transaction indicator in the Authorization Request and
Clearing Records
7.4.2 Manual Cash Disbursements
7.4.2.1 Manual Cash Disbursement Transaction Currency

The Transaction Currency for a Manual Cash Disbursement must be all of the following:
l Currency dispensed
l Currency in the Authorization Request
l Currency presented into Interchange
7.4.2.2 Issuer Minimum Manual Cash Disbursement Amount

An Issuer must not establish a minimum Manual Cash Disbursement amount.

7.4.3 Automated Fuel Dispenser Transactions
7.4.3.1 Automated Fuel Dispenser Real-Time Clearing Transaction Processing

An Automated Fuel Dispenser Merchant that participates in Real-Time Clearing must also
participate in Partial Authorization.
A Real-Time Clearing Transaction must identify the preauthorization time limit in field 63.2 of the
Authorization message.
The Completion Message must be for an amount equal to or less than the authorized amount,
including partial approvals.
7.4.3.2 Automated Fuel Dispenser Transaction Issuer Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer must do all of the following:
l Be able to process Automated Fuel Dispenser (AFD) Transactions with a maximum amount (no
more than EUR 150 [or local currency equivalent], unless explicitly preselected by the Cardholder)
included in the Authorization Request amount
l Support the receipt of an Acquirer confirmation advice in real time
l Immediately act upon the Acquirer confirmation advice and adjust the Cardholder’s available
funds
l Support Partial Authorizations
7.4.4 Bill Payment Transactions
7.4.4.1 ATM Bill Payments – LAC Region (Brazil)

In the LAC Region (Brazil): An Acquirer must not use Deferred Settlement when processing a
domestic Bill Payment Transaction at an ATM.

7.4.4.2 Bill Payment Transaction Data – US Region

In the US Region: An Acquirer must identify a Bill Payment Transaction in the Authorization Request
and Clearing Record.
7.4.6 Online Gambling Transactions
7.4.6.1 Quasi-Cash/Online Gambling Transaction Indicator

A Quasi-Cash Transaction must be processed with a Quasi-Cash Transaction indicator in the
Authorization Request and Clearing Record.
In the CEMEA Region (South Africa): This does not apply.
7.4.7 Commercial Payables Transactions
7.4.7.1 Authorization Request and Settlement Amount Match

Visa will return a Commercial Payables Transaction to the Acquirer for resubmission if the amount
in the Clearing Record does not match the amount in the Authorization Request and all of the
following conditions apply:
l Card is a Visa Purchasing or Visa Fleet Card
l Issuer has enrolled to participate in the Authorization and Settlement Match service
l The Visa Purchasing Card BIN or Account Range (including Visa Fleet Card BIN or Account Range)
is enrolled in the Authorization and Settlement Match service
l Transaction occurs in a Card-Absent Environment

7.4.8 Card-Absent Environment Transactions – AP Region
7.4.8.1 Mail/Phone Order Expiration Date in Authorizations – AP Region

In the AP Region: An Authorization Request for a Mail/Phone Order Transaction must include the
Card expiration date.
This does not apply to Recurring Transactions, which do not require an expiration date in the
Authorization Request.
7.4.9 Visa Purchasing Card Transactions
7.4.9.1 Visa Purchasing Card Transaction Data

An Acquirer that accepts a Visa Purchasing Card Transaction must provide the Issuer with any
Cardholder reference data or other relevant Transaction information supplied by a Merchant.
7.4.10 Visa Fleet Card Transactions
7.4.10.1 Visa Fleet Card – Enhanced Data

An Acquirer that contracts with a Merchant to accept a Visa Fleet Card must provide the Issuer or
the Issuer’s agent with the Enhanced Data if provided by its Merchant in the Authorization and
Clearing Record.
7.4.10.2 Visa Fleet Card Enhanced Data Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A Merchant that accepts a Visa Fleet Card must provide Enhanced Data for Visa
Fleet Card Transactions classified with any of the following MCCs:
l 4468 (Marinas, Marine Service, and Supplies)
l 5499 (Miscellaneous Food Stores – Convenience Stores and Specialty Markets)
l 5541 (Service Stations)

l 5542 (Automated Fuel Dispensers)

l 5983 (Fuel Dealers – Fuel Oil, Wood Coal, and Liquefied Petroleum)
An Acquirer that processes Visa Fleet Card Transactions must provide both Cardholder-supplied
data and supplemental Transaction data for these Transactions.
7.4.11 Visa Commercial Card Transactions
7.4.11.1 Visa Commercial Card Data Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: If a Merchant provides Enhanced Data in the Authorization Request and
Clearing Record, its Acquirer must provide the Enhanced Data to the Issuer.
An Acquirer must provide the following data to the Issuer:
l All tax details, as agreed by Visa and the national fiscal authorities
l Unique customer reference data, if supplied by the Client Organization
An Acquirer whose Merchants provide Enhanced Data for Visa Purchasing Card Transactions must
provide to Visa contact details for the participating Merchant Outlets every 6 months or as
determined by Visa.
7.4.11.2 Visa Purchasing Card Enhanced Data Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Visa Purchasing Card Issuer must both:
l Receive level II and level III Enhanced Data from Merchants
l Either:
– Use an enhanced data BIN from a specified Visa Purchasing Card BIN range
– Designate an Account Range of an existing Visa Purchasing Card BIN

7.4.11.3 Visa Business Card and Visa Corporate Card Enhanced Data Processing –
Europe Region
In the Europe Region: A Visa Business Card Issuer and Visa Corporate Card Issuer may configure
BINs or Account Ranges within those BINs to receive and process Enhanced Data for management
information purposes.
7.4.11.4 Enhanced Data Processing Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Purchasing Card Issuer that chooses to receive Level II Enhanced Data and
Level III Enhanced Data from a Merchant must either:
l Designate an Account Range of the enhanced data Visa Purchasing Card BIN
l Use an enhanced data BIN from a specified Visa Purchasing Card BIN range
7.4.12 Visa Drive Card Transactions – Europe Region
7.4.12.1 Cash Disbursements on Visa Drive Cards – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Cash Disbursements are not permitted on Visa Drive Cards that are “standard”
Cards or “extra” Cards.
Cash Disbursements are permitted on Visa Drive Cards that are “open” Cards.
7.4.12.2 Quasi-Cash Transactions on Visa Drive Cards – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Quasi-Cash Transactions are not permitted on Visa Drive Cards that are
“standard” Cards or “extra” Cards.
Quasi-Cash Transactions are permitted on Visa Drive Cards that are “open” Cards.

7.4.13 In-Transit Transactions – Europe Region
7.4.13.1 In-Transit Gambling Merchant Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Gambling Merchant must ensure that an In-Transit Transaction for the
purchase of gambling is processed as a Quasi-Cash Transaction.
7.4.14 Authorization Request Content – Europe Region (United Kingdom)
7.4.14.1 Authorization Request Content for MCC 6012 – Europe Region (United
Kingdom)
In the Europe Region (United Kingdom): An Acquirer that processes a Transaction in a Card-Absent
Environment using MCC 6012 (Financial Institutions – Merchandise, Services, and Debt Repayment)
must include in the Authorization Request all of the following data elements for the recipient
account holder:
l Date of birth
l Account number (either partially masked or up to 10 characters)
l Partial postcode
l Last name
The Issuer that receives the Authorization Request must check the data elements against its own
data about the recipient of the payment.
7.5 Clearing
7.5.1 File Processing
7.5.1.1 Duplicate Interchange File Requirements

A Member must generate a duplicate Interchange File before transmitting Interchange to Visa and
retain this file for 15 calendar days after the Settlement Date.

7.5.2 Currency Conversion
7.5.2.1 Currency Conversion

Visa converts the Transaction Currency to the Issuer’s or Acquirer’s Settlement Currency using the
Currency Conversion Rate.
7.5.3 PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit Adjustments – US Region
7.5.3.1 PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit Transaction Adjustments – US Region

In the US Region: If an Acquirer processes an Adjustment to a PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit
Transaction to correct a Merchant or Acquirer processing error that causes an out-of-balance
situation, it must both:
l Process the Adjustment within 45 calendar days of the purchase date of the original Transaction
l Process the Adjustment for the correct Transaction amount
An Acquirer may process a first Presentment as an Original Adjustment when all of the following
apply:
l Original Transaction resulted from a PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit Transaction
l Connection between the Merchant and its Authorizing Processor was inoperable
l Merchant completed the Transaction without obtaining an Authorization
An Acquirer must not process an Original Adjustment if the original Transaction received a Decline
Response.
The Acquirer must not process an Adjustment subsequent to a Dispute.

7.5.4 Reversals – US Region
7.5.4.1 Permitted Use of Clearing Reversals – US Region

In the US Region: If a Clearing Processor that cleared Interchange through VisaNet detects
duplicate or erroneous data before sending it to Visa, the Clearing Processor must correct the data
before transmission.
If incorrect data has already been transmitted, a Clearing Reversal may be initiated by either the
Clearing Processor that originated the duplicate or erroneous transmission or by Visa.
The Clearing Processor may use a Clearing Reversal only to correct either:
l Inadvertent processing errors (for example: duplicate processing), as described in Section
12.5.2.1, Duplicate or Erroneous Data Fee – US Region
l Individual Transactions that were transmitted twice or contain erroneous data
To reverse a duplicate or erroneous Interchange transmission, the Clearing Processor must do all of
the following:
l Immediately notify Visa of any duplicate or erroneous data transmitted, including any of the
following:
– An entire day’s Interchange duplication
– Batches of previously transmitted Interchange
– Batches captured more than once on the same outgoing Interchange File
l Replace the Transaction codes of the duplicate Transactions with the appropriate Clearing
Reversal codes
l Not change any other information in the duplicate Transactions
l Send the corrected file on the next transmission day
7.5.5 Data Requirements
7.5.5.1 Interchange Data Element Requirements

An Acquirer that sends Interchange through BASE II must use the data elements listed in the
applicable VisaNet documentation.

7.5.5.2 Visa Prepaid Card Purchase Transaction Data

A Transaction representing the purchase of a Visa Prepaid Card must be processed as a retail
purchase and include a Visa Prepaid Card indicator in the Transaction record.
7.5.5.3 Visa Commercial Card and Visa Prepaid Card Data Requirements – LAC
Region (Brazil)
In the LAC Region (Brazil): An Acquirer must ensure that the Clearing Record for a Transaction
completed with a Visa Commercial Card or a Visa Prepaid Card of a government program includes
the Merchant legal name and Merchant tax identification number.
7.6 Online Financial and Deferred Clearing
7.6.1 Online Financial and Deferred Clearing Requirements
7.6.1.1 Online Financial Transaction Processing Requirements

An Online Financial Transaction Authorization Request for a Visa or Visa Electron Transaction must
originate at an ATM or an Acceptance Device and include both the:
l Entire unaltered contents of track 1 or track 2 of the Magnetic Stripe, the Magnetic-Stripe Image
on the Chip, or the track 2 equivalent data in a QR code
l Final amount of the Transaction
An Online Financial Transaction that is a purchase Transaction may only be key-entered either:
l In a Card-Absent Environment
l If the Magnetic Stripe cannot be read. This does not apply to a Visa Electron Transaction, which
may not be key-entered.
An Acquirer must process a Clearing Reversal for an Online Financial or Deferred Clearing
Transaction if either the:

l Acquirer or Merchant sent an Authorization Request and did not receive an Authorization
Response
l Transaction is subsequently voided or cancelled
7.7 Transaction Processing Time Limits and Dates
7.7.1 Processing Time Limits
7.7.1.1 Acquirer Processing Timeframes

An Acquirer must process Transactions within the following timeframes:
Table 7-3: Acquirer Processing Timeframe Requirements
Transaction Type Maximum Processing Timeframe

1
Visa Electron and ATM Within 5 calendar days of the Transaction Date
1
Visa Prepaid Load Service Within 2 calendar days of the Transaction Date
In the US Region: Visa ReadyLink
Merchandise Returns and Credits Within 52 calendar days of the Transaction Date
All Other Transactions l Within 82 calendar days of the Transaction Date

l In the AP Region (Japan): Within 30 calendar days of the
Transaction Date
l In the AP Region (Malaysia): For domestic Automated Fuel
Dispenser Transactions, within 2 local business days of the
Transaction Date
l In the Europe Region: For intraregional Contactless
Transactions (except Mass Transit Transactions), within 2
calendar days of the Transaction Date
1
In the US Region: ATM Transactions, PIN-authenticated Visa Debit Transactions, and Visa ReadyLink Transactions
must be processed through the Single Message System.
2
In the US Region: Additional requirements for Transaction processing time limits apply to Custom Payment Service
Programs.
The Processing Date and Transaction Date are each counted as one day.

7.7.1.2 Transaction Date Limits

For a Deferred Payment Transaction, the Transaction Date must be the billing date, which must be
no later than 90 calendar days from the initial shipment date.
For a Transaction involving goods that are shipped (except for a prepayment), the Transaction Date
must be on or after the date on which the goods are shipped.
For a Mass Transit Transaction, the Transaction Date must be the last day of travel.
In the US Region: For a Preauthorized Health Care Transaction, the Transaction Date must be the
date on which the Health Care Merchant receives a notice of adjudication from the Cardholder’s
insurance company.
7.8 Settlement
7.8.2 National Net Settlement Service (NNSS) Requirements
7.8.2.1 Use of National Net Settlement Service (NNSS)

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: A Member must enroll all
of its BINs in the National Net Settlement Service (NNSS), if available in its country. This does not
apply to:
l A Visa-approved program for which the Settlement Currency or Billing Currency is not the local
currency
l In the AP Region (Japan): A Member that is not a Principal-Type Member
l In the Canada Region: A Member that has a Private Agreement for the Settlement of Domestic
Transactions
A Member that participates in an NNSS must both:
l Use the NNSS to process and settle all qualifying Domestic Transactions that were processed
through VisaNet in local currency
l Comply with the applicable NNSS operating procedures
In the LAC Region (Aruba, Brazil, Curacao, Sint Maarten, Venezuela): An Acquirer must process all
Domestic Transactions from an Acquiring Identifier participating in the NNSS in local currency.

Visa may suspend the operation of an NNSS in an emergency. Upon suspension of an NNSS, Visa
may redirect Domestic Transactions into the International Settlement Service and collect the full
amount owed from a Member’s nominated Settlement account or Settlement Bank.
7.8.3 Settlement Requirements – AP Region
7.8.3.2 Member Responsibility for Settlement Obligations – AP Region

In the AP Region: A Member is responsible for all Settlement obligations owed to Visa by any
entity or subsidiary owned or controlled by the Member, even if the entity is legally independent
of the Member. Visa may offset any amount owed to Visa by the entity or subsidiary against the
Member accounts, Branches, or other owned or controlled entity worldwide.
7.8.4 Settlement Requirements – Europe Region
7.8.4.3 Visa Responsibility for Settlement – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Without prejudice to any Issuer’s or Acquirer’s obligations in Section X, Visa
will be responsible on the terms and subject to the conditions of this section to satisfy payment
obligations that have arisen in relation to:
l Transactions that are Visa Transactions. For a co-badged Card, where a Cardholder chooses to
initiate a transaction through a payment scheme that is not Visa, that transaction is not a Visa
Transaction.
l Visa Transactions, where such Visa Transactions were reported to Visa within 24 hours of the
Transaction Date
l Visa Transactions, where such Visa Transactions meet Visa data quality standards, in accordance
with all applicable technical specifications
l A Visa Scheme Processor, and the Member has satisfied its obligations in relation to that Visa
Scheme Processor as specified in the Visa Rules
l A Settlement failure, where such Settlement failure was reported to Visa within 24 hours of the

date that any given Member is owed funds

l Visa Transactions that were accepted in accordance with the Rules
For the avoidance of doubt, Visa reserves the right to adjust its payment obligation to a Member,
where that Member has reported to Visa inconsistent Transaction volumes over the preceding 18
months.
7.8.4.11 Indemnification – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Each Issuer and each Acquirer Indemnifies Visa for and against Claims and
Liabilities that may be asserted against or incurred by Visa arising out of or in connection with a
failure (or any allegation made in good faith of a failure) by such Issuer or such Acquirer (or any
entity acting on its behalf or under its direction or control) to discharge its payment obligations
when due and/or to comply with, be bound by and perform all obligations and duties imposed
upon it pursuant to the Rules, including without limitation any failure to put Visa in funds for the
purposes of Settlement and/or any failure to satisfy any request made pursuant to the Rules. If
requested by Visa, the relevant Issuer or Acquirer will provide cash or other collateral acceptable to
Visa in such amounts and on such terms as Visa may deem appropriate to cover Visa against Visa’s
estimate of any future Claims and Liabilities for which such Issuer or Acquirer may be liable,
including, without limitation, to fund Visa’s relevant legal expenses.
7.8.4.12 Member Liability – Europe Region

A Europe Group Member is jointly and severally liable for the obligations of each of its Group
Issuers/Acquirers under Section 7.8.4.11, Indemnification – Europe Region.
A Europe Principal Member is jointly and severally liable for the obligations of each of its
Sponsored Issuers/Acquirers under Section 7.8.4.11, Indemnification – Europe Region.
In the Europe Region: Visa will seek Indemnification or other recovery for Claims or Liabilities:
l First, from the Issuer or Acquirer that Visa deems liable under Section 7.8.4.11, Indemnification –
Europe Region
l Second, from any Group Member and/or Principal Member that Visa deems liable under this
section
Nothing in this section:

l Creates a duty of care from Visa to any entity

l Obliges Visa:
– To institute proceedings or exhaust its rights to recover Indemnifiable Liabilities from any
entity before claiming against another entity in the order of priority
– To pro-rate or apportion its claims between different entities
l Renders an Issuer’s/Acquirer’s obligation to pay Visa under this section conditional upon any
other entity’s payment or agreement to pay
7.8.4.16 Estimating Settlement – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Visa reserves the right to require that Members settle on estimates provided
by Visa if Clearing and Settlement is delayed.
7.8.4.17 Loss Sharing – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: If Visa incurs a loss following the failure of a Member to satisfy its payment
obligations and Visa determines, in its absolute discretion, that the loss will not be recovered in a
timely manner, as specified in Section 7.8.4.12, Member Liability – Europe Region, Visa may apportion
some or all of the loss among Principal Members.
Visa will assess a Member’s Loss Share Contribution1 according to a Loss Share Contribution
calculation, available on Visa Online and as amended from time to time. Visa reserves the right to
adjust the amount claimed from a Member on such basis that Visa considers equitable in the
circumstances.
Visa will collect the required amount, through its settlement systems, within 120 calendar days of
the loss, as either:
l A series of installments, with each installment representing no more than 5% of the total amount
owed by the Member
l The total amount
If the amount collected by Visa is later determined to be more than the amount required for that
Member’s share, Visa will return the excess amount to the Member within 120 calendar days of the
verification of the excess amount.
1
A financial contribution paid by a Principal Member to Visa, following the failure of any given Member to satisfy its

payment obligation.
7.8.6 Settlement Requirements – US Region
7.8.6.4 Member Responsibility for Settlement Financial Obligations – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer is responsible for any amount due for all Transaction Receipts bearing
its BIN and resulting from a Merchant or another Member honoring a valid, properly presented
Card.
7.8.6.5 Prohibition against Transferring Obligation to Pay – US Region

In the US Region: An Acquirer must not waive, release, abrogate, or otherwise assign to a non-
Member its obligation to guarantee and ensure payment for all Transactions in which its Merchant
honored a valid Visa Card properly presented for payment.
7.8.6.6 Requirement for Funds Held by Acquirer – US Region

In the US Region: An Acquirer holding funds as security to ensure proper Merchant performance
must hold the funds in an account in the Merchant’s name.
7.8.7 Member Readiness for Settlement
7.8.7.1 Member Readiness for Settlement

Upon submission of a Clearing Record to VisaNet, a Member must be ready to settle the
Transaction within the timeframe specified by Visa for the applicable settlement service and
Settlement Currency.

7.9 System Use – Europe Region
7.9.1 Default Infrastructure – Europe Region
7.9.1.1 Default Infrastructure Nomination – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Visa reserves the right to nominate a Default Infrastructure, which is the
processor of last resort that a Member should use when its processing infrastructure has failed or is
otherwise unavailable.
7.10 Authorization and Clearing Transaction Content
7.10.1 Transaction Message Content
7.10.1.1 Use of Payment Account Reference

Effective 13 October 2018 in the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US
Region
Effective 30 September 2019 in the Europe Region
An Acquirer must be capable of processing a Transaction containing a Payment Account
Reference (PAR) and delivering the PAR to a Merchant.
A domestic switch or any other form of processor must be capable of transmitting a PAR when
provided by an Issuer, Acquirer, or Token Requestor.
7.10.2 Payment Stop Service
7.10.2.1 Use of Payment Stop Instructions – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer may place a stop instruction against an Authorization Request or a
Clearing Record only if it complies with all of the following:
l Obtains a stop instruction request from the Cardholder
l Ensures that the stop instruction is only placed against a Recurring Transaction, an Installment

Transaction, or an Unscheduled Credential-on-File Transaction

l Correctly identifies the stop instruction
7.11 Strong Customer Authentication – Europe Region
7.11.1 Strong Customer Authentication – General Requirements
7.11.1.1 General Requirements for Strong Customer Authentication – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Member must comply with both the Visa Delegated Authentication
Implementation Guideand Visa Trusted Listing Implementation Guide . A Member acknowledges
that, regardless of any participation in the Delegated Authentication Program or Trusted Listing
Program, all applicable regulatory obligations relating to the provision of strong customer
authentication remain with that Member.
In the Europe Region: A Member must ensure that Electronic Commerce Transactions initiated
on Cards issued in the European Economic Area (EEA) and United Kingdom are subject to
strong customer authentication in line with the Payment Services Directive 2 (EU) 2015/2366.
7.11.2 Delegated Authentication Program – Europe Region
7.11.2.1 Delegated Authentication Program Issuer Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: All Issuers in the European Economic Area (EEA) and United Kingdom will be
enrolled, by Visa to participate in the Delegated Authentication Program. An Issuer may, at any
time, opt out of participating in the program. By participating in the program, an Issuer agrees to
delegate its provision of strong customer authentication to an Acquirer or Token Requestor. In turn,
the Acquirer will sub-delegate to an enrolled Strong Customer Authentication Delegate, in
accordance with the Delegated Authentication Program.
Visa will update Issuers, from time to time, on Strong Customer Authentication Delegates that have
been enrolled in the Delegated Authentication Program and their relevant Acquirers. An Issuer is
responsible for ensuring that its regulator, as applicable, is notified of the Issuer’s Strong Customer
Authentication Delegates and their relevant Acquirers.

Where a Transaction has been presented as authenticated and carries the delegated authority flag,
an Issuer must not request additional authentication of the Transaction unless there is an immediate
fraud threat. An Issuer must not systematically decline a Transaction that carries a delegated
authority flag.
7.11.2.2 Delegated Authentication Program Acquirer Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Acquirer in the European Economic Area (EEA) and United Kingdom may
enroll an entity in the Delegated Authentication Program. A participating Acquirer may only enroll a
Strong Customer Authentication Delegate that both:
l Meets the necessary fraud level requirements, both initial and on-going, as specified in the Visa
Delegated Authentication Implementation Guide
l Provides at least two-factor authentication in a manner that meets all applicable regulatory
requirements for the provision of strong customer authentication to Cardholders
Visa may refuse the enrollment of an entity by an Acquirer into the Delegated Authentication
Program if Visa determines that the entity introduces unnecessary risk into the payments system.
7.11.2.3 Delegated Authentication Program Enrollment – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: To enroll an entity in the Delegated Authentication Program an Acquirer
must provide to Visa a completed Merchant Readiness Questionnaire for each potential Strong
Customer Authentication Delegate. Visa will confirm when a Strong Customer Delegate has been
enrolled. An Acquirer must not treat an entity as a Strong Customer Authentication Delegate in
advance of Visa’s confirmation.
Visa may share information about Strong Customer Authentication Delegates, provided by the
Acquirer, and details of the relevant Acquirer, to all applicable Issuers and Regulators.
Visa may, at any time, terminate or suspend the enrollment of a Strong Customer Authentication
Delegate in the Delegated Authentication Program, including where it determines that the Strong
Customer Authentication Delegate no longer meets the requirements of the program or introduces
unnecessary risk into the payments system.
Visa will update Acquirers, from time to time, on Token Requestors that have been enrolled, by
Visa, in the Delegated Authentication Program.

7.11.3 Trusted Listing Program – Europe Region
7.11.3.1 Trusted Listing Program Issuer Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer that supports trusted listing must provide Visa with BIN or Account
Ranges for all Cardholders that are eligible to join the Trusted Listing Program.
An Issuer must both:
l Obtain clear instruction, from a Cardholder, to list a Trusted Beneficiary
l Remove a Trusted Beneficiary, if a Cardholder instructs the Issuer that they no longer consider
that entity as trusted
Strong customer authentication must be completed at the point of adding or removing a Trusted
Beneficiary.
An Issuer must not systematically decline a Transaction that carries a trusted listing indicator.
An Issuer acknowledges that, regardless of any participation in the Trusted Listing Program, all
applicable regulatory obligations relating to the provision of strong customer authentication
remain with the Issuer.
7.11.3.2 Trusted Listing Program Acquirer Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Acquirer must register with Visa an Electronic Commerce Merchant that
chooses to act as a Trusted Beneficiary.
A Trusted Beneficiary must meet fraud level requirements, both initial and ongoing, as specified in
the Visa Trusted Listing Implementation Guide.
Visa may, at any time, terminate or suspend a Trusted Beneficiary from the Trusted Listing Program,
including where it determines that Trusted Beneficiary no longer meets the requirements of the
program or introduces unnecessary risk into the payments system.
7.11.3.3 Delegated Authentication Program Transaction Processing – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Transactions accepted by a Strong Customer Authentication Delegate in
line with both 3-D Secure requirements and the Delegated Authentication Program must

contain ECI value 7. An Acquirer will accept liability in line with Transactions that contain
ECI value 7.

8 Processing Products
8.1 Use of Visa Systems
8.1.1 VisaNet Access Points
8.1.1.1 Deployment of Visa Systems at User Sites – AP, Canada, CEMEA, LAC, and US
Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: A participating
Member, VisaNet Processor, or Visa Merchant Direct Exchange Merchant that deploys a Visa
system must provide, at no cost to Visa, all of the following:
l A location that meets Visa requirements for installing one or more VisaNet Access Points on
the Member’s, VisaNet Processor’s, or Visa Merchant Direct Exchange Merchant’s premises
l A sufficient number of qualified personnel that the Member, VisaNet Processor, or Visa
Merchant Direct Exchange Merchant has trained to meet Visa specifications
l Upon Visa request, access to the premises of the Member, VisaNet Processor, or Merchant,
and cooperation with Visa and its authorized agents or representatives for the installation,
service, repair, or inspection of the VisaNet Access Points
l Computer time and a sufficient number of qualified personnel to ensure prompt and
efficient installation and use of the VisaNet software supplied by Visa
l Any other support reasonably requested by Visa for the installation of Visa systems
A participating Member, VisaNet Processor, or Visa Merchant Direct Exchange Merchant must
l Maintain VisaNet records, documents, and logs and provide them to Visa upon request
l Notify Visa promptly if a VisaNet Access Point for which it is responsible fails to operate
properly
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: A participating
Member, VisaNet Processor, or Visa Direct Connect Merchant that deploys a Visa system must
provide, at no cost to Visa, all of the following:

l A location that meets Visa requirements for installing one or more VisaNet Access Points on
the Member’s, VisaNet Processor’s, or Visa Direct Connect Merchant’s premises
l A sufficient number of qualified personnel that the Member, VisaNet Processor, or Visa
Direct Connect Merchant has trained to meet Visa specifications
l Upon Visa request, access to the premises of the Member, VisaNet Processor, or Merchant,
and cooperation with Visa and its authorized agents or representatives for the installation,
service, repair, or inspection of the VisaNet Access Points
l Computer time and a sufficient number of qualified personnel to ensure prompt and
efficient installation and use of the VisaNet software supplied by Visa
l Any other support reasonably requested by Visa for the installation of Visa systems
A participating Member, VisaNet Processor, or Visa Direct Connect Merchant must do all of the
following:
l Maintain VisaNet records, documents, and logs and provide them to Visa upon request
l Notify Visa promptly if a VisaNet Access Point for which it is responsible fails to operate
properly
8.1.1.2 Prohibition against VisaNet Access Point Modification

No party may make or attempt to make any repair, adjustment, alteration, or modification to a
VisaNet Access Point, except as expressly authorized by Visa.
8.1.1.3 VisaNet Access Point Security – Visa Direct Connect

A Visa Merchant Direct Exchange Merchant must provide the same level of security for its
VisaNet Access Points as it provides for its proprietary systems.
A Visa Direct Connect Merchant must provide the same level of security for its VisaNet Access
Points as it provides for its proprietary systems.

8.1.2 Direct Connection to VisaNet
8.1.2.1 Visa Direct Connect Transaction Delivery

An Acquirer of a Visa Direct Connect Merchant must both:
l Be capable of receiving VisaNet reports or records as notification that both:
– Clearing and Settlement occurred for Transactions submitted by the Visa Direct Connect
Merchant
– Payment is due to the Visa Direct Connect Merchant
l Accept responsibility for Transactions submitted by the Visa Direct Connect Merchant
8.1.3 System Changes
8.1.3.1 Visa Responsibilities Related to System Changes – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Visa will provide to Members:
l 6 months’ notice of changes that affect the systems and software of Members
l 2 Edit Package updates to be implemented in April and October of each year
l 3 weeks’ notice for Visa Extended Access changes that do not affect Members
8.2 Cardholder Loyalty Programs
8.2.1 Visa Loyalty Platform Services
8.2.1.1 Visa Loyalty Platform Services Issuer Participation Requirements

An Issuer that participates in the Visa Loyalty Platform Services must do all of the following:

l Obtain required consent from Cardholders and Merchants

l Within 10 calendar days of receiving the applicable Funds Disbursement from Visa (if applicable),
credit to the participating Cardholder’s account the amount of the discount received for
qualifying purchases
l Not change the originating Merchant name and city information before posting this information
to the Cardholder statement
8.2.2 Card Linked Offers – Europe Region
8.2.2.1 Card Linked Offers Registration and Eligibility – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer may, at its own option and where the service is available, register
with Visa to join the Card Linked Offers Service. An Issuer that joins the Card Linked Offers Service
must:
l Determine which of its Cardholders are eligible to join the service. Those Cardholders will
register directly with Visa
l Provide Visa with the details of all eligible BINs that Issuer decides to include
An Issuer that participates in the Card Linked Offers Service must pay the associated fees to Visa as
specified in the applicable fee schedule.
8.2.2.2 Card Linked Offers Transaction Processing – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer must process all payments associated with the Card Linked Offers
Service as Original Credit Transactions to the Account Number of the Cardholder’s registered Card.1
1
An Original Credit Transaction associated with the Card Linked Offers Service will not carry an Interchange
Reimbursement Fee (IRF).
8.2.2.3 Card Linked Offers Transaction Data – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer whose Cardholder has registered with Visa for the Card Linked
Offers Service must provide Transaction data to Visa, including:

l All Transaction data linked to that Cardholder’s Card for the 18 months before the date of
registration
l On a daily basis, all Transaction data linked to that Cardholder’s Card after the date of registration
Visa may, at the Issuer’s option and on the Issuer’s behalf, receive Transaction data from the Issuer’s
Visa Scheme Processor.
The Transaction data that Visa receives as part of the Card Linked Offers Service will be used in line
with Visa’s privacy policy, as provided to Cardholders before registering for the Card Linked Offers
Service.
8.2.2.4 Card Linked Offers Marketing – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer is responsible for marketing activities and communications
associated with the Card Linked Offers Service provided to that Issuer’s Cardholders, as specified in
the Visa Product Brand Standards.
Visa reserves the right to review and amend an Issuer’s communications and co-ordinate such
communications with Merchants that provide offers, as agreed with the Issuer.
8.2.2.5 Card Linked Offers Use of Marks – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: To the extent that Visa has permission from a Merchant, Visa will provide a
Member with a license to use that Merchant’s branding. Such license must only be used:
l In association with the Card Linked Offers Service
l In accordance with that Merchant’s brand guidelines, as communicated by Visa
l Subject to Visa’s instruction, as determined from time to time

8.3 Visa Information Systems
8.3.1 Visa Online
8.3.1.1 Use of Visa Online

A Member, a VisaNet Processor, and any other authorized user that use Visa Online are subject to
the Visa Online participation requirements.
A Member is responsible for a designated VisaNet Processor or other authorized user’s use of the
Visa Online materials, software, and information.
Visa Online and the information obtained through Visa Online are the property of Visa and are for
the sole use of Members, VisaNet Processors, and other authorized users in support of Visa
programs. A Member, VisaNet Processor or any other authorized user must not disclose any
information from Visa Online unless permitted by the Visa Rules or otherwise authorized in writing
by Visa.
8.3.2 VisaVue Online
8.3.2.1 VisaVue Online Member Participation Requirements

To use VisaVue Online, a Member must sign a VisaVue Member Participation Agreement.
8.4 Original Credit Transactions
8.4.1 Original Credit Transactions – Originating Requirements
8.4.1.1 Original Credit Transaction Limitations

An Original Credit Transaction must involve only a single sender and a single recipient.

8.4.1.2 Original Credit Transactions – Treatment of Sender Data

An Originating Acquirer, either itself, or through its Merchants or service providers that originate an
Original Credit Transaction, must:
l Validate sender data and comply with applicable anti-money laundering regulations and anti-
terrorist financing standards, as specified in the Visa Direct Original Credit Transaction (OCT)
Global Implementation Guide
l Provide proper disclosure to the sender regarding the collection of sender data
The Originating Acquirer must notify Visa before it or its Merchant or service provider start to
process any Original Credit Transactions.
8.4.1.3 Original Credit Transaction Verification of Posting

To request confirmation or proof from a Recipient Issuer that funds have been posted to a
recipient Cardholder’s account, an Originating Acquirer must submit its inquiry through Visa
Resolve Online.
The Recipient Issuer must respond to the Originating Acquirer’s confirmation request through Visa
Resolve Online within 5 calendar days from the date of inquiry.
8.4.1.4 Original Credit Transaction Reversals

An Originating Acquirer, a Merchant, or a service provider must not reverse an Original Credit
Transaction initiated as an Online Financial Transaction.
A Reversal of an Original Credit Transaction must be processed within one business day of the
Processing Date of the Original Credit Transaction and only for the following reasons:
l Incorrect Account Number
l Incorrect Transaction amount
l Duplicate processing
l Incorrect Transaction code

8.4.1.6 Conditions for Submission of an Original Credit Transaction Adjustment

An Originating Acquirer may submit a Transaction Adjustment if the Recipient Issuer fails to
provide confirmation of posting of the Original Credit Transaction within 5 calendar days of the
inquiry date.
The Original Credit Transaction Adjustment must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the
Processing Date of the initial Original Credit Transaction.
8.4.2 Original Credit Transactions – Recipient Issuer Requirements
8.4.2.1 Original Credit Transaction (OCT) Recipient Issuer Requirements

A Recipient Issuer must do all of the following:
l Post an Original Credit Transaction (OCT) to the Account Number within 2 business days1 of
receipt, or dispute the OCT to the Originating Acquirer
l If participating in Fast Funds, make funds available to the Cardholder within 30 minutes of
approving an OCT
l For an OCT sent to a Cardholder’s Visa credit Card account, post the funds as a payment
l For a Dispute processed for an OCT, only initiate a Dispute Reversal within one calendar day of
the Dispute Processing Date
l Clearly describe the payment on the Cardholder statement and not label the payment as a refund
l Not apply additional funds transfer fees for consumer Cards
1
In the Europe Region: For an Intraregional Transaction, on the same business day. The funds must be made available on
the same business day.
8.4.2.2 Original Credit Transactions – Conditions for Use of a Deposit-Only Account

Number
A Recipient Issuer must:
l Notify Visa that a BIN or Account Range is designated for Deposit-Only Account Numbers
l Not use a Deposit-Only Account Number for any purpose other than Original Credit Transaction

processing
l List a compromised Deposit-Only Account Number on the Exception File
8.4.4 Original Credit Transactions – Fast Funds
8.4.4.1 Original Credit Transactions – Fast Funds Processing

A Recipient Issuer must process as Fast Funds an incoming Original Credit Transaction, if the
following conditions are met:
Table 8-1: Fast Funds Processing Requirements
Region Conditions
AP The Recipient Issuer supports the receipt of Online Financial Transactions or

Authorization Requests in the enhanced format.
CEMEA
Europe The Recipient Issuer supports the receipt of Online Financial Transactions or
Authorization Requests in the enhanced format for a Visa Reloadable Prepaid Card,1 a
Direct (Immediate) Debit Card, or a Deferred Debit Card.
Canada The Original Credit Transaction is received for a Visa Debit Card, a Visa Reloadable
Prepaid Card, or a Plus Program Card.
LAC The Original Credit Transaction is received for a Visa Debit Card or a Visa Prepaid Card.
US The Recipient Issuer supports the receipt of Online Financial Transactions or

Authorization Requests in the enhanced format. This does not apply to an incoming
Original Credit Transaction to a Visa credit Card.
1
Applies only to Prepaid accounts where full Cardholder due diligence, such as KYC, has been completed to the
Issuer’s satisfaction
8.4.4.2 Online Original Credit Transaction Origination

An Originating Member must use an enhanced format 0200 message to initiate an online Original
Credit Transaction.

8.5 Mobile Push Payment Transactions
8.5.1 Mobile Push Payment Transactions – Issuer Requirements
8.5.1.1 Account Number Assignment for Mobile Push Payment Program

An Issuer that enables Mobile Push Payment Transactions must ensure that a Mobile Push Payment
Transaction uses either:
l The Account Number of a physical Card issued to the Cardholder
l The Account Number issued from a Visa Classic BIN or Account Range if a physical Card has not
been issued to the account holder
8.5.1.2 Electronic Transaction Receipt Requirements for Mobile Push Payment

Transactions
For a Mobile Push Payment Transaction, an Issuer must provide a completed electronic Transaction
Receipt to the Cardholder that includes all of the following elements:
Table 8-2: Required Electronic Transaction Receipt Content for Mobile Push Payment Transactions
Account Number or The Account Number or payment Token, except for the final 4 digits, must be
payment Token disguised or suppressed on the Cardholder’s copy of an electronic Transaction
Receipt.
Authorization Code No additional requirements apply
Card network name Must contain “Visa”
Merchant location The city and state/province of the Merchant Outlet
Merchant name The name the Merchant uses to identify itself to its customers
Transaction amount Total currency amount of all goods and services sold to the Cardholder at the
same time, including applicable taxes and fees and any adjustments or credits

Table 8-2: Required Electronic Transaction Receipt Content for Mobile Push Payment Transactions (con-
tinued)
Transaction Date No additional requirements apply
Transaction type One of the following:
l Cash-In
l Cash-Out
l Refund
l Purchase
In addition, the Issuer must do both of the following:

l Provide clear instructions to the Cardholder for accessing the electronic Transaction Receipt
l Make the receipt available to the Cardholder for at least 120 calendar days after the Processing
Date
8.6 Visa Processing Services
8.6.1 Visa Account Updater
8.6.1.1 Issuer Use of Visa Account Updater

An Issuer enrolled in Visa Account Updater (VAU) must do all of the following:
l Agree and acknowledge that Visa may use, store, update, or disclose the Issuer’s data, in
accordance with applicable laws or regulations, regarding the personal data that Visa or its
subcontractor stores and processes on behalf of Members participating in VAU to:
– Facilitate the use of VAU by an Acquirer or a Merchant
– Support other Visa services
l Comply with all data protection requirements
l Submit updates for Cards under its enrolled BINs whenever reissuance or a change in account
status occurs, as specified in Table 8-3, VAU Issuer Update Requirements, for the following:

– AP Region
– Canada Region
– Effective 17 October 2020 CEMEA Region
– Effective 26 January 2019 Europe Region (except Greece, Italy, Republic of Ireland, United
Kingdom)
– LAC Region
– US Region
Table 8-3: VAU Issuer Update Requirements
VAU Update Type Requirements
Account Number and l Permitted only if both:

Expiration Date Change – The Account Number has been activated.
– An Authorization Request using the updated data can be approved.
l Must be submitted within 2 business days of Account Number activation
“Closed Account” Advice Permitted only if the closure is permanent (the account can never be
reopened using that Account Number)
“Contact Cardholder” Advice Permitted only if either:
l The Cardholder requests that specific new information not be provided.

l The Issuer cannot or will not provide specific information for risk reasons.
“Opt-Out” Advice Permitted only if the Cardholder requests that specific new information not
be provided
If inaccurate information is supplied to VAU, the Issuer must do all of the following:
l Promptly investigate any claims of inaccuracies
l Immediately notify Visa of any inaccuracies
l Remove inaccurate information from VAU within 2 business days of notification and provide
corrected information within 5 business days of notification
An Issuer must enroll its BINs in VAU, as follows:

Table 8-4: VAU Enrollment Requirements – Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, US Region
Region Country BIN Enrollment Requirements
Canada N/A All BINs, except:
l Visa Commercial Card BINs

l Visa Prepaid Card BINs
l Licensed BINs for ATM-only Cards
Effective 17 October All All BINs:

2020
l Except Non-Reloadable Card BINs
CEMEA
l Unless the Issuer supports life cycle management
associated with payment Tokens and their underlying
primary Account Numbers, including, but not limited to,
Account Number updates and expiration date updates
Europe Greece All BINs, except Visa Prepaid Card BINs

Italy
Republic of Ireland
United Kingdom
Effective 26 January
2019 through 17 April
2020
Finland
Sweden
Effective 19 October
2019 through 17 April
2020
Czech Republic
Poland
Slovakia
Spain
Effective 18 April
2020
All, except Hungary,
Switzerland, and
Turkey
Effective 19 October All BINs, except:

Table 8-4: VAU Enrollment Requirements – Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, US Region (con-
tinued)
Region Country BIN Enrollment Requirements
2019 l Visa Prepaid Card BINs

Switzerland l BINs shared by more than one Issuer
US N/A All BINs, except:
l Visa Commercial Card BINs

l Visa Prepaid Card BINs
l BINs licensed for use in US Territories
8.6.2 Visa Payment Controls
8.6.2.1 Visa Payment Controls – Issuer Participation Requirements

An Issuer that participates in Visa Payment Controls must do all of the following:
l Submit to Visa a completed Visa Payment Controls Client Information Questionnaire before
offering the service
l Offer the service for the following products:
– Visa Consumer Card, Visa Commercial Card, or Visa Prepaid Card
– In the US Region: A Visa Consumer credit Card or Visa Commercial credit Card
l Provide Visa with Account Numbers that are enrolled in the service
8.6.3 Straight Through Processing
8.6.3.2 Straight Through Processing – Acquirer Participation Requirements

To participate in Straight Through Processing an Acquirer must register with Visa and sign a Straight
Through Processing Participation Agreement.

8.7 Visa Software
8.7.1 Software License
8.7.1.3 Indemnification Related to Licensed Software

A Member agrees to Indemnify Visa for and against Claims or Liabilities arising out of or in
connection with a software license, the software, or the use thereof.
8.7.1.7 Prohibition Against Issuer Use of Open Source Software

A Member must not incorporate, link, distribute or use any third party or open source software
(including without limitation, any open source license listed on
http://www.opensource.org/licenses/alphabetical) (each, an “open source license”) or code in
conjunction with any Visa products, software, services, application programming or other
interfaces, or other Visa technologies, in a way that may result in any of the following:
l Create obligations with respect to, or require disclosure of, any Visa technology, including
without limitation the distribution or disclosure of any application programming interfaces or
source code relating to such interfaces
l Grant to any third party any rights to or immunities under any Visa (or any Visa affiliates)
intellectual property rights or proprietary rights
l Cause any Visa technology to become subject to the terms of any open source license

9 Interchange
9 Interchange
The content of Chapter 9 may be found in Section 1.9, Interchange, and the applicable Interchange
Reimbursement Fee (IRF) documentation.

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10.1 Corporate Risk Reduction
10.1.1 Acquirer Risk Responsibilities
10.1.1.2 Acquirer Risk Policies – US Region

In the US Region: An Acquirer must implement, and its board of directors must approve, all of the
following:
l An underwriting, monitoring, and control policy for all of the following:
– Its Merchants
– Its VisaNet Processors
– Its Third Party Agents
l A policy and procedures for reviewing solicitation materials used by its Agent
The Acquirer must provide policies to Visa upon request.
10.1.1.3 Acquirer Responsibility for Agents and Merchants – US Region

In the US Region: An Acquirer must:
l Provide its Agents with training and education, as specified by Visa, and ensure that Agents are in
compliance with the Acquirer’s corporate policies
l Hold and control reserves that are accumulated and derived from Merchant settlement funds or
used to guarantee a Merchant’s payment system obligations to the Member
10.1.2 Electronic Commerce Merchant Requirements
10.1.2.1 Electronic Commerce Transaction Type Prohibition

A Merchant, Payment Facilitator, Sponsored Merchant, or entity classified as high-brand risk, as
specified in Section 10.4.6.1, High-Brand Risk MCCs, that displays a Visa-Owned Mark on its website
and/or application must not accept Cards for either:

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l The purchase or trade of photographs, video imagery, computer-generated images, cartoons,

simulation, or any other media or activities including, but not limited to, activities listed in
Section 1.3.3.4, Brand Protection and Use of the Visa-Owned Marks
l The purchase of products that claim or imply a similar efficacy as prescription drugs, controlled
substances, or recreational/street drugs, irrespective of claims of legality
Violation of this requirement may result in the termination of the Merchant, Payment Facilitator,
Sponsored Merchant, High-Brand Risk Merchant, High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator, or High-
Brand Risk Sponsored Merchant.
10.1.2.2 High-Risk Merchants Offering Online Storage or File-Sharing Services –

Europe Region
In the Europe Region: A Merchant or Sponsored Merchant will be classified as high-risk if any of the
following apply:
l Users of the Merchant or Sponsored Merchant’s service are rewarded for uploading,
downloading, or sharing content
l The Merchant or Sponsored Merchant promotes online content by distributing URL codes or
forum codes to individuals or third parties
l There is a link-checker on the Merchant or Sponsored Merchant’s website and/or application,
allowing individuals to check whether a link has been disabled in order to re-upload content that
has previously been removed
Visa reserves the right to determine whether a Merchant or Sponsored Merchant that offers online
storage and file sharing services is classified as high-risk.
An Acquirer of a Merchant or Sponsored Merchant that offers online storage and file sharing
services and that is classified as high-risk must both:
l Ensure that the Merchant or Sponsored Merchant cancels the contract of individuals that have
uploaded illegal content, and ensure that those individuals cannot upload any content in the
future
l Ensure that the Merchant or Sponsored Merchant gathers enough information about individuals
that use their service to identify them to law enforcement authorities if they upload illegal
content

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10.1.2.3 Online Storage and File-Sharing Merchants – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Acquirer of a Merchant or Sponsored Merchant that offers the purchase or
use of online storage and file-sharing services must ensure that the Merchant or Sponsored
Merchant both:
l Implements a process for reviewing, removing, and reporting illegal or prohibited content and
prevents individuals who have uploaded illegal or prohibited content from uploading any
content in the future
l Reports all illegal content to the relevant authorities based on the local laws governing the
country in which any of the following apply:
– The Merchant or Sponsored Merchant has its Merchant Outlet.
– The illegal content is stored.
– The illegal content is uploaded and/or downloaded.
10.1.3 Anti-Money Laundering
10.1.3.1 Anti-Money Laundering Program Overview

Visa maintains an anti-money laundering program reasonably designed within the context of laws
and regulations applicable to Visa to prevent the Visa system from being used to facilitate money
laundering or the financing of terrorist activities.
10.1.3.2 Anti-Money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist-Financing Program – ATM Acquirers

An ATM Acquirer must ensure that it has in place policies, controls, and procedures to minimize the
risk of its ATMs being used to facilitate money laundering or terrorist financing, and submit any
required currency transaction reports or suspicious activity reports to its regulator.
If the ATM Acquirer uses a Third Party Agent to load funds to its ATMs, the ATM Acquirer must
require and compel such Third Party Agent to comply with all applicable laws and regulations,
including without limitation, laws regarding anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing. The
ATM Acquirer must maintain and enforce a program that, at minimum, includes conducting
appropriate due diligence on each Third Party Agent, requiring adequate record keeping and
validation of source of funds, and conducting regular, ongoing independent audits to confirm the
Third Party Agent’s compliance. The ATM Acquirer will be responsible to Visa for any acts or
omissions of the ATM Acquirer’s Third Party Agents.

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10.1.4 Blocking of BINs and Acquiring Identifiers
10.1.4.1 BIN and Acquiring Identifier Blocking by Visa – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Visa may, as it sees fit at any time and without warning, require a Visa
Scheme Processor to block the function of all or any part of its system in relation to any BIN or
Acquiring Identifier assigned to a Member (a “blocked BIN or Acquiring Identifier”) so that, during
the period of the block, one or more of the following:
l No Authorization may be given using the blocked BIN or Acquiring Identifier.
l No Clearing Record may be created in respect of the blocked BIN or Acquiring Identifier.
l No Settlement may be effected of amounts owed to the blocked BIN or Acquiring Identifier.
(any such outcome being a “BIN or Acquiring Identifier block”) subject only to such exceptions as
Visa may see fit to make from time to time.
Visa will exercise its discretions under this paragraph with a view to all of the following (each being
“BIN or Acquiring Identifier blocking objective”):
l Ensuring the stability of the Visa system
l Protecting Visa and its Members from incurring Liability (including, without limitation, in respect
of Settlement Loss)
l Avoiding or mitigating any act or omission that Visa considers might be illegal, inconsistent with
applicable regulatory standards, or materially damaging to the Visa brand
Visa may declare any BIN or Acquiring Identifier block to be temporary, indefinite, or permanent. If
no such declaration is made, a BIN or Acquiring Identifier block will be treated as indefinite. Visa
will take such steps as it considers appropriate to terminate the membership of any entity whose
assigned BIN or Acquiring Identifier is subject to a permanent BIN or Acquiring Identifier block. A
temporary or indefinite BIN or Acquiring Identifier block will end either:
l If Visa both:
– Determines that continuing the BIN or Acquiring Identifier block is of no further help to
achieving the BIN or Acquiring Identifier blocking objectives
– Does not intend to terminate the membership of any entity to whom the blocked BIN or
Acquiring Identifier is assigned
l In the case of a temporary BIN or Acquiring Identifier block only, if earlier, at the time and
subject to such conditions that Visa may specify

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Visa may at any time and without warning cancel a BIN or Acquiring Identifier block and/or change
the status and scope of application of any BIN or Acquiring Identifier block. Visa may at any time
and without warning extend or modify the conditions of any temporary BIN or Acquiring Identifier
block.
Visa’s right to effect a BIN or Acquiring Identifier block is in addition, and without prejudice, to any
other rights or remedies of Visa under the Member Agreements and the Visa Rules.
The exclusions and limitations of Visa’s liability specified in the Visa Rules will apply to any Claims
or Liabilities arising out of or in connection with a BIN or Acquiring Identifier block.
10.1.5 Crisis Management and Business Continuity – Europe Region
10.1.5.1 Crisis Management and Business Continuity Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Member must do all of the following:
l Maintain an effective crisis management and business continuity program and ensure that the
program includes a plan for ensuring recovery or continuity of the Member’s critical business
activities, services, and technology solutions
l Ensure that, if any critical activity or service is outsourced to a third party, the third party
maintains a similar crisis management and business continuity program
l Upon Visa request, provide evidence of the existence and effectiveness of a Member’s or third
party’s crisis management and business continuity program
10.2 Agents and Processors
10.2.1 Member Requirements Related to VisaNet Processors and Visa Scheme

Processors
10.2.1.1 VisaNet Processor Contracts

A Member must execute a written contract with each VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor.
The contract must comply with all of the following:

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l Include minimum standards established by Visa, including, but not limited to:
– Policies
– Procedures
– Service levels
– Performance standards
l Include language that:
– Permits Visa to conduct financial and procedural audits and general reviews at any time
– Requires the VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor to make Cardholder and Merchant
information available to Visa and regulatory agencies
– Contains a notice of termination clause
l Require that the VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor comply with:
– The Visa Rules
– Applicable laws or regulations
l Be executed by a senior officer of the Member
l Require the VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor to comply with the Payment Card
Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
l Require that the VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor be properly registered with Visa
10.2.1.2 VisaNet Processor and Visa Scheme Processor Systems Agreement

Visa may require a Member’s VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor to enter into an
agreement directly with Visa before the delivery of any of the following:1
l BASE II software
l Effective through 30 April 2019 Visa Extended Access server2
l Effective 1 May 2019 Visa Extended Access server or Visa Extended Access Proxy server
l Other systems determined by Visa
The agreement may specify terms and conditions for the use of software or equipment that Visa
determines necessary to protect its proprietary rights. This provision does not require Visa to agree
to this type of arrangement, nor does it give any VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor the
right to use VisaNet.

