Visa Rules Compress

Visa International
Operating Regulations
Volume I — General Rules
15 November 2008
**VISA PUBLIC**
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
15 November 2008 **VISA PUBLIC** Visa International Operating Regulations, Volume I—General Rules
About the Operating Regulations
The Visa Operating Regulations consist of the Visa International and Regional Operating
Regulations, and govern the relationship between Visa and its Members. The Visa Operating
Regulations do not constitute a third-party beneficiary contract as to any entity or person, nor
do they constitute a contract, promise or representation, or confer any rights, privileges, or
claims of any kind, as to any third parties. Visa reserves the right to amend, modify, delete
or otherwise change the Visa Operating Regulations at any time, and such changes, if
made after the publication date noted in this version of the Visa Operating Regulations
(15 November 2008), will not appear in this manual. The contents of this manual will be
updated in accordance with the normal publication cycle of the Visa Operating Regulations.
In the event of any discrepancy between the text in this manual and the Visa Operating
Regulations, the text contained in the Visa Operating Regulations takes precedence.
The Regional Operating Regulations each apply only to the operations of Members within
each respective Region (e.g., the Visa USA Inc. Operating Regulations only apply to a
Member’s operations in the U.S. region). In addition, please note that Visa Europe is a
separate entity that is an exclusive licensee of Visa Inc.’s trademarks and technology in the
European region and, as such, members of Visa Europe are governed by the Operating
Regulations of Visa Europe.
Purpose of this Manual

As a newly global, public company, Visa is increasing transparency to provide all stakeholders
with a better understanding of our business. Visa believes public disclosure of our Operating
Regulations will not only help demonstrate the complexity of our industry, but also the
consideration Visa takes in balancing the interests of financial institutions, merchants and
consumers, while maintaining strict compliance with the diverse regulatory requirements
throughout the world.
Other Notices
Although the Visa Operating Regulations govern only our Members’ participation in the
VisaNet payments systems, we recognize the broader community’s interest in understanding
our rules. In order to safeguard the security of our cardholders and merchants and the integrity
of the Visa system, we have omitted certain proprietary and competitive information from this
manual.
As such, a reader of this manual may observe non-sequential section numbering, and
information that may seem out of context or incomplete regarding the subject addressed.
Visa makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the text
contained in this manual. In addition, the Visa Operating Regulations refer to certain
confidential and technical publications and associated materials published by Visa which
explain certain system functions and product or service requirements related to the day-to-day
operations of the VisaNet systems. These publications are considered extensions of the Visa
Operating Regulations and apply if a Member participates in a specific service governed by
their relationship with Visa.
If you have questions about the Visa Operating Regulations, or need additional information
that is not contained in these materials, please visit www.corporate.visa.com.
15 November 2008 **VISA PUBLIC** Visa International Operating Regulations, Volume I—General Rules i
About the Operating Regulations
Trademarks
Trademark notices and symbols used in this manual reflect the registration status of
Visa trademarks in the United States.
These materials are of a proprietary nature and should not be copied or distributed without
written permission of Visa.
© 2008 Visa. All Rights Reserved.
ii 15 November 2008 **VISA PUBLIC** Visa International Operating Regulations, Volume I—General Rules
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: General Regulations
1.1 HIERARCHY OF VISA REGULATORY PUBLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1.A Visa International By-Laws 1
1.1.B Visa International Operating Regulations 1
1.1.D Extensions to the Visa International Operating Regulations 2
1.1.D.1 Description 2
1.1.E Variances to the Visa International Operating Regulations 2
1.1.E.1 Board Powers 2
1.1.E.2 Variances 2
1.1.E.3 Emergency Variances 2
1.2 USE AND APPLICATION OF THE VISA INTERNATIONAL OPERATING
REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3 APPLICABLE LAWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.4 CONFIDENTIALITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.5 VISA RIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.5.A Right to Monitor, Audit, Inspect, and Investigate 4
1.5.B Member Obligations 4
1.6 REGULATION ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.6.A Visa International Operating Regulations and Visa International By-Laws 5
1.6.B Fines and Penalties Process 5
1.6.B.1 Allegations 5
1.6.B.2 Investigation 5
1.6.B.3 Notification 5
1.6.C Fines and Penalties Rules 5
1.6.C.1 Repetitive Violations 5
1.6.C.2 Time Period 6
1.6.C.3 Willful Violations 6
1.6.D Fines and Penalties Schedule 7
1.6.D.1 General 7
1.6.D.2 Penalties for Non-Compliance with the Verified by Visa Global
Performance Enhancement Program 7
1.6.D.3 Penalties for Member Failure to Comply with the Data Quality
Compliance Program 8
1.6.D.6 Acquirer Penalties for Incorrect Use of Electronic Commerce
Transaction Indicator Values 9
1.6.D.7 Penalties for Incorrectly Identifying Authorization Requests for
Online Gambling Transactions 10
1.6.D.8 Penalties for Online Gambling Credit Compliance Program 10
1.6.D.9 Penalty for Member Failure to Report Fraud 11
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1.6.D.10 Penalty for Member Failure to Complete PIN Security

Requirements Self-Audit or Self-Audit Compliance Statement,
or Respond to Non-Compliance Notification 11
1.6.D.11 Acquirer Penalties for Merchants Identified as High Risk
Exceeding Acceptable Chargeback Ratios 12
1.6.D.12 Penalties for Member Failure to Comply with the Electronic
Commerce Merchant Monitoring Program 12
1.6.D.13 Penalties for Member Failure to Comply with the Chip
Interoperability Compliance Program 14
1.6.D.14 Penalties for Incorrect Use of Dynamic Currency Conversion 15
1.6.D.15 Penalties for the Merchant Fraud Performance Program 16
1.6.D.16 Acquirer Penalties for Illegal Cross-Border Transaction Activity 17
1.6.E Data Compromise Recovery Solution 17
1.6.E.1 Data Compromise Recovery Eligibility 17
1.6.E.2 Data Compromise Event Time Period 18
1.6.E.3 Data Compromise Issuer Fraud Loss Recovery 18
1.6.E.4 Data Compromise Acquirer Fraud Loss Liability 18
1.6.E.5 Data Compromise Recovery Funds Distribution and
Administration Fee 19
1.7 MARKS LICENSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
1.7.A License Grant for Visa-Owned Marks 19
1.7.B Use of the Visa-Owned Marks 19
1.7.B.1 General 19
1.7.B.2 Use of Visa-Owned Marks for Visa Program 19
1.7.B.3 Use of Visa-Owned Marks in Corporate Names 20
1.7.B.4 Use of Visa-Owned Marks on Cards 21
1.7.B.5 Use of Visa-Owned Marks in Any Media 21
1.7.B.7 Use of a Visa-Owned Mark with Member Sponsorships 21
1.7.C Protection and Assessment of Visa-Owned Marks 22
1.7.C.1 Protection of Visa-Owned Marks 22
1.7.C.2 Brand Assessment 23
1.7.D Other Program Marks 23
1.7.D.1 Plus Program Marks 23
1.7.D.2 The Verified by Visa Mark 24
1.7.E Member Use of Non-Visa-Owned Marks 24
1.7.E.2 Use of Partnership and Sponsorship Marks 24
1.7.E.3 Multiple Marks 25
1.8 BIN LICENSE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
1.8.A BIN Licensing 26
1.8.A.1 BIN License Agreement 26
1.8.A.2 Visa Interchange Directory Update Form 26
1.8.B BIN Use 26
1.8.B.1 Member Requirements 26
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1.8.C BIN Administration Changes 27
1.8.C.1 Visa Responsibility 27
1.8.C.2 Member Responsibility 27
1.9 SALE OR TRANSFER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
1.9.A Notification 27
1.9.B Member Financial Liability 27
1.9.C Mergers, Acquisitions, or Restructuring 28
1.13 FOREIGN ACTIVITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
1.15 AGENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
1.15.A Use of a VisaNet Processor or Third Party 28
1.15.A.1 General Responsibilities 29
1.15.A.2 Fines and Penalties 30
1.15.B Use of an Airline Authorizing Processor 30
1.15.C Use of an Internet Payment Service Provider 30
1.15.D Contract Requirements Between Members, VisaNet Processors, and
Third Parties 31
1.15.E Prohibitions 31
1.15.E.1 General Requirement 31
1.15.E.2 Misrepresentations by an Agent 31
1.15.F Agreements with Visa 32
1.15.F.1 General Requirements 32
1.15.F.2 Agreement Terms 32
1.15.G Marketing Materials 32
Chapter 2: Risk Management

2.1 GENERAL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
2.1.A Investigations 33
2.1.A.1 Member Responsibilities 33
2.1.A.2 Investigation Requirements 33
2.1.B Investigative Assistance 33
2.1.B.1 Member Responsibilities 33
2.1.B.2 Payment for Investigative Services 33
2.1.C Lost or Stolen Card Reports 34
2.1.C.1 Member Responsibility 34
2.1.C.2 Reimbursement 34
2.1.D Recovered Cards 34
2.1.D.1 Card Recovery 34
2.1.D.2 Notification of Card Recovery 34
2.1.D.3 Notification of Recovered Counterfeit Cards 35
2.1.E Account and Transaction Information Security 36
2.1.E.1 Overview 36
2.1.E.2 Loss or Theft of Account or Transaction Information 36
2.1.E.3 Investigations 37
2.1.E.4 Non-Compliance 37
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2.1.E.5 PIN Security Self-Audit Requirements 37

2.1.E.6 PIN Security Non-Compliance 37
2.1.E.7 Penalty for Member Failure to Complete Security Self-Audit or
Annual Certification, or Respond to Non-Compliance Notification 37
2.1.F Counterfeit Losses 38
2.1.F.1 Responsibility for Counterfeit Transactions 38
2.1.F.2 Responsibility for Misencoded Visa or Visa Electron Cards 38
2.1.F.3 Issuer or Owner Identification 39
2.2 VISA RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
2.2.A Card Manufacturer and Third-Party Personalizer Certification 39
2.2.A.1 Certification of Approved Manufacturer 39
2.2.A.2 Certification of Third-Party Personalizer 39
2.2.B Corporate Risk Reduction Procedures 40
2.3 RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
2.3.A Card Recovery Bulletin Service 41
2.3.A.1 Overview 41
2.3.A.2 Availability 41
2.3.A.3 Regional Card Recovery File 42
2.3.A.4 Effective Dates 42
2.3.A.5 Fees 42
2.3.B EMV Liability Shift for Fraudulent Transactions 42
2.3.C Card Verification Service 43
2.3.C.1 Issuer Participation 43
2.3.C.2 Acquirer Requirements 43
2.3.C.3 Visa Responsibility 43
2.3.D Exception File Service 43
2.3.D.1 Overview 43
2.3.D.2 Updates 44
2.3.E Advanced Authorization (Effective 18 July 2008) 44
2.3.E.1 Issuer Participation 44
2.3.E.2 Confidentiality 45
2.3.F PIN Verification Service 45
2.3.G Positive Cardholder Authorization Service 45
2.3.H Visa Risk Manager, Effective 16 May 2008 45
2.3.H.1 Issuer Participation 45
2.3.H.2 Enrollment 45
2.3.I Merchant Fraud Performance Program 46
2.3.I.1 Criteria 46
2.3.I.2 Compliance 46
2.3.J Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program 46
2.3.J.1 Criteria 46
2.3.J.2 Chargeback Handling Fees 46
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2.3.J.3 Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program Merchants
Identified as High Risk 47
2.3.J.4 Visa Rights 47
2.3.K Acquirer Monitoring Program 47
2.3.K.1 Program Criteria 47
2.3.K.2 Acquirer Non-Compliance 47
2.3.L Visa Anti-Money Laundering Program 47
2.3.L.1 Visa Anti-Money Laundering Program Requirements 47
2.3.L.2 Visa Anti-Money Laundering Program Compliance 48
Chapter 3: Issuer Requirements & Information

3.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
3.1.A Visa Product Hierarchy 49
3.1.B Cardholder Agreements 49
3.1.B.1 Cardholder Agreement Prohibition 49
3.1.B.2 International Transaction and Currency Conversion Disclosure 49
3.1.C Card Requirements 49
3.1.C.1 Mark Usage 50
3.1.C.2 Card Specifications 50
3.1.D BIN 50
3.1.D.1 Account Range and BIN Assignment for New Visa Card Programs 50
3.1.D.2 Account Range and BIN Assignment for Existing Visa Card
Programs 51
3.1.D.3 Right to Deny an Account Range Request 51
3.1.E Account Number Specifications 51
3.1.E.1 General Requirements 51
3.1.F Expiration Date Standards 51
3.1.F.1 General Issuing Requirements 51
3.1.F.2 Chip Card Requirements 51
3.1.G PIN Program 51
3.1.G.1 Overview 51
3.1.G.2 Participation Requirements 52
3.1.G.3 Service Code Requirements 52
3.1.G.4 PIN Verification Procedures 52
3.1.H Interchange Reimbursement Fees 52
3.2 PAYMENT SERVICE STANDARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
3.2.A Authorization Requirements 53
3.2.A.1 General Requirements 53
3.2.A.2 Assured Transaction Response Standards 53
3.2.A.3 Decline Response Standards 54
3.2.A.4 Electronic Commerce Transaction Indicator Value 6 (ECI 6)
Decline Compliance Program 54
3.2.A.5 Chip Card Authorization Requirements 55
3.2.A.6 Referral Response and Approval Rate Standards 55
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3.2.A.7 Authorization Limits 57

3.2.A.8 Mandatory Minimum Authorization Limits 58
3.2.B Clearing and Settlement Requirements 58
3.2.B.1 General Requirements 58
3.2.B.2 Retrieval Request Rate Standards 58
3.2.B.3 Reimbursement for Interchange Transactions 58
3.2.B.4 Billing Currency 58
3.2.B.5 Assistance to Acquirers in Obtaining Account Numbers 58
3.3 GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
3.3.A Chip Card Issuers 59
3.3.A.1 Overview 59
3.3.A.2 Chip Card Technology Requirements 59
3.3.A.3 Cardholder Verification Method 59
3.3.A.4 Cardholder Account Selection 60
3.3.A.5 Post-Issuance Updates 60
3.3.A.6 Issuer Liability 60
3.3.B EMV Liability Shift for Fraudulent Transactions 61
3.3.B.1 Card-Present Counterfeit Card Transactions 61
3.3.B.2 Card-Present Non-Counterfeit Fraudulent Transactions 62
3.3.B.3 Liability for Fallback Transactions 62
3.3.B.4 Account Generated Counterfeit Fraud 62
3.3.C Proximity Payment Issuers 63
3.3.D Visa Secure Electronic Commerce 63
3.3.D.1 General Participation Requirements 63
3.3.D.2 Chip Card Program Requirements 63
3.3.E 3-D Secure Participation Requirements 63
3.3.E.1 3-D Secure General Participation Requirements 63
3.3.E.2 3-D Secure Processing Requirements 64
3.3.F Global Co-branding Issuers 64
3.3.F.1 General Requirements 64
3.3.F.2 Participation Requirements 65
3.3.G Visa Card Product Extensions 65
3.3.G.1 BIN Requirements 65
3.3.G.2 Unembossed Visa Card Issuers 65
3.3.H Non-Standard Cards 65
3.3.H.1 Non-Standard Card Requirements 66
3.3.H.2 Visa Mini Card Requirements 66
3.3.I Proximity Payment Device Requirements 66
3.4 CONSUMER CARD PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
3.4.A Visa Classic Card Issuers 66
3.4.B Visa Gold/Premier Card Issuers 66
3.4.B.1 Overview 67
3.4.B.2 Certification 67
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3.4.B.3 Core Services 67
3.4.B.4 BIN 67
3.4.C Visa Signature Card Issuers 67
3.4.C.1 General Requirements 67
3.4.D Visa Infinite Card Issuers 67
3.4.D.1 General Requirements 67
3.4.D.2 BIN 69
3.4.D.3 Spending Limit 69
3.4.D.4 Authorization Requirements 69
3.4.D.5 Delinquent Accounts 69
3.4.D.6 Global Support Services 69
3.4.D.7 Marketing Support 70
3.4.E Visa Electron Issuers 70
3.4.E.1 Overview 70
3.4.E.3 Participation Requirements 71
3.4.E.4 BIN 71
3.4.E.5 Card Specifications 72
3.4.F Prepaid Card Issuer Requirements 72
3.4.F.1 BIN 72
3.4.F.2 Issuer Terms and Conditions 72
3.4.F.3 Simple Purchase Prepaid Card 73
3.4.F.4 Partial Authorization Service 73
3.4.G Visa Prepaid Load Service 74
3.4.G.2 Issuer Dispute Resolution 74
3.5 COMMERCIAL CARD PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
3.5.A Visa Commercial Card Issuers 74
3.5.A.2 Certification 75
3.5.A.3 BIN 75
3.5.A.4 Core Feature Requirements 75
3.5.A.5 Visa Information Management Services 77
3.5.A.6 Core Feature Descriptions 77
3.5.A.7 Core Services 78
3.5.C V Distribution Program Issuers 78
3.5.C.2 BIN 79
3.5.C.3 Fees and Dispute Resolution 79
3.5.D Fleet Service-Enhanced Visa Commercial Cards 79
3.5.D.1 General Requirements 79
3.5.D.2 Reporting Requirements 79
3.5.D.3 Issuer Liability 79
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3.5.E Visa Meetings Card 80

3.5.E.2 Core Features 80
3.5.E.3 Core Services 80
3.5.E.4 Customer Support Services 80
3.5.E.5 BIN 80
3.5.E.6 Fees 80
3.6 CARDS BEARING THE PLUS SYMBOL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
3.6.A Participation Requirements 81
3.6.B Account Number Specifications 81
3.7 ORIGINAL CREDIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
3.7.A General Requirements 82
3.7.B Recipient Member Requirements 82
3.7.B.1 Posting Requirements 82
3.7.B.2 Sender Data Requirements 82
3.7.B.3 Deposit-Only Account Number 82
3.7.B.4 Original Credit Dispute Resolution 82
3.7.B.5 Original Credit Pre-Settlement and Clearing Messages 83
3.8 VIRTUAL ACCOUNTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
3.8.B Issuer Requirements 83
3.8.B.1 Initial Notification and Verification 83
3.8.B.2 Issuer Compliance 83
3.8.B.3 BIN 83
3.9 VISA TRAVELMONEY ISSUERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
3.9.A.1 Overview 84
3.9.A.2 BIN 84
3.9.A.3 Transaction Processing 84
3.10 VISA GLOBAL ATM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
3.10.A.2 Balance Inquiry Service 85
3.10.A.4 Cash Disbursement Fees 85
3.10.A.5 Custom Payment Service/ATM Program 85
3.11 CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
3.11.A Issuer Requirements for Recurring Transactions 86
3.11.B Global Customer Assistance Services 86
3.11.C Lost/Stolen Card Reporting Service 87
3.11.D Emergency Cash Service and Emergency Card Replacement Service 88
3.11.D.1 Overview 88
3.11.D.2 Issuer Responsibilities 88
3.11.D.3 Emergency Cash Service and Emergency Card Replacement
Service Contact Responsibilities 90
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3.11.D.4 Emergency Service Location Responsibilities 90
3.11.E Visa Infinite Card Emergency Payment Authorization Service 91
3.11.E.1 Issuer Responsibilities 91
3.11.E.2 Chargeback Limitations 91
3.11.F Travelers Cheque Global Refund Service 91
3.11.F.1 Member Responsibilities 91
3.11.F.2 Global Refund Service Responsibilities 91
3.11.F.3 Emergency Refund Location Responsibilities 92
3.11.G Additional Services 93
3.11.G.1 Collision/Loss Damage Insurance 93
3.11.G.2 Visa TravelMoney Cards 93
3.12 CARD MANUFACTURE AND DELIVERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
3.12.A Card Manufacturer and Third-Party Personalizer Certification 93
3.12.A.1 Issuer Standards for Approved Manufacturers and Third-Party
Personalizers 93
3.12.A.2 Issuer Contract with a Card Manufacturer 93
3.12.A.3 Agent Registration Requirements 94
3.13 RISK MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
3.13.A Fraud Activity Reporting 94
3.13.A.1 Overview 94
3.13.A.2 Fraud Activity Reporting 94
3.13.A.3 Performance Criteria 94
3.13.A.4 Non-Compliance 94
3.13.A.5 Penalties 95
3.13.B Security Staff Responsibilities 95
3.13.C Arrests 95
3.14 RECOVERED CARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Chapter 4: Acquirer Requirements & Information

4.1 ACQUIRER-MERCHANT CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
4.1.A Merchant Qualification Standards 97
4.1.A.1 Financial Responsibility 97
4.1.A.2 Merchant Inspection 97
4.1.B General Requirements 98
4.1.B.1 Merchant Agreement 98
4.1.B.2 Revocation of Merchant Privileges 99
4.1.C Additional Provisions for Merchants 99
4.1.C.1 Restrictions on Cross-Border Merchant Contracting 99
4.1.C.2 Hotels and Cruise Lines 100
4.1.C.3 In-Transit Service Merchants 100
4.1.C.4 In-Transit Service Gambling Merchants 101
4.1.C.5 Electronic Commerce Merchants 101
4.1.C.6 Online Gambling Merchants 101
4.1.C.7 Dynamic Currency Conversion Merchants 102
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4.1.D Additional Provisions for Internet Payment Service Providers and

Sponsored Merchants 102
4.1.D.1 Merchant Classification 102
4.1.D.2 Acquirer Responsibilities for Internet Payment Service
Providers and Sponsored Merchants 102
4.1.D.3 Internet Payment Service Provider Agreement Requirements 102
4.1.D.4 Merchant Category Code Assignment for Internet Payment
Service Providers and Sponsored Merchants 103
4.1.D.5 Merchant Outlet Provisions for Internet Payment Service
Providers and Sponsored Merchants 103
4.1.E Additional Provisions for International Airline Program 103
4.1.E.1 Qualification 103
4.1.E.2 Business Plan 103
4.1.E.3 Special Merchant Agreement Requirements 104
4.2 TRANSACTION RECEIPT REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
4.2.A Legend Wording 105
4.2.B In-Transit Terminal Transaction Receipt Delivery 105
4.3 EMV LIABILITY SHIFT FOR FRAUDULENT TRANSACTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
4.3.A Card-Present Counterfeit Card Transactions 106
4.3.B Card-Present Non-Counterfeit Fraudulent Transactions 106
4.3.C Liability for Fallback Transactions 107
4.3.D Account Generated Counterfeit Fraud 107
4.4 TERMINAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
4.4.A Point-of-Transaction Terminals 108
4.4.A.1 Service Codes 108
4.4.A.2 Terminal Functions 108
4.4.B Magnetic-Stripe Terminals 109
4.4.B.1 Terminal Logic 109
4.4.B.2 BIN Logic 109
4.4.B.3 PIN Security 109
4.4.C Chip-Reading Devices 109
4.4.C.2 Terminal Logic 110
4.4.C.3 PIN Requirements 112
4.4.C.4 PIN Pad Requirements 112
4.4.C.5 Acquirer Responsibilities 113
4.4.C.6 Acquirer Liability 113
4.4.D Proximity Payment Terminals 113
4.4.D.1 Proximity Payment Terminal General Requirements 113
4.4.D.2 Proximity Payment Program Requirements 113
4.4.E Unattended Acceptance Terminals 114
4.4.E.2 Prepaid Card Transaction Requirements 114
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4.4.E.3 Unattended Acceptance Terminals that Perform
Cardholder-Activated Transactions Type A 115
Cardholder-Activated Transactions Type B 115
Cardholder-Activated Transactions Type C 116
4.4.F Electronic Signature Capture Devices (Effective 15 May 2009) 116
4.5 AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
4.5.A Floor Limits 117
4.5.A.1 Visa Floor Limits 117
4.5.A.2 Acquirer Floor Limits 117
4.5.B General Authorization Requirements 117
4.5.B.2 Data Quality Requirements 118
4.5.B.3 Hours of Authorization 118
4.5.B.4 Transaction Currency Conversion Requirements 118
4.5.B.5 Dynamic Currency Conversion Requirements 119
4.5.B.6 Computer Interface Requirements 119
4.5.B.7 Authorization Routing 119
4.5.B.8 Authorization Rejection 120
4.5.B.9 Authorization Reversals 120
4.5.B.10 Local Authorization Services for International Airlines 120
4.5.B.11 Automated Fuel Dispenser Status Check Authorization 120
4.5.B.12 Partial Authorization Service 120
4.5.C Exceptions for Manual Authorizations 121
4.5.C.3 Authorization Procedures 121
4.5.C.4 International Exception File 121
4.5.D V.I.P. System Emergency Authorization Procedures 121
4.5.D.1 Use of Emergency Authorization Procedures 121
4.5.D.2 Emergency Procedures 122
4.5.E Stand-In Processing—Non-Visa Transactions 122
4.6 CASH DISBURSEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122
4.6.A Manual Cash Disbursements 122
4.6.A.1 Visa Electron Cards 122
4.6.A.2 Foreign Branches 122
4.6.A.3 Cash Disbursements Through Related Companies 123
4.6.A.4 Display of Marks 123
4.6.A.5 Maximum Manual Cash Disbursement Amount 123
4.6.A.6 Cash Disbursement Fees 123
4.6.B Transaction Processing Requirements 123
4.6.B.1 Uniform Services 123
4.6.B.2 Validation of Cardholder Identity 123
4.6.B.3 Floor Limit and Terminal Requirements 123
4.6.B.4 Transaction Currency 123
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4.6.B.5 Transaction Receipt Copy 124

4.6.B.6 Fee Disclosure 124
4.6.B.7 Prohibition 124
4.6.C Cheque Acceptance 124
4.6.C.1 General 124
4.6.C.2 Encashment Procedure 124
4.6.C.3 Encashment Limitations 124
4.6.D Chip Card Acceptance 125
4.7 ATM ACQUIRER STANDARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
4.7.B ATM Acquirer Requirements 125
4.7.C Card Acceptance Requirements 125
4.7.D ATM Acceptance Technology Requirements 126
4.7.D.1 Account Numbers 126
4.7.D.2 Chip-initiated ATM Authorization Requirements 126
4.7.E Transaction Processing Requirements 126
4.7.E.1 ATM Processing 126
4.7.E.2 ATM Acquirer Requirements 126
4.7.E.3 Fees 127
4.7.E.4 Technology Requirements 127
4.7.E.5 ATM Authorizations 127
4.7.E.6 Deferred Clearing Processing 127
4.7.E.7 ATM Expiration Date Editing 128
4.7.E.9 Authorization Routing—Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards 128
4.7.E.10 Authorization Routing—Cards Bearing the Plus Symbol 128
4.7.E.11 ATM Transaction Receipt Requirements 128
4.7.E.12 Minimum Cash Disbursement 128
4.7.E.13 Currency or Cheque Disbursement 128
4.7.E.14 Transaction Currency 129
4.7.E.15 Transaction Surcharge 129
4.7.F Balance Inquiry Service 129
4.8 ELECTRONIC COMMERCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
4.8.A Website Requirements 129
4.8.B Special Requirements for Online Gambling Merchants 130
4.8.C Data Protection Method Requirements 130
4.8.D Visa Secure Electronic Commerce 130
4.8.D.1 General Participation Requirements 130
4.8.D.2 3-D Secure Participation Requirements 130
4.9 CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
4.9.A Transaction Processing Requirements 132
4.9.A.1 Data Quality Requirements 132
4.9.A.2 Interchange Data Element Requirements 132
4.9.A.3 Transaction Currency 132
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4.9.A.4 Transaction Receipt Retention Periods 132
4.9.B Clearing Requirements 132
4.9.B.1 Original Transaction Receipts with Illegible or Invalid
Account Numbers 132
4.9.B.2 Transaction Receipt Processing Time Limits for Transactions 133
4.9.B.3 Processing Time Limits for ATM Transactions 133
4.9.B.4 Processing Time Limits for In-Transit Service Transactions 134
4.10 ORIGINAL CREDIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
4.10.A Originating Member Requirements 134
4.10.B Original Credit Pre-Settlement and Clearing Message Requirements 134
4.10.B.1 Original Credit VisaNet Response 134
4.10.B.2 Original Credit Pre-Settlement Decline Response 135
4.10.B.3 Original Credit Clearing 135
4.10.B.4 Original Credit Reversal 135
4.10.C Original Credit Money Transfer 135
4.10.C.1 Original Credit Money Transfer Single Sender and
Single Recipient 135
4.10.C.2 Original Credit Money Transfer Sender Data 135
4.11 OTHER TRANSACTION PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136
4.11.A Visa Prepaid Card Requirements 136
4.11.B Visa Purchasing Card Transaction Requirements 136
4.11.C Visa Fleet Service-Enhanced Transactions 136
4.11.D Visa Prepaid Load Service 137
4.13 RISK MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
4.13.A Fraud Management and Reporting 137
4.13.A.1 ATM Transaction Exceptions 137
4.13.A.2 ATM Card Retention 138
4.13.A.3 Fraud Reporting 138
4.13.B Merchant Fraud Performance Program 138
4.13.C Merchant Records 138
4.13.D Lost or Stolen Card Reports 138
4.13.E Recovered Visa Cards and Visa Electron Cards 139
4.13.E.1 Card Recovery and Notification 139
4.13.E.2 Rewards Paid by Acquirer 139
4.13.E.3 Handling Fee 139
4.13.F Merchant Activity Monitoring Standards 139
4.13.F.1 Activity Monitoring 139
4.13.F.2 Normal Weekly Activity Reporting 140
4.13.F.3 Exception Reports 140
4.13.F.4 Investigation of Merchant 141
4.13.F.5 Acquirer Compliance 141
4.13.F.6 Fines and Penalties 141
4.13.G High-Risk Telemarketing Merchant Monitoring Standards 142
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4.13.G.1 Normal Daily Activity Reporting 142

4.13.G.2 Exception Reports 142
4.13.G.3 Investigation of Merchant 143
4.13.G.4 Acquirer Compliance 143
4.13.H Online Gambling Transaction Audit Program 143
4.13.I Online Gambling Credit Compliance Program 143
4.13.I.1 Criteria 143
4.13.I.2 Threshold Modification 144
4.13.J High-Risk Electronic Commerce Merchant Monitoring Standards 144
4.13.J.1 High-Risk Designation 144
4.13.J.2 Risk Management Review 144
4.13.J.3 Implementation Period 144
4.13.J.4 Acquirer Compliance 144
4.13.J.5 Visa Rights and Responsibilities 145
4.13.K Electronic Commerce Merchant Monitoring Program 145
4.13.L Merchant Compliance 145
4.13.L.1 Investigation of Merchant 145
4.13.L.2 Revocation of Privileges 146
4.13.L.3 Acquirer Responsibilities for Termination 146
4.13.L.4 Fees and Costs 146
4.13.M Card Recovery Bulletin 147
4.13.M.1 Acquirer Responsibility 147
4.13.M.2 Requests 147
Chapter 5: Payment Acceptance

5.1 ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
5.1.A Display of Marks 149
5.1.A.2 Merchant Websites 149
5.1.A.3 Promotional Material 150
5.1.B Honoring Cards 150
5.1.B.1 Card Types 150
5.1.B.2 Uniform Services 150
5.1.C Prohibitions 151
5.1.D Cardholder and Card Verification 151
5.1.D.1 Identification Verification 151
5.1.D.2 Uncertain Identification 153
5.1.D.3 Missing Imprint or Expired Card 153
5.1.E Authorizations 153
5.1.E.1 Transactions Below Floor Limit 153
5.1.E.2 Transactions Above Floor Limit 153
5.1.E.3 Other Required Authorizations 154
5.1.E.4 Hotel and Car Rental Transactions 155
5.1.E.5 Airline Transactions 155
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5.1.E.6 Cruise Line Transactions 156
5.1.E.7 High-Risk Telemarketing Transactions 156
5.1.E.8 Mail/Phone Order and Electronic Commerce Transactions 156
5.1.E.9 Recurring Transactions 157
5.1.E.10 Timeshare Transactions 157
5.1.E.11 Partial Authorizations 157
5.1.E.12 Automated Fuel Dispenser Transactions 158
5.1.F Data Protection Method Requirements 159
5.2 TRANSACTION RECEIPT COMPLETION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
5.2.A General Transaction Receipt Information Requirements 160
5.2.A.2 Manually Imprinted Transaction Receipts 160
5.2.A.3 Cardholder Signature 160
5.2.B Special Transaction Receipt Information Requirements 160
5.2.B.1 Delayed or Amended Charge Transactions 160
5.2.B.2 Recurring Services Transactions 161
5.2.B.3 Mail/Phone Order Transactions 161
5.2.B.4 Electronic Commerce Transactions 161
5.2.B.5 Recurring Electronic Commerce Transactions 161
5.2.B.6 Aggregated Transactions 161
5.2.B.7 Dynamic Currency Conversion 162
5.2.B.8 Returned Merchandise and Adjustments 163
5.2.B.9 Small Ticket Transaction 164
5.3 TRANSACTION RECEIPT PROCESSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
5.3.A Multiple Transaction Receipts and Partial Payments 164
5.3.B Delayed or Amended Charges 164
5.3.B.2 Special Requirements for Car Rentals 165
5.3.C Recurring Transactions 165
5.3.C.2 Prohibitions 166
5.3.D Credit Refunds 166
5.3.D.1 Restrictions 166
5.3.D.2 Credit Transaction Receipt 166
5.3.D.3 Transaction Receipt Reversal or Adjustment 166
5.3.D.4 Special Credit Refund Requirements for Timeshare Merchants 166
5.3.D.5 Returned Merchandise and Adjustments 166
5.3.E Transaction Receipt Delivery to Cardholder 167
5.3.E.1 Transaction Receipts 167
5.3.E.2 Amended Transaction Receipts 167
5.3.F Transaction Receipt Deposit 167
5.3.F.1 Deposit Restrictions 167
5.3.F.2 Deposit Location 168
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5.3.F.3 Deposit Time Limits 168

5.3.F.4 Payments to Merchants 168
5.4 SPECIAL MERCHANT PAYMENT ACCEPTANCE SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
5.4.A In-Transit Service Transaction Requirements 168
5.4.A.1 Transaction Currency 169
5.4.A.2 Merchant Description 169
5.4.A.3 Authorization Requests 169
5.4.A.4 Transaction Date 169
5.4.A.5 Transaction Receipt Delivery 170
5.4.A.6 In-Transit Terminal Requirements 170
5.4.B Gambling Transactions 170
5.4.C Online Gambling Transactions 171
5.4.C.1 Special Requirements 171
5.4.C.2 Special Website Requirements 172
5.4.D In-Transit Service Gambling 172
5.4.D.1 Transaction Restrictions 172
5.4.D.2 Authorizations 173
5.4.D.3 Cardholder Credit 173
5.4.D.4 Transaction Processing 173
5.4.E Proximity Payment Transactions 173
5.4.E.1 Proximity Payment General Requirements 173
5.4.E.2 Contactless Program Payment Requirements 173
5.4.F Small Ticket Transaction 174
5.4.F.1 Small Ticket Transaction General Requirements 174
5.4.F.2 Small Ticket Transaction Restrictions 174
5.4.F.3 Small Ticket Transaction Cardholder Verification 174
5.4.F.4 Small Ticket Transaction Receipt 174
5.4.G Aggregated Transactions for Electronic Commerce Merchants 174
5.4.G.1 Aggregated Transaction General Requirements 174
5.4.G.2 Aggregated Transaction Restrictions 175
5.4.G.3 Aggregated Transaction Cardholder Notification 175
5.4.G.4 Aggregated Transaction Receipt Requirements 175
5.4.H Merchant Outlet Requirements for Electronic Commerce and
Mail/Phone Order Merchants 175
5.4.H.1 Disclosure of Merchant Outlet Country 176
5.4.H.2 Determination of Merchant Outlet 176
5.4.I Internet Payment Service Providers 176
5.4.I.1 General Requirements for Internet Payment Service Providers 176
5.4.I.2 Internet Payment Service Provider and Sponsored
Merchant Name 176
5.4.I.3 Internet Payment Service Provider Customer Support 177
5.4.I.4 Internet Payment Service Provider Liability 177
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5.4.J Installment Transactions 177
5.4.J.1 General Requirements 177
5.4.J.2 Liability for Installment Transactions 178
5.4.K Load Transactions and Buy-a-Card Transactions 178
5.4.L Visa Prepaid Load Service 178
5.4.L.1 Visa Prepaid Load Service General Requirements 178
5.4.L.2 Visa Prepaid Load Partner Requirements 178
5.4.M Account Funding Transactions 179
5.4.N Quasi-Cash Transactions 179
5.4.N.1 General 179
5.4.N.2 Validation of Cardholder Identity 179
5.4.N.3 Wire Transfer Money Order Merchants 179
5.4.O Sale of Visa Travelers Cheques and Foreign Currency 179
5.4.P Scrip 180
5.4.Q Delayed Delivery Transactions 180
5.4.Q.1 Authorization 180
5.4.Q.2 Transaction Receipt Deposits 180
5.4.R Hotel Reservation Service 180
5.4.R.1 General Requirements 180
5.4.R.2 Billing Information 180
5.4.R.3 Accommodation Information 180
5.4.R.4 Reservation Confirmation 181
5.4.R.5 Cancellation Period 181
5.4.R.6 Cancellation Confirmation 181
5.4.R.7 Unclaimed Accommodations 182
5.4.R.8 Unavailable Accommodations 182
5.4.S Advance Deposit Service 182
5.4.S.1 General Requirements 182
5.4.S.2 Billing Information 182
5.4.S.3 Reservation Information 183
5.4.S.4 Reservation Confirmation 183
5.4.S.5 Transaction Receipt Completion 183
5.4.S.6 Transaction Receipt Delivery to Cardholder 184
5.4.S.7 Cancellation Period 184
5.4.S.8 Cancellation Confirmation 184
5.4.S.9 Unavailable Hotel Accommodations 184
5.4.S.10 Unavailable Cruise Line Accommodations 184
5.4.T Priority Check-out Service 185
5.4.T.1 General Requirements 185
5.4.T.2 Transaction Receipt and Priority Check-out Agreement
Completion 185
5.4.T.3 Transaction Receipt Delivery 185
5.4.T.4 Document Retention 185
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5.4.U Cruise Line On-Board Casinos 186

5.4.V Hotel or Cruise Line Cash Disbursements 186
5.4.W Cash-Back Services 186
5.4.X Specialized Vehicle Reservation Service 186
5.4.X.1 General Requirements 186
5.4.X.2 Billing Information 187
5.4.X.3 Reservation Information 187
5.4.X.4 Reservation Confirmation 187
5.4.X.5 Cancellation Period 187
5.4.X.6 Cancellation Confirmation 187
5.4.X.7 Unclaimed Specialized Vehicles 188
5.4.X.8 Unavailable Specialized Vehicles 188
5.4.Y Cheque Acceptance 188
5.4.Y.1 General 188
5.4.Y.2 Encashment Procedure 188
5.4.Y.3 Encashment Limitations 189
5.5 CARD RECOVERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
5.5.A Recovered Card Procedures 189
5.5.B Reasons for Card Recovery 189
5.5.C Notification of Recovered Cards 189
5.5.D Rewards Paid by Acquirer for Recovered Cards 189
5.5.E Merchant Monitoring Programs—Compliance 190
Chapter 6: Payment Services

6.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
6.1.A BIN Processing 191
6.1.B Use of VisaNet 191
6.1.B.1 Proprietary Interest 191
6.1.B.2 Confidentiality 191
6.1.B.3 Non-Assignable Right 191
6.1.B.4 Restricted Use 191
6.1.B.6 Visa Extended Access 191
6.1.B.7 BASE II Edit Package 192
6.1.B.8 Support 192
6.1.C Single Message System 192
6.2 AUTHORIZATION, CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
6.2.A Authorization Transactions 193
6.2.A.1 General Authorization Requirements 193
6.2.A.2 Responsibility for Losses 193
6.2.A.3 Responsibility for Telephone, Fax, and Telex Calls 193
6.2.A.4 Currency Conversion 193
6.2.A.5 Online Financial Transactions 194
xx 15 November 2008 **VISA PUBLIC** Visa International Operating Regulations, Volume I—General Rules
6.2.B General Clearing Requirements 194
6.2.B.1 Applicability 194
6.2.B.2 Required Interchange through VisaNet 194
6.2.C Clearing Requirements through VisaNet 194
6.2.C.1 Interchange Sent via VisaNet Access Point 194
6.2.C.3 Exception for Domestic Interchange 195
6.2.C.4 Notification of Duplicate Data: Through VisaNet 195
6.2.C.5 Notification of Duplicate Data: Exceptions for
Private Agreements 196
6.2.C.6 Member Reversal of Duplicate Data: Through VisaNet 196
6.2.C.7 Member Reversal of Duplicate Data: Exceptions for
Private Agreements 197
6.2.C.8 Member Reversal or Adjustment of Credit Transactions
through VisaNet 197
6.2.C.9 File Correction Service 197
Chapter 7: Transaction Receipt Retrieval, Chargebacks, and

Representments
7.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199
7.2 MUTUAL ASSISTANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199
7.3 TRANSACTION RECEIPT RETRIEVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199
7.3.A Request for Transaction Receipt Copy 199
7.3.B Transaction Receipt Retention 200
7.3.C Transaction Receipt Request and Fulfillment Data 200
7.3.C.1 Minimum Data Requirements 200
7.3.C.2 Transaction Fulfillment Document Requirements — Small
Ticket Transaction 201
7.3.C.3 Transaction Receipt Fulfillment Documents—Data Requirements 201
7.3.D VisaNet Copy Request and Fulfillment Service 204
7.3.D.1 Acquirer Responsibilities 204
7.3.D.2 Issuer Rights 205
7.3.E Acquirer Discrepancy Notification 205
7.3.E.1 Request Discrepancy or Data Omission 205
7.3.E.2 Issuer Responsibilities 205
7.3.F Retrieval Fees 205
7.3.F.1 Fees 205
7.3.F.2 Fee Recovery 205
7.4 CHARGEBACKS AND REPRESENTMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
7.4.A Chargeback and Representment Process 206
7.4.B Chargeback and Representment Transmission 206
7.4.B.1 Clearing and Settlement 206
7.4.B.2 Documentation 206
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7.4.C Chargeback Reduction Service 207