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1
2
Effective through 30 April 2019 This does not apply to a Member using Direct Exchange.
10.2.1.3 VisaNet Processor, Payment Facilitator, Staged Digital Wallet Operator, and
Marketplace Agreement – LAC Region (Brazil)
In the LAC Region (Brazil): A VisaNet Processor, a Marketplace, a Payment Facilitator, and a Staged
Digital Wallet Operator must enter into an agreement directly with Visa before the delivery of any
services to Visa Members.
This provision does not require Visa to agree to this type of arrangement, nor does it give any
VisaNet Processor the right to use VisaNet.
10.2.1.4 VisaNet Processor Requirements Related to Third Parties

A contract between a Member and its VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor must require the
VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor to:
l Ensure that any third party that uses the Member’s BIN or Acquiring Identifier is properly
registered with Visa by that Member
l Notify BIN Licensees or Acquiring Identifier Licensees in writing and receive written approval
before allowing a Third Party Agent to use the Member’s BIN or Acquiring Identifier, or granting
access to Cardholder information
l Report at least quarterly to the Member and Visa any third party that uses its BIN or Acquiring
Identifier
10.2.1.5 General Member Responsibilities for VisaNet Processors and Visa Scheme
Processors
A Member that has a contract with a VisaNet Processor or a Visa Scheme Processor must:
l Provide Transaction-related processing instructions directly to its VisaNet Processor or Visa
Scheme Processor
l Distribute written policies and procedures to its VisaNet Processors or Visa Scheme Processors1

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l Establish a risk management program to control risks related to the use of VisaNet Processors or
Visa Scheme Processors, such as:
– Loss of operational control
– Service provider failure
– Confidentiality and physical and logical security of Cardholder and Visa Transaction
Information
l Verify that the principals and senior management of the VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme
Processor have the requisite knowledge and experience to successfully perform the contracted
services2
l Conduct from time to time an on-site inspection of the business premises2 to:
– Verify inventory
– Inspect operational controls
– Monitor security standards regarding unauthorized disclosure of or access to Visa data and
other payment systems
l Immediately notify Visa of any change in the VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor
relationship, including termination, change of ownership or business function, or processor3
l Ensure that any changes to BIN or Acquiring Identifier relationships comply with the applicable
licensing requirements
l In the Europe Region: Provide relevant rules to its Visa Scheme Processor
l In the Europe Region: After discontinuing a Visa Scheme Processor relationship, maintain a file
on the processor that includes records of all applicable due diligence and retain this file, with the
reason for discontinuance, for a minimum of 2 years
In the Europe Region: A Visa Scheme Processor must not imply that its registration with Visa is an
endorsement of its services by Visa.
1
In the Europe Region: Visa may permanently prohibit a Visa Scheme Processor or one of its principals, or any of its agents,
from accessing VisaNet for good cause.
2
Except when a VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor is a Member or special Licensee.
3
In the Europe Region: Within 5 business days.
10.2.1.6 Procedures for Use of an Airline Authorizing Processor

Before implementing a direct connection to VisaNet, a Member must ensure that its Airline
Authorizing Processor has either:

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l Completed and submitted to Visa a VisaNet Letter of Agreement

l Signed a separate agreement with Visa
If a Member that acquires Airline Transactions is using an approved Airline Authorizing Processor,
the Member is not required to submit a VisaNet Letter of Agreement or VisaNet Processor and Third
Party Registration and Designation.
10.2.1.7 Requirements for VisaNet Processor and Visa Scheme Processor Marketing
Materials
A Member must require that its VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor:
l Uses only marketing materials approved by the Member
l Ensures that all marketing materials displaying the Visa-Owned Marks also include the Member
name,1 which must be more prominent and in a larger font than that of the VisaNet Processor or
Visa Scheme Processor
l Is prominently identified on the marketing materials as an agent or representative of the
Member, unless the Member has provided its approval to exclude its name from such marketing
materials
l For Visa Prepaid Card distribution, ensures that any website and/or application displaying the
Visa-Owned Marks or offering Visa Card services clearly and conspicuously includes the Member
name, which must be located close to the Visa-Owned Marks
1
In the Canada Region: With Member approval and provided that the Acquirer Processor has entered into the form of
Trademark License Agreement for Acquirer Processors as prescribed by Visa, a Member’s Acquirer Processor may display
certain Visa-Owned Marks on its marketing materials without the Member’s name or logo in accordance with the terms of
the Trademark License Agreement for Acquirer Processors.
10.2.1.8 Non-Member VisaNet Processor or Clearing Member Reporting

A Member that uses a non-Member VisaNet Processor or Clearing Member to process Transaction-
related data must submit, upon request, an annual report to Visa that includes at least all of the
following:
l Identification of the services provided by the non-Member VisaNet Processor or Clearing
Member

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l Products and programs supported

l BINs or Acquiring Identifiers under which the Member’s activity is processed
10.2.1.9 VisaNet Processor Independent Audit – AP, Canada, CEMEA, LAC, and US
Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Upon designation of a
VisaNet Processor, a sponsoring Member must obtain and review an independent audit of the
internal controls that support the VisaNet Processor’s VisaNet interface.1 The audit must be
conducted annually and use standard audit practices of the International Audit Standards or other
regionally acceptable standards agreed by Visa.
1
This does not apply if the VisaNet Processor is a Member or special Licensee.
10.2.1.10 VisaNet Processor Acting as Clearing Processor

A Member must ensure that its Clearing Processor:
l Provides access to Cardholder, Merchant, Marketplace, Sponsored Merchant, Payment
Facilitator, Digital Wallet Operator, and Member data
l Withholds or redirects Settlement funds, as required by Visa
10.2.1.11 Visa Collection of Funds from a Member or VisaNet Processor – AP, Canada,
CEMEA, LAC, and US Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: In collecting funds owed
by a Member or VisaNet Processor, Visa may take, but is not limited to, the following actions:
l Take and liquidate collateral posted by a Member or VisaNet Processor, as specified in the
agreement for the posting
l After providing at least one business day’s notice before the collection, either:
– Debit the Member’s or VisaNet Processor’s Clearing account through VisaNet
– Withhold amounts from payments that Visa owes to the VisaNet Processor

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In the US Region: A Member or VisaNet Processor must remit the total amount owed, as specified
in the Visa International Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.
In the US Region: If a Member or VisaNet Processor does not remit the amount owed, the Member
is responsible for Visa expenses incurred in collecting the funds, including, but not limited to, costs
and expenses of legal action.
In the US Region: A Member from whom Visa collects amounts due must continue to honor its
obligations to Merchants and Sponsored Merchants.
In the US Region: A VisaNet Processor must not charge a Member’s Clearing account unless either:
l Visa has directed the VisaNet Processor to do so
l The Member whose account is to be charged has provided written consent for the charge and
the consent does not prevent the Member from complying with the Visa Rules
In the US Region: Visa is not required to exhaust its remedies in collecting from one Member or
VisaNet Processor before collecting from another Member.
10.2.1.12 Member or VisaNet Processor Dispute of Amount Collected by Visa – AP,

Canada, CEMEA, LAC, and US Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: If a Member or VisaNet
Processor wishes to dispute an amount collected by Visa, it must both:
l Provide written notice to Visa within 60 calendar days of the collection date, if it wishes to
dispute its liability for or the amount of the collection
l Not withhold payment because the Member or VisaNet Processor disputes its liability for the
payment
Visa is both:
l Liable only for the amount improperly collected plus interest at the prime rate in effect at the
Settlement Bank used by Visa
l Not liable for collections made in error, except for intentional misconduct

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10.2.2 Member Requirements Related to Third Party Agents
10.2.2.1 Member Risk Management and Approval for Third Party Agents
Before contracting with a Third Party Agent, a senior officer of a Member must review all
documentation. The Member must do all of the following:
l Determine that the entity is financially responsible and adheres to sound business practices
l Comply with the Third Party Agent Registration Program
l Conduct a background investigation to verify the responsibility (including, where appropriate,
financial responsibility) of the principals and ensure that no significant derogatory information
exists. If applicable laws or regulations prohibit checks (including financial reviews) on
individuals, the Member must note this when registering the Third Party Agent and note what
other due diligence procedures were undertaken to ensure that due diligence was completed.
l Review the Program Request Management application or the appropriate regional form each
time it signs a Third Party Agent
Approval of a Third Party Agent must not be based solely on any purported limitation of the
Member’s financial liability in any agreement with the Third Party Agent.
Registration of a Third Party Agent does not represent confirmation by Visa of the Third Party
Agent’s compliance with any specific requirement.
10.2.2.2 Third Party Agent Contract Requirements

A Member must execute a written contract with each Third Party Agent that performs Cardholder or
Merchant solicitation or stores, processes, or transmits Cardholder or Transaction data on behalf of
the Member. The contract, to the extent permitted by applicable laws or regulations, must comply
with all of the following:
l Include minimum standards established by Visa, including, but not limited to:
– Policies
– Procedures
– Service levels
– Performance standards

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l Include language that:

– Permits Visa to conduct financial and procedural audits and general reviews at any time
– Requires the Third Party Agent to make Cardholder and Merchant information available to Visa
and regulatory agencies
– Contains a notice of termination clause
– Permits Visa to determine the necessity of, and impose risk conditions on, the Third Party
Agent
l Require that the Third Party Agent comply with:
– The Visa Rules
– Applicable laws or regulations
l Be executed by a senior officer of the Member
l Contain at least the substance of the provisions specified in Section 10.2.2, Member Requirements
Related to Third Party Agents
l Require that the Third Party Agent comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
(PCI DSS)
l Include a provision allowing the Member or its Merchant to terminate the contract if the Third
Party Agent participates in any of the activities described in Section 10.2.2.12, Prohibition of Third
Party Agents from Providing Services, or the Member or its Merchant becomes insolvent
10.2.2.3 Third Party Agent On-Site Inspection

Before registering a Third Party Agent, a Member must perform an on-site inspection of the Third
Party Agent’s business location as part of the due diligence requirement to:
l Verify inventory, if applicable
l Review solicitation or sales materials
l Inspect operational controls
l Monitor security standards regarding unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, Visa Transaction
Information and other payment systems’ transaction information
Visa may conduct an on-site inspection of any Third Party Agent to validate its compliance with the
applicable security requirements.

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10.2.2.4 Member and Third Party Agent Compliance with Due Diligence Standards
Before registering a Third Party Agent, a Member must complete and validate compliance with the
applicable regional due diligence standards that are through the Program Request Management
application or from Visa. Upon Visa request, a Member may be required to provide documentation
to confirm compliance with regional due diligence standards.
A Member with a registered Third Party Agent must perform an annual review of the Third Party
Agent to confirm ongoing compliance with applicable regional due diligence standards.
10.2.2.5 Third Party Agent Change Notification

A Member must use the Program Request Management application or the appropriate form to
notify Visa of any change in a Third Party Agent’s principals or business relationship (including
change of ownership or termination of contract). The Member must submit the notice to Visa
within 5 business days of the change or knowledge of the change.
The Member must forward to Visa requests for correction.
10.2.2.6 Member Requirements for Third Party Agents

A Member that uses a Third Party Agent must do all of the following:
l Identify the Third Party Agent to Visa using the Program Request Management application and
designate the activities that it is authorized to perform on the Member’s, or the Member’s
Merchant’s, behalf
l Control the approval and review of Merchants, approval of Cardholder applications, and
establishment of Merchant fees for Transactions
l Guarantee that it and the Third Party Agent will comply with Third Party Agent requirements and
Section 10.3, Account and Transaction Information Security
l Ensure that the Third Party Agent has access to and uses the information contained in the Client
Service Provider Directory, if the Member uses the Third Party Agent for processing any of the
following:
– Disputes
– Arbitration cases
– Compliance cases

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– Authorizations
– Fraud reporting cases
– Settlement
l Advise the Third Party Agent that:
– It must not represent registration in the Third Party Registration Program as Visa endorsement
of its services
– Registration of a Third Party Agent is specific to each Member, and a separate Third Party
Agent registration is required for each Member business relationship
l Accept responsibility for any and all losses caused by its Third Party Agent1
l After discontinuing a Third Party Agent relationship, maintain a file on the Third Party Agent that
includes records of all applicable due diligence and retain this file, with the reason for
discontinuance, for a minimum of 2 years
l Upon Visa request submit a detailed quarterly report, signed by an authorized officer, of the
activities and services of each Third Party Agent doing business on its behalf. Visa may assess a
non-compliance assessment if the Member fails to provide this information within 30 calendar
days from the end of each quarter.
1
In the Europe Region: A Member must include this provision in its agreement with the Third Party Agent.
10.2.2.7 High-Risk Agent Registration

An Acquirer that signs an Agent to solicit High-Brand Risk Merchants must register that Agent as
high-risk with Visa.
10.2.2.8 Member Responsibilities for Card Activities

A Member is responsible for all Card activities associated with Visa products and services, whether
performed directly or indirectly by the Member or a Third Party Agent. The Member must, at a
minimum, guarantee that:
l Its Merchants are paid for proper acceptance of a Card
l Payments received from Cardholders are applied for the purpose for which they were remitted
These obligations must not be waived, abrogated, or superseded in any manner.

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10.2.2.9 Third Party Agent Responsibility to Provide Cardholder or Merchant

Information
If a Member, Visa or its designees, or any regulatory agency requests Cardholder or Merchant
information of any type, a Third Party Agent must provide the information in writing no later than 7
business days from receipt of a request. If applicable laws or regulations prohibit the provision of
the information, the Third Party Agent must note the exception when the original request is
submitted.
10.2.2.10 Requirements for Third Party Agent Solicitation and Marketing Materials
A Member must approve a Third Party Agent’s use of any solicitation materials, such as
advertisements, stationery, business cards, sales brochures, and website and/or application
promotional content.
The Member must ensure all of the following if its Third Party Agent uses solicitation and
marketing materials displaying the Visa-Owned Marks:
l The Member’s name and headquarters city are prominently identified adjacent to the Visa-
Owned Marks.
l Any subsequent Cardholder or Merchant Agreement is between the Member and the individual
Cardholder or Merchant.
l On Cardholder solicitation materials, the Member, not the Third Party Agent, is noted as the
Issuer of the Card.
l The material does not identify the Third Party Agent, unless the Third Party Agent is prominently
identified as a representative of the Member.
l The Third Party Agent presents itself to all current and prospective Cardholders and Merchants
under the Trade Name or “doing business as” (DBA) name registered with the Member.
l The Third Party Agent does not use a Visa-Owned Mark on marketing materials, such as business
cards and letterhead on stationery.

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10.2.2.11 Disclosure of Account or Visa Transaction Information

A Member must ensure that a Third Party Agent with access to account or Visa Transaction
Information complies with Visa Transaction Information security requirements, as specified in
Section 10.3, Account and Transaction Information Security
In the event of the failure, including bankruptcy, insolvency, or other suspension of business
operations of one of a Member’s Third Party Agents, the Member must ensure that the Third Party
Agent does not sell, transfer, or disclose any materials that contain Account Numbers, personal
information, or other Visa Transaction Information to any other entity. The Member must ensure
that its Third Party Agent either:
l Returns this information to the Member
l Provides to the Member acceptable proof of secure destruction of this information
10.2.2.12 Prohibition of Third Party Agents from Providing Services

Visa may permanently prohibit a Third Party Agent and its principals from providing services with
respect to Visa products for good cause, such as:
l Fraudulent activity
l Activity that causes the Member to repeatedly violate the Visa Rules
l Operating in an unsound, unsafe manner
l Any other activities that may result in undue economic hardship or damage to the goodwill of
the Visa system, if the Third Party Agent fails to take corrective action
10.2.2.13 Third Party Agent Operational Review – US Region

In the US Region: An Acquirer that does not meet the capital requirements specified in Section
5.3.1.3, Acquirer Requirements for Contracting with Payment Facilitators, must undergo a Global
Acquirer Risk Standards operational review before approval of its first Third Party Agent
registration for soliciting Merchants. The cost of the operational review is the responsibility of the
Acquirer.

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10.2.2.14 Competitors as Agents – US Region

In the US Region: A Member must not appoint or permit as its Agent for Cardholder or Merchant
solicitation any organization, or its respective subsidiaries or affiliates, that Visa deems to be a
competitor, including:
10.2.2.15 Agent Prohibitions Related to Visa-Owned Marks – US Region

In the US Region: An Agent of a Member must not:
l Permit the use of any Visa-Owned Mark by any of its own agents
l Use any Visa-Owned Mark on any marketing material, including business cards and letterhead on
stationery
10.2.3 Member Requirements Related to Third Parties – Europe Region
10.2.3.1 Third Party Contract Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Member must include a provision in its contracts with a third party that
performs services relating to Visa products and services that specifies that the third party must not:
l Misrepresent itself as being a Member
l Present itself to prospective Cardholders or Merchants under any trade name other than that
registered with Visa
10.2.4 Independent Sales Organizations – Europe Region
10.2.4.1 Requirements for Use of Independent Sales Organizations – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Member that contracts with an Independent Sales Organization must both:

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l Ensure that the contract is limited to a maximum of 3 years. The Member may renew the contract.
l Not allow the Independent Sales Organization to perform any of the following functions:
– Clearing and Settlement of Transactions
– Payment to, or crediting of, Merchant accounts
– Merchant or Cardholder account underwriting, activation, or charge-offs
– Risk management, including Transaction monitoring
– Approval and review of Merchants
– Approval of Cardholder applications
– Establishment of Merchant fees for Transactions
10.3 Account and Transaction Information Security
10.3.1 Account, Cardholder, and Transaction Information Security
10.3.1.1 Requirement to Investigate Suspected or Confirmed Loss, Theft,

Compromise, Fraud, or Laundering
A Member must comply with What To Do If Compromised1 and conduct a thorough investigation of
suspected or confirmed:
l Loss, theft, or compromise of Visa account or Cardholder information
l Loss, theft, or compromise of Visa account or Cardholder information by one of its agents or
Merchants
l Fraud and/or laundering of a Transaction
After completing the investigation, the Member must demonstrate its ability to prevent future loss,
theft, or compromise of Visa account or Cardholder information, as specified in the Account
Information Security Program and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
If Visa requires a Member or its agent to conduct an additional investigation, the Member or its
agent must:
l Provide access to the premises involved in the investigation
l Provide Visa and its agent access to all applicable records, including, but not limited to, the
following:

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– Computer forensic reports

– Network diagrams
– Systems connected directly or indirectly to VisaNet or used to transmit, process, or store
account data
l Engage a forensic investigator approved by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards
Council. If the Member or its agent fails to do so, Visa may engage an investigator to perform a
forensic investigation and will assess all investigative costs to the Member.
1
In the Europe Region: What To Do If Compromised: Visa Europe Data Compromise Procedures
10.3.1.2 Member Reporting of Loss or Theft of Information

As specified in What To Do If Compromised,1 a Member must immediately report to Visa by
telephone, fax, or email the suspected or confirmed:
l Loss, theft, or compromise of Visa account or Cardholder information2
l Loss, theft, or compromise of Visa account or Cardholder information by one of its agents or
Merchants2
l Fraud and/or laundering of a Transaction
The report must contain, to the extent possible:
l Member and Merchant or agent name
l Format, number, and range of account information missing or compromised
l Specific Account Numbers missing or compromised
l Type or data elements of account information on missing material (for example: Track 1 data,
Track 2 data, CVV2, Cardholder name, Cardholder address)
l Pertinent details about the loss, theft, or compromise and ensuing investigation
l Contact name and telephone number for additional information
l Name and telephone number of person reporting the loss or theft
1
In the Europe Region: What To Do If Compromised: Visa Europe Data Compromise Procedures
2
In the US Region: May be reported on behalf of a Member by its agent or by a Merchant or its agent

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10.3.1.3 Account Information Security Program Assessment – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Acquirer that falls significantly below the performance expected by
Visa may be required to undergo a formal Account Information Security Program assessment
and reimburse any Visa-incurred expenses.
In the Europe Region: Visa may, at its discretion, require an Acquirer to undergo a formal
Account Information Security Program assessment to validate compliance with the program,
including Merchant- and Agent-reported Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI
DSS) compliance levels. The Acquirer will be responsible for the reimbursement of any Visa-
incurred expenses.
10.3.1.4 Member Cooperation to Protect Against Data Compromise – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Member must cooperate with Visa to protect the Visa system and
Members against data compromises of account information and Transaction Information. A
Member that fails to do so may be subject to a non-compliance assessment of EUR 100,000.
Lack of Member cooperation is classified as:
l Failure to immediately disclose a suspected compromise to Visa
l Failure to distribute at-risk Account Numbers to Visa within 7 calendar days of notification of a
suspected compromise
l Failure to notify law enforcement that a crime may have been committed
l Failure to engage, in writing, a PCI Forensic Investigation (PFI) within 10 business days of
Notification of a suspected compromise
l Failure of a Member or Group Member to distribute to Visa all Transaction data processed
during the window of exposure on a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier by the Member or Group
Member (or by an at-risk entity on their behalf) within 15 calendar days of a Visa request
l Failure to identify at-risk Account Numbers
l Any other aspect regarding a Member’s management of data compromises or that Visa deems to
have an adverse impact on the Visa system
l Such Transaction data must be distributed to Visa irrespective of which entity processed this
data.

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l The at-risk entity and the window of exposure on a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier are defined by
Visa on a case-by-case basis.
10.3.1.5 Compromise at Member’s Contractors or Agents – US Region

In the US Region: A Member must implement policies and procedures requiring its contractors or
Agents to notify the Member if the contractor or Agent experiences a security breach or reasonably
believes that Cardholder information was compromised as a result of that breach.
10.3.1.6 Security Standards for Materials Containing Account Information – US

Region
In the US Region: An Issuer must ensure that both a fulfillment vendor or prepaid storage facility
that is used to consolidate materials containing account information before delivering them to the
United States Postal Service or overnight courier comply with the Visa Global Physical Security
Validation Requirements for Data Preparation, Encryption Support and Fulfillment Card Vendors.
10.3.2 Confidential Consumer Cardholder Information
10.3.2.1 Visa Safeguards for Confidential Consumer Cardholder Information – US

Region
In the US Region: Visa and its subsidiaries will restrict access to Confidential Consumer Cardholder
Information to those employees that Visa or its subsidiaries has determined need to know that
information to provide products and services to Members.
Visa and its subsidiaries will maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that are
designed to:
l Maintain the security and confidentiality of Confidential Consumer Cardholder Information
l Protect against anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of Confidential
Consumer Cardholder Information
l Prevent unauthorized access to, or use of, such Confidential Consumer Cardholder Information
that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to Consumer Cardholders

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Visa will notify a Member in the event that Visa reasonably believes that Confidential Consumer
Cardholder Information about a Member’s customer has been compromised due to a breach of
security.
10.3.2.2 Destruction of Confidential Consumer Cardholder Information – US Region

In the US Region: Visa and its subsidiaries will use reasonable measures designed to ensure that all
Confidential Consumer Cardholder Information is erased or destroyed, in accordance with
regulatory guidelines, so as to render the information unreadable.
A Member must implement policies and procedures designed to ensure timely disposal or
destruction of Confidential Consumer Cardholder Information, in accordance with regulatory
guidelines, in a manner that makes the information unreadable.
10.3.3 Data Protection – Europe Region
10.3.3.1 Data Protection Provisions – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Depending on the service and as specified in the Data Framework for Visa
Services – Europe Region, a Member must understand and accept that it is either:
l Both:
– A data controller, as specified by European Data Protection legislation, with regard to all or
certain Personal Data that the Member and/or Visa collects from Cardholders and Merchants
with Visa and its subcontractors being the data processor
– Primarily responsible for fulfilling all data protection responsibilities toward Cardholders and
Merchants with whom it has a direct relationship
l Both:
– A joint data controller together with Visa, as specified by European Data Protection legislation,
with regard to all or certain Personal Data that the Member and/or Visa collects from
Cardholders and Merchants with Visa and its subcontractors being the joint data controller
– Jointly responsible with Visa for fulfilling all data protection responsibilities toward
Cardholders and Merchants

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10.3.3.2 Data Protection Provisions – Member Responsibility as Sole Data Controller

– Europe Region
In the Europe Region: If a Member is the sole data controller in respect of a service as specified in
the Data Framework for Visa Services – Europe Region, it must do all of the following:
l Ensure that it complies fully with all applicable data protection laws with regard to Personal Data
that it collects, stores, transfers, or otherwise processes
l Ensure that it has appropriate safeguards (such as binding corporate rules or standard contractual
clauses) or any mechanism that is deemed legally adequate for making any data transfers outside
l Provide appropriate prior information to the Cardholder or Merchant about the intended
processing of Personal Data by the Member and Visa
l Provide accurate data regarding its Cardholders to Visa, including informing Visa when
Cardholder Personal Data must be corrected, updated, or deleted
l Respond promptly to a Cardholder or Merchant that contacts the Member seeking to exercise
data protection rights and inform Visa of the response
l Adopt appropriate technical and organizational security measures for the storage and processing
of such Personal Data, as more particularly specified in the relevant service description
l Ensure that Visa is permitted to transfer data outside the EEA and execute any required legal
documentation on behalf of the data controller to adduce adequacy for the data transfer
l Work with the Cardholder or Merchant to resolve any dispute regarding Personal Data and
inform Visa of the resolution
l Ensure that all staff are appropriately trained in line with their responsibilities under applicable
data protection law
In addition, where the Member is located within the EEA and/or issues a Card to a Cardholder
located within the EEA, it must, as sole data controller, do all of the following:
l Ensure that it is has a lawful basis for the processing of any Personal Data, including processing of
any Personal Data by Visa
l Provide consent for Visa to engage sub-processors, including sub-processors located outside the
EEA
l Notify Visa, following contact from any given regulatory authority in relation to data processed
by Visa, unless applicable law prohibits such notification
l Determine a clear process for reporting and responding to Personal Data breaches and, in the
event of a breach, notify the regulatory authority and data subjects where applicable

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10.3.3.3 Data Protection Provisions – Member and Visa Responsibilities as Joint Data
Controllers – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: If a Member and Visa are joint data controllers in respect of a service, as
specified in the Data Framework for Visa Services – Europe Region, each must do all of the following:
l Ensure that it complies fully with all applicable data protection laws with regard to Personal Data
that it collects, stores, transfers, or otherwise processes
l Ensure that it has appropriate safeguards (such as binding corporate rules or standard contractual
clauses) or any mechanism that is deemed legally adequate for making any data transfers outside
l Adopt appropriate technical and organizational security measures for the storage and processing
of such Personal Data, as more particularly specified in the relevant service description
l Ensure that all staff are appropriately trained in line with their responsibilities
– Cooperate in response to any requests from a data protection authority
– Respond promptly to a data subject that contacts Visa or the Member (as the case may be)
seeking to exercise data subject rights and inform Visa or the Member (as the case may be) of
the response
– Assist Visa or the Member (as the case may be) in respect of responses to data subject
requests
– Work with the data subjects to resolve any issues regarding the processing of their Personal
Data and inform Visa or the Member (as the case may be) of the response
A Member must both:
l Provide appropriate fair processing information to the data subjects about all of the intended
processing of Personal Data by the Member and Visa
l Provide accurate data regarding its Cardholders to Visa, including promptly informing Visa when
Cardholder Personal Data must be corrected, updated, or deleted
In addition, where a Member is located within the EEA and/or issues a Card to a Cardholder within
the EEA, it must, as joint data controller, both:
l Appoint a contact point for all subject access requests and clearly communicate such details to
data subjects

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l Determine a clear process for reporting and responding to personal data breaches and, in the
event of personal data breach, notify the regulatory authority and data subjects where applicable,
after consultation with Visa
10.3.3.4 Data Protection Provisions – Visa Responsibility as Data Processor – Europe

Region
Visa will comply fully with all applicable European data protection laws in regard to the Personal
Data it, or its sub-processor, stores and processes on behalf of its Members, as follows:
l Update the Personal Data of a Cardholder or Merchant when notified of such corrections or
updates by a Member or Cardholder
l Assist a Member, where appropriate, with both technical and organizational support, to respond
to a Cardholder or Merchant seeking to exercise data protection rights
l Respond to a Cardholder or Merchant that contacts Visa seeking to exercise data protection
rights
l Delete, or, where applicable, return, any Personal Data at the end of the relevant retention period
l Adopt appropriate technical and organizational security measures, in line with associated risks
and considering applicable costs, for the storage and processing of such Personal Data as
disclosed by Members, as more particularly specified in the relevant service description
l Work with a Member, Cardholder, or Merchant to resolve disputes raised to Visa regarding the
processing of Personal Data
l To the extent that it is Visa’s responsibility to do so, ensure that all transfers of Personal Data
outside the European Economic Area (EEA) are on the basis of either:
– An adequacy decision by the European Commission
– Appropriate or suitable safeguards as required by applicable laws or regulations
Where Visa acts as a data processor, Visa will, for a Member that is located within the EEA and/or
issues a Card to a Cardholder within the EEA, do all of the following:
l Include the subject matter, duration, and purpose of the processing, including the type of
Personal Data involved and the categories of data subject, as specified in Data Framework for
Visa Services – Europe Region
l Only process data on the instructions of the Member, unless otherwise required by European Law
or Member State law. Where such processing takes place, Visa will notify the Member before
undertaking such processing, unless applicable law prohibits such notification.

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l Ensure that only authorized individuals under appropriate confidentiality terms have access to
Personal Data
l Maintain technical and organizational measures to avoid unauthorized or unlawful processing of
Personal Data and loss, destruction of, or damage to Personal Data. Such measures will be in line
with associated risks and consider applicable costs.
l Ensure that, where Visa engages a sub-processor, the Member is notified of that engagement. All
Visa obligations set out in this section will be passed onto that sub-processor. Visa will conduct a
risk assessment and due diligence on that sub-processor. Visa will also give a Member a
reasonable timeframe to object to the engagement of that sub-processor and the Member
agrees and hereby consents for Visa to engage the relevant sub-processor where the Member
fails to raise objections within the applicable timeframe. If the Member objects to the
engagement of a sub-processor within the applicable timeframe, Visa may choose one of the
following:
– Decide not to use the sub-processor for that processing activity
– Take the corrective steps requested by the Member in its objection (which remove the
Member’s objection) and proceed to use the sub-processor
– Suspend or terminate the provision of the services that require use of the sub-processor
l Assist the Member in meeting any regulatory obligations in relation to data security, notification
of personal data breaches, and data protection impact assessments
l Not disclose Personal Data without a Member’s consent unless requested or authorized by that
Member or required by European Union or Member State law. If required by law, Visa will
consult with the Member to limit such disclosure.
l Provide the Member with all information necessary to demonstrate compliance with Article 28 of
the General Data Protection Regulations
l Establish that a Member may conduct an audit on Visa in order to verify Visa’s compliance with
Visa’s obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation and Visa’s requirements as a data
processor under the Visa Rules in relation to services that Visa provides to the Member, provided
that:
– The Member gives Visa reasonable notice in advance of any audit (where permitted by law).
– The audit is carried out in a manner that causes the minimum possible disruption to Visa’s
business (including with respect to the length of the audit, the number and seniority of Visa
personnel required to assist with the audit).
– The Member and its third party auditor are subject to applicable Visa policies and
confidentiality obligations.

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– The Member shall not be entitled to access records of any nature relating to any other
Member.
l Notify the Member, without undue delay, of any Personal Data breach
l Notify the Member if, in Visa’s opinion, a processing instruction from that Member infringes any
applicable data protection regulation. In such an event, Visa will cease any processing activity in
relation to that instruction
l Notify the relevant Member promptly if Visa is contacted by any given regulatory body, in
relation to the processing of Personal Data. Visa will work with that Member in response to the
regulatory body
l Notify the relevant Member promptly if Visa is contacted by any given data subject, in relation to
the processing of Personal Data. Visa will assist that Member in response to the data subject
10.3.3.5 Data Protection Provisions – Member Provision to Visa of Cardholder Data –

Europe Region
In the Europe Region: A Member must do all of the following:
l Warrant that, as applicable, the terms and conditions of its Cardholder agreements do and will
continue to permit Visa to conduct propensity modelling and to use such data to build and
market products and services to third parties
l Ensure that all fair processing notices have been given to a Cardholder (and/or, as applicable,
consents obtained from a Cardholder) and such notices are sufficient in scope to enable Visa to
process any Cardholder personal data as required and in accordance with applicable laws or
regulations, including ensuring that such fair processing notices comply with all other Cardholder
agreement requirements
l Indemnify Visa for and against Claims and Liabilities arising out of or in connection with a breach
of such warranty
10.3.3.6 Data Transfers out of the European Economic Area and Switzerland – Europe
Region
In the Europe Region: Transfers of Personal Data out of the European Economic Area (EEA) and
Switzerland, in connection with the services provided by Visa under the Data Framework for Visa
Services – Europe Region, to any country that has not been deemed as “adequate” by the relevant
data protection authority shall be governed by the Data Transfer Framework – Europe Region.

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10.4 Activity and Compliance Monitoring
10.4.1 Member Activity Monitoring Requirements
10.4.1.1 Acquirer Investigation of Merchant Outlet

An Acquirer must investigate a Merchant Outlet that appears on an exception report.
If the investigation reveals Merchant involvement in illegal or fraudulent activity, the Acquirer must
l Take appropriate legal action to minimize losses
l Cooperate with Issuers and law enforcement agencies
l Attempt to make the Merchant responsible for the Transaction
l Hold funds, if possible
l Initiate criminal and civil proceedings against the Merchant, if applicable
10.4.1.3 Acquirer Monitoring of Payment Facilitator and Sponsored Merchant

Activity
An Acquirer must comply with Merchant monitoring standards for each of its Payment Facilitators,
as specified in Section 10.4.7, High-Brand Risk Merchant Monitoring. A Sponsored Merchant that
exceeds Visa thresholds for excessive Disputes or Fraud Activity will be subject to monitoring
programs.
10.4.1.4 Merchant Activity Monitoring and Reporting Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Acquirer must do all of the following:
l Retain at least the following daily data and use it to determine “normal daily activity” over a
period of 30 days, beginning after each Merchant’s initial Deposit:

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– Gross sales volume

– Average Transaction amount
– Number of Transaction Receipts
– Average elapsed time between the Transaction Date of the Transaction Receipt and the
Settlement Date (counting each as one day)
– Number of Disputes
l Begin the daily monitoring of the Merchant’s activity processed on the 31st calendar day from
the first Deposit against the normal daily activity using an average of the data from the previous
30 days
l Compare current related data to the normal daily activity parameters at least daily
l At least weekly, review the Merchant’s normal daily activity, using the previous week’s activity
l At least monthly, adjust the Merchant’s normal daily activity, using the previous month’s activity
The Acquirer must generate an exception report on a daily basis and report to Visa within 2
business days if either:
l Any of the following exceeds 150% of normal daily activity:
– Number of daily Deposits
– Gross amount of daily Deposits
– Number of daily Disputes
l The average elapsed time between the Processing Date and either the Transaction Date or the
Settlement Date for a Transaction (counting each as one day) exceeds 15 calendar days
10.4.1.5 Merchant Deposit Monitoring – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Acquirer that has been identified by the Fraud Monitoring Programs
specified in Section 10.4.9.4, Cross-Border Fraud Monitoring Programs – Europe Region, must
implement daily monitoring and produce exception reports in order to reduce their losses. Failure
to implement effective monitoring may result in a non-compliance assessment of EUR 25,000 for
each month in which actions remain outstanding.
Exception reports must be generated according to the parameters specified in Table 10-1,
Merchant Deposit Monitoring Parameters – Europe Region where the respective defined thresholds
have been exceeded.

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In addition to daily monitoring, an Acquirer must employ adequate risk management resources to
control and monitor its Merchants, and undertake specific investigative actions to combat any
fraudulent activity.
A Merchant’s normal daily trading and activity pattern must be adjusted on a daily basis, using the
most recent activity and replacing the oldest data. Merchant trading averages must be calculated
using a 90-day rolling average.
Table 10-1: Merchant Deposit Monitoring Parameters – Europe Region
Parameter Exceeds By
An individual Transaction value The daily average Transaction % threshold defined by the
value for the individual Merchant Acquirer
Outlet
The total number of Transactions The normal daily average number % threshold defined by the
deposited daily of Transactions for the individual Acquirer
Merchant Outlet
The total value of Transactions The normal daily average value % threshold defined by the
deposited daily deposited for the individual Acquirer
Merchant Outlet
The number and value of A threshold defined by the N/A

Transactions processed on the Acquirer
same Cardholder account in one
or more Merchants
The number and value of A predetermined ratio or N/A

incoming Retrieval Requests and threshold defined by the Acquirer
Disputes processed
The daily total value of key- Exceeds the normal daily average % threshold defined by the
entered Transactions processed in total of key-entered Transactions Acquirer
a Merchant Outlet for the Merchant Outlet
The daily number of key-entered Exceeds the normal daily average % threshold defined by the
Transactions processed in a number of key-entered Acquirer
Merchant Outlet Transactions for the Merchant
Outlet
The percentage of Transactions The normal daily average number % threshold defined by the
processed below a Merchant’s of Transactions below the Acquirer

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Table 10-1: Merchant Deposit Monitoring Parameters – Europe Region (continued)
Parameter Exceeds By
Floor Limit Merchant’s Floor Limit
The total number and value of A threshold defined by the N/A

Transactions on the same BIN at Acquirer
the same Merchant Outlet on the
same day
The value of credits (refunds) The normal daily average value of A threshold defined by the
processed credits for the individual Merchant Acquirer
Outlet
The number of credits (refunds) The normal daily average number A threshold defined by the
processed of credits for the individual Acquirer
Merchant Outlet
A deposit is received from a N/A Within the last 3 months or by a

Merchant that has not processed time period specified by the
any Transaction activity in a Acquirer
specified period
A deposit is processed for a N/A N/A

Merchant after the Merchant
Agreement was terminated
If Visa determines that:

l The parameters defined in Table 10-1, Merchant Deposit Monitoring Parameters – Europe Region
do not allow sufficient detection of fraud, then Visa may, at its discretion, vary or impose new
parameters to identify changing fraud patterns
l The thresholds defined by the Acquirer do not allow sufficient detection of fraud, then Visa may,
at its discretion, impose a threshold value on the Acquirer
10.4.1.6 Acquirer Provision of Fraud Advice Reports – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Acquirer must provide its Merchant with fraud advice reports upon
Merchant request.

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10.4.1.7 Merchant Exception Reports – US Region

In the US Region: Beginning with Merchant Outlet Deposit activity processed on the 31st calendar
day from the first Deposit, an Acquirer must generate unusual activity reports if either of the
following occurs:
l Current weekly gross sales volume equals or exceeds USD 5,000 and any of the following meets
or exceeds 150% of normal weekly activity:
– Number of weekly Transaction Deposits
– Gross amount of weekly Deposits
– Number of weekly Disputes
l Average elapsed time between the Transaction Date and the Acquirer’s Processing Date for a
Transaction (counting each as one day) exceeds 15 calendar days
10.4.2 Monitoring of Visa Compliance
10.4.2.1 Member Monitoring of Visa Compliance – US Region

In the US Region: Visa and its subsidiaries will adopt policies and procedures and provide
Members with appropriate reviews and reports to enable Members to monitor the compliance of
Visa and its subsidiaries with these commitments.
10.4.3 Dispute Monitoring
10.4.3.1 Visa Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP)

Visa monitors Merchant Outlets that generate an excessive level of Disputes through the Visa
Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP).
Visa will identify a Merchant Outlet under the VDMP standard program if it meets or exceeds both
of the following monthly standard program thresholds:

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l 100 Dispute count

l Effective through 30 September 2019 1% ratio of Disputes-to-sales Transaction count
Effective 1 October 2019 0.9% ratio of Disputes-to-sales Transaction count
Visa will monitor a Merchant Outlet identified in the VDMP under the high-risk program for any of
the following reasons:
l The Merchant exceeds the standard program thresholds and is categorized or should be
categorized by a high-brand risk MCC, as specified in Section 10.4.6.1, High-Brand Risk MCCs.
l For Merchants that are not and should not be categorized by a high-brand risk MCC, the
Merchant meets or exceeds the VDMP monthly excessive Dispute threshold of both:
– 1,000 Dispute count
– Effective through 30 September 2019 2% of Disputes-to-sales Transaction count
Effective 1 October 2019 1.8% of Disputes-to-sales Transaction count
l Visa determines that the Merchant caused undue harm to the goodwill of the Visa payment
system.
l The Merchant’s Acquirer is subject to risk reduction measures, as specified in Section 1.10.1.2,
Member Risk Reduction Requirements, for poor Merchant management practices.
Visa may modify or create new monthly VDMP performance levels.
Monitoring includes all Dispute conditions except Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring
Program.
Except for certain markets,1 only International Transactions are included in VDMP monitoring.
A Merchant that is moved from the VDMP standard program to the VDMP high-risk program
because it exceeded the excessive Dispute threshold will continue to be monitored under the
VDMP high-risk program until the Merchant exits the VDMP.
A Merchant that is monitored in the VDMP high-risk program because it exceeded the excessive
Dispute threshold will not be moved to the VDMP standard program, regardless of whether its
performance drops below the monthly excessive Dispute threshold.
A Merchant that changes Acquirers and/or countries while identified in the VDMP will be assigned
the equivalent program status with the new Acquirer and/or country if the Merchant has not exited
the program.
Visa may require the Acquirer or its Merchant to deploy appropriate Dispute or fraud remediation
tools or technologies to address unusual activity in the individual cases identified through the
VDMP.

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A Merchant Outlet will exit the VDMP if it is below the program thresholds for 3 consecutive
months.
For VDMP compliance purposes, Visa will include only the first 10 Disputes per calendar month, for
each Account Number at each Merchant Outlet.
1
Program monitoring includes Domestic Transactions and International Transactions for all of the following: AP Region
(Australia), Canada Region, Europe Region (Germany, United Kingdom), LAC Region (Brazil), and US Region. Visa may
modify this list of markets.
10.4.3.2 Visa Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP) Timelines

An Acquirer must comply with Table 10-2, VDMP Standard Program Timeline, or Table 10-3, VDMP
High-Risk Program Timeline as applicable.
Visa may escalate a Merchant Outlet that causes undue harm to the Visa payment system to the
VDMP high-risk program timeline.
Table 10-2: VDMP Standard Program Timeline
Program Status Acquirer Actions
Program Month 1 l Within 10 calendar days of receipt of Notification that a Merchant Outlet
Notification has met or exceeded the thresholds, the Acquirer must do all of the
following:
– Notify the Merchant
– Review Merchant activity and research the cause of the excessive
Disputes
– Provide Visa with the specific information requested
Program Month 2 – 4 l Month 2: within 10 calendar days of date on the Notification, submit to Visa
Workout Period all of the following:
– Acceptable Dispute remediation plan
– Copy of Merchant application, if requested
– Copy of Merchant contract, if requested
l From month 2 onwards: implement a Dispute remediation plan
l From month 3 onwards: within 10 calendar days of the date on the
Notification, provide to Visa written updates to the Dispute remediation
plan

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Table 10-2: VDMP Standard Program Timeline (continued)
Program Month 5 – 11 l From month 5 onwards:

Enforcement Period – Fees are applicable
– Continue working with Merchant to ensure that the Dispute remediation
plan is fully implemented and is effectively reducing Disputes
– Adjust the Dispute remediation plan as required and provide updates to
Visa
l Month 8: provide Visa with written confirmation that the Merchant has
been notified that it may lose Visa acceptance privileges if it fails to reduce
its Disputes below the program thresholds by month 12
l From month 10 onwards: review fees are applicable
Program Month 12 l Non-compliance assessments and fees are applicable

Enforcement Period (and, l Review fees are applicable
in the Europe Region
subsequent months) l Merchant Outlet is eligible for disqualification
l Continue to implement and provide to Visa the reduction plan, adjusting it
as necessary to effectively reduce Disputes
Table 10-3: VDMP High-Risk Program Timeline

Enforcement Period l Review Merchant activity and determine the cause of the excessive Disputes
l Within 10 calendar days of receipt of Notification that a Merchant Outlet
has met or exceeded the thresholds, the Acquirer must both:
– Provide Visa with the specific information requested and an acceptable
Dispute remediation plan
Program Month 2 – 5 l Non-compliance assessments and fees are applicable

Enforcement Period l Work with Merchant to ensure that the Dispute remediation plan is fully
implemented and is effectively reducing Disputes
l Provide to Visa a written monthly status on the Acquirer’s progress to

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Table 10-3: VDMP High-Risk Program Timeline (continued)
reduce the Merchant’s Disputes
Program Month 6 – 11 l Non-compliance assessments and fees are applicable

Enforcement Period l Provide written monthly status to Visa on the Acquirer’s progress to reduce
the Merchant’s Disputes
l Month 6: provide Visa with a copy of the Acquirer’s notification to the
Merchant that excessive Disputes may lead to disqualification
l From month 7 and onwards: review fees are applicable

Enforcement Period (and, l Review fees are applicable
in the Europe Region,
subsequent months) l Merchant Outlet is eligible for disqualification
l Continue to implement and provide to Visa the reduction plan, adjusting it
as necessary to effectively reduce Disputes
10.4.3.3 Visa Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP) – Data Quality Compliance

If Visa determines that an Acquirer, its Third Party Agent, or its Merchant changed, modified, or
altered the Merchant name or Merchant data in any way to circumvent the Visa Dispute Monitoring
Program (VDMP), Visa may do either or both of the following:
l Assess a non-compliance assessment per Merchant Outlet per month to the Acquirer
l Permanently disqualify the Merchant and its principals from participating in the Visa Program
If an Acquirer submits Interchange for a single Merchant Outlet under multiple Merchant
descriptors or Merchant accounts, Visa may:
l Consolidate the individual Merchant descriptors or Merchant accounts for monitoring purposes
l Notify the Acquirer of the aggregation and any potential non-compliance assessments
l Apply the program thresholds to the consolidated Merchant Outlet performance
l Track and report the consolidated Merchant activity

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Visa may evaluate Payment Facilitator performance at the Sponsored Merchant level or by
aggregating all Interchange activity.
10.4.3.4 Merchant Dispute Activity Monitoring – AP, Canada, CEMEA, LAC, and US
Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: An Acquirer must
monitor the Dispute-to-Interchange volume ratio of its Merchant and identify a Merchant that
experiences all of the following activity levels during any month:
l 100 or more Interchange Transactions
l 100 or more Disputes
l A 1% or higher ratio of overall Dispute-to-Interchange volume
10.4.4 Acquirer Dispute and Fraud Monitoring
10.4.4.1 Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP)

Visa monitors Acquirers that generate an excessive level of Disputes or Fraud Activity through the
Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP). Visa will identify an Acquirer if it meets or exceeds any
of the following monthly thresholds for either excessive Disputes or Fraud Activity:
l Dispute Monitoring:
– 750 Dispute count
– Effective through 30 September 2019 1% ratio of Disputes-to-sales Transaction count
Effective 1 October 2019 0.75% ratio of Disputes-to-sales Transaction count
l Fraud Activity Monitoring:
– USD 500,000 fraud dollar amount
– Effective through 30 September 2019 1% ratio of fraud-dollar-to-sales-dollar amount
Effective 1 October 2019 0.75% ratio of fraud-dollar-to-sales Transaction count
l In the US Region: For domestic Visa Secure Fraud Activity Monitoring, both:
– USD 100,000 fraud dollar amount
– 0.75% ratio of fraud-dollar-to-sales-dollar amount
Visa may modify or create new monthly VAMP performance levels.

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Program monitoring includes all Disputes or Fraud Activity submitted by Issuers in the preceding
calendar month and all sales Transactions submitted by the Acquirer in the preceding calendar
month.
Except for certain markets,1 only International Transactions are included in VAMP monitoring.
Visa may require the Acquirer or its Merchant to deploy appropriate Dispute or fraud remediation
tools or technologies to address unusual activity in the individual cases identified through the
VAMP.
An Acquirer will exit the VAMP if it is below the program thresholds for 3 consecutive months.
Visa may impose conditions on an Acquirer that knowingly acts to circumvent monitoring.
For VAMP compliance purposes, Visa will do all of the following:
l Include only the first 10 Disputes per calendar month, for each Account Number at each
Merchant Outlet
l Include only the first 10 fraud Transactions reported to Visa per calendar month, for each
Account Number at each Merchant Outlet
l Exclude fraud type code 3 (fraudulent application)
1
Program monitoring includes Domestic Transactions and International Transactions for all the following: AP Region
(Australia), Canada Region, Europe Region (Germany, United Kingdom), LAC Region (Brazil), US Region. Visa may modify
this list of markets.
10.4.4.2 Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) Timeline

An Acquirer that is identified in the Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) by exceeding VAMP
thresholds must comply with Table 10-4, VAMP Timeline.
Table 10-4: VAMP Timeline
Month 1 l Non-compliance assessments apply

Enforcement Period l Review portfolio activity and determine the cause of the excessive Disputes
or Fraud Activity
l Within 10 calendar days of the date on the Notification, submit to Visa both:
– Acceptable Dispute/Fraud Activity remediation plan
– Any documentation requested by Visa

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Table 10-4: VAMP Timeline (continued)
Month 2 – 11 l Non-compliance assessments apply

Enforcement Period l Implement a Dispute/Fraud Activity remediation plan
l Provide to Visa a written monthly status on the Acquirer’s progress to
reduce the portfolio’s Dispute/Fraud Activity

Enforcement Period (and, l Continue to Implement and submit to Visa remediation plans to bring
in the Europe Region, performance to within acceptable levels, as defined by the program
subsequent months) thresholds
l Visa may disqualify the Acquirer
l If received from Visa, communicate any pending terminations to the
Merchant(s) /Third Party Agent(s)
l Provide to Visa a final, written recap of portfolio’s performance and
Dispute/Fraud Activity remediation initiatives
10.4.5 Merchant Fraud Monitoring
10.4.5.1 Visa Fraud Monitoring Program (VFMP)

Visa monitors Merchant Outlets that generate an excessive level of fraud through the Visa Fraud
Monitoring Program (VFMP).
Visa will identify a Merchant Outlet under the VFMP standard program if it meets or exceeds any of
the following monthly program thresholds:
l Both:
– USD 75,000 fraud amount
– Effective through 30 September 2019 1% fraud-dollar-to-sales-dollar ratio
Effective 1 October 2019 0.9% fraud-dollar-to-sales-dollar ratio
l Effective through 31 October 2020 In the US Region: For domestic counterfeit Automated Fuel
Dispenser Transactions, both:

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– USD 10,000 in US Issuer-reported counterfeit fraud in the previous calendar month

– 0.20% counterfeit fraud-dollar-to-sales-dollar ratio in the previous calendar month
l In the US Region: For domestic Visa Secure Transactions, both:
– USD 7,500 in US Issuer-reported fraud in the previous calendar month
– 0.75% fraud-dollar-to-sales-dollar ratio in the previous calendar month
Visa will monitor a Merchant Outlet identified in the VFMP under the high-risk program for any of
l The Merchant is categorized, or should be categorized, by a high-brand risk MCC, as specified in
Section 10.4.6.1, High-Brand Risk MCCs.
l For Merchants that are not and should not be categorized by a high-brand risk MCC, the
Merchant meets or exceeds the VFMP monthly excessive fraud threshold of either:
– Both
▪ USD 250,000 fraud amount
▪ Effective through 30 September 2019 2% fraud-dollar-to-sales-dollar ratio
Effective 1 October 2019 1.8% fraud-dollar-to-sales-dollar ratio
– Effective through 31 October 2020 In the US Region: For domestic counterfeit Automated
Fuel Dispenser Transactions, both:
▪ USD 10,000 in Issuer-reported domestic counterfeit fraud in the previous calendar month
▪ 2% counterfeit fraud-dollar-to-sales-dollar ratio in the previous calendar month
l Visa determines that the Merchant caused undue harm to the goodwill of the Visa payment
system.
l The Merchant’s Acquirer is subject to risk reduction measures, as specified in Section 1.10.1.2,
Member Risk Reduction Requirements, for poor Merchant management practices.
Visa may modify or create new VFMP monthly performance levels.
Except for certain markets,1 only International Transactions are included in VFMP monitoring.
A Merchant that is moved from the VFMP standard program to the VFMP high-risk program
because it exceeded the excessive fraud threshold will continue to be monitored under the VFMP
high-risk program until the Merchant exits the VFMP.
A Merchant that is monitored in the VFMP high-risk program because it exceeded the excessive
fraud threshold will not be moved to the VFMP standard program, regardless of whether its
performance drops below the monthly excessive fraud threshold.

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A Merchant that changes Acquirers and/or countries while identified in the VFMP will be assigned
the equivalent program status with the new Acquirer and/or country if the Merchant has not exited
the program.
Visa may require the Acquirer or its Merchant to deploy appropriate fraud remediation tools or
technologies to address unusual activity in the individual cases identified through the VFMP.
A Merchant Outlet will exit the VFMP if it is below the program thresholds for 3 consecutive
months.
For VFMP compliance purposes Visa will both:
l Include only the first 10 fraud Transactions reported to Visa per calendar month, for each
Account Number at each Merchant Outlet
l Exclude fraud type code 3 (fraudulent application)
In the Europe Region: If a Merchant has met or exceeded specified fraud performance thresholds,
the Acquirer must work with the Merchant until the Merchant’s fraud levels fall below the fraud
performance thresholds.
1
Program monitoring includes Domestic Transactions and International Transactions for all the following: AP Region
(Australia), Canada Region, Europe Region (Germany, United Kingdom), LAC Region (Brazil), and US Region. Visa may
modify this list of markets.
10.4.5.2 Visa Fraud Monitoring Program (VFMP) Timelines

An Acquirer must comply with Table 10-5, VFMP Standard Program Timeline and Table 10-6, VFMP
High-Risk Program Timeline, as applicable.
Visa may escalate a Merchant Outlet that causes undue harm to the Visa payment system to the
VFMP high-risk program timeline.
Table 10-5: VFMP Standard Program Timeline
Program Acquirer Actions Visa Secure Participant Acquirer Actions

Status – US Region
Program l Within 10 calendar days of receipt of l Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud
Month 1 – Notification that a Merchant Outlet has Monitoring Program liability is
Notification met or exceeded the thresholds, the applicable to all Visa Secure fraud
Acquirer must both: Transactions associated with the
current Merchant identification
l Within 10 calendar days of receipt of
– Provide Visa with the specific information

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Table 10-5: VFMP Standard Program Timeline (continued)

requested Notification that a Merchant Outlet

has met or exceeded the thresholds,
l Review Merchant activity and research the
an Acquirer must do all of the
cause of the excessive fraud
following:
– Review Merchant activity and
research the cause of the excessive
fraud
– Provide Visa with the specific
information requested and an
acceptable fraud remediation plan
that includes implementation of
standard e-Commerce risk
management tools
Program l Month 2: submit all of the following to Visa l Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud
Month 2 – 4 – within 10 calendar days of date on the Monitoring Program liability is
Workout Notification: applicable to all Visa Secure fraud
Period Transactions associated with the
– Acceptable fraud remediation plan
– Copy of Merchant application, if
l Work with Merchant to ensure that
requested
the fraud remediation plan is fully
– Copy of Merchant contract, if requested implemented and is effectively
l From month 2 onwards: implement a fraud reducing fraud
remediation plan l Provide written monthly status to Visa
l From month 3 onwards: provide written on the Acquirer’s progress to reduce
updates to the fraud remediation plan the Merchant’s fraud
within 10 calendar days of the date on the
Notification
Program l From month 5 onwards: l Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud

Month 5 – 11 – Monitoring Program liability is
– Continue working with the Merchant to
Enforcement applicable to all Visa Secure fraud
ensure that the fraud remediation plan is
Period Transactions associated with the
fully implemented and is effectively
reducing fraud

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Table 10-5: VFMP Standard Program Timeline (continued)

– Adjust the fraud remediation plan as l Provide written monthly status to Visa
required and provide updates to Visa on Acquirer’s progress to reduce the
Merchant’s fraud
– Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud
Monitoring Program liability is applicable l Month 6: provide Visa with a copy of
to the fraud Transactions associated the Acquirer’s notification to the
with the current Merchant identification Merchant that excessive fraud may
lead to disqualification
l Month 8: provide Visa with written
confirmation that the Merchant has been
notified that it may lose Visa acceptance
privileges if it fails to reduce its fraud below
the program thresholds by month 12
Program l Merchant Outlet is eligible for l Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud
Month 12 – disqualification Monitoring Program liability is
applicable to all Visa Secure fraud
l Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud
Transactions associated with the
Enforcement Monitoring Program liability is applicable to
Period (and, in the fraud Transactions associated with the
the Europe current Merchant identification l Merchant Outlet is eligible for
disqualification
Region, l Continue to implement and submit to Visa
subsequent the fraud remediation plan, adjusting as
months) necessary to effectively reduce fraud
Table 10-6: VFMP High-Risk Program Timeline
Program Status Acquirer Responsibility
Program Month 1 – l Non-compliance assessments are applicable1

Enforcement Period l Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program liability is
applicable to the fraud Transactions associated with the current Merchant
identification
l Within 10 calendar days of receipt of Notification that a Merchant Outlet
has met or exceeded the thresholds, an Acquirer must do all of the
following:

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Table 10-6: VFMP High-Risk Program Timeline (continued)
Program Status Acquirer Responsibility
– Review Merchant activity and research the cause of the excessive fraud
– Provide Visa with the specific information requested and an acceptable
fraud remediation plan
Program Month 2 – 5 – l Non-compliance assessments are applicable1

identification
l Work with Merchant to ensure that the fraud remediation plan is fully
implemented and is effectively reducing fraud
l Provide written monthly status to Visa on the Acquirer’s progress to
reduce the Merchant’s fraud
Program Month 6 – 11 – l Non-compliance assessments are applicable1

identification
l Provide written monthly status to Visa on the Acquirer’s progress to
reduce the Merchant’s fraud
l Month 6: provide Visa with a copy of the Acquirer’s notification to the
Merchant that excessive fraud may lead to disqualification
Program Month 12 – l Non-compliance assessments are applicable1

Enforcement Period (and, l Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program liability is
in the Europe Region, applicable to the fraud Transactions associated with the current Merchant
subsequent months) identification
l Merchant Outlet is eligible for disqualification
l Continue to provide written updates to Visa, with information about the
plan’s effectiveness in reducing fraud levels
1
In the US Region: Does not apply to US domestic counterfeit Automated Fuel Dispenser Transactions.

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10.4.5.3 Visa Fraud Monitoring Program (VFMP) – Data Quality Compliance

If Visa determines that an Acquirer, its Third Party Agent, or its Merchant changed, modified, or
altered the Merchant name or Merchant data in any way to circumvent the Visa Fraud Monitoring
Program (VFMP), Visa may do either or both of the following:
l Assess a non-compliance assessment per Merchant Outlet per month to the Acquirer
l Permanently disqualify the Merchant and its principals from participating in the Visa Program
If an Acquirer submits Interchange for a single Merchant Outlet under multiple Merchant
descriptors or Merchant accounts, Visa may:
l Consolidate the individual Merchant descriptors or Merchant accounts for monitoring purposes
l Notify the Acquirer of the aggregation and any potential non-compliance assessments
l Apply the program thresholds to the consolidated Merchant Outlet performance
l Track and report the consolidated Merchant activity
Visa may evaluate Payment Facilitator performance at the Sponsored Merchant level or by
aggregating all Interchange activity.
10.4.5.4 Acquirer Control of Force Post Transactions

An Acquirer must do all of the following if it has a Merchant or Sponsored Merchant enabled with
force post1 functionality:
l Conduct an enhanced due diligence review of the Merchant or Sponsored Merchant, as specified
in the Visa Global Acquirer Risk Standards
l Validate and document that the Merchant or Sponsored Merchant has a legitimate business case
to submit force post Transactions into Interchange
l Ensure risk controls are implemented to restrict the Merchant or Sponsored Merchant’s ability to
submit fraudulent Transactions into Interchange
Acquirers that fail to comply with this requirement resulting in the material, artificial manipulation
of the clearing position for either a Merchant or Visa Card account2, may be subject to non-
compliance assessments, as specified in Section 1.12.2.8, Willful or Significant Violations Schedules
Acquirers may be subject to all costs associated with reversing the position(s) created by force post
activity.
This does not apply to below-Floor Limit Transactions.

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1
Force Post functionality enables a Merchant to submit Clearing Record(s) with a manually entered Authorization Code.
2
Force Post fraud involves Clearing Record(s) processed with either a fictitious, or no Authorization Code.
10.4.5.5 Card-Absent Merchant Requirement to Validate Cardholder Approval –

Canada, Europe, LAC, and US Regions
In the Canada Region, Europe Region, LAC Region, US Region: An Acquirer must ensure that its
Card-Absent Environment Merchant sets daily limits after which the Merchant must perform
additional verification to confirm that the Cardholder approves continued spend. These limits
must be appropriate for the Merchant business but must not exceed 25 Transactions in one
day.
10.4.5.6 Merchant Withdrawal of Services or Asset Following a Fraud Dispute –

Canada, Europe, LAC, and US Regions
In the Canada Region, Europe Region, LAC Region, US Region: An Acquirer must ensure that its
Merchant attempts to revoke provision of goods or services from the Cardholder after a
Dispute Category 10 (Fraud) Dispute and that the Merchant has a process in place to prevent
reoccurrence by the Cardholder.
If the fraud is due to a Cardholder account with a Merchant being taken over, the Merchant
must re-authenticate the Cardholder before any additional Authorization Requests.
10.4.6 High-Brand Risk Merchants
10.4.6.1 High-Brand Risk MCCs

A Merchant required to use one of the following MCCs is considered a High-Brand Risk Merchant:
l 5962 (Direct Marketing – Travel-Related Arrangement Services)
l 5966 (Direct Marketing – Outbound Telemarketing Merchants)
l 5967 (Direct Marketing – Inbound Telemarketing Merchants)

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l 7995 (Betting, including Lottery Tickets, Casino Gaming Chips, Off-Track Betting, and Wagers at
Race Tracks)
l 5912 (Drug Stores, Pharmacies)
l 5122 (Drugs, Drug Proprietaries, Druggist Sundries)
l 5993 (Cigar Stores and Stands), for Merchants that sell cigarettes in a Card-Absent Environment
10.4.6.2 High-Brand Risk Merchant Registration – US Region

In the US Region: Before accepting Transactions from a High-Brand Risk Merchant, an Acquirer must
register the Merchant using the Program Request Management application.
This does not apply to Merchants assigned the following MCCs:
l 5122 (Drugs, Drug Proprietaries, Druggist Sundries) or 5912 (Drug Stores, Pharmacies), if the
Merchant is accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy or other legal
regulatory body recognized by Visa
l 5993 (Cigar Stores and Stands)
10.4.7 High-Brand Risk Merchant Monitoring
10.4.7.1 High-Brand Risk Merchant Monitoring – US Region

In the US Region: An Acquirer must monitor its High-Brand Risk Merchants. An Acquirer of a High-
Risk Internet Payment Facilitator must:
l Register its High-Brand Risk Sponsored Merchants as High-Brand Risk Merchants
l Monitor its High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitators
10.4.7.2 High-Brand Risk Merchant Unusual Activity Reporting – US Region

In the US Region: For its High-Brand Risk Merchants, an Acquirer must generate unusual activity
reports daily, and report any unusual activity to Visa within 2 business days, if either of the
following:

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l Current weekly gross sales volume equals or exceeds USD 5,000 and any of the following
exceeds 150% of the normal daily activity:
– Number of daily Transaction Receipt Deposits
l Average elapsed time between the Transaction Date and Processing Date for a Transaction
(counting each as one day) exceeds 15 calendar days
10.4.7.3 High-Brand Risk Merchants – Acquirer Requirements

For a High-Brand Risk Merchant, an Acquirer must do all of the following:
l Retain at least the following daily data:
– Gross sales volume
– Number of Transaction Receipts
– Average elapsed time between the Transaction Date of the Transaction Receipt and the
Settlement Date (counting each as one day)
– Number of Disputes
l Collect the data over a period of at least one month, beginning after each Merchant’s initial
Deposit
l Use the data to determine the Merchant’s normal daily activity of the categories specified in this
section
l Begin the daily monitoring of the Merchant’s activity processed on the 31st calendar day from
the first Deposit
l Compare current related data to the normal daily activity parameters at least daily
l Review the Merchant’s normal daily activity at least weekly, using the previous week’s activity
l At least monthly, adjust the Merchant’s normal daily activity, using the previous month’s activity

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10.4.7.4 High-Brand Risk Merchant Exception Reports

An Acquirer must generate High-Brand Risk Merchant exception reports daily and report any
unusual activity to Visa within 2 business days, if either of the following:
l The Merchant’s current weekly gross sales volume equals or exceeds USD 5,000 (or local currency
equivalent), and any of the following exceeds 150% of the Merchant’s normal daily activity:
– Number of daily Transaction Deposits
l The average elapsed time between the Transaction Date and Processing Date or between the
Processing Date and Settlement Date for a Transaction (counting each as one day respectively)
exceeds 15 calendar days
10.4.7.5 Investigation of Merchant on High-Brand Risk Merchant Exception Report

An Acquirer must investigate a Merchant that appears on its High-Brand Risk Merchant exception
report within one business day of generating the report. If the investigation reveals Merchant
involvement in illegal or fraudulent activity, the Acquirer must do all of the following:
l Take appropriate legal action to minimize losses
l Cooperate with Issuers and law enforcement agencies
l Attempt to make the Merchant responsible for the Transaction
l Hold funds, if possible
l Initiate criminal and civil proceedings against the Merchant, if applicable
10.4.7.6 Acquirer Provision of High-Brand Risk Merchant Monitoring Information

Upon Visa request, an Acquirer must provide both of the following within 7 calendar days to
demonstrate compliance with High-Brand Risk Merchant monitoring standards:
l Copies of actual reports or records used to monitor the Merchant’s Deposits
l Any other data requested by Visa

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10.4.7.7 Requirements for High Brand-Risk Merchants and High Brand-Risk

Sponsored Merchants
Visa may impose security or authentication requirements on a Merchant that it considers to be a
High Brand-Risk Merchant or a High Brand-Risk Sponsored Merchant.
10.4.7.8 Merchant Disqualification from the Visa Program – US Region

In the US Region: Visa may disqualify a Merchant specified in Section 10.4.6.1, High-Brand Risk
MCCs, from participating in the Visa Program if the Merchant does any of the following:
l Meets or exceeds a critical level of Dispute activity
l Acts with the intent to circumvent Visa programs
l Causes harm to the Visa system
Visa will send a Notification to the Acquirer advising all of the following:
l The date the Acquirer must stop submitting the disqualified Merchant’s Transactions
l Reasons for the disqualification
l Notice of the right to appeal
The Acquirer may appeal the disqualification as follows:
l The Acquirer’s appeal letter must be received by Visa within 15 days of the Acquirer’s receipt of
the disqualification Notification.
l The Acquirer must pay a non-refundable fee and include it with the appeal letter.
l The evidence and arguments for the appeal must be submitted in the appeal letter.
l No oral presentations are permitted.

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10.4.8 High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator Requirements
10.4.8.1 High-Brand Risk Acquirer Registration

An Acquirer that has not previously acquired Electronic Commerce Merchants or Mail/Phone Order
Merchants classified by Visa as High-Brand Risk Merchants must:
l Submit to Visa a Visa New High-Brand Risk Acquirer Registration Form
l Not process or enter a High-Brand Risk Transaction into Interchange until written confirmation
has been received from Visa that the Acquirer has been registered and approved by Visa
l Immediately submit a revised form indicating any changes to the information
10.4.8.2 High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator Agreement

An Acquirer must ensure that a High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator Agreement requires both:
l That the High-Brand Risk Sponsored Merchant Agreement be signed by a senior officer of the
High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator
l The High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator to report both:
– Acquisition of new High-Brand Risk Sponsored Merchants
– Monthly Transaction activity for all High-Brand Risk Sponsored Merchants.
The reports must be provided to Visa in Visa-specified electronic formats.
10.4.8.3 Compliance with High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator Registration

Requirements – US Region
In the US Region: An Acquirer must ensure that a Payment Facilitator with one or more Sponsored
Merchants classified, or that should be classified, with MCC 5967 (Direct Marketing – Inbound
Teleservices Merchant) complies with the High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator registration
program and operating requirements.

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10.4.8.4 High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator Processing Requirements

If a Cardholder accesses the website and/or application of an electronic commerce High-Brand Risk
Merchant or a High-Brand Risk Sponsored Merchant and is then linked or forwarded to the website
and/or application of the High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator for payment, the name of the
High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator must appear in the Authorization Request and Clearing
Record in conjunction with the name of the High-Brand Risk Sponsored Merchant.
10.4.8.5 Visa Right to Prohibit or Disqualify Sponsored Merchants – US Region

In the US Region: Visa may require an Acquirer to directly contract with a Sponsored Merchant if
the Sponsored Merchant either:
l Generates or has a history of generating excessive levels of exception items (Disputes and/or
credits) within a 12-month period
l Takes action to evade responsibility for compliance with the Visa Rules
Visa may disqualify a High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator or High-Brand Risk Sponsored
Merchant in accordance with the Visa Dispute Monitoring Program or for other activity that causes
undue harm to the Visa system.
10.4.9 Issuer Fraud Monitoring
10.4.9.1 Visa Issuer Monitoring Program (VIMP)

Effective 19 October 2019 in the Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region, LAC Region,
and US Region
Effective 18 April 2020 in the AP Region
Visa monitors Issuers that generate an excessive level of Fraud Activity through the Visa Issuer
Monitoring Program (VIMP) and will identify an Issuer under the VIMP if it meets or exceeds
both of the following monthly standard thresholds for Card-Absent Environment Fraud Activity
monitoring, for either domestic or international activity:
l USD 500,000 fraud amount
l 1% ratio of fraud-to-sales dollar amount

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In the US Region: In addition, Visa will identify an Issuer under 3-D Secure Fraud Activity
monitoring, for domestic 3-D Secure fraud only, if it meets or exceeds both of the following
monthly standard program thresholds:
l USD 100,000 3-D Secure fraud amount
l 0.75% ratio of 3-D Secure fraud-to-sales dollar amount
Visa may modify or create new monthly VIMP performance levels.
Program monitoring includes all Card-Absent Environment Fraud Activity reported by Issuers
to Visa in the preceding calendar month and all Card-Absent Environment Sales Transactions
settled with the Issuer in the preceding calendar month.
Visa may require the Issuer to deploy appropriate fraud remediation tools or technologies to
address unusual activity in the individual cases identified through the VIMP.
An Issuer will exit the VIMP if it is below the program thresholds for 3 consecutive months.
Visa may impose conditions on an Issuer that knowingly acts to circumvent monitoring.
10.4.9.2 High Total Fraud Loss Monitoring Program – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Visa identifies the 15 Issuers and 15 Acquirers with the highest levels of
fraud, in absolute Transaction value terms, as candidates for formal review.
Once identified, Members will be given at least 3 months’ notice of the review and asked to agree
a review start date with Visa.
Following a review, Members will receive a report from Visa containing recommendations
intended to assist them in improving fraud management.
10.4.9.3 Visa Issuer Monitoring Program (VIMP) Timelines

and US Region
An Issuer that is identified in the Visa Issuer Monitoring Program (VIMP) must comply with the
following:

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Table 10-7: VIMP Timeline
Program Status Issuer Actions
Month 1 – 3 l Review portfolio activity, determine the cause of the excessive Card-Absent
Environment Fraud Activity and take actions to mitigate the Fraud Activity
Month 4 – 11 l Non-compliance assessments apply

Enforcement Period l Provide to Visa an action plan to reduce the portfolio’s Card Absent
Environment Fraud Activity

Enforcement Period l Provide to Visa a final, written summary of the portfolio’s performance and
Card-Environment Absent Fraud Activity remediation initiatives
Visa reserves the right to withhold Visa Dispute Monitoring Program reimbursements to
Issuers identified in the enforcement phase of the VIMP program.
10.4.9.4 Cross-Border Fraud Monitoring Programs – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: Visa monitors fraud performance on a monthly basis, and identifies
Issuers with a BID or BIDs that meet program criteria each month, as specified in Table 10-8,
Cross-Border Fraud Monitoring Program Elements – Europe Region.
Visa may modify program parameters and fees.
Table 10-8: Cross-Border Fraud Monitoring Program Elements – Europe Region
Cross-Border Fraud Issuer Monitoring Program
Components l Intraregional Issuer component (Issuer and Acquirer within the Europe Region)
l Interregional Issuer component (Issuer within the Europe Region, Acquirer outside the
Europe Region)
Entry Criteria l Intraregional Issuer component (Issuer and Acquirer within the Europe Region)
l Interregional Issuer component (Issuer within the Europe Region, Acquirer outside the
Europe Region), if they fulfil both of the following criteria:
– Any BID exceeding, in one month, 3 times the intra (for intraregional component) or 3
times the inter (for interregional component) fraud-to-sales ratio

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Table 10-8: Cross-Border Fraud Monitoring Program Elements – Europe Region (continued)
Cross-Border Fraud Issuer Monitoring Program
– Fraud losses greater than EUR 100,000
Inclusion Based on exceeding either of the components (intraregional or interregional)

Criteria
Program Initial Phase

Phases The first time an Issuer is listed in the program report, it will receive Notification from Visa
that it is being monitored under the program.
Applied Fee Phase

l If an Issuer is listed in the program report for a fourth consecutive month, it may be
subject to a monthly non-compliance assessment.
l A non-compliance assessment may be assessed for each subsequent month until exit
from the program.
Mandatory Action Phase

l 7 or more listings on the program report may result in an increase in the monthly non-
compliance assessment. The Issuer may be required to undergo a formal Visa risk review.
l The increased monthly non-compliance assessment may be assessed for each
subsequent month until exit from the program.
l After a total of 12 listings, a comprehensive review of action taken to date, plans, and
Issuer performance will be undertaken with the Issuer to address the problem. Visa may
present the findings to the Board.
l After a total of 13 listings, increased monthly non-compliance assessments may be
charged for each subsequent appearance on the program report until exit from the
program.
Exit Criteria The Issuer must not be listed on the report for 3 consecutive months.

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10.4.10 Issuer Fraud Monitoring
10.4.10.1 Issuer Customer Validation Requirement – Canada, LAC, Europe, and US

Regions
In the Canada Region, LAC Region, Europe Region, US Region: An Issuer whose Cardholder has
5 or more separate Dispute Category 10 (Fraud) Disputes within a maximum period of 12
months must perform a formal review of the Cardholder account and related Disputes to
determine if first-party fraud abuse is occurring.
10.5 Brand Protection
10.5.1 Global Brand Protection Program
10.5.1.1 Global Brand Protection Program Data Quality

To enable the valid identification of data for the Global Brand Protection Program, an Acquirer
must correctly classify its High-Brand Risk Merchants.
If Visa determines that an Acquirer or its Merchant changed, modified, or altered the Merchant
name or Merchant data in any way to circumvent the Global Brand Protection Program, Visa may:
l In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Do any of the
following:
– Assess a non-compliance assessment
– Require the Acquirer to implement risk reduction measures
– Prohibit the Acquirer from acquiring High-Brand Risk Merchants for a period of one year or
more

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10.6 Fraud Reporting
10.6.1 Fraud Reporting Requirements
10.6.1.1 Prepaid Clearinghouse Service (PCS) Participation – US Region

In the US Region: A Visa Prepaid Issuer must:
l Report information from all approved, pending or declined Prepaid Account enrollments, Load
Transactions, reloads, unauthorized Transaction requests, Prepaid Account fraud, Transaction Load
fraud, Account level fraud and enrollment fraud
l Ensure that it and its agents report complete and correct information, as specified by Visa
l Authorize Visa to use or transfer the information reported to PCS for any purpose permitted by
l Submit all records in accordance with the Prepaid Clearinghouse Service (PCS) Product Guide and
Reporting Requirements and the Prepaid Clearinghouse Service (PCS) Message Layout
Prepaid Card Issuers or Agents optionally subscribing to use PCS:
l Must execute a PCS Participation Agreement
l Are eligible under applicable law to access PCS for fraud prevention purposes
10.6.1.2 Skimming Counterfeit Fraud Data Collection – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: On fraud advice reports, a Member must identify skimmed counterfeit fraud
Transactions with POS Entry Mode code 90.
10.6.1.3 Reporting of Chip Card Capability in Fraud Advice Records – Europe Region
In the Europe Region: An Issuer must provide Chip Card capability details in fraud advice records.
An Issuer that fails to correctly report the Card capability in fraud advice records is subject to
penalties, including, but not limited to, withdrawal of the Issuer’s right to use all Dispute conditions
related to the EMV liability shift, until the problem is corrected.

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10.6.1.4 Fraud Activity Reporting Compliance – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: An Issuer must report Fraud Activity and comply with all of the following:
l At least 95% of all fraud must be reported. This includes domestic and international, on-us, debit
and credit, and ATM Transactions.
l At least 90% of all reported fraud must be classified correctly.
l No more than 5% of all reported fraud can be classified as fraud type 05 (Miscellaneous).
l In at least 90% of reported fraudulent Transactions, mandatory TCR2 fields must match the
corresponding BASE II record fields, except the Excluded Transaction Identifier Reason field.
10.6.1.5 Result of Issuer Non-Compliance – AP Region

In the AP Region: An Issuer identified as non-compliant and that fails to resolve areas of non-
compliance within a period agreed between the Member and Visa following an on-site review will
not be permitted to dispute a transaction under Dispute category 10 (Fraud).
10.6.1.6 Fraud Alert Requirements – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: A Member must comply with the CoFAS Procedures for Reporting Credit
Skimming Incidents.
10.7 Card Recovery
10.7.1 Card Recovery at the Point of Sale
10.7.1.1 Merchant Card Recovery Procedures at the Point of Sale

A Merchant must not complete a Transaction and should attempt to recover a Visa Card1 by
reasonable, peaceful means, for any of the following reasons:
l Account Number appears on a Card Recovery Bulletin
l Acquirer or its Authorizing Processor requests its retention

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l Effective through 16 October 2021 4 digits printed below the embossed or printed Account
Number (if present) do not match the first 4 digits of the embossed or printed Account Number
l Merchant has reasonable grounds to believe that the Card is counterfeit, fraudulent, or stolen
A Merchant must notify its Acquirer that it has recovered a Card and ask for further instructions.
1
The requirement to attempt to recover the Card does not apply to Mobile Payment Devices.
10.7.2 Return of Recovered Cards
10.7.2.1 Recovered Card Handling and Notification Requirements

A Member must maintain an inventory log of recovered Cards that includes a record of at least all
of the following:
l Date of Card recovery (DD/MM/YYYY)
l Location of Card recovery
l First 6 digits and last 4 digits of the Account Number (if present on the Card)
l Cardholder name: Title (if applicable), first letter of first name and first and last letters of last
name
l Printed names and signatures of all parties counting, logging, or destroying the Cards
l If the Card was retained by a law enforcement agency, name of agency and contact information
l Date of Card destruction (DD/MM/YYYY)
In the Europe Region: An Acquirer must retain the record in the inventory log for at least 3 months.
The Member or its Agent must comply with all of the following requirements for the secure
destruction of recovered Cards:
l Within 5 business days of recovering a valid or counterfeit Card, ensure that the Card is securely
destroyed through shredding or incineration
l If the Card cannot be destroyed immediately upon receipt by the secure destruction location,
store the Card in a secure environment under dual control until the Card can be properly
destroyed.
l Before secure destruction, maintain the Cards as specified in PCI DSS
l Render all images, Account Numbers, and generic identifiers completely unusable or unreadable.
Cutting the Card in half and disposing of it in the trash does not comply with this requirement.

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l Ensure that all Cards have been destroyed before leaving the destruction area
l If a secure destruction entity is contracted to destroy Cards, ensure that the entity presents a
certificate of destruction once the destruction process is completed.
Upon recovery of a valid or counterfeit Visa Card, the Member must send1 a Notification to the
Issuer, through Visa Resolve Online or the Electronic Documentation Transfer Method, that the Card
was recovered and destroyed. The Notification must be sent no later than either:
l 5 business days after the Visa Card is recovered
l For a Card recovered at an ATM, 5 business days after the Card is received at the Acquirer’s card
return center, if applicable
The Notification must include all of the following information:
l Date of Card recovery (DD/MM/YYYY)
l Location of Card recovery
l First 6 digits and last 4 digits of the Account Number (if present on the Card)
l Cardholder name: Title (if applicable), first letter of first name and first and last letters of last
name
l If the Card was retained by a law enforcement agency, name of agency and contact information
l If the Acquirer paid an appropriate Card recovery reward to its Merchant, the Fee Collection
Transaction amount that will be submitted to the Issuer for reimbursement
l Date of Card destruction (DD/MM/YYYY)
In the Europe Region: The Cardholder Verification Method transmitted in the Clearing Record must
be retained by Issuers and included in the Dispute and the fraud information message.
1
For a Non-Reloadable Prepaid Card recovered without a Pickup Response or a specific request from the Issuer, the
Member must cut the Card and render it unusable but is not required to notify the Issuer that the Card was recovered.
10.7.2.2 Merchant Recovered Card Return Procedures – US Region

In the US Region: A Merchant that recovers a Visa Card must both:
l Cut the Visa Card horizontally so as not to damage the Magnetic Stripe, Chip, hologram (if
applicable), and embossed or printed Account Number (if applicable)

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l Immediately send it to either:

– Its Acquirer
– A VisaNet Interchange Center, if Visa is designated as the Merchant’s Authorizing Processor
The requirement to return the Card does not apply to Non-Reloadable Prepaid Cards recovered
without a Pickup Response or request from the Issuer.
For a Non-Reloadable Prepaid Card recovered without a Pickup Response or a specific request
from the Issuer, the Merchant or Acquirer must cut the Card and render it unusable.
For a Non-Reloadable Prepaid Card where an Issuer Pickup Response has been sent, the Merchant
should attempt to recover the Card and:
l Cut the Card horizontally so as not to damage the Magnetic Stripe, Chip, hologram (if
applicable), and embossed or printed Account Number (if applicable)
l Immediately send it to either:
– Its Acquirer
– A VisaNet Interchange Center, if Visa is designated as the Merchant’s Authorizing Processor
If a recovered Visa Card was retained by a law enforcement agency, the Merchant must provide a
legible copy of the front and back of the Visa Card to its Acquirer or a VisaNet Interchange Center,
as applicable.
10.7.2.3 Acquirer Recovered Card Procedures – Additional Notification Requirement

– US Region
In the US Region: An Acquirer must immediately advise either of the following of the recovery
of a Card:
l The Issuer, if the Visa Card is recovered because the first 4 digits of the embossed or printed
Account Number (if present) do not match the 4 digits printed above or below the Account
Number
l Visa, if the embossed or printed BIN is not assigned to a Member
An Acquirer must retain a legible copy of the front and back of the recovered Visa Card.

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10.7.3 Recovered Counterfeit Cards
10.7.3.1 Unattended Cardholder-Activated Terminal Card Retention

If an Unattended Cardholder-Activated Terminal has the ability to retain a Card, it may retain a Card
only upon the specific request of the Issuer.
If a Card is retained and removed from the terminal by a Merchant, the Merchant must do all of the
following:
l Log it under dual custody immediately after removal from the terminal
l Render it unusable
l Send it to its Acquirer
If a Card is retained and removed from the terminal by an Acquirer, the Acquirer must do all of the
following:
l Log it under dual custody immediately after removal from the terminal
l Render it unusable following secure Card destruction requirements, as specified in Section
10.7.2.1, Recovered Card Handling and Notification Requirements
l Notify the Issuer, through Visa Resolve Online, that the Card was recovered, as specified in
10.7.4 Card Recovery Bulletin (CRB)
10.7.4.1 Card Recovery Bulletin (CRB) Dispute Rights

An Acquirer may be subject to a Dispute for below-Floor Limit Transactions if the Account Number
appears on the Card Recovery Bulletin (CRB). Dispute rights begin on the effective date of the CRB
in which the Account Number is listed.

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10.8 Lost or Stolen Cards
10.8.1 Lost or Stolen Card Reporting
10.8.1.1 Lost/Stolen Card Reporting – Issuer Actions

An Issuer participating in Lost/Stolen Card Reporting must, on behalf of another Issuer, both:
l Accept reports of lost or stolen products from Cardholders or their designated representative
l Notify the Card Issuer
10.8.1.2 Issuer Notification of Lost or Stolen Card

A Member must do all of the following:
l Provide the Issuer with the information required on the lost or stolen Card report
l If an incomplete Account Number is provided, supply the Issuer with the address and telephone
number where the Cardholder may be contacted
l Notify Visa Global Customer Care Services if unable to establish contact with the Issuer
10.9 PIN Security Requirements
10.9.1.1 Visa PIN Security Program Requirements

An Acquirer and its Merchant or agent that processes PINs for Visa Transactions must comply with
the security requirements specified in the PIN Management Requirements Documents and Visa PIN
Security Program Guide.

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10.10 Account Data Compromise
10.10.1 Global Compromised Account Recovery (GCAR) Program
10.10.1.1 Global Compromised Account Recovery (GCAR) Program Qualification – AP,

Canada, CEMEA, LAC, and US Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: An Issuer may recover a
portion of its operating expenses associated with an Account Data Compromise Event involving a
compromise of either:
l In a Card-Absent Environment, a Chip Card’s Account Number and expiration date
l In a Card-Present Environment, a Chip Card’s Account Number and Card Verification Value
Visa has the authority and discretion to determine Account Data Compromise Event qualification,
Operating Expense Recovery amounts, Issuer eligibility, and Acquirer liability under the GCAR
program, in accordance with the Visa Global Compromised Account Recovery (GCAR) Guide and the
available information regarding each compromise event.
10.10.1.2 Acquirer Safe Harbor for Registered Agents – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Acquirer must ensure that its Merchants and Sponsored Merchants use
only agents that are registered with Visa and appear on the Visa list of agents that provide
payment-related services (including services that operate under contractual obligations to the
Merchant or Sponsored Merchant to control access to Cardholder data) to Merchants or Sponsored
Merchants, except payment application software providers.
To qualify for safe harbor in the event of an Account Data Compromise Event, the agent must both:
l Be listed with Visa before the date of notification of the suspected or confirmed data
compromise
l Demonstrate that it was one or more of the following:
– Successfully assessed by a qualified security assessor as Payment Card Industry Data Security
Standard (PCI DSS)-compliant at the time of the data compromise
– Self-assessed against the PCI DSS. The PCI Forensic Investigator report must confirm that the
agent complied with the security measures specified in the self-assessment questionnaire
submitted during the registration process.

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– Out of scope of the PCI DSS. The PCI Forensic Investigator report must confirm that the agent
did not have access to or control over the Cardholder data that was compromised.
An Acquirer whose Merchant or Sponsored Merchant suffers a data compromise through an agent
that complies with these requirements is not subject to non-compliance assessments for
compromised Account Information and Transaction Information.
10.11 Terminated Merchants
10.11.1 Retention of Merchant Records

An Acquirer or a Payment Facilitator must keep a complete, well-documented file containing
Merchant records, including any information connected to an investigation, for at least 2 years after
Merchant Agreement termination.
An Acquirer or a Payment Facilitator of a Merchant or Sponsored Merchant that is undergoing a
forensic investigation must also notify Visa when it receives notice or otherwise becomes aware
that the Merchant has terminated its Merchant Agreement.
10.11.2 Required Use of Terminated Merchant Database
10.11.2.1 Terminated Merchant Listing on Terminated Merchant Database – Third

Party Agent –AP Region and Europe Region
In the AP Region (Australia, Cambodia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau,
Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam): An Acquirer must
ensure that a terminated Merchant, Sponsored Merchant, or Third Party Agent (including, but not
limited to, a Payment Facilitator, Marketplace, Staged Digital Wallet Operator (SDWO), or
Independent Sales Organization) is added to the Visa Merchant Screening Service (VMSS) if VMSS
listing criteria are met.
In the Europe Region: An Acquirer must ensure that a terminated Merchant, Sponsored Merchant or
Third Party Agent (including, but not limited to, a Payment Facilitator, Marketplace, Staged Digital
Wallet Operator (SDWO) or Independent Sales Organization) is added to the Visa Merchant
Screening Service (VMSS) if VMSS listing criteria are met.

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10.11.2.2 Terminated Merchant Information Requirements – AP Region

In the AP Region: The file of terminated Merchants must include at least all of the following:
l Merchant Agreement and addenda
l Deposit history and monitoring reports
l Details on the number, total amount, and reasons for any Disputes received
l All Acquirer/Merchant correspondence
l All Visa Fraud Monitoring Program reports relating to the Merchant
l Names and ID numbers of suspect employees
l Written notification of termination or intent to terminate
l Any other supporting documentation that itemizes the details leading to the decision to
terminate the Merchant
10.11.2.3 Common Terminated Merchant Database Requirements – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Acquirer must comply with all of the following:
l Use an externally managed common terminated Merchant database
l Concurrent with the closure of a Merchant Outlet, list the Merchant on a common terminated
merchant database for a period of 3 years if the Merchant violated the Merchant Agreement and
was subsequently terminated for cause
l Retain for 3 years Merchant Agreement termination information
10.11.2.4 Terminated Merchant File Listing Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: An Acquirer must add a terminated Merchant to the Terminated Merchant File no
later than close of business on the day following the date the Merchant is notified of the intent to
terminate the agreement. An Acquirer must list the Merchant if terminated for one or more of the
following reasons:
l The Merchant was convicted of credit or debit card fraud.
l The Merchant deposited excessive Counterfeit Transactions.
l The Merchant deposited excessive Transactions unauthorized by Cardholders.

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l The Merchant deposited Transaction Receipts representing sales of goods or services generated
by another Merchant (laundering).
l The Acquirer received an excessive number of Disputes due to the Merchant’s business practices
or procedures.
10.11.2.5 Terminated Merchant File Information Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: An Acquirer must add a Merchant to the Terminated Merchant File within 24
hours of determining that:
l The Merchant was terminated for reasons other than those listed in Section 10.11.2.4, Terminated
Merchant File Listing Requirements – US Region
l Within 90 calendar days of the termination date, the Acquirer determines that the Merchant
should have qualified for the listing
The Merchant listing must include the:
l Business name
l Names and identification of principals of terminated Merchants
The Acquirer must report terminated Merchants, as specified.
10.11.2.6 Terminated Merchant File Compliance – US Region

In the US Region: A Member that fails to comply with the Terminated Merchant File requirements
may be subject to Compliance, including liability for losses incurred by another Member as a result
of the failure to comply.
10.11.2.7 Deletion from or Correction Request for Terminated Merchant File – US

Region
In the US Region: Only the Member that added the Merchant to the Terminated Merchant File may
request deletion of the Merchant name or information.
A Member that incorrectly adds a Merchant to the file must request correction of the file
immediately upon recognition of an error.

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10.12 Visa Risk Products
10.12.1 Address Verification Service (AVS)
10.12.1.1 Address Verification Service (AVS) Results Code Population – Canada Region
In the Canada Region: An Acquirer participating in the Address Verification Service (AVS) must
populate the AVS results code received in the BASE I Authorization Response message in a
Transaction’s corresponding BASE II Clearing Record.
10.12.1.2 Address Verification Service (AVS) Participation – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must:
l Participate in the Address Verification Service
l Perform address verification for each Address Verification Service inquiry
10.12.1.3 Address Verification Service (AVS) at Unattended Cardholder-Activated

Terminals – US Region
In the US Region: An Automated Fuel Dispenser (AFD) Merchant must perform an Address
Verification Service (AVS) inquiry if either:1
l The AFD Merchant is located in a high-fraud area, as specified in the AVS ZIP Requirements for US
AFD Merchants in High-Fraud Geographies
l The AFD Merchant has been identified under the Visa Fraud Monitoring Program
If an Unattended Cardholder-Activated Terminal (UCAT) assigned MCC 4111 (Local and Suburban
Commuter Passenger Transportation, Including Ferries), 4112 (Passenger Railways), or 5542
(Automated Fuel Dispensers) requests a Cardholder’s postal code and performs an Address
Verification Service (AVS) inquiry, it must comply with all of the following:
l Not request any postal information other than the zip code
l Not prompt for any additional information (for example: CVV2)

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l Not perform AVS inquiry only for Visa Cards, if the UCAT also accepts other payment brands that
support AVS
l Provide attended Transaction capabilities in the immediate vicinity of the UCAT that prompts for
AVS information
l Either display an affixed sticker or include electronic on-screen language to direct a non-US
Cardholder or any impacted US Visa Prepaid Cardholder to an attendant if the Transaction is
declined due to non-support of AVS
l For a UCAT assigned MCC 4111 or 4112, either of the following:
– Prompt for AVS information only for Transactions on Cards issued in the US Region
– Not prompt for AVS information for Transactions less than USD 25 on Cards not issued in the
US Region
1
Does not apply to an AFD Merchant that provides services only to its membership base
10.12.1.4 Address Verification Service (AVS) Eligible Transactions

A Merchant may use the Address Verification Service (AVS) for a Transaction either:
l In a Card-Absent Environment
l In the US Region: At an Unattended Cardholder-Activated Terminal assigned one of the
following MCCs:
– 5542 (Automated Fuel Dispensers)
10.12.2 Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2)
10.12.2.1 Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) Requirements – AP Region (Australia, Hong

Kong, New Zealand)
In the AP Region (Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand): An Electronic Commerce Merchant must
capture the Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) and include it in the Authorization Request.

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l A Transaction that uses Visa Secure1

l A Transaction involving a Visa Commercial Card Virtual Account
l A Transaction conducted through Visa Checkout
l A Transaction initiated with a payment Token
1
A Merchant must adhere to an Issuer’s requested authentication method.
10.12.2.2 Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) Requirements – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: An Acquirer participating in the Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) service must
populate the CVV2 results code received in the Authorization Response in a Transaction’s
corresponding Clearing Record.
A Mail/Phone Order Merchant or Electronic Commerce Merchant must capture the CVV2 and
include it in the Authorization Request.
l A Transaction that uses a Stored Credential
l A Transaction initiated with a payment Token
l A Transaction in which a paper order form is used
l A Transaction involving a recurring or installment payment
l A Transaction conducted through a digital wallet such as Visa Checkout
l A Transaction originating from an indirect sales channel
l A delayed charge Transaction
l A “No-Show” Transaction
l A Mail Order Telephone Order (MOTO) transaction where the CVV2 data is captured manually
and provided in written form
l A Mass Transit Transaction
l A payment Token provisioning request
l A Transaction involving an Incremental Authorization Request

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l A Transaction where the merchant is allowed to submit a new Authorization Request for the
same Transaction
l A Merchant Credit Transaction Authorization Request
10.12.2.3 Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: For Transactions occurring in a Card-Absent Environment:
l A Member must be certified by Visa for Card Verification Value 2 processing for Intraregional
Transactions.
l An Issuer that is not certified is considered to not be participating in the CVV2 service and will
lose fraud Dispute rights under Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud-Card-Absent Environment.
l The Issuer is liable for an approved Transaction with a CVV2 result code N.
An Acquirer must ensure that the CVV2 is present in all Authorization Requests for Transactions in a
Card-Absent Environment, except:
l A delayed charge Transaction
l A Transaction in which a paper order form is used
l A Transaction conducted through Visa Checkout
l A Transaction using a Stored Credential
l A mail order Transaction where the CVV2 data is captured manually and provided in written form
l A payment Token provisioning request
l A Transaction initiated with, or for, a payment Token
l A Transaction involving an Incremental Authorization Request
l A Transaction where the Merchant is allowed to submit a new Authorization Request for the
same Transaction

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10.13 Advanced Authorization
10.13.1 Visa Advanced Authorization
10.13.1.1 Visa Advanced Authorization Participation

To implement Visa Advanced Authorization1, an Issuer and its processor must comply with the
certification requirements for Visa Advanced Authorization.
In the LAC Region: Issuers must implement a risk-scoring real-time fraud prevention tool and/or
Visa Advanced Authorization and Visa Risk Manager for all products, except Visa Prepaid.
In the US Region: Visa Advanced Authorization data is provided to all Issuers, and an Issuer is
responsible for Visa Advanced Authorization fees, regardless of whether or not the Issuer uses the
data.
1
A real-time risk management tool that delivers risk data to Issuers in the Authorization Request to aid early fraud
detection.
10.14 Transaction Alerts
10.14.1 Transaction Alerts Requirements
10.14.1.1 Transaction Alerts Service Participation

If an Issuer participates in the Visa Transaction Alerts Service, the Issuer or the Issuer’s agent must
l Register with Visa by submitting a completed Visa Transaction Alerts Service Participation
Agreement
l Provide to Visa Account Numbers that are eligible to enroll in the service
l Disclose to participating Cardholders which Transactions will and will not trigger Cardholder
notification
In the Europe Region: An Issuer that participates in the Visa Alerts Data Feed Service must register
with Visa.
In the Canada Region, LAC Region, US Region: An Issuer must provide its Cardholders the option to
participate in a service that delivers Transaction alerts for Transactions processed on a consumer
Card, excluding a Non-Reloadable Prepaid Card, and routed as follows:

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l Visa Transactions routed through VisaNet

l Plus Transactions routed through the Plus Network
l In the US Region only, Interlink Transactions routed through the Interlink Network
The Issuer may offer this service either itself, through a VisaNet Processor, a third-party service
provider, or the Visa Transaction Alerts Service.
10.14.1.2 Visa Alerts Service Participation Requirements – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer that participates in a Visa Alerts Service must do all of the
following:
l Provide to enrolled Cardholders terms and conditions that include all of the following:
– Terms regarding the use of personal data, in compliance with applicable laws or regulations,
including any required explicit consents
– The cancellation policy for Visa Alerts
– The applicable fees for using Visa Alerts
– Details of how to unsubscribe from Visa Alerts
l Ensure that the Cardholder details communicated to Visa are correct and kept current. This
information must be communicated through the Cardholder enrollment and update interface of
the Visa Alerts Service.
l Use the Cardholder data collected through the use of the Visa Alerts Service for purposes other
than sending Alerts only if explicit consent has been granted by the Cardholder
l Include all of the following in the body of the Alert:
– As required by applicable laws or regulations, details of how the Cardholder can unsubscribe
from Visa Alerts
– At least one reference to “Visa”
– At least one of the following data fields:
▪ The last 4 digits of the Account Number
▪ Merchant name
▪ Transaction Amount
▪ Transaction Currency
▪ Transaction Date

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▪ Transaction time
▪ Balance of the Card account (if provided by the Issuer)
Alerts will not be considered as evidence for dispute resolution.
10.15 National Card Recovery File
10.15.1 National Card Recovery File – US Region
10.15.1.1 National Card Recovery File Card Verification Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: A Member, non-Member Authorizing Processor, and their Merchants must use
the National Card Recovery File only as specified in the Card Recovery Bulletin Service (CRB) User’s
Guide.
10.16 Visa Secure
10.16.1 Visa Secure General Participation Requirements
10.16.1.1 Visa Secure Participation Requirements

A Member that participates in Visa Secure must:
l Complete the Visa Secure enrollment process
l If the Member is a Sponsored Member, obtain permission from its Principal-Type Member
l As applicable, implement product security measures
l For 3-D Secure 1.0, ensure that its Visa Secure components have successfully met the
requirements of the Visa 3-D Secure Vendor Compliance Testing Program
l For 3-D Secure 2.0, ensure that its Visa Secure components have successfully met the
requirements of the EMVCo 3-D Secure 2.0 Compliance Testing Program and Visa’s 3-D Secure
2.0 Test Suite
l Only use a Digital Certificate issued by or associated with Visa as an Authentication Mechanism
for a Visa product or service
An Issuer must participate in Visa Secure, as follows:

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Table 10-9: Country/Territory-Specific Visa Secure Participation Requirements
Country / Territory Applicable Products
AP Region
Australia In both Visa Secure with 3-D Secure 1.0 and Visa Secure with 3-
D Secure 2.0:
l Visa credit 1
l Visa debit 1
l Reloadable Prepaid Cards
Effective 18 April 2020 In both Visa Secure with 3-D Secure 1.02 and Visa Secure with
Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, 3-D Secure 2.0:
Philippines, Singapore, South Korea,
l Visa credit
Thailand, Vietnam
l Visa debit
India l Visa credit

l Visa debit
New Zealand In both Visa Secure with 3-D Secure 1.0 and Visa Secure with 3-
D Secure 2.0:
l Visa credit 1
l Visa debit 1
Canada Region
Canada Visa Debit Category
CEMEA Region
Nigeria All products
Europe Region
Europe Effective 14 March 2020 in Visa Secure with 3-D Secure 2.1:
l Visa credit
l Visa debit

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Table 10-9: Country/Territory-Specific Visa Secure Participation Requirements (continued)
Country / Territory Applicable Products
l Visa commercial
Effective 14 September 2020 in Visa Secure with 3-D Secure 2.2:
l Visa credit
l Visa debit
l Visa commercial
LAC Region
Brazil l Visa debit

l Visa Electron
1
This does not apply to Virtual Accounts associated with Visa Commercial Cards.
2
Only applies to an Issuer that participates in Visa Secure with 3-D Secure 1.0 before 18 April 2020
10.16.2 Visa Secure Issuer Participation Requirements
10.16.2.1 Participant Use of Visa Secure Data – Use and Disclosure of Confidential
Consumer Cardholder Information
Confidential Consumer Cardholder Information received in connection with participation in Visa
Secure shall not be used for marketing purposes, or disclosed to any third party for such use.
10.16.2.2 Issuer 3-D Secure Security Requirements

An Issuer that does not operate its own access control server (ACS) must both:

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l Use either of the following to operate the ACS or directory server (DS):
– The Visa Consumer Authentication Service
– An ACS or DS service provider listed on the Visa Global Registry of Service Providers
l Immediately notify Visa if the approved ACS or DS service provider is unable to uphold its 3-D
Secure Security Program responsibilities
10.16.2.3 Visa Secure Cardholder Enrollment

During Cardholder enrollment in Visa Secure, an Issuer that participates in Visa Secure must use a
combination of on-Card and off-Card data.
10.16.2.4 Cardholder Authentication Verification Value (CAVV) Requirements

An Issuer that participates in Visa Secure must:
l Include a Cardholder Authentication Verification Value (CAVV) in Authentication Confirmations
and Attempt Responses
l Retain a log of all Authentication Requests and Authentication Records
l Provide the log to Visa at Arbitration or Compliance
l Submit a copy of all Visa Secure Authentication Records
l Verify the CAVV. If the CAVV is not verified during Authorization by the Issuer or by Visa, the
CAVV is assumed to be valid.
l In the US Region: Provide Visa with its CAVV keys for Stand-In Processing
For a 3-D Secure 1.0 Authentication Request, if an Issuer does not support Visa Secure, Visa will
respond to an Authentication Request, on behalf of the Issuer, with an Attempt Response that
contains a CAVV.
Effective 15 August 2019 for the Canada Region, LAC Region
Effective 14 March 2020 for the Europe Region
Effective 18 April 2020 for the AP Region, CEMEA Region
Effective 31 August 2020 for the US Region

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For a 3-D Secure 2.0 Authentication Request, if an Issuer does not support Visa Secure, Visa will
respond to an Authentication Request, on behalf of the Issuer, with an Attempt Response that
contains a CAVV.
10.16.2.5 Visa Secure Unable-to-Authenticate Response Conditions

An Issuer that responds to an Authentication Request with an Unable-to-Authenticate Response
must do so only under one or more of the following conditions:
l The Issuer experiences technical problems that prevent a timely response.
l Authentication data received from the Merchant does not comply with the 3-D Secure
Specification.
l The Transaction is attempted with a Non-Reloadable Prepaid Card.
10.16.2.6 Visa Secure Issuer Requirements – AP Region (Mainland China)

In the AP Region (Mainland China): An Issuer must ensure that its Visa Secure program provides a
dynamic Authentication Mechanism to Cardholders such that the data elements used in one
Transaction cannot be reused in another Transaction within a pre-defined time frame.
10.16.2.7 Visa Secure Issuer Requirements – AP Region (India)

In the AP Region (India): An Issuer must authorize only a domestic Electronic Commerce Transaction
with an Electronic Commerce Indicator 5 (Secure Electronic Commerce Transaction).
10.16.2.9 Issuer Use of Visa Secure – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer that submits Secure Electronic Commerce Transactions must use
Visa Secure.

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10.16.2.10 Visa-Recognized Payment Authentication Method – Issuer Requirements –

Europe Region
In the Europe Region: An Issuer must do all of the following:
l Support a Visa-recognized payment Authentication Method
l Notify its Cardholders of the availability of Visa-recognized payment Authentication Methods
l Provide a Visa-recognized payment Authentication Method to a Cardholder upon Cardholder
request
l Monitor Electronic Commerce Transactions
This requirement does not apply to Visa Commercial Cards and Cards bearing the Plus Symbol.
10.16.3 Visa Secure Acquirer and Merchant Participation Requirements
10.16.3.1 Visa Secure Acquirer and Merchant Participation Requirements

An Acquirer must use Electronic Commerce Indicator 5 or 6 in the Clearing Record only if the
Authorization Request included the Cardholder Authentication Verification Value (for ECI 6, if
provided by the Issuer or Visa).
10.16.3.2 Electronic Commerce Authentication Data Prohibitions – US Region

In the US Region: In an Authorization Request, an Electronic Commerce Merchant must not transmit
Authentication Data specific to one Transaction with another Transaction, except when either:
l Two Transactions are related due to a partial prepayment.
l All items of an order cannot be shipped at the same time.
10.16.3.3 Electronic Commerce Indicator Requirement for High-Risk Merchants – US

Region
In the US Region: An Acquirer must ensure that its Merchant that participates in Visa Secure
transmits an Electronic Commerce Indicator 7 (Non-Authenticated Security Transaction) in the

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Authorization Request and Clearing Record for fully authenticated Transactions and attempted
authentication Transactions within 30 days of Notification from Visa that the Merchant is identified
in the Visa Fraud Monitoring Program.
This condition also applies if the Merchant enables Visa Secure while identified in the Visa Fraud
Monitoring Program.
10.16.4 Use of Visa Authentication Technology
10.16.4.1 Visa Secure Authentication Technology Use

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Visa Secure
authentication technology must be used solely for the purpose of facilitating a Visa
Transaction or Visa Electron Transaction, as applicable. Any other use requires the prior written
permission of Visa.
Visa Secure authentication technology includes, but is not limited to, the following:
l Visa Directory Server
l Visa Attempts Access Control Server (AACS)
l Digital Certificates issued or signed by Visa Secure Certificate Authority
l Visa Secure Cardholder Authentication Verification Value (CAVV)
Visa Secure authentication technology must be used solely for the purpose of facilitating a
Visa Transaction or Visa Electron Transaction, as applicable. Any other use requires the prior
written permission of Visa.
Visa Secure authentication technology includes, but is not limited to, the following:
l Visa Directory Server
l Visa Attempts Access Control Server (AACS)
l Digital Certificates issued or signed by Visa Secure Certificate Authority
l Visa Secure Cardholder Authentication Verification Value (CAVV)

10 Risk
10.17 Credit Bureau Reporting
10.17.1 Credit Bureau Reporting – US Region
10.17.1.1 Credit Bureau Reporting Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must report all Visa Consumer Credit Card accounts to at least one
credit reporting bureau and comply with the reporting requirements.
An Issuer must report primary Cardholder data through electronic transmission to a credit bureau
by billing cycle, within 2 business days of the billing cycle end date.
An Issuer must report primary Cardholder payment information to a credit bureau using B2
Segment data, unless it is already reporting B3 Segment data.
An Issuer must report data for its primary Cardholders in the following fields of the Associated
Credit Bureaus Metro format:
l Full first name, last name, and middle initial
l Generation code (abbreviations such as “Jr.,” “Sr.,” “II,” “III”)
l Social Security number
l Valid and complete address
l Valid and complete city, state, and ZIP code
l Date of birth
10.17.1.2 Delinquent Account Reporting – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer must report to a credit bureau as delinquent an account that is 2
payments past due (30 days delinquent).
An Issuer must use the Metro ratings in the standard format specified. If the delinquency
progresses, the Issuer must use the standard Metro status code format until the account is charged
off, at which time the Issuer must reflect the appropriate charge-off code.

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10.17.1.3 Designated Agent for Credit Bureau Interface – US Region

In the US Region: An Issuer designates Visa, Integrated Solutions Concepts, Inc., or their designee
to act on the Issuer’s behalf as an agent of the Issuer to do all of the following:
l Establish credit bureau reporting standards
l Monitor credit bureau data
l Contract with credit bureaus to receive data and reports for both:
– Monitoring their handling of Issuer data
– Comparing that data to Visa-specified credit bureau reporting standards
10.20 Visa Merchant Screening Service
10.20.1 Visa Merchant Screening Service – AP Region and Europe Region
10.20.1.1 Acquirer Participation in the Visa Merchant Screening Service – AP Region

and Europe Region
In the AP Region (Australia, Cambodia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau,
Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam): An Acquirer must
participate in the Visa Merchant Screening Service (VMSS), unless prohibited by applicable laws and
regulations.
In the Europe Region: An Acquirer must participate in the Visa Merchant Screening Service (VMSS),
unless prohibited by applicable laws and regulations.
The Acquirer must do all of the following:
l Before signing a Merchant Agreement, request information about the Merchant through the
VMSS. The Acquirer must not refuse to enter into a Merchant Agreement based solely on
information held on the VMSS
l At the beginning of the Acquirer’s relationship with the Merchant, notify the Merchant in writing
that if the Merchant Agreement is terminated for cause by Visa or the Acquirer, then the
Merchant may be listed on the VMSS

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l Notify the Merchant in writing if either or both:

– The Acquirer terminates the Merchant Agreement.
– The Acquirer has listed the Merchant in the VMSS. The Acquirer must inform the Merchant of
its rights under applicable data protection legislation, including subject right of access.
l List complete information for each Merchant terminated for cause on the VMSS by the end of
the business day following the day that written notification was sent to the Merchant
l Retain Merchant Agreement termination information as listed on the VMSS
l Provide assistance to an enquiring Member as to the reasons for listing the Merchant
l Pay all associated fees
l In the Europe Region (Estonia): List fraudulent Merchants on the National Merchant Alert List
Visa may impose a non-compliance assessment each time that an Acquirer fails to list a Merchant or
Third Party Agent on the VMSS if the entity was terminated for cause.
10.20.1.2 Visa Merchant Screening Service – Data Protection Requirements – Europe

Region
In the Europe Region: Visa and each Acquirer shall each comply with their respective obligations in
relation to applicable data protection legislation as specified in the Guidelines for Terminated
Merchant Databases insofar as these apply to the Visa Merchant Screening Service (VMSS). It will
provide individuals with rights of access to their personal data where this is requested. Where an
individual requests information from Visa regarding what information is stored on the VMSS
database in relation to them, Visa will provide a subject right of access form to be completed. Visa
will provide the individual concerned with a clear description of the information that is held on the
database in relation to that individual upon receipt of the completed form.
Visa provides the VMSS and will ensure that it complies with those requirements of the Guidelines
for Terminated Merchant Databases (approved by the Article 29 – Data Protection Working Party)
that are allocated to the database operator, as may be amended from time to time.
Visa will comply fully with all applicable European data protection laws in regards to the Personal
Data that it processes in the context of the Visa Merchant Screening Service (VMSS) by both:
l Removing Personal Data about a Merchant from the VMSS file if the Merchant’s inclusion was not
in accordance with VMSS requirements
l Notifying any parties that have accessed the information on that Merchant within the previous
12-month period of the removal

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10.20.1.3 Visa Merchant Screening Service Non-Compliance Assessments – Europe

Region
In the Europe Region: An Acquirer that does not list its Merchants or applicable Third-Party Agents
as required on the Visa Merchant Screening Service (VMSS) may be subject to a non-compliance
assessment of EUR 5,000 for each violation, with no monthly maximum.
10.21 Fraud Detection Systems
10.21.1 Fraud Detection Systems – Europe Region
10.21.1.1 Issuer Requirements Relating to Fraud Detection Systems – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: An Issuer must subscribe to and actively participate in one of the following:
l A fraud detection system provided by Visa
l An equivalent authorization scoring neural network or rules-based system approved by Visa
An Issuer that does not comply may be subject to a non-compliance assessment.
10.22 Prepaid
10.22.1 Agent Use/Risk Controls
10.22.1.1 Visa Prepaid Card – Use of Agents

A Visa Prepaid Card Issuer that uses a Third Party Agent for its Visa Prepaid Card program must
comply with the requirements specified in Section 10.2, Agents and Processors, Section 10.3, Account
and Transaction Information Security, and Third Party Agent Due Diligence Risk Standards.