7.4.C.1 Overview 207
7.4.C.2 Return of BASE II Presentment 207
7.4.C.3 Return of Chargeback 207
7.4.D Chargeback 207
7.4.D.1 Attempt to Settle 207
7.4.D.2 Chargeback Dispute Groups and Time Limits 208
7.4.D.3 Reasons and Time Limits for Specific Transaction Types 211
7.4.D.4 Chargeback Time Limits 213
7.4.D.5 Transaction Chargeback Method 213
7.4.E Processing Requirements 214
7.4.E.1 Chargeback Documentation 214
7.4.E.2 Chargeback Amount 214
7.4.E.3 Currency Conversion 214
7.5 REPRESENTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
7.5.A Representment Reasons, Conditions, and Time Limits 215
7.5.A.1 Representment Documentation Requirements 216
7.5.A.2 Representment Amount 216
7.6 CHARGEBACK REASON CODES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
7.7 ARBITRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
7.7.A Reason 222
7.7.B Pre-Arbitration Conditions 222
7.7.B.1 Pre-Arbitration Attempt 222
7.7.B.2 Pre-Arbitration Response 222
7.7.B.3 Pre-Arbitration Acceptance or Rebuttal 223
7.7.C Arbitration Process 223
7.7.C.1 Filing Reasons 223
7.7.C.2 Filing Procedures 223
7.7.C.3 Invalid Request 224
7.7.C.4 Valid Request 225
7.7.C.5 Appeal Rights 226
7.7.C.6 Appeal Filing Fee 227
7.7.C.7 Finality of Decision on Appeal 227
7.8 COMPLIANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
7.9 FILING CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
7.10 PRE-COMPLIANCE CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
7.10.A Pre-Compliance Attempt 228
7.10.C Data Compromise Recovery 228
7.10.D Pre-Compliance Acceptance or Rebuttal 228
7.10.D.1 Pre-Compliance Acceptance 228
7.10.D.2 Pre-Compliance Rebuttal 228
7.10.D.3 Pre-Compliance Response 228
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7.11 COMPLIANCE PROCESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
7.11.A Filing Reasons 229
7.11.A.1 Chargeback Reduction Service Return 229
7.11.A.2 Hotel Reservation Service or Specialized Vehicle
Reservation Service Transaction 229
7.11.A.5 Copy Fulfillment 230
7.11.A.6 Delayed or Amended Charges 230
7.11.A.7 Timeshare Transactions 230
7.11.A.8 Card Acceptance Violations 230
7.11.A.9 Non-Card 230
7.11.A.10 Electronic Commerce Transaction (Attempts Authentication) 230
7.11.B Filing Procedures 231
7.11.B.1 Filing Authority 231
7.11.B.2 Time Limits 231
7.11.B.3 Required Documentation 232
7.11.B.4 Filing Fee 232
7.11.B.5 Notification 232
7.11.C Invalid Request 232
7.11.C.1 Group Member 232
7.11.C.2 Visa 233
7.11.D Valid Request 233
7.11.D.1 Visa Notification 233
7.11.D.2 Opposing Member’s Response 233
7.11.D.3 Requesting Member’s Withdrawal 233
7.11.D.4 Visa Compliance Decision 234
7.11.D.5 Financial Liability 234
7.11.E Appeal Rights 235
7.11.E.1 Appeal Amount 235
7.11.E.2 Time Limits 235
7.11.E.3 Appeal Filing Fee 235
7.11.E.4 Finality of Decision on Appeal 235
7.12 INTERCHANGE REIMBURSEMENT FEE COMPLIANCE
(EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 2008) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236
7.13 INTERCHANGE REIMBURSEMENT FEE FILING CONDITIONS
(EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 2008) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236
7.13.A Eligibility Criteria 236
7.13.B Transaction Aggregation Criteria 237
7.13.C Transaction Aggregation Limit 237
7.14 INTERCHANGE REIMBURSEMENT FEE COMPLIANCE GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS (EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 2008) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237
7.14.A Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening 237
7.14.A.1 Correspondence 237
7.14.A.2 Filing Period 238
7.14.A.3 Certification 238
15 November 2008 **VISA PUBLIC** Visa International Operating Regulations, Volume I—General Rules xxiii
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7.14.A.4 Visa Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance

Screening Decision 238
7.14.A.5 Invalid Requests—Compliance Screening 239
7.14.A.6 Re-submitting an Interchange Reimbursement Fee
Compliance Request 239
7.14.A.7 Fees 240
7.14.B Interchange Reimbursement Fee Pre-Compliance 240
7.14.B.1 Attempt to Resolve 240
7.14.B.2 Delivery of Pre-Compliance Documentation 241
7.14.B.3 Time Limit 241
7.14.C Pre-Compliance Acceptance 242
7.14.D Filing Compliance 242
7.15 INTERCHANGE REIMBURSEMENT FEE COMPLIANCE PROCESS
(EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 2008) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
7.15.A Filing Reasons 242
7.15.B Filing Procedures 242
7.15.B.1 Required Documentation 242
7.15.B.2 Filing Time Limits 242
7.15.B.3 Delivery 243
7.15.B.4 Review Fee 243
7.15.C Invalid Requests—Compliance Process 243
7.15.D Compliance Filing Withdrawal 243
7.15.E Visa Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Decision 243
7.15.E.1 Visa Review 243
7.15.E.2 Financial Liability 244
7.15.E.3 Collection and Settlement 244
7.15.E.4 Exchange Rate Risk 244
7.15.F Appeal Rights 245
7.15.F.1 Time Limits 245
7.15.F.2 Appeal Fee 245
7.15.F.3 Appeal Decision 245
Chapter 10: Card and Marks Requirements

10.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
10.2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
10.2.A Graphic Reproduction of Visa-Owned Marks 247
10.2.A.1 Approval 247
10.2.A.2 Usage Requirements 247
10.2.B Visa-Owned Marks 247
10.2.B.1 The Visa Brand Mark 247
10.2.B.2 The Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier 248
10.2.B.3 Plus Program Marks 249
10.2.B.4 V PAY Brand Mark 249
xxiv 15 November 2008 **VISA PUBLIC** Visa International Operating Regulations, Volume I—General Rules
10.3 PRODUCT NAMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250
10.3.A The Visa Platinum Product Name 250
10.3.B The Visa Infinite Product Name 250
10.3.C The Visa Commercial Card Product Name 250
10.3.D The V Distribution Identifier 251
10.4 NON-CARD USE OF VISA-OWNED MARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
10.4.A Use at a Point-of-Transaction 251
10.4.B Merchant Outlets and Member Locations 251
10.5 CARD REPRODUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
10.6 CARD MANUFACTURER REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
10.7 EXTRANEOUS MARKINGS IN CARD PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
10.8 ELECTRONIC CARD-READING TECHNOLOGIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252
10.8.A Overview 252
10.8.B Chip Card Technology 252
10.8.B.2 Encoding and Personalization Requirements 252
10.8.C Magnetic-Stripe Technology 253
10.8.C.1 Orientation 253
10.8.C.2 Magnetic-Stripe Encoding 253
10.8.C.3 Card Verification Value 253
10.8.C.4 Visa Electron Cards 253
10.9 CARD FEATURE REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254
10.9.A Additional Card Feature Specifications 255
10.9.A.1 Vehicle-Specific Fleet Card 255
10.9.A.2 Expiration Date and Card Symbol 255
10.9.B Visa Electron Cards 255
10.10 OTHER CARD SECURITY FEATURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255
10.10.A Chip Cards 255
10.10.A.1 Specifications 255
10.10.A.2 Placement 255
10.10.B Printing of Card Verification Value 2 256
10.10.B.1 Visa Cards 256
10.10.B.2 Visa Electron Cards 256
10.11 MULTIPLE MARKS ON CARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
10.11.A Hierarchy of Marks 256
10.11.B Other Brand Marks 256
10.12 MARKS FOR VISA CARDS AND VISA ELECTRON CARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .257
10.13 PLUS PROGRAM MARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .257
10.14 TRADE NAME AND MARK REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258
10.14.A Chip Cards 258
10.14.A.1 Visa or Visa Electron Payment Application 258
10.14.A.2 Chip Cards Bearing a Visa-Owned Mark 258
15 November 2008 **VISA PUBLIC** Visa International Operating Regulations, Volume I—General Rules xxv
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10.14.B Visa Cards 258

10.14.B.1 Member Identification 258
10.14.B.2 Use of Non-Member Marks 258
10.14.C Visa Electron Cards 259
10.14.C.1 Use of Non-Member Marks 259
10.14.C.2 Restricted Use 259
10.14.D Cards Bearing the Plus Symbol 259
10.15 CARD DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
10.15.A Visa Cards 260
10.15.B Visa Electron Card bearing the Visa Brand Mark with the
Electron Identifier 260
10.15.C Non-Standard Cards 260
10.15.D Cards Bearing the Plus Symbol 260
10.15.E Virtual Account Reference Cards 261
10.15.F Proximity Payment Device Requirements 261
Appendix B—Merchant Data Standards

Appendix D—Defined Terms
xxvi 15 November 2008 **VISA PUBLIC** Visa International Operating Regulations, Volume I—General Rules
1 General Regulations
1.1 HIERARCHY OF VISA REGULATORY PUBLICATIONS
1.1.A Visa International By-Laws

The Visa International By-Laws specify the minimum standards with which Members must
comply unless the International Board specifically grants a variance. Visa U.S.A. Inc. and Visa
Canada have separate by-laws governing their Members. In addition, the Visa International
By-Laws delegate certain authority to the Regional Boards.
1.1.B Visa International Operating Regulations

The Visa International Operating Regulations specifies the common rules with which
Members must comply when operating and participating in the Visa, Visa Electron, Visa Cash,
Plus, Interlink, and Visa TravelMoney Programs, unless Visa specifically grants a variance.
These rules may, in some cases, be modified by Regional, National, or Group Member
Operating Regulations.
The Visa International Operating Regulations consists of 6 volumes:
• Volume I—General Rules specifies the general rules that Members must follow to
participate in the Visa, Visa Electron, Plus, and Visa TravelMoney Programs
• Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules governs a Member’s attempts to resolve disputes

and the processes available to the Member if its resolution efforts are unsuccessful
• Volume III—Card and Marks Specifications provides specifications in conjunction with

Volume I—General Rules, Chapter 10, "Card and Marks Requirements", and the Visa
Product Brand Standards Web site
• Volume IV—Interlink Program Operating Regulations specifies the general rules that
Members must follow to participate in the Interlink Program
• Volume V–Visa Cash Program Operating Regulations specifies the general rules that
Members must follow to participate in the Visa Cash Program
• Visa International Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws—Referred to throughout

the Visa International Operating Regulations as the Visa International By-Laws.
See About the Visa International Operating Regulations for details about the contents of the
Visa International Operating Regulations.
15 November 2008 **VISA PUBLIC** Visa International Operating Regulations, Volume I—General Rules 1
1.1.D Extensions to the Visa International Operating 1.1.E.3 Emergency Variances

Regulations
1.1.D Extensions to the Visa International Operating Regulations

1.1.D.1 Description
The requirements in the publications when referenced in the Visa International
Operating Regulations, have the same authority as the Visa International Operating
Regulations. They are binding upon participants in the services referenced. The Visa
International Operating Regulations governs in the event of any inconsistency or
contradiction, unless the International Board specifically grants a variance.
1.1.E Variances to the Visa International Operating Regulations

1.1.E.1 Board Powers
The International Board, by a majority vote of the directors in attendance at any meeting
of the Board of Directors where a quorum is present, may adopt, amend, or repeal
variances to the Visa International Operating Regulations to expand markets in
previously uncommitted countries or to attract new Members.
1.1.E.2 Variances
A request for a variance to the Visa International Operating Regulations must be
submitted to the International Board for approval if the variance meets any of the
following criteria:
• Undermines the integrity of the Visa brand
• Contravenes a Visa core business principle, e.g., the “honor all Cards” rule
• Impacts fee rates
All other variances, including pilot program variances, that do not affect any of these
criteria are subject to approval by Visa.
1.1.E.3 Emergency Variances

1.1.E.3.a The President of Visa International may direct Visa to grant a Member an emergency
variance to a specific operating regulation if the Member cannot comply due to
circumstances beyond its control, such as:
• Natural disasters
• Acts of war
• Government restrictions due to political unrest
1.1.E.3.b An emergency variance must not exceed 120 calendar days without International
Board consent.
2 15 November 2008 **VISA PUBLIC** Visa International Operating Regulations, Volume I—General Rules
1.2 USE AND APPLICATION OF THE VISA 1.4 CONFIDENTIALITY
INTERNATIONAL OPERATING REGULATIONS
1.2 USE AND APPLICATION OF THE VISA INTERNATIONAL

OPERATING REGULATIONS
The Visa International Operating Regulations govern the relationship between Visa and its
Members and their agents. The Visa International Operating Regulations do not constitute a third-
party beneficiary contract as to any entity or person, nor do they constitute a contract, promise or
representation, or confer any rights, privileges, or claims of any kind, as to any third parties. Visa
reserves the right to amend, modify, delete or otherwise change the Visa International Operating
Regulations at any time, and such changes, if made after the publication date noted in the Visa
International Operating Regulations, will not appear in such Visa International Operating
Regulations. Such changes will be reflected in the next published version of the Visa International
1.3 APPLICABLE LAWS

A Member must comply with applicable laws and 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 International Operating Regulations and any applicable law, the requirements of applicable
law govern.
SEE ALSO:
• Section 3.1.B
• Section 4.1.B.1
1.4 CONFIDENTIALITY
A Visa Member must:
• Maintain Visa confidential information in strict confidence
• Not disclose any Visa confidential information
• Store and handle Visa confidential information in such a way as to prevent unauthorized
disclosure
• Take reasonable measures to protect Visa confidential information and treat it with at least the
degree of care with which a Member treats its own confidential and proprietary information
• Disclose Visa confidential information only to those employees with specific need to know
Disclosure to contractors of technical specifications is subject to Section 6.1.B.2.
1.5 VISA RIGHTS 1.5.B Member Obligations
1.5 VISA RIGHTS
1.5.A Right to Monitor, Audit, Inspect, and Investigate

Visa may:
• Inspect the premises of a Member or its agents or Merchants at any time and charge the
Member a fee for this inspection
• Conduct an investigation or onsite review at the Member’s expense
• Audit the records and procedures of any Issuer, and Merchant with which it has contracted
to sell Visa Prepaid Cards, including, but not limited to:
For Issuers:
- Shipping and storage security procedures
- Procedures for issuance and distribution

For Issuer’s Merchant with which it has contracted to sell Visa Prepaid Cards:
- Shipping and storage security procedures for Visa Prepaid Cards
- Procedures for issuance and distribution of Visa Prepaid Cards

For Visa Corporate and Visa Purchasing Card Issuers, Visa may also audit the records and
procedures of the Issuer and of other agents or entities participating in the Issuer’s
multinational programs.
• Monitor and inspect the security and quality control procedures of each Approved
Manufacturer and Third-Party Personalizer
• Audit and review the premises of an Approved Manufacturer or Third-Party Personalizer

without notice at any time and request a production-run sample of both:
- Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards
- Security features of Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards
• Monitor an Acquirer to determine disproportionate fraud-to-sales ratios
• Conduct security inspections at any agent or Merchant location that has excessive Fraud
Activity
1.5.B Member Obligations

A Member or its agent, or a Merchant must cooperate fully with Visa in an investigation or
onsite review. This cooperation includes providing access to the premises and to all pertinent
records and releasing any information to Visa upon request.
1.6 REGULATION ENFORCEMENT 1.6.C.1 Repetitive Violations
1.6 REGULATION ENFORCEMENT

Visa may use the enforcement mechanisms outlined in this section for violations of the Visa
International Operating Regulations. This section also specifies the procedure for the allegation and
investigation of violations, and the rules and schedules for fines and penalties.
1.6.A Visa International Operating Regulations and Visa International By-Laws

Visa may levy fines and penalties as specified in the Visa International Operating Regulations.
Visa officers will enforce these fines and penalties.
1.6.B Fines and Penalties Process

1.6.B.1 Allegations
Allegations of violations may be brought by any of the following:
• The International Board or a committee appointed by the International Board
• The Regional Office
• A Regional Board or Regional President, as applicable, or committee appointed by
the Regional Board or Regional President
• A Regional Management Committee
• A Member
• A Visa officer
1.6.B.2 Investigation
Visa officers will investigate allegations and either:
• Notify the Member that no substantial violation has been committed
• Make a determination that a substantial violation has been committed and refer the
matter for further action
1.6.B.3 Notification
1.6.B.3.a Decisions taken will be recorded and reported to the appropriate Visa officer for
Member Notification and enforcement.
1.6.B.3.b If a violation is found to have occurred, the Member will be promptly notified of the
violation and action taken as a result.
1.6.C Fines and Penalties Rules

1.6.C.1 Repetitive Violations
Repetitive violations of the Visa International Operating Regulations incur heavier fines
or other actions, as specified in Section 1.6.D. A violation of any section qualifies as a
repetitive violation only if the violating Member does not correct it by the date specified
in the Notification.
1.6.C.2 Time Period 1.6.C.3 Willful Violations
1.6.C.2 Time Period

Penalties pursuant to Section 1.6.D increase for repetitive violations within any 12-month
period. The 12-month period begins on the date of the most recent Notification of the
violation and ends following a 12-month period free of violations of that regulation.
1.6.C.3 Willful Violations

In addition to the fines or penalties specified in Section 1.6.D, a Member found to have
willfully violated the Visa International Operating Regulations, adversely affecting the
goodwill associated with Visa System products and services, the operation of the Visa
Systems, or the operations of other Members will be subject to a further fine. A violation
is considered “willful” if the Member knew, or its knowledge can be fairly implied, that its
conduct constituted a violation of the Visa International Operating Regulations.
When determining the amount of a fine specified in this section, in addition to the criteria
in the previous paragraph, the following will be considered:
• Type of violation
• Nature of the damage, including the amount incurred by Visa and its Members
• Repetitive nature of the violation
• Member history or prior conduct
• Effect of the assessment upon the safety and soundness of the Visa system and the
Member
• Any other criteria Visa deems appropriate
Prior to a decision that a “willful” violation occurred, a Member will have the right to
introduce any evidence in support of its position.
1.6.D Fines and Penalties Schedule 1.6.D.2 Penalties for Non-Compliance with the
Verified by Visa Global Performance Enhancement
Program
1.6.D Fines and Penalties Schedule

1.6.D.1 General
The fines listed in the following table are in addition to any other fines or penalties
specified in the Visa International Operating Regulations.
Table 1-1: General Schedule of Fines
Violation Fine
First violation of regulation Warning letter with specific date for

correction and US $500 fine
Second violation of same regulation in a 12-month US $5,000 fine

period after Notification of first violation
Third violation of same regulation in a 12-month US $10,000 fine

Fourth violation of same regulation in a 12-month US $25,000 fine

5 or more violations of same regulation in a 12-month International Board discretion

If the 12-month period is not violation-free and the Additional fine equal to all fines levied
fines total US $25,000 or more during that 12-month period
1.6.D.2 Penalties for Non-Compliance with the Verified by Visa Global Performance
Enhancement Program
Issuers, Acquirers, or their Merchants that conduct Verified by Visa Transactions must
comply with the requirements of the Verified by Visa Global Performance Enhancement
Program, as specified in both the:
• Verified by Visa Acquirer and Merchant Implementation Guide
• Verified by Visa Issuer Implementation Guide
If Visa determines that an Issuer, an Acquirer, or its Merchant has failed to meet the
requirements of the Verified by Visa Global Performance Enhancement Program, the
Member is subject to the fines and penalties in Section 1.6.D.1, Table 1-1.
SEE ALSO:
• Section 3.3.D
• Section 4.8.D.2
1.6.D.3 Penalties for Member Failure to Comply with Table 1-2: Acquirer Penalties for Non-Compliance
the Data Quality Compliance Program with the Data Quality Compliance Program
1.6.D.3 Penalties for Member Failure to Comply with the Data Quality Compliance
Program
1.6.D.3.a An Acquirer must ensure that all Authorization Requests and Clearing Records
contain complete and valid data. If data is missing or incorrect, an Acquirer may be
subject to the Data Quality Compliance Program.
1.6.D.3.b Table 1-2 specifies the fines and penalties applicable to an Acquirer if Visa
determines that the Acquirer has failed to meet the requirements of the Data Quality
Compliance Program.
SEE ALSO:
• Section 4.5.B.2
• Section 4.9.A.1
• BASE I Technical Specifications
• SMS POS (Visa & Visa Electron) Technical Specifications
Table 1-2: Acquirer Penalties for Non-Compliance with the Data Quality Compliance Program
Violation Time Period Visa Action or Fine
Problem Not Resolved After Second Notification Letter
Problem not resolved after 60 calendar days US $5,000

receipt of Notification
Problem not resolved after 90 calendar days US $10,000

receipt of Notification
Problem not resolved after 120 calendar days, plus every US $25,000 per month
receipt of Notification 30 calendar days for each
subsequent month until
compliance is achieved
Resolution Date Not Met
Problem not resolved by the Agreed-upon resolution date US $5,000

agreed-upon date
Problem not resolved Within 30 calendar days of the US $10,000

agreed-upon resolution date
Problem not resolved Within 60 calendar days of the US $25,000 per month
agreed-upon resolution date, plus
every 30 calendar days for each
subsequent month until
compliance is achieved
1.6.D.6 Acquirer Penalties for Incorrect Use of Table 1-4: Acquirer Penalties for Incorrect Use of
Electronic Commerce Transaction Indicator Values Electronic Commerce Transaction Indicator Values
1.6.D.6 Acquirer Penalties for Incorrect Use of Electronic Commerce Transaction

Indicator Values
An Acquirer is subject to the penalties specified in Table 1-4 if an Electronic Commerce
Transaction is not identified with the correct Electronic Commerce Transaction indicator
values specified in the following exhibits:
• BASE II Record Requirements (Exhibit 2L)
• Required Message Content for VisaNet Financial Transactions (Exhibit 3A)
• Required Message Content for VisaNet Authorization Requests (Exhibit 3B)
Table 1-4: Acquirer Penalties for Incorrect Use of Electronic Commerce Transaction Indicator
Values
Violation Visa Action, Notification, or Fine
Warning Notification of violation with specific date for

correction, not to exceed 3 months
Uncorrected Violation Acquirer assessed US $5,000 fine per Merchant

(Month 4) identified
Uncorrected Violation Acquirer assessed US $10,000 fine per

(Month 5) Merchant identified
Uncorrected Violation Acquirer assessed US $25,000 fine each month

(Months 6-12) per Merchant identified
Uncorrected Violation Visa may suspend the Merchant from

(Months 13-18) participation in the Visa Program
Uncorrected Violation Visa may permanently disqualify the Merchant

(Month 19 and subsequent months) from participation in the Visa Program
1.6.D.7 Penalties for Incorrectly Identifying Table 1-6: Penalties for Merchant Violations of the
Authorization Requests for Online Gambling Online Gambling Credit Compliance Program
Transactions
1.6.D.7 Penalties for Incorrectly Identifying Authorization Requests for Online Gambling
Transactions
1.6.D.7.a An Acquirer is subject to the penalties specified in Table 1-5 if an Authorization
Request for an Online Gambling Transaction contains incorrect data or fails to include
both:
• Merchant Category Code 7995, as specified in Section 5.4.C
• POS Condition Code 59, as specified in Required Message Content for VisaNet
Authorization Requests (Exhibit 3B)
Table 1-5: Acquirer Penalties for Failure to Correctly Identify Authorization Requests for Online
Gambling Transactions
Violation Month Visa Action or Fine
Uncorrected Violation Month 1 US $25,000 fine per Merchant URL or

Sponsored Merchant URL identified
Uncorrected Violation Month 2 in a 12-month US $50,000 fine per Merchant URL or

period Sponsored Merchant URL identified
Uncorrected Violation Month 3 in a 12-month US $100,000 fine per Merchant URL or

period Sponsored Merchant URL identified
Uncorrected Violation Month 4 and subsequent Visa may permanently disqualify the Merchant
months in a 12-month or IPSP from participation in the Visa Program
period
1.6.D.7.b Visa may prohibit an Acquirer from contracting with a new Online Gambling Merchant
for a period of 1 year or more if the Acquirer has 1 or more non-compliant Merchants
identified for any 4 or more months during a 12-month period.
1.6.D.8 Penalties for Online Gambling Credit Compliance Program

An Acquirer is subject to the penalties specified in Table 1-6 for an Online Gambling
Merchant in the Online Gambling Credit Compliance Program, as specified in
Section 4.13.I.1
Table 1-6: Penalties for Merchant Violations of the Online Gambling Credit Compliance Program
Violation Visa Action or Fine
Uncorrected violation up to 3 months in a US $50 per credit over the 5% threshold

12-month period
Uncorrected violation 4 or more months in a Visa may permanently disqualify the Merchant
12-month period from participation in the Visa Program
One or more non-compliant Merchants Visa may prohibit the Acquirer from contracting
identified for 4 or more months in a 12-month with a new Online Gambling Merchant for a
period period of 1 year or more
1
This excludes Merchants participating in the Cardholder Funds Transfer pilot program.
1.6.D.9 Penalty for Member Failure to Report Fraud Table 1-8: Fines for Failure to Complete the PIN
Security Requirements Self-Audit or Self-Audit
Compliance Statement, or Respond to Non-
1.6.D.9 Penalty for Member Failure to Report Fraud

If a Member is deemed non-compliant as specified in Section 3.13.A.4, the Member is
subject to a penalty, as specified in Table 1-7.
Table 1-7: Penalties for Failure to Report
Suspension of Fraud Fine (Minimum Onsite Member

Occurrence Warning Letter
Chargeback Rights1 Amount) Audit
First Yes Not applicable $0 Not applicable
Second Yes Not applicable $0 Not applicable
Third Not applicable 90 calendar days US $25,000 Not applicable
Fourth Not applicable 180 calendar days US $50,000 Yes
Fifth Not applicable Indefinite until Regional decision Not applicable

compliance achieved based upon
reevaluation
1. Chargeback reason codes will be determined by the appropriate Visa Regional Office, as specified in the applicable
Regional Operating Regulations.
1.6.D.10 Penalty for Member Failure to Complete PIN Security Requirements Self-Audit or
Self-Audit Compliance Statement, or Respond to Non-Compliance Notification
A Member is subject to the fines specified in Table 1-8 if the Member fails to comply with
Section 2.1.E and do the following:
• Complete and return the “PIN Security Requirements Self-Audit” form
• Complete and return the “PIN Security Requirements Self-Audit Compliance
Statement”
• Respond to a non-compliance Notification
Table 1-8: Fines for Failure to Complete the PIN Security Requirements Self-Audit or
Self-Audit Compliance Statement, or Respond to Non-Compliance Notification
Calendar Days Fine
Annual due date + 29 calendar days No fine
Due date + 30 calendar days to 59 calendar days US $10,000 fine
Due date + 120 calendar days and every 30 calendar US $25,000 fine
days onward
1.6.D.11 Acquirer Penalties for Merchants Identified 1.6.D.12 Penalties for Member Failure to Comply
as High Risk Exceeding Acceptable Chargeback with the Electronic Commerce Merchant Monitoring
Ratios Program
1.6.D.11 Acquirer Penalties for Merchants Identified as High Risk Exceeding Acceptable
Chargeback Ratios
Table 1-9 specifies the penalties per International Chargeback for Acquirers of High-Risk
Merchants placed in the Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program.
Table 1-9: High-Risk Chargeback Monitoring Program—Acquirer Penalties
Event Month Visa Action or Fine
Merchant meets or exceeds the Months 1-3 US $100 per Chargeback per month
specified Chargeback ratio1 for each identified Merchant Outlet
Merchant meets or exceeds the Months 4-6 US $150 per Chargeback per month
specified Chargeback ratio1 for each identified Merchant Outlet
Merchant meets or exceeds the Month 7 and US $150 per Chargeback per month
specified Chargeback ratio1 subsequent months for each identified Merchant Outlet
and Visa may disqualify the Merchant
from participation in the Visa Program
Merchant meets or exceeds the Visa may disqualify the Merchant from
specified Chargeback ratio1 without an participation in the Visa Program
effective Chargeback reduction plan,
and 2 of the following levels of
Chargeback activity are reached:
• Merchant’s Chargeback ratio is 2 or Single month

more times the specified Chargeback
ratio
• Merchant is assessed fees for 3,000 Single month

or more Chargebacks
• Merchant is assessed US $1 million When reached

or more in Global Merchant
Chargeback Monitoring Program
fees
Acquirer does not identify a High-Risk When violation occurs US $25,000 per Merchant per month
Merchant with the correct Merchant
Category Code, as specified in
Section 2.3.H.3.a
1. The Chargeback ratio threshold is 2.0%.
1.6.D.12 Penalties for Member Failure to Comply with the Electronic Commerce Merchant
Monitoring Program
An Acquirer is subject to the penalties specified in Table 1-10 if it fails to terminate a
Merchant, Internet Payment Service Provider (IPSP), or Sponsored Merchant that
displays a Visa-Owned Mark on its Website or accepts Cards for the purchase or trade
of child pornography.
SEE ALSO:
Section 4.1.C.5.b
Table 1-10: Acquirer Penalties for Non-Compliance Table 1-10: Acquirer Penalties for Non-Compliance
with the Electronic Commerce Merchant Monitoring with the Electronic Commerce Merchant Monitoring
Program Program
Table 1-10: Acquirer Penalties for Non-Compliance with the Electronic Commerce Merchant
Monitoring Program
Event Visa Action or Fine
Merchant or its principals, IPSP, or Sponsored Notification of violation sent to Acquirer

Merchant identified for 1 month in a 12-month
period
Merchant or its principals, IPSP, or Sponsored US $50,000 per Merchant URL or Sponsored
Merchant not terminated within 7 calendar days Merchant URL
of Notification
Same Merchant or its principals, IPSP, or US $50,000 per Merchant URL or Sponsored
Sponsored Merchant identified for any 2 months Merchant URL
in a 12-month period
Same Merchant or its principals, IPSP, or US $50,000 per Merchant URL or Sponsored
Sponsored Merchant identified for any 3 months Merchant URL, plus an additional US $250,000
in a 12-month period fine
Same Merchant or its principals, IPSP, or Both:

Sponsored Merchant identified for any 4 months • US $50,000 per Merchant URL or Sponsored
in a 12-month period Merchant URL, plus an additional US
$250,000 fine
• Visa may prohibit the Acquirer from
contracting with a new Electronic Commerce
Merchant or IPSP for a period of 1 year or
more

$250,000 fine
• Visa may both:
- Require the Acquirer to terminate all existing
Electronic Commerce Merchants and IPSPs
- Prohibit the Acquirer from contracting with a
new Electronic Commerce Merchant or
IPSP

$250,000 fine
• Visa may revoke the Member’s acquiring
privileges
1.6.D.13 Penalties for Member Failure to Comply Table 1-11: Member Penalties for Non-Compliance
with the Chip Interoperability Compliance Program with the Chip Interoperability Compliance Program
1.6.D.13 Penalties for Member Failure to Comply with the Chip Interoperability Compliance
Program
1.6.D.13.a The Chip Interoperability Compliance Program provides the framework for a Member
or Member’s agent identified with high-severity Chip interoperability problems to
establish an agreed-upon resolution plan and effect a timely resolution. Visa requires
the Chip Interoperability Compliance Program when Visa determines that progress
toward an agreed-upon resolution is no longer acceptable.
1.6.D.13.b A Member is subject to the penalties specified in Table 1-11 if Visa determines that
the Member or Member’s agent has violated the Chip Interoperability Compliance
Program by failing to either:
• Establish and commit to an agreed-upon Chip interoperability resolution plan
• Make satisfactory progress toward an agreed-upon Chip interoperability resolution
plan
SEE ALSO:
• Section 3.3.A.1.c
• Section 4.4.C.1.b
Table 1-11: Member Penalties for Non-Compliance with the Chip Interoperability Compliance
Program
Initial identification and Month 1 Member receives Notification that Visa will take
confirmation of a violation action if the situation is not addressed to the
satisfaction of Visa within 30 calendar days
Unaddressed violation Month 2 Visa discontinues any Member incentives

associated with deployment of products that
have been identified as contributors to
interoperability problems. Visa may also
suspend other incentives.
Visa issues a second Notification that fines may

apply if the situation is not corrected to the
satisfaction of Visa within 60 calendar days of
the second Notification
Unaddressed violation Months 4-5 Member is assessed US $25,000 per month
Unaddressed violation Month 6 and Member is assessed US $50,000 per month

subsequent months
1.6.D.14 Penalties for Incorrect Use of Dynamic Table 1-12: Dynamic Currency Conversion Actions
Currency Conversion and Penalties
1.6.D.14 Penalties for Incorrect Use of Dynamic Currency Conversion

An Acquirer is required to register with Visa before offering Dynamic Currency
Conversion and to effect a timely resolution of violations that occur when any of the
identified parties violate the Visa International Operating Regulations.
Table 1-12 specifies the actions and penalties that may occur when an Acquirer, an
Acquirer’s Merchant Outlet, or agent violates the Dynamic Currency Conversion
requirements.
Table 1-12: Dynamic Currency Conversion Actions and Penalties
Dynamic Currency
Conversion Event Visa Action or Fine
Action
Registration Acquirer fails to register itself, Notification of violation with specific date of correction and request
its Merchant Outlet, or agent for action plan
Failure to register within US $10,000 fine per unregistered Acquirer, Merchant Outlet, or
10 calendar days from the date agent per month
of notification letter on failure to
register
Failure to register within Visa may:

30 calendar days from the date • Require the Acquirer to stop the Dynamic Currency Conversion
of notification letter on failure to being offered by the unregistered Merchant Outlet, or agent
register
• Prohibit the Acquirer from contracting with any Dynamic Currency
Conversion Merchant Outlet, or agent
Merchant Outlet Merchant Outlet non-compliant Notification of violation with specific date of correction and request
Dynamic Currency with one or more Dynamic for action plan
Conversion Currency Conversion rules
Violations
Failure to provide action plan US $10,000 fine per non-compliant Merchant Outlet per month
for violation resolution within
30 calendar days from the date
of notification letter on
Dynamic Currency Conversion
violation
Failure to provide action plan Visa may:

for violation resolution within • Require the Acquirer to stop the Dynamic Currency Conversion
60 calendar days from the date being offered by the Merchant Outlet
of notification letter on
• Prohibit the Acquirer from contracting with any Dynamic Currency
Dynamic Currency Conversion
Conversion Merchant Outlet
violation
1.6.D.15 Penalties for the Merchant Fraud 1.6.D.15 Penalties for the Merchant Fraud
Performance Program Performance Program
Table 1-12: Dynamic Currency Conversion Actions and Penalties (Continued)
Dynamic Currency
Conversion Event Visa Action or Fine
Action
Dynamic Currency Uncorrected Acquirer, Visa may revoke Dynamic Currency Conversion approval from the
Conversion Acquirer’s Merchant Outlet, or Acquirer, an Acquirer’s Merchant Outlet, or agent for:
Approval agent Dynamic Currency • Repeated or persistent violation of the Visa International Operating
Revocation Conversion violation Regulations following notice from Visa to the Acquirer to remedy
any breach and failure to do so within a reasonable time frame
• Repeated or persistent Cardholder complaints identified against
an Acquirer or an Acquirer’s Merchant Outlet, or agent within a
three month period and the Acquirer failed to comply with the Visa
International Operating Regulations regarding its Merchant Outlet,
or agent pertaining to disclosure, Cardholder choice and fee
disclosure
• Failure to ensure proper Merchant Outlet staff training and
retraining on Dynamic Currency Conversion to ensure compliance
• Failure to prevent its Merchant Outlet from deploying a
Point-of-Transaction Terminal or other Merchant Outlet
procedures that will lead or has led to a violation of the Visa
International Operating Regulations
1.6.D.15 Penalties for the Merchant Fraud Performance Program

The Merchant Fraud Performance Program measures Merchant Outlet activity and
identifies Merchant Outlets requiring performance improvement when the fraud
thresholds are met or exceeded as specified in the Visa Merchant Fraud Performance
Program Guide. If a Merchant Outlet continues to meet or exceed the fraud performance
thresholds:
• The Acquirer will be liable under Chargeback Reason Code 93, “Merchant Fraud
Performance Program” for fraudulent Transactions at Merchant Outlets in the
program
• Visa will apply escalating financial penalties to the Acquirer
• Visa can ultimately disqualify the Merchant Outlet from the Visa payment system
SEE ALSO:
• Visa Merchant Fraud Performance Program Guide
• Chapter 7, “Transaction Receipt Retrieval, Chargebacks, and Representments”
• Reason Code 93, “Merchant Fraud Performance Program”
1.6.D.16 Acquirer Penalties for Illegal Cross-Border 1.6.E.1 Data Compromise Recovery Eligibility
Transaction Activity
1.6.D.16 Acquirer Penalties for Illegal Cross-Border Transaction Activity

An Acquirer is subject to the penalties specified in Table 1-13 for failure to take
appropriate action if a Merchant is identified by Visa as engaging in illegal cross-border
Transaction activity.
Table 1-13: Acquirer Penalties for Merchants Engaging in Illegal Cross-Border Transaction Activity
Warning First month in a 12-month Warning letter requesting response with

period specific date for correction
Uncorrected Violation Second month in a 12-month US $25,000 fine per Merchant, Merchant URL,
period Sponsored Merchant, or Sponsored Merchant
URL identified
Uncorrected Violation Third month in a 12-month US $50,000 fine per Merchant, Merchant URL,
period Sponsored Merchant, or Sponsored Merchant
URL identified
Uncorrected Violation Fourth month in a 12-month Visa may permanently disqualify the Merchant,
period Sponsored Merchant, or IPSP from
participation in the Visa Program
Uncorrected Violation Fifth month in a 12-month Visa may prohibit the Acquirer from contracting
period with a new Merchant for a period of 1 year, or
some other sanction
SEE ALSO:
• Section 1.3
• Section 3.2.A.3
• Section 4.1.B.1
1.6.E Data Compromise Recovery Solution

An Issuer may recover incremental counterfeit fraud losses resulting from a data compromise
event involving theft of full Magnetic-Stripe Data under the Data Compromise Recovery
solution as described in this section.
1.6.E.1 Data Compromise Recovery Eligibility

Visa will determine a data compromise event, fraud and Issuer eligibility under the Data
Compromise Recovery solution.
1.6.E.2 Data Compromise Event Time Period 1.6.E.4 Data Compromise Acquirer Fraud Loss
Liability
1.6.E.1.a Visa will determine data compromise event eligibility based on all of the following:
• Forensic confirmation or preponderance of evidence that a breach exists
• A violation of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards occurred that
could allow a compromise of account data
• Full Magnetic Stripe counterfeit fraud occurred on a portion of exposed Account
Numbers
• A minimum of 10,000 Account Numbers were exposed and a minimum of US
$100,000 in Magnetic Stripe counterfeit fraud occurred during the data
compromise event time period, as defined in Section 1.6.E.2
1.6.E.1.b Visa will determine fraud eligibility based on all of the following:
• Counterfeit fraud was reported to Visa, as specified in Section 3.13.A
• Authorized counterfeit fraud Transactions with full Magnetic-Stripe Data occurred,
including Card Verification Value
• Counterfeit fraud Transactions occurred after the Magnetic-Stripe Data was
exposed
1.6.E.1.c Visa will determine Issuer eligibility for unrecovered counterfeit fraud losses, based
on the Issuer being both:
• Capable of receiving Visa data compromise fraud alerts
• In compliance with regional Issuer fraud control programs
1.6.E.2 Data Compromise Event Time Period

1.6.E.2.a An Acquirer’s liability under the Data Compromise Recovery solution is limited to a
maximum time period of 13 months and is associated with a single data compromise
event.
1.6.E.2.b The data compromise event time period begins with the earliest known data
exposure, not to exceed 12 months prior to the data compromise event alert and
concludes 30 calendar days following the data compromise event alert.
1.6.E.3 Data Compromise Issuer Fraud Loss Recovery

1.6.E.3.a Issuers’ total fraud loss recovery is limited to both the:
• Maximum liability assigned to the Acquirer by Visa
• Amount recoverable from the Acquirer
1.6.E.3.b Visa has no liability for an Acquirer’s or any other party’s inability to pay any amount
owed during Data Compromise Recovery.
1.6.E.4 Data Compromise Acquirer Fraud Loss Liability

1.6.E.4.a Acquirers deemed liable for a data compromise event will be obligated to bear the
assigned liability as determined by Visa.
1.6.E.4.b Visa reserves the right to adjust an Acquirer’s total liability for a data compromise
event.
1.6.E.5 Data Compromise Recovery Funds 1.7.B.2 Use of Visa-Owned Marks for Visa Program
Distribution and Administration Fee
1.6.E.5 Data Compromise Recovery Funds Distribution and Administration Fee

Visa will submit debits to the responsible Acquirer and credits, less administrative fees,
to eligible Issuers through the Global Member Billing System.
1.7 MARKS LICENSE
1.7.A License Grant for Visa-Owned Marks

Visa grants to each Member, excluding one that is solely a Plus Program Participant, a
non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use each of the Visa-Owned Marks only in
conjunction with the applicable Visa Programs that are licensed to the Member.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Contact the regional Legal representative for information
1.7.B Use of the Visa-Owned Marks