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10.22.1.2 Visa Prepaid Issuer Risk Program Requirements

A Visa Prepaid Card Issuer must comply with, and ensure that its applicable Agent complies with,
the Visa Prepaid Issuer Risk Program Standards Guide and cooperate with Visa, or an entity
approved by Visa, for the completion of a periodic review of the Issuer’s or its Agent’s operations
at any time. The Issuer is responsible for the cost of the periodic review.
The Issuer must both:
l Complete the Prepaid Issuer Self-Assessment Questionnaire upon entry into the Visa prepaid
program and, at minimum, on an annual basis
l Provide to Visa upon request:
– A copy of the completed Prepaid Issuer Self-Assessment Questionnaire
– A copy of the review report

11 Dispute Resolution
11.1 Responsibilities for Dispute Resolution
11.1.1 Mutual Assistance Between Members

A Member must attempt to offer mutual assistance to other Members to resolve disputes between
both:
l Its Cardholder and another Member’s Merchant
l Its Merchant and another Member’s Cardholder
If a Cardholder or Merchant accepts financial liability for a Transaction, its Member must reimburse
the other Member directly.
11.1.2 Issuer Responsibilities to Cardholders for Dispute Resolution

An Issuer must resolve Cardholder disputes under the Visa Rules by extending to Cardholders all
protections provided on any Visa Card under applicable laws or regulations and by utilizing the
Issuer’s customary practices to resolve Cardholder disputes, regardless of which type of Visa Card
was used.1 Thus, the resolution of such Cardholder disputes will be the same in similar
circumstances regardless of which type of Visa Card was used. The foregoing applies only with
respect to Transactions on Cards using the Visa Brand Mark, not to Transactions using any other
payment card brand even if such brand is on the Visa Card.
1
An Issuer must establish enhanced customer support practices to service Visa Signature, Visa Signature Preferred, and Visa
Infinite Cardholders during the dispute resolution process.
11.1.3 Visa Right to Grant Exceptions to Dispute Processing Requirements

If a Member misses a deadline or does not submit documentation electronically because of Visa
back office service platform failure, Visa may negate the impact by granting an exception to Visa
dispute processing deadlines or documentation requirements.
A Member must submit its inquiry to Visa within 15 calendar days from the date of the Visa back
office service platform failure.

11.2 Dispute Resolution General Requirements
11.2.1 Dispute Resolution Process General Requirements

For the purpose of calculating a dispute-related timeframe or time limit, the Processing Date of the
preceding event (Transaction, Dispute, Dispute Response, pre-Arbitration attempt, Arbitration, or
Compliance) is not counted as one day.
The Issuer must not initiate a Dispute for the same Transaction more than once, except for a
Dispute initiated under Dispute condition 10.5 (Visa Fraud Monitoring Program).
An Acquirer must not do either of the following:
l Process a Transaction as a first Presentment if the Issuer has previously submitted a Dispute for
the same Transaction
l Respond more than once to the original Dispute
If a Member does not respond through Visa Resolve Online (VROL) within the specified timeframe
for an action, or accepts responsibility for the Dispute, the Dispute cycle will be considered closed
and that Member will be responsible for last amount received by the opposing Member.
The responsible Member must credit the opposing Member on the same processing date of the
acceptance through VROL, when required. If the responsible Member does not credit the
opposing Member within the specified time limit, Visa will initiate the applicable credit and debit.
A Member must not submit a Fee Collection Transaction for an acceptance of a Dispute.
11.2.2 Dispute Resolution Process – Dispute Category 10 (Fraud) and 11

(Authorization)
A Member must comply with the following table to process Disputes under Dispute category 10
(Fraud) and Dispute category 11 (Authorization) and related activity.
Table 11-1: Dispute Resolution Process Steps – Category 10 (Fraud) and Category 11 (Authorization)
Dispute Process Stage Description
Dispute After receiving a Presentment, an Issuer may initiate a Dispute under the
conditions specified for the applicable Dispute category.
Time limit:
See Dispute condition
Pre-Arbitration Attempt In response to a Dispute, the Acquirer may make a pre-Arbitration

Table 11-1: Dispute Resolution Process Steps – Category 10 (Fraud) and Category 11 (Authorization) (con-
tinued)
Time limit: attempt as specified under the applicable Dispute condition.
30 calendar days from the

Dispute Processing Date1,2
Pre-Arbitration Response An Issuer may respond to the pre-Arbitration attempt as follows:
Time limit: l The Issuer may accept financial responsibility.
30 calendar days from the l The Issuer may decline the pre-Arbitration attempt if either:
Processing Date of the pre- – The Acquirer provided either:
Arbitration attempt
▪ Compelling Evidence
▪ Evidence that the Cardholder no longer disputes the Transaction
– The Issuer provides new documentation or information about the
Dispute.
If a full credit was issued and the Cardholder has suffered a loss due to
exchange rate differences, the Issuer must only pursue the difference
between the credit and debit.
If the Acquirer has supplied Compelling Evidence with its pre-Arbitration

attempt, the Issuer must do one of the following:
l In the Europe Region: Both:

– Contact the Cardholder to review the Compelling Evidence
– Provide information detailing how the Compelling Evidence has
been addressed by the Cardholder and why the Cardholder
continues to dispute the Transaction
l For all other Transactions, both:
– Certify that it has contacted the Cardholder to review the

Compelling Evidence
– Provide an explanation of why the Cardholder continues to dispute

the Transaction
l For Transactions not involving a Member in the Europe Region, for a
Dispute under Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent
Environment, either:

Table 11-1: Dispute Resolution Process Steps – Category 10 (Fraud) and Category 11 (Authorization) (con-
tinued)
– Certify that the name and address supplied does not match the
Cardholder name and address
– Certify that it has contacted the Cardholder to review the
Compelling Evidence, and provide an explanation of why the
Cardholder continues to dispute the Transaction
Arbitration The Acquirer may file for Arbitration when either:
Time limit: l The Dispute and Pre-Arbitration cycle has been completed and the
Member has not been able to resolve the Dispute.
10 calendar days3 from the
Processing Date of the pre- l The opposing Issuer has not met the requirements specified in the
Arbitration response Visa Rules.
1
In the CEMEA Region (Nigeria): For a domestic POS Transaction, 5 business days. For a domestic ATM Transaction, 3
business days.
2
In the Europe Region (Poland): For a domestic ATM Transaction, 20 calendar days
3
Plus 30 calendar days for a Group Member
11.2.3 Dispute Resolution Process – Dispute Category 12 (Processing Errors) and

13 (Consumer Disputes)
A Member must comply with the following table for processing Disputes under Dispute category
12 (Processing Errors) and Dispute category 13 (Consumer Disputes) and related activity.
Table 11-2: Dispute Resolution Process Steps – Category 12 (Processing Errors) and Category 13 (Consumer
Disputes)
Dispute After receiving a Presentment, an Issuer may initiate a Dispute under

the conditions specified for the applicable Dispute category.
Time limit:
See Dispute condition
Dispute Response The Acquirer may initiate a Dispute Response as specified under the

Disputes) (continued)
Time limit: applicable Dispute condition.

Dispute Processing Date1,2,3,4
Pre-Arbitration Attempt After receipt of a Dispute Response, the Issuer may make a pre-
Arbitration attempt for any of the following reasons:
Time limit:
l The Issuer can provide new documentation or information to the
Acquirer about the Dispute.
Dispute Response Processing
Date l If the Acquirer has supplied Compelling Evidence, the Issuer certifies
that it has contacted the Cardholder to review the Compelling
Evidence and either:
– In the Europe Region: Can provide information detailing how the
Compelling Evidence has been addressed by the Cardholder and
why the Cardholder continues to dispute the Transaction
– For all other Transactions, can provide an explanation of why the
Cardholder continues to dispute the Transaction.
l The Issuer changes the Dispute condition after receiving the Dispute
Response.
l If the Acquirer provided evidence that the Cardholder no longer
disputes the Transaction, the Issuer certifies that the Cardholder still
disputes the Transaction.
If a full credit was issued and the Cardholder has suffered a loss due to
exchange rate differences, the Issuer must only pursue the difference
between the credit and debit.
Pre-Arbitration Response An Acquirer may respond to the pre-Arbitration attempt as follows:
Time limit: l The Acquirer may accept financial responsibility.
30 calendar days from the l The Acquirer may decline the pre-Arbitration attempt.
Processing Date of the pre-
Arbitration Attempt
Arbitration The Issuer may file for Arbitration when one of the following occurs:
Time limit:

Disputes) (continued)
10 calendar days5 from the l The Dispute and Pre-Arbitration cycle has been completed and the
Processing Date of the pre- Issuer has not been able to resolve the dispute.
Arbitration response
l The Acquirer has not met the requirements specified in the Visa
Rules.
1
In the CEMEA Region (Egypt): For a domestic ATM Transaction, for Dispute conditions 12.6 (Duplication/Paid by
Other Means) and 13.9 (Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value), 10 calendar days
2
In the AP Region (India): For a domestic ATM Transaction for Dispute conditions 12.6 (Duplication/Paid by Other
Means) and 13.9 (Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value), 6 calendar days
3
In the CEMEA Region (Nigeria): For a domestic POS Transaction, 5 business days. For a domestic ATM Transaction, 3
business days
4
In the Europe Region (Poland): For a domestic ATM Transaction, for Dispute conditions 12.6 (Duplication/Paid by
Other Means) and 13.9 (Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value), 20 calendar days
5
11.2.4 Mobile Push Payment Transaction Disputes

Effective for Disputes processed through 18 October 2019
For a Mobile Push Payment Transaction, Members must use the Dispute resolution process
outlined in the Mobile Push Payment Program Implementation Guide.
11.3 Use of Visa Systems
11.3.1 Use of Visa Systems for Dispute Processing

A Member must use VisaNet or Visa Resolve Online (VROL) to process a financial message arising
from a dispute (either Dispute, Dispute Response, pre-Arbitration, or pre-Arbitration response) that
has been accepted by VROL.1,2 This requirement does not apply to domestic Interchange processed
under a Private Agreement.
A Member must use VROL1 to do all of the following:

l Process a Dispute or Dispute Response

l Respond to a Retrieval Request2
l Send Dispute-related documentation
l Make a pre-Arbitration or pre-Compliance attempt
l Process a pre-Arbitration or pre-Compliance response
l File an Arbitration or Compliance case3
l Withdraw an Arbitration or Compliance case
l File an appeal of an Arbitration or a Compliance decision
VROL questions must be answered in English and any dispute-related documentation must be
provided in English, or accompanied by an English translation.
1
In the Europe Region: This rule does not apply to a Member that chooses a Visa Scheme Processor that is not Visa. Where
a Member chooses a Visa Scheme Processor that is not Visa but would like to use Visa for Arbitration and Compliance
services, it must send all applicable information to Visa in an electronic format.
2
A Response to Retrieval Request reason code 27 (Healthcare Auto-substantiation Request) must not be processed using
Visa Resolve Online.
3
A Member must not combine more than 10 disputed Transactions in the same case. The Account Number, Acquirer,
Merchant Name, Merchant Location, and Dispute condition must be the same in each Dispute.
11.3.2 Transaction Processing Requirements

A Member must process financial messages related to Disputes as follows:
Table 11-3: Financial Message Types – Category 10 (Fraud) and Category 11 (Authorization)
Dispute Process Stage Transaction Type
Dispute The Issuer must process a Dispute Financial for the Dispute amount.
Pre-arbitration Acceptance The Issuer must process a Dispute Financial Reversal on the same
Processing Date as the Pre-arbitration acceptance.
Table 11-4: Financial Message Types – Category 12 (Processing Errors) and Category 13 (Consumer Disputes)
Dispute The Issuer must process a Dispute Financial for the Dispute amount.

Table 11-4: Financial Message Types – Category 12 (Processing Errors) and Category 13 (Consumer Disputes)
(continued)
Dispute Response The Acquirer must process a Dispute Financial Response.
Pre-arbitration Acceptance The Acquirer must process a Dispute Financial Response Reversal.
11.3.3 Reversal of a Dispute

If the opposing Member has not already moved to the next stage of the Dispute cycle and neither
Member has accepted financial liability, a Member may reverse an action (a Dispute, a Dispute
Response, a pre-Arbitration attempt, or a response to a pre-Arbitration attempt) no later than 31,2
calendar days after the Processing Date of that action.
1
One calendar day for a Dispute involving an Original Credit Transaction
2
This rule does not apply if the Cardholder has contacted the Issuer to confirm that they no longer dispute the Transaction
11.4 Dispute Amount
11.4.1 Dispute and Dispute Response Amount General Requirements

The Dispute amount (specified in the Billing Currency1) must be either:
l Actual billed amount
l Partial Transaction amount equal to the disputed amount
The Dispute amount must not exceed the Transaction amount except for Dispute condition 12.2
(Incorrect Transaction Code) where a debit was processed as a credit or a credit was processed as a
debit.
If the Dispute is for a partial amount, any surcharge amount must be pro-rated.
The amount contained in a Dispute Response or a pre-Arbitration attempt made by an Acquirer
must contain one of the following:
l The same amount in the same Transaction Currency as in the original Presentment
l A partial amount to remedy the Dispute

l The same or corrected amount in the Settlement Currency as received by the Acquirer for the
Dispute
1
In the LAC Region (Venezuela): For an International Transaction, must be in either the Transaction Currency or the Issuer’s
Settlement Currency
11.4.2 Currency Conversion Difference

The party that is assigned or accepts final liability for a Dispute is responsible for the difference
between the original Transaction amount and the final Dispute amount that may be caused by
currency conversion.
11.4.3 Minimum Dispute Amounts

Minimum Dispute amounts apply as follows:
Table 11-5: Minimum Dispute Amount
Transaction Type Applicable Dispute Condition Minimum Dispute Country/Region

Amount
T&E All except the following Dispute USD 251 (or local All
conditions: currency
equivalent)
l 10.1 (EMV Liability Shift
Counterfeit Fraud)
l 10.5 (Visa Fraud Monitoring
Program)
l 13.8 (Original Credit Transaction)
l 13.9 (Non-Receipt of Cash or
Load Transaction Value)
Automated Fuel 10.3 (Other Fraud – Card-Present USD 10 (or local All
Dispenser Environment) currency
equivalent)
1

11.5 Dispute Rights and Restrictions
11.5.1 Prohibition of Multiple Transactions in a Dispute

An Issuer must dispute each Transaction separately.
11.5.2 Use of Compelling Evidence

An Acquirer may submit Compelling Evidence with a Dispute Response or pre-Arbitration attempt,
as follows:
Table 11-6: Allowable Compelling Evidence
Item # Allowable Compelling Evidence1 Applicable Dispute Condition
10.4 (Other 13.1

Fraud – Card- Merchandise/
Absent Services Not
Environment) Received
1 Evidence, such as photographs or emails, to prove a link X X

between the person receiving the merchandise or
services and the Cardholder, or to prove that the
Cardholder disputing the Transaction is in possession
of the merchandise and/or is using the merchandise or
services.
2 For a Card-Absent Environment Transaction in which X X

the merchandise is collected from the Merchant
location, any of the following:
l Cardholder signature on the pick-up form

l Copy of identification presented by the Cardholder2
l Details of identification presented by the Cardholder
3 For a Card-Absent Environment Transaction in which X X

the merchandise is delivered, evidence that the item was
delivered to the same physical address for which the

Table 11-6: Allowable Compelling Evidence (continued)
Merchant received an AVS match of Y or M. A signature

is not required as evidence of delivery.
4 For an Electronic Commerce Transaction representing X X

the sale of digital goods downloaded from a Merchant’s
website or application, description of the merchandise
or services successfully downloaded, the date and time
such merchandise or services were downloaded, and 2
or more of the following:
l Purchaser’s IP address and the device geographical

location at the date and time of the Transaction
l Device ID number and name of device (if available)
l Purchaser’s name and email address linked to the
customer profile held by the Merchant
l Evidence that the profile set up by the purchaser on
the Merchant’s website or application was accessed
by the purchaser and has been successfully verified
by the Merchant before the Transaction Date
l Evidence that the Merchant’s website or application
was accessed by the Cardholder for merchandise or
services on or after the Transaction Date
l Evidence that the same device and Card used in the
disputed Transaction were used in any previous
Transaction that was not disputed
5 For a Transaction in which merchandise was delivered X X

to a business address, evidence that the merchandise
was delivered and that, at the time of delivery, the
Cardholder was working for the company at that
address. A signature is not required as evidence of
delivery.
6 For a Mail/Phone Order Transaction, a signed order X

form
7 For a passenger transport Transaction, evidence that X X

the services were provided and any of the following:

l Evidence that the ticket was received at the

Cardholder’s billing address
l Evidence that the ticket or boarding pass was
scanned at the gate
l Details of frequent flyer miles relating to the disputed
Transaction that were earned or redeemed, including
address and telephone number, that establish a link
to the Cardholder
l Evidence of any of the following additional
Transactions related to the original Transaction:
purchase of seat upgrades, payment for extra
baggage, or purchases made on board the
passenger transport
8 For Transactions involving a Europe Member, for an X

Airline Transaction, evidence showing that the name is
included in the manifest for the departed flight and
matches the name provided on the purchased itinerary
9 For a T&E Transaction, evidence that the services were X X

provided and either:
l Details of loyalty program rewards earned and/or

redeemed including address and telephone number
that establish a link to the Cardholder
l Evidence that an additional Transaction or
Transactions related to the original Transaction, such
as the purchase of T&E service upgrades or
subsequent purchases made throughout the T&E
service period, were not disputed
10 For a virtual Card Transaction at a Lodging Merchant, X

evidence of the Issuer’s payment instruction sent
through Visa Payables Automation, containing all of the
following:
l Issuer statement confirming approved use of the

Card at the Lodging Merchant

l Account Number
l Guest name
l Name of the company (requestor) and either their
phone number, fax number, or email address
11 For a Card-Absent Environment Transaction, evidence X

that the Transaction used an IP address, email address,
physical address, and telephone number that had been
used in a previous, undisputed Transaction
12 Evidence that the Transaction was completed by a X

member of the Cardholder’s household or family
13 Evidence that the person who signed for the X

merchandise was authorized to sign for the Cardholder
or is known by the Cardholder
14 Evidence of one or more non-disputed payments for the

same merchandise or service
15 For a Recurring Transaction, evidence of all of the X

following:
l A legally binding contract held between the

Merchant and the Cardholder
l The Cardholder is using the merchandise or services
l A previous Transaction that was not disputed
16 In the Europe Region: Evidence that the Cardholder has X

been compensated for the value of the merchandise or
services through another method
17 In the Europe Region: Evidence that the initial X

Transaction to set up a wallet was completed using Visa
Secure but any subsequent Transaction from the wallet
that was not completed using Visa Secure contained all
wallet-related Transaction data.
1
In the Europe Region: An Acquirer may present Compelling Evidence not listed in this table.


2
A Merchant must not require positive identification as a condition of Card acceptance, unless it is required or
permitted elsewhere in the Visa Rules.
11.6 Dispute Categories and Conditions
11.6.1 Dispute Categories Table Format

The Dispute categories and conditions are organized in tables to show the applicable Dispute
condition and geographical scope for different rules.
The tables consist of one or 2 columns. The first column typically shows the rule language. The
second column, if present, specifies the country or region for which the rule is applicable and uses
the following labels:
Table 11-7: Dispute Country/Region Descriptions
Country/Region Description
Label
All The rule applies to a Transaction between Members anywhere in the world.
All excluding The rule applies only to a Transaction that does not involve a Europe Member.
Europe
Europe and The rule applies to both:

Interregional
l A Transaction in the Europe Region
including
Europe l An Interregional Transaction between a Member outside the Europe Region and a
Member in the Europe Region.
[Region names] The rule applies only to an Interregional Transaction between the named Visa Regions
Interregional (for example: a rule labeled as “Canada/US Interregional” applies only to an Interregional
Transaction between the Canada Region and the US Region).
[Region name] The rule applies only to a Transaction within the named Visa Region (for example: a rule
labeled as “AP” applies only to an Intraregional Transaction or Domestic Transaction in
the AP Region).

Table 11-7: Dispute Country/Region Descriptions (continued)
Country/Region Description
Label
[Country name] The rule applies only to a Domestic Transaction within the named country (for example: a
Domestic rule labeled as “Brazil Domestic” applies only to a Domestic Transaction in Brazil).
11.7 Dispute Category 10: Fraud
11.7.1 Dispute Category 10: Cardholder Letter or Certification Requirements

If the Dispute requires an Issuer to provide certification on behalf of the Cardholder, they may only
certify if they obtained the dispute information through a secure method, for example:
l Secure online banking: Any method used by the Cardholder that establishes their unique identity
through use of a password and/or other login identification method is considered a valid
representation of the Cardholder signature
l Secure telephone banking: Where the Cardholder was identified using the same level of security
needed to complete a transfer of funds to another financial institution
Instead of an Issuer certification, an Issuer may support the Dispute with a Cardholder1 letter
denying authorization of or participation in a Transaction. If provided to support the Dispute, the
letter must be signed by the Cardholder1 and include all of the following:
l Cardholder’s1 complete or partial Account Number
l Merchant name(s)
l Transaction amount(s)
1
Or Virtual Account holder

11.7.2 Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud
11.7.2.1 Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute
Reasons
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud
for the following reason:
Table 11-8: Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
The Transaction qualifies for the EMV liability shift, as specified in Section 1.11.1.2, All
EMV Liability Shift Participation, and all of the following:
l The Transaction was completed with a Counterfeit Card in a Card-Present

Environment.
l The Cardholder denies authorization of or participation in the Transaction.
l The Card is a Chip Card.
l Either:
– The Transaction did not take place at a Chip-Reading Device (terminal entry
capability code was not 5).
– The Transaction was Chip-initiated and, if the Transaction was authorized
Online, the Acquirer did not transmit the Full-Chip Data to Visa in the
Rights
Table 11-9: Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
Before initiating a Dispute, an Issuer must report the Fraud Activity to Visa using All
fraud type code 4.

11.7.2.3 Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Invalid
Disputes
A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud for any of
the following:
Table 11-10: Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes
l A Chip-initiated Transaction (POS Entry Mode code 05 or 07) All

l An Emergency Cash Disbursement
l A Fallback Transaction.
l Effective for Disputes processed on or after 19 October 2019

A Mobile Push Payment Transaction
l A Transaction for which the Authorization record contains POS Entry Mode
code 90 and the Service Code encoded on the Magnetic Stripe does not
indicate the presence of a Chip.
l A Transaction for which the Authorization Request contains the CVV but
either:
– CVV verification was not performed
– The Authorization record indicates that the CVV failed verification
l A Transaction that was approved using an Account Number for which the
Issuer had reported Fraud Activity
l A Visa B2B Virtual Payments Program Transaction
A Transaction that contained a payment Token All excluding Europe

11.7.2.4 Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute Time
Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud
according to the following time limit:
Table 11-11: Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
120 calendar days from the Transaction Processing Date All
Processing Requirements
An Issuer must provide the following documentation or certification for a Dispute under Dispute
Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud:
Table 11-12: Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute Processing Requirements

Supporting Documentation/Certification
All of the following: All
l Certification that the Cardholder denies authorization of or participation in

the Transaction
l For key-entered Transactions, certification that the Card is a Chip Card
11.7.2.6 Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Pre-
Arbitration Processing Requirements
An Acquirer must provide the following documentation or certification for a pre-Arbitration
attempt under Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud:

Table 11-13: Dispute Condition 10.1: EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud – Pre-Arbitration Processing
Requirements

Evidence of one of the following: All
l A credit or Reversal issued by the Merchant was not addressed by the Issuer in
the Dispute.
l The Dispute is invalid.
l The Cardholder no longer disputes the Transaction.
11.7.3 Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift – Non-Counterfeit Fraud
11.7.3.1 Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute
Reasons
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit
Fraud for the following reason:
Table 11-14: Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
The Transaction qualifies for the EMV liability shift, as specified in Section All
1.11.1.2, EMV Liability Shift Participation, and all of the following:
l The Transaction was completed in a Card-Present Environment.

l The Cardholder denies authorization of or participation in the Transaction.
l The Card is a PIN-Preferring Chip Card.
l One of the following:
– The Transaction did not take place at a Chip-Reading Device.
– A Chip-initiated Transaction took place at a Chip-Reading Device that was
not EMV PIN-compliant.
– The Transaction was Chip-initiated without online PIN and both:

Table 11-14: Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute Reasons (con-
tinued)

Dispute Reasons
▪ The Transaction was authorized Online

▪ The Acquirer did not transmit the Full-Chip Data to Visa in the
Rights
Table 11-15: Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
Before initiating a Dispute, an Issuer must report the Fraud Activity using fraud All
type code 0 (lost), 1 (stolen), or 2 (Card not received as issued [NRI]).
11.7.3.3 Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Invalid
Disputes
A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud for any
of the following:
Table 11-16: Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Invalid Disputes
Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud Invalid Country/Region
Disputes
l An ATM Cash Disbursement All

l A Contactless Transaction
l An Emergency Cash Disbursement Transaction

Table 11-16: Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Invalid Disputes (continued)
Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud Invalid Country/Region
Disputes

l A Transaction where both an Imprint and a PIN were obtained

l A Transaction that was correctly processed at an EMV PIN-Compliant
Acceptance Device
l A Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Transaction
l A Fallback Transaction
Time Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit
Fraud according to the following time limit:
Table 11-17: Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute Time Limit
Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud Dispute Country/Region
Time Limit

Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud:
Table 11-18: Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Dispute Processing
Requirements

Both: All
l Certification that the Card was a PIN-Preferring Chip Card

l Certification that the Cardholder denies authorization of or participation in
the Transaction
11.7.3.6 Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Pre-
attempt under Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud:
Table 11-19: Dispute Condition 10.2: EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud – Pre-Arbitration Processing
Requirements

l A credit or Reversal issued by the merchant was not addressed by the Issuer
in the Dispute.

11.7.4 Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment
11.7.4.1 Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment – Dispute

Reasons
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present
Environment for the following reason:
Table 11-20: Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
The Cardholder denies authorization of or participation in a key-entered or All

Unattended Transaction conducted in a Card-Present Environment.

Rights
Table 11-21: Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
Before initiating a Dispute, an Issuer must report the Fraud Activity to Visa. All
11.7.4.3 Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment – Invalid

Disputes
A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment for any
of the following:

Table 11-22: Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes

l An Emergency Cash Disbursement Transaction

l A Transaction where either of the following was obtained:
– For a Face-to-Face Environment Transaction, an Electronic Imprint
– For an Unattended Transaction that does not qualify as a Visa Easy
Payment Service Transaction, an Imprint and either a PIN or Consumer
Device Cardholder Verification Method (CDCVM)
l An Unattended Transaction that does not qualify as a Visa Easy Payment
Service Transaction and that either:
– Was an Online-authorized Chip-initiated Transaction 1
– Both:
▪ Originated with a Counterfeit Card
▪ Received an Approval Response that included POS Entry Mode code 05,
07, 90, or 91
l A Visa Easy Payment Service Transaction
l A Visa B2B Virtual Payment Program Transaction
l An Account Number on which the Issuer reported Fraud Activity using fraud
type code 3 (fraudulent application)
An Unattended Transaction that is initiated with either a Magnetic Stripe-only Europe

Card or a Chip Card that is EMV Compliant and signature-preferring
1
In the Europe Region: This does not apply to Transactions conducted at a UCAT that is not required to accept a PIN.

11.7.4.4 Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card Present Environment – Dispute
Time Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present
Environment according to the following time limit:
Table 11-23: Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit

Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment:
Table 11-24: Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment – Dispute Processing
Requirements

Certification that the Cardholder denies authorization of or participation in the All

Transaction
11.7.4.6 Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment – Pre-

attempt under Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment:

Table 11-25: Dispute Condition 10.3: Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment – Pre-Arbitration Processing
Requirements

Either: All
l Evidence that one of the following:

– A credit or Reversal issued by the Merchant was not addressed by the
Issuer in the Dispute.
– The Dispute is invalid.
– The Cardholder no longer disputes the Transaction.
– For a Transaction involving an initial Card-present Transaction and one or
more ensuing key-entered Transactions, both:
▪ Evidence that all Transactions occurred during the same stay, trip, or
rental period
▪ Evidence of a valid Imprint for the initial Card-Present Environment
Transaction
l Both:
– Evidence of an Imprint 1,2
– For an Unattended Transaction, PIN or Consumer Device Cardholder
Verification Method (CDCVM)
1
A pencil rubbing or photocopy of a Card is not considered a valid Imprint.
2
In the Europe Region: This rule only applies to Unattended Transactions.
11.7.5 Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment
11.7.5.1 Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Dispute

Reasons
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent
Environment for the following reason:

Table 11-26: Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
The Cardholder denies authorization of or participation in a Transaction All

conducted in a Card-Absent Environment.

Rights
Table 11-27: Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
l Before initiating a Dispute, an Issuer must report the Fraud Activity to Visa. All
l The Dispute applies to an Electronic Commerce Transaction in which the
Issuer responded to an Authentication Request (PAReq1) with either:
– An Unable-to-Authenticate Response (PARes2 value U) or Authentication
Denial (PARes value N)
– A Cardholder Authentication Verification Value and Authentication
Identifier, but either the:
▪ Acquirer did not provide a Cardholder Authentication Verification Value
in the Authorization Request.
▪ Cardholder Authentication Verification Value results code is 0
For a Mail/Phone Order Transaction or an Electronic Commerce Transaction, the Canada Domestic
Dispute applies if the Issuer was unable to respond to an Address Verification
Service Authorization Request because the Transaction was attempted with a
Visa Commercial Card or a Card type where the Cardholder is anonymous.
The Dispute applies, regardless of the Electronic Commerce Indicator value, for US Domestic
Electronic Commerce Transactions conducted by Merchants assigned the
following MCCs:
l 4829 (Wire Transfer Money Orders)

l 5967 (Direct Marketing – Inbound Teleservices Merchant)

Table 11-27: Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Dispute Rights (continued)

Dispute Rights

example: Cryptocurrency], Money Orders [not Money Transfer], Travelers
l 6540 (Non-Financial Institutions: Stored Value Card Purchase/Load)
l 7801 (Government Licensed On-Line Casinos [On-Line Gambling])
l 7802 (Government-Licensed Horse/Dog Racing)
l 7995 (Betting, including Lottery Tickets, Casino Gaming Chips, Off-Track
Betting, and Wagers at Race Tracks)
1
The “payer authentication request” message type, as specified in the Visa Secure Program Guide
2
The “payer authentication response” message type, as specified in the Visa Secure Program Guide
11.7.5.3 Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Invalid

Disputes
A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment for any
of the following:
Table 11-28: Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes
l An Emergency Cash Disbursement All

l A Straight Through Processing Transaction
l A Transaction on an Account Number for which the Issuer has initiated more
than 35 Disputes1 within the previous 120 calendar days
l A Card-Absent Environment Transaction for which both:
– The CVV2 result code in the Authorization message is U (Issuer not

Table 11-28: Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Invalid Disputes (continued)

Invalid Disputes
participating in CVV2 program).

– The CVV2 presence indicator in the Authorization Request is one of the
following:
▪ 1 (CVV2 value is present)
▪ 2 (CVV2 value is on the Card but is illegible)
▪ 9 (Cardholder states CVV2 is not present on the Card)

l A Secure Electronic Commerce Transaction processed with Electronic

Commerce Indicator value 5 in the Authorization Request, if both:
– The Issuer responded to an Authentication Request with an
Authentication Confirmation using Visa Secure.
– The Cardholder Authentication Verification Value was included in the
l A Non-Authenticated Security Transaction processed using 3-D Secure 1.0
with Electronic Commerce Indicator value 6 if the Transaction is not a Non-
Reloadable Prepaid Card Transaction and either:
– The Issuer, or Visa on behalf of the Issuer, responded to an
Authentication Request with a non-participation message (VERes value
N).
– Both:
▪ The Issuer, or Visa on behalf of the Issuer, responded to an

Authentication Request with an Attempt Response (PARes value A)
using Visa Secure.
▪ A Cardholder Authentication Verification Value was included in the

l A Non-Authenticated Security Transaction processed using 3-D Secure 2.0
with Electronic Commerce indicator value 6 in the Authorization Request, if
all of the following apply:
– A Cardholder Authentication Verification Value was included in the


Invalid Disputes
– The Issuer, or Visa on behalf of the Issuer, responded to an
Authentication Request with an Attempt Response using Visa Secure and
a Cardholder Authentication Verification Value was included.
– The Transaction is not a Non-Reloadable Prepaid Card Transaction.
l An Account Number on which the Issuer reported Fraud Activity using fraud
type code 3 (fraudulent application)
l The Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) presence indicator in the Authorization

Request is 1 (CVV2 value is present)
l The CVV2 results code in the Authorization message is N (No match)
l The Authorization request was approved
A Transaction for which an Authorization was obtained, if both: Canada Domestic
l The Acquirer attempted to authenticate the Cardholder through the

Address Verification Service.
l The Issuer is not an Address Verification Service participant.
l A Mail/Phone Order Transaction or an Electronic Commerce Transaction, if US Domestic

both:
– The merchandise was shipped or delivered, or services were purchased.
– The Issuer was not a participant in the Address Verification Service on the
Transaction Date and the Acquirer received an Address Verification
Service response code U.
l An Airline or passenger railway Transaction, if either:
– The Issuer response to an Address Verification Service inquiry was Y and
tickets were mailed to the Cardholder billing address on the Issuer file.
– The Issuer was not a participant in the Address Verification Service on the
Transaction Date.


Invalid Disputes
l An AVS Result Code “U” and the Authorization contained address data UK Domestic
1
In the LAC Region (Brazil): This does not apply to a domestic Installment Transaction. The 35-Dispute limit applies
based on the original Authorization.

Time Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent
Environment according to the following time limit:
Table 11-29: Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit

Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment:
Table 11-30: Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Dispute Processing
Requirements
Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment Supporting Country/Region

Documentation/Certification
Certification that the Cardholder denies authorization of or participation in the All

Transaction

11.7.5.6 Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Pre-

attempt under Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment:
Table 11-31: Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Pre-Arbitration Processing
Requirements

One of the following: All

l Compelling Evidence
l For a Transaction involving an initial Card-present Transaction and one or
more ensuing key-entered Transactions, both:
– Evidence that all Transactions occurred during the same stay, trip, or
rental period
– Evidence of a valid Imprint for the initial Card-Present Environment
Transaction
Either: All excluding Europe
l F or an Airline Transaction, evidence that the Cardholder name is included in

the manifest for the departed flight and matches the Cardholder name
provided on the purchased itinerary
l F or a Transaction at a digital goods Merchant assigned MCC 5815 (Digital
Goods – Media, Books, Movies, Music), 5816 (Games), 5817 (Applications
[Excludes Games]) or 5818 (Digital Goods – Large Digital Goods Merchants),
all of the following:

Table 11-31: Dispute Condition 10.4: Other Fraud – Card-Absent Environment – Pre-Arbitration Processing
Requirements (continued)

– Evidence that the Merchant has been successfully registered in and

continues to participate in the Visa Digital Commerce Program
– Evidence that the Merchant is the owner of the operating system for the
electronic device
– Evidence that the account set up on the Merchant’s website or application
was accessed by the Cardholder and was successfully verified by the
Merchant before or on the Transaction Date
– Evidence that the disputed Transaction used the same device and Card as
previous Transactions that were not disputed
– Evidence that the device ID number, IP address and geographic location,
and name of device (if available) are linked to the Cardholder profile on
record at the Merchant
– Description of the digital goods and the date and time they were
purchased and successfully downloaded
– Customer name linked to the customer profile on record at the Merchant
– Evidence that the customer password was re-entered on the Merchant’s
website or application at the time of purchase
– Evidence that the Merchant validated the Card when the Cardholder first
linked the Card to the customer profile on record at the Merchant
11.7.6 Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program
11.7.6.1 Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program – Dispute Reasons
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program for
the following reason:

Table 11-32: Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
Visa notified the Issuer that the Transaction was identified by the Visa All
Fraud Monitoring Program and the Issuer has not successfully disputed the
Transaction under another Dispute condition.
11.7.6.2 Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program – Invalid Disputes
A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program for the following:
Table 11-33: Dispute Condition 10.5 Visa Fraud Monitoring Program – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes
Effective for Disputes processed on or after 19 October 2019 All

11.7.6.3 Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program – Dispute Time
Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program
Table 11-34: Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
120 calendar days from the date of identification by the Visa Fraud Monitoring All
Program

11.7.6.4 Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program – Pre-Arbitration

attempt under Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program:
Table 11-35: Dispute Condition 10.5: Visa Fraud Monitoring Program – Pre-Arbitration Processing
Requirements

l A credit or Reversal issued by the Merchant was not addressed by the Issuer
in the Dispute.
11.8 Dispute Category 11: Authorization
11.8.1 Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin
11.8.1.1 Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin for the
following reason:
Table 11-36: Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
l The Transaction was below the Merchant’s Floor Limit.

l The Merchant did not obtain Authorization.
l On the Transaction Date, the Account Number was listed in the Card
Recovery Bulletin for the Visa Region in which the Merchant Outlet is

Table 11-36: Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Dispute Reasons (continued)

Dispute Reasons
located.1,2
1
The Dispute applies even if a specific Account Number in a blocked BIN does not appear in the Card Recovery
Bulletin.
2
If the Transaction Date was not transmitted in the Clearing Record, the Dispute applies if the Account Number was
listed in the Card Recovery Bulletin within the 10 calendar days before the Transaction Processing Date.
11.8.1.2 Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin for the following:
Table 11-37: Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes

l A Transaction completed at a Contactless-Only Acceptance Device

l A Transaction that both:
– Occurred at a Chip-Reading Device
– Qualifies for the EMV liability shift, as specified in Section 1.11.1.2, EMV
Liability Shift Participation
11.8.1.3 Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Dispute Time Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin according to
the following time limits:

Table 11-38: Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
11.8.1.4 Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Pre-Arbitration Processing

Requirements
attempt under Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin:
Table 11-39: Dispute Condition 11.1: Card Recovery Bulletin – Pre-Arbitration Processing Requirements

Either: All

l For a dispute involving a Transaction at a Car Rental Merchant, a Cruise Line
Merchant, or a Lodging Merchant for which multiple Authorizations were
obtained, evidence that the Account Number was not listed on the Card
Recovery Bulletin on the following dates, as applicable:
– For a Lodging Merchant, the check-in date
– For a Car Rental Merchant, the vehicle rental date
– For a Cruise Line, the embarkation date

11.8.2 Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization
11.8.2.1 Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization for the
following reason:
Table 11-40: Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
An Authorization Request received a Decline Response or Pickup Response and All

the Merchant completed the Transaction.
11.8.2.2 Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Dispute Rights
Table 11-41: Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
A Dispute of a Mass Transit Transaction is valid for the full Transaction amount All
if a Decline Response was sent and the Transaction amount was greater than
the amount specified in Section 5.9.17.2, Mass Transit Transaction Requirements
11.8.2.3 Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization for either of the
following:
Table 11-42: Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes

Table 11-42: Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Invalid Disputes (continued)

Invalid Disputes
l A Transaction for which Authorization was obtained after a Decline

Response was received for the same purchase. This does not include an
Authorization Request that received a Pickup Response 04, 07, 41, or 43.
11.8.2.4 Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Dispute Time Limit

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization according to
Table 11-43: Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
11.8.2.5 Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Pre-Arbitration Processing

Requirements
attempt under Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization:
Table 11-44: Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Pre-Arbitration Processing Requirements

in the Dispute
l The Dispute is invalid

Table 11-44: Dispute Condition 11.2: Declined Authorization – Pre-Arbitration Processing Requirements (con-
tinued)

l The Cardholder no longer disputes the Transaction

l The Transaction was Chip-initiated and offline-authorized, if applicable
l For a dispute involving a Transaction at a Car Rental Merchant, a Cruise Line
Merchant, or a Lodging Merchant for which multiple Authorizations were
obtained, certification of all of the following:
– The check-in date, embarkation date, or vehicle rental date
– The check-out date, disembarkation date, or vehicle return date
– The dates, authorized amounts, and Authorization Codes of the approved
Authorizations
11.8.3 Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization
11.8.3.1 Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization for the following
reason:
Table 11-45: Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
Authorization was required but was not obtained on the date specified in All
Section 5.8.4.5, Approval Response Validity Timeframes

11.8.3.2 Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Dispute Rights
Table 11-46: Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
l The Dispute is limited to the amount above the applicable Floor Limit for a All
Chip-initiated, Offline-Authorized Transaction.
l If Authorization was obtained for an amount less than the Transaction
amount, the Dispute is limited to either:
– The amount that was not authorized
– The difference between the Transaction amount and the amount for
which Authorization was required, as specified in Section 5.8.3.1,
Authorization Amount Requirements
l The Dispute applies to a Chip-initiated Transaction that included an
Authorization Request Cryptogram (ARQC) in the Clearing Record but was
not authorized Online by the Issuer or the Issuer’s agent.
11.8.3.3 Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization for any of the following:
Table 11-47: Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes

l A Transaction for which valid Authorization was obtained
l An Electronic Commerce Transaction in which the Cardholder Authentication
Verification Value was not validated during Authorization
l Effective for Disputes processed on or after 19 October 2019 A Mobile Push

Payment Transaction
l Effective for Transactions completed through 17 April 2020 A Credit

Transaction

Table 11-47: Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Invalid Disputes (continued)

Invalid Disputes
A Transaction that both: Europe
l Is processed with a Visa Drive Card that is an “extra” Card which has a
Privately Contracted Agreement associated to it
l Contains either of the following MCCs:
– 4784 (Tolls and Bridge Fees)
– 7523 (Parking Lots, Parking Meters and Garages)
11.8.3.4 Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Dispute Time Limit

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization according to the
following time limits:
Table 11-48: Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
11.8.3.5 Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Pre-Arbitration Processing

Requirements
attempt under Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization:
Table 11-49: Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Pre-Arbitration Processing Requirements

Both: All

Table 11-49: Dispute Condition 11.3: No Authorization – Pre-Arbitration Processing Requirements (con-
tinued)

l Evidence of any of the following:

– That the Transaction Date in the Clearing Record was incorrect and that
Authorization was obtained on the correct date
l For a dispute involving special Authorization procedures where all of the
following apply:
– The first Authorization Request included the initial/Estimated
Authorization Request indicator.
– Subsequent Authorization Requests included the Incremental
Authorization Request indicator.
– The same Transaction Identifier was used in all Authorization Requests.
– Clearing Records were submitted within the timeframes specified in Section
5.8.4.5, Approval Response Validity Timeframes.
Both:
– The Transaction Receipt or Substitute Transaction Receipt

– Certification of all of the following:
▪ The date the Transaction was initiated
▪ The date the Transaction was completed
▪ The dates, authorized amounts, and Authorization Codes of the
approved Authorizations

11.9 Dispute Category 12: Processing Errors
11.9.1 Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment
11.9.1.1 Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment for the following
reasons:
Table 11-50: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
Either:1 All
l The Transaction Date is more than 180 calendar days before the
Transaction Processing Date.
l Both:
– The Transaction was not processed within the required time limit as
specified in Section 7.7.1.1, Acquirer Processing Timeframes.
– The Account Number was not in good standing on the Dispute
Processing Date.
The Acquirer processed an Adjustment of a Shared Deposit Transaction and All

either:
l The Shared Deposit Adjustment posted to a “closed” or “non-sufficient

funds” account and the Adjustment was processed more than 10 days
after the Transaction Date.
l The Shared Deposit Adjustment, was processed more than 45 days after
the Transaction Date.
The Acquirer processed an Adjustment of an ATM Cash Disbursement or a US Domestic

PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit Transaction and either:
l The Adjustment posted to a “closed” or “non-sufficient funds” account and

the Adjustment was processed more than 10 days after the Transaction
Date.
l The Adjustment was processed more than 45 days after the Transaction
Date.
The Acquirer processed an Adjustment of an ATM Cash Disbursement more India Domestic

Table 11-50: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Reasons (continued)

Dispute Reasons
than 5 days after the Transaction Date and the Adjustment was posted to a
“closed” or “non-sufficient funds” account.
1
In the LAC Region (Brazil): For a domestic Installment Transaction, the Transaction was processed between the
Transaction Date and the Processing Date of the first Installment Transaction.
11.9.1.2 Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Rights
Table 11-51: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
For the purpose of this condition, the Transaction Date refers to the Transaction All
Date transmitted in the Clearing Record.
11.9.1.3 Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment for any of the following:
Table 11-52: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes


11.9.1.4 Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Time Limit

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment according to the
Table 11-53: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
120 calendar days from either: US Domestic
l The Transaction Processing Date

l For an Adjustment of an ATM Cash Disbursement or a PIN-Authenticated Visa
Debit Transaction, the Transaction Date of the Adjustment
120 calendar days from either: India Domestic

l For an Adjustment of an ATM Cash Disbursement, the Transaction Date of the
Adjustment
11.9.1.5 Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Processing

Requirements
Condition 12.1: Late Presentment:
Table 11-54: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Processing Requirements

Certification that either: All
l On the Dispute Processing Date, the Cardholder account status was flagged
as one of the following:
– Credit Problem
– Closed

Table 11-54: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Processing Requirements (continued)

– Fraud1
l The Transaction was processed more than 180 calendar days after the
Transaction Date.
1
This does not apply to Shared Deposit Transactions.
11.9.1.6 Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Response Processing

Requirements
An Acquirer must provide the following documentation or certification for a Dispute Response
under Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment:
Table 11-55: Dispute Condition 12.1: Late Presentment – Dispute Response Processing Requirements

the Dispute
l The Transaction Receipt or other record with a Transaction Date that
disproves late Presentment and proves that the Acquirer obtained the
required authorization

11.9.2 Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code
11.9.2.1 Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code for the
following reasons:
Table 11-56: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
l A credit was processed as a debit.

l A debit was processed as a credit.
l A credit refund was processed instead of a Reversal or an Adjustment.
11.9.2.2 Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Rights
Table 11-57: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
l The Dispute amount should be double the Transaction amount if either: All
– A credit was processed as a debit.
– A debit was processed as a credit.
l For a credit refund that was processed instead of a Reversal or an Adjustment,
the Dispute amount is limited to the difference between the credit refund and
the original debit.

11.9.2.3 Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code for any of the
following:
Table 11-58: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes

11.9.2.4 Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Time Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code
according to the following time limits:
Table 11-59: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
120 calendar days from either: All

the Processing Date of the credit refund
11.9.2.5 Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Processing

Requirements
Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code:

Table 11-60: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Processing Requirements

l Credit was processed as a debit.

l Debit was processed as a credit.
For a credit refund that was processed instead of a Reversal or an Adjustment,

both:
l An explanation of why the credit refund was processed in error

l Date of the original Transaction and Credit Transaction
11.9.2.6 Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Response

under Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code:
Table 11-61: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Response Processing
Requirements

Either: All
l For a credit processed as a debit or a debit processed as a credit, either:

– Evidence that a credit or Reversal issued by the Merchant was not
addressed by the Issuer in the Dispute
– Transaction Receipt or other record that proves that the Transaction code
was correct
either:
– Evidence that a Reversal issued by the Merchant was not addressed by the
Issuer in the Dispute

Table 11-61: Dispute Condition 12.2: Incorrect Transaction Code – Dispute Response Processing Require-
ments (continued)

– A reason that a Credit Transaction was processed instead of a Reversal or

an Adjustment
11.9.3 Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency
11.9.3.1 Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency for the following
reasons:
Table 11-62: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
Either: All
l The Transaction Currency is different than the currency transmitted through

VisaNet.
l Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) occurred and the Cardholder did not
agree to DCC and did not make an active choice or was refused the choice of
paying in the Merchant’s local currency or the selected ATM currency.
11.9.3.2 Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Rights
Table 11-63: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
The Dispute applies for the entire Transaction amount. All

11.9.3.3 Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency for the following:
Table 11-64: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes
l A Straight Through Processing Transaction All

l A Transaction settled in USD originating at an ATM that is located outside the

US Region and is connected to the Plus System. This does not include a DCC
Transaction.
11.9.3.4 Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Time Limit

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency according to the
following time limit:
Table 11-65: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
11.9.3.5 Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Processing

Requirements
Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency:

Table 11-66: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Processing Requirements

Either: All
l Certification stating the correct Transaction currency code

l Certification that the Cardholder did not agree to Dynamic Currency
Conversion and did not make an active choice or was refused the choice of
paying in the Merchant’s local currency or the selected ATM currency1
1
Effective for Transactions completed on or after 13 April 2019
11.9.3.6 Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Response Rights
Table 11-67: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Response Rights

For a Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) Transaction, if the Acquirer cannot All
provide evidence of active choice by the Cardholder, it may either:
l Process a Dispute Response in the Merchant’s local currency, or the currency

selected at the ATM1, for the Transaction amount before DCC occurred,
excluding fees or commission charges directly related to DCC that were applied
to the Transaction.
l Process the Transaction as a first Presentment instead of processing a Dispute
Response. The Acquirer may be responsible for a Dispute for late Presentment.
1
11.9.3.7 Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Response Processing

Requirements
under Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency:

Table 11-68: Dispute Condition 12.3: Incorrect Currency – Dispute Response Processing Requirements

l Evidence that one of the following: All

– A credit or Reversal issued by the Merchant was not addressed by the Issuer
in the Dispute.
l Transaction Receipt or other record that proves that the Transaction currency
was correct
l For a DCC Transaction, either:
– For a Dispute Response in the Merchant’s local currency or the
ATM dispensed currency1, both:
▪ Acquirer certification that the Merchant is registered to offer DCC
▪ A copy of the Transaction Receipt showing the Merchant’s local currency
or the currency selected at the ATM1
– For a Dispute Response in the DCC currency, all of the following:
▪ Evidence that the Cardholder actively chose DCC
▪ Acquirer certification that the Acceptance Device requires electronic
selection of DCC by the Cardholder and that the choice cannot be made
by the Merchant or ATM1
▪ A copy of the Transaction Receipt
1
11.9.4 Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number
11.9.4.1 Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number for the
following reason:

Table 11-69: Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
Either: All
l The Transaction or Original Credit Transaction was processed using an

incorrect Account Number.1
l A Shared Deposit Adjustment was processed using an incorrect Account
Number.
1
In the US Region: Includes an Adjustment of an ATM Cash Disbursement or a PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit
Transaction
11.9.4.2 Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number for the following:
Table 11-70: Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes

l A Transaction using an Account Number for which no valid Card was issued or
is outstanding and for which either an Imprint or an Authorization was
obtained
l A Chip-initiated Transaction containing a valid Cryptogram


11.9.4.3 Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Dispute Time Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number according
to the following time limits:
Table 11-71: Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
120 calendar days from the Transaction Processing Date of a Shared Deposit All
Adjustment

11.9.4.4 Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Dispute Processing

Requirements
Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number:
Table 11-72: Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Dispute Processing Requirements

Either: All
l Certification that the incorrect account number was used.
l Certification that a Transaction was processed to an Account Number that

does not match any Account Number on the Issuer’s master file and no
Authorization was obtained.

11.9.4.5 Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Dispute Response

under Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number:
Table 11-73: Dispute Condition 12.4: Incorrect Account Number – Dispute Response Processing
Requirements

the Dispute
l Transaction Receipt or other record to prove that the Account Number was
processed correctly
11.9.5 Dispute Condition 12.5 Incorrect Amount
11.9.5.1 Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount for the following
reason:
Table 11-74: Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
Either: All
l The Transaction amount is incorrect or an addition or transposition error

occurred.
l For an ATM Transaction, the Shared Deposit Adjustment amount is incorrect.

11.9.5.2 Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Rights
Table 11-75: Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
l The Dispute amount is limited to the difference between the amounts. All
l For an incorrect Transaction amount, if a handwritten Transaction amount
differs from the imprinted amount, the handwritten amount must be used to
determine the processing error.
11.9.5.3 Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount for any of the following:
Table 11-76: Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes


l A T&E Transaction in which there is a difference between the quoted price
and the actual charges made by the Merchant
l A prepayment 1
l A Transaction for which the Merchant has the right to alter the Transaction
amount without the Cardholder’s consent after the Transaction was
completed
1
Processed as specified in Section 5.9.9.1, Requirements for Prepayments and Transactions Using Stored Credentials

11.9.5.4 Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Time Limit

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount according to the
Table 11-77: Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
Either: All
l 120 calendar days from the Transaction Processing Date

l 120 calendar days from the Transaction Processing Date of a Shared Deposit
Adjustment

11.9.5.5 Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Processing

Requirements
Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount:
Table 11-78: Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Processing Requirements

l Certification of the correct Transaction Amount All

l For an ATM Transaction, certification of the correct Shared Deposit
Adjustment amount

11.9.5.6 Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Response Processing

Requirements
under Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount:
Table 11-79: Dispute Condition 12.5: Incorrect Amount – Dispute Response Processing Requirements

l A credit or Reversal issued by the Acquirer was not addressed by the Issuer in
the Dispute
l Transaction Receipt or other record to prove that the Transaction amount was
correct
11.9.6 Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means
11.9.6.1 Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means –

Dispute Reasons
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other
Means for the following reason:
Table 11-80: Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
l A single Transaction 1 was processed more than once using the same
Account Number.

Table 11-80: Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Dispute Reasons (con-
tinued)

Dispute Reasons
l The Cardholder2 paid for the same merchandise or service by other

means.
l For an ATM Transaction, a Shared Deposit Adjustment was processed

more than once.
1
In the US Region: Includes an Adjustment of an ATM Cash Disbursement or a PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit
Transaction
2

Dispute Rights
Table 11-81: Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
For Duplicate Processing: All
l If the Transaction was processed by different Acquirers (including Originating

Acquirers), the Acquirer that processed the invalid Transaction is responsible
for the Dispute. If the Issuer (including a Recipient Issuer) cannot determine
which Transaction is invalid, the Acquirer that processed the second
Transaction is responsible for the Dispute.
l For an ATM Transaction that was processed by different Acquirers, the

Acquirer that processed the invalid Shared Deposit Adjustment is responsible
for the Dispute. If the Issuer or Recipient Member cannot determine which
Transaction is invalid, the Acquirer that processed the second Transaction is
responsible for the Dispute.
For Transactions that were paid by other means:
l The Dispute applies when a contract reflects that the Merchant accepted a
voucher issued by a third party as payment for merchandise or for services

Table 11-81: Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Dispute Rights (continued)

Dispute Rights
rendered, and subsequently bills the Cardholder because the Merchant is

unable to collect payment from the third party.
l The Cardholder must attempt to resolve the dispute with the Merchant or
the Merchant’s liquidator, if applicable, before the Issuer may initiate a
Dispute.1
1
Does not apply to a Dispute where a travel agency using a Visa Commercial Card Virtual Account has a contractual
agreement with a Lodging Merchant or Vehicle Rental Merchant that covers the terms for specified services
11.9.6.3 Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Invalid

Disputes
A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means as
follows:
Table 11-82: Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes
Transactions in which payment for services was made to different Merchants, All
unless there is evidence that the payment was passed from one Merchant to the
other (for example: payment from a travel agent to a T&E Merchant)

Dispute Time Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other
Means according to the following time limits:

Table 11-83: Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
Either All

l 120 calendar days from the Transaction date of a Shared Deposit Adjustment


Dispute Processing Requirements
Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means:
Table 11-84: Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Dispute Processing
Requirements

For Duplicate Processing: All
l Certification of the date and Acquirer Reference Number of the valid

Transaction
l For a Shared Deposit Adjustment, certification of the first Adjustment date

and amount
For Transactions that were paid by other means all of the following, as applicable:
l Certification that the Cardholder attempted to resolve the dispute with the
Merchant, unless prohibited by applicable laws or regulations
l Evidence that the Merchant received payment by other means, including:

Table 11-84: Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Dispute Processing Require-
ments (continued)

– The Acquirer Reference Number or other Transaction information, if paid by

a Visa Card
– A statement, if paid by another card
– A cash receipt
– A copy of the front and back of a cancelled check
l If the Merchant billed the Cardholder because the Merchant was unable to
collect payment for a voucher received from a third party, evidence that the
Merchant accepted the voucher for payment for the merchandise or service
(for example: a rental contract showing that the voucher was accepted by the
Merchant)

Dispute Response Processing Requirements
under Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means:
Table 11-85: Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Dispute Response

the Dispute
l For an ATM Transaction, a copy of the ATM Cash Disbursement Transaction or
Load Transaction records containing at least the following:

Table 11-85: Dispute Condition 12.6: Duplicate Processing/Paid by Other Means – Dispute Response Pro-
cessing Requirements (continued)

– Account Number
– Transaction time or sequential number that identifies individual
Transactions
– Indicator that confirms that the ATM Cash Disbursement or Load
Transaction was successful
l For a Transaction that is not an ATM Transaction, either:
– 2 separate Transaction Receipts or other record to prove that separate
Transactions were processed
– Evidence to prove that the Merchant did not receive payment by other
means for the same merchandise or service
11.9.7 Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data
11.9.7.1 Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data for the following reason:
Table 11-86: Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
Either: All
l Authorization was obtained using invalid or incorrect data

l The MCC used in the Authorization Request does not match the MCC in the
Clearing Record of the first Presentment for the same Transaction.

11.9.7.2 Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Dispute Rights
Table 11-87: Dispute Condition 12.7 Invalid Data – Dispute Rights
Dispute Condition 12.7 Invalid Data Country/Region

Dispute Rights
l The Dispute applies for the entire Transaction amount. All

l The Authorization is invalid if the Authorization Request contained an
incorrect Transaction Date, MCC, Merchant or Transaction type indicator,
country code, state code, special condition indicator, or other required field.
11.9.7.3 Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data for the following:
Table 11-88: Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes

11.9.7.4 Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Dispute Time Limit

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data according to the
following time limit:
Table 11-89: Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit

11.9.7.5 Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Dispute Processing Requirements

Condition 12.7: Invalid Data:
Table 11-90: Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Dispute Processing Requirements

Both: All
l Certification that the Authorization Request would have been declined if valid
data had been provided
l An explanation of why the inclusion of valid data would have caused the
Authorization Request to be declined
11.9.7.6 Dispute Condition 12.7: Invalid Data – Dispute Response Processing

Requirements
under Dispute Condition 12.7 Invalid Data:
Table 11-91: Dispute Condition 12.7 Invalid Data – Dispute Response Processing Requirements
Dispute Condition 12.7 Invalid Data Country/Region

the Dispute.
l The Authorization did not contain invalid data.

11.10 Dispute Category 13: Consumer Disputes
11.10.1 Dispute Category 13: Cardholder Letter Requirements

If the Dispute requires an Issuer to provide an Acquirer with a Cardholder1 letter confirming non-
receipt of merchandise, services, Cash, or Load Transaction value, the letter must be signed by the
Cardholder1 and include all of the following:
l Cardholder’s1 complete or partial Account Number
l Merchant name(s)
l Transaction amount(s)
1
11.10.2 Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received
11.10.2.1 Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Dispute

Reasons
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received
for the following reason:
Table 11-92: Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
The Cardholder1 participated in the Transaction but the Cardholder1 or an All

authorized person did not receive the merchandise or services because the
Merchant or Prepaid Partner was unwilling or unable to provide the merchandise
or services.
1


Rights
Table 11-93: Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
l The Dispute amount is limited to the portion of services or merchandise not All
received.
l Before the Issuer may initiate a Dispute, the Cardholder must attempt to
resolve the dispute with the Merchant or the Merchant’s liquidator, if
applicable.1
l The Merchant is responsible for merchandise held in a customs agency in the
Merchant’s country.
l If merchandise was delivered late or to the incorrect location, the Cardholder
must return or attempt to return the merchandise.
l For a Dispute related to non-receipt of travel services from a provider who has Europe
failed, if the services are covered by a bonding authority/insurance scheme,
the Issuer must attempt to obtain reimbursement from the relevant bonding
authority/insurance scheme., unless the bond or insurance scheme is
insufficient. If the bond or insurance scheme is insufficient, the Issuer may use
information in the public domain to initiate the Dispute.
l Only applies if the Merchant is put into liquidation or receivership France Domestic
1
11.10.2.3 Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Invalid

Disputes
A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received for any of
the following:

Table 11-94: Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes

l A Transaction in which the Cardholder cancelled the merchandise or service
before the expected delivery or service date
l A Transaction in which merchandise is being held by the Cardholder’s
country’s customs agency
l A Transaction that the Cardholder states is fraudulent
l A dispute regarding the quality of merchandise or service provided
l A partial prepayment 1 Transaction when the remaining balance was not paid
and the Merchant is willing and able to provide the merchandise or services
l The Cash-Back portion of a Visa Cash-Back Transaction
l An Automated Fuel Dispenser Transaction All excluding Europe

1
Processed as specified in Section 5.9.9.1, Requirements for Prepayments and Transactions Using Stored Credentials
11.10.2.4 Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Dispute Time

Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received
Table 11-95: Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
If applicable, before initiating a Dispute, an Issuer must wait 15 calendar days1 All
from either:
l The Transaction Date, if the date the services were expected or the delivery
date for the merchandise is not specified
l The date the Cardholder returned or attempted to return the merchandise, if

Table 11-95: Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Dispute Time Limit (continued)

Dispute Time Limit
the merchandise was returned due to late delivery
A Dispute must be processed no later than either:

l 120 calendar days from the last date that the Cardholder expected to receive
the merchandise or services2
If applicable, before initiating a Dispute, an Issuer must wait 15 calendar days1 Europe
from either:
l The Transaction Date, if the date the services were expected or the delivery
date for the merchandise is not specified
l The date the Cardholder returned or attempted to return the merchandise, if
the merchandise was returned due to late delivery
A Dispute must be processed no later than any of the following:

l 120 calendar days from the last date that the Cardholder expected to receive
the merchandise or services2
l If the Issuer was required to attempt to obtain reimbursement from a bonding
authority/insurance scheme, a Dispute must be processed no later than 60
days from the date of the letter or advice from the bonding
authority/insurance scheme2
Effective 19 October 2019 Brazil Domestic

A Dispute for a domestic Installment Transaction must be processed no later
than 120 calendar days from the Transaction Processing Date of the first
Installment Transaction
1
This does not apply if the waiting period would cause the Dispute to exceed the Dispute time limit.
2
Not to exceed 540 calendar days from the Transaction Processing Date


Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received:
Table 11-96: Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Dispute Processing Requirements

All of the following, as applicable: All
l Certification of any of the following, as applicable:

– Services were not rendered by the expected date/time
– Merchandise was not received by the expected date/time
– Merchandise was not received at the agreed location (Issuer must specify
the address of the agreed location)
– Cardholder attempted to resolve with Merchant
– The date the merchandise was returned
l A detailed description of the merchandise or services purchased, unless
prohibited by applicable laws or regulations. This description must contain
additional information beyond the data required in the Clearing Record.
l A Cardholder letter,1 if both:
– The Cardholder has disputed 3 or more Transactions for non-receipt of
merchandise or services at the same Merchant.
– The disputed Transactions all occurred within the same 30-calendar day
period.
All of the following, as applicable: Europe
l Certification of any of the following, as applicable:
– Services were not rendered by the expected date/time
– Merchandise was not received by the expected date/time
– Merchandise was not received at the agreed location (Issuer must specify
the address of the agreed location)
– Cardholder attempted to resolve with Merchant

Table 11-96: Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Dispute Processing Requirements
(continued)

– The date the merchandise was returned
l A detailed description of the merchandise or services purchased, unless

prohibited by applicable laws or regulations. This description must contain
additional information beyond the data required in the Clearing Record.
l A Cardholder letter, if both:
– The Cardholder has disputed 3 or more Transactions for non-receipt of

merchandise or services at the same Merchant.
– The disputed Transactions all occurred within the same 30-calendar day
period.
l Unless prohibited by applicable laws or regulations, both:

– An explanation of the attempt to resolve the dispute with the bonding
authority/insurance scheme
– The date of the letter or advice from the bonding authority/insurance
scheme
1
In the LAC Region (Brazil): For a domestic Installment Transaction, the Transaction was processed between the
Transaction Date and the Processing Date of the first Installment Transaction.

Response Processing Requirements
under Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received:

Table 11-97: Dispute Condition 13.1: Merchandise/Services Not Received – Dispute Response Processing
Requirements

the Dispute
l Documentation to prove that the Cardholder or an authorized person received
the merchandise or services at the agreed location or by the agreed date/time
l For an Airline Transaction, evidence showing that the name is included in the
manifest for the departed flight and it matches the name provided on the
purchased itinerary
l Compelling Evidence
11.10.3 Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction
11.10.3.1 Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction for
Table 11-98: Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
Either: All
l The Cardholder withdrew permission to charge the account for a Recurring

Transaction or, in the Europe Region, an Installment Transaction.
l The Acquirer or Merchant received notification that, before the Transaction
was processed, the Cardholder’s account was closed or, in the Europe
Region, facilities were withdrawn or the Cardholder deceased.

11.10.3.2 Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Rights
Table 11-99: Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
The Dispute amount is limited to the unused portion of the service or All
merchandise.1
1
In the Europe Region: This does not apply to an Installment Transaction.
11.10.3.3 Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction for the
following:
Table 11-100: Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes
l Effective for Disputes processed on or after 19 October 2019 All


l An Installment Transaction 1
l An Unscheduled Credential-on-File Transaction
1

11.10.3.4 Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Time

Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction
Table 11-101: Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
11.10.3.5 Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute

Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction:
Table 11-102: Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Processing Requirements

Certification of either: All
l The date the service was cancelled

l The date the Merchant was notified that the account was closed
Certification of any of the following: Europe
l The date the service was cancelled

l The date the Merchant was notified that the account was closed
l The account was closed and facilities were withdrawn
l Cardholder deceased

11.10.3.6 Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Response

under Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction:
Table 11-103: Dispute Condition 13.2: Cancelled Recurring Transaction – Dispute Response Processing
Requirements

Evidence of one or more of the following: All
in the Dispute
l The Cardholder requested cancellation for a different date and services were
provided until this date1
l The Merchant posts charges to Cardholders after services have been
provided and that the Cardholder received services until the cancellation
date1
l The Issuer’s claim is invalid that the Acquirer or Merchant was notified that
the account was closed1
1
In the Europe Region: This does not apply when the Issuer has advised that the account was closed, facilities
withdrawn, or Cardholder deceased
11.10.4 Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services
11.10.4.1 Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services

– Dispute Reasons
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective
Merchandise/Services for the following reasons:

Table 11-104: Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
One of the following: All excluding France

Domestic
l The merchandise or services did not match what was described on the
Transaction Receipt or other record presented at the time of purchase.
l The merchandise received by the Cardholder was damaged or defective.
l The Cardholder disputes the quality of the merchandise or services received.
l For a Dispute where a travel agency using a Visa Commercial Card Virtual
Account has a contractual agreement with a Lodging Merchant or Vehicle
Rental Merchant that covers the terms for specified services, either:
– The Merchant failed to honor the contractual agreement.
– The services provided by the Merchant to the Virtual Account holder were
not as described in the contractual agreement.
For a Card-Absent Environment Transaction, the Merchant’s verbal description or Canada Domestic
other documentation presented at the time of purchase did not match the
US Domestic
merchandise or services received.
Canada/US
Interregional

– Dispute Rights
Table 11-105: Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
l The Dispute amount is limited to one of the following: All

– The unused portion of the cancelled service
– The value of the merchandise that the Cardholder returned or, if
applicable, attempted to return
– For a Dispute where a travel agency using a Visa Commercial Card Virtual

Table 11-105: Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services – Dispute Rights
(continued)

Dispute Rights

Rental Merchant that covers the terms for specified services, the value of
any items not listed in the contractual agreement
resolve the dispute with the Merchant or the Merchant’s liquidator.1
l The Merchant is responsible for merchandise held in a customs agency in
the Merchant’s country.
Before the Issuer may initiate a Dispute, the Cardholder must return or attempt All excluding Europe
to return the merchandise or cancel the services.1,2
Before the Issuer may initiate a Dispute, the Cardholder must return the Europe and Interregional
merchandise or cancel the services.1,2 If the Cardholder is unable to return including Europe
merchandise that was delivered or installed by the Merchant, it is sufficient for
the Cardholder to attempt to return the merchandise.1
1
2
For Disputes related to services that cannot be cancelled, the Cardholder must request a credit from the Merchant.

– Invalid Disputes
A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective
Merchandise/Services for any of the following:
Table 11-106: Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes


Table 11-106: Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services – Invalid Disputes
(continued)

Invalid Disputes
l A dispute regarding Value-Added Tax (VAT)

l A Transaction in which the returned merchandise is held by any customs
agency except the Merchant’s country’s customs agency

– Dispute Time Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective
Merchandise/Services according to the following time limits:
Table 11-107: Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services – Dispute Time
Limit
Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Country/Region

Merchandise/Services
Dispute Time Limit
Before initiating a Dispute, the Issuer must wait 15 calendar days1,2 from All
the date the Cardholder returned or attempted to return the
merchandise or cancelled the services.
A Dispute must be processed within either:
l 120 calendar days of either:

– The Transaction Processing Date
– The date the Cardholder3 received the merchandise or services4
l 60 calendar days of the date the Issuer received the first Cardholder
notification of the dispute, if both:4
– There is evidence in the notification of previous ongoing
negotiations between the Cardholder and the Merchant to resolve
the dispute.

Table 11-107: Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services – Dispute Time
Limit (continued)
Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Country/Region

Merchandise/Services
Dispute Time Limit
– The negotiations occurred within 120 days of the Transaction

Processing Date.
– The Dispute Processing Date is no later than 540 calendar days from
the Transaction Processing Date.

A Dispute for a domestic Installment Transaction must be processed no
later than 120 calendar days from the Transaction Processing Date of the
first Installment Transaction.
1
This does not apply if the waiting period would cause the Dispute to exceed the Dispute time limit or if the Merchant
refuses the cancellation or return.
2
The waiting period does not apply to a Dispute where a travel agency using a Visa Commercial Card Virtual Account
has a contractual agreement with a Lodging Merchant or Vehicle Rental Merchant that covers the terms for
specified services
3
Or Virtual Account holders
4

– Dispute Processing Requirements
Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services:
Table 11-108: Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services – Dispute

Certification of the following, as applicable: All
l An explanation of what was not as described or defective or information

Table 11-108: Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services – Dispute Pro-

regarding the quality-related issue

l The date the Cardholder received the merchandise or services
l That the Cardholder attempted to resolve the dispute with the Merchant
l For services, the date the Cardholder cancelled the services or requested a
credit from the Merchant
l For merchandise, the date the Cardholder returned or attempted to return
the merchandise
l For merchandise that the Cardholder returned, all of the following:
– The name of the shipping company
– A tracking number (if available)
– The date the Merchant received the merchandise
l For merchandise that the Cardholder attempted to return, all of the following:
– A detailed explanation of how and when the Cardholder attempted to
return the merchandise
– The disposition of the merchandise
– Certification that the Merchant either:
▪ Refused the return of the merchandise
▪ Refused to provide a return merchandise authorization
▪ Instructed the Cardholder not to return the merchandise
Rental Merchant that covers the terms for specified services, an explanation
on how the terms of service included in the contractual agreement were not
as described or not honored by the Merchant.
l For disputes involving ongoing negotiations, all of the following:
– Certification of both:
▪ The date the Cardholder began negotiations with the Merchant

Table 11-108: Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services – Dispute Pro-

▪ The date the Issuer was first notified of the dispute

– Evidence of ongoing negotiations between the Cardholder and the
Merchant to resolve the dispute

– Dispute Response Processing Requirements
under Dispute Condition 13.3: Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services:

Either: All

– Evidence to prove that the merchandise or service matched what was
described (including the description of the quality of the merchandise or
service) or was not damaged or defective
– Merchant rebuttal to the Cardholder’s claims
– If applicable, evidence to prove that the Cardholder did not attempt to
return the merchandise or certification that the returned merchandise has
not been received

Response Processing Requirements (continued)

Rental Merchant that covers the terms for specified services, evidence to prove
that the terms of service included in the contractual agreement were as
described or honored by the Merchant
11.10.5 Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise
11.10.5.1 Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise for the
following reasons:
Table 11-110: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
The merchandise was identified as counterfeit by one or more of the following: All excluding France
Domestic
l The owner of the intellectual property or its authorized representative
l A customs agency, law enforcement agency, or other government agency
l A third-party expert

11.10.5.2 Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Rights
Table 11-111: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
If the Cardholder was advised that the merchandise ordered was counterfeit, the All
Dispute applies even if the Cardholder has not received the merchandise.
11.10.5.3 Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise for any of the
following:
Table 11-112: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes

11.10.5.4 Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Time Limit

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise according
to the following time limits:
Table 11-113: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
A Dispute must be processed no later than 120 calendar days from one of the All
following:

Table 11-113: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Time Limit (continued)

Dispute Time Limit
l The date the Cardholder received the merchandise1

l The date on which the Cardholder was notified that the merchandise was
counterfeit 1

Installment Transaction.
1
11.10.5.5 Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Processing

Requirements
Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise:
Table 11-114: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Processing Requirements

Certification of all of the following: All
l That the Cardholder received notification from one of the entities listed in
Section 11.10.5.1, Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute
Reasons, that the merchandise is counterfeit
l The date the Cardholder received the merchandise or received notification that
the merchandise was counterfeit
l A description of the counterfeit merchandise
l The disposition of the merchandise
l Information about the entity that indicated the merchandise to be counterfeit,
including the name of the entity providing the notification and validation that
the entity is qualified to provide the notification

11.10.5.6 Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Response

under Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise:
Table 11-115: Dispute Condition 13.4: Counterfeit Merchandise – Dispute Response Processing Requirements

the Dispute
l To support the Merchant’s claim that the merchandise was not counterfeit
11.10.6 Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation
11.10.6.1 Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation for the following
reason:
Table 11-116: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
The Cardholder claims that the terms of sale were misrepresented by the All excluding France
Merchant. Domestic

11.10.6.2 Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Rights
Table 11-117: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
l The Dispute amount is limited to the unused portion of the cancelled service or All
value of the merchandise that the Cardholder returned or, if applicable,
attempted to return.
resolve the dispute with the Merchant or the Merchant’s liquidator.
The Dispute applies for any of the following: All excluding Europe
l A Transaction at a Merchant that is a timeshare reseller, a timeshare reseller

advertiser, or that recovers timeshare reseller fees1
l A Card-Absent Environment Transaction at a Merchant that represents that it
recovers, consolidates, reduces, or amends existing financial products or
services, including:2
– Debt consolidation
– Credit repair/counseling
– Mortgage repair/modification/counseling
– Foreclosure relief services
– Credit card interest rate reduction services
l Technical services, technical support, or computer software that is sold using
inaccurate online advertisements or that contains malicious software
downloads.
l Business opportunities in which the Merchant suggests that an income will be
generated or recommends that the Cardholder purchases additional items
(such as better sales leads) to generate more income
l A Transaction in which a Merchant advises the Cardholder that the Merchant
can recover the Cardholder’s funds and fails to provide services
l A Transaction at an outbound telemarketing Merchant
l Investment products or services (for example: binary options or foreign
exchange trading), where the Merchant refuses to allow the Cardholder to

Table 11-117: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Rights (continued)

Dispute Rights
withdraw available balances
The Dispute applies for any of the following: Europe and

Interregional including
l A Transaction at a Merchant that is a timeshare reseller, a timeshare reseller
Europe
advertiser, or that recovers timeshare reseller fees1
l A Card-Absent Environment Transaction at a Merchant that sells the following
merchandise or services:
– The recovery, consolidation, reduction, or amendment of existing financial
products or services2
– Technical services, technical support, or computer software that is sold
using inaccurate online advertisements or that contains malicious software
downloads.
– Business opportunities in which the Merchant suggests that an income will
be generated or recommends that the Cardholder purchases additional
items (such as better sales leads) to generate more income
l Investment products or services (for example: binary options or foreign
exchange trading), where the Merchant refuses to allow the Cardholder to
withdraw available balances
Effective for Disputes processed through 17 April 2020 Europe
The Dispute applies for Transactions that take place in a Card-Absent

Environment where merchandise has been purchased through a trial period, or,
as a one-off purchase and the Cardholder was not clearly advised of further
billing after the purchase date.
Effective for Disputes processed on or after 18 April 2020 All
The Dispute applies for a Transaction in a Card-Absent Environment where

merchandise or digital goods have been purchased through a trial period,
promotional period, or introductory offer or as a one-off purchase and the
Cardholder was not clearly advised of further Transactions after the purchase
date.
1
This applies only to a Merchant that offers reseller services that are connected to timeshare property it does not
own.
2
This condition is based on the type of merchandise or services sold and not solely on the MCC.

11.10.6.3 Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation for any of the following:
Table 11-118: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes

l A dispute related solely to the quality of merchandise or services provided
11.10.6.4 Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Time Limit

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation according to the
Table 11-119: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
A Dispute must be processed within both: All
l 120 calendar days of either:

– The Transaction Processing Date
– The date the Cardholder received the merchandise or services1
l 60 calendar days of the date the Issuer received the first Cardholder
notification of the dispute, if both:1
– There is evidence in the notification of previous ongoing negotiations
between the Cardholder and the Merchant to resolve the dispute.
– The negotiations occurred within 120 days of the Transaction Processing

Table 11-119: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Time Limit (continued)

Dispute Time Limit
Date.

1
The Dispute Processing Date must be no later than 540 calendar days from the Transaction Processing Date.
11.10.6.5 Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Processing

Requirements
Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation:
Table 11-120: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Processing Requirements

All of the following: Effective for Disputes

processed through 17
l Certification of all of the following, as applicable:
April 2020
– The date the merchandise was returned or the service was cancelled All excluding Europe
– The name of the shipping company Effective for Disputes
– The invoice/tracking number (if available) processed on or after 18
April 2020
– The date the Merchant received the merchandise All
– Certification that the Merchant refused the return of merchandise,
refused to provide a return merchandise authorization, or informed the
Cardholder not to return the merchandise
– That the Cardholder attempted to resolve the dispute with the Merchant
– An explanation of what was not as described or defective
– The date the Cardholder received the merchandise or services

Table 11-120: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Processing Requirements (continued)

l Evidence from the Cardholder describing how the Merchant’s verbal and/or
written representations do not match the terms of sale to which the
Cardholder agreed
l Copy of the Cardholder’s investment account showing the date, withdrawal
amount, and available balance at the time the withdrawal request was made
l For Disputes involving ongoing negotiations, both:

Merchant to resolve the Dispute
Effective for Disputes processed through 17 April 2020 Europe and Interregional
including Europe
All of the following
l Certification of all of the following, as applicable:

– The date the merchandise was returned or the service was cancelled
– The invoice/tracking number (if available)
– Certification that the Merchant refused the return of merchandise,
refused to provide a return merchandise authorization, or informed the
Cardholder not to return the merchandise
– That the Cardholder attempted to resolve the dispute with the Merchant
– The date the Cardholder received the merchandise or services
l Evidence from the Cardholder describing how the Merchant’s written
representations do not match the terms of sale to which the Cardholder
agreed
l Copy of the Cardholder’s investment account showing the date, withdrawal
amount, and available balance at the time the withdrawal request was made

Table 11-120: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Processing Requirements (continued)

l For Disputes involving ongoing negotiations, both:

Merchant to resolve the Dispute
11.10.6.6 Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Response Processing

Requirements
under Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation:
Table 11-121: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Response Processing Requirements

the Dispute
l To prove that the terms of sale were not misrepresented
l Effective for Disputes processed on or after 18 April 2020 For a Dispute
relating to a Transaction in a Card-Absent Environment where merchandise or
digital goods have been purchased through a trial period, promotional period,
or introductory offer or as a one-off purchase, both:
– To prove that, at the time of the initial Transaction, the Cardholder expressly
agreed to future Transactions

Table 11-121: Dispute Condition 13.5: Misrepresentation – Dispute Response Processing Requirements (con-
tinued)

– To prove that the Merchant notified the Cardholder of future Transactions

at least 7 days before the Transaction Date
11.10.7 Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed
11.10.7.1 Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed for the
following reason:
Table 11-122: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
Either: All
l The Cardholder received a credit or voided Transaction Receipt that was not
processed.
l For an ATM Transaction, the Cardholder disputes the validity of the
Adjustment, including a Shared Deposit Adjustment, because the original
Transaction was either cancelled or reversed.
11.10.7.2 Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Rights
Table 11-123: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
The Dispute applies if a “void” or “cancelled” notation appears on the Transaction All
Receipt.

11.10.7.3 Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed for any of the following:
Table 11-124: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes


l A dispute regarding Value-Added Tax (VAT), unless a Credit Transaction
Receipt is provided
A n Automated Fuel Dispenser Transaction All excluding Europe
11.10.7.4 Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Time Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed according to
Table 11-125: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
Before initiating a Dispute, an Issuer must wait 15 calendar days1 from the date All
on the Credit Transaction Receipt. This requirement does not apply if the Credit
Transaction Receipt is undated.
A Dispute must be processed no later than 120 calendar days from either:

Table 11-125: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Time Limit (continued)

Dispute Time Limit
l The date on the Credit Transaction Receipt 2
For an ATM Transaction, a Dispute must be processed no later than 120

calendar days from the Transaction Processing Date of the Adjustment,
including a Shared Deposit Adjustment.

1
This does not apply if the waiting period would cause the Dispute to exceed the Dispute time limit or if the Merchant
refuses the cancellation or return.
2
If the Credit Transaction Receipt is undated, the date the Cardholder cancelled services or returned the merchandise
11.10.7.5 Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Processing

Requirements
Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed:
Table 11-126: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Processing Requirements

A copy of the Credit Transaction Receipt or voided Transaction Receipt All
11.10.7.6 Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Response

under Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed:

Table 11-127: Dispute Condition 13.6: Credit Not Processed – Dispute Response Processing Requirements

Evidence that one of the following: All
the Dispute.
11.10.8 Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services
11.10.8.1 Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Reasons

An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services for
the following reason:
Table 11-128: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
l The Cardholder cancelled or returned merchandise, cancelled services,

cancelled a timeshare Transaction, or cancelled a Guaranteed Reservation.1
l The Merchant did not process a credit or voided Transaction Receipt.
l Either:
– The Merchant did not properly disclose or did disclose, but did not apply, a
limited return or cancellation policy at the time of the Transaction.
– In the Europe Region: The merchandise or services relate to an off-
premises, distance selling contract (as set out in the EU Directive and
amended from time to time) which is always subject to a 14-day
cancellation period.
1
In the Europe Region (France): For a Domestic Transaction, the Dispute is valid only for timeshare Transactions and
No-Show Transactions.

11.10.8.2 Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Rights
Table 11-129: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
l If the merchandise was shipped before the Transaction was cancelled, the All
Cardholder must return the merchandise, if received.
l The Dispute amount is limited to either:
– The value of the unused portion of the cancelled service
– The value of the returned merchandise
l The Dispute applies if the returned merchandise is refused by the Merchant.
l For a timeshare Transaction, either:
– The Dispute applies for a timeshare Transaction processed with an
incorrect MCC.
– The Dispute applies if the Cardholder cancelled a timeshare Transaction
within 14 calendar days of the contract date or the date the contract or
related documents were received. If the Cardholder cancels a timeshare
Transaction after 14 calendar days from the contract date or the date the
contract or related documents were received, the Cardholder must cancel
according to the Merchant’s properly disclosed limited return or
cancellation policy.
l For a Guaranteed Reservation:
– The Dispute applies if the Cardholder cancelled a Guaranteed Reservation
with the Merchant or its agent according to the cancellation policy, but was
billed for a No-Show Transaction.
– The Dispute applies if the Merchant or its agent processed a No-Show
Transaction for more than one day’s accommodation or rental and
applicable taxes when a Guaranteed Reservation was cancelled or
unclaimed.
– The Dispute applies if the Cardholder made a reservation and attempted to
cancel within 24 hours of delivery of the reservation confirmation, but was
billed for a No-Show Transaction.

Table 11-129: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Rights (continued)

Dispute Rights
resolve the dispute with the Merchant or the Merchant’s liquidator.
l The Dispute applies if the Cardholder cancelled a Transaction related to an off- Europe
premises, distance selling contract (as set out in the EU Directive and amended
from time to time) within 14 days.
l The cancellation period for off-premises, distance selling does not apply to
contracts for goods or services where any of the following apply:
– Price is dependent on fluctuations in the financial market.
– Made to measure goods are supplied.
– Goods are liable to deteriorate or expire rapidly.
– Sealed goods, subject to health and safety provisions, are supplied.
– Goods are not received in physical form (software download).
– The Transaction is a T&E Transaction.
– The Merchant Outlet is based in Israel, Switzerland, or Turkey.
11.10.8.3 Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Invalid Disputes

A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services for any of the
following:
Table 11-130: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes

l A dispute regarding the quality of the service rendered or the quality of

Table 11-130: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Invalid Disputes (continued)

Invalid Disputes
merchandise, unless a Credit Transaction Receipt is provided

l A dispute regarding Value-Added Tax (VAT), unless a Credit Transaction
Receipt is provided
l A Transaction in which returned merchandise is held by a customs agency
other than the Merchant’s country’s customs agency1
l An Automated Fuel Dispenser Transaction All excluding Europe

1
In the Europe Region: This does not apply to an off-premises, distance selling Transaction.
11.10.8.4 Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Time

Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services
Table 11-131: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
Before initiating a Dispute, an Issuer must wait 15 calendar days1 from the date All
the merchandise was returned.
A Dispute must be processed no later than 120 calendar days from one of the
following:

l The date the Cardholder received or expected to receive the merchandise or

Table 11-131: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Time Limit (continued)

Dispute Time Limit
services, not to exceed 540 calendar days from the Transaction Processing
Date
l For an Adjustment of a PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit Transaction, the date of
the Adjustment
1
This does not apply if the waiting period would cause the Dispute to exceed the Dispute time limit.
11.10.8.5 Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute

Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services:
Table 11-132: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Processing Requirements

Certification of the following, as applicable: All
l For a Timeshare Transaction, both:

– The cancellation date
– The date the contract was received by the Cardholder, if applicable
l For a Guaranteed Reservation, the Merchant processed a No-Show
Transaction, the date of the expected services, and one of the following:
– The Cardholder properly cancelled the Guaranteed Reservation
– The Cardholder attempted to cancel within 24 hours of delivery of the
reservation confirmation
– The Merchant billed a No-Show Transaction for more than one day’s
accommodation or rental
l For all other Transactions, all of the following, as applicable:
– The date the merchandise or service was expected or received

(continued)

– The date the merchandise or service was cancelled or returned

– The invoice/tracking number
– For returned merchandise, that the Cardholder attempted to resolve the
dispute with the Merchant
– That the Merchant refused the return of merchandise, refused to provide a
return merchandise authorization, or informed the Cardholder not to
Certification of the following, as applicable: Europe
l For a Timeshare Transaction, both:
– The cancellation date
– The date the contract was received by the Cardholder, if applicable
l For a Guaranteed Reservation, the Merchant processed a No-Show

Transaction, the date of the expected services, and one of the following:
– The Cardholder properly cancelled the Guaranteed Reservation
– The Cardholder attempted to cancel within 24 hours of delivery of the

reservation confirmation
– The Merchant billed a No-Show Transaction for more than one day’s
accommodation or rental
l For all other Transactions, all of the following, as applicable:
– The date the merchandise or service was expected or received
– The date the merchandise or service was cancelled or returned
– The invoice/tracking number

(continued)

– For returned merchandise, that the Cardholder attempted to resolve the

dispute with the Merchant
– That the Merchant refused the return of merchandise, refused to provide a

return merchandise authorization, or informed the Cardholder not to
For a Transaction related to off-premises, distance selling contracts, evidence of

the following:
l The start date of the off-premises, distance selling contract

l The Cardholder cancelled the Transaction within the 14-day cancellation
period
11.10.8.6 Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Response

under Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services:
Table 11-133: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Response Processing
Requirements

the Dispute
l The Transaction Receipt or other record to prove that the Merchant properly
disclosed a limited return or cancellation policy at the time of the Transaction

Table 11-133: Dispute Condition 13.7: Cancelled Merchandise/Services – Dispute Response Processing
Requirements (continued)

l To demonstrate that the Cardholder received the Merchant’s cancellation or

return policy and did not cancel according to the disclosed policy
11.10.9 Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted
11.10.9.1 Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted – Dispute
Reasons
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not
Accepted for the following reason:
Table 11-134: Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
An Original Credit Transaction was not accepted because either: All
l The recipient refused the Original Credit Transaction.

l Original Credit Transactions are prohibited by applicable laws or regulations.
11.10.9.2 Dispute Condition 13.8 Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted – Invalid
Disputes
A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted for the
following:

Table 11-135: Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes

Time Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not
Accepted according to the following time limit:
Table 11-136: Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit
120 calendar days from the Original Credit Transaction Processing Date All
Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted:
Table 11-137: Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted – Dispute Processing
Requirements

l An Original Credit Transaction is not allowed by applicable laws or

regulations.
l The recipient refused to accept the Original Credit Transaction.

under Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted:
Table 11-138: Dispute Condition 13.8: Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted – Dispute Response

Evidence that either: All
l A Reversal issued by the Merchant was not addressed by the Issuer in the
Dispute
11.10.10 Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value
11.10.10.1 Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value –

Dispute Reasons
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load
Transaction Value for the following reason:
Table 11-139: Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value – Dispute Reasons
Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value Country/Region

Dispute Reasons
The Cardholder participated in the Transaction and did not receive cash or Load All
Transaction value, or received a partial amount.


Dispute Rights
Table 11-140: Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value – Dispute Rights

Dispute Rights
The Dispute is limited to the amount not received All

Invalid Disputes
A Dispute is invalid under Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value
for the following:
Table 11-141: Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value – Invalid Disputes

Invalid Disputes
l Effective for Disputes processed on or after 19 October 2019 All

A Cash-In Transaction

A Cash-Out Transaction
l A Transaction that the Cardholder states is fraudulent

l A Transaction that was processed more than once

Dispute Time Limit
An Issuer may initiate a Dispute under Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load
Transaction Value according to the following time limits, if applicable:

Table 11-142: Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value – Dispute Time Limit

Dispute Time Limit

l For an Adjustment of an ATM Cash Disbursement or a PIN-Authenticated
Visa Debit Transaction, the Transaction Date of the Adjustment

Dispute Processing Requirements
Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value:
Table 11-143: Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value – Dispute Processing
Requirements

l The Cardholder did not receive cash or Load Transaction Value
l The Cardholder received partial cash or Load Transaction Value and the
amount the Cardholder received
A Cardholder letter, if both:
l The Cardholder has disputed 3 or more Transactions for non-receipt of cash

or Load Transaction value at the same ATM or load device.
l The disputed Transactions all occurred within the same 30-calendar day
period.


Dispute Response Processing Requirements
under Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value:
Table 11-144: Dispute Condition 13.9: Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value – Dispute Response

in the Dispute.
l A copy of the ATM Cash Disbursement Transaction or Load Transaction
record containing at least the following:
– Account Number
– Transaction time or sequential number that identifies the individual
Transactions
– Indicator that confirms that the ATM Cash Disbursement or Load
Transaction value was successful
11.11 Arbitration
11.11.1 Required Documentation for Arbitration

When seeking Arbitration, a Member must provide, in English, the information required in the Visa
Resolve Online Questionnaire for each Transaction, and all relevant supporting documentation.
A Member must not submit documentation or information to Visa that was not previously
submitted to the opposing Member.

If the Member was not required to use VisaNet or Visa Resolve Online (VROL) to process the
financial message, as specified in Section 11.3.1, Use of Visa Systems for Dispute Processing, the
Member must provide the following, in an electronic form, with the Arbitration:
l Evidence that the dispute requirements were met for each stage of the dispute cycle
l The following internal records:1
– Authorization, if authorization was attempted
– Fraud Report (for Dispute Category 10)
– Transaction record
– Financial records for each stage of the dispute where a financial message was sent
1
All records must include a key to explain the data fields. This explanation must be provided in English, or accompanied by
an English translation
11.12 Compliance
11.12.1 Compliance Filing Conditions

Unless otherwise specified, a Member may file for Compliance if all of the following occur:
l A violation of the Visa Rules occurred that is not related to an Account Data Compromise Event.
l The Member has no Dispute, Dispute Response, or pre-Arbitration right.
l The Member incurred or will incur a financial loss as a direct result of the violation.1
l The Member would not have incurred the financial loss had the violation not occurred.1
l The Member made a pre-Compliance attempt to resolve the dispute with the opposing Member
and the opposing Member does not accept financial liability.
The pre-Compliance attempt must include all of the following:
l Planned Compliance filing date
l All pertinent documentation
l Specific violation of the Visa Rules
1
This does not apply to a US Credit Card Surcharge violation, as specified in Section 11.12.4, Compliance Right for
Improperly Assessed Surcharge – US Region and US Territories

11.12.2 Compliance Time Limits

A Member must not exceed the time limits specified for Compliance, as follows:
Table 11-145: Pre-Compliance Time Limits
Process Step Time Limit
Make pre-Compliance Either:

Attempt
l At least 30 calendar days before filing for Compliance
l For a Dispute in which Visa Resolve Online (VROL) prevented a change
of Dispute category, 29 calendar days from the Processing Date of the
pre-Arbitration attempt
Accept financial responsibility 30 calendar days from the pre-Compliance attempt date
and credit requesting Member
Table 11-146: Compliance Time Limits
Process Step Time Limit
File for a Transaction not 90 calendar days1 from one of the following:
involving a fraudulent credit
l Processing Date
l Violation Date
l Date the Member discovered that a violation occurred (not to exceed 2
years from the Transaction Date), if no evidence of the violation was
previously available to the Member2
File for a Transaction involving 90 calendar days1 from the later of either:
a fraudulent credit
l Processing Date of the credit Reversal
l Processing Date of the use of the funds that relate to the fraudulent
Credit Transactions
File for a Dispute in which 60 calendar days from the Processing Date of the pre-Arbitration attempt
VROL prevented a change of
Dispute category
1
2
A Member must provide evidence that this was the date on which the financial loss was discovered.

11.12.3 Compliance Conditions and Required Documentation

When seeking Compliance, a Member must provide all of the following:
l The information required in the Visa Resolve Online Questionnaire for each Transaction
l Documentation substantiating that a financial loss would not have resulted if the violation had
not occurred. Documentation must be provided in English or accompanied by an English
translation.
l If applicable, the documentation shown in the tables in this section
l Other relevant supporting documentation
A Member must not submit documentation or information to Visa that was not previously
submitted to the opposing Member.
Table 11-147: Chargeback Reduction Service Returned or VROL Prevented Valid Dispute, Dispute Response,
or Pre-Arbitration Attempt for Invalid Data
Compliance Condition
The Chargeback Reduction Service returned or Visa Resolve Online (VROL) prevented a valid Dispute,1
Dispute Response, or pre-Arbitration attempt resulting from a Member transmitting invalid data.
Required Documentation
Both:
l Evidence of incorrect or invalid data

l Evidence that the Member was able to meet the conditions for a Dispute, Dispute Response, or pre-
Arbitration attempt
The Chargeback Reduction Service returned a Transaction with a valid Authorization.
All of the following:
l The Transaction Receipt

l Evidence that the Transaction received an Authorization
l Evidence of the Chargeback Reduction Service return

Table 11-147: Chargeback Reduction Service Returned or VROL Prevented Valid Dispute, Dispute Response,
or Pre-Arbitration Attempt for Invalid Data (continued)
1
This includes Transactions for which the Issuer has previously initiated a Dispute under Dispute category 10 (Fraud)
or 11 (Authorization) based on invalid data but is prevented by VROL from continuing the dispute using Dispute
category 12 (Processing Errors) or 13 (Consumer Disputes).
Table 11-148: Unauthorized Signature
A Cardholder’s account was charged for a Transaction and all of the following:
l The Cardholder denies authorizing or participating in the Transaction.

l The Card that was lost or stolen, and recovered, was used in the disputed Transaction.
l The first initial of the first name or the last name of the signature on the Transaction Receipt is not the
same as the signature on the Card signature panel.
l The Transaction was not one of the following:
– Vehicle-Specific Fleet Card Transaction
– Emergency Cash Disbursement
– Priority check-out Transaction at a Lodging Merchant
– Transaction using a Contactless Device that is not a standard plastic Card
– An emergency travelers Cheque refund
This does not apply to a Transaction that takes place either at a Compliant Chip Card Reading Device or on
a Card that does not have a signature panel.
l Certification, completed Visa Resolve Online Questionnaire, stating both:

– That the Cardholder denies authorizing or participating in the Transaction
– That the recovered Card signature panel was unaltered and describing the Card recovery
circumstances
l Transaction Receipt
l Copy of the front and back of the recovered Card

Table 11-149: Cardholder Letter Required for Legal Purposes
An Acquirer or Merchant requires a signed Cardholder letter for legal proceedings, for a law enforcement
investigation, or if required by applicable laws or regulations.
Either:
l Evidence that the signed Cardholder letter is required for legal proceedings (for example: court order or
subpoena)
l Evidence that the Cardholder letter is required for a law enforcement investigation
Table 11-150: Copy of Transaction Receipt
An Issuer or a Cardholder requires a copy of the Transaction Receipt for legal proceedings or a law
enforcement investigation and a valid Retrieval Request for a copy bearing signature was made within 120
calendar days of the Transaction Processing Date.1
An Issuer may file a pre-Compliance case if it has made a valid Retrieval Request for a copy bearing
signature within 120 calendar day of the Transaction Processing Date and the Acquirer has not provided a
valid response to the Retrieval Request.
An Issuer must not file the pre-Compliance case if it has either:
l Reported Fraud Activity for the Transaction.

l Listed the Account Number on the Exception File on or after the Transaction Date.
1
In the LAC Region (Brazil): For a domestic Installment Transaction, the 120 calendar days applies from the
Transaction Processing Date of the first Installment Transaction.
One of the following:
l Evidence that the Transaction Receipt is required for legal proceedings (for example: court order or
subpoena)
l For the purpose of legal proceedings, evidence that the Transaction Receipt is required for legal
proceedings (for example: court order or subpoena) or for a law enforcement investigation
l For the purpose of an investigation by the Issuer, certification from the Issuer both that a signed

Table 11-150: Copy of Transaction Receipt (continued)
Transaction Receipt is needed in order to respond to Cardholder escalation, and the reason for the
escalation
Table 11-151: Electronic Commerce Transaction
A Cardholder requires additional information about an Electronic Commerce Transaction coded with ECI
value 6 and both:
l The Cardholder did not assert that the Transaction was fraudulent.
l The Acquirer did not respond to the Retrieval Request with a Fulfillment or responded with a
Nonfulfillment Message code 03 or 04.
In the US Region: This condition does not apply to a Domestic Transaction.
Cardholder letter requesting additional information about the Transaction
Table 11-152: Authorization Received after Decline Response on Counterfeit Card
l An Authorization Request for a Magnetic Stripe-read or Chip-initiated Transaction received a Decline

Response or a Pickup Response
l A subsequent Authorization was obtained by a means other than Voice Authorization.
l The Merchant completed the Transaction.
l The Transaction was initiated with a Counterfeit Card.
Certification that the approved Transaction was counterfeit and both the initial and subsequent
Authorization Requests contained all of the following identical data:
l Account Number
l Transaction Date

Table 11-152: Authorization Received after Decline Response on Counterfeit Card (continued)
l Merchant identification
Table 11-153: Fraudulent Multiple Transactions
l The Cardholder denies authorizing or participating in one or more Card-Present Environment

Transactions.
l The Cardholder acknowledges participating in at least one Transaction.
l All of the Transactions were key-entered in a Card-Present Environment and occurred at the same
Merchant Outlet and on the same date.
l The Card was in the Cardholder’s possession at the time of the disputed Transactions.
l The Issuer has not reported Fraud Activity on the Account Number using fraud type code 3 (fraudulent
application)
Both:
l A Cardholder letter
l If the acknowledged Transaction was not processed, the Cardholder copy of the Transaction Receipt
Table 11-154: Counterfeit Card Transaction with Incomplete Data
l The Transaction was completed with a Counterfeit Card in a Card-Present Environment.

l CVV was encoded on the Card.
l The Transaction was not completed with a Proprietary Card bearing the Plus Symbol.
l Online Authorization was obtained without transmission of the entire unaltered data on track 1 or track

Table 11-154: Counterfeit Card Transaction with Incomplete Data (continued)
2 of the Magnetic Stripe.

l The Issuer reported Fraud Activity to Visa for the Transaction using fraud type code 4.
In the Europe Region: This is invalid for V PAY Transactions.
l All of the following, as applicable:

– Certification that the CVV was encoded on the Card
– Certification that the Issuer was a participant in the Card Verification Service at the time of
Authorization
– Cardholder letter denying authorization of or participation in the Transaction
Table 11-155: No Valid Form of Identification for Domestic Transactions – Europe Region (Sweden) (Effective
through 18 October 2019)
In the Europe Region (Sweden): For Domestic Transaction, a Cardholder’s account was charged for a
Transaction and all of the following:

l The Transaction amount is greater than SEK 200.
l No cardholder identification number was noted on the Transaction Receipt or any other written
documentation directly related to the Transaction.
l The Issuer reported Fraud Activity to Visa for the Transaction.
This does not apply to any of the following:
l If a PIN was obtained

l If the Transaction was an Unattended Transaction
l If a Cardholder name or identification was not required
l Transaction completed with a Counterfeit Card

Table 11-155: No Valid Form of Identification for Domestic Transactions – Europe Region (Sweden) (Effective
through 18 October 2019) (continued)
l Cardholder letter denying authorization of or participation in the Transaction

l Certification of the fraud status reported to Visa
l Evidence that an identification check was not performed
Table 11-156: Fraudulent Credits
l The issuer has attempted but is unable to obtain funds from the Cardholder
l The account is no longer in use
l A credit Transaction was applied to the Account without any prior Transactions
l The available credits were withdrawn from the account
l Credit reversals were processed.
This does not apply to the following:
l An Original Credit Transaction

l Accounts which are still in use
All of following:
l The date(s) of Credit Transaction(s)

l The date(s) Credit Reversal(s)
l The date(s) fraudulent sale(s) or withdrawal(s). If the withdrawal was not made through the Card the
issuer must supply evidence of the withdrawal.
l Evidence that the withdrawal of funds from a cardholder’s account results in a negative or zero balance
l An explanation on why the is unable to collect from the cardholder

Table 11-157: Shared Deposit – No Documentation Received for Deposit Return Item
The Acquirer processed an Adjustment for a returned Shared Deposit, but the returned deposit item
documentation was not received by the Issuer within 10 calendar days of the Adjustment.
Issuer certification that the returned deposit item documentation was not received within 10 calendar days
Table 11-158: Shared Deposit – Cardholder Did Not Receive Credit or Settlement Amount Did Not Match
The Cardholder made a deposit and either:
l The Cardholder did not receive credit for the deposit

l The Settlement amount did not match the deposit amount
Issuer certification of either:
l The Cardholder did not receive credit for the deposit

l The amount deposited and the correct deposit amount
11.12.4 Compliance Right for Improperly Assessed Surcharge – US Region and US

Territories
A Member may file for Compliance if a Merchant in the US Region or in a US Territory assessed a
US Credit Card Surcharge under one of the following conditions:
l US Credit Card Surcharge amount exceeds the applicable US Credit Card Surcharge amount as
specified in the Visa Rules
l US Credit Card Surcharge was assessed on a Transaction in a manner that does not comply with
the Visa Rules
l US Credit Card Surcharge was assessed on a Transaction type where surcharging is not permitted
l US Credit Card Surcharge was assessed by a third party

l US Credit Card Surcharge was not disclosed as specified in the Visa Rules
l US Credit Card Surcharge amount did not appear on the Transaction Receipt as specified in the
Visa Rules
l US Credit Card Surcharge amount was not refunded as specified in the Visa Rules
l For a Dynamic Currency Conversion Transaction, US Credit Card Surcharge amount was not
included in the conversion
l Convenience Fee, Service Fee, currency conversion fee, commission, or Wire Transfer Money
Order service fee was applied on a Transaction that included a US Credit Card Surcharge
The Member must only request Compliance for the US Credit Card Surcharge amount.
The Member is not required to have incurred a financial loss as a direct result of the violation. If the
Issuer has billed the Transaction that included the US Credit Card Surcharge to the Cardholder, the
Issuer must credit the Cardholder for the US Credit Card Surcharge amount.
A Member must not file for Compliance if the Merchant properly assessed a US Credit Card
Surcharge as permitted in the Visa Rules.
11.12.5 Data Compromise Recovery

A violation involving failure to comply with the PIN Management Requirements Documents, Visa
PIN Security Program Guide, or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) that could
allow a compromise of Magnetic-Stripe Data is not resolved through the Compliance process. Such
violations are resolved through the Global Compromised Account Recovery program.
11.13 Arbitration and Compliance Decision
11.13.1 Arbitration and Compliance Filing Authority

An Arbitration or Compliance request must be filed with either:
l The requesting Member’s Group Member
l Visa
If the Group Member determines that a request is invalid, it must return the request to the
requesting Member. The requesting Member must not seek recourse with Visa.

11.13.2 Use of V.I.P. System Authorization Records in Arbitration and Compliance

If the Issuer’s and Acquirer’s Authorization records for a Transaction do not match, the V.I.P. System
Authorization record prevails at Arbitration and Compliance.1
1
Applicability of Processing Rules – Europe Region it must refer to Visa Europe Operating Regulations – Processing.
11.13.3 Withdrawal of an Arbitration or Compliance Case

The Member may withdraw its Arbitration or Compliance request within 7 calendar days from the
Visa acknowledgement date and will be assigned financial liability.
If a case is withdrawn, Visa will debit or credit through Visa Resolve Online (VROL) the Member
accepting responsibility, if necessary, based on the final determination of responsibility for the
Dispute amount.
11.13.4 Conditions for an Appeal to the Arbitration and Compliance Committee

A Member may appeal a decision by the Arbitration and Compliance Committee only if both:
l The Member can provide new evidence not previously available at the time the original case was
filed.
l The disputed amount is at least USD 5,000 (or local currency equivalent).
11.13.5 Appeal Time Limit

The adversely affected Member must file any appeal within 60 calendar days of the Notification
date of the decision by the Arbitration and Compliance Committee.

11.13.6 Appeal Filing Fee

The requesting Member must not collect the review fee from the opposing Member if the original
decision is reversed.
11.14 Retrieval Request and Fulfillment
11.14.1 Retrieval Request Information Requirements

A Retrieval Request must contain all of the following information:
l Acquirer Reference Number
l Account Number
l Transaction Date of original Presentment
l Merchant Category Code (MCC)
l Either the Transaction Amount in the Transaction Currency or a complete description of the
Merchant’s business
l Applicable Retrieval Request reason code
l For a Visa Token Service Active Issuer Participant, the payment Token if the Transaction contained
a payment Token
11.14.2 Retrieval Request Fulfillment Requirements

An Issuer may submit a Retrieval Request for a Transaction only if all of the following apply:
l The Transaction occurs in a Face-to-Face Environment.
l The Transaction takes place at a Magnetic-Stripe-only Acceptance Device.
l The Transaction is not a Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Transaction.
l A PIN was not obtained.
l The Card has a signature panel.
An Acquirer must fulfill a Retrieval Request if both of the following apply:

l The Retrieval Request is received within 120 calendar days from the Processing Date.
l The Transaction is not invalid, as specified in Table 11-159, Retrieval Request – Allowable
Nonfulfillment Transaction Types.
To fulfill a Retrieval Request, an Acquirer must provide documentation within 30 days of receipt of
the Retrieval Request, as follows:
l The Merchant or Acquirer copy of the Transaction Receipt bearing the signature that was used to
verify the Cardholder. An Acquirer may reproduce the Cardholder signature obtained using an
electronic capture device.
l In the US Region: For Preauthorized Health Care Transaction, a copy of the Order Form
A Fulfillment must comply with all of the following:
l Be legible enough for the Cardholder to read or for the Issuer to identify the Account Number or
payment Token
l Include either:
– The unique 12-digit identifier assigned by VisaNet1 to a request for a Transaction Receipt
copy
– In the Europe Region: The Copy Request Identifier
l For a US Domestic Transaction, include a unique 9-digit control number assigned by the Issuer to
identify the source of the request1
An Acquirer may send a Nonfulfillment Message for a Transaction as follows:
Table 11-159: Retrieval Request – Allowable Nonfulfillment Transaction Types
Region Invalid Transaction Type
All A Transaction for which the Issuer received a signed Transaction Receipt
through the Visa Merchant Purchase Inquiry system
All Any of the following:
l A Transaction that takes place at a Compliant Chip Card Reading Device.

l A Transaction that takes place in a Face-to-Face Environment at a Magnetic-
Stripe-only Acceptance Device and either:
– A PIN was obtained.
– The Transaction was a Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Transaction.
l A Transaction that takes place using a Card that does not contain a
signature panel.