1.7.B.1 General
1.7.B.1.a A Member must:
• Acknowledge that Visa owns all Visa-Owned Marks
• Agree that it will do nothing inconsistent with this ownership
• Agree that the use of all Visa-Owned Marks must be for the benefit of, and on
behalf of, Visa
1.7.B.1.b A Member must not state or imply that it is the exclusive owner or provider of any
Visa, Visa Electron, Visa Cash, Plus, Verified by Visa, or Visa TravelMoney Program,
except as stated in the Visa International Operating Regulations.
1.7.B.1.c A Member must not imply or use any denotation or legend of Marks registration or
ownership, except as required or consented to by Visa. At a Member’s request, Visa
will provide a current list of both the:
• Countries in which a denotation or legend must be used
• Required denotation or legend
1.7.B.1.d 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 Visa both:
• Determines that this use will not adversely affect the rights of Visa
• Has provided written approval
1.7.B.2 Use of Visa-Owned Marks for Visa Program

1.7.B.2.a Visa grants to each Member, excluding one that is solely a Plus Program Participant,
a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use each of the Visa-Owned Marks only
in conjunction with the applicable Visa Programs that are licensed to the Member.
1.7.B.3 Use of Visa-Owned Marks in Corporate 1.7.B.3 Use of Visa-Owned Marks in Corporate
Names Names
1.7.B.2.b Each Member agrees that all use of the Visa-Owned Marks, as well as the nature and
quality of all services rendered under these Marks, must comply with the Visa
International Operating Regulations or the Visa Product Brand Standards.
1.7.B.2.c A Member must only use the Visa-Owned Marks:
• To denote or promote a Visa Program
• To promote a Member’s Visa Program
• In operations in support of its Visa products or services
1.7.B.2.d 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, except as
permitted in Section 1.7.
1.7.B.3 Use of Visa-Owned Marks in Corporate Names

1.7.B.3.a Only with prior written consent from the Visa International Board may a Member, or a
wholly owned subsidiary of one of its members that exclusively engages in Visa
Transaction processing, use the Visa Brand Name in its corporate name or other
business name, except as permitted in Section 1.7.B.2.c.
A Member must not file or register any of these names with any governmental office
without prior written consent from the Visa International Board.
1.7.B.3.b 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 the Visa
International Board has granted exclusive jurisdiction to the Member under the Visa
International By-Laws.
1.7.B.3.c In a country with a single Group Member, a Group Member may use "Visa" as a part
of its corporate legal name and identity as permitted in the Visa International
Operating Regulations. In a country with multiple Group Members, a Group Member
must not use "Visa" as part of its corporate legal name or identity. When multiple
Group Members exist in the same country, 12 months after the formation of the new
Group Member, the existing Group Member must not use the name "Visa" in its
corporate name and identity.
1.7.B.3.d The Visa International Board must grant permission to a Member requesting use of
the name “Visa” or any other Visa-Owned Mark as part of their corporate name or
identity. When Visa International Board permission is granted the name must be
used:
• In a Member’s corporate name and must include the country identifier. The name
“Visa” must not be used without the country identifier.
• In all media (business cards, letterhead, press releases, Websites, etc.) and must
contain a clear indication of actual corporate identity, including full legal name
• 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
representing Visa International, any Visa Region, or affiliate
Visa International Board may grant a variance to this section at its sole discretion.
1.7.B.3.e A National Organization established in compliance with Article XVI of the Visa
International By-Laws may use “Visa” as part of its corporate legal name and identity
as provided in the Visa International Operating Regulations.
1.7.B.4 Use of Visa-Owned Marks on Cards 1.7.B.7 Use of a Visa-Owned Mark with Member
Sponsorships
1.7.B.4 Use of Visa-Owned Marks on Cards

All graphic reproductions of any Visa-Owned Marks must comply with Chapter 10, "Card
and Marks Requirements" and the Visa Product Brand Standards.
1.7.B.5 Use of Visa-Owned Marks in Any Media

1.7.B.5.a A Member must not allow a Merchant or other entity to use any Visa-Owned Mark for
promotional or advertising purposes in any media, unless both the:
• Member distributes the material
• Visa International Operating Regulations or the Visa Product Brand Standards
permit their use
1.7.B.5.b A Member must identify itself by city and principal name, and may substitute the 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 these materials
unless Visa designed them for Member use.
1.7.B.5.c A Member agrees, if requested, to supply Visa with samples of any materials bearing
any Visa-Owned Mark produced by or for the Member.
1.7.B.5.d A Member must not use a Visa-Owned Mark in such a way that it could be mistaken
for an actual Card and used in a Transaction.
1.7.B.5.e Use of Olympic Marks, logos, designations, and authenticating statements in any
media with any Visa Program Mark must comply with Chapter 10, "Card and Marks
Requirements," the Visa Product Brand Standards, and the current Visa Olympic Tool
Kit.
1.7.B.5.f Materials bearing any of the Visa-Owned Marks must not degrade the Marks.
1.7.B.7 Use of a Visa-Owned Mark with Member Sponsorships

A Member may use a Visa-Owned Mark to sponsor a specific sporting, musical, artistic,
or other event only with prior written consent from Visa.
1.7.B.7.a A Member must obtain written approval from Visa for its planned use of any Visa-
Owned Mark in the sponsorship of events, including all advertising, promotions, and
public relations. These rules do not apply to the purchase of advertising not
specifically tied to sponsorship of these events.
1.7.B.7.b The Member may use these Marks only in a country where it is licensed to do so. The
written approval request must specify each country where the sponsorship activity will
occur. If a Member plans sponsorship activities in any additional country at a later
date, it must submit a new request.
1.7.B.7.c A Member must submit the approval request to Visa at least 2 months prior to the
anticipated release date of any materials associated with the sponsorship activities or
the start date of the sponsored event, whichever is earlier.
1.7.C Protection and Assessment of Visa-Owned 1.7.C.1 Protection of Visa-Owned Marks

Marks
1.7.B.7.d A Member must not use the Visa-Owned Marks with the Marks of any of the following,
or its subsidiaries or affiliates, in any sponsorship activity:
• American Express Company
• Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
• MasterCard International
• Any other entity that the International Board deems competitive
1.7.B.7.e A Member participating in any sponsorship activity 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.
1.7.B.7.f A Member must ensure that it uses 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 of these Marks.
1.7.C Protection and Assessment of Visa-Owned Marks

Visa owns all Marks associated with Visa and its programs. Their protection is vital to all
Members.
SEE ALSO:
The Visa Product Brand Standards
1.7.C.1 Protection of Visa-Owned Marks

1.7.C.1.a A Member or a Member’s agent must not use, register, or attempt to register a
company name, product name or Mark that may be identical or confusingly similar to
any Visa-Owned Mark, including:
• Names
• Trademarks
• Service Marks
• Trade Names
• Logos
• Words
• Symbols
If Visa International determines that a Member’s trademark is identical or confusingly similar
to a Visa-Owned Mark, the Member will be required to immediately withdraw its trademark
application or registration and discontinue use of the Mark.
1.7.C.1.b Unless express consent is granted by Executive Management of Visa International,

Visa International reserves the sole right to initiate infringement proceedings or other
challenges involving any of the Visa-Owned Marks.
1.7.C.2 Brand Assessment 1.7.D.1 Plus Program Marks
1.7.C.1.c Members acknowledge the proprietary rights of Visa International and that
unauthorized or inappropriate use may cause irreparable damage or injury to Visa
International. Visa International has the full authority to enforce all Visa regulations
governing Members, Merchants, Agents, and other entities using the Visa-Owned
Marks and Visa Brand Name.
1.7.C.1.d Each Member must cooperate with Visa to ensure protection of each of the Visa-
Owned Marks.
1.7.C.2 Brand Assessment

1.7.C.2.a All Visa Owned Brand Marks must meet the Brand standards as established by Visa,
including but not limited to:
• Global Brand Website
• Visa Product Brand Standards Website
1.7.C.2.b Periodic Visa audits will be conducted to ensure that all entities authorized to use the
Visa Brand Marks are doing so in a manner approved by Visa. Visa may conduct
audits to ensure compliance with, but not limited to, the following:
• Use of the Visa Brand Mark and the Visa Brand Name
• Product related communications
• Partners and Sponsorship materials and implementations
• Advertising
• Direct mail
• Marketing materials
• Websites
1.7.D Other Program Marks

1.7.D.1 Plus Program Marks
1.7.D.1.a The Plus Program Marks are all of the following:
• Plus Symbol
• Plus Logotype
• Plus Wordmark
• Plus Design
• Any other Mark that Visa adopts for use with the Plus Program
1.7.D.1.b Upon request, Visa will grant to a Member not otherwise licensed a non-exclusive,
non-transferable license to use each of the Plus Program Marks with the Plus
Program.
1.7.D.1.c A Member must use the Plus Symbol only as a Mark indicating acceptance for ATM
services. Any change to this provision requires a majority vote of the directors in
attendance at any meeting of the Board of Directors where a quorum is present.
1.7.D.2 The Verified by Visa Mark 1.7.E.2 Use of Partnership and Sponsorship Marks
1.7.D.2 The Verified by Visa Mark

1.7.D.2.a A Member using the Verified by Visa Mark must:
• Ensure that the Mark complies with Visa Product Brand Standards
• Not use the Mark in a way that implies endorsement of any other product or service
• Not use the Mark to indicate payment acceptance
1.7.D.2.b An Acquirer must ensure that a Merchant using the Verified by Visa Mark complies
with the Visa Product Brand Standards.
1.7.E Member Use of Non-Visa-Owned Marks

1.7.E.2 Use of Partnership and Sponsorship Marks
1.7.E.2.a A Member’s enjoyment of pass-through rights to use the Marks and promotional
materials of any organization with which Visa International has signed a global
partnership or sponsorship agreement, including without limitation those of the
Olympics and Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., must comply with the requirements
specified in the Visa International Operating Regulations and supplemental
documents that specify the Marks usage standards that must be maintained for that
partnership or sponsorship.
1.7.E.2.b The partnership or sponsorship agreement governs in the case of ambiguity, conflict,
or inconsistency between that agreement and any Visa International Operating
Regulations, contract, sublicense, agreement, or other arrangements between Visa
and any Member, Merchant, or affiliate.
1.7.E.2.c A Member must not make any use of such pass-through rights without the prior
written approval of Visa International and the partner or sponsor organization.
1.7.E.2.d The right to use partnership or sponsorship Marks, logos, designations, and
authenticating statements results from a partnership or sponsorship agreement
between Visa and the partnership or sponsorship organization.
1.7.E.2.e A Member participating in certain Visa Programs may use the Marks, logos,
designations, and authenticating statements associated with any partnership or
sponsorship, including, but not limited to:
• The International Olympic Committee
• The organizing committees of the current Winter and Summer Olympic Games
• A National Olympic committee
• Disney Worldwide Services, Inc.
1.7.E.2.f A Member may use the partnership or sponsorship Marks on Cards and decals, with
other representations of certain Visa Program Marks in advertising and on
promotional materials.
1.7.E.3 Multiple Marks 1.7.E.3 Multiple Marks
1.7.E.2.g Each Member must strictly observe the guidelines for use of the partnership or
sponsorship Marks as specified in governing documents, including, but not limited to:
• The current Visa Olympic Tool Kit
• Visa Toolkit for Disney
• The current Visa Rugby Tool Kit
1.7.E.2.h After Notification from Visa, a Member must correct any improper use of the
partnership or sponsorship Marks.
1.7.E.3 Multiple Marks

1.7.E.3.a Other Marks may be used on Cards as follows:
• A Member must not use any Mark other than the Visa Brand Mark, Visa Brand
Mark with the Electron Identifier, or Visa Cash Symbol on Cards to indicate Card
acceptance at Merchant Outlets outside the country of Card issuance
• A Mark owned by a Single Merchant may appear on a Card as part of an affinity
program approved by Visa. If the Mark is not one that is used as an identifier of
payment services at Merchant Outlets other than those of the Single Merchant, this
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
1.7.E.3.b 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:
• Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.1
• Any other entity the International Board 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.
1
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of Visa Europe.
1.8 BIN LICENSE AND ADMINISTRATION 1.8.B.1 Member Requirements
1.8 BIN LICENSE AND ADMINISTRATION
1.8.A BIN Licensing

1.8.A.1 BIN License Agreement
A Principal or Associate must submit a BIN License Agreement (Exhibit 4A) to Visa prior
to issuing any Card bearing the requested BIN or acquiring a Merchant using the BIN.
By completing the BIN License Agreement (Exhibit 4A), the Member acknowledges that
it will use the requested BIN only for the purpose noted on this form. A Member must
submit a revised form to reflect any change in use prior to the effective date of the
change.
SEE ALSO:
The Visa Interchange Directory Update Form (Exhibit 4F) lists information needed for
Authorization, Clearing, and Settlement processing for all BINs.
1.8.A.2 Visa Interchange Directory Update Form

1.8.A.2.a Each Member or VisaNet Processor assigned a BIN to use on Cards and through
Interchange must submit a completed Visa Interchange Directory Update Form
(Exhibit 4F) to Visa.
1.8.A.2.b In addition, the following Issuers must provide a Visa Interchange Directory Update
Form (Exhibit 4F) for each Card BIN:
• Visa Gold/Premier and Visa Commercial Issuers
• Visa Electron Card Issuers
1.8.A.2.c If any of the required Visa Interchange Directory Update Form (Exhibit 4F) information
changes, a Member must immediately submit to Visa a new form with any updates for
distribution to other Members and VisaNet Processors.
1.8.B BIN Use

1.8.B.1 Member Requirements
1.8.B.1.a A BIN licensee is responsible for all activities associated with any BIN that it licenses.
1.8.B.1.b Only the Member licensed by Visa to use the BIN or the licensee’s designated agent
on behalf of that Member may use the BIN for the purpose noted on the BIN License
Agreement (Exhibit 4A).
1.8.B.1.c An Issuer using a BIN licensed to another Member must be uniquely identified within
the first 10 digits of the Account Number.
1.8.B.1.d A VisaNet Processor with licensed BINs must use the BINs exclusively for processing
activities. It must not use the BINs for issuing or acquiring purposes without prior
written approval from Visa.
1.8.B.1.e A Member using Visa BINs for non-Visa purposes must obtain prior written approval
from Visa. The Member must submit to Visa a BIN License Agreement (Exhibit 4A)
identifying those uses.
1.8.C BIN Administration Changes 1.9.B Member Financial Liability
1.8.C BIN Administration Changes

1.8.C.1 Visa Responsibility
Visa will make the VisaNet system changes required to accommodate mergers and
acquisitions, portfolio sales, and program transfers only after Visa acknowledges receipt
of a Change of BIN Licensee User Form (Exhibit 4B) and a Member Portfolio Sale
Notification (Exhibit 4D) as appropriate.
1.8.C.2 Member Responsibility

1.8.C.2.b A Member with a licensed BIN must not sell or exchange any BIN. However, Visa
may, at its sole discretion, accommodate requests for BIN transfers in connection with
a portfolio sale.
1.8.C.2.c A Member or VisaNet Processor that no longer uses a BIN must release it to Visa by
completing a Release of BIN Form (Exhibit 4E). The Member must not use a BIN
recalled by Visa after the recall effective date.
1.8.C.2.d A Member must use a Release of BIN Form (Exhibit 4E) to request cancellation of a
previously requested BIN release.
1.8.C.2.e A Principal or Associate that downgrades to Participant status must either:
• Return its licensed BINs to Visa by completing a Release of BIN Form (Exhibit 4E)
prior to the effective date of the status change request
• Transfer the BIN to its sponsoring Principal by completing a Change of BIN
Licensee User Form (Exhibit 4B)
1.8.C.2.f A Member must only use a BIN licensed to its sponsoring Principal.
1.9 SALE OR TRANSFER
1.9.A Notification
The Members involved in the sale or transfer of any of the following must forward to Visa,
within 10 calendar days of the sale or transfer, a completed Member Portfolio Sale Notification
(Exhibit 4D):
• All or part of an Issuer’s accounts for Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards
• All or part of a Member’s Cheque portfolio
• All or part of an Acquirer’s Merchant accounts
• Controlling interest in a Member
1.9.B Member Financial Liability

Visa holds the selling institution financially liable for all portfolio activities, in addition to
payment of applicable service fees, until Visa acknowledges receipt of all required
documentation.
1.9.C Mergers, Acquisitions, or Restructuring 1.15.A Use of a VisaNet Processor or Third Party
1.9.C Mergers, Acquisitions, or Restructuring

If the portfolio sale results from a merger, acquisition, or Member restructuring, all Visa
membership qualifications must be met by the surviving or acquiring entity. Membership
documentation must be submitted to Visa, as specified in the Visa International By-Laws and
Visa International Operating Regulations.
1.13 FOREIGN ACTIVITIES

Each Member (or its Group Member) must notify Visa in writing, at least 60 calendar days prior to
commencement, of each country where the Member either:
• Performs any Visa, Visa Electron, Visa Cash, Plus, or Visa TravelMoney Program services
• Uses, displays, or supplies any materials bearing a Visa-Owned Mark
These requirements are in addition to those of the Visa International By-Laws, Section 2.10(g).
1.15 AGENTS
This section defines a Member’s responsibilities if the Member uses an agent to perform services
governed by the Visa International Operating Regulations and the prescribed penalties if these
rules are not followed. Section 3.12.A specifies requirements for Card Manufacturer and Third-
Party Personalizer certification.
1.15.A Use of a VisaNet Processor or Third Party

A Member using a VisaNet Processor or Third Party must:1
• Complete and return to Visa a VisaNet Processor and Third Party Registration and
Designation Instructions (Exhibit 5E)
• Ensure that the non-Member VisaNet Processor completes and returns to Visa a VisaNet
Letter of Agreement (Exhibit 5A)
• Notify Visa, by submitting an updated VisaNet Processor and Third Party Registration and
Designation Instructions (Exhibit 5E) of any change in a VisaNet Processor or Third Party,
including termination or change of ownership, relationship, or business function with the
VisaNet Processor or Third Party within 5 business days of the change
Visa reserves the right to impose registration fees, to be determined at the Regional Office
level.
1
An exception applies for a Member acquiring Airline Transactions if the Airline is using an Airline Authorizing
Processor.
1.15.A.1 General Responsibilities 1.15.A.1 General Responsibilities
1.15.A.1 General Responsibilities

A Member must:
• Execute a written contract with an agent that meets the minimum standards, as
specified in the Visa International Operating Regulations
• Have written policies and procedures that meet the minimum standards and practices
established by Visa for evaluating and approving the use of VisaNet Processors and
Third Parties
• Distribute written policies and procedures to VisaNet Processors and Third Parties
• Establish a risk management program to control risks related to the use of VisaNet
Processors and Third Parties, such as:
- Loss of operational control
- Service provider failure
- Confidentiality, and physical and logical security of Cardholder and Transaction
Information
• Verify that the principals and senior management of the VisaNet Processor and Third
Party have the requisite knowledge and experience to successfully perform the
contracted services (except when a VisaNet Processor is a Member or special
Licensee)
• Conduct a physical inspection of the business premises (except when a VisaNet
Processor is a Member or special Licensee) to:
- Verify inventory
- Review solicitation or sales material
- Inspect operational controls
- Monitor security standards regarding unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, Visa
sensitive data and other payment systems’ Transaction Information
• Ensure that all VisaNet Processors and Third Parties comply with applicable Visa
requirements, including, but not limited to:
- Account or Transaction Information access, as specified in the Payment Card
Industry Data Security Standard
- ATM deployment and operational support compliance with the Visa Global ATM
Member Guide and the Member ATM Responsibilities document available from its
Regional Office
- PIN Entry Device deployment and operational support compliance with the PIN
Management Requirements manuals
• Maintain a file on a VisaNet Processor and Third Party that includes all applicable
documentation, and retain this file, with the reason for discontinuance, for a minimum
of 2 years following discontinuance of the VisaNet Processor and Third Party
agreement
• Conduct a background investigation prior to contracting with a VisaNet Processor and
Third Party and its principals to verify financial responsibility (except when a VisaNet
Processor is a Member or special Licensee)
1.15.A.2 Fines and Penalties 1.15.C Use of an Internet Payment Service Provider
1.15.A.2 Fines and Penalties

1.15.A.2.a A Member using a VisaNet Processor or Third Party that fails to comply with the Visa
International By-Laws and Visa International Operating Regulations is subject to fines
and penalties, as specified in Section 1.6.D.
1.15.A.2.b Visa may assess fines resulting from the activities of a Member performing services
on behalf of another Member to both the:
• Performing Member
• Member for which the services are performed
The total paid by both Members must not be more than the fine or penalty amount for
the violation involved.
1.15.A.2.c Visa may impose penalties, such as suspension or decertification, resulting from the
activities of an agent, whether a Member or non-Member is performing services on
behalf of another Member.
1.15.A.2.d If a Member acts as an agent and provides Clearing services for another Member, it
is considered a single entity with that other Member in determining repetitive
violations.
1.15.A.2.e The combined liability of all Members for an agent’s failure to comply must not be
more than the fine or penalty amount for the violation involved.
1.15.B Use of an Airline Authorizing Processor

Prior to implementing a direct connection to VisaNet, a Member must ensure that an Airline
Authorizing Processor has either:
• Completed and submitted a VisaNet Letter of Agreement (Exhibit 5A) to its Regional Office
• Signed a separate agreement with Visa
1.15.C Use of an Internet Payment Service Provider

An Acquirer contracting with an Internet Payment Service Provider (IPSP) is liable for all acts,
omissions, and other adverse conditions caused by the IPSP and its Sponsored Merchants,
including, but not limited to:
• Chargebacks
• Failure to provide service
• Related legal costs
1.15.D Contract Requirements Between Members, 1.15.E.2 Misrepresentations by an Agent
VisaNet Processors, and Third Parties
1.15.D Contract Requirements Between Members, VisaNet Processors, and

Third Parties
A Member must execute a written contract with each VisaNet Processor and Third Party that
performs activities or services on behalf of a Member, in connection with the operation of the
Member’s Visa-related business. The contract must:
• Include minimum standards established by Visa including, but not limited to:
- Policies
- Procedures
- Service levels
- Performance standards
• Include language that:
- Permits Visa to conduct financial and procedural audits and general reviews at any time
- Requires agents to make Cardholder and Merchant information available to Members,

Visa, and regulatory agencies
• Ensure that the agent will comply with all of the following:
- Visa International Operating Regulations
- Visa International By-Laws
- Applicable Regional Operating Regulations
- Member ATM Responsibilities document, if applicable
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
- Applicable local law
1.15.E Prohibitions
1.15.E.1 General Requirement
Visa may permanently prohibit a Principal Member and its agents from providing
services associated with Visa Products for good cause, as specified in the Visa
International By-Laws, Section 2.16.
1.15.E.2 Misrepresentations by an Agent

An agent must not present itself:
• To prospective Cardholders and Merchants under any other Trade Name except the
one registered with Visa on the VisaNet Processor and Third Party Registration and
Designation Instructions (Exhibit 5E)
• Or appear to be a Member of Visa unless the agent is an existing Member
1.15.F Agreements with Visa 1.15.G Marketing Materials
1.15.F Agreements with Visa

1.15.F.1 General Requirements
Visa may require a Member’s agent or independent contractor to enter into an
agreement directly with Visa prior to the delivery of any of the following:
• V.I.P. System software
• BASE II software
• Visa Extended Access1
1.15.F.2 Agreement Terms

The agreement may specify terms and conditions for 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 agent or
independent contractor the right to use VisaNet.
1.15.G Marketing Materials

A Member must ensure that its agent:2
• Uses only marketing materials approved by the Member
• Ensures that all marketing materials displaying Visa-Owned Marks also include the
Member name, which must be more prominent and in a larger font than that of the agent
• For Prepaid Card distribution, ensures that any Website displaying the Visa-Owned Marks
or offering Visa Card services clearly and conspicuously include the Member name, which
must be located within close proximity to the Visa-Owned Marks as specified in the Visa
International Prepaid Card Products Program Guidelines.
• Is prominently identified on the marketing materials as an agent or representative of the

Member
1 This requirement does not apply to a U.S.A. Member using Direct Exchange (DEX).
2
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the Canada Region.
2 Risk Management
2.1 GENERAL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

A Member must comply with the requirements specified in the Member Fraud Control Manual.
2.1.A Investigations
2.1.A.1 Member Responsibilities
A Member must conduct a thorough investigation of suspected or confirmed fraud or
laundering on a Cardholder account.
2.1.A.2 Investigation Requirements

Visa may require a Member to conduct an additional investigation. If required, a Member
must:
• Cooperate fully with Visa
• Provide access to the premises involved in the investigation
• Provide access to all applicable records
2.1.B Investigative Assistance

2.1.B.1 Member Responsibilities
A Member must assist other Members with an investigation of fraudulent activity with a
Visa Card or Visa Electron Card by performing tasks such as:
• Interviewing Merchants, Cardholders, suspects, witnesses, and law enforcement
personnel
• Obtaining handwriting samples, photographs, fingerprints, and any other similar
physical evidence
• Recovering lost, stolen, or Counterfeit Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards
• Providing information to proper authorities for the possible arrest of suspects, at the
Issuer’s request
• Performing any other reasonable investigative assistance
2.1.B.2 Payment for Investigative Services

2.1.B.2.a A Member that requests investigative services of other Members must pay an
investigative service fee, as specified in Section 8.5.
2.1.B.2.b A Member that performs investigative services for other Members must prepare an
itemized statement for the Member requesting the services.
2.1.C Lost or Stolen Card Reports 2.1.D.2 Notification of Card Recovery
2.1.C Lost or Stolen Card Reports

2.1.C.1 Member Responsibility
A Member must, on behalf of other Members, both:
• Accept a report from a Cardholder or his designated representative of either a:
- Lost or stolen Visa Card or Visa Electron Card
- Compromised or fraudulently used Virtual Account
• Notify the Issuer
2.1.C.1.a A Member must do all of the following:
• Provide the Issuer with the information required on the Lost or Stolen Card Report
(Exhibit 1A)
• If an incomplete Account Number is provided, supply the Issuer with the address
and telephone number where the Cardholder may be contacted
• Notify the Visa International Service Center if unable to establish contact with the
Issuer
2.1.C.1.b If a Cardholder requests an Emergency Replacement Card or Emergency Cash
Disbursement, the report must include both the:
• Address and telephone number where a Member may contact the Cardholder
• Emergency Cash Disbursement amount requested, if applicable
2.1.C.2 Reimbursement
A Member may collect a handling fee, plus telecommunication charges, as specified in
Table 8-17.
2.1.D Recovered Cards

2.1.D.1 Card Recovery
One of the following may recover a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card and return it to a
Member:
• A Merchant
• A local law enforcement agency
• A Member’s employee
2.1.D.2 Notification of Card Recovery

2.1.D.2.a A Member that receives a recovered valid or counterfeit Visa Card or Visa Electron
Card must advise the Issuer of the recovery circumstances by the end of the next
business day after receiving the Card.
2.1.D.3 Notification of Recovered Counterfeit Cards 2.1.D.3 Notification of Recovered Counterfeit Cards
2.1.D.2.b A Member must send the following to the Issuer on the Input Date of the fee collection,
but no later than 5 business days, after the Visa Card or Visa Electron Card is
recovered:
• For a recovered Card without a Chip, the Card cut horizontally so as not to damage
the Magnetic Stripe, hologram, or embossed or printed Account Number (if
applicable)
• For a recovered Chip Card, so as not to damage the Chip, the Member must either:
- Punch a hole through the middle of the Magnetic Stripe to make it unreadable
- Cut away the corner of the Card at the opposite end of the Chip. A corner cut
must be at a 45-degree angle and extend approximately 25mm (1 inch) from the
corner of the Card.
• Recovered Card Advice (Exhibit 1E) specifying the recovery reasons, such as:
- Listed on Card Recovery Bulletin
- Authorization Response to routine Authorization Request
- Authorization Response to referral call
- Inadvertently left by Cardholder
2.1.D.3 Notification of Recovered Counterfeit Cards

2.1.D.3.a An Issuer that receives a Counterfeit Visa Card or Visa Electron Card must send the
following to Visa:
• For a recovered Card without a Chip, the Card must be cut horizontally so as not
to damage the Magnetic Stripe, hologram, or embossed or printed Account
Number (if applicable)
• For a recovered Chip Card, so as not to damage the Chip, the Member must either:
- Punch a hole through the middle of the Magnetic Stripe to make it unreadable
- Cut away the corner of the Card at the opposite end of the Chip. A corner cut
must be at a 45-degree angle and extend approximately 25mm (1 inch) from the
corner of the Card.
• Recovered Counterfeit Card Notification (Exhibit 1F) specifying the recovery
reasons, such as:
- Listed on Card Recovery Bulletin
- Printed digits differ from embossed digits
2.1.D.3.b Visa may grant exceptions to the above if the recovered Counterfeit Visa Card or Visa
Electron Card has been identified as evidence in a legal proceeding.
2.1.E Account and Transaction Information Security 2.1.E.2 Loss or Theft of Account or Transaction
Information
2.1.E Account and Transaction Information Security

2.1.E.1 Overview
A Member must:
• Maintain all materials or records in any form that contain 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
• Ensure that agreements and contracts with agents and Merchants clearly establish
their responsibilities to meet Visa standards, liabilities for failure to meet the
standards, and allow for inspections by the Member or Visa
• Ensure that all agents and Merchants with access to account or Transaction
Information comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
• Ensure that all agents and Merchants do not store any of the following, subsequent
to Authorization:
- Full contents of any track data taken from the Magnetic Stripe (on a Card, in a
Chip, or elsewhere)
- Card Verification Value 2 used to verify Card-not-present Transactions
- PIN or the encrypted PIN block
• Upon request, certify to Visa that agents and Merchants are in compliance with the
conditions specified in the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
2.1.E.2 Loss or Theft of Account or Transaction Information

2.1.E.2.a A Member must immediately report the suspected or confirmed loss or theft, including
loss or theft by one of its agents or Merchants, of any material or records that contain
account or Transaction Information, as specified in the Member Fraud Control
Manual.
2.1.E.2.b The Member must report the loss or theft to Visa security by telephone or fax. The
report must contain, to the extent possible, all of the following:
• Issuer name
• Form, number, and range of account information missing
• Specific Account Numbers missing
• Type of account information on missing material
• Pertinent details about the loss or theft and ensuing investigation
• Contact name and telephone number for additional information
• Name and telephone number of person reporting the loss or theft
2.1.E.3 Investigations 2.1.E.7 Penalty for Member Failure to Complete
Security Self-Audit or Annual Certification, or
Respond to Non-Compliance Notification
2.1.E.3 Investigations
A Member must conduct a thorough investigation of the suspected or confirmed loss or
theft of account or Transaction Information, as specified in the Member Fraud Control
Manual.
2.1.E.4 Non-Compliance
If Visa determines that a Member, its agent, or a Merchant has been deficient or
negligent in securely maintaining the account or Transaction Information or reporting or
investigating the loss of this information as specified in this section, Visa may fine the
Member, as specified in Section 1.6.D, or require the Member to take immediate
corrective action.
2.1.E.5 PIN Security Self-Audit Requirements

An Acquirer or its agent processing PINs for Visa Transactions must comply with the
security requirements specified in the PIN Security manual, including the requirement to
perform a PIN Security Requirements Self-Audit. Failure to comply with the security
requirements specified in the manual may subject the Acquirer to the fines specified in
Section 1.6.D.10 and Table 1-8.
2.1.E.6 PIN Security Non-Compliance

2.1.E.6.a An Acquirer that fails to respond within 30 calendar days of receipt of a non-
compliance Notification, following an onsite inspection for PIN security violations, may
be fined or have its certification suspended until the response has been received and
acknowledged by the applicable Regional Office.
2.1.E.6.b An Acquirer that provides an action plan in response to a Notification but does not
perform its commitments, must post a performance bond or escrow US $100,000 until
either:
• Compliance is confirmed by Visa International Risk Management
• Acquirer certification is suspended
2.1.E.6.c If Acquirer certification is suspended, the Acquirer may forfeit the posted or escrowed
amount.
2.1.E.7 Penalty for Member Failure to Complete Security Self-Audit or Annual

Certification, or Respond to Non-Compliance Notification
An Acquirer is subject to the penalty specified in Section 2.1.E.6.b if it fails to comply with
Section 2.1.E.5.
2.1.F Counterfeit Losses 2.1.F.2 Responsibility for Misencoded Visa or Visa

Electron Cards
2.1.F Counterfeit Losses

2.1.F.1 Responsibility for Counterfeit Transactions
Visa assigns liability to the Issuer or Acquirer for counterfeit Transactions, based on the
following priorities in the order shown:
• The Acquirer, if the Merchant identified on a Risk Identification Service Chargeback
Exception Report contributed to the origination of the Counterfeit Transaction Receipt
• The Acquirer first receiving the Counterfeit Transaction Receipt, if the BIN is not
assigned to a Member
• The Acquirer that submitted the Transaction into Interchange, if an Authorization was
required and not obtained, as specified in Section 5.1.E, or the Account Number
encoded on the Magnetic Stripe of a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card was authorized
but was different than the embossed or printed Account Number submitted into
Interchange
• The Issuer identified by the manufacturer product information printed on the reverse
side of the Visa Card or Visa Electron Card or under the signature panel or Magnetic
Stripe, if the counterfeit Visa Card or Visa Electron Card was recovered and resulted
from either the loss or theft of an unembossed and unencoded Visa Card or
unencoded Visa Electron Card bearing the Visa Program Marks
• The Issuer, if its BIN appears on the Counterfeit Transaction Receipt or the BASE II
Clearing Record for the counterfeit Transaction
2.1.F.2 Responsibility for Misencoded Visa or Visa Electron Cards

Visa assigns liability for payment of Transaction Receipts resulting from the use of a
Misencoded Visa Card or Visa Electron Card as follows:
• To the Acquirer that received the Transaction Receipt, if the Misencoded Visa Card
bears a BIN that was not assigned to a Member. The Acquirer is liable until both:
- The Misencoded Visa Card or Visa Electron Card is recovered
- Visa identifies the Issuer that ordered its manufacture
• To the Issuer to which the BIN is assigned, if an Acquirer receives a Misencoded Visa
Card or Visa Electron 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
2.1.F.3 Issuer or Owner Identification 2.2.A.2 Certification of Third-Party Personalizer
2.1.F.3 Issuer or Owner Identification

2.1.F.3.a Visa identifies the Issuer that ordered the manufacture of the Visa Card or Visa
Electron Card by either the name printed on the Visa Card or Visa Electron Card or
the manufacturer product information printed in one of the following areas:
• On the back of the Visa Card or Visa Electron Card
• Under the signature panel
• Under the Magnetic Stripe
2.1.F.3.b There is no time limit on a Member’s right to reassign liability to the Issuer under this
section.
2.2 VISA RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2.2.A Card Manufacturer and Third-Party Personalizer Certification

2.2.A.1 Certification of Approved Manufacturer
Visa will certify and register as Approved Manufacturer of Visa Cards or Visa Electron
Cards, a manufacturer that complies with Section 3.12.A and Security Validation
Requirements for Card Vendors.
2.2.A.2 Certification of Third-Party Personalizer

Visa will certify and register a Third-Party Personalizer that complies with
Section 3.12.A, Security Validation Requirements for Card Vendors, Logical Security
Validation Requirements for Card Personalization Vendors, and the Visa Card
Personalization Agreement.
Visa will supply, upon Issuer request, a list of Approved Manufacturers and their certified Visa
Card products or Visa Electron Program products.
2.2.B Corporate Risk Reduction Procedures 2.2.B Corporate Risk Reduction Procedures
2.2.B Corporate Risk Reduction Procedures

Upon receipt of instructions imposing conditions, as specified in Section 2.16 of the Visa
International By-Laws, a Member or agent must implement risk reduction measures that may
include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Prohibiting or limiting any of the following actions:
- Issuing new or reissued Cards
- Signing or re-signing Merchants
- Using any independent sales organizations
• Blocking the Authorization of Cardholder Transactions or prohibiting Acquirers from

obtaining Authorization for Transactions on behalf of certain Merchants
• Terminating some or all Merchants that either:
- 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 Chargebacks that substantially exceeds the system average
• Pledging collateral to secure a Member’s or agent’s obligations and reimbursement to Visa

for any expenses incurred ensuring compliance
• Redirecting Settlement funds to avoid potential losses, as specified in Section 6.3.B.1,

- 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 Chargebacks
- Withholding funds for the purpose of obtaining collateral or meeting other Member
obligations
- Prohibiting or limiting a Member’s right to sponsor Participant Members
• Requiring a Member to change one or more of its designated agents
2.3 RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES Table 2-1: Card Recovery Bulletin Regions
2.3 RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES
2.3.A Card Recovery Bulletin Service

2.3.A.1 Overview
2.3.A.1.a The Card Recovery Bulletin Service both:
• Identifies blocked Account Numbers and BINs for which an Issuer wants the Visa
Cards recovered
• Enables Merchants to complete Transactions that do not otherwise require
Authorization
2.3.A.1.b Visa publishes both the Card Recovery Bulletin and an electronic Regional Card
Recovery File that list the Account Numbers and BINs of Visa Cards for pick up
outside of Visa U.S.A.
2.3.A.1.c Members must comply with the procedures specified in the Card Recovery Bulletin
User’s Guide when listing Account Numbers or using the bulletin to identify Account
Numbers with a “Pick Up Card” status.
2.3.A.2 Availability
The Card Recovery Bulletin Service is available in each of the Card Recovery Bulletin
Regions, as specified in Table 2-1.
SEE ALSO:
• Card Recovery Bulletin User’s Guide
• Visa Interchange Directory
• Volume ll—Dispute Resolution Rules, Dispute Group 3—Authorization, Reason Code 70
Table 2-1: Card Recovery Bulletin Regions
Visa Regions Areas Included
A Asia-Pacific
B Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa
C Canada
E Visa Europe
F Latin America and Caribbean
1-9 U.S.A.
0 Not included in Card Recovery Bulletin
2.3.A.3 Regional Card Recovery File 2.3.B EMV Liability Shift for Fraudulent Transactions
2.3.A.3 Regional Card Recovery File

2.3.A.3.a A Member that converts the Regional Card Recovery File to magnetic tape or paper
must receive prior written consent from Visa. Visa waives this requirement if the
Member reproduces all “proprietary and confidential” and Copyright notices in the
magnetic tape or paper copy.
2.3.A.3.b If a Merchant or an Acquirer converts the Regional Card Recovery File to paper, it
may use an Account Number only to verify Visa Cards for Transactions that do not
require Authorization, as specified in Section 5.1.E.
2.3.A.4 Effective Dates

The Card Recovery Bulletin becomes effective on Saturday of the publication week and
remains valid until the next edition’s effective date.
At its discretion, Visa may adjust the effective dates.
2.3.A.5 Fees
Pickup, Decline, or A non-US Issuer pays a fee to Visa U.S.A. for each Referral
Response issued at a Merchant Outlet located in Visa U.S.A., as specified in Chapter 8,
"Fees."
2.3.B EMV Liability Shift for Fraudulent Transactions

The EMV Liability Shift Principles, as specified in Section 3.3.B and Section 4.3, apply to all
Intraregional Transactions in the jurisdiction of the CEMEA Regional Office. This includes
Transactions occurring at both POS and ATM devices.
Interregional Transactions occurring at POS devices, between the jurisdiction of the CEMEA
Regional Office and Visa Europe.
Effective 1 July 2008, the EMV Liability Shift Principles, as specified in Section 3.3.B and
Section 4.3, apply to all Interregional Transactions between the jurisdiction of the CEMEA
Regional Office and Visa Europe. This includes Transactions occurring at both POS and ATM
devices.
Effective 1 October 2010, the EMV Liability Shift Principles, as specified in Section 3.3.B and
Section 4.3, apply to all Interregional Transactions.1,2
1
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdictions of the Latin America and Caribbean and U.S.A. Regions,
to exclude Transactions involving Issuers and Acquirers from those Visa Regions.
2 A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the Asia-Pacific Region, to exclude ATM Cash
Disbursement Transactions and Card-Present non-Counterfeit Transactions involving Issuers and Acquirers from
that Visa Region.
2.3.C Card Verification Service 2.3.D.1 Overview
2.3.C Card Verification Service

All Members must participate in the Card Verification Service.
2.3.C.1 Issuer Participation

2.3.C.1.a An Issuer must be capable of receiving the POS Entry Mode code and processing the
Card Verification Value according to the procedures specified in the BASE II Clearing
Data Codes.
2.3.C.1.b All Cards must be encoded with the Card Verification Value, as specified in the
Payment Technology Standards Manual.
2.3.C.1.c At the Issuer’s option, the Cardholder Verification Value contained in the Magnetic-
Stripe Image (track 2 equivalent data) on the Chip (Chip Card Verification Value—
iCVV) may differ from the Card Verification Value encoded on the Card’s Magnetic
Stripe.
2.3.C.1.d Effective 1 January 2009, all newly issued EMVChip CardEMV Chip Cards and
existing EMV Chip Cards on renewal must use Chip Card Verification Value—iCVV
as part of the Magnetic-Stripe Image, as defined in the Payment Technology
Standards Manual.1
2.3.C.2 Acquirer Requirements

An Acquirer must ensure that its Merchant Card acceptance terminal transmit the entire
unaltered contents of the Magnetic Stripe data or be subject to a Chargeback, as
specified in Section 4.4.B.1.b.
2.3.C.3 Visa Responsibility

An Issuer may have Visa verify the Card Verification Value in all Authorization Requests,
or may elect to verify the Card Verification Value itself.
SEE ALSO:
• Payment Technology Standards Manual
• V.I.P. System manuals
• BASE II Clearing manuals
2.3.D Exception File Service

2.3.D.1 Overview
A VisaNet Processor that wishes to participate in the Exception File service must notify
Visa in writing at least 90 calendar days prior to implementation.
1
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the Asia-Pacific Region until 1 January 2010.
2.3.D.2 Updates 2.3.E.1 Issuer Participation
2.3.D.2 Updates
An Issuer must add an Account Number to the Exception File if:
• A Visa Card or Visa Electron Card was reported lost, stolen, or counterfeit, and must
be recovered
• A Deposit-Only Account Number is reported compromised
• Authorization must always be denied to this Account Number
• Authorization must always be granted to this Account Number
• Issuer-defined Authorization limits apply to this Account Number
• The Acquirer must contact the Issuer to obtain Authorization for this Account Number
2.3.D.2.a An Issuer must update the Exception File with the following information to ensure the
accuracy of the Exception File records:
• Account Number
• Authorization Response
• Purge date of the record
• Card Recovery Bulletin Region where the Visa Account Number should be
published, if applicable
SEE ALSO:
• Card Recovery Bulletin User’s Guide
• VisaNet manuals
• Original Credits Member Requirements manual
2.3.D.2.b An Issuer may submit updates to the Exception File using the Exception File Update
Form (Exhibit 1B).
2.3.E Advanced Authorization (Effective 18 July 2008)

Where available, Advanced Authorization is an optional, subscription-based, real-time risk
management product that delivers risk data to Issuers in the Authorization Request to alert
them to possible fraudulent activity on their Cardholder accounts.
2.3.E.1 Issuer Participation

An Issuer and its Processor that wishes to implement Advanced Authorization must:
• Comply with the certification requirements for Advanced Authorization as specified in
the appropriate VisaNet User’s Manual
• Complete an end-to-end validation test in accordance with the requirements specified
in the Visa Advanced Authorization Integration Guide
• Comply with the terms and conditions specified in the Visa Advanced Authorization
Integration Guide
2.3.E.2 Confidentiality 2.3.H.2 Enrollment
2.3.E.2 Confidentiality
An Issuer and its Processor must:
• Comply with confidentiality and security requirements related to the use of the
VisaNet system and Visa confidential information, as specified in Section 1.4
• Store all Advanced Authorization operational materials, such as manuals and
password protected CD-ROMs, in a secure area limited to selected personnel, and
render all data unreadable prior to discarding such materials
SEE ALSO:
• VisaNet User’s Manual
• Visa Advanced Authorization Integration Guide
• Section 1.4
2.3.F PIN Verification Service

The PIN Verification Service is an optional Visa service that verifies the Cardholder’s PIN in
an Authorization Request, which an Issuer may choose to use by submitting a written request
to Visa at least 90 calendar days prior to implementation.
An Issuer may choose to use the service either:
• As a full-time service for all Authorization Requests that include a PIN
• If the Issuer is unavailable or unable to respond within the time required by the assured Transaction
response parameters
SEE ALSO:
VisaNet manuals
2.3.G Positive Cardholder Authorization Service

An Issuer must select minimum Activity File Parameters for all Transactions, including T&E
Transactions, as specified in the VisaNet Manuals.
2.3.H Visa Risk Manager, Effective 16 May 2008

2.3.H.1 Issuer Participation
Where available, Visa Risk Manager is an optional, subscription-based suite of risk
management products that allows Issuers to react to high-risk Transactions at the Point-
of-Transaction as well as to conduct offline case management.
2.3.H.2 Enrollment
To subscribe to Visa Risk Manager, an Issuer must complete and comply with the Visa
Risk Manager enrollment package available from its Regional Office.
2.3.I Merchant Fraud Performance Program 2.3.J.2 Chargeback Handling Fees
2.3.I Merchant Fraud Performance Program

The Merchant Fraud Performance Program is a risk management service that enables
Acquirers to monitor Fraud Activity at Merchant Outlets.
2.3.I.1 Criteria
A Merchant Outlet is identified in the Merchant Fraud Performance Program if it meets
or exceeds monthly fraud levels specified in the Visa Merchant Fraud Performance
Program Guide.
2.3.I.2 Compliance
An Acquirer must address any fraud exposure attributed to a Merchant Outlet that is
identified by the Merchant Fraud Performance Program within the time period specified
in the Visa Merchant Fraud Performance Program Guide, or face possible corrective
actions as specified in the Visa Merchant Fraud Performance Program Guide.
SEE ALSO:
Visa Merchant Fraud Performance Program Guide
2.3.J Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program

Visa monitors International Transactions to identify Merchant Outlets that generate excessive
Chargebacks in relation to International Transactions.
2.3.J.1 Criteria
A Merchant is placed in the Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program if any of
its Merchant Outlets meets or exceeds all of the following monthly performance activity
levels for International Transactions:
• 200 Chargebacks
• 200 Transactions
• 2.0% ratio of Chargebacks to Transactions
Visa may modify or create new monthly performance levels after evaluation of the
program’s success in identifying Merchants that adversely cause undue economic
hardship or damage to the goodwill of the Visa system.
2.3.J.2 Chargeback Handling Fees

2.3.J.2.a Visa assesses an Acquirer a Chargeback handling fee of US $100 for each
International Chargeback received for each identified Merchant Outlet once the
Merchant has been placed in the Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program.
2.3.J.2.b If the Acquirer and Merchant have not implemented procedures to reduce
Chargebacks, Visa may assess the Acquirer an increased Chargeback handling fee
not exceeding US $200 for each International Chargeback received for its Merchant.
2.3.J.2.c Visa collects the Chargeback handling fee from the Acquirer, and disburses it to the
Issuer initiating the Chargeback, less a US $30 administration fee, through the Visa
Integrated Billing Statement.
2.3.J.3 Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring 2.3.L.1 Visa Anti-Money Laundering Program
Program Merchants Identified as High Risk Requirements
2.3.J.3 Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program Merchants Identified as High

Risk
2.3.J.3.a A Merchant required to use one of the following Merchant Category Codes is
considered high risk:
• 5962—Direct Marketing—Travel-Related Arrangement Services
• 5966—Direct Marketing—Outbound Telemarketing Merchants
• 5967—Direct Marketing—Inbound Telemarketing Merchants
• 7995—Betting, including Lottery Tickets, Casino Gaming Chips, Off-Track Betting,
and Wagers at Race Tracks
2.3.J.3.b Section 1.6.D.11 specifies the penalties per International Chargeback for Acquirers of
Merchants identified as high risk placed in the Global Merchant Chargeback
Monitoring Program.
2.3.J.4 Visa Rights

Visa may assess or suspend fees to accommodate unique or extenuating
circumstances. Fees will no longer be assessed once the Merchant has met acceptable
performance levels; however, fees may continue to be assessed, or a Merchant may be
prohibited from participating in the Visa Program as specified in Table 1-9 or
Section 4.13.L.2, if Visa determines that the Merchant is causing undue economic
hardship to the Visa system as a result of high dispute volumes.
2.3.K Acquirer Monitoring Program

2.3.K.1 Program Criteria
Visa monitors an Acquirer to determine disproportionate fraud-to-sales ratios.
2.3.K.2 Acquirer Non-Compliance

An Acquirer exceeding 3 times the worldwide or regional fraud-to-sales ratio for more
than one quarter will be considered non-compliant and may be subject, but not limited,
to the following fines and penalties:
• Monetary fines specified in the applicable Visa Regional Operating Regulations
• Temporary suspension of contracting with new Merchants
• Termination of membership
2.3.L Visa Anti-Money Laundering Program

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.
2.3.L.1 Visa Anti-Money Laundering Program Requirements

2.3.L.1.a Consistent with the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to a Member, 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.
2.3.L.2 Visa Anti-Money Laundering Program 2.3.L.2 Visa Anti-Money Laundering Program
Compliance Compliance
2.3.L.1.b A Member must cooperate with Visa in the administration of the Visa anti-money
laundering program, including but not limited to the following:
• Assisting Visa in guarding against Card issuance and Merchant acquiring in
circumstances that could facilitate money laundering or the financing of terrorist
activities
• Identifying circumstances of heightened risk and instituting policies, procedures,
controls, or other actions specified by Visa to address the heightened risk
• Providing a copy of the Member’s anti-money laundering plan if requested by Visa
• Ensuring the adequacy of the applicable controls implemented by designated
agents of the Member
2.3.L.2 Visa Anti-Money Laundering Program Compliance

If Visa determines that a Member or the Member’s designated agent has failed to comply
with any of the requirements specified in Section 2.3.L.1, Visa may, consistent with local
law, impose conditions on or require additional actions of the Member or the designated
agent, to prevent possible money laundering or financing of terrorist activities. These
actions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Implementation of additional policies, procedures, or controls
• Termination of a Merchant or Cardholder Agreement
• Termination of an agent agreement
• Termination of Visa membership
• Assessment of fines or penalties
• Other action that Visa in its sole discretion determines to take with respect to the
Member or the Member’s designated agent
3 Issuer Requirements & Information
3.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1.A Visa Product Hierarchy

An Issuer must establish a premium product value hierarchy based on features, performance
standards, and spending limits as follows1:
• A Visa Platinum card must be equal to or higher in value to a Cardholder than a Visa Gold/
Premier Card
• A Visa Gold/Premier Card must have more value to a Cardholder than a Visa Classic Card
• A Visa Business Gold Card must have more value to a Cardholder than a Visa Business
Card
3.1.B Cardholder Agreements

3.1.B.1 Cardholder Agreement Prohibition
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 local law applicable in the Cardholder’s jurisdiction.
SEE ALSO:
Section 1.3
3.1.B.2 International Transaction and Currency Conversion 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.
3.1.C Card Requirements

Issuers must comply with the requirements in this section.
1 A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the U.S.A. Region.
3.1.C.1 Mark Usage 3.1.D.1 Account Range and BIN Assignment for
New Visa Card Programs
3.1.C.1 Mark Usage

3.1.C.1.a Effective 1 September 2005 through 28 February 2007, an Issuer may issue or
reissue a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card bearing either the
• Visa Flag Symbol or Visa Electron Symbol. The Card bearing either the Visa Flag
Symbol or Visa Electron Symbol must both:
- Expire no later than 30 June 2011
- Comply with Visa International Card and Marks Specifications
• Visa Brand Mark or the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier. The Card
bearing either the Visa Brand Mark or the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron
Identifier must comply with the Visa Product Brand Standards
3.1.C.1.b All newly-created Visa Cards and Visa Electron Cards issued or reissued must both:
• Bear either the Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
• Comply with the Visa Product Brand Standards
An Issuer may issue or reissue a Card bearing either the Visa Flag Symbol or Visa
Electron Symbol to deplete existing card stock. The Card bearing either the Visa Flag
Symbol or Visa Electron Symbol must both:
• Expire no later than 30 June 2011
• Comply with the Visa International Card and Marks Specifications
3.1.C.1.c Effective 1 July 2011, all Visa Cards and Visa Electron Cards must bear either the
Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier, as specified in the
Visa Product Brand Standards.
3.1.C.2 Card Specifications

Issuers must comply with the following specifications for Card design, as applicable:
• Chapter 10, "Card and Marks Requirements"
• Visa Product Brand Standards for all Cards, except for Visa Cash Cards
• Visa Cash Program Operating Regulations for Visa Cash Cards
• Visa TravelMoney Product Guide for Visa TravelMoney Cards
3.1.D BIN
A Principal or Associate must submit the following to Visa prior to issuing any Card bearing
the requested BIN or acquiring a Merchant using the BIN, as specified in Section 1.8.A.1:
• BIN License Agreement (Exhibit 4A)
• Visa Interchange Directory Update Form (Exhibit 4F)
3.1.D.1 Account Range and BIN Assignment for New Visa Card Programs
Effective 5 April 2008, an Issuer may establish multiple Visa card programs within the
same BIN, as described in this section.
3.1.D.2 Account Range and BIN Assignment for 3.1.G.1 Overview
Existing Visa Card Programs
3.1.D.1.a For a new Visa card program, an Issuer may assign either a:
• Unique BIN for each Visa card program
• Designated account range within a BIN for a specific Visa card program by
completing Section 6 of the BIN License Agreement (Exhibit 4A)
3.1.D.1.c Visa may require a business plan if an Issuer requests the assignment of designated
account ranges to multiple Visa card programs within a single BIN.
3.1.D.2 Account Range and BIN Assignment for Existing Visa Card Programs
For existing Visa card programs, an Issuer must not request a new designated account
range assignment within an active BIN.
3.1.D.3 Right to Deny an Account Range Request

Visa reserves the right to deny a request for a designated account range within an
existing BIN.
3.1.E Account Number Specifications

3.1.E.1 General Requirements
Table 3-1 lists the specifications for BIN and Account Number structures embossed,
encoded, or printed on all Visa Cards and Visa Electron Cards.
3.1.F Expiration Date Standards

3.1.F.1 General Issuing Requirements
3.1.F.1.a A Visa Card and Visa Electron Card must bear an expiration date on the front of the
Card.
3.1.F.1.b The expiration date on a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card without a Cardholder name
must not be more than X years from the date of issuance.1
3.1.F.2 Chip Card Requirements

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.
3.1.G PIN Program

3.1.G.1 Overview
An Issuer must make a PIN available to each Cardholder for use with a Card, except that
PIN issuance is not required for a Prepaid Card bearing the Visa Brand Mark, or Visa
Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier.
1
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the Asia-Pacific Region for Chip Cards.
3.1.G.2 Participation Requirements 3.1.H Interchange Reimbursement Fees
3.1.G.2 Participation Requirements

An Issuer must:
• Notify each of its Cardholders of the available PIN
• Comply with the Payment Technology Standards Manual
• Successfully complete certification testing to demonstrate its capability to perform PIN
Verification, or designate Visa to perform this function
• Select Stand-In Processing Issuer options pertaining to a Transaction for which a PIN
is used
3.1.G.3 Service Code Requirements

3.1.G.3.a A Visa or Visa Electron Issuer must use one of the appropriate Service Codes that are
valid for the applicable product, and the applicable Cardholder Verification Method on
a Chip Card to communicate its Card acceptance policies, including PIN requirements
at the Point-of-Transaction, as specified in the Payment Technology Standards
Manual and the Visa Integrated Circuit Card Specifications.
3.1.G.4 PIN Verification Procedures

3.1.G.4.a PIN Verification is required for all ATM Transactions.
3.1.G.4.b An Issuer may, at its option, provide PIN Verification for each Transaction by itself or
using the Visa PIN Verification Service, as specified in Chapter 2, "Risk
Management."
• If the Issuer performs PIN Verification, it must both:
- Install a direct computer interface to the V.I.P. System
- Comply with requirements for PIN processing specified in the VisaNet manuals
• If the Issuer uses the PIN Verification Service, it must comply with the Key
Management Service procedures specified in the Payment Technology Standards
Manual.
3.1.H Interchange Reimbursement Fees

A Cash Disbursement Fee is paid by the Issuer to the Acquirer performing a Cash
Disbursement, as specified in Chapter 8, "Fees."
3.2 PAYMENT SERVICE STANDARDS 3.2.A.2 Assured Transaction Response Standards
3.2 PAYMENT SERVICE STANDARDS
3.2.A Authorization Requirements

3.2.A.1 General Requirements
3.2.A.1.a An Issuer must provide Authorization services for all of its Cardholders, 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, using one of the following methods:
• Directly, as a VisaNet Processor
• Through another VisaNet Processor
• By other means approved by Visa
3.2.A.1.b The Issuer must provide Authorization Responses as specified in the VisaNet
manuals and:
• Meet the assured Transaction response standards specified in Section 3.2.A.2
• Participate in the International Automated Referral Service1 and comply with the
International Automated Referral Service User’s Guide
• Participate in the Card Verification Service, as specified in Section 2.3.C
VISA RECOMMENDS:
An Issuer should:
• Periodically review its international Authorization Responses
• Not systematically or permanently send a Decline Response to an Authorization Request
for any of the following:
- Mail/Phone Order Transactions
- Electronic Commerce Transactions1
- Transactions from a specific country
1. For requirements specific to Electronic Commerce Transactions coded with an ECI value “6”, see
Section 3.2.A.3.
3.2.A.1.c An Issuer must reverse the duplicate Transactions from its Cardholder records upon
receipt of the Reversal information.
3.2.A.2 Assured Transaction Response Standards

3.2.A.2.a Visa will monitor all Authorization Requests forwarded to an Issuer and ensure that
each request receives a timely Authorization Response.
1
This requirement does not apply to Visa Electron Issuers.
3.2.A.3 Decline Response Standards 3.2.A.4 Electronic Commerce Transaction Indicator

Value 6 (ECI 6) Decline Compliance Program
3.2.A.2.b Visa may establish time limits for Intraregional Authorization Requests. The maximum
time limit for response to an Authorization Request is:
• 15 seconds without PIN data
• 30 seconds with PIN data
3.2.A.2.c If Visa does not receive an Authorization Response from an Issuer within the
specified time limit, Visa will respond on behalf of the Issuer, using Stand-In
Processing.
Stand-In Processing parameters are applied to Recurring Transactions only if the Issuer is
unavailable.
3.2.A.2.d The Issuer is responsible for Transactions authorized by Stand-In Processing.

3.2.A.2.e If Visa receives an Issuer Authorization Response after it has initiated Stand-In
Processing, it will not forward the Issuer-generated Authorization Response to the
Acquirer. The Visa-generated Authorization Response takes precedence over the
Issuer’s Authorization Response.
SEE ALSO:
VisaNet manuals
3.2.A.3 Decline Response Standards

3.2.A.3.a An Issuer may systematically send a Decline Response to an Authorization Request
for a Transaction that has been determined to be illegal.
3.2.A.3.b An Issuer must not systematically send a Decline Response to an Authorization
Request for an Electronic Commerce Transaction coded with an ECI value “6,” unless
there is an immediate fraud threat. This prohibition does not apply to Visa products
issued with restrictions clearly communicated to the Cardholder, e.g., a Card product
issued for use exclusively in a Card-Present Environment.
3.2.A.4 Electronic Commerce Transaction Indicator Value 6 (ECI 6) Decline Compliance

Program
3.2.A.4.a An Issuer is prohibited from implementing systematic decline response parameters
on Verified by Visa “attempted authentication” Transactions. Issuers must not
maintain systematic decline response parameters for Transactions coded with
Electronic Commerce Transaction Indicator Value 6 (ECI 6) beyond the period of an
immediate fraud threat. This requirement does not apply to Visa products issued
under restrictive terms clearly communicated to the Cardholder.1
Visa monitors an Issuer’s decline rates for Electronic Commerce Transaction
Indicator Value 6 (ECI 6). An Issuer is determined to be non-compliant if it exceeds
500 Authorizations a month and a decline rate of 50% or more.
1
For example, in Visa U.S.A. some Issuers have Visa stand-in to decline all Online Gambling Transactions for legal
purposes. Visa may remove these Transactions from the decline rate calculation when appropriate.
3.2.A.5 Chip Card Authorization Requirements 3.2.A.6 Referral Response and Approval Rate
Standards
3.2.A.4.b An Issuer determined to be non-compliant with the criteria in Section 3.2.A.4.a is

subject to the actions or fines specified in Table 1-3.
3.2.A.5 Chip Card Authorization Requirements

3.2.A.5.a For an Authorization of a Transaction processed below the Floor Limit, the Visa Smart
Payment Application may either:
• Instruct the terminal to go Online
• Approve the Transaction using offline controls contained in the Chip
3.2.A.5.b An Issuer of Chip Cards containing the Visa Smart Payment Application with Offline
Authorization controls must define parameters to enable Offline Chip Authorization.
An Issuer may exempt a Visa Card encoded with a Service Code from this
requirement.
3.2.A.5.c An Issuer of a Visa Purchasing Card containing a Chip with a Visa Smart Payment
Application with Offline Authorization controls may define parameters to enable Chip
Offline Authorization.
3.2.A.5.d An Issuer of a Visa Electron Card containing a Chip with Offline Authorization controls
may define parameters to enable acceptance at terminals with no Online
Authorization capability.
3.2.A.5.e When Offline Authorization controls are defined in the 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.
3.2.A.6 Referral Response and Approval Rate Standards

3.2.A.6.a An Issuer must not send a Referral Response to an Authorization Request involving
an ATM or Electronic Commerce Transaction. If the Issuer does so, VisaNet will reject
the Referral Response and process the Authorization Request according to Stand-In
Processing parameters.
3.2.A.6.b A Referral Response generated on an International Transaction due to Issuer Stand-
in Processing parameters will be converted to a Decline Response if both the:
• Transaction amount is less than US $500
• Issuer is unavailable
3.2.A.6.c An Issuer must not send a Referral Response to an Authorization Request for a
Telephone Service Transaction with Merchant Category Code 4814,
“Telecommunication Services.” If the Issuer does so, VisaNet will perform Stand-In
Processing.
If Stand-In Processing returns a Referral Response, the Referral Response will be
converted to a Decline Response and forwarded to the Acquirer.
3.2.A.6.d A Referral Response generated on an International Transaction by an Issuer to an
Authorization Request for a Mail/Phone Order Transaction or Unattended Terminal
Transaction will be converted by VisaNet to a Decline Response.
Table 3-2: Maximum Monthly Referral Rates Table 3-2: Maximum Monthly Referral Rates
3.2.A.6.e A Referral Response generated by an Issuer on an International Transaction will be

converted by VisaNet to a Decline Response if both the:
• Transaction amount is less than US $100
• Merchant Category Code in the Authorization Request is one of the following:
- 4121—Taxicabs and Limousines
- 4784—Tolls and Bridge Fees
- 5411—Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
- 5814—Fast Food Restaurants
- 7523—Parking Lots Parking Meters, and Garages
- 7832—Motion Picture Theaters
3.2.A.6.f The referral rate is the number of Referral Responses stated as a percentage of all
Authorization Requests processed by an Issuer, excluding those processed by
Stand-In Processing. An Issuer must not exceed the monthly referral rate listed in
Table 3-2 for its Visa Program in the specified Merchant categories.
Table 3-2: Maximum Monthly Referral Rates
Visa Classic Cards,

Visa Gold/Premier Visa Signature Cards,
Category Visa Electron Cards
Cards, and Visa Visa Infinite Cards
Commercial Cards
Retail Merchants 0.5% 0.3% Not allowed
Airlines 0.5% 0.3% Not allowed
Hotels 0.5% 0.2% Not allowed
Cruise Lines 0.5% 0.3% Not allowed
Car Rentals 0.5% 0.2% Not allowed
Mail/Phone Orders1 0.5% 0.3% Not allowed
Quasi-Cash 0.5% 0.3% Not allowed
ATM Cash Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed

Disbursements
1. Referral rates listed for Mail/Phone Order Transactions will also apply for Domestic Mail/Phone Order Transactions
unless a different rate is specified in the applicable Regional Operating Regulations.
3.2.A.6.g A Visa Electron Issuer must not generate a Referral Response to any Authorization
Request for Visa Electron Cards.
3.2.A.6.h If an Issuer or its agent generates a Referral Response, it must both:
• Be available to receive the call, fax, or telex
• Respond with an Approval, Decline, or Pickup Response immediately after
receiving the requested information
Table 3-3: Minimum Monthly Approval Rates 3.2.A.7 Authorization Limits
3.2.A.6.i An Issuer must maintain the minimum monthly approval rate1 listed in Table 3-3 for
its Visa Program in the specified categories.
Table 3-3: Minimum Monthly Approval Rates
Visa
Visa Gold/ Business Visa Visa
Visa Classic Visa Infinite
Category Premier and Visa Purchasing Signature
Cards1 Cards
Cards1 Corporate Cards Cards
Cards
Retail Merchants Not 95% 95% Not 99% 99%

applicable applicable
Airlines 90% 95% 95% Not 99% 99%

applicable
Hotels 90% 95% 95% Not 99% 99%

applicable
Cruise Lines 90% 95% 95% Not 99% 99%

applicable
Car Rentals 90% 95% 95% Not 99% 99%

applicable
Mail/Phone Orders Not Not Not Not Not Not

applicable applicable applicable applicable applicable applicable
Quasi-Cash Not Not Not Not Not Not

applicable applicable applicable applicable applicable applicable
ATM Cash Not 65% 65% Not 65% 65%

Disbursements applicable applicable
Manual Cash Not 85% Not Not 85% 85%

Disbursements applicable applicable applicable
1. A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the U.S.A. Region.
3.2.A.6.j An Issuer must report its Referral and Approval Response rates for Domestic
Transactions to Visa on a quarterly basis.
3.2.A.7 Authorization Limits

3.2.A.7.a If an Issuer chooses to set higher limits, it must identify them on the Visa Interchange
Directory Update Form (Exhibit 4F).
3.2.A.7.b A Visa Gold/Premier and Visa Infinite Card Issuer is subject to the mandated
minimum Positive Cardholder Authorization Service Activity File Parameters and
Issuer Limits as specified in the VisaNet manuals.
3.2.A.7.c A Visa Business Card or Visa Corporate Card Issuer is subject to the mandated
minimum Positive Cardholder Authorization Service Activity File Parameters and
Issuer Limits as specified in the VisaNet manuals.
1
The approval rate is the number of Positive Responses as a percentage of all Authorization Requests processed.
3.2.A.8 Mandatory Minimum Authorization Limits 3.2.B.5 Assistance to Acquirers in Obtaining

Account Numbers
3.2.A.7.d A Visa Purchasing Card Issuer may apply a minimum Issuer Limit of zero for
Authorization Requests.
3.2.A.8 Mandatory Minimum Authorization Limits

3.2.A.8.a Mandatory minimum Authorization limits do not apply to a Visa Prepaid Card or debit
Visa Card Issuer.
3.2.A.8.b Visa may exempt an Issuer from the mandatory minimum Authorization limits.
SEE ALSO:
V.I.P. System BASE I Processing Specifications (for Visa Mandatory Minimum Limits)
3.2.B Clearing and Settlement Requirements

3.2.B.1 General Requirements
An Issuer must provide Clearing and Settlement services for its Cardholders as specified
in Chapter 6, "Payment Services" and the VisaNet manuals.
3.2.B.2 Retrieval Request Rate Standards

3.2.B.2.a The Retrieval Request rate is the number of requested Transaction Receipts stated
as a percentage of the total incoming Interchange volume received by the Issuer. An
Issuer must not exceed the monthly international Retrieval Request rate of 0.5% for
T&E Transactions.
3.2.B.2.b A Member must report quarterly to Visa the conformance of its Domestic Transactions
with this provision.
3.2.B.3 Reimbursement for Interchange Transactions

Each Issuer must pay the Acquirer the amount due for Transactions occurring with the
use of a valid Card. This includes Transactions resulting from geographically restricted
Card use outside the country of issuance.
3.2.B.4 Billing Currency

An Issuer receives Interchange in its Billing Currency. If the Issuer uses more than one
Billing Currency, it must have a separate BIN for each.
3.2.B.5 Assistance to Acquirers in Obtaining Account Numbers

If an Acquirer contacts an Issuer for assistance in obtaining an Account Number, as
specified in Section 4.9.B.1, the Issuer both:
• Must assist the Acquirer
• May require that all requests be in writing
3.3 GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 3.3.A.3 Cardholder Verification Method
3.3 GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
3.3.A Chip Card Issuers

3.3.A.1 Overview
3.3.A.1.a All new Visa or Visa Electron Chip programs, initiated on or after 1 January 2001,
must be compliant with both:
• EMV specifications
• Visa Integrated Circuit Card Specifications
Non-compliant Cards issued through 31 December 1999 may be non-compliant until
they expire.
3.3.A.1.b All Visa Smart Payment programs must be EMV- and VIS-Compliant.
3.3.A.1.c If Visa determines that an Issuer or Issuer’s agent has a high-severity Chip
interoperability problem and that progress toward an agreed-upon resolution plan is
no longer acceptable, the Issuer or Issuer’s agent is subject to the Chip
Interoperability Compliance Program as specified in Section 1.6.D.13.
3.3.A.1.d A single Issuer must be designated and identified to a Cardholder as the Issuer of the
Chip Card.
3.3.A.2 Chip Card Technology Requirements

3.3.A.2.a Visa may review and approve all applications contained in a Chip used to facilitate a
Visa Smart Payment service.
3.3.A.2.b An Issuer must define the Payment Application options for its Visa Smart Payment
program.
3.3.A.2.c An Issuer must ensure that the Visa Public Keys used for the Visa or Visa Electron
Payment Application are used solely for that purpose.
3.3.A.2.d A Chip Card Issuer must not inhibit Terminal Risk Management (e.g., by
programming the Chip to bypass Terminal Risk Management).
3.3.A.2.e Effective 1 January 2009, all newly issued EMV Chip Cards and existing EMV Chip
Cards on renewal must use Chip Card Verification Value—iCVV as part of the
Magnetic-Stripe Image, as defined in the Payment Technology Standards Manual.1
3.3.A.3 Cardholder Verification Method

3.3.A.3.a A Chip Card Issuer must ensure that the Cardholder Verification Method preferences
are communicated by the Chip Cardholder Verification Method List to the Chip-
Reading Device at the Point-of-Transaction, as specified in Table 3-4.
3.3.A.3.b Offline PIN Verification carries the same level of Chargeback protection as Online PIN
Verification.
1
3.3.A.4 Cardholder Account Selection 3.3.A.6 Issuer Liability
3.3.A.4 Cardholder Account Selection

3.3.A.4.a The Visa or Visa Electron Payment Application may provide access to more than one
account.
3.3.A.4.b An Issuer of a Chip Card must:
• 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. This does not prevent the debiting or crediting of funds
maintained elsewhere to that account.
• Allow a Cardholder to select the service and account to be used for a Transaction,
as permitted by local law, and as specified in the Visa International Operating
Regulations
• Designate an Account Number for each account accessed by a Visa Smart
Payment Application. In addition, the Chip may contain multiple Account Numbers.
• 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, as specified in the Visa Integrated Circuit Card Specifications
3.3.A.4.c To assist Cardholder account selection, the Issuer of a Chip Card may establish
account priorities determining the order that accounts are displayed or reviewed by
the Chip-Reading Device. The first priority account must be the same as the account
that is encoded in the Magnetic Stripe, and if applicable, displayed on the front of the
Card.
3.3.A.5 Post-Issuance Updates

3.3.A.5.a An Issuer may process Post-Issuance Updates to a Chip Card used to facilitate a Visa
Smart Payment Application, as specified in both:
• Visa International Operating Regulations
3.3.A.5.b Post-Issuance Updates to a Chip Card containing a Visa or Visa Electron Payment
Application must be controlled exclusively by the Issuer.
3.3.A.5.c Post-Issuance Updates must not adversely impact the Transaction completion time
at a Point-of-Transaction Terminal or an ATM.
3.3.A.5.d Post-Issuance Application Load of 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.
3.3.A.5.e Post-Issuance Application Load of 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 the Post-Issuance Application Load.
3.3.A.6 Issuer Liability

3.3.A.6.a An Issuer is responsible and liable for the parameter values and processing options
contained in the Visa Smart Payment Application.
3.3.B EMV Liability Shift for Fraudulent Transactions 3.3.B.1 Card-Present Counterfeit Card Transactions
3.3.A.6.b The Issuer is liable for Chip-initiated, offline-authorized Transactions when all of the
following conditions are met:
• Visa Smart Payment Application is active
• Terminal Risk Management is performed
• Merchant’s Floor Limit is not exceeded
3.3.A.6.c The Issuer is responsible for all Chip-initiated, authorized Visa Smart Payment
Transactions. This does not apply to legitimate disputes.
3.3.B EMV Liability Shift for Fraudulent Transactions

Section 4.3, apply to all Interregional Transactions between the jurisdiction of the CEMEA
Regional Office and Visa Europe. This includes Transactions occurring at both POS and ATM
devices.
Section 4.3, apply to all Interregional Transactions.
3.3.B.1 Card-Present Counterfeit Card Transactions

Counterfeit Card Transactions completed in a Card-Present Environment are the liability
of the Issuer if both of the following conditions apply:1, 2
• The Transaction takes place at an EMV-CompliantChip-Reading Device
• If the Transaction is Chip-initiated, the Transaction is correctly processed to
completion in accordance with EMV and Visa Integrated Circuit Card (VIS)
Specifications
1
2
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the Asia-Pacific Region, to exclude ATM Cash
Disbursement Transactions involving Issuers and Acquirers from that Visa Region.
3.3.B.2 Card-Present Non-Counterfeit Fraudulent 3.3.C Proximity Payment Issuers

Transactions
3.3.B.2 Card-Present Non-Counterfeit Fraudulent Transactions

Non-Counterfeit fraudulent Transactions completed in a Card-Present Environment are
the liability of the Issuer if all of the following conditions apply:1
• The Transaction takes place at an EMV PIN-Compliant Device
• Correct acceptance procedures have been followed (including compliance with
Appendix C, "Maximum Authorized Floor Limits")
• If the Transaction is Chip-initiated, the Transaction is correctly processed to
completion in accordance with EMV and Visa Integrated Circuit Card (VIS)
Specifications
3.3.B.3 Liability for Fallback Transactions

Transactions accepted as Fallback Transactions are the liability of the Issuer if both of
the following conditions apply:
• Card is a Chip Card containing a Visa or Visa Electron Smart Payment Application, or
an EMV and VIS-Compliant Plus application
• Transaction is authorized by the Issuer or the Issuer’s agent, the appropriate values
identifying the Transaction as a Fallback Transaction are included within the related
Authorization Message, and correct acceptance procedures are followed
3.3.B.4 Account Generated Counterfeit Fraud

Counterfeit Transactions completed in a Card-Present Environment are the liability of
the Acquirer, if all of the following conditions are met:2, 3
• Transaction did not take place at a Chip-Reading Device
• Account Number was not resident on the Issuer’s Master File on the Transaction Date
• 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
• Transaction was below Merchant’s Floor Limit and did not receive Authorization
• 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 60 calendar days from the date of listing
3.3.C Proximity Payment Issuers

Effective 1 April 2008, an Issuer that issues Proximity Payment Cards in countries without
an existing contactless implementation must comply with the Visa Contactless Payment
Specification.
1
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdictions of the Latin America and Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, and
U.S.A. Regions, to exclude Transactions involving Issuers and Acquirers from those Visa Regions.
2
3
3.3.D Visa Secure Electronic Commerce 3.3.E.1 3-D Secure General Participation
Requirements
Effective 1 January 2012, an Issuer must issue Proximity Payment Cards that comply with
the Visa Contactless Payment Specification.
3.3.D Visa Secure Electronic Commerce

3.3.D.1 General Participation Requirements
3.3.D.1.a An Issuer that participates in Visa Secure Electronic Commerce and supports an
Authentication Method for Electronic Commerce Transactions must:
• Use an Authentication Mechanism
• Comply with Visa-established policies, procedures, operating guidelines, and
standards specified in the Verified by Visa Issuer Implementation Guide
3.3.D.1.b Unless prior approval has been obtained from Visa, a Member must not use a Digital
Certificate issued by or associated with Visa as an Authentication Mechanism for a
non-Visa product or service.
3.3.D.1.c Authentication Methods are available to Members for all Visa Card products linked to
an account established by an Issuer, as specified in the Verified by Visa Issuer
Implementation Guide.
3.3.D.2 Chip Card Program Requirements

Chip Card programs using Private Keys stored on Internet-connected servers must meet
Visa risk management and security standards, as specified in both the:
• EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for Payment Systems
3.3.E 3-D Secure Participation Requirements

3.3.E.1 3-D Secure General Participation Requirements
3.3.E.1.a During Cardholder enrollment in the Verified by Visa program, an Issuer that
participates in 3-D Secure must, at a minimum, use a combination of on-Card and off-
Card data and comply with the Verified by Visa Issuer Implementation Guide.
3.3.E.1.b An Issuer must comply with the Issuer Authentication standards, as specified in the
Verified by Visa Issuer Implementation Guide.
3.3.E.1.c An Issuer that uses the Verified by Visa Mark must ensure that both:
• Its 3-D Secure components have successfully met the requirements of the Visa 3-D
Secure Vendor Compliance Testing Program
• The Issuer purchase authentication page complies with the layout requirements for
data elements and the Verified by Visa Mark outlined in the Visa Product Brand
Standards
3.3.E.2 3-D Secure Processing Requirements 3.3.F.1 General Requirements
3.3.E.2 3-D Secure Processing Requirements

3.3.E.2.a An Issuer must include a Cardholder Authentication Verification Value in the following
responses to an Authentication Request:
• Authentication Confirmation
• Attempt Response
3.3.E.2.b The Cardholder Authentication Verification Value must be validated during
Authorization, or the Cardholder Authentication Verification Value is assumed to be
valid.
3.3.E.2.c An Issuer may respond to an Authentication Request with an Unable-to-Authenticate
Response only under one or more of the following conditions:
• The Issuer experiences technical problems that prevent a timely response
• Authentication data received from the Merchant does not comply with the 3-D
Secure Electronic Commerce Transaction Specification
• The Transaction is received from a New Channel not supported by the Issuer
• The Transaction is attempted with a Visa Commercial Card
• The Transaction is attempted with a Card where the Cardholder is anonymous,
such as a prepaid gift card
3.3.E.2.d An Issuer must both:
• Retain a log of all Authentication Requests and Authentication Records
• Provide the log to Visa at Arbitration or Compliance
3.3.F Global Co-branding Issuers

3.3.F.1 General Requirements
3.3.F.1.a A Global Co-branding Partner and Issuer must provide a dossier of proprietary and
public information for approval to the applicable regional representative, including the
following:
• Co-branding Partnership Regional Approval Form for each proposed Interregional
and Intraregional co-branding program
• Global Co-Branding Partners’ Marks and design guidelines (including color proofs)
or evidence that a trademark search has been conducted
• Color proofs
3.3.F.1.b A Global Co-branding Partner must:
• Be sponsored by an Issuer
• Not be eligible for Visa membership
• Not be an entity deemed to be a competitor of Visa
3.3.F.2 Participation Requirements 3.3.H Non-Standard Cards
3.3.F.1.c A Global Co-Branding Partner may participate in a Global Co-Branding Partnership in

multiple countries or Visa Regions with:
• A single Issuer
• Different Issuers
3.3.F.1.d A Global Co-branding Partnership participant must comply with all of the following:
• Applicable local laws
• Applicable Regional Operating Regulations
3.3.F.2 Participation Requirements

3.3.F.2.a An Issuer participating in a Global Co-Branding Partnership must:
• Be a qualified Issuer in countries where Global Co-branded Cards will be issued
• Notify Visa of planned Interregional and Intraregional Global Co-branding
Partnership expansion
3.3.F.2.b The Issuer may be required to provide information covering the reputation and
financial standing of the Global Co-Branding Partner prior to approval of the individual
program.
3.3.G Visa Card Product Extensions

3.3.G.1 BIN Requirements
same BIN, as specified in Section 3.1.D.
3.3.G.2 Unembossed Visa Card Issuers

3.3.G.2.a If permitted by Visa, an Issuer may issue unembossed Visa Cards with any valid
Service Code, as specified in the Payment Technology Standards Manual.
3.3.G.2.b An Issuer of unembossed Visa Cards must ensure that the Card complies with
unembossed Visa Card design requirements specified in the Visa Product Brand
Standards.
3.3.G.2.c In countries where the Visa Electron Program exists, an Issuer may temporarily print
the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier on the back of an unembossed Visa
Card, provided that the Card is issued within 5 years of the initial unembossed Visa
Card program offering.
3.3.H Non-Standard Cards

With Visa approval, an Issuer may issue a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card in a size and
design that does not comply with the plastic specifications contained in the Visa Product Brand
Standards.
3.3.H.1 Non-Standard Card Requirements 3.4.B Visa Gold/Premier Card Issuers
3.3.H.1 Non-Standard Card Requirements

3.3.H.1.a A Non-Standard Card must:
• Provide the designated level of utility promised to the Cardholder
• Contain the physical elements and data components required to complete a
Transaction
3.3.H.1.b A Non-Standard Card must not:
• Permit exclusive or preferential acceptance by a Merchant
• Be linked to a Virtual Account
3.3.H.2 Visa Mini Card Requirements

If issued, a Visa Mini Card must comply with the Visa Product Brand Standards for a Visa
Mini Card bearing the Visa Brand Mark, or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier.
3.3.I Proximity Payment Device Requirements

A Proximity Payment Device:
• Has distinct branding requirements, as specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards
• Must be issued with linkage to a Visa Card account, excluding Prepaid devices
• Must be assigned an expiration date that is on or before the date on the primary account
Card
• Must comply with one of the following specifications:
- Visa Contactless Payment Specification
- Visa Contactless Payment Specification ISO 14443 Type A and Type B
3.4 CONSUMER CARD PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
3.4.A Visa Classic Card Issuers

A Visa Classic Card Issuer must comply with the customer support services requirements,
specified in Section 3.11. Visa may require that Issuers provide these services, within a Visa
Region.
3.4.B Visa Gold/Premier Card Issuers

This section applies to Visa Gold/Premier Card Issuers.
3.4.B.1 Overview 3.4.D.1 General Requirements
3.4.B.1 Overview
A Visa Gold/Premier Card Issuer:
• May issue Visa Gold/Premier Cards at the option of Visa
• Must comply with the global support services requirements, either independently or
through Visa, as specified in Section 3.11
• May offer its Visa Gold/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
3.4.B.2 Certification
At least 30 calendar days prior to issuing Visa Gold/Premier Cards, an Issuer must
submit to Visa written certification that its programs, systems, procedures, and services
comply with the Visa International Operating Regulations.1
3.4.B.3 Core Services

Each Issuer must make available to its Visa Gold/Premier Cardholders a free 24-hour
telephone number to obtain emergency services. The Issuer must communicate the
telephone number to the Cardholder at least once each year.
3.4.B.4 BIN
same BIN, as specified in Section 3.1.D.
3.4.C Visa Signature Card Issuers