Table 11-159: Retrieval Request – Allowable Nonfulfillment Transaction Types (continued)
Region Invalid Transaction Type
LAC Region (Brazil) Domestic Transactions

1
In the US Region: This does not apply to a copy request for a Healthcare Auto-Substantiation Transaction.
11.14.3 Retrieval Request Prohibition

An Issuer must not submit a Retrieval Request for a Transaction for any of the following:
l Takes place at a Compliant Chip Card Reading Device
l Takes place at a Magnetic-Stripe-only Acceptance Device and either:
– A PIN was obtained.
– The Transaction was a Visa Easy Payment Service (VEPS) Transaction.
l Where the Card does not have a signature panel

12 Fees and Non-Compliance Assessments
12.2 Issuance Non-Compliance Assessments
12.2.1 Fraud Activity Reporting Non-Compliance Assessments
12.2.1.1 Issuer Fraud Activity Reporting Non-Compliance Assessments

If an Issuer does not comply with the fraud reporting requirements specified in Section 1.10.4.3,
Issuer Fraud Activity Reporting, the Issuer is subject to non-compliance assessments, as follows:
Table 12-1: Non-Compliance Assessments for Failure to Report Fraud
1
Occurrence Warning Letter Suspension of Non-Compliance Onsite Member
Fraud Dispute Assessment Audit
2
Rights (Minimum Amount)
First Yes N/A USD 0 N/A
Second Yes N/A USD 0 N/A
Third N/A 90 calendar days USD 25,000 N/A
Fourth N/A 180 calendar days USD 25,000, or, in Yes

the Europe Region,
USD 50,000
Fifth N/A Indefinite until Visa decision based N/A

compliance on reevaluation
achieved
1
In the Europe Region: After the first occurrence applies to consecutive calendar quarters
2
Dispute conditions will be determined by Visa.
In the Europe Region: In addition, Visa may monitor the Issuer for 8 quarters.
12.2.1.2 Chip Interoperability Compliance Program Non-Compliance Assessments

A Member is subject to the non-compliance assessments specified in Table 12-2, Member Non-
Compliance Assessments for Non-Compliance with the Chip Interoperability Compliance Program –

AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region, or, in the Europe Region, Table
12-3, Member Non-Compliance Assessments for Non-Compliance with the Chip Interoperability
Compliance Program – Europe Region, if Visa determines that the Member or its agent has violated
the Chip Interoperability Compliance Program by failing to do one of the following:
l Establish and commit to an agreed Chip interoperability resolution plan
l Make satisfactory progress toward resolution under an agreed Chip interoperability resolution
plan1
l In the Europe Region: Fail to undertake or successfully complete testing with the Acquirer Device
Validation Toolkit (ADVT)
Table 12-2: Member Non-Compliance Assessments for Non-Compliance with the Chip Interoperability
Compliance Program – AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region
Violation Month Visa Action, Notification, or Non-Compliance Assessment
Initial identification Month 1 Member receives Notification that Visa will take action if the
and confirmation of situation is not addressed to the satisfaction of Visa within 30
a violation calendar days
Unaddressed Month 2 Visa discontinues any Member incentives associated with

violation deployment of products that have been identified as
contributors to interoperability problems. Visa may also
suspend other incentives.
Visa issues a second Notification that non-compliance

assessments may apply if the situation is not corrected to the
satisfaction of Visa within 60 calendar days of the second
Notification.
Unaddressed Months 4-5 Member is assessed USD 25,000 per month

violation
Unaddressed Month 6 and Member is assessed USD 50,000 per month

violation subsequent
months
Table 12-3: Member Non-Compliance Assessments for Non-Compliance with the Chip Interoperability
Compliance Program – Europe Region
Violation Action or Non-Compliance Assessment
Initial identification and confirmation of a The Member must commit to a resolution plan agreed with Visa

Table 12-3: Member Non-Compliance Assessments for Non-Compliance with the Chip Interoperability Com-
pliance Program – Europe Region (continued)
Violation Action or Non-Compliance Assessment
Chip interoperability problem. to resolve the Chip interoperability problem within 30 calendar
days of notification that it may be assessed a non-compliance
assessment.
Either: EUR 10,000 non-compliance assessment

l Agreed resolution plan not provided
to Visa
l Agreed resolution plan not followed
within 30 calendar days of initial
notification

to Visa
notification

to Visa
notification
Either: EUR 100,000 non-compliance assessment and EUR 100,000 per

subsequent month and the case will be reviewed for further
to Visa action at Visa’s discretion

notification
1
In the Europe Region: Including provision of progress reports to Visa

12.3 Acceptance Non-Compliance Assessments
12.3.1 EMV Liability Shift and Fallback Non-Compliance Assessments
12.3.1.1 Global Fallback Monitoring Program Identification Non-Compliance

Assessments
An Acquirer is subject to a non-compliance assessment of USD 1 per Fallback Transaction when the
Acquirer-country combination meets or exceeds the minimum Transaction volume and percentage
parameters specified in the Visa Rules and the Global Chip Fallback Monitoring Program Guide.1
Transactions involving Acquirers in the Europe Region will be subject to a non-compliance
assessment of EUR 1 per Fallback Transaction.
1
In the AP Region (Japan): This does not apply to Account Number Verification Transactions processed as Magnetic-Stripe
Transactions.
12.3.2 High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator Non-Compliance Assessments
12.3.2.1 High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitator Registration Non-Compliance

Assessments – AP, Canada, CEMEA, LAC, and US Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: An Acquirer that fails to
comply with the registration program requirements for High-Risk Internet Payment Facilitators is
subject to a non-compliance assessment, as follows:
l USD 25,000 per month per High-Brand Risk Sponsored Merchant or High-Risk Internet Payment
Facilitator
l After 3 violations in a calendar year, one or both of the following:
– USD 100,000 for each 30-calendar-day period of non-compliance
– Prohibition against signing High-Brand-Risk Sponsored Merchants

12.3.3 Chip Card Non-Compliance Assessments
12.3.3.1 Visa Debit Acquirers Compliance Program Non-Compliance Assessments –

Canada Region
In the Canada Region: An Acquirer that fails to update its host systems with the ability to process
Visa Debit Category Transactions will be subject to a non-compliance assessment of CAD 100,000
per month of non-compliance. If an Acquirer or its Visa Debit Acceptor fails to properly process
Visa Debit Category Transactions, the Acquirer will be subject to a non-compliance assessment of
CAD 5,000 per Cardholder complaint reported to Visa as an Acceptance Compliance Program
incident.
12.3.4 Marketplace Non-Compliance Assessments
12.3.4.1 Marketplace Non-Compliance Assessments

Visa will impose non-compliance assessments on an Acquirer that fails to meet
Marketplace requirements, as follows:
Table 12-4: Non-Compliance Assessments for Member Failure to Meet Marketplace Requirements
Violation Visa Action/Non-Compliance

Assessment
Initial failure to meet Marketplace requirements Warning letter issued and non-
compliance assessment of USD
25,000
30 calendar days have passed after response due and the initial failure USD 50,000
has not been corrected

Table 12-4: Non-Compliance Assessments for Member Failure to Meet Marketplace Requirements (con-
tinued)
Violation Visa Action/Non-Compliance

Assessment
Non-compliance assessments
will continue to be levied each
month until the rule violation is
corrected, with the amount
increasing at Visa discretion.
12.3.5 Mass Transit Non-Compliance Assessments
12.3.5.1 Mass Transit Transaction Processing Non-Compliance Assessments – Europe

Region
In the Europe Region: An Acquirer may be subject to a non-compliance assessment of EUR 30 for
each Mass Transit Transaction processed incorrectly by its Merchants.
12.5 Transaction Processing Non-Compliance Assessments
12.5.1 Authorization and Clearing Non-Compliance Assessments
12.5.1.1 Online Gambling Transaction Identification Non-Compliance Assessment

An Acquirer is subject to the non-compliance assessments specified in Section 12.6.9, Global Brand
Protection Program Non-Compliance Assessments, if an Authorization Request for an Online
Gambling Transaction contains incorrect data or fails to include all of the following:
l An appropriate MCC to identify the High-Brand Risk Merchant, as specified in Section 10.4.6.1,
High-Brand Risk MCCs

l MCC 7995 (Betting), for an Online Gambling Transaction, as specified in Section 5.9.16.1, Online
Gambling Merchant and Acquirer Requirements
l POS Condition Code 59
In the Europe Region: Visa may prohibit an Acquirer from contracting with a new Online Gambling
Merchant for a period of one year or more if one or more of that Acquirer’s Online Gambling
Merchants are identified as failing to comply with this requirement for a period of 4 or more
months during any 12–month period.
12.5.2 Duplicate or Erroneous Data Fee
12.5.2.1 Duplicate or Erroneous Data Fee – US Region

In the US Region: A Clearing Processor that fails to correct inaccurate or duplicate Transaction data
submitted through VisaNet is subject to a fee, as specified in the applicable Fee Schedule.
12.6 Risk Non-Compliance Assessments
12.6.1 Account and Transaction Information Security Non-Compliance

Assessments
12.6.1.1 Account Information Security Program Non-Compliance Assessments

A Member deemed non-compliant with the Account Information Security Program is subject to a
non-compliance assessment, as follows:
Table 12-5: Non-Compliance Assessments for the Account Information Security Program – AP Region,
Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region
First violation Up to USD 50,000
Second violation Up to USD 100,000
Third or any subsequent violation Up to USD 200,000

Table 12-6: Non-Compliance Assessments for the Account Information Security Program – Europe Region
Violation Visa Action or Non-Compliance Assessment
First violation of rule Warning letter with specific date for correction and
USD 500 non-compliance assessment
Second violation of same rule in a 12-month period USD 5,000 non-compliance assessment
after date of correction specified in Notification of
first violation
Third violation of same rule in a 12-month period USD 10,000 non-compliance assessment
first violation
Fourth violation of same rule in a 12-month period USD 25,000 non-compliance assessment
first violation
Five or more violations of same rule in a 12-month At Visa discretion

period after date of correction specified in
Notification of first violation
If the 12-month period is not violation-free and the Additional non-compliance assessments equal to all
non-compliance assessments total USD 25,000 or non-compliance assessments levied during that 12-
more month period
12.6.1.2 Non-Compliance Assessments for Account and Transaction Information

Security Requirements
If Visa determines that a Member, its agent, or a Merchant has been deficient or negligent in
securely maintaining account or Transaction Information, or reporting or investigating the loss of
this information, Visa may impose a non-compliance assessment on the Member or require the
Member to take immediate corrective action.
In the Europe Region: An Acquirer that does not have 90% of its Merchants in each of the following
categories in compliance with account information and Transaction Information security
requirements must provide Visa, for each non-compliant Merchant type, an explanation and a plan
for the next 12 months, indicating how it will ensure the protection of Cardholder data:

l Level 1 (more than 6 million Transactions per year)

l Level 2 (1,000,001 – 6 million Transactions per year)
l Level 3 (Electronic Commerce Merchants with 20,000 – 1 million Transactions per year)
l Level 4 (1 – 1 million Transactions per year)
The Acquirer must do all of the following:
l Report to Visa its compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
l Report and verify to Visa, at least every 6 months, its Merchants’ status of PCI DSS compliance
l Ensure that its level 3 and 4 Electronic Commerce Merchants either:
– Exclusively use a service provider that is PCI DSS-compliant
– Provide to the Acquirer certification of the Merchant’s PCI DSS compliance
l Ensure that its level 1 and 2 Merchants and its Airline and Lodging Merchants meet the
compliance thresholds mandated by Visa
12.6.1.6 Non-Compliance Assessment for Failure to Notify of Transaction

Information Loss or Theft
An Acquirer that fails to notify Visa immediately of the suspected or confirmed loss or theft of any
Visa Transaction Information is subject to a non-compliance assessment of up to USD 100,000 per
incident.
12.6.2 Anti-Money Laundering Program Non-Compliance Assessments
12.6.2.1 Non-Compliance Assessments for Member Failure to Return an Anti-Money

Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing Questionnaire – AP, Canada, CEMEA,
LAC, and US Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Visa imposes non-
compliance assessments for failure to return to Visa a completed Anti-Money Laundering/Anti-
Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF), Sanctions and Anti-Bribery Compliance Program Questionnaire, as
specified in Section 1.10.1.7, Visa Anti-Money Laundering Program – Member Requirements, or to
respond to follow-up questions or inquiries, as follows:

Table 12-7: Non-Compliance Assessments for Member Failure to Return a Completed Anti-Money
Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing Questionnaire – AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region,
US Region
Date Non-Compliance Assessment
Due date + one calendar day to 30 calendar days USD 1,000
Due date + 31 calendar days to 60 calendar days USD 2,500
Due date + 61 calendar days to 90 calendar days USD 5,000
Due date + 91 calendar days and every 30 calendar days thereafter USD 10,000
12.6.3 Authentication Non-Compliance Assessments
12.6.3.1 PIN Security Non-Compliance Assessments

A Member may be subject to a non-compliance assessment for its or its agent’s failure to comply
with any of the requirements in the PIN Management Requirements Documents and Visa PIN
Security Program Guide, as follows:
Table 12-8: PIN Security Non-Compliance Assessments
Violation Non-Compliance
Assessment
Initial violation and each month of unaddressed violations, up to 4 months after USD 10,000 per month
the initial violation
Violations after 4 months and each month thereafter USD 25,000 per month
If an Acquirer fails to respond to Visa within 30 days of a Notification of non-compliance, it may be

subject to a non-compliance assessment, or Visa may suspend the Acquirer’s certification relating
to PIN implementation procedures until a response from the Acquirer has been received and
acknowledged by Visa.
If the Acquirer provides an action plan to Visa but does not perform its commitments as specified
in the action plan, it must deposit USD 100,000 with Visa as a performance bond or place USD
100,000 in escrow until Visa either:

l Confirms that the Acquirer is in compliance with the PIN Management Requirements Documents
l In the case of the escrow arrangements, suspends that Acquirer’s certification. If Acquirer
certification for PIN implementation procedures is suspended, the Acquirer may forfeit to Visa
the performance bond or escrow amount.
12.6.4 Visa Monitoring Program Non-Compliance Assessments
12.6.4.1 Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) Non-Compliance Assessments

Visa assesses the following non-compliance assessments if an Acquirer’s monthly Dispute or Fraud
Activity meets or exceeds the Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) thresholds specified in
Section 10.4.4.1, Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP):
Table 12-9: Non-Compliance Assessments for Excessive Disputes or Fraud Activity-to-Sales Ratio
Month Non-Compliance Assessment
Month 1 – 3 USD 25,000 (or local currency equivalent) per month
Month 7 – 12 (and, in the Europe Region, USD 100,000 (or local currency equivalent) per
subsequent months) month
Visa may assess, suspend, or waive VAMP non-compliance assessments, in whole or in part, to
accommodate unique or extenuating circumstances. The non-compliance assessments will no
longer be assessed to the Acquirer once its Merchant has met acceptable performance levels.
However, non-compliance assessments may continue to be assessed, or a Merchant may be
prohibited from participating in the Visa Program, if Visa determines that the Merchant or Acquirer
is causing undue economic hardship or harm to the goodwill of the Visa system as a result of high
Dispute or Fraud Activity volumes.
In the Europe Region: If an Acquirer exceeds 3 times the monthly fraud-to-sales ratio
communicated by Visa to Acquirers, Visa will determine non-compliance assessments.
12.6.4.2 Visa Issuer Monitoring Program (VIMP) Non-Compliance Assessments

and US Region


Visa assesses the following non-compliance assessments if an Issuer’s monthly Card-Absent
Environment Fraud Activity meets or exceeds the Visa Issuer Monitoring Program (VIMP)
thresholds specified in Section 10.4.9.1, Visa Issuer Monitoring Program (VIMP):
Table 12-10: Non-Compliance Assessments for Excessive Fraud Activity-to-Sales Ratio
Month 1 – 3 Not applicable
Visa may assess, suspend, or waive VIMP non-compliance assessments, in whole or in part, to
longer be assessed to the Issuer once it has met acceptable performance levels. However, non-
compliance assessments may continue to be assessed, or an Issuer may be prohibited from
participating in the Visa Program, if Visa determines that the Issuer is causing undue economic
hardship or harm to the goodwill of the Visa system as a result of high Fraud Activity volumes.
12.6.5 Dispute Monitoring Fees and Non-Compliance Assessments
12.6.5.1 Visa Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP) Fees and Non-Compliance

Assessments
Visa assesses Visa Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP) fees and non-compliance assessments to
the Acquirer, as specified in Table 12-11, Fees for Visa Dispute Monitoring Program – Standard
Program, and Table 12-12, Fees for Visa Dispute Monitoring Program – High-Risk Program.
Table 12-11: Fees for Visa Dispute Monitoring Program – Standard Program
Event Visa Action/Fee
Merchant Outlet meets or exceeds the Dispute l Workout Period1

activity thresholds specified in Section 10.4.3.1, Visa l No fee
Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP), in months 1-4
(month 1 = initial notification).

Table 12-11: Fees for Visa Dispute Monitoring Program – Standard Program (continued)
Merchant Outlet meets or exceeds the Dispute l A fee is assessed to the Acquirer, as specified in
activity thresholds specified in Section 10.4.3.1, Visa the applicable Fee Schedule, per Dispute2 for
Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP), in months 5-9. every month the Merchant meets or exceeds the
program thresholds.3
Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP), beyond month 9. every month the Merchant meets or exceeds the
l The Acquirer is eligible for a review fee, as
specified in the applicable Fee Schedule.
l Visa may initiate Merchant disqualification
processes against a Merchant Outlet and/or its
principals.
1
The Workout Period does not apply to High-Risk Merchants or High-Brand Risk Merchants.
2
VDMP non-compliance assessments and program fees apply to domestic and international Disputes for all the
following: AP Region (Australia), Canada Region, Europe Region (Germany, United Kingdom), LAC Region (Brazil),
and US Region. Visa may modify this list of markets. For all other markets, VDMP non-compliance assessments and
program fees apply to only international Disputes.
3
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Visa may allocate a portion of this fee to
the Issuer via a funds disbursement. Visa reserves the right to withhold or revoke funds disbursement from Issuers
whose activities or lack of risk controls create a disproportionate volume of Disputes.
Table 12-12: Fees for Visa Dispute Monitoring Program – High-Risk Program
Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP), in months 1-6. every month the Merchant meets or exceeds the
Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP), beyond month every month the Merchant meets or exceeds the
6. program thresholds.1

Table 12-12: Fees for Visa Dispute Monitoring Program – High-Risk Program (continued)
Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP), beyond month every month the Merchant meets or exceeds the
11. program thresholds.2
l Visa may initiate Merchant disqualification
processes against a Merchant Outlet and/or its
principals.
1
VDMP non-compliance assessments and program fees apply to domestic and international Disputes for all the
following: AP Region (Australia), Canada Region, Europe Region (Germany, United Kingdom), LAC Region (Brazil),
and US Region. Visa may modify this list of markets. For all other markets, VDMP non-compliance assessments and
program fees apply to only international Disputes.
2
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Visa may allocate a portion of this fee to
the Issuer via a funds disbursement. Visa reserves the right to withhold or revoke funds disbursement from Issuers
whose activities or lack of risk controls create a disproportionate volume of Disputes.
Non-compliance assessments and fees for Disputes activity under the VDMP standard program or
VDMP high-risk program may continue to be assessed to the Acquirer:
l For all Trailing Dispute Activity that occurs up to 120 calendar days after Transaction processing
has ceased
l Equivalent to the non-compliance assessments and fees being imposed on the Acquirer at the
time Transaction processing ceased
Visa may assess, suspend, or waive VDMP fees and/or non-compliance assessments, in whole or in
part, to accommodate unique or extenuating circumstances. The fees and/or non-compliance
assessments will no longer be assessed to the Acquirer once the Merchant has met acceptable
performance levels. However, fees and/or non-compliance assessments may continue to be
assessed, or a Merchant may be prohibited from participating in the Visa Program, if Visa
determines that the Merchant or Acquirer is causing undue economic hardship or harm to the
goodwill of the Visa system as a result of high Dispute volumes.

12.6.5.2 Visa Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP) – Data Quality Non-Compliance

Assessments
name, Merchant data, or Merchant performance in any way to circumvent the Visa Dispute
Monitoring Program (VDMP), Visa may impose a non-compliance assessment of up to USD 25,000
(or local currency equivalent) per Merchant Outlet, per month, to the Acquirer.
12.6.6 High-Risk/High-Brand Risk Acquirer Non-Compliance Assessments
12.6.6.1 High-Brand Risk Acquirer Registration Non-Compliance

If Visa determines that an Acquirer new to acquiring High-Brand Risk Transactions in a Card-Absent
Environment has failed to comply with the registration requirements specified in Section 10.4.8.1,
High-Brand Risk Acquirer Registration, Visa may impose a non-compliance assessment of USD
50,000 or, in the Europe Region, EUR 50,000 to the Acquirer per calendar month of non-
compliance. Continued non-compliance may result in Visa prohibiting that Acquirer from acquiring
High-Brand Risk Merchants or Electronic Commerce Merchants.
12.6.7 Fraud Monitoring and Reporting Non-Compliance Assessments
12.6.7.1 Visa Fraud Monitoring Program (VFMP) Non-Compliance Assessments

Visa assesses non-compliance assessments to the Acquirer of a Merchant Outlet identified in the
Visa Fraud Monitoring Program (VFMP) high-risk program, as specified in Section 10.4.5.2, Visa
Fraud Monitoring Program (VFMP) Timelines.
Table 12-13: Non-Compliance Assessments for VFMP – High-Risk Program
Month 1 – 3 USD 10,000 per month
Month 10 – 12 (and, in the Europe Region, USD 75,000 per month

subsequent months)

Visa may assess, suspend, or waive VFMP non-compliance assessments, in whole or in part, to
longer be assessed to the Acquirer once its Merchant has met acceptable performance levels.
However, non-compliance assessments may continue to be assessed, or a Merchant may be
prohibited from participating in the Visa Program, if Visa determines that the Merchant or Acquirer
is causing undue economic hardship or harm to the goodwill of the Visa system as a result of high
Fraud Activity volumes.
12.6.7.2 Visa Fraud Monitoring Program (VFMP) – Data Quality Non-Compliance

Assessments
name or Merchant data in any way to circumvent the Visa Fraud Monitoring Program (VFMP), Visa
may impose a non-compliance assessment of USD 10,0001 per Merchant Outlet, per month, to the
Acquirer.
1
In the Europe Region: Or local currency equivalent
12.6.7.5 Non-Compliance Assessments for Failure to Report Fraud – LAC Region

In the LAC Region: An Issuer that does not comply with the Fraud Reporting Program’s
requirements, as determined by the third or higher consecutive onsite audit, will be subject to a
quarterly non-compliance assessment of USD 10,000 until found compliant by the Visa remote
monitoring system and validated by an onsite audit.
12.6.8 Terminated Merchant Non-Compliance Assessments
12.6.8.1 Terminated Merchant Non-Compliance Assessments – Canada Region

In the Canada Region: If an Acquirer fails to comply with Section 10.11.2.3, Common Terminated
Merchant Database Requirements – Canada Region, Visa may assess a non-compliance assessment
of CAD 2,500 per violation.
12.6.9 Global Brand Protection Program Non-Compliance Assessments

12.6.9.2 Global Brand Protection Program Data Quality Non-Compliance

Assessments
name or Merchant data in any way to circumvent the Global Brand Protection Program, Visa may
impose a non-compliance assessment of USD 10,000 or, in the Europe Region, EUR 10,000 per
Merchant, per month, to the Acquirer.
12.6.10 Corporate Risk Reduction Non-Compliance Assessments
12.6.10.1 Acquirer Responsibility for Merchants Non-Compliance Assessments – US

Region
In the US Region: An Acquirer that fails to comply with the requirements of Section 1.1.1.13, Visa
U.S.A., Inc. Member Responsibilities – US Region, is subject to a non-compliance assessment of X,
termination of its membership, or both.
12.6.11 Merchant Agreement with Prohibited Merchant Non-Compliance

Assessments – US Region
12.6.11.1 Non-Compliance Assessments for Merchant Agreement with Prohibited

Merchant – US Region
In the US Region: Visa imposes a non-compliance assessment to an Acquirer that enters into a
Merchant Agreement with a Merchant, or known principals of a Merchant, that Visa has prohibited
from participating in the Visa or Visa Electron Program, as follows:
Table 12-14: Acquirer Non-Compliance Assessments for Merchant Agreement with a Prohibited Merchant –
US Region
First violation in a 5-year period USD 10,000
Second violation in a 5-year period USD 20,000
Third violation in a 5-year period USD 50,000

Table 12-14: Acquirer Non-Compliance Assessments for Merchant Agreement with a Prohibited Merchant –
US Region (continued)
4 or more violations in a 5-year period At the discretion of Visa
Visa imposes an additional non-compliance assessment of USD 10,000 for each 30-calendar-day
period, or portion thereof, during which the Acquirer fails to terminate the Merchant Agreement.
12.6.13 Non-Compliance Assessments Related to Agents
12.6.13.1 VisaNet Processor Non-Compliance Assessments

A Member using a VisaNet Processor that fails to comply with the Visa Rules and Visa Charter
Documents is subject to non-compliance assessments, as specified in Section 1.12.2.2, General Non-
Compliance Assessment Schedules. The combined liability of all Members for a VisaNet Processor’s
failure to comply must not be more than the non-compliance assessment amount for the violation
involved.
Visa may impose non-compliance assessments resulting from the activities of a Member
performing services on behalf of another Member to both the:
l Performing Member
l Member for which the services are performed
The total paid by both Members must not be more than the non-compliance assessment amount
for the violation involved.
Visa may impose non-compliance assessments whether a Member or non-Member is performing
services on behalf of another Member. If a Member acts as a VisaNet Processor for another
Member, it is considered a single entity with that other Member in determining repetitive
violations.
12.6.13.2 Third Party Agent Non-Compliance Assessments

In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, Europe Region,1 LAC Region, US Region: Visa
imposes non-compliance assessments to a Member that fails to comply with the requirements for

use of Third Party Agents. A Member is subject to non-compliance assessments for the failure of its
Third Party Agents to comply with the substance of Third Party Agent requirements, including non-
payment of non-compliance assessments to Visa.
A Member that fails to comply with Third Party Agent requirements is subject to a non-compliance
assessment, as follows:
Table 12-15: Non-Compliance Assessments Related to Third Party Agents
First occurrence USD 10,000
Second occurrence in a rolling 60-month period USD 25,000
Third occurrence in a rolling 60-month period USD 50,000
Four or more occurrences in a rolling 60-month USD 100,000

period
For repeated violations in a rolling 60-month period, Visa may impose non-compliance
assessments in addition to those specified in Table 12-15, Non-Compliance Assessments Related to
Third Party Agents, at Visa discretion. Non-compliance assessments are cumulative.
1
Effective 19 October 2019.
12.7 Fees – General
12.7.1 Fee Assessment and Responsibility
12.7.1.1 Responsibility for Charges – US Region

In the US Region: All charges imposed by Visa, whether in the form of fees, exchange rates, or
otherwise, are charges imposed on a Member or a VisaNet Processor or an Agent operating on
behalf of a Member. A Member or VisaNet Processor or Agent operating on behalf of a Member is
responsible for paying all charges, regardless of whether it absorbs the charges, passes them on, or
increases them in billing its customer (for example: Cardholder, Merchant).

12.7.2 Global Compromised Account Recovery (GCAR) Fees
12.7.2.1 Global Compromised Account Recovery (GCAR) Fees – AP, Canada, CEMEA,
LAC, and US Regions
In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US Region: Visa will collect from the
Acquirer through the Global Member Billing System either or both:
l A Global Compromised Account Recovery appeal fee
l A Global Compromised Account Recovery program non-cooperation analysis fee if the Acquirer,
its Merchant, Acquirer processor, service provider, or other entity used by the Acquirer, its
Merchant, or ATM involved in processing Visa-branded Transactions refuses to allow a forensic
investigation
12.8 Member-to-Member Fees
12.8.2 Automated Clearing House Service
12.8.2.1 Automated Clearing House Collections Made in Error – US Region

In the US Region: Visa is not liable for automated clearing house collections made in error, except
through intentional misconduct.
12.8.2.2 Automated Clearing House Service Authorization Agreement – US Region

In the US Region: Visa will provide a Member or VisaNet Processor with an automated clearing
house authorization agreement for Fee Collection Transactions and Funds Disbursement
Transactions. This agreement must be signed and returned to Visa before the initiation of any
automated clearing house transaction.
The signed agreement remains valid for all Fee Collection Transactions and Funds Disbursement
Transactions until the Member or VisaNet Processor notifies Visa of either:
l Its replacement by a new agreement
l Revocation of the agreement because the Member or VisaNet Processor was terminated

12.8.2.3 Automated Clearing House Service Requirements – US Region

In the US Region: Upon Visa request, a Member or VisaNet Processor must provide all of the
following, for the purpose of collecting fees and disbursing funds through the automated clearing
house service:
l Valid automated clearing house transit/routing number
l Associated financial institution depository account number
l Signed automated clearing house authorization agreement
If any account information (such as the account number or financial institution) changes, the
Member or VisaNet Processor must both:
l Notify Visa at least 10 calendar days before the effective date of the change
l Submit a new automated clearing house authorization agreement with the change
12.8.2.4 Automated Clearing House Service Requirements for Principal-Type or

Associate-Type Members – US Region
In the US Region: Upon Visa request, a Principal-type or Associate-type Member or an applicant for
Principal-type or Associate-type membership must comply with Section 12.8.2.3, Automated
Clearing House Service Requirements – US Region, for the purpose of collecting fees and disbursing
funds through the automated clearing house service.
12.8.2.5 Initial Service Fee Collections through Automated Clearing House Service –
US Region
In the US Region: Visa may collect initial service fees through the automated clearing house service
from all new US Principal-type and Associate-type Members, as specified in the Visa Charter
Documents.
12.8.2.6 Non-Use of Automated Clearing House Service – US Region

In the US Region: A Member or VisaNet Processor that is required to use the automated clearing
house service may be required to reimburse Visa for any expense incurred for processing any

payment made by a means other than the automated clearing house service.
12.8.2.7 Rejection of Automated Clearing House Transactions – US Region

In the US Region: Visa may require a same-day wire transfer, or initiate a Fee Collection Transaction
through VisaNet, if a valid automated clearing house transaction is rejected or cannot be initiated
for any reason, including:
l A Member did not comply with Section 12.8.2.3, Automated Clearing House Service Requirements
– US Region
l Existing automated clearing house authorization agreement was revoked before a replacement
authorization agreement took effect
12.8.3 Member-to-Member Fee Collection and Funds Disbursement
12.8.3.2 Fee Collection Time Limit

Unless otherwise specified, a Member must collect fees or disburse funds within 180 calendar days
from the related event.
In the US Region: Unless otherwise specified, a Member must collect fees or disburse funds for a
Domestic Transaction within 45 calendar days from the related event.
12.8.3.4 Resubmission of Returned Fee Collection

A Member may resubmit a returned Fee Collection Transaction for any of the following reasons:
l Information or documentation supporting the Fee Collection Transaction was not received
l Amount of the original Fee Collection Transaction was inaccurate
l Original Fee Collection Transaction was correct, but receiving Member returned it improperly
A Member resubmitting a returned Fee Collection Transaction must either:
l Make the resubmission within 30 calendar days from the date the Receiving Member returned
the original Fee Collection Transaction

l In the US Region: Make the resubmission within 45 calendar days from the Central Processing
Date of the returned Fee Collection Transaction
If the Fee Collection Transaction was returned because of missing information or documentation,
the resubmission must contain the applicable information or documentation.
In the US Region: A Member must not resubmit a Fee Collection Transaction for Recovered Card
handling fee/reward (reason code 0150) or recovery of Retrieval Request fees (reason code 0170).
12.8.3.5 Limits of Fee Collection Returns

In no case may there be a third submission, return, or rejection of a Fee Collection Transaction
through VisaNet. A Member that receives a third submission or return of a Fee Collection
Transaction may pursue Compliance.
In the US Region: A Member must not submit an outstanding Fee Collection Transaction for
Compliance for the following disputes, which must be settled directly between the Members
involved and are not subject to Compliance procedures:
l Reason Code 0240 (Good Faith Collection Letter Settlement Funds Disbursement)
l Reason Code 0350 (Interchange Reimbursement Fee pre-Compliance Settlement Funds
Disbursement)
12.8.3.6 Member Fee Collection and Funds Disbursement Limitations

A Member must not use a Fee Collection Transaction for funds disbursement other than those
listed in Section X and Section 12.8.3.4, Resubmission of Returned Fee Collection.
12.8.3.7 Fee Collection/Funds Disbursement Process – US Region

In the US Region: When a Member or its Authorizing Processor collects fees or disburses funds as
allowed through VisaNet, it must use transaction code 10 (Fee Collection Transaction) or transaction
code 20 (Funds Disbursement Transaction).

No other use of the Fee Collection Transaction/Funds Disbursement Transaction process is

permitted.
12.8.4 Incentive Fulfillment Fees
12.8.4.1 Retrieval Request Fee Recovery

An Issuer may recover fees for Retrieval Requests for any of the following reasons:
l Acquirer did not properly supply the requested Transaction Receipt
l Request resulted from an incorrect Merchant description or a zero-filled or incorrect Transaction
Date in the VisaNet transmission
l In the US Region: For a Domestic Transaction, both:
– Requested copy was illegible
– Acquirer did not properly supply the required Healthcare Auto-Substantiation Transaction
detail
12.8.5 Investigative Services Fees
12.8.5.1 Member Investigative Services Fee

A Member that requests investigative services from another Member must pay an investigative
service fee, as specified in the applicable Fee Schedule.
A Member that performs investigative services for another Member must prepare an itemized
statement for the Member requesting the services.
12.8.6 Rewards for Recovered Cards
12.8.6.1 Recovered Card Rewards

An Acquirer must ensure that the minimum reward is paid to a Merchant that recovered a Visa Card
or a Visa Electron Card, as specified in the applicable Fee Schedule.

If an Acquirer pays rewards to its tellers for the recovery of Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards, it may
collect the reward amount from the Issuer, as specified in the applicable Fee Schedule.
An Acquirer is not required to pay a reward, and an Issuer is not required to reimburse the Acquirer,
for a Card that is any of the following:
l Expired
l Recovered at an ATM or Unattended Cardholder-Activated Terminal
l Inadvertently left at a Merchant Outlet
l A Non-Reloadable Prepaid Card recovered without a Pickup Response or a request from the
Issuer
In the AP Region (Australia): An Issuer is not required to reimburse a reward paid by an Australia
Acquirer to a person who is not a Merchant or a staff member of a Merchant (for example: law
enforcement personnel, Acquirer employee).
In the US Region: If a recovered Card was retained by a law enforcement agency, the Acquirer must
pay the reward upon receipt of a legible copy of the front and back of the recovered Card.
An Issuer must pay a reward for a recovered Visa Card or Visa Electron Card.
12.8.6.2 Acquirer Recovered Card Handling and Reward Collection – US Region

In the US Region: If an Acquirer has paid a reward for a recovered Card, the Acquirer may collect
the reward in a Fee Collection Transaction. Before entering the fee collection into Interchange, the
Acquirer must notify the Issuer through Visa Resolve Online that the Card was recovered and
specify the amount of the reward paid.
12.9 Other Non-Compliance Assessments
12.9.1 Willful Violations – Europe Region
12.9.1.1 Willful Violation Non-Compliance Assessments – Europe Region

In the Europe Region: A Member that is found to have willfully violated the Visa Rules, as

specified in Section 1.12.2.8, Willful or Significant Violations Schedules, is subject to a non-

compliance assessment, as follows:
Table 12-16: Non-Compliance Assessments for Willful Violations of the Visa Rules – Europe Region
First violation of regulation Warning letter with specific date for correction and
EUR 50,000 non-compliance assessment (payment of
the non-compliance assessment shall be suspended
until end date for correction)
Second violation of the same regulation in a 12- EUR 100,000

month period after notification of first violation
Monthly increase thereafter for non-correction of EUR 150,000 above previous month’s total non-
same violation compliance assessments. For example, month 3=EUR
300,000; month 4=EUR 450,000 and so forth
Eight or more violations of the same regulation in a Visa discretion

12-month period after notification of first violation
If the 12-month period is not violation-free and the Additional non-compliance assessment equal to all
non-compliance assessments total EUR 250,000 or non-compliance assessments levied during that 12-
more month period

Part 3:
Appendices
Appendices
Appendix A
Appendix A
Visa Supplemental Requirements
Visa Supplemental Requirements (Enforceable Documents and Websites)
Visa Supplemental Requirements List

Visa Supplemental Requirements
Title Applicable in Visa Region:
3-D Secure and Visa Secure
3-D Secure Functional Requirements – Access Control Server All
3-D Secure Functional Requirements – Merchant Server Plug-in All
3-D Secure Protocol Specification Core Functions All
3-D Secure U.S. Region Supplemental Functional Requirements – Access US

Control Server
Visa Secure Program Guide All
Acceptance
AVS ZIP Requirements for US AFD Merchants in High-Fraud Geographies US
DCC Guide All
Transaction Acceptance Device Requirements All
Visa Merchant Data Standards Manual All
Brand
Visa Product Brand Standards All
Card / Payment Device Technology
EMV Contactless Specification for Payment Systems Book C-3 Europe
EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for Payment Systems (EMV) All

Appendices
Appendix A
Global Chip Fallback Monitoring Program Guide All
Visa Canada Debit Card – Technical Specifications Canada
Visa Chip Security Program – Security Testing Process All
Visa Cloud-Based Payments Contactless Specifications All
Visa Cloud-Based Payments Program Minimum Requirements and Guidelines All
Visa Contactless Payment Specification All
Visa Europe EMV Application Selection Requirements and Recommendations Europe
Visa Europe Contactless Terminal Requirements and Implementation Guide Europe
Visa Integrated Circuit Card Specification (VIS) All
Visa Mobile Contactless Payment Specification (VMCPS) All
Visa Mobile Gateway Issuer Update Functional Specification All
Visa Mobile Gateway Issuer Update Protocol Specification All
Visa Mobile Gateway Logical and Physical Security Requirements All
Visa Mobile Gateway Secure Channel Functional Specification All
Visa Mobile Gateway Secure Channel Protocol Specification All
Visa QR Code Payment Specification (VQRPS) Effective through 19 July 2019

US

AP, US
Visa Smart Debit/Credit Personalization Requirements for U.S. US

Implementations
Visa Smart Debit/Credit System Technical Manual All
Encoding and PINs
Payment Technology Standards Manual All
Fee Schedules

Appendices
Appendix A
Visa Asia Pacific Fee Schedule AP
Visa Canada Fee Schedule Canada
Visa CEMEA Fee Schedule CEMEA
Visa Europe Fee Schedule Europe
Visa LAC Fee Schedule LAC
Visa U.S.A. Fee Schedule US
Interchange Reimbursement Fees (IRF)
AP Intraregional IRF Guide and AP Domestic IRF Guides, as applicable AP
CEMEA Intraregional IRF Guide and CEMEA Domestic IRF Guides, as CEMEA
applicable
Europe Region Intraregional IRF Guide and Europe Domestic IRF Guides, Europe
as applicable
Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Process Guide All
Interregional Interchange Guide All
LAC Intraregional IRF Guide and LAC Domestic IRF Guides, as applicable LAC
US Interchange Reimbursement Fee Rate Qualification Guide US
Visa Canada Interchange Guide Canada
Visa Government and Education Payment Program Guide US
Visa Government-to-Government (G2G) Program Guide US
Visa U.S. Debt Repayment Incentive Interchange Program Guide US
Visa U.S.A. Interchange Reimbursement Fees US
Visa Utility Interchange Reimbursement Fee Program Guide US
Licensing and BINs
Product BIN Assignment Matrix – AP Region AP

Appendices
Appendix A
Product BIN Assignment Matrix – Canada Region Canada
Product BIN Assignment Matrix – CEMEA Region CEMEA
Product BIN Assignment Matrix – Europe Region Europe
Product BIN Assignment Matrix – LAC Region LAC
Product BIN Assignment Matrix – US Region US
Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC)
Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) All
Payment Card Industry 3-D Secure (PCI 3DS) Security Requirements and All
Assessment Procedures for EMV 3-D Secure Core Components: ACS, DS, and
3DS Server
Payment Card Industry (PCI) Card Production and Provisioning – Logical All
Payment Card Industry (PCI) Card Production and Provisioning – Physical All
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) All
Payment Card Industry (PCI) PIN Security Requirements All
Payment Card Industry (PCI) PIN Transaction Security (PTS) – Point of All
Interaction (POI) Modular Security Requirements
Payment Card Industry (PCI) POS PIN Entry Device Security Requirements Europe
Payment Card Industry (PCI) P2PE Solution Requirements and Testing Europe
Procedures
Products and Services
Accelerated Connection Platform Acquirer Merchant Activation Guide All, where available
Accelerated Connection Platform Client Implementation Guide All, where available
Data Framework for Visa Services – Europe Region Europe
Data Transfer Framework – Europe Region Europe

Appendices
Appendix A
PSD2 Strong Customer Authentication for Remote Electronic Transactions – Europe

European Economic Area
V PAY Card and Acceptance Device Technical Specifications Europe
Visa Delegated Authentication Implementation Guide Europe
Visa Europe Commercial Program Guide Europe
Visa Mobile Prepaid Implementation Guide All, where available
Visa Multinational Program Guide All
Visa ReadyLink Service Description and Implementation Guidelines US

1
Visa Settlement Match (VSM) Implementation Guide All, where available
Visa Trusted Listing Implementation Guide Europe
Effective through 18 October 2019 All, where available

Mobile Push Payment Program Implementation Guide
Risk
Account Information Security (AIS) Program Guide All
CoFAS Procedures for Reporting Credit Skimming Incidents Canada
Credit Settlement Risk Mitigation Structure for Deferred Transactions in LAC Region (Argentina)
Argentina
Fraud Reporting System (FRS) User’s Guide All
Guidelines for Terminated Merchant Databases Europe
Mobile P2M Push Payments Underwriting Standards All
Third Party Agent Due Diligence Risk Standards All
Visa Europe Card Vendor Programme Guide Europe
Visa Global Acquirer Risk Standards All
Visa Global Brand Protection Program Guide for Acquirers All

Appendices
Appendix A
Visa Global Compromised Account Recovery (GCAR) Guide All except Europe
Visa Global Physical Security Validation Requirements for Data Preparation, All
Encryption Support and Fulfillment Card Vendors
Visa PIN Security Program Guide All
Visa Prepaid Issuer Risk Program Standards Guide All
What To Do If Compromised All except Europe
What To Do If Compromised: Visa Europe Data Compromise Procedures Europe
Risk Products
Card Recovery Bulletin Service (CRB) User’s Guide All
Prepaid Clearinghouse Service (PCS) Product Guide and Reporting US

Requirements
Visa Advanced ID Solutions (VAIS) User Guide and Best Practices US
Settlement
1
National Net Settlement Service Description All
Visa Settlement Funds Transfer Guide All except Europe
Visa Europe Settlement Funds Transfer Guide Europe
Transaction Processing
Visa Direct Original Credit Transaction (OCT) Global Implementation Guide All
1
Visa Partial Authorization Service Description and Implementation Guide All
VisaNet Manuals
1
BASE II Clearing Data Codes All
1
BASE II Clearing Edit Package Messages All
1
BASE II Clearing Edit Package Operations Guide All
1
BASE II Clearing Interchange Formats, TC 01 to TC 48 All

Appendices
Appendix A

1
BASE II Clearing Interchange Formats, TC 50 to TC 92 All
1
BASE II Clearing PC Edit Package for Windows User’s Guide All
1
BASE II Clearing Services All
1
BASE II Clearing System Overview All
1
BASE II Clearing VML Developer Handbook All
1
BASE II Clearing VML Formats All
1
V.I.P. System BASE I Processing Specifications All
1
V.I.P. System BASE I Technical Specifications, Volume 1 All
1
V.I.P. System BASE I Technical Specifications, Volume 2 All
1
V.I.P. System Overview All
1
V.I.P. System Services, Volume 1 All
1
V.I.P. System Services, Volume 2 All
1
V.I.P. System SMS ATM Processing Specifications (International) All
1
V.I.P. System SMS ATM Technical Specifications, Volume 1 All
1
V.I.P. System SMS ATM Technical Specifications, Volume 2 All
1
V.I.P. System SMS Interlink Client Implementation Guide All
1
V.I.P. System SMS Interlink Technical Specifications All
1
V.I.P. System SMS POS (Visa & Visa Electron) Processing Specifications All
(International)
1
V.I.P. System SMS POS (Visa & Visa Electron) Technical Specifications, Volume All
1
1
V.I.P. System SMS POS (Visa & Visa Electron) Technical Specifications, Volume All
2
1
V.I.P. System SMS Processing Specifications (U.S.) All
1
VisaNet Settlement Service (VSS) User’s Guide, Volume 1, Specifications All

Appendices
Appendix A

1
VisaNet Settlement Service (VSS) User’s Guide, Volume 2, Reports All
1
In the Europe Region: This rule does not apply. Where a Member uses Visa for processing, as specified in Section
1.1.1.2, Applicability of Processing Rules – Europe Region, it must refer to Visa Europe Operating Regulations –
Processing.

Part 4:
Glossary
Glossary
Glossary
Glossary
0 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Term Definition
0-9
3-D Secure A Visa-approved Authentication Method that is the global
authentication standard for Electronic Commerce Transactions.
3-D Secure Specification A software protocol that enables secure processing of Transactions
over the Internet and other networks.
The 3-D Secure Specification includes:
l 3-D Secure Protocol Specification Core Functions
l 3-D Secure Functional Requirements Access Control Server
l 3-D Secure Functional Requirements Merchant Server Plug-in
l In the US Region: 3-D Secure US Region Supplemental Functional
Requirements – Access Control Server
l EMV 3-D Secure Protocol and Core Functions Specification
l EMV 3-D Secure SDK – Device Information
l EMV 3-D Secure SDK Specification
A
Acceptance Device A Card-reading device managed by a Member or a Merchant for the
purpose of completing a Visa Transaction.
Access Fee A fee assessed by an Acquirer to a Cardholder in connection with a

Cash Disbursement or a Shared Deposit Transaction.
Account Data An event in which account data is put at risk.

Compromise Event

Glossary
Glossary
Account Funding A Transaction that transfers funds from a Visa account to another Visa
Transaction or non-Visa account.
Account Information A program managed by Visa that defines the standards of due care and
Security Program enforcement for protecting sensitive Cardholder information and
supports both:
l Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
l Payment Card Industry Payment Application Data Security Standard
(PA-DSS)
Account Level Processing An optional service provided by Visa that enables an Issuer:
l To manage select product-based services at the Account Number
level instead of the BIN level
l To dynamically move Card products up and down the product
spectrum without having to change the associated Account
Number
Account Number An Issuer-assigned number that identifies an account in order to post a

Transaction.
Account Number A process by which a Member or its VisaNet Processor determines,

Verification using a currency unit of zero, if there is negative information on an
Account Number in the Exception File for Transactions that do not
require Authorization.
Account Range The first 9 digits of a BIN, used to identify Issuers and products.
Account Verification A message sent by an Acquirer to the Issuer, using a currency unit of
zero, for confirmation that a Transaction can be completed using the
Card.

Glossary
Glossary
Acquirer A Member that signs a Merchant or Payment Facilitator, provides a

Cash Disbursement to a Cardholder, or loads funds to a Visa Prepaid
Card, and directly or indirectly enters a Transaction into Interchange.
In the Europe Region: A Member that either:
l Enters into an agreement with a Merchant for the display of any of
the Visa-Owned Marks and the acceptance of Visa products and
services
l Disburses currency to a Cardholder, except where “Acquirer” is
otherwise defined for the Europe Region in the Visa Rules
Acquirer Confirmation A message sent from an Acquirer to an Issuer confirming the final
Advice Transaction Amount.
Acquirer Device A set of cards or simulated cards and test scenarios used to validate
Validation Toolkit (ADVT) new or upgraded EMV Chip-Reading Devices.
Acquirer Processor A non-Member agent or Processor that a Member has engaged to

support its Visa acquiring business.
Acquirer Reference An identification number included in a Clearing Record.

Number
Acquiring Identifier A 6-digit identifier licensed by Visa to an Acquirer and that is used to
identify an Acquirer.
Acquiring Identifier An Acquirer, or non-Member VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme

Licensee Processor, or non-Interlink Member Processor that is allocated
responsibility by Visa for a specific Acquiring Identifier, as specified in
the Visa Rules and applicable Visa Charter Documents.
Acquiring Identifier User An Acquirer authorized to use an Acquiring Identifier licensed to its
Sponsor, as specified in the Visa Rules.

Glossary
Glossary
Acquisition The purchase of a Member organization by another organization where

the acquired Member’s charter remains intact.
Address Verification A VisaNet service through which a Merchant verifies a Cardholder’s

Service billing address.
Adjustment A Single Message System message used to partially or fully negate or

cancel a transaction that has been sent through Interchange in error.
Advanced Resolution A wholly-owned subsidiary of Visa U.S.A. that provides Members with
Services, Inc. – US Region services such as Advanced ID Solutions and Strategic Bankruptcy
Solutions.
Affinity/Co-Brand A program or partnership based on a contractual agreement between

an Issuer and a Member or non-Member for the issuance of Cards
bearing the Affinity/Co-Brand partner’s Trade Name or Mark.
Agent An entity that acts as a VisaNet Processor or a Visa Scheme Processor, a

Third Party Agent, or both.
Aggregated Transaction A single Transaction that combines multiple purchases made by the
same Cardholder on the same Account Number at the same Merchant
during a defined time period and up to a defined amount.
Airline A Merchant that transports passengers on an aircraft.
Airline Authorizing A Visa-approved non-Member whose primary function is to provide

Processor reservation and Authorization services for Airline Transactions, or
travel-related services that include the purchase of an Airline ticket.

Glossary
Glossary
Airline Ticket Identifier A unique value (for example: carrier code or number, ticket serial
number, transmission control number) of up to 13 characters that
identifies the purchase of an Airline ticket.
Alert – Europe Region A message sent by a Visa Alerts Service to a Cardholder by email, SMS
(Short Message Service), or push notification.
Ancillary Purchase The purchase of goods and services, other than a passenger ticket,
Transaction completed at an Airline or a US passenger railway Merchant.
AP Asia-Pacific.
Application Identifier An EMV-compliant data label encoded on a Chip Card and loaded on a
Chip Reading Device that is used to identify mutually supported
payment applications.
Application Label – A name that identifies an application stored on a Card and that is used
Europe Region during application selection when no application preferred name is
associated with that application.
Application Selection Flag An EMV-compliant Canadian payment industry specification that allows
– Canada Region an Issuer to control which payment applications contained in a
Compliant Chip Card can process a Transaction at a POS or an ATM.
Application Transaction A counter within the application on a contact Chip or Contactless Card
Counter that tracks the number of times the Chip is read and that is used by the
Issuer during the Authorization process.
Approval Response An Authorization Response where the Transaction was approved.

Glossary
Glossary
Arbitration A process where Visa determines financial liability between Members

for Interchange Transactions that are presented and have completed
the Dispute cycle.
Arbitration and A Visa committee that resolves certain disputes between Members that
Compliance Committee arise from Disputes or from violations of the Visa Rules.
Associate-Type Member A Member of Visa that is an Associate with rights and responsibilities,
as defined in the applicable Visa Charter Documents.
ATM Operator – US An entity authorized by a Member or its Agent to originate a

Region Transaction through the connection of an ATM to the Visa ATM
Network and that displays the Visa acceptance Mark. An ATM Operator
owns, operates, or leases ATMs that are connected to the Visa ATM
Network and may either or both:
l Receive revenue from the Interchange process or from fees
assessed with Transactions
l Manage cryptographic functions or stock ATMs with cash
Attempt Response A message from a Visa Secure Issuer or Visa in response to an

Authentication Request, indicating that the Issuer or Cardholder is not
participating in Visa Secure.
Authentication A cryptographic process that validates the identity and integrity of

Chip data.
Authentication A message from a Visa Secure Issuer in response to an Authentication

Confirmation Request confirming Cardholder authentication.
Authentication Data All Transaction-related data associated with a Visa Secure

Glossary
Glossary
Authentication Request.
Authentication Denial A message sent by a Visa Secure Issuer in response to an

Authentication Request, that denies Cardholder authentication.
Authentication A Visa-approved method that validates a participant’s identity in an

Mechanism Electronic Commerce Transaction. Authentication Mechanisms include,
but are not limited to:
l Password
l Digital Certificate
Authentication Method A Visa-approved protocol, such as Visa Secure, that meets the
minimum standards for authenticating a Cardholder in an Electronic
Commerce Transaction.
Authentication Record A record of the Visa Secure authentication status from a Visa Secure
Issuer in response to an Authentication Request.
Authentication Request A request for Cardholder authentication from a Visa Secure Merchant.
Authentication Response A response from a Visa Secure Issuer, or Visa on behalf of an Issuer, in
response to an Authentication Request.
Authentication Responses include:
l Attempt Responses
l Authentication Confirmations
l Authentication Denials
l Unable-to-Authenticate Responses
Authorization A process where an Issuer, a VisaNet Processor, Visa Scheme Processor,

or Stand-In Processing approves a Transaction. This includes Offline

Glossary
Glossary
Authorization.
Authorization and An optional Visa service offered to Issuers in connection with Visa
Settlement Match Purchasing Card Commercial Payables Transactions which allows Visa
to edit for an exact match between the amount in the Authorization
Request and the corresponding Clearing Record. The service applies
only to Transactions conducted at a non-T&E Merchant or Lodging
Merchant, as specified in the Visa Settlement Match (VSM)
Implementation Guide
In the Europe Region: This rule does not apply. Where a Member uses
Visa for processing, as specified in Section 1.1.1.2, Applicability of
Processing Rules – Europe Region, it must refer to Visa Europe Operating
Regulations – Processing.
Authorization Code A code that an Issuer, its VisaNet Processor, a Visa Scheme Processor,
or Stand-In Processing provides to indicate approval of a Transaction.
The code is returned in the Authorization Response message and is
usually recorded on the Transaction Receipt as proof of Authorization.
Authorization Preferred A Visa Prepaid Card bearing the Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark
Visa Prepaid Card with the Electron Identifier that has a Service Code denoting “Online
Authorization mandatory” encoded on the Magnetic Stripe.
Authorization Request A Merchant or Acquirer request for an Authorization.
Authorization Request An application Cryptogram generated by a Chip Card when requesting

Cryptogram Online Authorization.
Authorization Response An Issuer’s reply to an Authorization Request or Account Number

Verification that refers to the following types of Authorization
Responses:
l Approval Response
l Decline Response

Glossary
Glossary
l Pickup Response
Authorization Reversal A system message that cancels an Approval Response.
Authorizing Processor A Member or its VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor that
provides Authorization services for Merchants or other Members.
In the US Region, this definition does not imply or confer membership
rights as defined in the Visa U.S.A. Inc. Certificate of Incorporation and
By-Laws, Article II.
Auto Rental Collision A Visa Card feature that provides Visa Cardholders with collision or loss
Damage Waiver damage insurance on car rental Transactions.
Automated Fuel An Unattended Cardholder-Activated Terminal that dispenses only fuel.