3.4.C.1 General Requirements
At the option of a Visa Region, an Issuer may issue Visa Signature Cards, subject to
trademark availability. A Visa Signature Card Issuer must include features and services
equivalent to the Visa Infinite Card and the following:
• No pre-set spending limit
• Access to Web services specific to Visa Signature Cardholders
• A Card design specific to a Visa Signature Card, as specified in the Visa Product
Brand Standards
3.4.D Visa Infinite Card Issuers

3.4.D.1 General Requirements
Visa and a Visa Infinite Card Issuer may supplement the requirements in this section. No
variances will be permitted except where required by local custom or law.
1
A variance to this requirement applies in jurisdiction of the U.S.A. Region.
3.4.D.1 General Requirements 3.4.D.1 General Requirements
3.4.D.1.a An Issuer must offer a Visa Infinite Card with:

• Unique features not available on any other Visa Card product it issues to ensure
product differentiation
• The highest purchasing power available within the jurisdiction of a Visa Regional
Office and a Member’s Visa Card portfolio, except when the Member-developed
Card product both:
- Is not branded with a Visa Card product name
- Does not use the Sample Card Design or reserved color of a Visa Card product,
as specified in the Visa International Operating Regulations
3.4.D.1.b A Visa Infinite Cardholder must have access to a Web service that offers special
information and services to high-end consumers. The Web service must be provided
by either the Visa Regional Office or independently by the Member.
3.4.D.1.c The Visa Infinite Web services must comply with the following minimum standards:
• Limit access to Visa Infinite Cardholders only
• Provide a description of Visa Infinite Card services, benefits, and features
• Provide a detailed listing of the Visa Infinite Exclusive Privileges Merchant partner
offers
• Include the following minimum value-added content and services for travel and
entertainment:
- Travel content that supports the Visa Infinite product positioning that is not
readily available from other sources (e.g., special travel articles, expert
recommendations on shows in major cities, etc.)
- Online concierge service, if concierge service is offered by the Visa Regional
Office or Member’s Infinite product
- Contact information for Cardholders to inquire about Visa Infinite services and
to provide feedback on the product or Website
3.4.D.1.d An Issuer must provide to its Visa Infinite Cardholders access to a customer service
agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3.4.D.1.e At a minimum, the Issuer must comply with the requirements for the following 3 benefit
categories:
• Priority assistance and convenience
• Exclusive privileges and rewards
• Safety and security
Details of the benefit categories are available from a Regional Office.
3.4.D.1.f At the option of Visa, an Issuer may provide a Visa Infinite Card with charge, credit,
or debit capability.
3.4.D.2 BIN 3.4.D.6 Global Support Services
3.4.D.2 BIN
3.4.D.2.a Effective 5 April 2008, an Issuer may establish multiple Visa card programs within
the same BIN, as specified in Section 3.1.D.
3.4.D.2.b Each Issuer must not reclassify a BIN to represent a product other than the Visa
Infinite Card without prior permission from Visa.
3.4.D.3 Spending Limit

A Visa Infinite Card Issuer may offer either of the following spending limit options:
• No pre-set limit, excluding Emergency Replacement Cards that have temporary pre-
set limits
• Minimum limit allowing each Visa Infinite Card account to accumulate charges of at
least US $X, 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.
3.4.D.4 Authorization Requirements

3.4.D.4.b For Cards issued with a no pre-set limit, Transactions must not be declined because
of a pre-set limit of any kind.
Transactions must be approved, or declined, based on:
• The absence of suspected fraud
• The Cardholder’s spending patterns
• Issuer determination of the likelihood of default
3.4.D.5 Delinquent Accounts

3.4.D.5.a For Cards issued with a no pre-set limit, a Visa Infinite Card Issuer must provide
notification to the Cardholder before ongoing Transactions can be declined.
3.4.D.5.b A Visa Infinite Card Issuer must:
• Provide advance notification to the Cardholder when an account needs to be
suspended or closed for any reason
• Monitor customer complaints related to Transaction Authorizations
• Identify action plans to improve customer service
• Make customer complaint information available to Visa
3.4.D.6 Global Support Services

3.4.D.6.a A Visa Infinite Card Issuer must comply with the global support services
requirements, as specified in Section 3.11.
3.4.D.6.b If an Issuer offers Visa emergency services, it must:
• Provide a free 24-hour telephone number
• Communicate the telephone number to the Cardholder annually
3.4.D.7 Marketing Support 3.4.E.1 Overview
3.4.D.7 Marketing Support

A Visa Infinite Card Issuer intending to distribute Merchant partnership or emergency
services material to its Cardholders must receive written approval from the applicable
Regional Office prior to distribution.
3.4.E Visa Electron Issuers

An Issuer may issue Visa Electron Cards at the option of its Region.1
Effective 1 September 2005 through 28 February 2007, an Issuer may issue or reissue a
Visa Electron Card bearing either the Visa Electron Symbol or Visa Brand Mark with the
Electron Identifier. The Visa Electron Card bearing the:
• Visa Electron Symbol must both:
- Comply with the Visa International Card and Marks Specifications
• Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier must comply with the Visa Product Brand
Standards
All newly-created Visa Electron Cards issued or reissued must both:
• Bear the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
An Issuer may issue or reissue a Visa Electron Card bearing the Visa Electron Symbol to
deplete existing card stock. The Visa Electron Card must both:
Effective 1 July 2011, all Visa Electron Cards must bear the Visa Brand Mark with the
Electron Identifier.
3.4.E.1 Overview
The Visa Electron Program offers the following features:
• International or domestic point-of-sale capability, ATM access, and Manual Cash
Disbursements
• 100% Authorization and electronic Transaction processing
• Signature or PIN verification
• Optional use for Electronic Commerce Transactions
All Chargeback rights for Electronic Commerce Transactions apply to Visa Electron
Transactions.
1
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the Latin America and Caribbean Region that allows
Issuers to issue Visa Corporate Electron Cards and Visa Purchasing Electron Cards.
3.4.E.2 General Requirements 3.4.E.4 BIN

3.4.E.2.a If an Issuer approves a key-entered Visa Electron Electronic Commerce Transaction,
liability and Chargeback rights are the same as for a Visa Transaction.
3.4.E.2.b A Visa Electron Card may be:
• Used to access any type of account
• Issued for either international or domestic use
• Used at an ATM or Point-of-Transaction Terminal
3.4.E.2.c A Visa Electron Issuer must inform its Cardholders that a Visa Electron Card may be
used:
• At a Merchant Outlet displaying the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
• At an ATM displaying the Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron
Identifier
3.4.E.2.d A Visa Electron Issuer must ensure that the Service Code encoded on the Magnetic
Stripe complies with the Payment Technology Standards Manual.
3.4.E.2.e At the option of Visa, an Issuer may issue a Visa Electron Card that is either:
• Personalized by an Approved Manufacturer with the Cardholder name on the front
of the Card
• Not personalized with the Cardholder name on the front of the Card
3.4.E.3 Participation Requirements

A Visa Electron Issuer must issue Visa Electron Cards, as specified in all of the
following:
• Visa International By-Laws
• Applicable Regional Operating Regulations
3.4.E.4 BIN
3.4.E.4.a A Visa Electron Issuer must use a unique Visa-assigned BIN for its Visa Electron
Cards. The Issuer may either:1, 2
• Choose a BIN from a BIN range previously assigned to it by Visa
• Request a new BIN range assignment for the service
3.4.E.4.b Effective 5 April 2008, an Issuer may establish multiple Visa card programs within
the same BIN, as specified in Section 3.1.D.
1
Effective through 15 May 2010, a variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the CEMEA Region for
Unembossed Cards.
2 Effective through 15 May 2011, a variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdictions of the Latin America and
Caribbean Region and Visa Europe where Visa Cards bearing the Visa Brand mark that are “Authorization
Preferred” and Visa Electron Cards use the same BIN.
3.4.E.5 Card Specifications 3.4.F.2 Issuer Terms and Conditions
3.4.E.4.c If using a previously assigned BIN or BIN range, the Issuer must notify Visa of its
selected BINs before it issues any Visa Electron Cards.
3.4.E.5 Card Specifications

The Visa Brand Mark must not appear on a Visa Electron Card.
3.4.F Prepaid Card Issuer Requirements

A Prepaid Card Issuer:
• May issue Prepaid Cards bearing any Visa-owned Brand Mark

Must comply with the following:
- The fees, processing rules, program rules, membership rules, reporting requirements,
and physical Card design requirements for the Visa Brand Mark displayed on the Card,
as specified in the Visa International Operating Regulations, Visa Product Brand
Standards, and the Visa International Prepaid Card Products Program Guidelines
- Virtual Account Reference Card design requirements, if a Reference Card is issued
• May not issue Prepaid Cards as Visa Signature or Visa Infinite Cards
• Must prevent unauthorized reselling of its Prepaid Cards or accounts
3.4.F.1 BIN
3.4.F.1.a An Issuer must issue Prepaid Cards using a BIN designated for its Visa Prepaid
Programs. Each program must be issued with a discrete account range within the
Prepaid BIN. The Issuer may either:
• Choose a BIN from a BIN range previously assigned to it by Visa
• Request a new BIN range assignment for the service
3.4.F.2 Issuer Terms and Conditions

3.4.F.2.a For Prepaid Cards issued after 1 November 2006, the Issuer responsible for Prepaid
Account balances must be identified either on the front or back of the Card.
3.4.F.2.b An Issuer must disclose its obligation for Card balances to the Prepaid Card
purchaser, either in writing or other appropriate means as approved by its Visa
Region.
3.4.F.2.c An Issuer must not describe Prepaid programs in any way that could imply that Visa
is liable for outstanding balances. This includes but is not limited to, using the words
“Travelers Cheque/Check” in the product name or claiming that Prepaid products
have all the features of Travelers Cheques.
3.4.F.3 Simple Purchase Prepaid Card 3.4.F.4 Partial Authorization Service
3.4.F.3 Simple Purchase Prepaid Card

3.4.F.3.a An Issuer that has a program to issue Prepaid Cards, without obtaining, verifying, and
retaining the name, address, and official identification number of the purchaser that
are linked to the Prepaid Account, must ensure the following:
• A Prepaid Account established under the program is non–reloadable, meaning that
the Issuer or Cardholder is precluded from processing funding loads to the Prepaid
Account after the initial load. However, an Issuer may process a Credit Transaction
Receipt or Transaction Receipt Reversal or Adjustment directly related to a
previous Transaction.
• The Prepaid Account complies with the maximum load amount specified in the Visa
International Prepaid Card Products Program Guidelines
• The program is incorporated into the Member’s anti-money laundering and terrorist
financing program to monitor for suspicious activity
3.4.F.3.b An Issuer of a Simple Purchase Prepaid Card may convert the Card account to a
traditional purchase Prepaid Card by obtaining, verifying, and retaining the name,
address, and official identification number of the account owner and linking it to the
respective Prepaid Card Account Number. By converting the Simple Purchase
Prepaid Card to the traditional Card, the Issuer is no longer subject to the Simple
Purchase Prepaid Card restrictions.
3.4.F.4 Partial Authorization Service

A Prepaid Card Issuer and its VisaNet Processor may participate in the Partial
Authorization service. To participate in the service, an Issuer and its VisaNet Processor
must support both:
• Partial Authorization Transactions
• Authorization reversals
SEE ALSO:
• VisaNet manuals
• Visa International Prepaid Card Products Program Guidelines
3.4.G Visa Prepaid Load Service 3.5.A.1 General Requirements
3.4.G Visa Prepaid Load Service

Members that optionally participate in the Visa Prepaid Load Service must comply with
requirements, as specified in the Visa International Operating Regulations, Visa International
Prepaid Card Products Program Guidelines, and Visa regional guidelines where applicable.1
3.4.G.2 Issuer Dispute Resolution

3.4.G.2.a A Visa Prepaid Load Service Issuer must use a Fee Collection Transaction to collect
disputed Visa Prepaid Load Service amounts when either:
• No Clearing Record was received for an authorized Visa Prepaid Load Service
Transaction
• The amount in the Clearing Record is less than the amount reflected on the
Transaction Receipt
3.5 COMMERCIAL CARD PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
3.5.A Visa Commercial Card Issuers

3.5.A.1.a An Issuer:
• May issue Visa Commercial Cards only to provide a means of payment for
business expenditures
• Must not issue a Visa Commercial Card to an individual, except as follows:
- Employees of public- or private-sector companies, including sole proprietors
and self-employed individuals
- Employees or contractors of an organization as part of an employer-sponsored
program
- At the discretion of Visa, members of an affinity group or association that
requires a means to pay for business expenditures and is represented by a
public- or private-sector company
1
Visa Prepaid Load Service is not available in Visa U.S.A.
3.5.A.2 Certification 3.5.A.4 Core Feature Requirements
3.5.A.2 Certification
At least 30 calendar days prior to issuing a Visa Commercial Card, an Issuer must submit
to Visa written certification that its programs, systems, procedures, and services comply
with the Visa International Operating Regulations.
3.5.A.3 BIN
Effective 5 April 2008, an Issuer may establish multiple Visa Commercial Card
programs within the same BIN, as specified in Section 3.1.D.
3.5.A.3.a An Issuer may use the same BIN for each of the following Visa Card program
combinations:
• Silver and gold Visa Business Cards
• Silver and gold Visa Corporate Cards
3.5.A.3.b If the Issuer is converting an existing Visa Program to a Visa Business Card, Visa
Corporate Card, or Visa Purchasing Card program, the Issuer may retain its existing
BIN range, provided that it is used exclusively for Visa Business Cards, Visa
Corporate Cards, or Visa Purchasing Cards.
3.5.A.3.c An Issuer must not use an unused BIN from a previously assigned BIN range without
submitting a BIN License Agreement (Exhibit 4A) to Visa.
3.5.A.3.d Effective 5 April 2008, a Visa Purchasing Card Issuer choosing to receive enhanced
(level 2 and level 3) data from Merchants must either:
• Use an enhanced data BIN assigned by Visa from a specified Visa Purchasing
Card BIN range
• Designate an account range within an enhanced data Visa Purchasing Card BIN
3.5.A.4 Core Feature Requirements

3.5.A.4.a A Visa Commercial Card Issuer must provide the core features specified in Table 3-7.
Table 3-7: Visa Commercial Card Core Feature Table 3-7: Visa Commercial Card Core Feature
Requirements Requirements
3.5.A.4.b A Visa Business Electron Card Issuer1 must:

• Offer Visa Electron Program features specified in Section 3.4.E. The Issuer must
not offer Visa Card program features.
• Comply with the physical Card design requirements for Visa Electron Cards
specified in Chapter 10, "Card and Marks Requirements," or the Visa Product
Brand Standards
• Comply with the Global Customer Assistance Services requirements for Visa
Electron Cards specified in Table 3-9
• Ensure that the Card contains the Service Code for Visa Electron Cards, requiring
Online Authorization
Table 3-7: Visa Commercial Card Core Feature Requirements
Visa
Visa Visa Visa
Business
Core Feature Business Corporate Purchasing
Electron
Card Card Card
Card
ATM Access U U U
Central or Individual Billing U
Centralized Billing U
Local Currency Billing U U U U
Service Level Standards U U U U
Charge Card U U
Limited Corporate Liability U U
Management Information Reporting U U
Flexible Transaction Authorization U
Individual Memo Statements U
SEE ALSO:
See the Visa Multinational Program Guide for additional core feature recommendations for Cards issued
under the Visa Multinational Program.
3.5.A.4.c A Region may require a Visa Commercial Card Issuer to offer additional core
features.
1
A variance applies in the jurisdiction of the Latin America and Caribbean Region that allows Issuers to issue Visa
Corporate Electron Cards and Visa Purchasing Electron Cards.
3.5.A.5 Visa Information Management Services 3.5.A.6 Core Feature Descriptions
3.5.A.5 Visa Information Management Services

An Issuer or an Issuer’s client wishing to participate in any of the Visa Information
Management Services must comply with the Visa Information Management Services
Terms and Conditions and Visa Information Management Services Terms of Use
referenced in Section 1.1.D.2.b Publication List.
3.5.A.6 Core Feature Descriptions

A description of the core features specified in Table 3-7 is provided below.
• ATM access—An Issuer must have the ability to offer a PIN to allow ATM Cash
Disbursements, if requested1
• 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
• 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
• Service level standards—An Issuer must comply with the mandated referral and
approval rates specified in Table 3-2 and Table 3-3
• Charge Card—An Issuer must have the ability to offer a non-revolving, pay-in-full
option
• 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.
• Management information reporting—An Issuer must provide management
information reports on Card usage to the subscribing company as follows:
- 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.
• 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
• Individual memo statements—An Issuer must have the ability to send a Transaction
verification statement to each Cardholder
Contact Visa for additional detailed information regarding insurance availability, options, and
features.
1
Not applicable to the Vehicle-Specific Fleet Card.
3.5.A.7 Core Services 3.5.C.1 General Requirements
3.5.A.7 Core Services

A Visa Commercial Card Issuer must provide to its Cardholders all of the core services
specified in Table 3-8.
Table 3-8: Visa Commercial Card Mandatory Core Services
Visa Visa Visa

Mandatory Core Services Business Corporate Purchasing
Card1 Card Card
Customer support services, as specified in U U U

Table 3-9
Medical referral, medical assistance, and U U Not

emergency services2 applicable
Legal referral, legal assistance, and cash advance U U Not

services2 applicable
Free 24-hour telephone number to obtain U U U

emergency services (Issuer must communicate the
telephone number to the Cardholder at least once
each year)
1. Visa Business Electron Cards must comply with the Global Customer Assistance Services for Visa
Electron Cards specified in Table 3-9.
2. A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of Visa Europe.
3.5.C V Distribution Program Issuers

The V Distribution Program Card is a service enhancement to Visa Purchasing or Visa
Business Card products.

3.5.C.1.a An Issuer participating in the V Distribution Program must provide payment services
to a V Distribution Program purchasing goods and services from a V Distribution
Program Distributor.
3.5.C.1.b A V Distribution Program Issuer must:
• Be certified to issue either:
- Visa Purchasing Cards
- Visa Business Card
• Be registered with Visa
• Be capable of processing Authorization Requests, billing, and reporting, as
specified by Visa
3.5.C.2 BIN 3.5.D.3 Issuer Liability
3.5.C.2 BIN
Effective 5 April 2008, an Issuer participating in the V Distribution Program must do one
of the following:
• Designate a separate BIN
• Use an existing BIN within a Visa Business Card or Visa Purchasing Card BIN range
• Use an account range within an existing Visa Business Card or Visa Purchasing Card
BIN
SEE ALSO:
Section 3.1.D
3.5.C.3 Fees and Dispute Resolution

3.5.C.3.a A V Distribution Program Issuer must comply with Visa Commercial Card standards
for fees and dispute resolution, as specified in the Visa International Operating
Regulations.
3.5.C.3.b Visa Commercial Card Interchange fees apply to the V Distribution Program, as
specified in Chapter 8, "Fees."
3.5.D Fleet Service-Enhanced Visa Commercial Cards

3.5.D.1 General Requirements
A Vehicle-Specific Fleet Card must:
• Be limited to purchases of fuel and vehicle maintenance
• Be assigned to a vehicle rather than an individual
For Issuers of Fleet Service-enhanced Visa Commercial Cards, Visa recommends using a
unique BIN range assigned by Visa.
3.5.D.2 Reporting Requirements

An Issuer of Fleet Service-enhanced Visa Commercial Cards must be capable of
generating reports containing enhanced data when provided by the Acquirer.
3.5.D.3 Issuer Liability

An Issuer of Fleet Service-enhanced Visa Commercial Cards must assume any
incremental risk arising from issuing Cards in accordance with the Visa Product Brand
Standards for Cards bearing the Visa Brand Mark, including, but not limited to, the
Compliance right for “unauthorized signature.”
3.5.E Visa Meetings Card 3.5.E.6 Fees
3.5.E Visa Meetings Card

Effective 15 April 2008, a Visa Meetings Card Issuer that issues a Visa Meetings Card
must comply with this section and the requirements specified in Chapter 10, "Card and
Marks Requirements", the Visa Product Brand Standards, and the Visa Meetings Card
Implementation Guide.
3.5.E.2 Core Features

A Visa Meetings Card Issuer must offer all of the core features described in
Section 3.5.A.6, except for billing, where only centralized company billing and payment
may be offered.
3.5.E.3 Core Services

A Visa Meetings Card Issuer must offer the core services described for a Visa Corporate
Card in Section 3.5.A.7, Table 3-8.
3.5.E.4 Customer Support Services

A Visa Meetings Card Issuer must offer the customer support services described for a
Visa Corporate Card in Section 3.11.B, Table 3-9.
3.5.E.5 BIN
A Visa Meetings Card Issuer must assign either:
• A specific Visa Corporate Card Visa Purchasing CardBIN
• An account range within an existing Visa Corporate Card or Visa Purchasing Card
BIN
3.5.E.6 Fees
Visa Commercial Card Interchange fees apply to the Visa Meetings Card, as specified
in Chapter 8, "Fees."
3.6 CARDS BEARING THE PLUS SYMBOL 3.6.B Account Number Specifications
3.6 CARDS BEARING THE PLUS SYMBOL
3.6.A Participation Requirements

Issuer participation in the Plus Program is optional. To become an Issuer of Cards bearing the
Plus Symbol, an Issuer must do all of the following:
• Obtain a license to use the Plus Program Marks and comply with rules for using the Plus
Symbol, as specified in Chapter 1, "General Regulations" or the Visa Product Brand
Standards
• Comply with all of the following:
- Issuer requirements specified in Section 3.2 and Section 3.10
- Visa Global ATM Member Guide

- Magnetic Stripe encoding specifications in the Payment Technology Standards
Manual
• Provide Authorization service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Visa or the exclusive Plus Program sublicensee, if applicable, may grant a variance to
this section to Issuers located within its Visa Region.
3.6.B Account Number Specifications

The Account Number format for a Proprietary Card bearing the Plus Symbol must comply with
the Account Number standards specified either:
• In Section 3.1.E, if using a BIN assigned by Visa
• By the International Organization for Standardization
3.7 ORIGINAL CREDIT 3.7.B.4 Original Credit Dispute Resolution
3.7 ORIGINAL CREDIT
3.7.A General Requirements

An Issuer in a Visa Region that participates in Original Credit processing must accept an
Original Credit. If prohibited by local law, the Issuer must submit a written request to Visa to
block incoming Original Credit processing.
An Issuer may:
• Initiate an Original Credit as an Originating Member
• Receive an Original Credit as a Recipient Member
SEE ALSO:
• Section 2.3.D, Section 4.11, Section 4.13.M, Section 5.4.B, Section 8.3.C, Section 8.5
• Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Standard
3.7.B Recipient Member Requirements

A Recipient Member must comply with all Visa requirements, as specified in the Visa
International Operating Regulations and the Original Credits Member Requirements manual.
3.7.B.1 Posting Requirements

Effective 2 January 2008, a Recipient Member must post an Original Credit to the Visa
Account Number within 2 business days of receiving the Clearing Transaction or it must
charge back the Original Credit to the Originating Member.
3.7.B.2 Sender Data Requirements

When receiving and managing sender data for an Original Credit money transfer, a
Recipient Member must comply with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security
Standard.
3.7.B.3 Deposit-Only Account Number

A Recipient Member must:
• Notify Visa that a BIN or account range is designated for Deposit-Only Account
Numbers
• Ensure that a Deposit-Only Account Number is not used for any purpose other than
Original Credit processing
• List a compromised Deposit-Only Account Number on the Exception File and,
optionally, in the Card Recovery Bulletin
3.7.B.4 Original Credit Dispute Resolution

All Chargeback reason codes are valid for an Original Credit if applicable Chargeback
conditions are met. For Chargebacks applicable to an Original Credit money transfer,
see Table 1-17, Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules, Section 1.4.D.3.d.
3.7.B.5 Original Credit Pre-Settlement and Clearing 3.8.B.3 BIN
Messages
3.7.B.5 Original Credit Pre-Settlement and Clearing Messages

A Recipient Member may choose to accept and act on a pre-Settlement message.
3.7.B.5.a VisaNet will respond on behalf of a Recipient Member that accepts an Original Credit
pre-Settlement message if a response is not received within the 15-second
Authorization Request response time frame.
3.7.B.5.b VisaNet will respond on behalf of a Recipient Member that does not accept an
Original Credit pre-Settlement message by sending either:
• An Approval Response, if no exception occurs
• A Decline Response, if an exception occurs, including one where the Recipient
Member is prohibited from accepting an Original Credit
3.8 VIRTUAL ACCOUNTS

Visa must review and approve new Virtual Account programs.

A Virtual Account must:
• Be established as a Visa consumer or commercial credit or debit account or Prepaid

Account, unless otherwise indicated by the Virtual Account Issuer
• Comply with electronic commerce payment authentication requirements established by

Visa, as specified in Section 3.3.D
3.8.B Issuer Requirements

3.8.B.1 Initial Notification and Verification
Prior to activating a Virtual Account, an Issuer must both:
• Inform a Virtual Account Holder of program details covering the use of a Virtual
Account
• Verify Virtual Account information, including name, Account Number, and account
expiration date, with the Virtual Account Holder
3.8.B.2 Issuer Compliance

An Issuer must comply with all of the following:
• Provide Lost/Stolen Card Reporting Service, as specified in Section 3.11.C
• Communicate the expiration date to the Virtual Account Holder if it does not appear
on the Reference Card
• Comply with Reference Card design requirements, if a Reference Card is provided,
as specified in Section 10.15.E
3.8.B.3 BIN
Effective 5 April 2008, an Issuer may establish multiple Visa card programs or Virtual
Account programs within the same BIN, as specified in Section 3.1.D.
3.9 VISA TRAVELMONEY ISSUERS 3.9.A.3 Transaction Processing
3.9 VISA TRAVELMONEY ISSUERS

This section applies to Issuers of Visa TravelMoney Cards.
SEE ALSO:
Visa TravelMoney Product Guide

3.9.A.1 Overview
The Visa TravelMoney Program provides a Prepaid Card used for:
• ATM Cash Disbursements
• Point-of-Transaction purchases, if the Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the
Electron Identifier appears on the Prepaid Visa TravelMoney Card
3.9.A.1.a Issuer participation in the Visa TravelMoney Program is optional. To become an
Issuer of Visa TravelMoney Cards, an Issuer must do all of the following:
• Comply with requirements specified in the Visa TravelMoney Product Guide
3.9.A.1.b An Issuer may issue Visa TravelMoney Cards for values in one or more currencies.
3.9.A.2 BIN
3.9.A.3 Transaction Processing

3.9.A.3.c If a Visa TravelMoney Card bears the Visa Brand Mark or the Visa Brand Mark with
the Electron Identifier and is used at a Point-of-Transaction Terminal, the Point-of-
Transaction rules and fees for the Visa Mark displayed on the Card apply.
3.9.A.3.d An Issuer may choose to provide customer support services either through:
• The Visa International Service Center
• Other service providers
Each Issuer that uses the Visa International Service Center must make available to
its Visa TravelMoney Cardholders the Visa International Service Center toll-free 24-
hour telephone number specified in the Visa TravelMoney Procedures Manual to
obtain customer and emergency services.
3.9.A.3.e An Issuer of Visa TravelMoney Cards must inform its Cardholders that a Visa
TravelMoney Card may be used at a Visa/Plus ATM location.
3.10 VISA GLOBAL ATM PROGRAM 3.10.A.5 Custom Payment Service/ATM Program
REQUIREMENTS
3.10 VISA GLOBAL ATM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Issuer participation in the Visa Global ATM Program is optional. Before participating in the Visa
Global ATM Program, an Issuer must both:
• Successfully complete certification specified in the Visa Global ATM Member Guide
• Comply with the “Issuer Participation Requirements” specified in the Visa Global ATM
Member Guide
3.10.A.2 Balance Inquiry Service

3.10.A.2.a An Issuer may participate in the Balance Inquiry Service. To participate in the Balance
Inquiry Service, an Issuer must both:
• Obtain certification from Visa
• Support Balance Inquiries as separate, non-financial transactions
An Issuer may additionally provide balance information as part of an ATM Cash
Disbursement.
3.10.A.2.b An Issuer must pay the ATM Acquirer a fee for each Balance Inquiry, as specified in
Chapter 8, "Fees." If the Issuer does not participate in the Balance Inquiry Service,
the inquiry will be declined and a decline fee will be assessed to the Issuer, as
specified in Chapter 8, "Fees."
3.10.A.2.c An Issuer must provide the Balance Inquiry Service to Cardholders if it offers balance
inquiry services through a network other than its proprietary network.
3.10.A.4 Cash Disbursement Fees

An Issuer must pay a Cash Disbursement Fee to the Acquirer performing a Cash
3.10.A.5 Custom Payment Service/ATM Program

Custom Payment Service/ATM is available as an Issuer option. An Issuer that chooses
to participate must do all of the following:
• Successfully complete Issuer certification, as specified in the Visa Global ATM
Member Guide
• Receive and return the ATM Transaction Identifier in each Transaction
• Receive the terminal ID code, ATM owner, and ATM location data in each Transaction
Record
• Include the ATM Transaction Identifier in all Chargebacks
3.11 CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 3.11.B Global Customer Assistance Services
3.11 CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES
3.11.A Issuer Requirements for Recurring Transactions

An Issuer must include the data transmitted in the Clearing Record on the Cardholder billing
statement that both:
• Identifies the Recurring Services Merchant
• Enables the Cardholder to contact the Merchant
This data may include, but is not limited to:
• Merchant name
• Merchant city
• Merchant state/province
• Merchant country
• Merchant telephone number
3.11.B Global Customer Assistance Services

The Global Customer Assistance Services provide emergency assistance to Cardholders.
Services include the:
• Lost/Stolen Card Reporting Service
• Cardholder Inquiry Service
• Emergency Cash Service
• Emergency Card Replacement Service
• Emergency Payment Authorization Service
SEE ALSO:
The Global Customer Assistance Services Member Guide for requirements and procedures.
Table 3-9: Global Customer Assistance Services 3.11.C Lost/Stolen Card Reporting Service
Eligibility Requirements by Product
Table 3-9 specifies requirements for Global Customer Assistance Services participation by
product.1
Table 3-9: Global Customer Assistance Services Eligibility Requirements by Product
Emergency Emergency
Lost/Stolen
Emergency Card Payment Cardholder
Product Card Reporting
Cash Service Replacement Authorization Inquiry Service
Service
Service Service
Visa Classic Required Optional Optional Not applicable Required
Visa Gold/Premier Required Required1 Required1 Not applicable Required
Visa Signature Regional option Regional option Regional option Regional option Regional option
Visa Infinite Regional option Regional option Regional option Regional option Regional option
Visa Business and Required Required Required Not applicable Required

Visa Corporate
Visa Purchasing Required Optional Required Not applicable Required
Visa Electron Card Required Regional option Regional option Not applicable Required
and Visa Business
Electron Card
Virtual Account Required Prohibited Prohibited Not applicable Regional option
Visa TravelMoney Required Optional Required Not applicable Required
3.11.C Lost/Stolen Card Reporting Service

A Member participating in the Lost/Stolen Card Reporting Service must, on behalf of the
Issuer, both:
• Accept a report of a lost or stolen product from a Cardholder or his designated

representative
• Notify the Issuer
SEE ALSO:
The Lost/Stolen Card Reporting Service is used to reduce fraud by blocking use of a Visa product that
has been reported to the Visa International Service Center or an Issuer as lost or stolen. For detailed
requirements and procedures, see the Global Customer Assistance Services Member Guide.
1
Global Customer Assistance Services do not apply to Proprietary Cards bearing the Plus Symbol.
3.11.D Emergency Cash Service and Emergency Table 3-10: Time Frames for Delivery of Emergency
Card Replacement Service Cash and Replacement Cards to Eligible
Cardholders
3.11.D Emergency Cash Service and Emergency Card Replacement Service

3.11.D.1 Overview
A Member must, upon Cardholder request, provide an Emergency Cash Disbursement
or an Emergency Replacement Card itself or through either:
• An agent
• The Visa International Service Center
SEE ALSO:
For detailed requirements and procedures, see the Global Customer Assistance Services
Member Guide.
3.11.D.2 Issuer Responsibilities

3.11.D.2.a An Issuer must authorize an Emergency Cash Disbursement or an Emergency
Replacement Card to an Eligible Cardholder for all Visa products, as specified in the
Global Customer Assistance Services Member Guide. If the Issuer chooses to
provide these services through Global Customer Assistance Services, the Issuer
must comply with the Global Customer Services Member Guide.
3.11.D.2.b If an Issuer chooses to provide the Emergency Cash Disbursement or an Emergency
Replacement Card, directly or through an agent, it must deliver the cash or Card to
the Eligible Cardholder within the time frames specified in Table 3-10.
Table 3-10: Time Frames for Delivery of Emergency Cash and Replacement Cards to Eligible
Cardholders
Within Visa U.S.A. and Outside Visa U.S.A. and

Product
Visa Canada Visa Canada
Visa Gold/Premier Within 24 hours1 Within 1 business day
Visa Signature Regional Option Regional Option
Visa Infinite Regional Option Regional Option
Participating Visa Classic Within 1 business day1 Within 3 business days
Visa Business and Visa Corporate Within 24 hours Within 1 business day
Participating Visa Purchasing Within 24 hours Within 1 business day
Visa Electron Card Emergency cash: Regional option Emergency cash: Regional option
Emergency Replacement Cards: Emergency Replacement Cards:
Regional option Regional option
Visa TravelMoney Within 1 business day Within 3 business days
Table 3-10: Time Frames for Delivery of Emergency Table 3-10: Time Frames for Delivery of Emergency
Cash and Replacement Cards to Eligible Cash and Replacement Cards to Eligible
Cardholders Cardholders
3.11.D.2.c If an Issuer participates in the Emergency Cash Service or the Emergency Card
Replacement Service, as specified in Section 3.11, it must:
• At least 30 calendar days prior to participation in the Emergency Cash Service or
the Emergency Card Replacement Service:
- Submit a completed Global Customer Assistance Services (GCAS) Card Issuer
Information Form (Exhibit 4G) to its Regional Office
- Submit a completed Emergency Service Location Form VISA 911 (Exhibit 4J) to
its Regional Office for each of its Emergency Service Locations
- Submit a completed Stand-In Emergency Services Processing Form
(Exhibit 4I), providing as least 3 Stand-In Processing Accounts by BIN for each
participating Card product type that has been activated in the Issuer’s
Authorization system
• Designate one or more Emergency Service Locations where an Eligible
Cardholder may obtain an Emergency Cash Disbursement or an Emergency
Replacement Card. An Emergency Service Location must be an office of the
Issuer.
• Provide its Cardholders with either the:
- Visa International Service Center telephone numbers
- Issuer’s own emergency services telephone number
• Notify the Visa Regional Office within 30 calendar days of any changes to an
Emergency Service Location, as specified in the Global Customer Assistance
Services Member Guide
• Activate a new Account Number in its Authorization system. With Issuer approval,
the Visa International Service Center may waive this requirement to meet cash
delivery standards.
3.11.D.2.d A Disbursing Member may collect a handling fee from the Issuer for providing the
following emergency services to Eligible Cardholders, as specified in Chapter 8,
"Fees":
• Emergency Cash Disbursement
• Emergency Replacement Card
3.11.D.3 Emergency Cash Service and Emergency 3.11.D.4 Emergency Service Location
Card Replacement Service Contact Responsibilities Responsibilities
3.11.D.3 Emergency Cash Service and Emergency Card Replacement Service Contact
Responsibilities
3.11.D.3.a An Emergency Card Replacement Service contact must:
• Be available to respond to a request for an Emergency Cash Disbursement or an
Emergency Replacement Card 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Approve or deny a request from the Visa International Service Center or an Eligible
Cardholder within 2 hours of notification (not applicable to Visa Infinite Card) and
provide:
- For an Emergency Cash Disbursement, a unique Authorization Code
- For an Emergency Replacement Card, a new Account Number that has been
activated in the Issuer’s Authorization system
• Provide the Regional Office with:
- Any changes that would affect the issuance of an Emergency Replacement
Card (e.g., Issuer contacts, telephone numbers)
- Correct spelling of the Cardholder’s name
- Verification data (e.g., Cardholder’s mother’s maiden name, previous address),
if required
3.11.D.3.b If a Visa Region requires 24-hour Visa Infinite Card Emergency Cash Service, the
Emergency Cash Service contact must provide all needed information, and a decision
to approve or deny the request during the initial telephone contact from the Visa
International Service Center.
3.11.D.4 Emergency Service Location Responsibilities

3.11.D.4.a An Emergency Service Location must:
• Be available during normal business hours to respond to a request for an
Emergency Cash Disbursement or an Emergency Replacement Card, as
instructed by the Visa International Service Center, and as specified in the Global
Customer Assistance Services Member Guide
• Notify the Visa International Service Center (within 3 calendar days) after the
Cardholder has picked up the Emergency Cash Disbursement or Emergency
Replacement Card
3.11.D.4.b If an Issuer participates in the Emergency Card Replacement Service, it must:
• Meet all Card security standards specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards
• Replace a Stand-In Processing Account within 1 business day when notified by the
Visa International Service Center that it has been used for an Emergency
Replacement Card
• Maintain its Emergency Replacement Cards in a secure manner, as specified in
Section 3.12.D and the Security Validation Requirements for Card Vendors manual
• Immediately notify the Visa International Service Center if it discovers that a Card
is missing
3.11.E Visa Infinite Card Emergency Payment 3.11.F.2 Global Refund Service Responsibilities
Authorization Service
3.11.E Visa Infinite Card Emergency Payment Authorization Service

3.11.E.1 Issuer Responsibilities
A Visa Infinite Card Issuer must:
• Be available to respond to a request from the Emergency Payment Authorization
Service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Provide all needed information, and a decision to approve or deny the request during
the initial telephone contact with the Visa International Service Center
• Provide the Merchant, or Global Customer Assistance Service, with a unique
Authorization Code
• If providing the service directly to the Cardholder, contact the Merchant to verify the
circumstances, explain the service, and complete the Transaction
3.11.E.2 Chargeback Limitations

An Issuer that has granted an emergency payment Authorization may not exercise the
following Chargeback reason codes, as listed in Table 3-12.
Table 3-12: Prohibited Emergency Payment Authorization Chargeback Reason Codes
Reason Code Reason Code Title
70 Card Recovery Bulletin or Exception File
72 No Authorization
81 Fraud—Card-Present Environment
83 Fraud—Card-Absent Environment
3.11.F Travelers Cheque Global Refund Service

An Issuer must provide an Emergency Cash Refund to a Cheque purchaser upon
Authorization from the Global Refund Service.
3.11.F.1 Member Responsibilities

When the Global Refund Service authorizes a Member to make an Emergency Cash
Disbursement refund to a Cheque purchaser, the Member location must both:
• Verify the identity of the purchaser
• Provide a refund of up to US $X, or local currency equivalent, in the form of a Manual
Cash Disbursement
3.11.F.2 Global Refund Service Responsibilities

3.11.F.2.a The Global Refund Service will contact a Member in advance to arrange for the
Emergency Cheque Refund.
3.11.F.3 Emergency Refund Location 3.11.F.3 Emergency Refund Location

Responsibilities Responsibilities
3.11.F.2.b The Global Refund Service will provide the Emergency Refund Location with all of the
following information:
• Account Number
• Purchaser name
• Refund Claim Number
• Cash Disbursement amount in local currency
• Authorization Code
3.11.F.3 Emergency Refund Location Responsibilities

3.11.F.3.a When making an Emergency Cash Disbursement, an Emergency Refund Location
must verify the identity of the Cheque purchaser by comparing the Refund Claim
Number provided by the Global Refund Service to the one given by the Cheque
purchaser.
3.11.F.3.b If the Refund Claim Numbers match, the Emergency Refund Location must both:
• Complete the 80-Column Cash Disbursement Transaction Receipt (Exhibit 7A)
with the:
- Account Number
- Purchaser name
- Words “Emergency TC Refund” in the space designated for the Cardholder’s
street address
- Refund Claim Number in the space designated for the Cardholder’s
identification
- Amount of the Emergency Cash Disbursement, plus US $25 or local currency
equivalent, for the refund handling fee
- Date
- Authorization Code provided by the Global Refund Service
- Imprint of the Member’s identification
- Cheque purchaser’s signature in the space designated for the Cardholder’s
signature
• Process the Emergency Cash Disbursement in the same manner as a Manual
Cash Disbursement both:
- At face value
- With no fees or charges to the Cheque purchaser, unless required by applicable
law
3.11.F.3.c If the Refund Claim Numbers do not match, the Emergency Refund Location must
contact the Global Refund Service for instructions (see the Visa Interchange
Directory).
3.11.F.3.d Visa guarantees reimbursement of the Manual Cash Disbursement amount to the
Emergency Refund Center if the requirements in Section 3.11.F are met.
3.11.G Additional Services 3.12.A.2 Issuer Contract with a Card Manufacturer
3.11.G Additional Services

3.11.G.1 Collision/Loss Damage Insurance
A Visa Card or Visa Electron Card Issuer may provide Collision/Loss Damage Insurance.
3.11.G.2 Visa TravelMoney Cards

An Issuer of Visa TravelMoney Cards:
• Must provide Customer assistance services
• May provide forgotten PIN assistance
3.12 CARD MANUFACTURE AND DELIVERY
3.12.A Card Manufacturer and Third-Party Personalizer Certification