Dispenser An Automated Fuel Dispenser may also facilitate a Transaction
originating from an application using a Stored Credential on a
Cardholder device.
B
Balance Inquiry A Cardholder request for an account balance that is initiated at an ATM
and processed as a separate, non-financial transaction.
Balance Inquiry Service An ATM service that allows a Cardholder to check an account balance.
BASE I A component of the V.I.P. System that provides Authorization-related

services for Transactions that are subsequently cleared and settled
through BASE II.
BASE II A VisaNet system that provides deferred Clearing and Settlement

services to Members.

Glossary
Glossary
Bill Payment Transaction A Transaction that results from an agreement between a Cardholder
and a Merchant made in advance of the Cardholder being billed for
goods or services conducted within an ongoing service cycle.
Transactions may occur monthly or on a periodic basis. Such
Transactions include:
l Single payments initiated by the Cardholder in a Face-to-Face
Environment, in a Card-Absent Environment, or at an ATM
l Recurring Transactions
l Installment Transactions
Billing Currency The currency in which an Issuer bills and receives payment from a
Cardholder for Transactions, or debits the associated Cardholder’s
account for Transactions.
BIN Bank Identification Number. Either:

l A 6-digit identifier assigned by ISO to Visa and then licensed by
Visa to an Issuer before 22 April 2022 and that comprises the first
6 digits of an Account Number.
l An 8-digit identifier assigned by ISO to Visa and then licensed by
Visa to an Issuer and that comprises the first 8 digits of an Account
Number.
BIN Licensee An Issuer that is allocated responsibility by Visa for a specific BIN, as
specified in the Visa Rules and applicable Visa Charter Documents.
BIN User An Issuer authorized to use a BIN licensed to its Sponsor, as specified
in the Visa Rules.
Board of Directors One of the following, as applicable:

l Visa Inc. Board of Directors

Glossary
Glossary
l Visa International Board of Directors

l Visa U.S.A. Board of Directors
l Visa Canada Board of Directors
l Visa Europe Board of Directors
l Visa International Servicios de Pago España, S.R.L.U. Board of
Directors
l Visa Worldwide Board of Directors
Branch The office of a Member where Manual Cash Disbursements may be

made and Cards may be issued excluding drive-through windows
providing reduced customer services, in-store counters, or service
centers that do not store cash on the premises.
C
Campus Card – US Region A Visa Debit Card or Visa Prepaid Card issued to a student, staff
member, or faculty member of an educational organization in the US
Region that both :
l Bears the Visa Mark
l Includes one or more of the following applications: identification,
building access, library access, or a proprietary closed-loop
payment application for use only within a college or university
system
Card A valid Visa Card, Visa Electron Card, or Proprietary Card bearing the
Plus Symbol.
In the Europe Region: A payment card, device, or any other electronic
or virtual product or account that is capable of completing a
Transaction, is issued by an Issuer, and bears one of the Visa-Owned
Marks.
Card Linked Offers Service A service provided by Visa that associates a commercial offer with a
– Europe Region Card.

Glossary
Glossary
Card Recovery Bulletin A directory of blocked Account Numbers, intended for distribution to
Merchants. It may take one of the following forms:
l National Card Recovery Bulletin (a special edition that lists
domestic Account Numbers in addition to other applicable
listings)
l National Card Recovery File
l Regional Card Recovery File
Card Verification Service A service where a Card Verification Value in an Authorization Request is
validated on behalf of an Issuer.
Card Verification Value A unique check value encoded on the Magnetic Stripe of a Card to
validate Card information during the Authorization process. The Card
Verification Value is calculated from the data encoded on the Magnetic
Stripe using a secure cryptographic process.
Card Verification Value 2 A unique check value generated using a secure cryptographic process
that, when displayed, is displayed either statically or dynamically
(referenced as dCVV2) on a Visa Card or provided to a Virtual Account
owner.
Card-Absent Environment An environment in which a Transaction is completed under both of the

following conditions:
l Cardholder is not present
l Card is not present
Card-Present Environment An environment in which a Transaction is completed under all of the

l Card is present
l Cardholder is present at the Merchant Outlet

Glossary
Glossary
l Transaction is completed by either:

– A representative of the Merchant or Acquirer
– The Cardholder directly at an Unattended Cardholder-Activated
Terminal
Cardholder An individual who is issued a Visa Card.
Cardholder A unique value transmitted in response to an Authentication Request.

Authentication
Verification Value ID# 0024375 Edition: Oct 2019 | Last Updated: Apr 2013
Cardholder Inquiry Service A service that assists Cardholders in obtaining information about Visa
products, their Visa Card accounts, and the benefits associated with
their Visa Cards.
Cardholder Maintenance A file containing Cardholder names, addresses, and account

File – US Region information provided to Visa and used for various account-related
activities.
Cardholder Verification The process of validating a Cardholder’s identity through verification

of the Cardholder’s signature, PIN, Consumer Device Cardholder
Verification Method (CDCVM), or other methods as required in the Visa
Rules.
Cardholder Verification The Transaction amount for Contactless Transactions above which
Limit – Europe Region Cardholder Verification must be performed.
Cardholder Verification A means of verifying that the person presenting a Card is the
Method legitimate Cardholder.
For a Chip Card, the hierarchy of preferences for verifying a
Cardholder’s identity is encoded within the Chip.

Glossary
Glossary
Cash Disbursement Currency, including travelers cheques and excluding Cash-Back,

provided to a Cardholder as follows:
l As a Cash-Out
l As a Manual Cash Disbursement
l Through an ATM
Cash Disbursement Fee A fee paid by an Issuer to an Acquirer for performing a Cash
Disbursement.
Cash-Back Cash obtained from a Visa or Visa Electron Merchant through use of a
Visa Card or Visa Electron Card, in conjunction with, and processed as, a
Retail Transaction.
Cash-In Cash deposited at a Merchant that supports Mobile Push Payment

Transactions, for crediting to an Account Number.
Cash-Out Cash obtained by a Visa account holder from a Merchant that supports
Mobile Push Payment Transactions.
CEMEA Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
Chargeback Reduction A service that screens Presentments and Disputes and returns certain
Service invalid items to the Acquirer or Issuer, as appropriate.
Cheque A traveler’s cheque that a Member has issued and that bears the Visa-
Owned Marks.
Chip An electronic component designed to perform processing or memory

functions that communicates with an Acceptance Device using a
contact or Contactless interface and enables Visa Transaction

Glossary
Glossary
processing or performs other Visa-approved functions .
Chip Specifications – All requirements set out in the EMV, VIS, VSDC, PCI, and Visa PIN Entry
Canada Region Device specifications.
Chip-initiated Transaction An EMV and VIS-Compliant Chip Card Transaction that is processed at a
Chip-Reading Device using Full-Chip Data, and limited to Visa and Visa
Electron Smart Payment applications, or EMV and VIS- Compliant Plus
applications.
Chip-Reading Device An Acceptance Device capable of reading, communicating, and

processing Transaction data from a Chip Card.
Clearing All of the functions necessary to collect a Clearing Record from an

Acquirer in the Transaction Currency and deliver it to the Issuer in the
Billing Currency, or to reverse this transaction, or to process a Fee
Collection Transaction.
Clearing Processor A Member or its Visa-approved VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme

Processor that provides Clearing and/or Settlement services for
Merchants or other Members. This definition does not imply or confer
membership rights as defined in the Visa International Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws, Article II, in the Visa U.S.A. Inc. Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws, Article II, in the Visa Worldwide
Supplementary Operating Regulations (for Asia-Pacific), Section 1, or in
the Visa International Servicios de Pago España, S.R.L.U. Supplementary
Operating Regulations (for Latin America & Caribbean), Section 1.
Clearing Record A record of a Presentment, Dispute, Dispute Response, Acquirer-

initiated pre-Arbitration, Reversal, or Adjustment in the format
necessary to clear the Transaction.
Clearing Reversal – US A VisaNet Transaction that negates a Transaction previously sent

Glossary
Glossary
Region through BASE II or the Single Message System.
Client Contact Tool Effective 19 October 2019

A Client Directory module that contains Member contact information
used by Visa for the delivery of critical corporate and operational email
communications to Members.
Client Directory Effective through 18 October 2019

An online Visa directory containing contact information for Visa, Plus,
and Interlink Members and processors.
An online Visa directory that contains contact information for Visa, Plus,
and Interlink Members and processors and that is comprised of the
Client Service Provider Directory module and the Client Contact Tool
module.
Client Organization A company or organization that sponsors a Visa Corporate or Visa

Purchasing (including Visa Fleet in the US Region), or any other Visa
Commercial Card program combining the functionality of these Cards,
wherein Cards are provided to users for business-related purchases.
Such companies or organizations may include public or private-sector
companies, including sole proprietors.
Client Portfolio A set of tools, available through Visa Online to Members, VisaNet
Management Self-Service Processors, and designated Agents, providing the ability to manage
Tools and support Visa profile information and associated programs and
comprising the following:
l Program Request Management (PRM)
l Electronic Client Information Questionnaire (eCIQ)
l Visa Client Support Application (VCSA)
Client Service Provider Effective 19 October 2019

Glossary
Glossary
Directory A Client Directory module that contains BID, BIN, Acquiring Identifier,
service provider and/or Member information and is used for Member-
to-Member communication and problem resolution.
Closed Loop – Europe An environment using a Visa Drive Card where the Acquirer and Issuer
Region are the same.
Collateral Material Printed, broadcast, or other communications regarding an Affinity/Co-

Brand partner’s Trade Name or Mark. These may include, but are not
limited to, solicitations, promotional materials, advertisements,
statements, statement inserts, direct mail solicitations, and
telemarketing operator scripts.
Collection-Only The reporting of data related to a Domestic Transaction that was

processed outside of VisaNet and submitted only for informational
purposes.
Commercial Payables An environment where a Visa Commercial Card Transaction occurs

between business entities, generally through negotiated contractual
agreements, or in response to the generation of an invoice requesting
payment for goods or services.
Compelling Evidence Information or documentation provided by a Merchant or an Acquirer

in a Dispute Response or pre-Arbitration that attempts to prove that
the Cardholder participated in the Transaction, received goods or
services, or otherwise benefited from the Transaction, as specified in
Section 11.5.2, Use of Compelling Evidence. Compelling Evidence does
not mandate that Visa, the Issuer, or any other entity conclude that the
Cardholder participated in the Transaction, received goods or services,
agreed to Dynamic Currency Conversion, or otherwise benefited from
the Transaction.
Competitive Credit Card In the US Region, US Territory: Any brand of credit card or electronic
Brand – US Region and US credit payment form of a nationally accepted payment network other
Territories than Visa, including without limitation MasterCard, American Express,

Glossary
Glossary
Discover, and PayPal.
Competitive Credit Card In the US Region, US Territory: The Merchant’s average Merchant
Cost of Acceptance – US Discount Rate applicable to transactions on a Competitive Credit Card
Region and US Territories Brand at the Merchant for the preceding one or 12 months, at the
Merchant’s option.
Competitive Credit Card In the US Region, US Territory: Any product within a brand of credit
Product – US Region and card or electronic credit payment form of a nationally accepted
US Territories payment network other than Visa, including without limitation
MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal.
Competitive Credit Card In the US Region, US Territory: The Merchant’s average effective
Product Cost of Merchant Discount Rate applicable to transactions on the Competitive
Acceptance – US Region Credit Card Product at the Merchant for the preceding one or 12
and US Territories months, at the Merchant’s option.
Completion Message A Clearing Record that follows a preauthorization as part of Real-Time

Clearing Processing.
Compliance A process where Visa resolves disputes between Members arising from
violations of the Visa Rules, when the requesting Member can certify
that a financial loss has occurred or will occur for a specific amount,
and no Dispute right is available.
Compliant Chip Card A Chip Card that contains a Visa Smart Payment application capable of
processing Full Data and that complies with Chip Specifications.
Compliant Chip Card An Acceptance Device (excluding an ATM) capable of reading,

Reading Device communicating, and processing full data Transactions1 from a
Compliant Chip Card.
1
Processed by Acquirers certified by Visa to process full data.

Glossary
Glossary
Confidential Consumer An Account Number or other personally identifiable information

Cardholder Information relating to a Consumer Cardholder.
Confidential Enhanced Merchant-related data provided through Visa to an Issuer in

Merchant-Level Data – US connection with a Visa Commercial Card. This data includes all
Region Enhanced Merchant-Level Data except for Non-Confidential Enhanced
Merchant-Level Data, and is subject to the disclosure restrictions
specified in the Visa Rules.
Consumer Device An Issuer-approved, Visa-recognized method for capturing the

Cardholder Verification Cardholder Verification Method on a Mobile Payment Device.
Method (CDCVM)
Consumer Visa Check A Visa Check Card that accesses a consumer’s deposit, investment, or
Card – US Region other asset account, including a fiduciary account.
Contactless A Visa-approved wireless interface used to exchange information

between a Visa Card and an Acceptance Device.
Convenience Fee A fee charged by a Merchant for a bona fide convenience to the
Cardholder (for example: an alternative channel outside the Merchant’s
customary payment channel) that is not charged solely for the
acceptance of the Visa Card.
Counterfeit Card One of the following:

l A device or instrument that is printed, embossed, or encoded so
as to purport to be a Card, but that is not a Card because an Issuer
did not authorize its printing, embossing, or encoding
l An instrument that is printed with the authority of the Issuer and
that is subsequently embossed or encoded without the authority
of the Issuer
l A Card that an Issuer has issued and that is altered or re-fabricated,

Glossary
Glossary
except one on which the only alteration or re-fabrication

comprises modification of the signature panel or Cardholder
signature
Country of Domicile The country in which a Member has its principal place of business.
Credit Bureau – US Region For purposes of Visa Advanced ID Solutions and Strategic Bankruptcy
Solutions, a company that is required or has agreed to comply with the
requirements applicable to consumer reporting agencies under the
Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. This includes a company that
receives Member information pursuant to the ID Analytics, ID Score
Plus, or Credit Optics components of Visa Advanced ID Solutions, or
that provides card account numbers identified from bankruptcy
petitions filed in US bankruptcy courts, to Strategic Bankruptcy
Solutions.
Credit Optics – US Region A feature of Visa Advanced ID Solutions that provides US Members
with a score and related reason code(s) provided by ID Analytics, Inc.
The information predicts the potential financial loss associated with
approving an application for a new, or management of an existing,
Card, non-Visa card, or other Visa or non-Visa product. The results are
based on an assessment of the identity risk and application behavior of
a consumer and the credit risk and application behavior of other
similar consumers.
Credit Reporting A service that supports an Issuer by monitoring the reporting and
Improvement Service – US handling of credit bureau data.
Region
Credit Transaction A Transaction representing a Merchant’s refund or price adjustment

credited to a Cardholder’s account.
Credit Transaction Receipt A Transaction Receipt evidencing a Merchant’s refund or price

adjustment to be credited to a Cardholder’s account.

Glossary
Glossary
Cruise Line A Merchant that sells tickets for, and provides, travel and overnight
accommodations on a ship or boat.
Cryptogram A value resulting from a combination of specific key data elements that
are used to validate the source and integrity of data.
Currency Conversion Rate A rate set by Visa from the range of rates available in wholesale
currency markets for the applicable Processing Date, which rate may
vary from the rate Visa itself receives; or the rate mandated by a
government or a governing body in the country in which the
Transaction occurred for the applicable Processing Date.
The Visa rate may be adjusted by application of an Optional Issuer Fee
as determined by the Issuer when VisaNet converts the Transaction
Currency to the Billing Currency. However, when VisaNet converts the
Transaction Currency to the Acquirer’s Settlement Currency, or to the
Issuer’s Settlement Currency, the rate is applied by Visa and may not be
adjusted.
In the Europe Region: One of the following:
l For Transactions outside of the Europe Region, the currency
conversion rate set by Visa from the range of rates available in the
wholesale currency markets for the applicable Processing Date,
which rate may vary from the rate Visa itself receives
l Either:
– For Domestic or Intraregional Transactions where either
Member is connected to BASE II, the currency conversion rate
set by Visa from the range of rates available in the wholesale
currency markets for the applicable Processing Date, which rate
may vary from the rate Visa itself receives
– For Domestic or Intraregional Transactions where the Member
is connected to the Visa Europe Clearing and Settlement
Service, the currency conversion rate set by Visa from the range
of rates available in the wholesale currency markets for the
applicable Processing Date, which rate may vary from the rate
Visa itself receives
l Either:
– For Interregional Transactions where the Member is connected

Glossary
Glossary
to BASE II, the currency conversion rate set by Visa from the
range of rates available in the wholesale currency markets for
the applicable Processing Date, which rate may vary from the
rate Visa itself receives
– For Interregional Transactions where the Member is connected
to the Visa Europe Clearing and Settlement Service, the
currency conversion rate set by Visa from the range of rates
available in the wholesale currency markets for the applicable
Processing Date, which rate may vary from the rate Visa itself
receives
l A rate mandated by a government or a governing body in effect
for the applicable Processing Date for a Transaction
An Issuer shall set the conversion rate to its Cardholder and an Acquirer
shall set the conversion rate to its Merchant, as specified in applicable
laws and regulations.
Custom Payment Services A Visa payment service that accommodates specific payment
(CPS) environments with an identifier that remains with the Transaction
throughout its life cycle.
D
Debit Card Cost of In the US Region, US Territory: The amount of the cap for debit card
Acceptance – US Region transactions established by the Board of Governors of the Federal
and US Territories Reserve System pursuant to Federal Reserve Regulation II, 12 CFR Part
235, and which is subject to change.
Decline Response An Authorization Response where the Transaction was declined.
Deferred Clearing A Transaction or process wherein Transactions are authorized, cleared,

Transaction and settled in 2 separate messages.
Deferred Debit Card – A Card linked to an account whereby the Transactions are accumulated
Europe Region with other Transactions on a deferred basis, a statement is issued and
the Cardholder is required to pay the outstanding balance in full.

Glossary
Glossary
Deferred Payment A Transaction completed in a Card-Absent Environment for which the

Transaction – US Region Cardholder is billed once, no more than 90 calendar days after the first
shipment of merchandise.
Deferred Settlement The Settlement funds transfer of a Transaction, according to the

Member’s instructions in the Clearing Record that occurs more than 2
business days after the Processing Date.
Delegated Authentication In the Europe Region: A Visa program that supports the delegation of
Program – Europe Region strong customer authentication by an Issuer to a Strong Customer
Authentication Delegate.
Deposit The submission of a Transaction by a Merchant, Marketplace, Payment

Facilitator, or Staged Digital Wallet Operator to an Acquirer, resulting
in a credit or debit to the Merchant’s, Sponsored Merchant’s,
Marketplace’s, Payment Facilitator’s, or Staged Digital Wallet Operator’s
account.
Deposit-Only Account An Account Number established by an Issuer, used exclusively to

Number receive an Original Credit Transaction on behalf of its Cardholder.
Diamond Design A Visa-Owned Mark, used as an element of the Plus Symbol, consisting
of 3 triangles with an open space in the lower right-hand corner,
arranged to form an outline of the symbol “+.”
Digital Certificate A digitally signed credential used to authenticate the owner of the
credential or to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the message
it is signing.
Digital Wallet Operator A Third Party Agent that operates a Pass-Through Digital Wallet or
(DWO) Staged Digital Wallet.

Glossary
Glossary
Direct (Immediate) Debit A Card linked to a current (or deposit access) account to which a
Card – Europe Region Transaction is debited immediately (in a maximum of two working
days) on receipt of the Transaction by the Issuer.
Dispute A Transaction that an Issuer returns to an Acquirer.
Dispute Response A Clearing Record that an Acquirer presents to an Issuer through

Interchange after a Dispute.
Domestic Transaction A Transaction where the Issuer of the Card used is located in the
Transaction Country.
Domiciled Institution – A deposit-taking financial institution or a payment institution that is

LAC Region authorized by the Brazil Central Bank, and is used by a Merchant or a
Sponsored Merchant for an Acquirer or a Payment Facilitator to
deposit payments.
Dual-Issuer Branded Visa A Visa Commercial Card, issued by a Member participating in the Visa
Commercial Card Multinational Program, that identifies the Lead Bank on the Card front
and the Partner Bank on the Card back, as specified in the Visa
Multinational Program Guide.
Dynamic Card Verification A Card Verification Value dynamically generated by a contact or

Value (dCVV) Contactless Chip Card for inclusion in the Authorization message (for
example: as part of the Magnetic-Stripe data).
Dynamic Currency Either:

Conversion
l The conversion of the purchase price of goods or services from
the currency in which the price is displayed to another currency.
That currency becomes the Transaction Currency.

Glossary
Glossary
l An ATM Transaction in which the Transaction Currency is different

to the currency disbursed.
Dynamic Data A cryptographic value generated by a Chip on a Card in an offline

Authentication environment that uses Transaction-specific data elements and is
verified by a Chip-Reading Device to protect against skimming.
E
Edit Package The software that Visa supplies to VisaNet Processors to:
l Validate Interchange data
l Process Interchange data sent from the VisaNet Processor to Visa
l Process incoming Transactions received from Visa
Electronic Capability Point-of-Transaction Capability where all of the following are true:
l Effective through 19 July 2019 Transaction Authorization is
required (or the terminal is capable of reading and acting upon
the Service Code in the Magnetic Stripe or information provided
in the Chip or, in the US Region, QR code)
l Effective 20 July 2019 Authorization is required (or the terminal is
capable of reading and acting upon the Service Code in the
Magnetic Stripe or information provided in the Chip or, in the AP
Region and US Region, QR code)
l Authorization Response is obtained Online, or as instructed by the
Issuer
l Authorization Response and Transaction Receipt data are captured
electronically
Electronic Commerce A value used in an Electronic Commerce Transaction to indicate the

Indicator Transaction’s level of authentication and security.
Electronic Commerce A Merchant that conducts the sale of goods or services electronically
Merchant over the internet and other networks.

Glossary
Glossary
Electronic Commerce A Transaction between a Merchant and Cardholder over the internet or
Transaction other networks using a terminal, personal computer, or other
Cardholder device.
Electronic Documentation An electronic documentation transfer method approved by Visa for use
Transfer Method – Europe by Europe Members. This method may be either:
Region
l A web-based application, such as Visa Resolve Online (VROL)
l An approved, secure electronic method
Electronic Imprint Effective through 19 July 2019

The reading and printing or capture of Card information at a Magnetic-
Stripe Terminal or a Chip-Reading Device. In the US Region, this also
applies to a QR code Transaction with Full-Chip Data.
The reading and printing or capture of Card information at a Magnetic-
Stripe Terminal or a Chip-Reading Device. In the AP Region and US
Region: This also applies to a QR code Transaction with Full-Chip Data.
Emergency Card A temporary Visa Card that Visa Global Customer Assistance Services or
Replacement the Issuer or its Agent provides to replace a Cardholder’s damaged,
lost, or stolen Visa Card.
Emergency Cash A Cash Disbursement by a Member or its agent, including Visa Global
Disbursement Customer Assistance Services, to a Cardholder who needs emergency
cash.
Emergency Service A Visa Issuer-affiliated Branch pre-registered in the Visa Global

Location Customer Assistance Services where a Cardholder may receive an
Emergency Cash Disbursement or Emergency Card Replacement.

Glossary
Glossary
EMV Integrated Circuit Technical specifications developed (jointly by Europay International,

Card Specifications for MasterCard International, and Visa International) to provide standards
Payment Systems (EMV) for processing debit and credit Transactions and ensure global
interoperability for the use of Chip technology in the payment
industry.
EMV PIN-Compliant A Chip-Reading Device that complies with the PIN requirements of the
Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council.
EMV-Compliant A Card or terminal application that complies with the requirements

specified in the EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for Payment
Systems (EMV).
Enhanced Data Data provided through Visa to an Issuer. Such data may include either
or both:
l Enhanced Merchant-Level Data (including data for a Sponsored
Merchant or a Payment Facilitator)
l Enhanced Transaction-Level Data
Enhanced Merchant-Level Merchant- or Sponsored Merchant-related data (including Payment

Data Facilitator data) provided through Visa to an Issuer. Such data includes:
l Merchant street address
l Merchant telephone number
l Incorporation status
l Owner’s name
Enhanced Transaction- Transaction-related data provided through Visa to an Issuer. Such data
Level Data includes:
l Accounting code
l Sales tax or value-added tax
l Description of items purchased, cost per unit, number of units

Glossary
Glossary
l Vehicle fleet data (vehicle/driver ID, odometer reading)

l Detailed itinerary information (Airline, origination/destination,
class of travel)
l For an Ancillary Purchase Transaction, all required data elements
Estimated Authorization An Authorization Request for the amount that a Merchant expects a
Request Cardholder to spend in an individual Transaction and that is submitted
before the final Transaction amount is known.
EU Passporting – Europe A system which allows payment service providers legally established in
Region one member state of the European Economic Area to provide their
services cross-border in the other member states of the European
Economic Area either directly or through a physical establishment
subject to meeting formal notification and approval requirements of
the home and host regulator.
European Economic Area The member states of the European Union, and Iceland, Liechtenstein,
– Europe Region and Norway.
European Economic Area Effective 19 October 2019

Transaction – Europe
Region In the Europe Region: A Transaction initiated using a Card issued within
the European Economic Area (EEA) and accepted at a Merchant Outlet
located within the European Economic Area.
European Union The following: Austria; Belgium; Bulgaria; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech
Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Finland (including Aland Islands); France;
Germany; Gibraltar; Greece; Hungary; Republic of Ireland; Italy; Latvia;
Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Netherlands; Poland; Portugal (including
Azores, Madeira); Romania; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain (including Canary
Islands, Ceuta, Melilla); Sweden; United Kingdom
Exception File A VisaNet file of Account Numbers that a Member accesses Online, for
which the Issuer has predetermined an Authorization Response. The

Glossary
Glossary
Exception File supports:

l Stand-In Processing
l Positive Cardholder Authorization Service
l Production of the Card Recovery Bulletin
In the Europe Region: A file of Account Numbers for which the Issuer
has predetermined an Authorization Response, which a Member
accesses Online.
Expired Card A Card on which the embossed, encoded, printed, or otherwise

applicable expiration date has passed.
F
Face-to-Face Environment An environment in which a Transaction is completed under all of the
l Card or Contactless Payment Device used to complete the
Transaction is present
l Cardholder is present
l Individual representing the Merchant or Acquirer is available to
complete the Transaction
Fallback Transaction An EMV Chip Card Transaction initially attempted at a Chip-Reading

Device, where the device’s inability to read the Chip prevented the
Transaction from being completed using the Chip Card data, and the
Transaction is instead completed using an alternate means of data
capture and transmission.
Fast Funds A service that requires a participating Recipient Issuer to make funds
available to a Cardholder within 30 minutes of receipt and approval of
an incoming Original Credit Transaction initiated as an Online Financial
Transaction.
Fee Collection Transaction A transaction used to collect financial obligations of a Member arising

Glossary
Glossary
out of the Visa Rules, the Visa Charter Documents, or other

requirements adopted by Visa.
Fee Schedule One of the following:

l Visa Asia-Pacific Fee Schedule
l Visa Canada Fee Schedule
l Visa CEMEA Fee Schedule
l Visa Europe Fee Schedule:
– Visa Europe Fee Schedule – Non-EEA
– Visa Europe Fee Schedule – Non-Regulated
– Visa Europe Fee Schedule – Scheme
l Visa LAC Fee Schedule
l Visa U.S.A. Fee Schedule
l Any domestic or local Visa fee schedule
Floor Limit A currency amount that Visa has established for a Transaction, above
which Online Authorization is required.
Fraud Activity A Transaction that an Issuer reports as fraudulent when either a:

l Fraudulent user used a Card or its Account Number
l Card was obtained through misrepresentation of identification or
financial status
Fulfillment A document image that the Acquirer supplies in response to a Retrieval

Request.
Full-Chip Data Data that complies with all of the following:

l Conforms to EMVCo minimum requirements
l Supports cryptographic validation online

Glossary
Glossary
l Records the Card and terminal interactions completed during a

Transaction
Functional Type Any mixture of alphanumeric characters or graphics that denotes

participation in a program or benefit (for example: a loyalty or rewards
program, an identification number, a bar code, or a QR code that can
be scanned or read by an electronic reader or application enabling
access to a membership or website/application).
Funds Disbursement A transaction used by a Member or Visa to disburse funds to a Clearing

Processor.
Funds Transfer Settlement An endpoint within a Visa Settlement hierarchy associated with one or
Reporting Entity more Settlement Reporting Entities.
G
General Member – A customer of Visa Canada in the category of “General Customer” as
Canada Region defined in Appendix E to the Canada Regional Operating Regulations.
Global Brand Protection A global program that monitors Acquirers, Merchants, Marketplaces,
Program Payment Facilitators, Sponsored Merchants, and Digital Wallet
Operators to ensure that these entities do not:
l Process illegal Transactions or are not associated with illegal
activity
l Engage in potentially deceptive marketing practices, as defined in
the Visa Global Brand Protection Program Guide for Acquirers
l Process Transactions that may adversely affect the goodwill of the
Visa system
Global Co-Branded Card A Card that:

l Is issued by one or more Issuers that has a contractual relationship
with a Global Co-Branding Partner

Glossary
Glossary
l Bears the Trade Name or Mark of the Global Co-Branding Partner

on the front of the Card
l May offer a Cardholder tangible benefits for Card usage and
loyalty (for example: rebates, discounts, airline miles)
Global Co-Branding A Member or non-Member that has a contractual relationship for the
Partner issuance of Global Co-Branded Cards in one or more Visa Regions and
countries.
Global Compromised In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, and US
Account Recovery Region: A Visa program by which Visa allocates to affected Issuers a
portion of the operating expenses that are associated with an Account
Data Compromise Event involving a compromise of either:
l In a Card-Absent Environment, a Chip Card’s Account Number and
expiration date
l In a Card-Present Environment, a Chip Card’s Account Number and
Card Verification Value
Global Member Billing The primary billing system used by Visa.

Solution
Group Member In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, and US

Region: A Member as defined under the Visa International Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws Section 2.21.
Guaranteed Reservation A reservation made by a Cardholder who provides an Account Number,

but no payment, at the time of reservation to ensure that
accommodation, merchandise, or services will be available as reserved
and agreed with the Merchant.
H
Health Care Merchant – A Merchant, other than a pharmacy, whose primary business is
US Region providing health care services and that uses one of the following
MCCs: 4119, 5975, 5976, 7277, 8011, 8021, 8031, 8041, 8042, 8043,

Glossary
Glossary
8044, 8049, 8050, 8062, 8071, 8099.
Health Reimbursement An employer-funded Visa Prepaid Card program that reimburses

Arrangement (HRA) – US employees, in accordance with IRS regulations, for qualified out-of-
Region pocket medical expenses not covered by the employer’s health care
plan.
Health Savings Account A Visa Prepaid Card program operated in accordance with IRS
(HSA) – US Region regulations that enables participants of a qualified high-deductible
health plan to access funds contributed by an employee and/or
employer for qualified out-of-pocket health care expenses.
Healthcare Auto- A process that enables an Issuer to automatically substantiate the dollar
Substantiation – US amount of qualifying medical purchases in the Authorization Request
Region for a Visa Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Visa Health
Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) Transaction. Issuers of these Cards,
and any Agents that process Transactions for such Cards, must perform
Healthcare Auto-Substantiation.
High-Brand Risk A Merchant assigned an MCC considered by Visa to be high-brand risk,

Merchant as specified in Section 10.4.6.1, High-Brand Risk MCCs.
High-Brand Risk A Sponsored Merchant required to be classified with an MCC

Sponsored Merchant considered by Visa to be high-risk, as specified in Section 10.4.6.1,
High-Brand Risk MCCs, that contracts with a Payment Facilitator to
obtain payment services.
High-Brand Risk A Transaction performed by a High-Brand Risk Merchant, High-Risk

Transaction Internet Payment Facilitator, High-Brand Risk Sponsored Merchant, or
Digital Wallet Operator assigned an MCC considered by Visa to be
high-brand risk, as specified in Section 10.4.6.1, High-Brand Risk MCCs.
High-Risk Internet A Payment Facilitator that:

Glossary
Glossary
Payment Facilitator l Enters into a contract with an Acquirer to provide payment

services to High-Risk Merchants, High-Brand Risk Merchants, High-
Risk Sponsored Merchants, or High-Brand Risk Sponsored
Merchants
l Includes one or more Sponsored Merchants required to be
classified with an MCC considered to be high-risk, as specified in
Section 10.4.6.1, High-Brand Risk MCCs
Home Country – Europe The country in which a Member has its principal place of business and
Region is authorized under applicable national law to provide payment
services.
Host Country – Europe A country, other than a Home Country, in which a Member has satisfied
Region the requirements of the competent domestic authority to provide
payment services.
I
ID Score Plus – US Region A feature of Visa Advanced ID Solutions that provides Members with a
score and related reason code(s) provided by ID Analytics, Inc. The
score assesses the risk associated with an identity in connection with an
application for a Card or non-Visa card or other Visa or non-Visa
product.
Imprint Cardholder data transferred from a Card to a Transaction Receipt to

complete a Transaction. There are 2 kinds of imprints:
l Electronic Imprint
l Manual Imprint
In-Transit Transaction A Transaction reflecting the purchase of merchandise, services, or

gambling on board a ship, boat, bus, aircraft, ferry, or train.
Incremental Authorization An Authorization Request that both:

Request

Glossary
Glossary
l Follows an approved Estimated Authorization Request or Initial

Authorization Request
l Is for an additional amount that a Merchant expects a Cardholder
to spend or that the Cardholder has incurred in an individual
Transaction
Indemnification The act of indemnifying, defending, and holding harmless (see

Indemnify).
Indemnify To indemnify, defend, and hold harmless (see Indemnification).
Independent Sales An entity that is not eligible for Membership, has no direct connection
Organization – Europe to Visa, and provides a Member with bank card-related support
Region services, such as:
l Merchant solicitation
l Point-of-Transaction Acceptance Device installation and service
l Transaction Receipt data capture and transmission
l Cardholder solicitation
Initial Authorization An Authorization Request for a capped amount or an amount based on

Request an interim purchase or order and that is submitted before the final
Transaction amount is known.
Installment Transaction A Transaction in a series of Transactions that use a Stored Credential

and that represent Cardholder agreement for the Merchant to initiate
one or more future Transactions over a period of time for a single
purchase of goods or services.
Instant Card The ability to instantly personalize Visa Cards at a location other than a
Personalization Member’s card manufacturing facility to allow any of the following:
l Immediate delivery of the Card at the Branch

Glossary
Glossary
l Respond immediately to a request for an emergency replacement

of a Cardholder’s lost or stolen card
Instant Card A Third Party Agent that performs instant Card personalization and
Personalization issuance for an Issuer.
Issuance Agent
Integrated Card An alternate Card Verification Value that an Issuer must encode in the
Verification Value (iCVV) Magnetic-Stripe Image on a Chip instead of the Card Verification Value
contained in the Magnetic Stripe of the Chip Card.
Interchange The exchange of Clearing Records between Members. The Visa Rules
refer to the following types of Interchange:
l Domestic Interchange
l International Interchange
Interchange File An electronic file containing a Member’s Interchange data.
Interchange A fee between Acquirers and Issuers in the Clearing and Settlement of
Reimbursement Fee (IRF) an Interchange Transaction.
Interlink Program A program through which an Interlink participant (acting as an Interlink

issuer) provides Point-of-Transaction services to Interlink cardholders,
Interlink merchants, or both, as specified in the Interlink Network, Inc.
Bylaws, Interlink Core Rules and Interlink Product and Service Rules, and
the Visa Rules.
Interlink Program Marks The combination of the Interlink Wordmark, the Network Design Mark,
or any other service Marks that Visa adopts for use with the Interlink
Program.
Intermediary Bank A depository institution, specified by a Member or by Visa, through

Glossary
Glossary
which a Settlement funds transfer must be processed for credit to a

Settlement account at another depository institution.
International Airline Either:

l An Airline that sells tickets directly in its own name in 2 or more
countries, operates scheduled flights between 2 or more
countries, or both
l Its authorized agent that sells airline tickets on behalf of the
Airline (except in the Europe Region)
International Settlement A Settlement Service used to settle all Transactions that do not
Service participate in a National Net Settlement Service, an Area Net
Settlement Service, or other Settlement Services.
International Transaction A Transaction where the Issuer of the Card used is not located in the
Transaction Country.
In the US Region, US Territory: This does not apply for US Covered Visa
Debit Card Transactions in the US Region or a US Territory for routing
and Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) purposes.
Interregional Transaction A Transaction where the Issuer of the Card is not located in the Visa
Region where the Transaction takes place.
Intraregional Transaction A Transaction where the Issuer of the Card is located in a country other
than the Transaction Country, but in the same Visa Region.
IRF Compliance A process by which Visa resolves disputes between Members for a
Member’s violation of the Visa Rules or any applicable Interchange
Reimbursement Fee (IRF) guide that causes an incorrect Interchange
Reimbursement Fee rate to be applied to a large number of
Transactions, resulting in a financial loss to another Member.

Glossary
Glossary
Issuer In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US

Region: A Member that enters into a contractual relationship with a
Cardholder for the issuance of one or more Card products.
In the Europe Region: A Member that issues a Card to a Cardholder and
maintains the contractual privity relating to the Card with that
Cardholder.
Issuers’ Clearinghouse A service developed jointly by Visa and MasterCard Worldwide that is
Service – US Region designed to reduce Member losses from excessive credit applications
and unauthorized use.
J
No glossary terms
available for J. ID# 0025512 Edition: Oct 2019 | Last Updated: Apr 2010
K
Known Fare Transaction A Contactless Transaction at an Unattended Cardholder-Activated
Terminal at the turnstile, fare gate, or point of boarding of a Mass
Transit Merchant where the Transaction amount is known before travel.
L
LAC Latin America and Caribbean.
Lead Bank A Visa Multinational Program participant that initiates Multi-Country

Issuing on behalf of a Multinational Company client.
Level II Enhanced Data – Data provided to Visa in connection with a Commercial Visa Product
US Region Transaction that includes the sales tax amount, customer code (cost
center, general ledger number, order/invoice number), and additional
data for T&E Transactions.
Liability Any and all damages (including lost profits or savings, indirect,
consequential, special, exemplary, punitive, or incidental), penalties,
fines, expenses and costs (including reasonable fees and expenses of

Glossary
Glossary
legal and other advisers, court costs and other dispute resolution
costs), or other losses.
Licensee An entity licensed to participate in the Visa or Visa Electron Program

that is neither a:
l Member
l Member or owner of a Group Member
Limited Acceptance – In the Europe Region: A term describing the option to accept one or
Europe Region and US more, but not all, Product Categories by a Merchant located within the
Region European Economic Area.
In the US Region: A term describing a Merchant’s option to accept one
category of Visa Cards and not another. Categories consist of both:
l Visa Credit and Business Category
l Visa Debit Category
This definition does not apply to Visa Business Check Cards accepted
as specified in Section 5.9.11.1, Repayment of Debt.
Limited Acceptance In the Europe Region: A Merchant located within the European
Merchant – Europe Economic Area that chooses to accept one or more, but not all,
Region and US Region Product Categories.
In the US Region: A category of Merchant that accepts either, but not
both:
l Visa Credit and Business Category Cards
l Visa Debit Category Cards
Load Device – Europe An ATM or stand-alone device that a Cardholder uses to add or remove
Region value from a stored value application on a Chip Card.
Load Transaction A means of adding monetary value to a Card (in the Europe Region,
only at a Point-of-Transaction Acceptance Device).

Glossary
Glossary
Lodging Merchant A Merchant that sells overnight accommodations at a fixed location

that are purchased for a limited period of time.
For the purposes of the Visa Rules, Lodging Merchants are hotels,
motels, inns, bed and breakfast establishments, resorts, cabins,
cottages, hostels, and apartments, condominiums, and houses rented
as a short-term accommodation.
Lost/Stolen Card A service that adds an Account Number to the Exception File.
Reporting
M
Magnetic Stripe A magnetic stripe on a Card that contains the necessary information to
complete a Transaction.
Magnetic-Stripe Data Data contained in a Magnetic Stripe and replicated in a Chip.
Magnetic-Stripe Image The minimum Chip payment data replicating the Magnetic Stripe
information required to process an EMV-Compliant Transaction.
Magnetic-Stripe Terminal A terminal that reads the Magnetic Stripe on a Card.
Mail/Phone Order Purchase in a Card-Absent Environment where a Cardholder orders

goods or services from a Merchant by telephone, mail, or other means
of telecommunication.
Manual Cash A Cash Disbursement obtained with a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card in
Disbursement a Face-to-Face Environment.
Manual Imprint An imprint of the embossed data on the front of the Card using a
specifically-designed mechanical imprinting device.

Glossary
Glossary
An impression taken from the Card using pencil, crayon, or other

writing instrument does not qualify.
Mark A word, name, design, symbol, or other device, or any combination

thereof, that Visa or any entity adopts to identify its goods or services.
Marketplace An entity that brings together Cardholders and retailers on an

electronic commerce website or mobile application and processes
Transactions and receives Settlement on behalf of those retailers.
Mass Transit Merchant A Merchant that is assigned MCC 4111, 4112, or 4131 and completes a
Mass Transit Transaction, Known Fare Transaction, or another method
of fare collection using a Visa Card.
Mass Transit Transaction A Contactless Transaction at an Unattended Cardholder-Activated

Terminal at the turnstile, fare gate, or point of boarding of a Mass
Transit Merchant that uses the data derived from one or more taps of a
Contactless Payment Device during a Travel Period to calculate the
Transaction amount.
Maximum Surcharge Cap In the US Region or a US Territory, the maximum US Credit Card
– US Region and US Surcharge that a Merchant may assess on a Visa Credit Card Transaction,
Territories as may be revised from time to time and that is communicated via the
Visa public website, www.visa.com.
Member A client of Visa U.S.A., Visa International, Visa Worldwide, Visa Europe
Limited, or Visa International Servicios de Pago España, S.R.L.U. or a
customer that has entered into a Services Agreement with Visa Canada.
Requirements for membership are defined in the applicable Visa
Charter Documents.
The Services Agreement is a license or contract between Visa Canada
and an entity that has a contract or license that allows the entity to
participate in the Visa program or use the Visa-Owned Marks, including
in accordance with the Visa Rules.

Glossary
Glossary
Merchant In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US

Region: An entity that accepts a Visa Card for the sale of
goods/services or to originate funds transfers to another Visa or non-
Visa account, and submits the resulting Transaction to an Acquirer for
Interchange, directly or via a Payment Facilitator. A Merchant may be a
single Merchant Outlet or represent multiple Merchant Outlets.
In the Europe Region: An entity that enters into an agreement with an
Acquirer for the acceptance of Cards for purposes of originating either
payment Transactions or funds transfer Transactions under the Visa-
Owned Marks.
Merchant Agreement A direct contract between a Merchant and an Acquirer or between a

Sponsored Merchant and a Payment Facilitator containing their
respective rights, duties, and obligations for participation in the
Acquirer’s Visa or Visa Electron Program.
Merchant Category Code A code designating the principal trade, profession, or line of business
(MCC) in which a Merchant is engaged.
Merchant Discount Rate – In the US Region, US Territory: The fee, expressed as a percentage of
US Region and US the total Transaction amount that a Merchant pays to its Acquirer or
Territories VisaNet Processor for transacting on a credit card brand. The Merchant
Discount Rate includes both:
l The interchange rate, network set fees associated with the
processing of a Transaction, network set fees associated with the
acceptance of the network’s brand, and the Acquirer set
processing fees associated with the processing of a Transaction,
irrespective of whether such fees and costs are paid via the
Merchant discount or by check, withholding, offset, or otherwise;
and
l Any other services for which the Acquirer is paid via the
mechanism of the per transaction merchant discount fee.
Other than the fees listed in the first bullet above, the Merchant
Discount Rate excludes any fees (such as the cost of rental of point-of-

Glossary
Glossary
sale terminal equipment, for example) that are invoiced separately or

not paid via the mechanism of the per transaction merchant discount
fee.
Merchant Outlet The Merchant location at which a Transaction is completed, for

example:
l Retail store
l Stand-alone UCAT that is not located within a Merchant’s premises
l Electronic Commerce Merchant’s website
l Transit vehicle, such as a bus or ferry
l Airplane
Merchant Service Charge A fee that is set, and charged, by an Acquirer to a Merchant under a
– Europe Region Merchant Agreement.
Merchant Verification An assigned value transmitted in the Transaction message used by Visa
Value (MVV) to identify an Acquirer or Merchant that is registered with Visa:
l To assess specific fees
l For other special Interchange treatment
l For participation in select acceptance programs
l For unique processing criteria
The MVV consists of 10 digits, the first 6 of which are assigned by Visa.
This does not apply in the Europe Region.
Merger A term used to describe any of the following:

l Purchase of a Member organization by another organization
where the acquired Member’s charter is dissolved
l Merging of two or more organizations into a single entity
requiring a new charter

Glossary
Glossary
MIF – Europe Region Multilaterally agreed interchange fee(s) paid by an Acquirer to a

separate Issuer or vice versa.
MIF Plus Plus – Europe Pricing in a Merchant Agreement where the Merchant Service Charge
Region for Transactions referred to in the Merchant Agreement and on
invoices is broken down into separate components comprising the
MIF, all other fees applicable to Transactions, and the Acquirer’s fee
(including the margin).
Minimum Spending Limit The ability of a Cardholder to accumulate charges up to a predefined

value during each or any statement cycle. For products with debit
capabilities, Minimum Spending Limit is subject to available funds in
the account of the Cardholder.
Mobile Acceptance A Point-of-Transaction Acceptance Device that consists of a hardware

Device – Europe Region accessory and any mobile device (including, but not limited to, mobile
phones and tablets) owned or operated by a Merchant.
Mobile Money Agent – An entity that delivers Transaction services to Visa Mobile Prepaid
AP Region, CEMEA account holders, including, but not limited to, customer registration,
Region, and LAC Region Card distribution, cash-ins, and cash-outs.
Mobile Money Consumer A 2-part authentication process conducted by a Mobile Money

Authentication – AP Operator to verify a Visa Mobile Prepaid account holder.
Region, CEMEA Region,
and LAC Region ID# 0027678 Edition: Oct 2019 | Last Updated: Oct 2014
Mobile Money Operator – A category of financial service providers that may include Members or
AP Region, CEMEA non-deposit-taking financial institutions, such as mobile network
Region, and LAC Region operators and micro-finance institutions, that may use a Mobile Money
Agent or branch network as its acquisition and service channel for Visa
Mobile Prepaid account holders.
Mobile Payment A payment acceptance application that uses a portable electronic

Acceptance Solution device. The portable electronic device must exhibit both of the

Glossary
Glossary
following characteristics:
l Not solely dedicated to point-of-sale functions
l The ability to wirelessly communicate across open networks
The solution may also include a hardware attachment for the purpose
of card reading and/or PIN entry.
Mobile Payment Device A Contactless Payment Device that resides in a portable electronic
device that can access a wireless network.
Mobile Push Payment An Original Credit Transaction initiated by a Visa account holder using
Transaction a mobile device (for example: mobile phone, tablet) for the payment
of goods or services, Cash-In, or Cash-Out.
In the AP Region (Australia, New Zealand), Canada Region, Europe
Region (except Romania), US Region: This is not available.
Money Transfer Original A funds transfer Transaction initiated by a Member that results in a
Credit Transaction credit to an Account Number for a purpose other than refunding a Visa
purchase (for example: overseas remittances, gift transfers, Visa Card
payments).
Multi-Country Issuing Within the Visa Multinational Program, a scenario in which a Lead Bank
forms a relationship with a Partner Bank located in another country for
the purpose of issuing Visa Commercial Card products to its
Multinational Company clients. Multi-Country Issuing is identified in
the Visa Multinational Program Guide as “Indirect Cross-Border
Issuing.”
Multinational Company A commercial organization with operations, subsidiaries, and

employees situated in more than one country (excluding franchise
representatives, independently owned dealers, and joint ventures in
which a Multinational Company participates), as specified in the Visa
Multinational Program Guide.

Glossary
Glossary
N
National Card Recovery A weekly file of all Account Numbers listed on an Exception File with a
File Pickup Response.
National Organization In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, and US

Region: An organization as defined under the Visa International
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws, Section 16.01.
In the Europe Region: An organization to which Visa delegates, in
whole or in part, its responsibility for the development, operation, and
administration of Visa Card programs and/or Visa Card products in any
country or countries in the Europe Region, including the following:
l The development and implementation of products, services,
systems, programs, and strategies to address unique market
conditions within such country or countries
l Coordination of Member activities (as relevant)
l The promulgation of rules, regulations, and policies applicable to
Members operating within such country or countries
New Channel An environment in which payment is initiated via a terminal, personal

computer or other device that does not use a standard Hypertext
Markup Language (HTML) browser to process an Authentication
Request.
No-Show Transaction A Transaction resulting from a Cardholder’s failure to cancel or claim a

Guaranteed Reservation.
Non-Authenticated An Electronic Commerce Transaction that uses data encryption for

Security Transaction security but is not authenticated using an Authentication Method.
Non-Confidential Merchant-related data provided through Visa to an Issuer in

Enhanced Merchant-Level connection with a Visa Commercial Card, comprising only the
Data – US Region following data elements:
l Merchant name

Glossary
Glossary
l Merchant street address

l Merchant city, state, and ZIP code
l Merchant telephone number
Non-Member A VisaNet Processor permitted to sponsor Associate-type Members as

Administrator – US Region specified in the Visa U.S.A. Inc. Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.
Non-Reloadable Prepaid A Visa Prepaid Card that is funded with monetary value only once.
Card
Non-Secure Transaction An Electronic Commerce Transaction that has no data protection.
Non-Standard Card A Visa Card or Visa Electron Card that does not comply with the plastic
specifications in the Visa Product Brand Standards, requires Visa
approval, and must both:
l Provide the designated level of utility promised to the Cardholder
l Contain the physical elements and data components required to
complete a Transaction
Non-Visa Debit An act between a Visa Check Card or Visa Debit Card Cardholder and a
Transaction – US Region merchant that results in the generation of a transaction on a debit
network other than Visa.
Non-Visa-Owned Marks The Marks used in conjunction with a program sponsored by Visa, but
owned by a third party.
Nonfulfillment Message A response to a Retrieval Request indicating that the Acquirer will not
provide a copy.
Notification Written notice delivered by mail, courier, facsimile, hand, email, or

other electronic delivery method. Notification is effective when

Glossary
Glossary
posted, sent, or transmitted by Visa to the Member or its Agent.
Numeric ID Any identifier, other than a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier, assigned by

Visa to a Member, VisaNet Processor, or Third Party Agent, including,
but not limited to, processor control records (PCR), station IDs, issuing
identifiers, alternate routing identifiers, Visa Resolve Online (VROL)
identifiers, and encryption rule identifiers used to facilitate transaction
processing.
O
Offline Authorization An Issuer-controlled process that allows a Chip-initiated Authorization
Request to be processed in a below-Floor Limit environment without
sending the request to the Issuer.
Offline PIN Verification A process used to verify the Cardholder’s identity by comparing the
PIN entered at the Chip-Reading Device to the PIN value contained in
the Chip.
On-Us Transaction A Transaction where an individual Member, represented by one Visa

Business ID (BID), both:
l Holds an issuing license and has issued the Visa Card used in the
Transaction
l Holds an acquiring license and acquired the corresponding
Merchant volume
Online A method of requesting an Authorization through a communications

network other than voice.
Online Card A cryptogram generated by a Chip Card during a Transaction and used
Authentication to validate the authenticity of the Card.
Cryptogram
Online Financial A Transaction that is authorized, cleared, and settled in a single online

Glossary
Glossary
Transaction message.
Online Gambling Any form of gambling provided over the internet or other networks by
an Electronic Commerce Merchant, including, but not limited to, the
following:
l Betting
l Lotteries
l Casino-style games
l Funding an account established by the Merchant on behalf of the
Cardholder for the purpose of gambling
l Purchase of value for proprietary payment mechanisms, such as
electronic gaming chips
Operating Certificate In the AP Region, Canada Region, CEMEA Region, LAC Region, US

Region: A report that a Member or Non-Member Administrator sends
to Visa at a set pre-determined time, detailing its Visa Card and
Merchant statistics.
In the Europe Region: The certificate supplied by each Member to Visa
pursuant to Part B of the Visa Europe Limited Membership Regulations.
Operating Expense The recovery amount provided to Issuers through the Global
Recovery Compromised Account Recovery (GCAR) program associated with an
Account Data Compromise Event.
Optional Issuer Fee A fee that an Issuer may charge a Cardholder by the application of a
percentage increase to the Currency Conversion Rate, which the Visa
Systems use to determine the Transaction Amount in the Billing
Currency for each International Transaction.
Order Form A document bearing the Cardholder’s signature, either written or

electronic, authorizing goods or services to be charged to his/her
account. An Order Form may be any of the following:

Glossary
Glossary
l Mail order form

l Recurring Transaction form
l Preauthorized Healthcare Transaction form
l Email or other electronic record that meets the requirements of
Original Adjustment – US A PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit Transaction completed and submitted

Region through Interchange without an Authorization because the connection
between the Merchant and its VisaNet Processor was inoperable
Original Credit A Transaction initiated directly by an Acquirer, a Merchant, or an agent,

Transaction or by an Acquirer on behalf of its Merchant or agent, that results in a
credit to an Account Number for a purpose other than refunding a
purchase.
Originating Acquirer An Acquirer that initiates an Original Credit Transaction.
P
Partial Authorization An Authorization for an amount less than the amount requested by a
Merchant for a Transaction.
Participant-Type Member A Member of Visa characterized as a Participant, as defined in the

applicable Visa Charter Documents.
Partner Bank A Visa Multinational Program participant that partners with the Lead
Bank in a Multi-Country Issuing scenario. The Partner Bank resides in a
country that is different from the Lead Bank and issues Visa
Commercial Card products on behalf of the Lead Bank.
Pass-Through Digital Functionality provided by a Digital Wallet Operator (DWO) that does all
Wallet of the following:

Glossary
Glossary
l Can be used at more than one Merchant

l Stores and transmits an Account Number (supplied by the
Cardholder) or payment Token and Payment Account Reference
l Is used by the DWO to complete a Transaction by transferring the
Account Number or Token to the Merchant without interrupting
the flow of funds
Payment Account A non-financial reference assigned to each Visa payment account that
Reference (PAR) uniquely identifies that payment account and links activity related to
that underlying payment account.
Payment Application A software application contained within a Chip or payment data

encoded on a Magnetic Stripe that defines the parameters for
processing a Transaction.
Payment Card Industry A set of comprehensive requirements that define the standard of due
Data Security Standard care for protecting sensitive Cardholder information.
(PCI DSS)
Payment Card Industry A data security standard that specifies security requirements for third-
Payment Application Data party Payment Application software that stores, processes, or transmits
Security Standard (PA- Cardholder data.
DSS)
Payment Facilitator A Third Party Agent or non-Member VisaNet Processor that deposits
Transactions, receives settlement from or contracts with an Acquirer on
behalf of a Sponsored Merchant, and is classified as a Payment
Facilitator as specified in Section 5.3.2.2, Qualification as a Marketplace,
Merchant, Payment Facilitator, or Staged Digital Wallet Operator.
Payment Facilitator An agreement between a Payment Facilitator and an Acquirer

Agreement containing their respective rights, duties, and obligations for
participation in the Acquirer’s Visa Program.