3.12.A.1 Issuer Standards for Approved Manufacturers and Third-Party Personalizers
3.12.A.1.a An Issuer must comply with all of the following:
• Use an Approved Manufacturer to manufacture or print Visa Cards or Visa Electron
Cards
• Ensure that the Approved Manufacturer complies with both:
- Security Validation Requirements for Card Vendors
- The Visa Product Brand Standards
• Use a Visa-approved Third-Party Personalizer to personalize Visa Cards or Visa
Electron Cards
• Ensure that the Visa-approved Third-Party Personalizer complies with both the:
- Logical Security Validation Requirements for Card Personalization Vendors
- Visa Card Personalization Agreement
• Immediately notify Visa if the Approved Manufacturer or Third-Party Personalizer
cannot complete its responsibilities
3.12.A.1.b Section 1.15 defines a Member’s responsibilities if the Member uses an agent to
perform services governed by the Visa International Operating Regulations.
3.12.A.2 Issuer Contract with a Card Manufacturer

An Issuer may contract through another Member, a third-party, or directly with a
manufacturer for the production of Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards.
3.12.A.3 Agent Registration Requirements 3.13.A.4 Non-Compliance
3.12.A.3 Agent Registration Requirements

3.12.A.3.a If an Issuer uses an agent to obtain Cards from an Approved Manufacturer or to
emboss or encode Cards, the Issuer must register the agent with Visa to ensure basic
security and accountability, as specified in this section and the following:
• Security Validation Requirements for Card Vendors
• Logical Security Validation Requirements for Card Personalization Vendors
• Visa Card Personalization Agreement
3.12.A.3.b A registered agent is an agent that has been either reviewed or certified using
standards established by Visa.
A list of registered brokers, embossers, and encoders is available from Visa upon request.
3.13 RISK MANAGEMENT
3.13.A Fraud Activity Reporting

3.13.A.1 Overview
An Issuer must comply with the Fraud Activity reporting requirements specified in the
Fraud Reporting System User’s Guide.
3.13.A.2 Fraud Activity Reporting

An Issuer must report Fraud Activity to Visa through VisaNet when either a:
• Fraudulent User has obtained the Card or Account Number
• Card was obtained through misrepresentation of identification or financial status
3.13.A.3 Performance Criteria

3.13.A.3.a An Issuer must report Fraud Activity upon detection, but no later than:
• 90 calendar days from the Transaction Date
• 30 calendar days following the receipt of the Cardholder’s dispute notification, if the
notification is not received within the 90 calendar-day period
3.13.A.3.b An Issuer must report Fraud Activity as detailed in the Fraud Reporting System User’s
Guide. At least 90% of rejected Fraud Activity must be resubmitted and accepted into
the Fraud Reporting System.
3.13.A.4 Non-Compliance
If a Member does not comply with Section 3.13.A.2 and Section 3.13.A.3, the Member
is subject to both:
• An onsite audit by Visa staff at the Member’s expense
• Penalties, as specified in Table 1-7
3.13.A.5 Penalties 3.14 RECOVERED CARDS
3.13.A.5 Penalties
If Visa determines that a Member is not in compliance for a given quarter, both:
• Penalties will be assessed, as specified in Table 1-7
• The Member will be monitored and evaluated for the following 8 quarters
3.13.B Security Staff Responsibilities

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:
• Investigate all fraudulent use of the Issuer’s Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards
• Plan and supervise the manufacturing, embossing, encoding, printing, and mailing of the
Issuer’s Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards
• Plan and supervise the physical protection of the Issuer’s Center and buildings
• Participate in Center employee background investigations
3.13.C Arrests
After careful investigation, an Issuer may request that the appropriate authorities arrest the
holder of a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card for illegal use. If an arrest is made at the request
of an Issuer, the Issuer must prosecute the individual and assume all financial liability.
3.14 RECOVERED CARDS

An Issuer must pay a reward for a recovered Visa Card or Visa Electron Card and reimburse the
Acquirer for handling the recovered Card.
SEE ALSO:
Section 2.1.D
4 Acquirer Requirements &
Information
4.1 ACQUIRER-MERCHANT CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS
4.1.A Merchant Qualification Standards

Prior to entering into a Merchant Agreement, an Acquirer must comply with this section to
determine that the prospective Merchant is financially responsible and ensure that the
Merchant will comply with the substance of the Visa International Operating Regulations as
well as applicable law.
4.1.A.1 Financial Responsibility

An Acquirer must determine that a prospective Merchant is financially responsible and
that there is no significant derogatory background information about any of its principals.
The Acquirer may obtain this information through the following:
• Credit reports
• Personal and business financial statements
• Income tax returns
• Other information lawfully available to the Acquirer
4.1.A.2 Merchant Inspection

An Acquirer must conduct a physical inspection of the business premises of a
prospective Merchant. For Mail/Phone Order and Electronic Commerce Merchants, the
Acquirer must also obtain a detailed business description.
4.1.B General Requirements Table 4-1: Merchant Standards
4.1.B General Requirements

4.1.B.1 Merchant Agreement
An Acquirer must:
• Have a Merchant Agreement with each of its Merchants
• Include language in the Merchant Agreement that obligates its Merchant to:
- Perform its obligations under the Merchant Agreement in compliance with
applicable laws
- Comply with the Visa International Operating Regulations regarding use of
Visa-Owned Marks
• Ensure that its Merchant complies with Section 4.1 and Chapter 5, "Payment
Acceptance"
• Ensure that required acceptance requirement provisions are included in its Merchant
Agreement or as a separate addendum
• Only accept Transaction Receipts from a Merchant with which it has a valid Merchant
Agreement
SEE ALSO:
• Section 1.3
• Section 1.5.A
4.1.B.1.a An Acquirer contracting with a Merchant to accept Cards must ensure that the
Merchant meets the standards specified in Table 4-1.
Table 4-1: Merchant Standards
Symbols Displayed Cards Accepted

Electronic Capability Cash-Back
at Merchant by Merchant
Visa Brand Mark Visa Cards1 Optional For Domestic

Transactions only, at the
option of a Visa Regional
Office
Visa Brand Mark with the Visa Electron Cards Required For Domestic
Electron Identifier Transactions only, at the
option of a Visa Regional
Office
4.1.B.1.b A Merchant must have a separate Merchant Agreement with its Acquirer to accept
Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards unless it is already a Visa Merchant with Electronic
Capability.
4.1.B.1.c A Merchant Agreement must specify that a Merchant must not knowingly submit, and
an Acquirer must not knowingly accept from a Merchant, for submission into the Visa
payment system, any Transaction that is illegal or that the Merchant should have
known was illegal.
4.1.B.2 Revocation of Merchant Privileges 4.1.C.1 Restrictions on Cross-Border Merchant
Contracting
4.1.B.1.d An Acquirer may be subject to corrective actions or fines, as specified in Section 1.6
if its Merchant Outlet, agent, or Internet Payment Service Provider (IPSP) processes
illegal Transactions.
4.1.B.1.e The right of Visa to limit or terminate a Member’s agreement with a Merchant must be
specified in each Merchant agreement.
4.1.B.1.f Variance for the Bank of China
An Acquirer may contract with, and authorize the Bank of China to accept, Deposits
from selected government-owned tourist establishments in the People’s Republic of
China, subject to compliance with both:
• All trademark licensing requirements
• All other requirements of the Visa International By-Laws and Visa International
4.1.B.2 Revocation of Merchant Privileges

Visa may fine 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 specified in Section 4.13.L.
4.1.C Additional Provisions for Merchants

4.1.C.1 Restrictions on Cross-Border Merchant Contracting
4.1.C.1.a An Acquirer must only contract with a Merchant Outlet within its Country of Domicile,
as specified in the Visa International By-Laws Section 2.10. The country of the
Sponsored Merchant, not the country of the IPSP, determines the Acquirer’s
jurisdiction.
4.1.C.1.b An Acquirer must not contract with a Merchant Outlet that is outside its Country of
Domicile1, unless the:
• Visa Region with jurisdiction over the Merchant Outlet has approved this
arrangement, and the country or territory is either:
- Not any other Principal’s Country of Domicile
- One where the Acquirer has a Branch
• Merchant is an International Airline and the Acquirer maintains the relationship, as
specified in Section 4.1.E
• Merchant Outlet is a military base, embassy, or consulate on foreign territory. Visa
considers these Merchant Outlets to be within the Member’s Country and Region
of Domicile. The currency used to complete the Transaction must be disclosed on
the Transaction Receipt.
1
A bilateral agreement exists between Visa Canada and Visa U.S.A. for Mail/Phone Order Merchants. Refer to the
appropriate Regional Operating Regulations.
4.1.C.2 Hotels and Cruise Lines 4.1.C.3 In-Transit Service Merchants
4.1.C.2 Hotels and Cruise Lines

If requested, an Acquirer must provide its Hotel or Cruise Line with any of the Visa Hotel
and Cruise Line Services. A Hotel or Cruise Line must hold a valid contract with an
Acquirer for each Visa Hotel and Cruise Line Service in which it participates, either as
part of the Merchant Agreement or as a separate contract.
SEE ALSO:
Section 5.4
4.1.C.3 In-Transit Service Merchants

4.1.C.3.a Prior to entering into a Merchant Agreement, an Acquirer must both:
• Submit a detailed written operational plan to Visa. At a minimum, the operational
plan must meet the requirements specified in the In-Transit Business Plan—Basic
Checklist, available upon request from the Acquirer’s Regional Office.
• Receive Visa approval for each Merchant providing In-Transit Services
4.1.C.3.b In addition to the Unattended Acceptance Terminal requirements specified in
Section 4.4.E, the operational plan must include the following information:
• Type of service provided
• Type of In-Transit Terminal used
• Process for obtaining Authorization
• Criteria and processes intended for risk management
4.1.C.3.c An Acquirer entering into a Merchant Agreement with an In-Transit Service Gambling
Merchant must ensure the following:
• Interchange Reimbursement Fees received from each Issuer as a result of a credit
processed for Cardholder winnings are identified on a daily basis
• A funds disbursement is processed daily to each Issuer (using reason code 0240)
for twice the amount of the Interchange Reimbursement Fee received from the
Issuer of the original Account Number on the original Transaction
• The descriptor used in the funds disbursement is “In-Transit Gambling
Reimbursement”
SEE ALSO:
Section 5.4 for In-Transit Service transaction processing
4.1.C.4 In-Transit Service Gambling Merchants 4.1.C.6 Online Gambling Merchants
4.1.C.4 In-Transit Service Gambling Merchants

4.1.C.4.a In addition to the requirements specified in Section 4.4.E and Section 4.1.C.3, the
operational plan for an In-Transit Service Gambling Merchant must include the
• Rules of play
• Odds of winning
• Pay-out ratios
4.1.C.4.b An Acquirer must provide Visa with documentation from an independent legal source
that both:
• Specifies the type of gambling provided by its In-Transit Service Gambling
Merchant
• Certifies the Merchant is not in violation of local or national laws regarding in-transit
gambling.
4.1.C.5 Electronic Commerce Merchants

4.1.C.5.a An Acquirer must ensure that its Merchant Agreement requires an Electronic
Commerce Merchant to display the following on the Merchant’s Website:
• Consumer data privacy policy
• Security capabilities and policy for transmission of payment card details
• The address of its Permanent Establishment
4.1.C.5.b An Acquirer must both:
• Ensure that a Merchant, Internet Payment Service Provider (IPSP), or Sponsored
Merchant that displays a Visa-Owned Mark on its Website does not accept Cards
for the purchase or trade of child pornography
• Terminate a Merchant, IPSP, or Sponsored Merchant within 7 calendar days of
Notification from Visa if the Merchant is identified as engaging in the purchase or
trade of child pornography
4.1.C.6 Online Gambling Merchants

An Acquirer must ensure that:
• An Online Gambling Merchant has a valid license or other appropriate authority to
operate its Website under the local law of its Country of Domicile
• A Transaction completed by an Online Gambling Merchant is identified with both:
- Merchant Category Code 7995, even when gambling services are not the
Merchant’s primary business
- The Quasi-Cash/Online Gambling Transaction indicator in the Authorization and
Clearing messages
• An Online Gambling Merchant Website complies with the Website requirements
specified in Section 5.4.C.2
• The provisions specified in Chapter 5, "Payment Acceptance," are included in its
Merchant Agreement or as a separate addendum
4.1.C.7 Dynamic Currency Conversion Merchants 4.1.D.3 Internet Payment Service Provider
Agreement Requirements
4.1.C.7 Dynamic Currency Conversion Merchants

An Acquirer that currently offers Dynamic Currency Conversion must provide the name
and location of each existing Merchant Outlet that is participating in Dynamic Currency
Conversion to Visa.
Prior to offering Dynamic Currency Conversion through a Merchant Outlet, an Acquirer
must complete all of the following:
• Provide the name and location of each Dynamic Currency Conversion Merchant
Outlet that is participating in Dynamic Currency Conversion to Visa
• Ensure that each Dynamic Currency Conversion Merchant Outlet complies with the
Visa International Operating Regulations
4.1.D Additional Provisions for Internet Payment Service Providers and

Sponsored Merchants
4.1.D.1 Merchant Classification
A business may act as a Merchant, Sponsored Merchant, or Internet Payment Service
Provider (IPSP). The business is considered to be a Merchant if both:
• It has a Merchant Agreement with an Acquirer
• The Transaction entered into Interchange does not represent the purchase of goods
or services from a Sponsored Merchant
4.1.D.2 Acquirer Responsibilities for Internet Payment Service Providers and Sponsored
Merchants
An Acquirer that contracts with an IPSP must:
• Ensure that the IPSP and its Sponsored Merchants comply with the substance of the
Visa International Operating Regulations
• Ensure that the IPSP does not contract with a Sponsored Merchant outside the
Acquirer’s jurisdiction, as specified in Section 4.1.C.1
• Directly credit the IPSP for its Deposit. However, an Acquirer that contracts with both
an IPSP and a Sponsored Merchant may directly credit the Sponsored Merchant for
its portion of the Deposit, as permitted by local law.
4.1.D.3 Internet Payment Service Provider Agreement Requirements

An Acquirer must ensure that its IPSP Agreement includes all the following:
• A requirement that the contract between an IPSP and a Sponsored Merchant
contains the Merchant Agreement requirements specified in Section 4.1
• The Acquirer’s right to immediately terminate the Sponsored Merchant for good cause
• A statement that the IPSP is liable for all acts, omissions, Cardholder disputes, and
other Cardholder customer service-related issues caused by the IPSP’s Sponsored
Merchants
• A statement that the IPSP is financially liable for each Transaction
• A statement that the IPSP must not transfer or attempt to transfer its financial liability
by asking or requiring a Cardholder to waive his dispute rights
4.1.D.4 Merchant Category Code Assignment for 4.1.E.2 Business Plan
Internet Payment Service Providers and Sponsored
Merchants
4.1.D.4 Merchant Category Code Assignment for Internet Payment Service Providers and
Sponsored Merchants
4.1.D.4.a An Acquirer must ensure that the IPSP both:
• Assigns the appropriate Merchant Category Code to each Sponsored Merchant in
the Authorization and Clearing Record, as specified in Appendix B, "Merchant Data
Standards"
• Assigns Merchant Category Code 7995 to a Sponsored Merchant that provides
gaming chips or electronic funds to be used for online gambling, even if gambling
services is not the Sponsored Merchant’s primary business
4.1.D.4.b Visa may:
• Grant a waiver to the requirement specified in Section 4.1.D.4.a to permit the use
of a general Merchant Category Code, unless the Sponsored Merchant is either:
- Classified as a High-Risk Merchant
- An Online Gambling Merchant
• Require a specific Merchant Category Code to be used for a Sponsored Merchant
if increased consumer disputes or inappropriate Authorizations result from use of
a general Merchant Category Code
4.1.D.5 Merchant Outlet Provisions for Internet Payment Service Providers and
Sponsored Merchants
4.1.D.5.a The country of the Sponsored Merchant, not the country of the IPSP, determines the
Merchant Outlet location.
4.1.D.5.b The economic activity of a Merchant Outlet is deemed to occur at the Sponsored
Merchant location, not at the location of the IPSP.
4.1.D.5.c The Merchant country code included in the Authorization and Clearing Record must
be the country code of the Sponsored Merchant, as specified in BASE II Record
Requirements (Exhibit 2L).
4.1.E Additional Provisions for International Airline Program

4.1.E.1 Qualification
4.1.E.1.a An International Airline may participate in the International Airline program.
4.1.E.1.b An Acquirer must meet the capitalization and reserve requirements of its Regional
Office. These requirements cover any estimated exposure for Chargebacks, including
liability for airline tickets purchased but not redeemed by Cardholders, as specified in
Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules, Chapter 1, "Transaction Receipt Retrieval,
Chargebacks, and Representments."
4.1.E.2 Business Plan

4.1.E.2.a Before entering into a Merchant Agreement with an International Airline, an Acquirer
must obtain approval of its business plan from Visa. Visa will review the business plan
within 30 calendar days of receipt.
4.1.E.3 Special Merchant Agreement Requirements 4.1.E.3 Special Merchant Agreement Requirements
4.1.E.2.b To assist Acquirers in developing International Airline business plans, Visa will
maintain and provide information on domestic Interchange Reimbursement Fees and
Authorization mechanisms.
4.1.E.2.c The business plan must include all of the following information:
• All countries in which Merchant Outlets are to be located, demonstrated knowledge
of key information on each country (for example, domestic Interchange
Reimbursement Fee and business and legal restrictions), and a plan for
Authorization support in each country
• All currencies in which the International Airline intends to complete Transactions
and verification that the Member is able to process multi-currency Deposits and
Interchange
• A plan for Chargeback support
• The Acquirer’s proposed method of satisfying Retrieval Requests, as specified in
Section 7.3
• Information to satisfy the Acquirer risk criteria specified in Section 4.1.E.1.b
4.1.E.2.d An Acquirer must not sign an International Airline Merchant Outlet that is in a country
not previously specified in the business plan, unless it first notifies its Regional Office
in writing.
4.1.E.3 Special Merchant Agreement Requirements

4.1.E.3.a An International Airline Merchant Agreement must contain, at a minimum, the
elements specified in Section 4.1.E.3, in addition to those specified for all Merchants
in Section 4.1.
4.1.E.3.b The Agreement must specify the Acquirer’s responsibilities to the Merchant for
Chargeback resolution support. This support must include both:
• Written information on Chargeback rights and procedures
• Chargeback processing, including a list of Chargeback reason codes, Merchant
recourse options, and an Acquirer contact
4.1.E.3.c The agreement must list the countries from which the Acquirer will accept
Transactions, including the Authorization support procedures and processes for each
country.
4.1.E.3.d The agreement must require that the Acquirer and the Merchant notify Visa if
Authorization problems arise for any countries covered by the Merchant Agreement.
4.2 TRANSACTION RECEIPT REQUIREMENTS 4.2.B In-Transit Terminal Transaction Receipt
Delivery
4.2 TRANSACTION RECEIPT REQUIREMENTS

A Transaction Receipt may be generated either electronically or manually.1 Detailed requirements
for each type of Transaction Receipt, including printing and data requirements, are specified in:
• Electronic Transaction Receipt (Exhibit 7I)
• Manual Transaction Receipt (Exhibit 7J)
• Electronic Commerce Transaction Receipt (Exhibit 7K)
VISA RECOMMENDS:
Visa strongly recommends disguising or suppressing all but the last 4 positions of the primary Account
Number on the Cardholder Transaction Receipt from a Point-of-Transaction Terminal.
4.2.A Legend Wording

The Cardholder copy of a Transaction Receipt must bear the legend “Retain this copy for
statement verification” or similar wording. At a minimum, this legend must appear in the
language of the Transaction Country. As an option, the legend may also appear in another
language.
4.2.B In-Transit Terminal Transaction Receipt Delivery

Upon completion of gambling activities, an itemized Transaction Receipt must be generated
by the In-Transit Terminal or from an on-board central printer, and provided to the Cardholder.
In addition to the data elements specified in Electronic Transaction Receipt (Exhibit 7I), the In-
Transit Terminal Transaction Receipt must contain the following information:
• Terminal number
• Date of play
• Net amount of winnings or losses per session
• Account Number with all but the last 4 digits disguised or suppressed
1
On Transaction Receipts used in Japan, space for the Cardholder signature is not required on the Merchant or
Cardholder copy. Space for the Cardholder signature must be provided on the Acquirer’s copy.
4.3 EMV LIABILITY SHIFT FOR FRAUDULENT 4.3.B Card-Present Non-Counterfeit Fraudulent
TRANSACTIONS Transactions
4.3 EMV LIABILITY SHIFT FOR FRAUDULENT TRANSACTIONS

Section 4.3, apply to all Interregional Transactions between the jurisdiction of the CEMEA Regional
Office and Visa Europe. This includes Transactions occurring at both POS and ATM devices.
Section 4.3 apply to all Interregional Transactions.
4.3.A Card-Present Counterfeit Card Transactions

Counterfeit Card Transactions completed in a Card-Present Environment are the liability of
the Acquirer if both of the following conditions apply:1, 2
• The Transaction does not take place at a Chip-Reading Device and is not a Fallback
Transaction completed following correct acceptance procedures
• The Card is a Chip Card containing a Visa or Visa Electron Smart Payment Application or
an EMV and VIS-Compliant Plus application
4.3.B Card-Present Non-Counterfeit Fraudulent Transactions

Non-Counterfeit fraudulent Transactions completed in a Card-Present Environment are the
liability of the Acquirer if all of the following conditions apply:3
• The Transaction takes place at a Point-of-Transaction Terminal that is not EMV

PIN-Compliant
• The Card is a PIN-Preferring Chip Card
• PIN Verification was not performed
1
2
3
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdictions of the Latin America and Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, and
U.S.A. Regions, to exclude Transactions involving Issuers and Acquirers from those Visa Regions.
4.3.C Liability for Fallback Transactions 4.3.D Account Generated Counterfeit Fraud
4.3.C Liability for Fallback Transactions

Transactions accepted as Fallback Transactions are the liability of the Acquirer if all of the
following conditions apply:
• Card is a Chip Card containing a Visa and Visa Electron Smart Payment Application or an
EMV and VIS-Compliant Plus application
• One of the following conditions:
- 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
• Account Number was resident on the Exception File with a Negative Response on the
Processing Date of the Chargeback, and was on the Exception File for a total period of at
least 60 calendar days from the date of listing
4.3.D Account Generated Counterfeit Fraud

Counterfeit Transactions completed in a Card-Present Environment are the liability of the
Acquirer, if all of the following conditions are met:1, 2
• Transaction did not take place at a Chip-Reading Device
• Account Number was not resident on the Issuer’s Master File on the Transaction Date
• 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
• Transaction was below Merchant’s Floor Limit and did not receive Authorization
• 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 60 calendar days from the date of listing
1
2
4.4 TERMINAL REQUIREMENTS 4.4.A.2 Terminal Functions
4.4 TERMINAL REQUIREMENTS
4.4.A Point-of-Transaction Terminals

4.4.A.1 Service Codes
Table 4-2 specifies requirements for Service Code acceptance at Point-of-Transaction
Terminals.
SEE ALSO:
Section 4.4.C for Card acceptance requirements at Chip-Reading Devices, if a Chip is present
on a Card.
Table 4-2: Requirements for Service Code Acceptance at Point-of-Transaction Terminals
Terminal Type Terminal Requirements
All Point-of-Transaction Terminals with Must either:

Online capability • Read and act upon all Service Codes, as
specified in the Payment Technology
Standards Manual
• Seek Issuer Authorization on all
Transactions (Zero Floor Limit)
All Point-of-Transaction Terminals with Must both:

Data Capture-Only Capability • Examine Service Codes
• Act upon Service Codes
as specified in the Payment Technology
Standards Manual
4.4.A.2 Terminal Functions

4.4.A.2.a An Acquirer that processes Visa or Visa Electron Transactions from a Point-of-
Transaction Terminal (excluding an ATM, as specified in Section 4.7.D.1) must
ensure that the terminal accepts all 16-digit Account Numbers that contain a valid
Visa-assigned BIN for Visa and Visa Electron Transactions.
4.4.A.2.b All Member Point-of-Transaction processing systems (excluding ATMs, as specified
in Section 4.7.D) must be able to accept all 16-digit Account Numbers that contain a
valid Visa-assigned BIN.
4.4.B Magnetic-Stripe Terminals 4.4.C Chip-Reading Devices
4.4.B Magnetic-Stripe Terminals

4.4.B.1 Terminal Logic
4.4.B.1.a An Acquirer must ensure that a Magnetic-Stripe Terminal meets all of the following
requirements:
• Is used to obtain Authorization through the V.I.P. System and is able to read all
Magnetic Stripes that conform to the specifications in:
- Chapter 10, "Card and Marks Requirements"
- Visa Product Brand Standards
- Payment Technology Standards Manual
• Transmits the entire unaltered contents of all data encoded on either track 1 or
track 2 of the Magnetic Stripe
• Does not erase or alter any magnetic encoding on a Card
• Does not display or print more information than is embossed or printed on the front
or back of the Card. This prohibition does not apply to displaying or printing the full
Account Number on a Visa Electron Card with a partial Account Number.
4.4.B.1.b All new Magnetic-Stripe Terminals produced with dual reader heads must be capable
of processing and distinguishing the Magnetic Stripe containing Visa payment data
from other proprietary Magnetic Stripes that may be present on the Card.
4.4.B.2 BIN Logic

A new Magnetic-Stripe Terminal must not use 4-digit or 6-digit sequential BIN logic.
Each existing Magnetic-Stripe Terminal using 4-digit or 6-digit sequential BIN logic must
remove these constraints.
4.4.B.3 PIN Security

An Acquirer must ensure the security of a PIN when used to identify the Cardholder in a
Transaction, as specified in the PIN Security Requirements manual.
4.4.C Chip-Reading Devices

All Chip-Reading Devices that accept Visa Cards and Visa Electron Cards and are placed in
service on or after 1 January 2001, must meet Visa specifications for international
interoperability and functionality, including both:
4.4.C.1 General Requirements 4.4.C.2 Terminal Logic

4.4.C.1.a When installing an EMV- and VIS-Compliant Chip-Reading Device to accept a Visa
or Visa Electron Payment Application, the Acquirer must ensure that the terminal:
• Has been approved by Visa, or an entity authorized by Visa
• Meets EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for Payment Systems
• Has the capability to have its Visa Public Keys replaced in an acceptable method
by any date specified by Visa
4.4.C.1.b If Visa determines that an Acquirer or Acquirer’s agent has a high-severity Chip
interoperability problem and that progress toward an agreed-upon resolution plan is
no longer acceptable, the Acquirer or Acquirer’s agent is subject to the Chip
Interoperability Compliance Program, as specified in Section 1.6.D.13.
4.4.C.1.c An Acquirer must utilize the Acquirer Device Validation Toolkit (ADVT) prior to
deploying or upgrading a Chip Reading Device. An Acquirer that fails to utilize the
ADVT may be subject to the Chip Interoperability Compliance Program, as specified
in Section 1.6.D.13.
4.4.C.2 Terminal Logic

4.4.C.2.a An Acquirer must ensure that all new Chip-Reading Devices that accept Visa and
Visa Electron Cards support variable length Account Numbers up to, and including,
19 digits.
4.4.C.2.b An Acquirer must ensure that all Chip-Reading Devices that accept Visa and Visa
Electron Cards support variable length Account Numbers up to, and including, 19
digits.
4.4.C.2.c An Acquirer must ensure that Dynamic Data Authentication is active in all new or
recycled Chip-Reading Devices that accept Visa and Visa Electron Cards, unless the
device obtains an Online Authorization for all Transactions.
4.4.C.2.d An Acquirer must ensure that Dynamic Data Authentication is active in all
Chip-Reading Devices, that accept Visa and Visa Electron Cards, unless the device
obtains an Online Authorization for all Transactions.
4.4.C.2 Terminal Logic 4.4.C.2 Terminal Logic
4.4.C.2.e An Acquirer must ensure that the EMV- and VIS-Compliant Chip-Reading Device:
• Reads a Magnetic Stripe
• Reads the Chip if an EMV- and VIS-Compliant Chip is present, and does not allow
the Chip-Reading Device to override the Chip Authorization controls by manually
prompting the device to use the Magnetic Stripe. The Magnetic Stripe may be read
only if the Chip is not EMV- and VIS-Compliant, or the Chip or Chip reader is
inoperable.
• Supports “No CVM (Cardholder Verification Method) required” for all EMV- and
VIS-Compliant Chip-Reading Unattended Acceptance Terminals that perform
Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type A and Cardholder-Activated Transaction
Type B
• If capable of performing Online Transactions, performs Terminal Risk
Management, as specified in EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for
Payment Systems
• Supports Post-Issuance Application Change commands if the Acquirer is capable
of processing Full-Chip Data
• Transmits all Chip data elements that create the EMV-Online Card Authentication
Cryptogram if the Acquirer is capable of processing Full-Chip Data
• Supports the terminal action codes and facilitates access to multiple accounts on
a Chip Card, as specified in the Visa Integrated Circuit Card Specifications
• Presents mutually-supported Payment Applications contained in the Chip to the
Card, or to the Cardholder where the Cardholder has the ability to select the
Payment Application, and does not discriminate between Payment Applications,
except as stipulated by the Chip parameters
4.4.C.2.f All Chip-Reading Devices must be capable of requiring an Online Authorization for
the next consecutive Magnetic Stripe-read Transaction originating from a Chip Card
when:
• An EMV-Compliant Chip Card-read was unsuccessful
• The Service Code indicates the presence of a Chip
4.4.C.2.g All Chip-Reading Devices (including Unattended Acceptance Terminals) placed in
service on or after 1 April 2001 that support “Enciphered Offline PIN” must also
support “Plaintext Offline PIN.”
4.4.C.3 PIN Requirements 4.4.C.4 PIN Pad Requirements
4.4.C.2.h All Full Chip Data Acquirers must accept and process VIS and Common Core
Definitions Chip Cards.
SEE ALSO:
• Section 4.4.D
• VisaNet Member Implementation Guide
• VSDC Member Implementation Guide
• VSDC System Technical Manual
4.4.C.3 PIN Requirements

An Acquirer must ensure that the EMV- and VIS-Compliant Chip-Reading Device:
• Is equipped with ports that support devices capable of prompting for and accepting a
PIN based upon Cardholder Verification Method parameters encoded in the Chip
• Does not display the Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
on PIN-only Chip-Reading Devices, excluding ATMs and Unattended Acceptance
Terminals that perform Cardholder-Activated Transactions Type C
• Does not prompt international Cardholders for a PIN, unless required by the Chip,
excluding ATMs and Unattended Acceptance Terminals that perform Cardholder-
Activated Transactions Type C
4.4.C.4 PIN Pad Requirements

All new Chip-Reading Devices that accept Visa or Visa Electron Cards must be PIN-
capable and comply with this section.
4.4.C.4.a A Chip-Reading Device must have either of the following:
• A PIN pad
• A port capable of supporting a PIN pad
4.4.C.4.b If a PIN pad is present and active, a Chip-Reading Device must both:
• Comply with Visa encryption standards
• Act on the Cardholder Verification Method List
4.4.C.4.c The Chip-Reading Device must be capable of supporting software to enable the
functions specified in Section 4.4.C.4.a and Section 4.4.C.4.b if either the:
• Chip-Reading Device is equipped with a PIN pad port only
• PIN pad is inactive for Visa Chip-initiated Transactions
4.4.C.4.d If a PIN pad is active for other Chip-enabled payments, it must be active for Visa Chip-
initiated Transactions.
Exceptions to Section 4.4.C.4 are permitted when compliance is inherently impractical
(e.g., road tolls, transit applications, situations where a Cardholder would not expect
interaction with a Chip-Reading Device).
4.4.C.5 Acquirer Responsibilities 4.4.D.2 Proximity Payment Program Requirements
4.4.C.5 Acquirer Responsibilities

4.4.C.5.a An Acquirer that processes a Chip Card Transaction must:
• Properly identify the Authorization Response code in the Clearing Record initiated
by an EMV- and VIS-Compliant Chip-Reading Device, as specified in the V.I.P.
System Technical Specifications
• Use the appropriate POS Entry Mode code value
• Provide the Authorization Response code in the Clearing Record for a Chip Card
Transaction that is approved offline
• Ensure the Chip-initiated Transaction contains all data elements that create the
EMV-Online Card Authentication Cryptogram if the Acquirer is capable of
processing Full-Chip Data
4.4.C.5.b Visa and Visa Electron Chip-Reading Devices must be EMV- and VIS-Compliant.
4.4.C.5.c An Acquirer must ensure that the Visa Public Keys are replaced by any date specified
by Visa.
4.4.C.6 Acquirer Liability

4.4.C.6.a An Acquirer is responsible for the actions of a Chip-Reading Device that provides
improper information and processing decisions to the Chip.
4.4.C.6.b The Acquirer is protected from applicable Chargebacks if it submits a valid
Cryptogram, even if an Issuer does not process the Full-Chip Data.
4.4.D Proximity Payment Terminals

4.4.D.1 Proximity Payment Terminal General Requirements
An Acquirer must ensure that a Proximity Payment terminal uses the proper POS Entry
Mode code, as indicated in Required Message Content for VisaNet Financial
Transactions (Exhibit 3A) and Required Message Content for VisaNet Authorization
Requests (Exhibit 3B) to identify that the Transaction is processed as one of the
following:
• Chip Card Transaction
• Magnetic-Stripe Card Transaction
• Proximity Payment Transaction
4.4.D.2 Proximity Payment Program Requirements

Effective 1 April 2008, all new Proximity Payment terminals in countries without existing
contactless implementations must comply with the Visa Contactless Payment
Specification.
Effective 1 January 2012, all Proximity Payment terminals must comply with the Visa
Contactless Payment Specification.
4.4.E Unattended Acceptance Terminals 4.4.E.2 Prepaid Card Transaction Requirements
4.4.E Unattended Acceptance Terminals

An Acquirer must submit a detailed written operational plan to Visa for approval prior to
activating any Unattended Acceptance Terminal that performs Cardholder-Activated
Transactions Type A.

An Acquirer that installs Unattended Acceptance Terminals must:
• Comply with the Authorization requirements specified in Section 4.5, Section 4.8, and
Section 6.2.A, as applicable. The Authorization is valid if the Authorization amount is
greater than or equal to the Transaction amount.
• Identify each Cardholder-Activated Transaction, as specified in BASE II Record
Requirements (Exhibit 2L), Chapter 4, "Acquirer Requirements & Information," and
Chapter 6, "Payment Services"
• Ensure that the terminal:
- Reads track 18 or 2 of the Magnetic Stripe or processes a Visa Smart Payment
- Does not dispense cash1 unless it is an ATM
- Displays the Merchant name and customer service telephone number
- Provides a Transaction Receipt2
- Informs the Cardholder that a Transaction Receipt is available upon request if a
receipt is not provided automatically
- Notifies the Cardholder that the Card has been retained, when the terminal is
capable of retaining an invalid or expired Card
4.4.E.2 Prepaid Card Transaction Requirements

A Prepaid Card Transaction at an Unattended Acceptance Terminal must meet the
following requirements in addition to those specified in Section 4.4.E:
• Floor Limit is zero
• Merchant identification and its customer service telephone number are displayed
1 This requirement does not apply to ATMs.

2
This requirement does not apply to Magnetic-Stripe Telephones.
4.4.E.3 Unattended Acceptance Terminals that 4.4.E.4 Unattended Acceptance Terminals that
Perform Cardholder-Activated Transactions Type A Perform Cardholder-Activated Transactions Type B
4.4.E.3 Unattended Acceptance Terminals that Perform Cardholder-Activated

Transactions Type A
4.4.E.3.a When an Unattended Acceptance Terminal performs a Cardholder-Activated
Transaction Type A, it must:
• Validate the Service Code, Account Number, and expiration date
• Limit the Transaction amount to a maximum of US $40, or local currency equivalent
• Not complete the Transaction if the Account Number is invalid or if the Card has
expired
Effective 1 May 2008, unless granted written permission from Visa, existing
Unattended Acceptance Terminals must cease performing Cardholder-Activated
Transactions Type A for all Merchant categories except:
• 4111—Local and Suburban Commuter Passenger Transportation, including
Ferries
• 4112—Passenger Railways
• 4131—Bus Lines
• 4784—Tolls and Bridge Fees
• 7523—Parking Lots and Garages
A new Merchant may deploy Unattended Acceptance Terminals that perform
Cardholder-Activated Transactions Type A only for the types of Merchant and
Merchant Category Codes listed above, unless granted written permission from Visa.
4.4.E.3.b An Unattended Acceptance Terminal must not accept Visa Electron Cards for
Cardholder-Activated Transactions Type A.