Glossary
Glossary
Payment Services The European Parliament and Council directive 2007/64/EC and any
Directive (PSD) – Europe subsequent changes.
Region
Personal Data – Europe Information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. An

Region identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or
indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an
identification number, location data, an online identifier, or to one or
more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental,
economic, cultural, or social identity of that person
Pickup Response An Authorization Response where the Transaction is declined and

confiscation of the Card is requested.
PIN A personal identification alpha or numeric code that identifies a

Cardholder in an Authorization Request originating at a Terminal with
electronic capability.
PIN Entry Device (PED) – A device used for secure PIN entry and processing, as specified in the
Europe Region Payment Card Industry PED Security Requirements.
PIN Management A suite of PIN security documents that includes:

Requirements Documents
l Payment Card Industry (PCI) – PIN Security Requirements
l Payment Card Industry (PCI) PIN Transaction Security (PTS) – Point of

Interaction (POI) Modular Security Requirements
PIN Verification A procedure used to verify Cardholder identity when a PIN is used in
an Authorization Request.
PIN Verification Service A service that Visa provides for the verification of Cardholder PINs
transmitted with Authorization Requests.

Glossary
Glossary
PIN Verification Value A 4-digit value derived with an algorithm using portions of the
Account Number, PIN, and a single digit key indicator that is encoded
for PIN verification on the Magnetic Stripe or Chip of a Visa Card or
Visa Electron Card.
PIN-Authenticated Visa A PIN-authenticated Transaction completed at the point of sale with a

Debit Transaction – US Visa Debit Card or a Visa Business Check Card in a Card-Present
Region Environment.
PIN-Preferring Chip Card An EMV and VIS-Compliant Chip Card containing a Visa or Visa Electron
Smart Payment Application, and a Cardholder Verification Method
list specifying a preference for a PIN-based Cardholder Verification
Method (either offline or online).
Plus ATM An ATM that displays the Plus Symbol and not the Visa Brand Mark.
Plus Card A card that bears the Plus Symbol.
Plus Program A program through which a Plus participant provides ATM services to
Cardholders by acting as an Issuer, an ATM Acquirer, or both.
Plus Program Marks The Marks used in connection with the Plus Program, including the
Diamond Design, Plus Symbol, Plus wordmark, Plus Symbol-Contained,
and Plus Symbol-Uncontained, as specified in the Visa Product Brand
Standards.
Plus Symbol The Visa-Owned Mark that represents the Plus Program and that
complies with the specifications in the Visa Product Brand Standards.
Plus System, Inc. A subsidiary of Visa U.S.A. Inc. sublicensed to administer the Plus
Program in the United States and certain other countries, in accordance
with the affiliation agreements between that entity and Visa.

Glossary
Glossary
Point-of-Sale Balance A Cardholder request for a Visa Prepaid Card account balance that is
Inquiry initiated at the Point-of-Transaction and processed as a separate, non-
financial transaction.
Point-of-Sale Balance An Authorization Response in which an Issuer of Visa Prepaid Cards

Return provides the remaining balance for participating Merchants to print on
the Transaction Receipt.
Point of Transaction The physical location or online address where a Merchant or Acquirer
completes a Transaction.
Point-of-Transaction The capability of a Merchant, Acquirer, or Unattended Cardholder-

Capability – Europe Activated Terminal to process electronic data, obtain an Authorization,
Region and provide Transaction Receipt data.
POS Point of sale.
POS Entry Mode An International Organization for Standardization-defined

Authorization or Online Financial Transaction field indicating the
method used to obtain and transmit the Cardholder information
necessary to complete a Transaction (for example: manual key entry,
Magnetic-Stripe read, Chip-read).
Post-Issuance Application A method that enables an Issuer to modify or block an application

Change – Europe Region already residing on a Chip.
Post-Issuance Application A method that enables an Issuer to add an application or service to the
Load – Europe Region contents of a Chip without reissuing a Card.
Post-Issuance Updates A method that enables an Issuer to do either of the following without

Glossary
Glossary
requiring reissuance of a Chip Card:

l Add an application or service to a Chip (in the Europe Region,
Post-Issuance Application Load)
l Modify or block an existing application on a Chip (in the Europe
Region, Post-Issuance Application Change)
Preauthorized Health A Transaction completed by a Health Care Merchant for which a

Care Transaction – US Cardholder has provided written permission to the Merchant to charge
Region the Cardholder’s Visa account for services.
Preauthorized Payment A service that enables Visa Card Issuers to stop payment on
Cancellation Service preauthorized Transactions.
Prepaid Account An account established by an Issuer, with previously deposited,

authorized, or transferred funds, which is decreased by purchase
Transactions, Cash Disbursements, or account fees.
Prepaid Clearinghouse A centralized database that consolidates, tracks, and aggregates Visa
Service Prepaid Card enrollments, Transaction Loads, reloads, unauthorized
Transaction requests, and fraud, for use in identifying and mitigating
fraud within the lifecycle of a prepaid account.
Prepaid Partner A Merchant, Member, or Third Party Agent that has a contract with an
Issuer or Acquirer to sell, activate, and/or perform Load Transaction
processing for, Visa Prepaid Cards.
Prepaid Partner A contract between a Visa Prepaid Card Issuer or Acquirer and a
Agreement Member, Merchant, or Third Party Agent containing respective rights,
duties, and obligations for the sale, activation, and/or Load Transaction
processing of Visa Prepaid Cards.
Presentment A Clearing Record that an Acquirer presents to an Issuer through

Glossary
Glossary
Interchange, either initially (a first Presentment) or after a Dispute (a

Dispute Response or pre-Arbitration).
Primary Mark A Visa-Owned Mark on a Card that identifies the primary Account
Number when multiple Brand Marks (including both Visa-Owned and
Non-Visa-Owned Marks) are contained on a Chip Card.
Principal Place of The fixed location at which a Merchant’s or Payment Facilitator’s

Business executive officers direct, control, and coordinate the entity’s activities.
Principal-Type Member A Member of Visa characterized as one of the following:

l Principal Member, as defined in the Visa Charter Documents
l Acquirer Member, as defined in the applicable Visa Charter
Documents
l Administrator Member, as defined in the Visa U.S.A. Inc. Certificate
of Incorporation and By-Laws , Article II, Section 2.04(c)
l Group Member, as defined in the applicable Visa Charter
Documents
l Merchant Acquirer Member, as defined in the applicable Visa
Charter Documents
l Cash Disbursement Member, as defined in the applicable Visa
Charter Documents
Private Agreement A bilateral agreement between Members, or the operating regulations

of a Group Member, pertaining to Authorization or Clearing and
Settlement of Domestic Transactions.
Private Arrangement In the Canada Region, US Region: An agreement where Authorization

Requests or Transactions involving 2 different Members are not
processed through VisaNet. Private Arrangements are prohibited.
Private Label Card A merchant’s proprietary card that is accepted only at its own locations,

Glossary
Glossary
or a multi-use non-Visa-branded Card.
Privately Contracted An agreement between an Issuer of Visa Drive Cards that are “extra”
Agreement – Europe Cards and a Merchant that is not part of a Closed Loop, under which
Region the Merchant agrees to accept and process Transactions on Visa Drive
Cards that are “extra” Cards.
Processing Date The date (based on Greenwich Mean Time) on which the Member
submitted, and Visa accepted, Interchange data. Equivalents to the
Processing Date are:
l In BASE II, the central processing date
l In the Single Message System, the Settlement Date (for financial
Transactions) or date the Transaction is entered into the Single
Message System (for non-financial Transactions)
l If cleared under a Private Agreement, the date on which a Member
processes outgoing Interchange
l Endorsement date, if the Interchange data was accepted by Visa
on the same date on which it was first submitted by the Acquirer
l The date on which Visa accepted an action processed through Visa
Resolve Online (VROL)
Product Category – Any of the following:

Europe Region
l Debit
l Credit
l Commercial
l Prepaid
Proprietary Card A Card that does not bear the Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with
the Electron Identifier, but may be either or both:
l Plus-enabled
l Interlink-enabled

Glossary
Glossary
Proprietary Network A network owned and operated by a single Plus ATM Member that
passes Transactions between its network and other networks, but
operates all of the ATMs in its network.
Public Key The non-secret portion of the cryptographic method used for
verification during a Transaction.
Q
Qualifying Purchase – US A purchase Transaction completed with a Visa Traditional Rewards Card
Region that an Issuer may consider for the purpose of awarding Rewards
Currency. An Issuer may exclude the following Transactions from
qualifying:
l Balance transfers
l Convenience checks
l Cash Disbursements
l Finance charges
l Quasi-Cash Transactions
l Any Transaction not authorized by the Cardholder
Quasi-Cash Transaction A Transaction representing a Merchant’s or Member’s sale of items that

are directly convertible to cash, such as:
l Gaming chips
l Money orders
l Deposits
l Wire Transfers
l Travelers cheques
l Visa Prepaid Cards with cash access
l Foreign currency
l Additional Transactions approved by Visa

Glossary
Glossary
R
Real-Time Clearing A program for Acquirers and Merchants that allows an Automated Fuel
Dispenser Merchant to send through the Single Message System an
Authorization Request for an amount that may differ from the
Transaction amount.
Receiving Member A Member receiving a Transaction through Interchange.
Recipient Issuer An Issuer that receives an Original Credit Transaction.
Recurring Transaction A Transaction in a series of Transactions that use a Stored Credential

and that are processed at fixed, regular intervals (not to exceed one
year between Transactions), representing Cardholder agreement for
the Merchant to initiate future Transactions for the purchase of goods
or services provided at regular intervals.
Reference Card An item containing relevant account information, such as an Account

Number or expiration date, that is provided to a Virtual Account owner.
Registered Program A number assigned by an Issuer for the purpose of identifying and
Identification Number tracking any rewards program offered in connection with the Issuer’s
Card products.
Reloadable Prepaid Card A Visa Prepaid Card that may be funded more than once.
Retail Merchant A Merchant that is not one of the following:

l Mail/Phone Order Merchant
l Merchant that processes Recurring Transactions for the sale of
recurring services

Glossary
Glossary
l T&E Merchant (except in the Europe Region)
Retail Transaction A Transaction at a Retail Merchant outlet.
Retrieval Request An Issuer’s request for a Transaction Receipt, which could include the
original, a paper copy or facsimile, or an electronic version thereof.
Reversal A Deferred Clearing or Online Financial Transaction used to negate or

cancel a transaction that has been sent through Interchange in error.
Rewards Currency – US A reward denomination defined by an Issuer consisting of air miles,

Region points, or discounts offered in connection with a Visa Traditional
Rewards Card.
S
Sample Card Design A background design provided by Visa that is unique for each Card
product and that an Issuer may use on the front of a Visa Card.
Scrip A 2-part paper receipt that is redeemable at a Merchant Outlet for

goods, services, or cash.
Secure Electronic An Electronic Commerce Transaction that has been authenticated using
Commerce Transaction an Authentication Method.
Secured Card – AP Region A Visa Card for which the Issuer requires a cash deposit as collateral
before issuing the Card.
Sending Member A Member entering a Transaction into Interchange.

Glossary
Glossary
Service Code A valid sequence of digits recognized by VisaNet that is encoded on a

Magnetic Stripe and replicated on the Magnetic-Stripe Image in a Chip
that identifies the circumstances under which the Card is valid (for
example: International Transactions, Domestic Transactions, restricted
Card use), and defines requirements for processing a Transaction with
the Card (for example: Chip-enabled, Cardholder Verification, Online
Authorization).
Service Fee A fee assessed to a Cardholder that uses a Visa Card to pay for goods
and services in a permitted Merchant category.
Settlement The reporting and funds transfer of Settlement Amounts owed by one
Member to another, or to Visa, as a result of Clearing.
Settlement Amount The daily net amounts expressed in a Member’s Settlement Currency
resulting from Clearing. These amounts include Transaction and Fee
Collection Transaction totals, expressed in a Member’s Settlement
Currency.
Settlement Bank A bank, including a Correspondent Bank or Intermediary Bank, that is

both:
l Located in the country where a Member’s Settlement Currency is
the local currency
l Authorized to execute Settlement of Interchange on behalf of the
Member or the Member’s bank
Settlement Currency A currency that Visa uses to settle Interchange.
Settlement Date The date on which Visa initiates the transfer of Settlement Amounts in
the Settlement of Interchange. See Processing Date.
Settlement Loss – Europe The amounts actually payable by one Member to another Member

Glossary
Glossary
Region pursuant to the provisions of any drafts or other instruments processed

in accordance with the Visa Rules and not any consequential damages
or expenses incurred in attempting to settle such drafts or other
instruments, or any interest expenses, whether actually incurred or
imputed, associated with delays in settlement.
Settlement Reporting A name or number of an entity assigned by Visa and authorized by the
Entity Member that is used by Visa for Settlement reporting.
Settlement Service A service that allows Members to consolidate the Settlement functions
of the Visa systems into one centralized function and benefit from
flexible reporting options.
Shared Deposit The switching of ATM deposit Transactions between Plus ATM
Members.
Shared Deposit Service An optional service that supports switching of Plus ATM deposit
Transactions between Members. This service allows Cardholders of
participating Issuers to perform Shared Deposit Transactions at
participating Acquirers’ ATMs.
SIGIS – US Region An industry trade group, known as the Special Interest Group for
Inventory Information Approval System (IIAS) Standards, chartered with
implementing processing standards for Healthcare Auto-Substantiation
Transactions in accordance with Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
regulations and responsible for licensing and certifying Merchants,
Members, and Agents that process such Transactions.
Single Message System A service that processes Online Financial and Deferred Clearing
Transactions through a single VisaNet interface for purchases and ATM
Transactions.
Sponsor A Member or Non-Member Administrator that is responsible, in part or

Glossary
Glossary
whole, for other Members of Visa, as specified in the applicable Visa

Charter Documents.
Sponsored Member A Member of Visa whose right to participate in Visa is dependent upon
another Member, as specified in the applicable Visa Charter
Documents.
A Member of the Canada Region or US Region whose right to
participate in Visa is dependent upon sponsorship of another Member,
as specified in Appendix E to the Canada Regional Operating
Regulations and the Visa U.S.A. Inc. Certificate of Incorporation and By-
Laws, Article II.
Sponsored Merchant An entity for which Visa payment services are provided by a Payment
Facilitator.
Sponsorship Marks The Marks of an entity with which Visa has entered into an agreement
to act as a sponsor for that entity’s activities or events.
Staged Digital Wallet Functionality provided by a Digital Wallet Operator (DWO) that does all
of the following:
l Can be used at more than one retailer
l Uses both:
– An Account Number (provided by the Cardholder) or payment
Token and Payment Account Reference
– A separate account or accounts assigned by the DWO to the
Cardholder
l Is used by the Staged Digital Wallet Operator to complete a
Transaction, in any order, as follows:
– Purchase: pays the retailer using the account assigned by the
DWO
– Funding: uses the Account Number (provided by the
Cardholder) or corresponding payment Token and Payment
Account Reference to fund or reimburse the Staged Digital

Glossary
Glossary
Wallet. The DWO deposits the Transaction for the funding

amount with its Acquirer using the Account Number provided
by the Cardholder (or associated Token).
l Is capable of a purchase with back-to-back funding, (also known as
liveload), where the funding Transaction both:
– Is initiated by the SDWO
– Corresponds to, or is otherwise directly connected to a specific
purchase. The amount funded from the Account Number or
Token may represent the whole or a part of the purchase price
and consist of one or more funding Transactions.
Staged Digital Wallet A Digital Wallet Operator that operates a Staged Digital Wallet.
Operator (SDWO)
Stand-In Processing (STIP) The component that provides Authorization services on behalf of an
Issuer when the Positive Cardholder Authorization System is used or
when the Issuer, its VisaNet Processor, or a Visa Scheme Processor is
unavailable.
Stand-In Processing An Issuer-supplied valid Account Number (established and activated in

Account the Issuer’s Authorization system) that is securely maintained by Visa
Global Customer Care Services and used for Emergency Cash
Disbursements and Emergency Card Replacements.
Status Check An Authorization Request for one currency unit submitted by an

Authorization Automated Fuel Dispenser Merchant.
Stored Credential Information (including, but not limited to, an Account Number or
payment Token) that is stored by a Merchant or its agent, a Payment
Facilitator, or a Staged Digital Wallet Operator to process future
Transactions.
Strategic Bankruptcy A Visa service that does all of the following:

Solutions – US Region
l Identifies Cardholders, cardholders of non-Visa cards, customers

Glossary
Glossary
of other Visa or non-Visa products, and applicants for Cards, non-

Visa cards, and other Visa or non-Visa products who have filed
bankruptcy
l Files claims and documents on behalf of Members with the
bankruptcy courts
l Assists Members in assessing the value of obligations of
Cardholders and other individuals who have declared bankruptcy
Strong Customer In the Europe Region: An entity enrolled in the Delegated

Authentication Delegate – Authentication Program to provide strong customer authentication on
Europe Region behalf of Issuers.
Summary of Interchange Data required to accompany domestic Interchange processed under a

Entries Private Agreement.
Surcharge – AP Region A fee assessed to a Cardholder by a Merchant in Australia that is added

to a Visa Card Transaction for the acceptance of a Visa Card.
T
T&E Travel and entertainment. All of the following Merchants and Merchant
segments:
l Airlines
l Cruise Lines
l Lodging Merchants
l Passenger railways located in the US Region
l Travel agencies
l Vehicle Rental Merchants
Telephone Service A Transaction in which a Cardholder uses a Visa Card to purchase a

Transaction telephone call.

Glossary
Glossary
Terminal Risk A process performed by a Chip-Reading Device to protect a Member

Management from fraud by:
l Initiating Online Issuer Authorization for above-Floor Limit
Transactions
l Ensuring random Online processing for below-Floor Limit
Transactions
l Performing Transaction velocity checking
Terminated Merchant File A file (currently known as “MATCH”) maintained by MasterCard

– US Region Worldwide that identifies Merchants and principals of Merchants that
Acquirers have terminated for specified reasons.
Third Party Agent An entity, not defined as a VisaNet Processor or Visa Scheme Processor,
that provides payment-related services, directly or indirectly, to a
Member and/or stores, transmits, or processes Cardholder data.
No financial institution eligible to become a Principal Member of Visa
may serve as a Third Party Agent.
A Third Party Agent does not include:
l Financial institutions that perform Agent activities
l Affinity Co-Brand Partners or Global Co-Branding Partners
l Card manufacturers
l Card personalizers
Third-Party Personalizer A third party that Visa certifies or approves to personalize Cards for
Issuers.
Token A numeric identifier issued in accordance with the EMV Payment

Tokenization Specification that can be used in place of an Account
Number to initiate a Transaction.
Token Requestor An entity registered with a Token Service Provider to initiate requests

Glossary
Glossary
for payment Tokens in accordance with the EMV Payment Tokenization

Specification.
Token Service Provider An entity that provides a payment Token to a Token Requestor.
Tracing Data In a V.I.P. System message, the transmission date and time, systems
trace audit number, retrieval reference number, Transaction Identifier,
and Acquiring Identifier. See Acquirer Reference Number.
Trade Name A name used to identify a business and to distinguish its activities from
those of other businesses. In some cases, the same words or symbols
may serve as a Trade Name and Mark simultaneously.
Trailing Dispute Activity Dispute activity at a Merchant Outlet that occurs after an Acquirer has
stopped processing sales Transactions for the Merchant.
Transaction The act between a Cardholder and a Merchant or an Acquirer that

results in a Transaction Receipt, if applicable.
Transaction Country The country in which a Merchant Outlet is located.
Transaction Currency The fiat currency in which a Transaction is completed.
Transaction Date The date on which a Transaction between a Cardholder and a Merchant
or an Acquirer occurs.
Transaction Identifier A unique value assigned to each Transaction and returned to the
Acquirer in the Authorization Response. Visa uses this value to maintain
an audit trail throughout the life cycle of the Transaction and all related
transactions, such as Reversals, Adjustments, confirmations, and
Disputes.

Glossary
Glossary
Transaction Information Information necessary for processing Transactions, as specified in the

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Transaction Receipt An electronic or paper record of a Transaction (or a copy), generated at

the Point-of-Transaction.
Travel Period A fixed period of time within which a Mass Transit Merchant
accumulates journey data for a Cardholder using their transit network.
Trusted Beneficiary – In the Europe Region: An entity listed as trusted by a Cardholder in line
Europe Region with applicable regulation.
Trusted Listing Program – In the Europe Region: A Visa program that supports a Cardholder in
Europe Region confirming, to its Issuer, a Trusted Beneficiary, in line with applicable
regulation.
U
Unable-to-Authenticate A message from a Visa Secure Issuer in response to an Authentication
Response Request indicating that the Issuer is unable to authenticate the
Cardholder for reasons other than those that result in an Authentication
Denial.
Unattended Cardholder- An Acceptance Device that dispenses goods and/or provides services
Activated Terminal under all of the following conditions:
l Card is present
l Cardholder is present
l Individual representing the Merchant or Acquirer is not physically
present
l Authorization, if required is obtained electronically

Glossary
Glossary
Unattended Transaction A Transaction conducted at an Unattended Cardholder-Activated

Terminal.
Unauthorized Use A Transaction that meets one of the following criteria:

l Is not processed on behalf of a Member
l Is processed on behalf of a Member by a VisaNet Processor or
Visa Scheme Processor not designated for processing activities
l Is processed on behalf of a Member but not within the scope of
the Member’s category or categories of membership
l Is not within the scope of activities approved by the Member, the
Member’s Sponsor, or Visa
l Is processed using a BIN or an Acquiring Identifier that has not
been designated by the BIN Licensee or Acquiring Identifier
Licensee for that Member’s use
Unscheduled Credential- A Transaction using a Stored Credential for a fixed or variable amount
on-File Transaction that does not occur on a scheduled or regularly occurring Transaction
Date, where the Cardholder has provided consent for the Merchant to
initiate one or more future Transactions.
US Covered Visa Debit A Visa Card issued in the US Region or a US Territory that accesses a
Card – US Region and US transaction, savings, or other asset account, regardless of whether
Territories Cardholder Verification is based on signature, PIN, or other means,
including a general-use Visa Prepaid Card and Consumer Visa Deferred
Debit Card, but solely to the extent any such Visa Card is a “debit card”
as defined in Federal Reserve Board Regulation II, 12 CFR Part 235.
US Credit Card Surcharge A fee assessed to a Cardholder by a Merchant in the US Region or a US

– US Region and US Territory that is added to a Visa Credit Card Transaction for the
Territories acceptance of a Visa Credit Card.

Glossary
Glossary
US Domestic Transaction A Transaction that occurs inside one of the following:

l The 50 United States, including the District of Columbia
l A US military base overseas
l A US embassy or consulate on foreign territory
US Territory One of the following:

l American Samoa
l Guam
l Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
l Puerto Rico
l US Minor Outlying Islands
l US Virgin Islands
V
V Distribution Program An enhanced Visa Business Card or Visa Purchasing Card program that
enables wholesale and retail Merchants to use a Visa product to pay for
goods and services in a business-to-business setting.
V.I.P. System The processing component of the VisaNet Integrated Payment System
comprised of BASE I and the Single Message System used for single
message Authorization in connection with financial Transaction
processing.
Vehicle Rental Merchant A Merchant that rents cars, vans, trucks, trailers, and other similar
vehicles (MCCs 3351 – 3500, 7512, 7513).
Vehicle-Specific Fleet A Visa Commercial Card with Visa Fleet service enhancement that is
Card assigned to a specific vehicle and limited to purchases of fuel and
vehicle maintenance.

Glossary
Glossary
Verified by Visa See Visa Secure.
Virtual Account Either:

l An account established for an individual or a commercial entity
primarily for completing Electronic Commerce Transactions and
for which no physical Card is required.
l For a Visa B2B Virtual Payments Program product, a dynamic
Account Number generated in connection with a Card-Absent
Environment Transaction initiated by a commercial entity.
This does not include the accounts established for facilitating Mobile
Push Payment Transactions.
VIS-Compliant A Card application that complies with either:

l The Visa Integrated Circuit Card Specification (VIS) and has been
approved by Visa Approval Services
l In the US Region, a Card application that complies with the Visa
Integrated Circuit Card Specification (VIS)
Visa Visa International Service Association and all of its subsidiaries and
affiliates, and subsidiaries and affiliates of Visa Inc. When used within
the Visa Rules, Visa refers to any Visa Inc. subsidiary, affiliate, regional
office, management, or committee as applicable.
Visa Advanced ID A Visa service that is designed to reduce Member credit and fraud
Solutions – US Region losses related to Card, non-Visa card, and other Visa and non-Visa
products through the use of the Issuers’ Clearinghouse Service, the Visa
ICS Prescreen Service, and ID Analytics, Inc. services (ID Score Plus and
Credit Optics).
Visa Agro Card – LAC A Visa Card issued to commercial entities in the public and private
Region sector for commercial purchases associated with the agribusiness
sector.

Glossary
Glossary
Visa Alerts Service (VAS) – The Alert processing service provided by Visa to Issuers consisting of
Europe Region the Visa Alerts Data Feed Service.
Visa ATM An ATM that displays the Visa Brand Mark or the Visa Flag Symbol, but
not the Plus Symbol.
Visa Brand Mark A Visa-Owned Mark that represents the Visa organization and its
product and service offerings.
Visa Brand Mark with the A Visa-Owned Mark consisting of the Visa Brand Mark and the name
Electron Identifier “Electron.”
Visa Business Card A Visa Card issued to employees or sole proprietors of small
businesses for the payment of employees’ business travel and general
business expenses.
This does not apply in the US Region to Visa Business Check Cards
used to pay debt.
Visa Business Check Card A Visa Business Card issued as a Visa Check Card.
– US Region
Visa Business Debit Card – A Visa Card that accesses a business deposit account or equivalent
Canada Region account, excluding Visa Prepaid Cards and Prepaid Accounts.
Visa Business Electron A Visa Electron Card intended for the small business market and used
Card to pay for employee business travel and general business expenses.
Visa Buxx – US Region A Visa Prepaid Card designed for teenagers, with account ownership by
a parent or guardian.

Glossary
Glossary
Visa Canada Visa Canada Corporation.
Visa Card A Card that bears the Visa Brand Mark, enabling a Visa Cardholder to
obtain goods, services, or cash from a Visa Merchant or an Acquirer or
facilitate the loading of funds to a Prepaid Account.
Visa Cargo Card – LAC A Visa Commercial Card targeted to carriers/shippers’ service providers
Region to pay for truck drivers’ expenses related to the transportation
business. A Visa Cargo Card is either of the following:
l Visa Commercial Prepaid Product
Visa Cash-Back Service A service whereby cash may be obtained from a qualifying Visa or Visa
Electron Merchant through use of a Visa or Visa Electron Card, in
conjunction with, and processed as, a domestic Retail Transaction.
In the Europe Region: The Cash-Back Service.
In the US Region: The service is accessed with a Visa Debit Card or Visa
Business Check Card and processed as a PIN-Authenticated Visa Debit
Transaction.
Visa Central Travel A Virtual Account or an Account Number that an Issuer assigns to a
Account commercial entity using a Visa Corporate Card BIN or Visa Purchasing
Card BIN that is generally used for travel-related purchases.
Visa Charge Card – AP A type of Visa Consumer Credit Card that is non-revolving and requires
Region and US Region the total outstanding balance to be paid in full each statement cycle.
Visa Check Card – US A Consumer Visa Check Card or Visa Business Check Card that accesses
Region a deposit, investment, or other consumer or business asset account,
including a fiduciary account.

Glossary
Glossary
Visa Checkout Where available, a Visa platform that enables a Visa Checkout Account
Holder to store and manage accounts in a secure centralized location,
make purchases with Visa Checkout Merchants, and use other forms of
financial and non-financial services.
Visa Checkout Account A user that has successfully enrolled in Visa Checkout. A Visa Checkout
Holder Account Holder may or may not be a Cardholder.
Visa Commercial Cards A physical or virtual Card intended for business expense use and
comprising:
l Visa Business Card
l Visa Corporate Card
l Visa Purchasing Card, including Visa Fleet Card
l Visa Agro (This only applies in the LAC Region)
l V Distribution Program Card
Visa Commercial Prepaid A Visa Commercial Card product, issued as a Visa Prepaid Card, in
Product which the corporation depositing the funds remains the owner of the
funds in the Visa Prepaid Card account. Visa Commercial
Prepaid Products are offered to client organizations solely to provide a
means to pay for the acquisition of business-related goods and
services.
Visa Confidential A classification label assigned to information created by Visa and

shared with Members under non-disclosure agreements, the use and
Member handling of which is subject to certain minimum standards of
diligence and care to prevent unauthorized disclosure or business
harm to Visa.
Visa Consumer Card A Visa Card other than a Visa Commercial Card issued to individuals for

Glossary
Glossary
the purchase of goods and services used for personal consumption.
Visa Contactless A Visa application contained on a Chip that enables a Visa Contactless
Application Payment Specification-compliant Contactless Payment Transaction to
be performed.
Visa Corporate Card A Visa Commercial Card targeted to mid-to-large size companies that
is primarily used to pay for employee business travel and
entertainment expenses.
Visa Corporate Prepaid A Visa Prepaid Card that draws from funds owned by a commercial or
Card government entity in a Prepaid Account that is used primarily to pay
for business travel and entertainment expenses.
Visa Credit Acceptor – A Merchant that accepts Visa Credit Cards issued by Canadian Issuers.
Canada Region
Visa Credit and Business A Card category that consists of all of the following:
Category – US Region
l Consumer Card, other than a Visa Debit Card, issued by a US Issuer
l Visa Commercial Card product
l Visa Card issued by a non-US Issuer
Visa Credit Card A Visa Card that is used to defer payment of debt or incur debt and
defer its payment. This may include both consumer Visa Cards and Visa
Commercial Cards, but excludes Visa Prepaid Cards and other debit
Cards.
In the Canada Region: A Visa Card other than Visa Debit Category Card.
Visa Credit Card Cost of In the US Region, US Territory: One of the following:
Acceptance – US Region
and US Territories l The average effective Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) rate
plus the average of all fees imposed by Visa on the Acquirer or
Merchant, expressed as a percentage of the Transaction amount,

Glossary
Glossary
applicable to Visa Credit Card Transactions at the Merchant for the

preceding one or 12 months, at the option of the Merchant
l If a Merchant cannot determine its Visa Credit Card Cost of
Acceptance, the Visa Credit Card cost of acceptance for the
Merchant’s category as communicated via the Visa public website,
www.visa.com
Visa Credit Card Product For a Merchant in the US Region or a US Territory, one of the
Cost of Acceptance – US following:
Region and US Territories
l The average effective Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) rate
plus the average of all fees imposed by Visa on the Acquirer or
Merchant, expressed as a percentage of the Transaction amount,
applicable to Visa Credit Card Transactions of a product type at
the Merchant for the preceding one or 12 months, at the option of
the Merchant.
l If a Merchant cannot determine its Visa Credit Card Product Cost
of Acceptance, the Visa Credit Card product cost of acceptance for
the Merchant’s category as communicated via the Visa public
website, www.visa.com
Visa Credit Card The average Merchant Discount Rate that a Merchant in the US Region
Surcharge Cap – US or a US Territory pays to its Acquirer for Visa Credit Card Transactions
Region and US Territories completed with a specific Visa product type. The average Merchant
Discount Rate is either:
l Calculated based on Visa Credit Card Transactions conducted by
the Merchant for the preceding 12 months
l At any given point in time, the actual Merchant Discount Rate paid
in the time period covered by the Merchant’s most recent
statement relating to Visa credit Card Transactions
Visa Debit Acceptor – A Merchant that accepts Visa Debit Category Cards issued by Canadian
Canada Region Issuers.
Visa Debit Card – Canada In the Canada Region: A Visa Card that accesses a consumer deposit,
Region and US Region savings, or equivalent account, excluding Visa Prepaid Cards and

Glossary
Glossary
Prepaid Accounts.
In the US Region: A Visa Consumer Card that accesses a consumer’s
deposit, investment, or other asset, including a fiduciary account, but
not including a Consumer Visa Deferred Debit Card.
Visa Debit Category – A category of debit Visa Cards issued by Canadian Issuers that consists
Canada Region of the following:
l Visa Debit Card
l Visa Business Debit Card
Visa Debit Category – US A Card category that consists of the following:

Region
l Visa Debit Card issued by a US Issuer
l Visa Prepaid Card issued by a US Issuer
l Visa Card issued by a non-US Issuer
Visa Debit Transaction – A transaction using a Visa Debit Category Card. Where a transaction
Canada Region initiated with a Visa Debit Category Card is conducted at a merchant
which is not a Visa Debit Acceptor, it will not be a Visa Debit
Transaction. Where a transaction initiated with a Visa Debit Category
Card is conducted at a merchant where the cardholder selects another
payment service, other than Visa Debit, it shall not be a Visa Debit
Transaction.
Visa Direct Connect A direct connection between a Merchant and VisaNet that uses Visa
Merchant Direct Exchange or a Visa-approved API-based access
method for authorized access for Authorization or Online Financial
Transaction processing in the V.I.P. System.
Visa Drive Card – Europe A Card that is used for the purchase of fuel and vehicle maintenance
Region services and issued as a Visa Business Card, Visa Corporate Card, or Visa
Purchasing Card.

Glossary
Glossary
Visa Easy Payment Service A service that permits qualified Merchants to process small value
(VEPS) Transactions in a Card-Present Environment without requiring
Cardholder Verification or the issuance of a Transaction Receipt unless
requested by the Cardholder.
Visa Electron Acquirer A Member that both:

l Signs a Visa Electron Merchant or disburses currency to a
Cardholder using a Visa Electron Card in a Manual Cash
Disbursement
l Directly or indirectly enters the resulting Transaction Receipt into
Interchange
Visa Electron Card A Card that bears the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier.
Visa Electron Merchant A Merchant that both:

l Displays the Visa POS graphic with the Electron Identifier or the
Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
l Has a zero Floor Limit or has a terminal capable of reading and
acting upon the Service Code in the Magnetic Stripe or
instructions for an Online Authorization Request from a Chip
Visa Electron Payment A software application contained within a Chip or payment data
Application encoded on a Magnetic Stripe that defines the parameters for
processing a Visa Electron Card Transaction and meets the minimum
requirements for the Visa Electron Program.
Visa Electron Program A program through which a Member provides payment services to Visa
Electron Merchants and Visa Electron Cardholders by acting as a Visa
Electron Issuer, Visa Electron Acquirer, or both.

Glossary
Glossary
Visa Employee Benefit A Visa Prepaid Card through which an Issuer enables employers and
Card benefit administrators to provide employees with a Card that allows
direct access to benefits such as qualified health care, dependent care,
transit, fuel, and meal expenses.
Visa Europe Authorization The system for Authorization processing of dual-message Transactions,
Service – Europe Region and Authorization and Clearing processing of financial Transactions,
operated by Visa in the Europe Region.
Visa Europe Clearing and The system and services for Clearing and Settlement, developed,
Settlement Service owned, and operated by Visa in the Europe Region.
(VECSS) – Europe Region
Visa Flag Symbol – US A Visa-Owned Mark consisting of the Bands Design with the Visa logo
Region centered in the middle band. A Visa Card must not bear the Visa Flag
Symbol.
Visa Fleet Card A Visa Commercial Card used for the purchase of fuel and vehicle
maintenance services at Merchants classified with one of the following
MCCs: 4468, 4582, 5511, 5532, 5533, 5541, 5542, 5599, 7531, 7534,
7535, 7538, 7542, 7549, 7699.
In the Europe Region, see Visa Drive Card.
Visa Fleet Card A Visa Fleet EMV compliant identifier used for Visa Fleet Cards that
Application Identifier – specifies a unique payment application contained in a compliant Chip
Canada Region and Card.
CEMEA Region
Visa Flexible Spending A Visa Prepaid Card program administered by an employer, in

Account (FSA) – US accordance with IRS requirements, that permits employees to set aside
Region pre-tax dollars to pay qualified, out-of-pocket medical expenses not
covered by the employer’s health care plan.
Visa Gift Card A Visa Prepaid Card, designed for consumer gift-giving.

Glossary
Glossary
Visa Global ATM Network The network through which an ATM participant provides Cash
Disbursement services to Cardholders by acting as an Issuer, an ATM
Acquirer, or both.
Visa Global Customer Services, including customer and emergency services, provided by Visa
Assistance Services Global Customer Care Services to Cardholders and Issuers.
Visa Global Customer Care The 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week centers that provide multilingual
Services emergency assistance services to Cardholders.
Visa Higher Priority The Payment Application with the highest priority on a Visa
Payment Application – Multichoice Card and a Visa SimplyOne Card.
Europe Region
Visa ICS Prescreen Service An optional feature of Visa Advanced ID Solutions that allows Members
– US Region to select data from the Issuers’ Clearinghouse Service databases to
create a suppression file before mailing solicitations for Cards, non-
Visa cards, or other Visa or non-Visa products.
Visa Inc. A Delaware stock corporation.
Visa Incentive Card A consumer Visa Prepaid Card, designed to enable a business entity to
provide consumer funds in the form of promotional discounts, rebates,
or corporate incentives such as bonuses.
Visa Infinite Business Card A Visa Card targeted to the small business market that has attributes
– Canada Region exceeding that of a Visa Business Card.
Visa Infinite Business Card A Visa Business Card that has attributes equal to or exceeding those of
– LAC Region a Visa Infinite Card and that is targeted to small businesses.

Glossary
Glossary
Visa Infinite Card A Product Name for a Visa Card that has attributes exceeding those of
a Visa Gold Card and Visa Platinum.
Visa Infinite Exclusive Exclusive privileges made available to Visa Infinite Cardholder through
Privileges Merchant partnerships.
Visa Infinite Privilege Card A Visa Card targeted to the high-affluent consumer that has attributes
– Canada Region exceeding those of a Visa Infinite Card.
Visa Integrated Circuit Chip Card and terminal requirements for Visa Smart Payment programs
Card Specification (VIS) that serve as companion specifications to the EMV Integrated Circuit
Card Specifications for Payment Systems (EMV).
Visa IntelliLink Spend An optional service provided to Members and their Visa Commercial
Management Card clients to access and manage commercial multi-program data,
reports, statements, and expense management.
Visa Large Purchase A type of Visa Purchasing Card issued to Client Organizations for the
Advantage purpose of enabling payment for large-ticket purchases in a
Commercial Payables environment.
Visa Lower Priority The Payment Application(s) with a lower priority on a Visa Multichoice
Payment Application – Card and a Visa SimplyOne Card.
Europe Region
Visa Meetings Card A Visa Card issued to commercial entities in the public and private
sector for commercial purchases associated with business meetings
and events.
Visa Merchant Direct A direct link between a Merchant and VisaNet that uses Visa hardware
Exchange and commercially available software or other Visa-approved means for

Glossary
Glossary
authorized access for Authorization or Online Financial

Transaction processing in the V.I.P. System.
Visa Merchant Screening A database of Merchants and Third Party Agents whose contracts with
Service their Acquirers have been terminated for cause, using one of the
following listing reason codes:
In the Europe Region:
1 – Exceeds objective reporting standards (such as fraud, counterfeit)
2 – Laundering
3 – Excessive Chargebacks/Disputes
4 – Insolvency
5 – Cardholder information misuse
6 – Agreement violation
7 – Card scheme violation
8 – Questionable Merchant
In the AP Region:
1 – Deposited fraud transactions
3 – Processed transactions for a third party
4 – Excessive chargebacks and refunds received
5 – Identified in Visa Risk Programs
6 – Acquirer identified fraud activity
7 – Risk of becoming bankrupt, liquidated/insolvent
8 – Violated the merchant agreement
9 – Identified as a Point of Compromise
10 – Involved in fraud in another payment system
13 – Illegal Transactions
14 – Suspicious Activity

Glossary
Glossary
15 – Bust out Merchant

99 – Other
Visa Mini Card A miniaturized version of a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card that must
both:
l Provide the designated level of utility promised to the Cardholder
l Contain the physical elements and data components required to
complete a Transaction
Visa Mobile Payment The payment application that resides in a Mobile Payment Device.
Application
Visa Mobile Prepaid – AP A mobile-optimized, Visa virtual prepaid product where the Account
Region, CEMEA Region, Number is used to access funds stored in an account such as a
and LAC Region consumer, business, or Mobile Money Agent’s mobile money account.
Visa Multichoice Card – A Chip Card that includes a combination of two or more Payment
Europe Region Applications on the same account.
Visa Multinational A Visa program that supports the delivery of Visa commercial solutions
Program to Multinational Companies.
Visa Multi-Currency An optional Visa solution that can be added to a consumer Visa debit
Solution or Visa Prepaid Card that enables an Issuer to settle with Visa in
multiple currencies and to provide its Cardholders the ability to
purchase and hold different currencies for transacting internationally.
Visa Online A password-protected website that provides Members, VisaNet

Processors, and other authorized users with access to Visa information.
Visa Payables Automation An optional electronic payment solution that enables Issuers to

Glossary
Glossary
automate their accounts payable processes using Visa Commercial

Cards and one of the Visa Commercial Solutions Data and Reporting
Tools.
Visa Payment Application A software application contained within a Chip or payment data
encoded on a Magnetic Stripe that defines the parameters for
processing a Visa Transaction and meets the minimum requirements of
the Visa Program.
Visa Payment Controls An optional Visa service that allows Cardholders to monitor and
control Card use by authorizing Issuers to selectively block certain
types of Visa Transactions processed through VisaNet, based on the list
of available control criteria (for example: MCC, dollar amount,
location).
Visa Payroll A Visa Prepaid Card that enables employers to offer employees a Visa
Card as an alternative to the disbursement of employment wages or
salary via a check.
Visa Platinum A Card product that has attributes equal to or exceeding those of a
Visa Gold Card.
Visa Platinum Business A Visa Business Card that has attributes equal or exceeding those of a
Card – LAC Region Visa Platinum Card and that is targeted to small businesses.
Visa Premium Corporate A Corporate Visa card targeted to mid-to-large size companies that is
Card – LAC Region primarily used to pay for senior executives’ business travel and
entertainment expenses.
Visa Prepaid Card A Visa Card used to access funds in a Visa Prepaid Account or a Card
where monetary value is stored on a Chip.

Glossary
Glossary
Visa Products Visa Cards, Visa Electron Cards, components, or secure features that
relate to Card production, manufacture, personalization, or fulfillment
by a Visa-approved manufacturer, Third-Party Personalizer, or Visa-
approved fulfillment vendor.
Visa Program A program through which a Member provides product- or payment-

related services to Visa Cardholders or Merchants by acting as an Issuer,
an Acquirer, or both.
In the Canada Region: A Visa Program may be an aggregation of
individual Visa Card Programs.
Visa Purchasing Card A Visa Card issued to commercial entities (public and private) that is
used for commercial purchases.
Visa ReadyLink – US A Visa processing service that enables the Authorization and
Region Settlement, through VisaNet, of funds associated with an Issuer-
approved load Transaction to a Visa Prepaid Card or to another Non-
Visa Branded Account at a Prepaid Partner.
Visa Region Any of the 6 national or multinational geographic areas, as follows:

l Asia-Pacific (AP) Region
l Canada (CAN) Region
l Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) Region
l Europe Region
l Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Region
l United States of America (US) Region
Visa Resolve Online An online Visa service for the retrieval and transmission of dispute
resolution information and documentation.
In the Europe Region: See Electronic Documentation Transfer Method.

Glossary
Glossary
Visa Restricted A classification label assigned to Visa proprietary information (highly

sensitive business or technical information) or personal data that
requires the highest degree of protection and the strictest standards of
diligence and care to prevent unauthorized disclosure or business
harm to Visa.
Visa Restricted information that contains identifiable Cardholder data
or personally identifiable information and is subject to regulatory
requirements or industry compliance standards is further classified as
“Visa Restricted – Personal Data.”
Visa SavingsEdge – US A program designed for small businesses to enable enrolled

Region Cardholders to receive discounts in the form of statement credits for
qualifying purchases made at participating Merchants.
Visa Scheme Processor – A Member or a third party that provides Authorization, Clearing,
Europe Region Settlement, or payment-related processing services for Merchants or
Members.
Visa Secure A Visa-approved Authentication Method based on the 3-D Secure

Specification.
Visa Settlement Bank A bank where Visa maintains its Settlement accounts and performs
funds transfer for Settlement.
Visa Signature Business – A Visa Card that is issued as specified in Section 4.16, Visa Signature
CEMEA Region Business
Visa Signature Business A Visa Business Card that has attributes equal to or exceeding those of
Card – LAC Region a Visa Signature Card and that is targeted to small businesses.
Visa Signature Card A product name for a Visa Card that has attributes exceeding those of a
Visa Gold Card and Visa Platinum.

Glossary
Glossary
Visa SimplyOne Card – A Chip Card that includes a combination of two Payment Applications,
Europe Region including duplications of application instances, on two different
Account Numbers.
Visa Smart Payment EMV-Compliant and VIS-Compliant applications that provide payment
service options and controls to Issuers of Chip Cards bearing the Visa
Brand Mark or the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier.
Visa Surcharge Cap – US For a Merchant in the US Region or a US Territory, the average
Region and US Territories Merchant Discount Rate that a Merchant pays to its Acquirer for Visa
Credit Card Transactions. The average Merchant Discount Rate is
calculated based on Visa Credit Card Transactions conducted by the
Merchant for the preceding one or 12 months, at the Merchant’s
option.
Visa Token Service Active An Issuer that has performed the onboarding process with Visa to
Issuer Participant participate in the Visa Token Service.
Visa Token Service Basic An Issuer in a country listed in the Visa Token Service Basic Issuer
Issuer Participant Participation Service Guide that has been enrolled by Visa to participate
in the Visa Token Service for Card-Absent Environment Transactions.
Visa Traditional – US A Visa Consumer Credit Card, excluding Visa Signature, Visa Signature
Region Preferred, and Visa Infinite.
Visa Traditional Rewards A consumer credit product that enables Cardholders, based on their
Card – US Region qualifying purchases, to earn units of rewards currency consisting of
either:
l Points that are redeemable for cash, cash-equivalent rewards (gift
certificate, gift card, or statement credit), or any other reward
option permitted upon prior approval by Visa

Glossary
Glossary
l Air miles that are redeemable for air travel
Visa Transaction Alerts An optional Visa service that enables Cardholder notification of
Service Transactions occurring on their Cards or accounts in near-real time.
Visa Transaction Any Transaction information or data that is contained in either the
Information Authorization message or Clearing Record.
Visa US Common Debit An EMV-compliant Application Identifier licensed for use with EMV-
Application Identifier – US and VIS-based applications for the purpose of processing a transaction
Region and US Territories covered by the Dodd-Frank Act and Federal Reserve Board Regulation
II on certain debit products.
Visa US Regulation II A certification program that enables an Issuer in the US Region or a US

Certification Program – US Territory to certify the status of its consumer debit, commercial debit,
Region and US Territories and prepaid portfolios in alignment with US Federal Reserve Board
Regulation II, 12 CFR Part 235.
The program also enables an Issuer in the US Region or a US Territory
to notify Visa of its compliance with the final fraud-prevention
standards of the US Federal Reserve Board Regulation II, 12 CFR Part
235.
Visa Worldwide Pte. Ltd. The organization operating the Visa Network in the AP Region.
Visa-Owned Marks All trademarks and other brand assets (for example: animation, sound,
haptic) owned by Visa.
Visa/Plus ATM An ATM that:

l Displays the Visa Brand Mark and the Plus Symbol
l May also display the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier

Glossary
Glossary
VisaNet The systems and services, including the V.I.P. System, Visa Europe
Authorization Service, BASE II, and the Visa Europe Clearing and
Settlement System, through which Visa delivers online financial
processing, Authorization, Clearing, and Settlement services to
Members, as applicable.
VisaNet Interchange A Visa facility that operates the VisaNet data processing systems and
Center support networks.
In the Europe Region: This rule does not apply. Where a Member uses
Visa for processing, as specified in Section 1.1.1.2, Applicability of
Processing Rules – Europe Region, it must refer to Visa Europe Operating
Regulations – Processing.
VisaNet Processor A Member, or Visa-approved non-Member, that is directly connected

to VisaNet and that provides Authorization, Clearing, or Settlement
services to Merchants and/or Members.
In the Europe Region: See also Visa Scheme Processor.
VisaNet Settlement The VisaNet system that provides Settlement reporting and funds
Service transfer services to BASE II and V.I.P. System Clearing Processors.
Voice Authorization An Approval Response obtained through interactive communication

between an Issuer and an Acquirer, or their VisaNet Processors through
telephone or facsimile communications.
W
Waiver A temporary, formal consent granted by Visa that permits a Member or
Members to not comply with one or more specific rules in the Visa
Rules for a specified period of time.
Wire Transfer Money A check or money order purchased by a Cardholder from a Wire
Order – US Region Transfer Money Order Merchant.

Glossary
Glossary
Wire Transfer Money A Merchant that sells money orders by electronic funds transfer.
Order Merchant – US
Region ID# 0025435 Edition: Oct 2019 | Last Updated: Oct 2014
Wire Transfer Money A Quasi-Cash Transaction representing the sale of a Wire Transfer
Order Transaction – US Money Order for transfer to a payee (who may or may not be the
Region Cardholder) by electronic funds transfer.
Workout Period As a part of the Visa Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP) and Visa
Fraud Monitoring Program (VFMP), a 3-month remediation period
during which Visa manages a corrective-action plan between a
Merchant and its Acquirer to bring the Merchant’s Dispute or Fraud
Activity within acceptable levels. The Workout Period is not applicable
to any of the following:
l High-Brand Risk Merchants, as specified in Section 10.4.6.1, High-
Brand Risk MCCs
l Merchants that exceed the excessive Dispute or Fraud Activity
thresholds
l Merchants that are escalated to the VDMP high-risk program or
the VFMP high-risk program if Visa determines that the Merchant’s
activities may cause undue harm to the goodwill of the Visa
system
X
No glossary terms
available for X. ID# 0025513 Edition: Oct 2019 | Last Updated: Apr 2010
Y
No glossary terms
available for Y. ID# 0025514 Edition: Oct 2019 | Last Updated: Apr 2010
Z
No glossary terms
available for Z. ID# 0030575 Edition: Oct 2019 | Last Updated: Oct 2018


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Visa Core Rules and

Visa Product and Service Rules

The Visa Rules 50

1 Visa Core Rules 53

1.1.2 Local, Domestic, and Regional Rules and Private Agreements 59

1.1.4 Operating Certificates 60

1.1.6 Visa Rights 64

1.1.7 Use of VisaNet 67

1.1.8 Misencoded Cards 68

1.1.9 Liabilities and Indemnifications 69

1.2 Licensing and Numerics Management 70

1.2.1 Licensing – General Membership 70

1.3 Use of Marks 71

1.3.1 Marks License 71

1.3.2 General Use of Marks 72

19 October 2019 Visa Public 3

1.3.3 Protecting the Visa Brand 75

1.3.4 Marketing, Promotion, and Advertising Materials 77

1.4.1 Issuance Conditions 81

1.4.2 Account Numbers 82

1.4.3 Notification and Disclosure 82

1.4.4 Issuer Operational Standards 84

1.4.6 Zero Liability 87

1.5.1 General Acquirer Requirements 88

1.5.2 Merchant Agreements 93

1.5.3 Marks Display 94

1.5.4 Card Acceptance 94

1.5.5 Card Acceptance Prohibitions 101

1.5.6 Card and Cardholder Verification Requirements 103

1.5.7 Transaction Receipts 103

1.5.8 Merchant Deposits 104

1.5.9 Travelers Cheques 105

1.6 ATM 106

1.6.1 ATM Requirements 106

1.7 Transaction Processing 106

1.7.1 General Processing 106

1.7.2 Data Requirements 107

1.7.3 Acquirer Authorization Requests 108

19 October 2019 Visa Public 4

1.7.4 Issuer Authorization Processing 108

1.7.5 Clearing 109

1.7.6 Settlement 111

1.7.7 Reversals and Adjustments 111

1.8 Processing Products 113

1.8.1 Original Credits 113

1.9 Interchange 113

1.9.1 Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) Determination and Payment 113

1.9.2 Interchange Reimbursement Fee (IRF) Adjustments and Compliance 114

1.10 Risk 116

1.10.1 Corporate Risk Reduction 116

1.10.2 Brand Protection 120

1.10.3 Investigations 120

1.10.4 Information Security 121

1.10.5 High-Brand Risk Merchants 124

1.10.6 Recovered Cards 124

1.10.7 Counterfeit Losses 125

1.10.8 Agents 125

1.10.9 Card Manufacturing and Distribution 128

1.11 Dispute Resolution 130