Transactions Type B
When an Unattended Acceptance Terminal performs Cardholder-Activated Transaction
Type B it must:
• Limit the Transaction amount to US $1001, 2 or local currency equivalent
• Effective 4 October 2008, for a Real-Time Clearing Transaction, limit the Transaction
amount to US $500, or local currency equivalent
• Authorize all Transactions
1
Not applicable to an In-Transit Terminal or effective 4 October 2008, Real-Time Clearing.
2
Effective 18 July 2008, a variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the U.S.A. Region for Automated
Fuel Dispenser Transactions.
4.4.E.5 Unattended Acceptance Terminals that 4.4.F Electronic Signature Capture Devices
Perform Cardholder-Activated Transactions Type C (Effective 15 May 2009)

Transactions Type C
4.4.E.5.a At a minimum, when an Unattended Acceptance Terminal performs
Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type C, it must:
• Accept PINs, according to Visa PIN Security and PIN Entry Device (PED)
requirements, as specified in the PIN Management Requirements manuals
• Be capable of conveying at least the following information to the Cardholder:
- Card invalid for this service
- Service unavailable now
- Invalid PIN—re-enter
4.4.E.5.b A Chip-enabled Unattended Acceptance Terminal that performs Cardholder-
Activated Transaction Type C may perform PIN Verification in both an Online and
offline environment for a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card that contains a Visa Smart
Payment application.
4.4.E.5.c An Unattended Acceptance Terminal that performs Cardholder-Activated Transaction
Type C is not required to have the ability to retain Cards. If it does have this ability, it
may retain a Card only upon the specific request of the Issuer or:
• If a Card is retained, the Acquirer or Merchant must log it under dual custody
immediately after removal from the terminal
• If a Card is retained at the specific request of the Issuer, the Acquirer or Merchant
must render it unusable and return it to the Issuer
• An Issuer is not required to pay a reward to the Acquirer. The Acquirer may collect
a handling fee, as specified in Section 8.4.B
4.4.F Electronic Signature Capture Devices (Effective 15 May 2009)

A Merchant using an electronic signature capture device must:1
• Only store and reproduce a signature on a Transaction-specific basis in relation to the

Transaction for which the signature was obtained
• Only reproduce a signature upon specific written request from the Acquirer or in response
to a Retrieval Request
• Have proper controls in place to ensure the security of the stored signatures and other
Cardholder data in accordance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
(PCI DSS)
An Acquirer may reproduce the Cardholder signature obtained using an electronic signature
capture device in response to a Retrieval Request.
Visa may withdraw an Acquirer, agent, or Merchant’s right to use electronic signature capture
devices if they fail to comply with Section 4.4.F, in addition to existing penalties that may be
imposed under the Visa International Operating Regulations.
1
This provision is not applicable to Transactions involving Issuers or Acquirers in the jurisdiction of Visa Europe.
4.5 AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS 4.5.B General Authorization Requirements
4.5 AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
4.5.A Floor Limits

4.5.A.1 Visa Floor Limits
4.5.A.1.a An Acquirer must ensure that its Merchants obtain Authorization for Transaction
amounts above the Chip Floor Limits or non-Chip Floor Limits.
4.5.A.1.b For Chip-initated Transactions, Offline Authorization is allowed provided that the
Transaction amount does not exceed the Floor Limits specified for Chip Transactions.
4.5.A.1.d An Acquirer may set a higher Floor Limit than the Visa Floor Limit, but does so at its
own risk.
4.5.A.1.e For countries where the Floor Limit is shown in US dollars in Appendix C, "Maximum
Authorized Floor Limits" a Transaction is considered to have exceeded the Floor Limit
if the local currency equivalent value of the Transaction is greater than the equivalent
value of the Floor Limit shown.
4.5.A.2 Acquirer Floor Limits
An Acquirer may establish a domestic Floor Limit.
4.5.A.2.a An Acquirer that establishes a domestic Floor Limit that is higher than the
international Floor Limit does so at its own risk.
4.5.A.2.b If the domestic Floor Limit is less than the international Floor Limit, the Acquirer must
both:
• Provide equal protection on all Transactions
• Accept liability for International Transactions above the domestic Floor Limit
4.5.B General Authorization Requirements

An Acquirer that is a Principal or Merchant Bank must provide Authorization services, as
specified in Section 4.5, to both its own Merchants and the Merchants signed by its sponsored
Associates. This service includes Authorization for Cash Disbursements at any of its
Branches.
SEE ALSO:
For data requirements for Authorizations, see:
• V.I.P.—BASE I Technical Specifications
• V.I.P. System Single Message System (Visa & Visa Electron) Technical Specifications—Volume I
• V.I.P. System Single Message System (Visa & Visa Electron) Technical Specifications—Volume II
4.5.B.1 General Requirements 4.5.B.4 Transaction Currency Conversion

Requirements

An Acquirer must participate in both the:
• International Automated Referral Service and comply with the International
Automated Referral Service User’s Guide
• Card Verification Service, as specified in Section 2.3.C
4.5.B.2 Data Quality Requirements

An Acquirer must ensure that all Authorization Requests contain complete and valid
data. If data is missing or incorrect, an Acquirer may be subject to the Data Quality
Compliance Program, as specified in Section 1.6.D.3.a.
SEE ALSO:
4.5.B.3 Hours of Authorization

4.5.B.3.a An Acquirer must provide primary and backup Authorization service 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. This service may be provided by any of the following:
• The Acquirer directly
• Another VisaNet Processor, including Visa
• Other means approved by Visa
4.5.B.3.b An Acquirer must process Authorizations for all International Transactions through
VisaNet.
4.5.B.4 Transaction Currency Conversion Requirements

4.5.B.4.a An Authorization Request must be expressed in US dollars or the Transaction
Currency. ATM Cash Disbursements and Manual Cash Disbursements must be
authorized in the Transaction Currency.
If the Transaction Currency is not US dollars, an Acquirer may convert the Authorization
amount into US dollars prior to sending the Authorization Request to Visa.
4.5.B.4.b For Visa or Visa Electron Transactions, if the Acquirer converts the Authorization
amount, it must use a generally accepted Currency Conversion Rate.
4.5.B.4.c An ATM Acquirer must submit each ATM Authorization Request in the Transaction
Currency.
4.5.B.4.d This requirement does not apply to sublicensees of the Plus System, Inc.
4.5.B.5 Dynamic Currency Conversion 4.5.B.7 Authorization Routing
Requirements
4.5.B.5 Dynamic Currency Conversion Requirements

An Acquirer that currently offers Dynamic Currency Conversion must register in writing
with Visa that it offers Dynamic Currency Conversion and must provide the name and
location of any Merchant Outlet or agent that provides Dynamic Currency Conversion.
Prior to offering Dynamic Currency Conversion, an Acquirer must register in writing with
Visa that it or its Merchant Outlet or agent intends to offer Dynamic Currency Conversion
and must provide the name and location of any Merchant Outlet or agent that will be
providing Dynamic Currency Conversion. Also, an Acquirer must register any additional
Merchant Outlet or agent that subsequently offers Dynamic Currency Conversion with
Visa.
If a Merchant Outlet or agent offers Dynamic Currency Conversion, the Acquirer that
processes the Transaction with Dynamic Currency Conversion is the Acquirer
responsible for registering the Merchant Outlet or agent with Visa, whether or not the
Acquirer has directly supplied the Dynamic Currency Conversion service to the
Merchant Outlet or agent.
4.5.B.6 Computer Interface Requirements

4.5.B.6.a An Acquirer must establish a computer interface between its Authorization system
and the V.I.P. System, as specified in the VisaNet manuals, if it receives either:
• An average of more than 5,000 Authorization Requests monthly in any
3 consecutive months from other Members or VisaNet Processors
• Any Authorization Requests generated by a Point-of-Transaction Terminal from its
Merchants or other Members for which it provides Authorization services
4.5.B.6.b Within 90 calendar days of notifying Visa that either of the above conditions exists,
the Acquirer must submit to Visa a reasonable schedule for establishing its computer
interface.
4.5.B.7 Authorization Routing

4.5.B.7.a An Acquirer may use the account range table provided by Visa to determine the
routing of an Authorization Request. An Acquirer that uses the account range table to
validate Visa Cards must install and use the table within 6 business days of its receipt
from Visa.
SEE ALSO:
For ATM Authorization routing requirements, see:
• Section 4.7.E.9
• Section 4.7.E.10
4.5.B.7.b An Acquirer must not distribute the account range table without the prior written
consent of its Regional Office.
4.5.B.8 Authorization Rejection 4.5.B.12 Partial Authorization Service
4.5.B.8 Authorization Rejection

An Acquirer must not selectively reject or decline Authorization Requests based on an
internally developed table of BINs or Account Numbers. This prohibition includes tables
developed using the printed or tape versions of the Visa Interchange Directory.
4.5.B.9 Authorization Reversals

4.5.B.9.a An Acquirer that receives an Authorization Reversal from one of its T&E Merchants
must accept the Reversal and forward it to Visa.
4.5.B.9.b The Acquirer must process a Reversal for an Online Financial Transaction if either
the:
• Acquirer, Merchant, or terminal did not receive an Authorization Response
• Transaction is subsequently voided or cancelled
4.5.B.10 Local Authorization Services for International Airlines

4.5.B.10.a If practical, an Acquirer must provide Authorization services to an International Airline
at the request of Visa, as specified in Section 4.5 and Section 4.9.
4.5.B.10.b Authorization support must be available to the Merchant on a primary and backup
basis, as specified in Section 4.5.B.3 and Section 4.5.B.8.
4.5.B.11 Automated Fuel Dispenser Status Check Authorization

4.5.B.11.b Effective 15 November 2008, an Automated Fuel Dispenser Merchant may obtain a
Status Check Authorization for the equivalent of 1 currency unit for Transactions less
than, or equal to, one of the following:
• For a Chip or PIN-initiated Transaction, US $100, or local currency equivalent
• For all other Transactions, US $751, or local currency equivalent
4.5.B.12 Partial Authorization Service

An Acquirer and its VisaNet Processor may participate in the Partial Authorization
service. To participate in the service, an Acquirer and its VisaNet Processor must support
both:
• Partial Authorization Transactions
• Authorization reversals
SEE ALSO:
• VisaNet manuals
• Visa International Prepaid Card Products Program Guidelines
1
4.5.C Exceptions for Manual Authorizations 4.5.D.1 Use of Emergency Authorization
Procedures
4.5.C Exceptions for Manual Authorizations

4.5.C.3 Authorization Procedures
4.5.C.3.a An Acquirer must forward an Authorization Request to Visa or the Issuer under any
of the following conditions:
• The Transaction amount added to the previous Transactions on the same Account
Number on the same day exceeds the Interchange Authorization Limit set by the
Issuer, or the Floor Limits specified in Appendix C, "Maximum Authorized Floor
Limits", whichever is greater
• The minimum Interchange Authorization Limit is US $X for Retail Transactions and
US $X for Manual Cash Disbursements. If an Issuer has established higher limits,
they appear on the Issuer’s Visa Interchange Directory Update Form (Exhibit 4F)
• A Merchant questions the validity of the Card or informs the Acquirer that it is
suspicious about a Transaction
• A Cardholder wishes to make a purchase in person (not a Mail/Phone Order
Transaction) but does not have his Card
• A Cardholder presents an Expired Card
• A Cardholder presents a Card with a blank signature panel
4.5.C.3.b If Visa approves a Transaction:
• Visa provides the Acquirer with an Authorization Code based on the date, time, and
Account Number
• The Acquirer provides the Merchant with an Authorization Code
4.5.C.3.c The Merchant must enter this Authorization Code on the Transaction Receipt.
4.5.C.3.d An Acquirer or Merchant that obtains an Authorization for a Transaction and
subsequently cancels the Transaction (for any reason) must notify Visa or the Issuer
of the cancellation.
4.5.C.3.e If a Transaction originating at an Authorization-Only Terminal does not require
Authorization, the Acquirer must use the substitute Authorization Code “0000N” in the
Clearing Record.
4.5.C.4 International Exception File
4.5.D V.I.P. System Emergency Authorization Procedures

4.5.D.1 Use of Emergency Authorization Procedures
4.5.D.1.a An Acquirer must follow the emergency Authorization procedures if it cannot transmit
an Authorization Request to Visa due to a communications failure.
4.5.D.1.b An Acquirer must not use this procedure:
• For more than 4 hours
• If any other means of electronic interface with Visa is available
4.5.D.2 Emergency Procedures 4.6.A.2 Foreign Branches
4.5.D.1.c The emergency Authorization procedure does not apply to ATM Cash Disbursements
or Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type C. When it cannot transmit Authorization
Requests, the Acquirer must transmit a “service unavailable now” Authorization
Response to the terminal in reply to the Authorization Request.
4.5.D.2 Emergency Procedures

4.5.D.2.a If the Transaction amount is greater than or equal to US $X, the Acquirer must
contact the Issuer by telephone, fax, or telex for Authorization, as specified in
Section 4.4.D.2.
4.5.D.2.b If the Transaction amount is less than US $X, the Acquirer need not contact the
Issuer.
The Acquirer must both:
• Review the appropriate Card Recovery Bulletin
• Provide the Merchant with an Authorization Code ending in “x” if the Account
Number does not appear on the Card Recovery Bulletin
4.5.E Stand-In Processing—Non-Visa Transactions

Visa may provide Stand-In Processing for non-Visa Card transactions if the authorization
processing service associated with the non-Visa Card is unavailable. Visa is not responsible
for losses incurred on non-Visa transactions authorized through the VisaNet Payment
Gateway services.
4.6 CASH DISBURSEMENTS
4.6.A Manual Cash Disbursements

Each Member, excluding one participating only in the Visa Electron or Plus Program, must
make Manual Cash Disbursements to other Issuers’ Visa Cardholders from all of its Branches
in its Country of Domicile. This requirement is limited only by applicable law and the Issuer’s
Cash Disbursement policy.
4.6.A.1 Visa Electron Cards

A Member may make Manual Cash Disbursements to other Issuers’ Cardholders of Visa
Electron Cards if the Acquirer complies with Chapter 4, "Acquirer Requirements &
Information."
4.6.A.2 Foreign Branches

A foreign Branch of a Member licensed to use the Visa Program Marks outside of its
Country of Domicile may both:
• Make Manual Cash Disbursements to other Issuers’ Visa Cardholders
• If the Acquirer’s Branch complies with Chapter 4, "Acquirer Requirements &
Information," make Manual Cash Disbursements to other Issuers’ Cardholders of Visa
Electron Cards
4.6.A.3 Cash Disbursements Through Related 4.6.B.4 Transaction Currency
Companies
4.6.A.3 Cash Disbursements Through Related Companies

A Member may make Manual Cash Disbursements through the offices of its related
companies if all of the following are true:
• The companies are primarily engaged in financial services to the public
• The Member or the Member’s holding company wholly owns the company
• Visa has given the Member prior approval
4.6.A.4 Display of Marks

An Acquirer must display the appropriate Visa-Owned Marks to indicate which Cards are
accepted for Manual Cash Disbursements.
4.6.A.5 Maximum Manual Cash Disbursement Amount

An Acquirer may establish a maximum Cash Disbursement amount of not less than
US $X or local currency equivalent, per day, per Cardholder.
4.6.A.6 Cash Disbursement Fees

A Cash Disbursement Fee is paid by the Issuer to the Acquirer performing a Cash
4.6.B Transaction Processing Requirements

4.6.B.1 Uniform Services
An Acquirer must both:
• Accept all Cards properly presented for payment
• Offer and render services uniformly to all Cardholders
4.6.B.2 Validation of Cardholder Identity

An Acquirer must validate the Cardholder’s identity, as specified in Section 5.1.D.
4.6.B.3 Floor Limit and Terminal Requirements

4.6.B.3.a The Floor Limit for a Manual Cash Disbursement is zero.
4.6.B.3.b An Acquirer must use a Point-of-Transaction Terminal with Electronic Capability to
accept Visa Electron Cards.
4.6.B.4 Transaction Currency

The Transaction Currency for a Manual Cash Disbursement must be the:1
• Currency dispensed
• Currency in the Authorization Request
• Currency presented into Interchange
1
This requirement does not apply to Merchant sales of Foreign Currency, including Cheques, or Visa TravelMoney
Cards.
4.6.B.5 Transaction Receipt Copy 4.6.C.3 Encashment Limitations
4.6.B.5 Transaction Receipt Copy

The Acquirer must provide the Cardholder with a Transaction Receipt that includes the
Transaction amount, Transaction date, Account Number, Acquirer name, and location,
as specified in Manual Transaction Receipt (Exhibit 7J).
4.6.B.6 Fee Disclosure

A Manual Cash Disbursement Transaction Receipt (excluding ATM Cash Disbursement
Transaction Receipts) must inform the Cardholder that the Issuer may assess a Cash
Disbursement Fee or set-up charge.
4.6.B.7 Prohibition
An Acquirer must not add any surcharge to a Manual Cash Disbursement Transaction,
unless local law expressly requires that a Member be permitted to impose a surcharge.
Any surcharge amount, if allowed, must be included in the Transaction amount and not
collected separately.
4.6.C Cheque Acceptance

4.6.C.1 General
4.6.C.1.a Each Member must accept and encash all Cheques denominated in currencies
usually exchanged in the local market.
4.6.C.1.b A Member’s encashment policy must be as favorable for Cheques as for other cheque
brands.
4.6.C.1.c Visa guarantees reimbursement for the Cheque amount if the Member complies with
Section 4.6.C.2.
4.6.C.2 Encashment Procedure

4.6.C.2.a When encashing a Cheque, a Member must both:
• Witness the customer countersigning the Cheque in the lower left signature area
• Compare the countersignature with the signature appearing in the upper right
signature area. If the signatures appear similar, the Member may accept the
Cheque.
4.6.C.2.b If the Member is uncertain as to 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.
4.6.C.3 Encashment Limitations

If the 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.
4.6.D Chip Card Acceptance 4.7.C Card Acceptance Requirements
4.6.D Chip Card Acceptance

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.
If the Chip or Chip-Reading Device is inoperable, the Merchant must obtain an Online
Authorization using the Magnetic Stripe. If the Magnetic Stripe cannot be read, or if Online
Authorization is not available, existing Card acceptance and Transaction processing
procedures apply.
4.7 ATM ACQUIRER STANDARDS

Acquirer participation in the Visa Global ATM Program is optional. A Member has complete
discretion over whether all, some, or none of its ATMs participate in the Visa Global ATM
Program.
Only an ATM owned, leased, or controlled by a Member is eligible for participation in the Visa
Global ATM Program. A Member that sponsors an agent to deploy or operate an ATM
participating in the Visa Global ATM Program must ensure that it meets all obligations
specified in Section 1.15.C, and that its ATMs comply with the applicable Visa International
4.7.B ATM Acquirer Requirements

Before acting as an ATM Acquirer, an Acquirer must successfully complete certification and
comply with all of the following:
• Licensing requirements specified in Section 1.8.A
• “Acquirer Participation Requirements” specified in the Visa Global ATM Member Guide
• Processing requirements specified in the VisaNet manuals
4.7.C Card Acceptance Requirements

A Visa/Plus ATM must accept all valid Cards1, 2, 3, as specified in both:
• Visa Global ATM Member Guide
1
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the Canada Region.
2
An ATM with restricted access must display language with the Visa Brand Mark that both identifies the ATM Acquirer
and describes Card acceptance or the nature of any restrictions, as specified in Chapter 10, "Card and Marks
Requirements" the Visa Global ATM Member Guide, or the Visa Product Brand Standards.
3
At the discretion of its Regional Office, an ATM Acquirer that accepts Cards bearing the Plus Symbol may selectively
deny access to its ATMs.
4.7.D ATM Acceptance Technology Requirements 4.7.E.2 ATM Acquirer Requirements
4.7.D ATM Acceptance Technology Requirements

4.7.D.1 Account Numbers
A Visa/Plus ATM and a Member ATM processing system must be able to accept all valid
International Organization for Standardization numbers 11-19 digits long, beginning with
any numeric digit.
4.7.D.2 Chip-initiated ATM Authorization Requirements

If a Chip Card cannot be read, the ATM may complete the Transaction by reading the
Magnetic Stripe. If the Magnetic Stripe cannot be read, the Transaction must not be
processed.
4.7.E Transaction Processing Requirements

4.7.E.1 ATM Processing
4.7.E.1.a An ATM Cash Disbursement is a Visa Transaction if it is made with any of the
following:
• Visa Card
• Visa Electron Card
4.7.E.1.b An ATM Cash Disbursement is a Plus Transaction if it is made with a Proprietary Card
bearing the Plus Symbol.
A Visa Region or its exclusive Plus Program sublicensee, if applicable, may redefine
a Plus Transaction involving a Card bearing the Plus Symbol for Intraregional
Transactions.
4.7.E.2 ATM Acquirer Requirements

4.7.E.2.a A new ATM Acquirer (excluding an Acquirer that processes through a VisaNet
Processor with an existing VisaNet endpoint) must process ATM Transactions using
the Single Message System.
4.7.E.2.b An ATM Acquirer (including an Acquirer that processes through a VisaNet Processor
with an existing VisaNet endpoint) must both:
• Be certified to participate in either of the following:
- Single Message System
- Custom Payment Service/ATM
• Meet all tier II requirements specified in the Visa Global ATM Member Guide
4.7.E.2.c If an ATM Acquirer does not meet the tier II standards, Visa may, at its discretion,
remove the ATM Acquirer from the tier II level.
4.7.E.3 Fees 4.7.E.6 Deferred Clearing Processing
4.7.E.3 Fees
4.7.E.3.a An ATM Acquirer will receive the international ATM Cash Disbursement Fee specified
in Section 8.3.D.3 only if both:
• Acquirer is certified to participate in either of the following:
- Single Message System
- Custom Payment Service/ATM
• ATM Transaction meets the tier II requirements specified in the Visa Global ATM
Member Guide
4.7.E.4 Technology Requirements

4.7.E.4.a An ATM Acquirer must ensure that the entire unaltered contents of track 2 of the
Magnetic Stripe or the Magnetic-Stripe Image from the Chip on the Card is read and
transmitted.
4.7.E.4.b An ATM Acquirer must ensure that all Chip-reading ATMs:
• Support “Online PIN”
• Must not support “Signature” or “No CVM (Cardholder Verification Method)
required”
4.7.E.5 ATM Authorizations

An ATM Acquirer must submit Authorization Requests in the Transaction Currency. This
requirement does not apply to sublicensees of the Plus System, Inc.
4.7.E.6 Deferred Clearing Processing

4.7.E.6.a An ATM Transaction cleared through VisaNet must have been authorized through
VisaNet.
4.7.E.6.b An ATM Acquirer must ensure that the following information in the Authorization and
Clearing messages matches the:
• Account Number
• Transaction Authorization Code
• Acquirer BIN
• Transaction amount
• Account selection processing code
• Merchant Category Code
4.7.E.7 ATM Expiration Date Editing 4.7.E.13 Currency or Cheque Disbursement
4.7.E.7 ATM Expiration Date Editing

4.7.E.7.a An ATM Acquirer must not return or decline an ATM Transaction based on the
expiration date.
4.7.E.7.b All Authorization Requests originating from an Expired Card must be sent Online to
the Issuer for an Authorization Response.
4.7.E.9 Authorization Routing—Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards

4.7.E.9.a An ATM Acquirer must use the Visa account range table to determine the routing of
an Authorization Request.
4.7.E.9.b The ATM Acquirer must install and use the table within X business days of its receipt
from Visa.
4.7.E.9.c The ATM Acquirer must not distribute the account range table without the prior written
consent of its Regional Office.
4.7.E.10 Authorization Routing—Cards Bearing the Plus Symbol

If an ATM Acquirer does not route all Transactions to Visa, it must both:
• Use the Plus account range table to determine the routing of an Authorization
Request for a Card bearing the Plus Symbol. This requirement does not apply to
licensees of the Plus System, Inc.
• Install and use the Plus account range table within X business days of receipt from
Visa
4.7.E.11 ATM Transaction Receipt Requirements

An ATM must offer a Transaction Receipt for each ATM Cash Disbursement1
This Transaction Receipt must include the information specified in Electronic
Transaction Receipt (Exhibit 7I).
4.7.E.12 Minimum Cash Disbursement

An ATM must be able to make Cash Disbursements of at least US $X, or local currency
equivalent, per day, per Account Number.
4.7.E.13 Currency or Cheque Disbursement

4.7.E.13.a An ATM must dispense the local currency or display the type of currency dispensed,
including Cheques.
4.7.E.13.b If an ATM dispenses Cheques and charges a fee, the Member must disclose the fee
to the Cardholder.
1
Visa may waive this requirement.
4.7.E.14 Transaction Currency 4.8.A Website Requirements
4.7.E.14 Transaction Currency

The Transaction Currency for an ATM Cash Disbursement must be the:1, 2, 3
• Currency dispensed
• Currency in the Authorization Request
• Currency presented into Interchange
4.7.E.15 Transaction Surcharge

4.7.E.15.a An ATM Acquirer must submit an ATM Transaction for Clearing at the same value as
the cash dispensed to the Cardholder.4
4.7.E.15.b The ATM Acquirer must not add a surcharge or fee to the Transaction amount, unless
local law expressly requires that an ATM Acquirer be permitted to impose a
surcharge.5
4.7.F Balance Inquiry Service

An ATM Acquirer may participate in the Balance Inquiry Service. To participate, an ATM
Acquirer must:
• Obtain certification from Visa
• Display the balance in the currency of the ATM, either on the screen or on a receipt
• Support Balance Inquiries as separate, non-financial transactions
An ATM Acquirer must support the Balance Inquiry Service if it supports balance inquiry for
any network other than its proprietary network. A participating ATM Acquirer receives a
Balance Inquiry fee for each Balance Inquiry, as specified in Section 8.5.
An ATM Acquirer may supply the Cardholder with any balance information provided by the
Issuer as part of an ATM Cash Disbursement. The Issuer does not pay a fee for this service.
4.8 ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
4.8.A Website Requirements

An Acquirer soliciting Merchant applications must list the Merchant domicile requirements on
its Website. The domicile requirements must be those permitted by the Acquirer’s
jurisdictional rights, as specified in Section 4.1.C.1, and the Visa International By-Laws,
Section 2.10.
1 This requirement does not apply to Merchant sales of Foreign Currency, including Cheques, or Visa TravelMoney
Cards.
2
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of Visa Europe.
3
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the U.S.A. Region.
4 Effective 18 April 2009, a variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the Canada Region.
5
Effective 18 April 2009, a variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the Canada Region.
4.8.B Special Requirements for Online Gambling 4.8.D.2 3-D Secure Participation Requirements
Merchants
4.8.B Special Requirements for Online Gambling Merchants

An Acquirer must comply with the Member risk policy requirements established by Visa.
4.8.C Data Protection Method Requirements

• Ensure that its Electronic Commerce Merchants offer Cardholders a Data Protection
Method such as:
- 3-D Secure
- Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
• Include the above requirement in the Merchant Agreement
4.8.D Visa Secure Electronic Commerce

4.8.D.1 General Participation Requirements
4.8.D.1.a An Acquirer that participates in Visa Secure Electronic Commerce and supports an
Authentication Method for Electronic Commerce Transactions must comply with
Visa-established policies, procedures, operating guidelines, and standards specified
in the Verified by Visa Acquirer and Merchant Implementation Guide.
4.8.D.1.b An Acquirer that issues Digital Certificates to its Merchants or Internet Payment
Service Providers to enable them to access Visa-owned system components must
only use Digital Certificates associated with Visa.
4.8.D.1.c Unless prior approval has been obtained from Visa, a Member must not use a Digital
Certificate issued by or associated with Visa as an Authentication Mechanism for a
non-Visa product or service.
4.8.D.1.d An Acquirer must support 3-D Secure for its Electronic Commerce Merchants.
4.8.D.1.e Chip Card programs using Private Keys stored on Internet-connected servers must
meet Visa risk management and security standards.
4.8.D.2 3-D Secure Participation Requirements

4.8.D.2.a An Acquirer that participates in 3-D Secure must comply with the requirements in the
Verified by Visa Acquirer and Merchant Implementation Guide.
4.8.D.2.b An Acquirer and its Merchant that participate in Verified by Visa must maintain or
implement fraud and risk practices in addition to Verified by Visa such as, but not
limited to:
• Address verification services
• Card Verification Value 2
• Velocity checks
4.8.D.2 3-D Secure Participation Requirements 4.8.D.2 3-D Secure Participation Requirements
4.8.D.2.c An Acquirer that uses the Verified by Visa Mark in its 3-D Secure program must:
• Ensure that its 3-D Secure components have successfully met the requirements of
the Visa 3-D Secure Vendor Compliance Testing Program
• Ensure that its Merchants using the Verified by Visa Mark:
- Use certified and operational 3-D Secure software on their Websites
- Comply with the Visa Product Brand Standards
- Not use the Mark in a way that implies endorsement of any other product or
service
- Not use the Mark to indicate payment acceptance in any application
4.8.D.2.d An Acquirer must notify its Electronic Commerce Merchants of the availability of 3-D
Secure.
4.8.D.2.e An Acquirer must:
• Ensure that its participating Electronic Commerce Merchants comply with all Visa
International Operating Regulations pertaining to 3-D Secure and Verified by Visa,
and that the substance of these requirements is included in the Merchant
Agreement
• Ensure that its participating Merchants or agents that process 3-D Secure
Transactions comply with the requirements specified in both the:
- Verified by Visa Acquirer and Merchant Implementation Guide
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
• Include the following in an Authorization Request, as a condition of using Electronic
Commerce Transaction indicator value “5” or “6” in the Clearing Record:
- For ECI value “5,” both Cardholder Authentication Verification Value and
Authentication Identifier
- For ECI value “6,” both Cardholder Authentication Verification Value and
Authentication Identifier if the Cardholder Authentication Verification Value was
provided by the Issuer
4.9 CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT SERVICES 4.9.B.1 Original Transaction Receipts with Illegible
or Invalid Account Numbers
4.9 CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT SERVICES
4.9.A Transaction Processing Requirements

4.9.A.1 Data Quality Requirements
An Acquirer must ensure that all Clearing Records contain complete and valid data. If
data is missing or incorrect, an Acquirer may be subject to the Data Quality Compliance
Program, as specified in Section 1.6.D.3.a.
SEE ALSO:
4.9.A.2 Interchange Data Element Requirements

An Acquirer sending Interchange through BASE II must use the data elements listed in
BASE II Record Requirements (Exhibit 2L) and the VisaNet manuals.
4.9.A.3 Transaction Currency

4.9.A.3.a An Acquirer must enter all original Presentments into Interchange in the exact amount
of Transaction Currency authorized by the Cardholder.
4.9.A.3.b This requirement does not apply to Plus ATM Transactions that meet all of the
following criteria:
• Originate at ATMs connected to the Plus System, Inc.
• Are cleared by the Plus System, Inc.
• Are settled in US dollars
4.9.A.4 Transaction Receipt Retention Periods

An Acquirer must:
• Retain original Transaction Receipts for the period required by local law
• Maintain the ability to recreate and provide either a copy or a Substitute Transaction
Receipt for a minimum of 12 months from the Endorsement Date, as specified in
Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules, Section 1.3, Table 1-5, and Table 1-7
• Retain T&E Documents for a minimum of 180 calendar days from the Endorsement
Date
4.9.B Clearing Requirements

4.9.B.1 Original Transaction Receipts with Illegible or Invalid Account Numbers
4.9.B.1.a An Acquirer must not clear original Transaction Receipts with illegible or invalid
Account Numbers through Visa until it determines the correct Account Number.
4.9.B.1.b If it appears that the Transaction Receipt resulted from the use of a Counterfeit Card,
the Acquirer must comply with Section 2.1.F.
4.9.B.2 Transaction Receipt Processing Time Limits 4.9.B.3 Processing Time Limits for ATM
for Transactions Transactions
4.9.B.1.c If the Acquirer can identify the Issuer, the Acquirer may contact the Issuer for
assistance in obtaining the Account Number.
4.9.B.1.d If the Acquirer cannot 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, as specified in Section 3.2.B.5.
4.9.B.1.e The Acquirer must not clear the Transaction Receipt through VisaNet if the Acquirer
has contacted the Issuer and the Issuer cannot determine the Account Number.
4.9.B.1.f Transaction Receipts settled under the procedures in this section are not subject to
Chargeback Reason Code 74, “Late Presentment”.
4.9.B.1.g For Domestic Interchange cleared outside of VisaNet, the Sending Member must do
all of the following:
• Correct an illegible or invalid Account Number before clearing the Transaction
Receipt
• Follow the procedures specified in Section 4.9
• Follow the usual procedures after it determines the correct Account Number
4.9.B.2 Transaction Receipt Processing Time Limits for Transactions

This section applies to Visa and Visa Electron Interchange Transactions.
4.9.B.2.a The Endorsement Date on Transaction Receipts entered into Interchange must
comply with Table 4-3.
4.9.B.2.b The Endorsement Date and Transaction Date are each counted as one day.
4.9.B.2.c An Acquirer must submit a Transaction Receipt no later than X business days
following the Endorsement Date.
Table 4-3: Transaction Receipt Processing Time Limits
For Transaction Receipts that a

The Endorsement Date Must Be Within:
Merchant Must Deposit Within:
2 business days from the Transaction Date 3 calendar days from the Transaction Date,
(Visa Electron Transactions only) excluding local non-processing days, and
the same date on which the Acquirer
processes the BASE II Edit Package and
transmits its outgoing Interchange
3 business days from the Transaction Date 15 calendar days from the Transaction Date
21 calendar days from the Transaction Date 30 calendar days from the Transaction Date
4.9.B.3 Processing Time Limits for ATM Transactions

4.9.B.3.a The Processing Date for all ATM Transactions must not be more than X calendar
days from the Transaction Date.
4.9.B.4 Processing Time Limits for In-Transit 4.10.B.1 Original Credit VisaNet Response
Service Transactions
4.9.B.3.b For all ATM Transactions, the following are excluded in calculating the allowable
number of days:
• Transaction Date
• Processing Date
• Sunday
4.9.B.4 Processing Time Limits for In-Transit Service Transactions

The Processing Date for an In-Transit Service Transaction must be within 5 calendar
days of the Transaction Date.
4.10 ORIGINAL CREDIT

A Member in the jurisdiction of a Visa Regional Office that participates in Original Credit processing
may initiate an Original Credit. For a list of participating Regions and permitted Original Credits
applications, see the Original Credits Member Requirements manual.
SEE ALSO:
• Section 2.3.D, Section 3.7.B, Section 5.4.B, Section 8.3.C, Section 8.5
• Payment Card Industry Data Standard
4.10.A Originating Member Requirements

An Originating Member must:
• Register each program that uses an Original Credit with its Visa Regional Office.
• Comply with all Visa requirements, as specified in the Visa International Operating
Regulations and the Original Credits Member Requirements manual.
4.10.B Original Credit Pre-Settlement and Clearing Message Requirements

An Originating Member may choose to send a pre-Settlement message.
4.10.B.1 Original Credit VisaNet Response

VisaNet will respond to an Originating Member on behalf of a Recipient Member that
accepts a pre-Settlement message if a response is not received within the 15-second
Authorization Request response time frame.
VisaNet will respond to an Originating Member on behalf of a Recipient Member that
does not accept a pre-Settlement message by sending either:
• An Approval Response, if no exception occurs
• A Decline Response, if an exception occurs, including one where a Recipient Member
is prohibited from accepting an Original Credit
4.10.B.2 Original Credit Pre-Settlement Decline 4.10.C.2 Original Credit Money Transfer Sender
Response Data
4.10.B.2 Original Credit Pre-Settlement Decline Response

When an Originating Member receives a Decline Response to the pre-Settlement
message, it must not send the Clearing Transaction.
4.10.B.3 Original Credit Clearing

An Originating Member must submit the Original Credit for Clearing within 1 business
day of receiving the approval response to the Original Credit pre-Settlement message,
unless a Reversal is sent.
4.10.B.4 Original Credit Reversal

4.10.B.4.a An Originating Member must process a Reversal within 24 hours of initiating a pre-
Settlement message or a Single Message System Transaction. An Original Credit
Reversal is valid only for processing errors or if the consumer did not complete the
Transaction.
4.10.B.4.b A Reversal of a BASE II Original Credit must be processed within 1 business day of
the Central Processing Date of the Original Credit and only for the following reasons:
• Incorrect Account Number
• Incorrect Transaction amount
• Duplicate processing
• Incorrect Transaction code
4.10.C Original Credit Money Transfer

4.10.C.1 Original Credit Money Transfer Single Sender and Single Recipient
Each Original Credit money transfer must involve only a single sender and a single
recipient.
4.10.C.2 Original Credit Money Transfer Sender Data

4.10.C.2.a When sending and managing sender data for an Original Credit money transfer, an
Originating Member must comply with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security
Standard.
An Originating Member must ensure that procedures are in place that validate sender
data as well as comply with applicable anti-money laundering regulations and anti-
terrorist financing standards. Proper disclosure must be given to the sender regarding
the collection of sender data.
4.10.C.2.b For an International Original Credit money transfer the Originating Member must
include in the pre-Settlement and Clearing messages, the following data, as specified
in BASE II Record Requirements (Exhibit 2L), VisaNet Financial Transactions
(Exhibit 3A), and Required Message Content for VisaNet Authorization Requests
(Exhibit 3B):
• Sender’s name
• Sender’s primary address
4.11 OTHER TRANSACTION PROCESSING 4.11.C Visa Fleet Service-Enhanced Transactions

REQUIREMENTS
4.10.C.2.c For all Original Credit money transfers the Originating Member must include in the
pre-Settlement and Clearing messages, either the sender’s account number used to
fund the money transfer, or a transaction reference number that uniquely identifies the
sender if the sender’s account number is not available.
4.10.C.2.d The Originating Member must ensure that the sender data in both the pre-Settlement
and Clearing messages is identical.
4.11 OTHER TRANSACTION PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS
4.11.A Visa Prepaid Card Requirements

All Transactions representing the purchase of a Prepaid Card shall be processed as retail
purchases, including transmission of a special Prepaid Card indicator in the Transaction
Record, as specified in the BASE II Record Requirements (Exhibit 2L) and the VisaNet
manuals.
4.11.B Visa Purchasing Card Transaction Requirements

An Acquirer accepting a Visa Purchasing Card Transaction must provide an Issuer with any
Cardholder reference data or other relevant Transaction information supplied by a Merchant.
4.11.C Visa Fleet Service-Enhanced Transactions

An Acquirer that contracts with a Merchant to accept a Fleet Service-enhanced Visa
Commercial Card must provide an Issuer with the enhanced data if provided by its Merchants
in the Authorization and Clearing Record.
Enhanced data may include:
• Driver identification
• Fuel type
• Fuel quantity
• Fuel price-per-unit
4.11.D Visa Prepaid Load Service 4.13.A.1 ATM Transaction Exceptions
4.11.D Visa Prepaid Load Service

Members that participate in the optional Visa Prepaid Load Service must comply with
requirements in the Visa International Operating Regulations and the Visa International
Prepaid Card Products Program Guidelines.1
A participating Acquirer must:
• Add Visa Prepaid Load Service provisions to its Merchant Agreement
• Ensure participating Merchants comply with requirements, as specified in the Visa

International Operating Regulations and the Visa International Prepaid Card Products
Program Guidelines
• Have an Endorsement Date within 2 calendar days from the Visa Prepaid Load Service
Transaction Date
• Only process Reversals to correct point-of-sale errors on the same day as the original
Transaction
• Not adjust Visa Prepaid Load Service Transactions, except for Reversals to correct errors
4.13 RISK MANAGEMENT

An Acquirer must comply with the risk management requirements specified in this section and
Chapter 2, "Risk Management."
4.13.A Fraud Management and Reporting

4.13.A.1 ATM Transaction Exceptions
4.13.A.1.b For a cancelled ATM Transaction, the Acquirer must process a Reversal. The
Reversal amount must be the original Transaction amount.
4.13.A.1.c Neither an ATM nor its host system may timeout a Transaction in less than 45
seconds.
4.13.A.1.d For a misdispense, an ATM Acquirer must process an ATM confirmation message for
the actual amount dispensed.
1
An exemption to the Visa Prepaid Load Service applies in Visa U.S.A.
4.13.A.2 ATM Card Retention 4.13.D Lost or Stolen Card Reports
4.13.A.2 ATM Card Retention

4.13.A.2.a 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 specific request of the Issuer.
4.13.A.2.b If a Card is retained, the Acquirer must log it under dual custody immediately after
removal from the terminal.
4.13.A.2.c If a Card is retained at the specific request of the Issuer, the Acquirer must render the
Card unusable and return it to the Issuer. If the Card bears a Chip, the Chip must not
be damaged.
4.13.A.2.d An Issuer is not required to pay a reward to the Acquirer. However, the Acquirer may
collect a handling fee, as specified in Section 4.13.E.3 and Section 8.4.B. An ATM
Acquirer participating only in the Plus Program may collect the handling fee only if the
recovered card is a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card.
4.13.A.2.e If a hardware or software failure causes mistaken or accidental Card retention, the
ATM Acquirer must return the Card to the Cardholder using the following procedures:
• The Acquirer reviews positive Cardholder identification and compares the
Cardholder’s signature to that on the Card signature panel
• If the Cardholder does not request return of the Card, the ATM Acquirer must follow
the Card retention rules specified above
4.13.A.3 Fraud Reporting

An Acquirer must report both:
• Counterfeit activity through VisaNet using the appropriate fraud advice transaction
code in the same manner as specified for Issuers in Section 3.13.A
• A counterfeit Transaction within 60 calendar days of a Chargeback, when no
Representment or Arbitration right is available
SEE ALSO:
Fraud Reporting System User’s Manual
4.13.B Merchant Fraud Performance Program

An Acquirer must comply with the Merchant Fraud Performance Program requirements
specified in the Merchant Fraud Performance Program Guide.
4.13.C Merchant Records

An Acquirer must keep a complete, well-documented file containing Merchant records,
including any information connected to an investigation, for a minimum of 2 years following
Merchant Agreement termination.
4.13.D Lost or Stolen Card Reports

An Acquirer must accept lost or stolen Card reports and provide the Issuer with the information
required on the Lost or Stolen Card Report (Exhibit 1A), as specified in Section 2.1.C.1.
4.13.E Recovered Visa Cards and Visa Electron 4.13.F.1 Activity Monitoring
Cards
4.13.E Recovered Visa Cards and Visa Electron Cards

4.13.E.1 Card Recovery and Notification
4.13.E.1.a An Acquirer must return recovered Visa Cards and Visa Electron Cards to the Issuer.
4.13.E.1.b An Acquirer must ensure that its Merchants understand and comply with the
requirements for recovery of a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card, as specified in
Section 5.5.
4.13.E.2 Rewards Paid by Acquirer

4.13.E.2.a An Acquirer must ensure that the minimum reward is paid to the Merchant that made
the recovery, as specified in Table 4-5.
4.13.E.2.b The Acquirer need not pay a reward for Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards that are:
• Expired
• Recovered at an ATM or Cardholder-Activated Terminal
• Inadvertently left at a Merchant Outlet
4.13.E.2.c If an Acquirer pays rewards to its tellers for the recovery of Visa Cards or Visa
Electron Cards, as specified in Table 4-5, it may collect the reward amount from the
Issuer.
Table 4-5: Rewards for Recovered Cards
Paid To Amount
Merchant US $25 – $150
Teller/Disbursing Member US $0 – $150
4.13.E.3 Handling Fee

4.13.E.3.a An Acquirer may collect a handling fee, as specified in Section 4.13.E.3 and
Section 8.4.B, whether or not the Merchant is entitled to a reward.
4.13.E.3.b An ATM Acquirer participating only in the Plus Program may collect the handling fee
only if the recovered card is a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card.
4.13.E.3.c A handling fee must not be collected if the recovered card is a Proprietary Card
bearing the Plus Symbol.
4.13.F Merchant Activity Monitoring Standards

An Acquirer must monitor its Merchant’s activity as specified in this section.
4.13.F.1 Activity Monitoring

An Acquirer must monitor the Chargeback-to-Transaction volume ratio of its Merchants,
and identify any Merchant that both:
• Receives more than 100 Chargebacks per month
• Exceeds a Chargeback-to-Transaction volume ratio of 3%
4.13.F.2 Normal Weekly Activity Reporting 4.13.F.3 Exception Reports
4.13.F.2 Normal Weekly Activity Reporting

The Acquirer must do all of the following:
• Retain at least the following weekly data:
- Gross sales volume
- Average Transaction amount
- Number of Transaction Receipts
- Average elapsed time between the Transaction Date of the Transaction Receipt
and the Endorsement Date or Settlement Date (counting each as one day)
- Number of Chargebacks
• Collect the data over a period of at least 1 month, beginning 30 calendar days after
the Merchant Outlet’s initial Deposit
• Use the data to determine the Merchant Outlet’s normal weekly activity of the
categories specified above
• Begin with the Merchant Outlet Deposit activity processed on the 31st calendar day
from the first Deposit
• Adjust the Merchant Outlet’s normal weekly activity on a monthly basis, using the
previous month’s activity
• Compare current related data to the normal weekly activity parameters
4.13.F.3 Exception Reports

The Acquirer must generate exception reports if either:
• Current weekly gross sales volume equals or exceeds US $5,000, or local currency
equivalent, and any of the following exceeds 150% of the normal weekly activity:
- Number of weekly Transaction Receipt Deposits
- Gross amount of weekly Deposits
- Number of weekly Chargebacks
• Average elapsed time between the Transaction Date and the Endorsement Date or
Settlement Date for a Transaction (counting each as one day respectively) exceeds
15 calendar days
4.13.F.4 Investigation of Merchant 4.13.F.6 Fines and Penalties
4.13.F.4 Investigation of Merchant

4.13.F.4.a An Acquirer must immediately investigate a Merchant that exceeds the parameters
specified in Section 4.13.F. The Acquirer must ensure Merchant compliance with the
Visa International Operating Regulations and confirm the existence of risk control
procedures, by conducting:
• A physical inspection of the Merchant location
• An audit of the Merchant Website, if applicable
4.13.F.4.b The Acquirer must investigate any Merchant Outlet appearing on an exception report
within 7 calendar days of generating the report. When the investigation reveals
Merchant involvement in illegal activity, the Acquirer must:
• Cooperate fully with Visa in any investigation, and release all information relative
to the Merchant upon request
• Take appropriate legal action to minimize losses if the investigation reveals illegal
or fraudulent activity
• Cooperate with Issuers and law enforcement agencies
• Attempt to make the Merchant responsible for the Transaction
• Hold funds, if possible
• Initiate criminal and civil proceedings against the Merchant, if applicable
4.13.F.5 Acquirer Compliance

4.13.F.5.a Visa will determine whether the Acquirer has met the Merchant activity monitoring
standards specified in Section 4.13.F.
4.13.F.5.b At the request of Visa, the Acquirer must provide both of the following to demonstrate
compliance:
• Copies of actual reports or records used to monitor the Merchant’s activity
• Any other data requested by Visa
4.13.F.6 Fines and Penalties

An Acquirer that fails to comply with the Merchant Activity Monitoring Standards in
Section 4.13 is subject to the fines and penalties specified in Section 1.6.D.
4.13.G High-Risk Telemarketing Merchant 4.13.G.2 Exception Reports

Monitoring Standards
4.13.G High-Risk Telemarketing Merchant Monitoring Standards

An Acquirer must monitor its High-Risk Telemarketing Merchants, as specified in this section.
4.13.G.1 Normal Daily Activity Reporting

The Acquirer must do all of the following:
• 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 Chargebacks
• Collect the data over a period of at least one month, beginning after each Merchant’s
initial Deposit
• Use the data to determine the Merchant’s normal daily activity of the categories
specified in this section
• Begin the daily monitoring of the Merchant’s activity processed on the 31st calendar
day from the first Deposit
• Compare current related data to the normal daily activity parameters at least daily
• Review the Merchant’s normal daily activity at least weekly, using the previous week’s
activity
• Adjust the Merchant’s normal daily activity at least monthly, using the previous
month’s activity
4.13.G.2 Exception Reports

The Acquirer must generate exception reports on a daily basis and report any unusual
activity to Visa within 2 business days, if either:
• Current weekly gross sales volume equals or exceeds US $5,000 or local currency
equivalent, and any of the following exceeds 150% of the normal daily activity:
- Number of daily Transaction Receipt Deposits
- Gross amount of daily Deposits
- Number of daily Chargebacks
• Average elapsed time between the Transaction Date and the Endorsement Date or
Endorsement Date or Settlement Date for a Transaction (counting each as one day
respectively) exceeds 15 calendar days
4.13.G.3 Investigation of Merchant 4.13.I.1 Criteria
4.13.G.3 Investigation of Merchant

The Acquirer must investigate any Merchant appearing on an exception report within
one business day of generating the report. When the investigation reveals Merchant
involvement in illegal or fraudulent activity, the Acquirer must:
• Cooperate fully with Visa in any investigation, and release all information relative to
the Merchant upon request
• Take appropriate legal action to minimize losses
• Cooperate with Issuers and law enforcement agencies
• Attempt to make the Merchant responsible for the Transaction
• Hold funds, if possible
• Initiate criminal and civil proceedings against the Merchant, if applicable
4.13.G.4 Acquirer Compliance

4.13.G.4.a Visa will determine whether the Acquirer has met the High-Risk Telemarketing
Merchant monitoring standards specified in Section 4.13.G.
4.13.G.4.b At the request of Visa, the Acquirer must provide both of the following to demonstrate
compliance:
• Copies of actual reports or records used to monitor the Merchant’s Deposits
• Any other data requested by Visa
4.13.H Online Gambling Transaction Audit Program

Visa audits Authorization Requests for Members, Merchants, Online Gambling Merchants,
IPSPs, and Sponsored Merchants. An Acquirer is subject to the penalties specified in
Table 1-5 if an Authorization Request for an Online Gambling Transaction contains incorrect
data or fails to include both:
• Merchant Category Code 7995, as specified in Section 5.4.C
• POS Condition Code 59, as specified in Required Message Content for VisaNet
Authorization Requests (Exhibit 3B)
4.13.I Online Gambling Credit Compliance Program

4.13.I.1 Criteria
4.13.I.1.a An Online Gambling Merchant is placed in the Online Gambling Credit Compliance
Program if it processes more than 25 Transaction Receipts and more than 25 Credit
Transaction Receipts monthly.
4.13.I.1.b An Online Gambling Merchant that meets or exceeds a 5% ratio of Credit Transaction
Receipts to Transaction Receipts in any month, is deemed to be processing gambling
winnings as Credit Transaction Receipts. An Acquirer of a non-compliant Online
Gambling Merchant in the Online Gambling Credit Compliance Program is subject to
the penalties specified in Table 1-6.
4.13.I.2 Threshold Modification 4.13.J.4 Acquirer Compliance
4.13.I.2 Threshold Modification

Visa may modify the Online Gambling Credit Compliance Program performance
thresholds as it deems appropriate.
4.13.J High-Risk Electronic Commerce Merchant Monitoring Standards

4.13.J.1 High-Risk Designation
Visa may impose security or authentication requirements on a Merchant considered to
be a High-Risk Electronic Commerce Merchant. An Electronic Commerce Merchant is
considered high-risk if it is either identified by:
• The Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program or regional equivalent and has
not demonstrated a reduction in the number of disputes generated by its online
business
• Other Visa risk management programs
4.13.J.2 Risk Management Review

An Acquirer causing undue economic hardship to the Visa system is subject to a risk
management review, as specified in Section 2.1.A. An Acquirer is deemed to cause an
undue economic hardship if it has 3 or more Merchants in the Global Merchant
Chargeback Monitoring Program for 5 months during a consecutive 6-month period.
4.13.J.3 Implementation Period

Prior to the imposition of mandatory risk control measures, Visa will allow an Acquirer at
least 3 months from the date of Notification to correct the deficiencies identified during
the risk management review, as specified in Section 4.13.J.2. Mandatory risk control
measures may include, but are not limited to:
• Logical or physical security controls such as:
- Installation of firewalls
- Encryption of Account Number information
• Required use of the Address Verification Service, where available
• Implementation of an Authentication Method
• Required use of commercially available Transaction screening tools
4.13.J.4 Acquirer Compliance

4.13.J.4.a Mandatory risk control measures specified in Section 4.13.J.3 must be implemented
within 6 months of Notification.
4.13.J.4.b If the risk control measures specified in Section 4.13.J.3 are not implemented, the
Acquirer will be subject to a monthly fine of US $25,000, or until either of the following
occurs:
• Merchant no longer exceeds the parameters specified in Section 4.13.J.1
• Mandatory risk control measures are implemented
4.13.J.5 Visa Rights and Responsibilities 4.13.L.1 Investigation of Merchant
4.13.J.5 Visa Rights and Responsibilities

4.13.J.5.a Visa may conduct a risk management review of Acquirer practices to determine
compliance with Visa electronic commerce requirements. The Acquirer is responsible
for the cost of this review.
4.13.J.5.b Visa may perform an additional risk management review to determine Acquirer
compliance after 6 months.
4.13.J.5.c Visa management may revise the penalties and criteria used to identify a High-Risk
Electronic Commerce Merchant.
4.13.K Electronic Commerce Merchant Monitoring Program

• Ensure that a Merchant, Internet Payment Service Provider, or Sponsored Merchant does
not do any of the following:
- Accept Visa Cards for the purchase or trade of child pornography
- Display a Visa-Owned Mark on a Website that is used for the purchase or trade of child
pornography
• Within 7 days of Notification from Visa, terminate a Merchant, Internet Payment Service
Provider, or Sponsored Merchant identified as engaging in the purchase or trade of child
pornography
4.13.L Merchant Compliance

4.13.L.1 Investigation of Merchant
4.13.L.1.a Visa may contact a Merchant Outlet directly and conduct an onsite investigation of the
Merchant Outlet at any time.
4.13.L.1.b If the Merchant fails to correct a problem as specified, Visa may, for reasons such as
those listed in Section 4.13.L.2, either impose conditions upon the Merchant or
permanently prohibit the Merchant, or its principals, from participating in the Visa or
Visa Electron Program.
4.13.L.1.c If an Acquirer believes that an imposed condition or a specific Merchant prohibition is
unreasonable, it may appeal to the Visa International Board.
4.13.L.1.d The Acquirer must prove in the appeal that the prohibition or imposed conditions are
impractical or unwarranted.
4.13.L.1.e The decision of the International Board is final.
4.13.L.2 Revocation of Privileges 4.13.L.4 Fees and Costs
4.13.L.2 Revocation of Privileges

4.13.L.2.a Visa may permanently prohibit a Merchant, IPSP, or any other entity, or one of its
principals, from participating in the Visa or Visa Electron Program for any reasons it
deems appropriate, such as:
• Fraudulent activity
• Presenting Transaction Receipts that do not result from an act between the
Cardholder and the Merchant (laundering)
• Activity that causes the Acquirer to repeatedly violate the Visa International
• Activity that has resulted in a Regional Office prohibiting the Merchant from
participating in the Visa or Visa Electron Program
• Any other activity that may result in undue economic hardship or damage to the
goodwill of the Visa system
4.13.L.2.b Visa may disqualify a Merchant that has been placed in the Global Merchant
Chargeback Monitoring Program from participation in the Visa Program if the
Merchant meets or exceeds the specified Chargeback ratio threshold of 2.0% without
an effective Chargeback reduction plan, and 2 of the following levels of Chargeback
activity are reached:
• Merchant’s Chargeback ratio is 2 or more times the specified Chargeback ratio in
a single month
• Merchant is assessed fees for 3,000 or more Chargebacks in a single month
• Merchant is assessed US $1 million or more in Global Merchant Chargeback
Monitoring Program fees
4.13.L.3 Acquirer Responsibilities for Termination

4.13.L.3.a After verifying that Visa has prohibited a Merchant from participating in the Visa or
Visa Electron Program, an Acquirer must terminate the Merchant Agreement no later
than the date specified by Visa.
4.13.L.3.b If the Acquirer has not terminated the Merchant Agreement by the date specified,
Visa may assess the Acquirer a fine, in an amount to be determined by the
International Board.
4.13.L.4 Fees and Costs

4.13.L.4.a The Acquirer is also responsible for all costs incurred by Visa due to the Acquirer’s
failure to terminate a Merchant as specified in Section 4.13.L. 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.
4.13.L.4.b If Visa assesses any of the fines specified in Section 4.13.L.3.b or Section 4.13.L.4.a,
it will collect them through the VisaNet miscellaneous fee collection process after
notifying the Acquirer.
4.13.M Card Recovery Bulletin 4.13.M.2 Requests
4.13.M Card Recovery Bulletin

4.13.M.1 Acquirer Responsibility
4.13.M.1.a A Member that participates in the Card Recovery Bulletin Service must comply with
the Card Recovery Bulletin User’s Guide. These requirements include, but are not
limited to:
• Instructing Merchants on the correct use of the Card Recovery Bulletin
• Handling Merchant calls when a Cardholder presents a Listed Card
• Handling a compromised Deposit-Only Account Number
• Advising an Issuer when a Listed Card is picked up
• Ensuring that the appropriate reward is paid to a Merchant for recovering a Listed
Card
4.13.M.1.b The Acquirer may be subject to a Chargeback for below-Floor Limit Transactions if
the Account Number appears on the Card Recovery Bulletin. Chargeback rights begin
on the effective date of the Card Recovery Bulletin in which the Account Number is
listed.
4.13.M.1.c An Acquirer that does not distribute Card Recovery Bulletin listings to its Merchants
may be subject to Chargebacks, as specified in Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules.
4.13.M.2 Requests
The following rules apply to requests for distribution of the Card Recovery Bulletin:
• An Acquirer must submit Merchant names and addresses to Visa at least 30 calendar
days before the intended receipt of the Card Recovery Bulletin
• The request must comply with the Card Recovery Bulletin User’s Guide and the
VisaNet manuals
• The request is valid only if Visa distributes a printed bulletin in the country where the
Merchant Outlet is located
• Distribution fees for each Card Recovery Bulletin sent to Merchants are specified in
the appropriate Regional Operating Regulations
5 Payment Acceptance
5.1 ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS
5.1.A Display of Marks
SEE ALSO:
Section 4.1.B.1

5.1.A.1.a A Merchant must display the appropriate Visa-Owned Marks to indicate which Cards
it accepts for payment.
5.1.A.1.b A Merchant may display the appropriate Verified by Visa Mark to indicate its
participation in the Visa Authenticated Payment Program.
5.1.A.1.c A 3-D Secure-capable Electronic Commerce Merchant that displays the Verified by
Visa Mark must not use the Mark:
• In a way that implies endorsement of any other product or service
• To indicate payment acceptance in any application
5.1.A.1.d A Merchant is not required to display the Visa-Owned Marks if it does not deal with
the general public (e.g., a private club, or if prohibited by trade association rules).
5.1.A.1.e A Point-of-Transaction Terminal that does not have Online capability, regardless of
whether the terminal is Chip-enabled, must not display the Visa Brand Mark with the
Electron Identifier.
5.1.A.2 Merchant Websites

5.1.A.2.a A Merchant Website must contain all of the following information:
• Visa Brand Mark in full color to indicate Visa Card acceptance
• Complete description of the goods or services offered
• Return/refund policy (see also Section 5.1.A.2.b)
• Customer service contact, including electronic mail address or telephone number
• Address of the Merchant’s Permanent Establishment
• Transaction Currency (e.g., US dollars, Canadian dollars)
• Export restrictions (if known)
• Delivery policy
• Disclosure of the Merchant Outlet country at the time of presenting payment
options to the Cardholder
• Consumer data privacy policy
• Security capabilities and policy for transmission of payment card details
5.1.A.3 Promotional Material 5.1.B.2 Uniform Services
5.1.A.2.b An Acquirer must ensure that its Electronic Commerce Merchants include any return/
refund policy on the Merchant’s Website and that a “click to accept,” or other
acknowledgement button accepting the policy, is used by the Cardholder.
Purchase terms and conditions must be displayed to the Cardholder during the order
process either:
• On the same screen used as the checkout screen indicating the total Transaction
amount
• Within the sequence of Web pages accessed by the Cardholder prior to the final
checkout
5.1.A.2.c The Visa Brand Name must only be used to indicate acceptance of Visa-Owned
Payment Products when a visual representation of the Visa Brand Mark is not
possible at the Merchant Website.
5.1.A.2.d A Merchant, Internet Payment Service Provider (IPSP), or Sponsored Merchant that
displays a Visa-Owned Mark on its Website must not accept Cards for the purchase
or trade of child pornography.
Violation of this requirement will result in the termination of the Merchant, IPSP, or
Sponsored Merchant, as specified in Section 4.1.C.5.b.
5.1.A.3 Promotional Material

5.1.A.3.a If a Merchant uses promotional materials and advertisements that include the use of
Visa-Owned Marks, the Acquirer must approve them in advance.
5.1.A.3.b A Merchant must not:
• Indicate or imply that Visa endorses any Merchant goods or services
• Refer to Visa in stating eligibility for its products, services, or membership
• Use the Visa-Owned Marks for any purpose other than those permitted in the Visa
International Operating Regulations, or without written permission from Visa
5.1.B Honoring Cards

5.1.B.1 Card Types
5.1.B.1.a A Merchant must accept all Cards properly presented for payment, as specified in
Table 4-1.1
5.1.B.1.b If a Merchant does not deal with the public (e.g., a private club), it complies with this
requirement if it accepts Cards from its members.
5.1.B.2 Uniform Services

A Merchant must process Transactions with its Acquirer’s Cardholders and other
Member’s Cardholders in exactly the same manner.
1
5.1.C Prohibitions 5.1.D.1 Identification Verification
5.1.C Prohibitions
A Merchant must not:
• Add any surcharges to Transactions, unless local law expressly requires that a Merchant
be permitted to impose a surcharge.1 Any surcharge amount, if allowed, must be included
in the Transaction amount and not collected separately.2
• Accept a Card to collect or refinance an existing debt, unless either of the following is true:3
- Transaction results from conversion of a Merchant’s existing card program to the Visa or
Visa Electron Program
- Merchant is a government agency and the Transaction represents a loan payment. In

this case, the Transaction amount must not equal the loan balance unless it is the final
payment.
• Accept Cardholder payments for previous Card charges
• Request or use an Account Number for any purpose other than as payment for goods and
services
• Prohibit the disbursement of funds in the form of cash for Visa Cardholders at Hotels or
Cruise Lines, as specified in Section 5.4.V, or in the form of travelers cheques or Foreign
Currency. In this case, the Transaction amount is limited to the value of the Cheques or
Foreign Currency plus any commission charged by the Merchant.
Under no circumstances may the Transaction represent collection of a dishonored check.
5.1.D Cardholder and Card Verification

5.1.D.1 Identification Verification
5.1.D.1.a A Merchant must validate the Cardholder’s identity and verify the Card in a Face-to-
Face Environment, as specified in Table 5-1.
1
Effective 4 October 2008, a variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the U.S.A. Region for the Visa
Tax Payment Program.
2
3 At the option of a Visa Region, a Merchant may accept a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card as payment for an existing
debt, provided the debt is not considered uncollectable (e.g., payments to a collection agency or in an attempt to
recover funds for a dishonored check).
Table 5-1: Identification Verification Table 5-1: Identification Verification
Table 5-1: Identification Verification
Manual Quasi-
Retail
Description Cash Cash
Trans.
Disb. Disb.1
Cardholder Verification
Review positive identification to validate the Cardholder’s identity U U
Verify that the Cardholder resembles the person described or depicted in any U3 U3
photograph intended for identification on the Card
Indicate the positive identification on the Transaction Receipt, including

either:
• Description of identification, including any serial number U2 U2
• Notation that the Cardholder’s identity was verified by the photograph on U3 U3

the Card (e.g., “photo card presented”)
Verify that the signature on the Card matches the signature on the U U U3
Transaction Receipt and, if applicable, identification presented. This
signature may be different from the name embossed or printed on the
Card.4, 5, 6, 7
Process the PIN, if applicable U U U
Card Verification
Check one or more Card security features, as specified in the Visa U

International Operating Regulations or the Merchant Agreement, if applicable
Check one or more Card security features prior to completing the Transaction U
For a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card, a Merchant must:
• Check one or more Card security features prior to completing the U U

Transaction
• Compare the first 4 digits of the Account Number (if present) to the 4 digits U U
printed below the Account Number
• Record the printed 4 digits on the front of the Transaction Receipt U U
1. Applies only in a Card-Present Environment. A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the U.S.A. Region
for the AAA Travelers Cheque Program.
2. If a Card does not bear a photograph intended for identification
3. If a Card does bear a photograph intended for identification
4. Does not apply to anonymous Prepaid Card Transactions, Visa Commercial Card Transactions, and Transactions
conducted in New Channels.
5. Except for a Vehicle-Specific Fleet Card
6. Applies only to a Transaction where a Card with a signature panel was presented for payment
7. Signature verification is not required for a Transaction in which a PIN is used
5.1.D.2 Uncertain Identification 5.1.E.2 Transactions Above Floor Limit
5.1.D.1.b A Merchant that uses a Point-of-Transaction Terminal with Electronic Capability may
accept a Cardholder’s PIN rather than a signature. The PIN must be processed as
specified in the:
• PIN Security manual
5.1.D.1.c The Merchant must not ask the Cardholder to reveal his PIN.
5.1.D.2 Uncertain Identification

If identification or the Card’s validity is uncertain, the Merchant must contact its Acquirer
for instructions. If the Acquirer instructs the Merchant to recover the Card, the Merchant
must comply with Section 5.5.
5.1.D.3 Missing Imprint or Expired Card

The Merchant must verify the Cardholder’s identity if either a:
• Card cannot be imprinted on a Transaction Receipt
• Cardholder presents an Expired Card
5.1.E Authorizations
SEE ALSO:
For data requirements for Authorizations, see:
• V.I.P. System—BASE I Technical Specifications
• V.I.P. System Single Message System (Visa & Visa Electron) Technical Specifications—Volume I
• V.I.P. System Single Message System (Visa & Visa Electron) Technical Specifications—Volume II
5.1.E.1 Transactions Below Floor Limit

A Merchant must check the appropriate Card Recovery Bulletin for each Transaction
below the Floor Limit. If the Account Number appears on the bulletin, the Merchant
should attempt to recover the Card, as specified in Section 5.5.
5.1.E.2 Transactions Above Floor Limit

5.1.E.2.a Effective through 3 October 2008, a Merchant must request Authorization prior to
completing a Transaction if the amount exceeds the Floor Limit, unless Visa grants a
variance in writing. A Merchant must not split a sale to avoid obtaining Authorization.
5.1.E.3 Other Required Authorizations 5.1.E.3 Other Required Authorizations
5.1.E.2.b Effective 4 October 2008, a Merchant must:

• Request Authorization prior to completing a Transaction if the amount exceeds the
Floor Limit, unless Visa grants a variance in writing
• Not split a sale to avoid obtaining Authorization
• For a Real-Time Clearing Transaction1, send a pre-authorization request through
the Single Message System for an estimated amount (not to exceed US $500),
based on the Merchant’s good faith estimate of the final Transaction amount taking
into account among other factors typical spending patterns at the Merchant
location
5.1.E.2.c An Authorization Code must appear on the Transaction Receipt.
5.1.E.2.d The Merchant must obtain Authorization on the Transaction Date, excluding special
conditions such as Hotel, Car Rental Company, Cruise Line, Delayed Delivery, Mail/
Phone Order, and Electronic Commerce Transactions, as specified in the Visa
International Operating Regulations.
5.1.E.2.e A Magnetic-Stripe Terminal must not display or print more information than is
embossed or printed on the front or back of the Card. This prohibition does not apply
to displaying or printing the full Account Number on a Visa Electron Card with a partial
Account Number.
5.1.E.3 Other Required Authorizations

5.1.E.3.a A Merchant must request Authorization, regardless of the Transaction amount, if any
of the following is true:
• Cardholder presents an Expired Card
• Cardholder neglects to bring his Card
• Card signature panel is blank
• Merchant is suspicious of a proposed Transaction
• Cardholder presents a Visa Electron Card at a Visa Electron Merchant6
• Transaction is an Electronic Commerce Transaction
• Transaction is an In-Transit Service Transaction
• Transaction is a Recurring Transaction
• Transaction is a V PAY Transaction2
• Chip or Chip-Reading Device is inoperative at a Chip-enabled Merchant
5.1.E.3.b For an Aggregated Transaction an Electronic Commerce Merchant must obtain
Authorization for the full, final Aggregated Transaction amount.
5.1.E.3.c A Merchant must request Issuer Authorization for a Mail/Phone Order Transaction.
1
Provisions related to Real-time Clearing are not applicable to transactions involving Issuers or Acquirers in the
jurisdiction of Visa Europe.
2
Offline Authorization is allowed for Chip-initiated Transactions provided that the Transaction amount does not
exceed the Merchant’s Floor Limit.
5.1.E.4 Hotel and Car Rental Transactions 5.1.E.5 Airline Transactions
5.1.E.3.d Effective 5 April 2008, a Merchant that fails to authorize a Visa Card with an Online
Authorization Service Code for a Magnetic-Stripe read Transaction is subject to a
Chargeback for Service Code violation.
5.1.E.4 Hotel and Car Rental Transactions

5.1.E.4.a A Hotel may estimate Transaction amounts for Authorization based on the following:
• Cardholder’s intended length of stay at check-in time
• Room rate
• Applicable tax
• Service charge rates
• Other allowed charges, as specified in Section 5.3.B
5.1.E.4.b A Car Rental Company may estimate Transaction amounts for Authorization based
on the following:
• Cardholder’s intended car rental period
• Rental rate
• Applicable tax
• Mileage rates
• Other allowed charges, as specified in Section 5.3.B
The estimated Transaction amount must not include charges that cover potential
vehicle damages or the insurance deductible amount.
5.1.E.4.c After completing the estimates, the Merchant must either:
• If the estimated Transaction amount is equal to or below the Floor Limit, check the
appropriate Card Recovery Bulletin or obtain an Authorization for 1 currency unit
(for example, 1 dollar) on the Cardholder’s check-in or rental pick-up date
• If the estimated Transaction exceeds the Floor Limit, obtain an Authorization and
include the date, amount, and Authorization Code on the Transaction Receipt
5.1.E.4.d The Merchant may obtain and must record Authorizations for additional amounts
above any amount already authorized after the check-in or rental pick-up date and
prior to the check-out or rental return date.
5.1.E.4.e The Merchant must obtain a final or an additional Authorization and include the date,
amount, and Authorization Code on the Transaction Receipt if the actual Transaction
amount exceeds either:
• The Floor Limit
• 15% more than the sum of the authorized amounts
5.1.E.5 Airline Transactions

When a Cardholder purchases multiple Airline tickets on the same Account Number and
their cumulative purchase price exceeds the Floor Limit, the Airline may obtain
Authorization for each ticket individually.
5.1.E.6 Cruise Line Transactions 5.1.E.8 Mail/Phone Order and Electronic Commerce
Transactions
5.1.E.6 Cruise Line Transactions

When a Cardholder purchases multiple Cruise Line tickets on the same Account Number
and the total purchase price exceeds the Floor Limit, the Cruise Line may obtain
Authorization for each ticket individually.
5.1.E.6.a A Cruise Line may estimate Transaction amounts for Authorization as follows:
• The initial Authorization Request must be based on the Cardholder’s signed
statement of intent to purchase goods or services aboard ship for a Cardholder-
specified amount
• Additional Authorizations may be obtained at any time on or between the
Cardholder’s embarkation date and disembarkation date, and must be disclosed to
the Cardholder
5.1.E.6.b A final or an additional Authorization must be obtained and the date, amount, and
Authorization Code must be included on the Transaction Receipt if the actual
Transaction amount exceeds either:
• The Floor Limit
• 15% more than the sum of the authorized amounts
5.1.E.7 High-Risk Telemarketing Transactions

5.1.E.7.a The Floor Limit for a High-Risk Telemarketing Merchant is zero.
5.1.E.7.b An Acquirer must assign the appropriate Merchant Category Code to each High-Risk
Telemarketing Merchant.
5.1.E.7.c A High-Risk Telemarketing Merchant must submit the appropriate Merchant Category
Code as follows:
• With each Authorization Request
• Through BASE II
5.1.E.8 Mail/Phone Order and Electronic Commerce Transactions
All Chargeback rights for Electronic Commerce Transactions apply to Visa Electron
Transactions.
5.1.E.8.a A Mail/Phone Order Merchant and an Electronic Commerce Merchant (for a Non-
Secure and Non-Authenticated Security Transaction) must attempt to obtain the Visa
Card expiration date and forward it as part of the Authorization Request.
5.1.E.8.b For goods to be shipped, a Mail/Phone Order or an Electronic Commerce Merchant
may obtain Authorization on any day up to 7 calendar days prior to the Transaction
Date. The Transaction Date is the date the merchandise is shipped. This
Authorization is valid if the Transaction amount is within 15% of the authorized
amount, provided that the additional amount represents shipping costs.
5.1.E.9 Recurring Transactions 5.1.E.11 Partial Authorizations
5.1.E.8.c An Electronic Commerce Transaction must be sent Online for Authorization.

5.1.E.8.d A Merchant must obtain Issuer Authorization for all Mail/Phone Order Transactions.
5.1.E.8.e An Electronic Commerce Transaction must be identified in both the Authorization
Request and Clearing Record with the appropriate Electronic Commerce Transaction
indicator values, as specified in the following exhibits:
5.1.E.9 Recurring Transactions

5.1.E.9.a For a Recurring Transaction, an Acquirer must:
• Ensure its Recurring Services Merchant obtains an Authorization for all Recurring
Transactions
• Transmit the Recurring Transaction indicator in both the:
- Authorization Request
- Clearing Record
5.1.E.9.b The Clearing Record for a Recurring Transaction must contain Merchant contact
information in the Merchant name or Merchant city fields that enables the Cardholder
to contact the Merchant directly.
5.1.E.10 Timeshare Transactions

5.1.E.10.a An Acquirer must assign Merchant Category Code 7012 to each Timeshare Merchant
that operates sales, rentals, or other uses not including full service lodging (i.e., maid
and room service).
5.1.E.10.b The Acquirer must submit the assigned Merchant Category Code for a Timeshare
Merchant either:
• With each Authorization Request
• Through BASE II
5.1.E.11 Partial Authorizations

A Merchant that participates in the Partial Authorization service must:
• Include the Partial Authorization indicator in the Authorization Request message, as
specified in the VisaNet manuals and the Visa International Prepaid Card Products
Program Guidelines
• Immediately 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
5.1.E.12 Automated Fuel Dispenser Transactions 5.1.E.12 Automated Fuel Dispenser Transactions
5.1.E.12 Automated Fuel Dispenser Transactions

5.1.E.12.a An Automated Fuel Dispenser Merchant may:
• Effective through 14 November 2008, obtain an Authorization for the full amount
of a Transaction exceeding US $501 or local currency equivalent
• Effective 15 November 2008, obtain an Authorization for the full amount of a
Transaction exceeding one of the following:
- For a Chip or PIN-initiated Transaction, US $100, or local currency equivalent
- For all other Transactions, US $752, or local currency equivalent
• Obtain a Status Check Authorization, as specified in Section 4.5.B.11
• Effective 4 October 2008, participate in Real-Time Clearing3 as follows:
- Send a pre-authorization request for an estimated amount (not to exceed US
$500 or local currency equivalent), based on the Merchant’s good faith estimate
of the final Transaction amount taking into account among other factors typical
spending patterns at the Merchant location
- Send the actual Transaction amount (Completion Message) to the Issuer within
X of the pre-authorization request
- Participate in Partial Authorization
The Automated Fuel Dispenser Merchant is protected from a Reason Code 72 No
Authorization Chargeback for the amount approved by the Issuer.
1
2
3
Provisions related to Real-time Clearing are not applicable to transactions involving Issuers or Acquirers in the
jurisdiction of Visa Europe.
5.1.F Data Protection Method Requirements 5.1.F Data Protection Method Requirements
5.1.E.12.b If participating in the Partial Authorization service, an Automated Fuel Dispenser

Merchant must:
• Include the Partial Authorization indicator in the Authorization Request or Status
Check Authorization, as specified in the VisaNet manuals and the Visa
International Prepaid Card Products Program Guidelines
- For Transactions 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
- Effective through 14 November 2008, for Status Check Authorization
Transactions, submit a Clearing Transaction up to the amount approved in the
Partial Authorization Response or US $50 (or local currency equivalent),
whichever is lower
- Effective 15 November 2008, for Status Check Authorization Transactions,
submit a Clearing Transaction up to the amount approved in the Partial
Authorization Response or one of the following, whichever is lower:
* For a Chip or PIN-initiated Transaction, US $100, or local currency equivalent
* For all other Transactions, US $751, or local currency equivalent
• Submit an Authorization reversal for either:
- The difference between the amount approved in the Partial Authorization
Response and the final Transaction amount if the Cardholder’s purchase is
lower than the Partial Authorization amount
- The full amount of the Partial Authorization Response if the Cardholder does not
continue with the Transaction
5.1.F Data Protection Method Requirements

An Electronic Commerce Merchant must offer Cardholders a Data Protection Method such as:
• 3-D Secure
• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
1
5.2 TRANSACTION RECEIPT COMPLETION 5.2.B.1 Delayed or Amended Charge Transactions
5.2 TRANSACTION RECEIPT COMPLETION

This section applies to Manual, Electronic, and Electronic Commerce Transaction Receipts.
SEE ALSO:
A Transaction Receipt may be generated either electronically or manually. Detailed requirements for each
type of Transaction Receipt, including printing and data requirements, are specified in this section and:
• Section 4.2
• Manual Transaction Receipt (Exhibit 7J)
• Electronic Commerce Transaction Receipt (Exhibit 7K)
5.2.A General Transaction Receipt Information Requirements

5.2.A.1.a A Merchant:
• May generate a Transaction Receipt either electronically or manually
• Must enter the following information on the Transaction Receipt:
- Brief description of the goods or services sold
- Currency symbol (such as US $) or words denoting the Transaction Currency as
part of the Transaction amount
5.2.A.1.b Without a currency symbol or identification, the Transaction Currency defaults to the
local currency of the country where the Transaction occurred.
5.2.A.2 Manually Imprinted Transaction Receipts

On manually imprinted Transaction Receipts, a Merchant must both:
• Include the Cardholder name if one is printed or embossed on the Card
• If the imprinted information is not legible, reproduce it clearly
5.2.A.3 Cardholder Signature

A Merchant must not require the Cardholder to sign a Transaction Receipt until the final
Transaction amount is entered on the Transaction Receipt.
5.2.B Special Transaction Receipt Information Requirements

5.2.B.1 Delayed or Amended Charge Transactions
For a Delayed or Amended Charge Transaction, a Merchant must both:
• Create a Transaction Receipt that includes the words “Signature on File”
• Send a copy to the Cardholder at the address shown on the rental contract or folio
5.2.B.2 Recurring Services Transactions 5.2.B.6 Aggregated Transactions
5.2.B.2 Recurring Services Transactions

For a Recurring Services Transaction, a Merchant must:
• Obtain an Authorization
• Write “Recurring Transaction” on the signature line of the Transaction Receipt
• For a recurring Electronic Commerce Transaction, include the frequency and duration
of the Recurring Transactions, as agreed to by the Cardholder, on the Transaction
Receipt
5.2.B.3 Mail/Phone Order Transactions

A Merchant must write “TO” for a telephone order or “MO” for a mail order on the
signature line of the Transaction Receipt used for Deposit or retrieval purposes.
5.2.B.4 Electronic Commerce Transactions

5.2.B.4.a All data elements specified in Electronic Commerce Transaction Receipt (Exhibit 7K)
must be included on an Electronic Commerce Transaction Receipt.
5.2.B.4.b An Electronic Commerce Merchant must not return the full Account Number to the
Cardholder either online or on the Transaction Receipt.
VISA RECOMMENDS:
Visa strongly recommends disguising or suppressing all but the last 4 positions of the primary
Account Number on the Cardholder Transaction Receipt from a Point-of-Transaction
Terminal.
5.2.B.5 Recurring Electronic Commerce Transactions

The initial Transaction for a recurring Electronic Commerce Transaction must be
processed with the appropriate Electronic Commerce Transaction indicator values, as
specified in the following exhibits:
Subsequent recurring Electronic Commerce Transactions must be completed as
specified in Section 5.2.B.2 and the BASE II Record Requirements (Exhibit 2L).
5.2.B.6 Aggregated Transactions

5.2.B.6.a Upon completion of a purchase, the Electronic Commerce Merchant must provide an
Electronic Commerce Transaction Receipt with the information specified in
(Exhibit 7K), Electronic Commerce Transaction Receipt, and an Aggregated
Transaction Receipt that must include the following for each individual purchase:
• Date
• Amount
• Description of purchase
5.2.B.7 Dynamic Currency Conversion 5.2.B.7 Dynamic Currency Conversion
5.2.B.6.b The individual purchase information and the Aggregated Transaction information
must be available to the Cardholder for a minimum of 120 days following the
processing date of the Aggregated Transaction.
SEE ALSO:
• Section 5.1.E.3.b
• Section 5.4.G
• Section 7.3.C, Table 7-5
• Appendix A, "Exhibits", (Exhibit 7K) Electronic Commerce Transaction Receipt
• Appendix D, “Defined Terms”
• Volume II, Dispute Resolution Rules, Section 1.3.C, Table 1-5
• Volume II, Dispute Resolution Rules, Reason Code 75 — Transaction Not Recognized
5.2.B.7 Dynamic Currency Conversion

5.2.B.7.a A Merchant offering Dynamic Currency Conversion must comply with the following:
• Inform the Cardholder that Dynamic Currency Conversion is optional
• Not impose any additional requirements on the Cardholder to have the Transaction
processed in the local currency
• Not use any language or procedures that may cause the Cardholder to choose
Dynamic Currency Conversion by default
• Not misrepresent, either explicitly or implicitly, that its Dynamic Currency
Conversion service is a Visa service
5.2.B.7.b In both a Card-Present and Card-Absent Environment, a Transaction Receipt
representing Dynamic Currency Conversion at the Point-of-Transaction must show
separately, all of the following:
• Currency symbol of the Merchant’s local currency
• Transaction amount of the goods or services purchased in the local currency of the
Merchant
• Exchange rate used to determine Transaction amount
• Currency conversion commission or fees
• Currency symbol of the Transaction Currency
• Total Transaction amount charged by the Merchant in the Transaction Currency,
followed by the words “Transaction Currency”
• Statement, easily visible to the Cardholder, that specifies the following:
- Cardholder has been offered a choice of currencies for payment including the
Merchant’s local currency
- Cardholder’s selected Transaction Currency is final
In addition, the Transaction Receipt must indicate that the Dynamic Currency
Conversion is conducted by the Merchant or that the Dynamic Currency Conversion
is not associated with or endorsed by Visa.
5.2.B.8 Returned Merchandise and Adjustments Table 5-2: Proper Disclosure on Transaction
Receipts
5.2.B.7.c Prior to initiating Dynamic Currency Conversion for a Priority Check-out Transaction
or an express-return Car Rental Transaction, the Merchant must complete a written
agreement with the Cardholder that specifies all of the following:
• Cardholder has agreed that Dynamic Currency Conversion will take place
• Cardholder has been offered a choice of currencies for payment, including the
Merchant’s local currency
• Specific Transaction Currency agreed to by the Cardholder and Merchant
• Choice of currency decided on between the Cardholder and Merchant is final
• Currency conversion commissions or fees that will be applied
• Rate used for currency conversion will be determined by the Merchant at a later
date without additional consultation with the Cardholder
In addition, the written agreement must indicate that the Dynamic Currency
Conversion is conducted by the Merchant or that the Dynamic Currency Conversion
is not associated with or endorsed by Visa.
5.2.B.7.d Prior to initiating Dynamic Currency Conversion, the Merchant must disclose to the
Cardholder all of the Transaction Receipt requirements specified in Section 5.2.B.7.b.
5.2.B.8 Returned Merchandise and Adjustments

5.2.B.8.a Table 5-2 specifies the words or similar wording that must be legibly printed on all
copies of the Transaction Receipt near the Cardholder signature area or in an area
easily seen by the Cardholder.
Table 5-2: Proper Disclosure on Transaction Receipts
Transaction Receipt
To Be Used for the Following Return Policies
Wording
“No Refund,” “No Merchant does not:

Exchanges,” or “All Sales • Accept merchandise in return or exchange
Final”
• Issue a refund to a Cardholder
“Exchange Only” Merchant only accepts merchandise in exchange for

merchandise of equal value to the original Transaction amount.
“In-Store Credit Only” Merchant only accepts merchandise for return and delivers an
in-store credit document that both:
• Equals the value of the returned merchandise
• Must be used at the Merchant location
5.2.B.8.b Proper disclosure does not include a statement that waives a Cardholder’s right to
dispute the Transaction with the Issuer.
5.2.B.9 Small Ticket Transaction 5.3.B.1 General Requirements
5.2.B.9 Small Ticket Transaction

A Merchant is not required to provide a Cardholder with a Transaction Receipt for a
Small Ticket Transaction, unless requested by the Cardholder.
When the Merchant provides a Cardholder with a Small Ticket Transaction Receipt, the
Transaction Receipt must have the minimum data specified in Electronic Transaction
Receipt (Exhibit 7I).
SEE ALSO:
• Section 5.1.E.3
• Section 5.4.F.4
• Section 7.3.C.2
5.3 TRANSACTION RECEIPT PROCESSING
5.3.A Multiple Transaction Receipts and Partial Payments

A Merchant must include the total currency amount of goods and services purchased at the
same time on a single Transaction Receipt. A Transaction must not be divided by using 2 or
more Transaction Receipts.
The only exceptions to this requirement are:
• Purchases in separate departments of a multiple-department store
• Individual Airline tickets issued to each passenger if required by Airline policy
• Individual Cruise Line tickets issued to each passenger if required by Cruise Line policy
• Partial amount paid by the Cardholder in cash, check, or both at the time of sale
• Delayed Delivery Transactions, as specified in Section 5.4.Q
• Advance Deposit Transactions, as specified in Section 5.4.S
• Installment Transactions
5.3.B Delayed or Amended Charges

5.3.B.1.a A Merchant may process delayed or amended charges if the Cardholder has
consented to be liable for delayed or amended charges for a Hotel, Car Rental
Company, or Cruise Line Transaction.
5.3.B.1.b A delayed or amended charge must be processed to the Cardholder’s account within
90 calendar days of the Transaction Date of the related Transaction.
5.3.B.1.c These services may include room, food or beverage charges, taxes, fuel, insurance,
rental fees, damage to rental vehicles, parking tickets and other traffic violations, and
goods and services purchased aboard a Cruise Line vessel.
5.3.B.2 Special Requirements for Car Rentals 5.3.C.1 General Requirements
5.3.B.2 Special Requirements for Car Rentals
An Issuer may file for Compliance if a Car Rental Company fails to support the charges for
disputes involving the validity of delayed or amended charges for damage to rental vehicles or
for traffic violations.
5.3.B.2.a For a parking ticket or traffic violation, the Merchant must provide documentation from
the appropriate civil authority, including the license number of the rental vehicle, time
and location of the violation, statute violated, and amount of the penalty in local
currency.
5.3.B.2.b For rental car damage, the Merchant must provide all of the following:
• Copy of the rental agreement
• Estimate of the cost of the damages from an organization that can legally provide
repairs in the Car Rental Company’s country
• Civil authority’s accident report (if applicable)
• Documentation showing the Cardholder’s consent to pay for damages with his Visa
Card
• Any other pertinent documentation available to demonstrate Cardholder liability
• Copy of the Merchant’s insurance policy, if the Car Rental Company requires that
the Cardholder pay an insurance deductible for damages. In lieu of the Merchant’s
insurance policy, the Car Rental Company may provide a copy of the car rental
agreement showing the Cardholder’s consent to be responsible for the insurance
deductible as indicated by his signature or initials. The Cardholder’s signature must
be in proximity to the disclosure.
5.3.C Recurring Transactions

A Recurring Services Merchant must:
• Obtain Cardholder permission to periodically charge for recurring services, in a format
- E-mail or other electronic record
- Hard-copy correspondence
• Retain this permission for the duration of the recurring services and provide it upon
Issuer request
• Provide a simple and easily accessible online cancellation procedure if the
Cardholder request for goods or services was initially accepted online
5.3.C.2 Prohibitions 5.3.D.5 Returned Merchandise and Adjustments
5.3.C.2 Prohibitions
A Recurring Services Merchant must not:
• Include partial payment for goods or services purchased in a single Transaction
• Include additional finance charges on a Recurring Transaction
• Complete a Recurring Transaction if it receives a Decline Response or a cancellation
notice from the Cardholder
5.3.D Credit Refunds

5.3.D.1 Restrictions
A Merchant must provide a credit refund in connection with a Transaction by a Credit
Transaction Receipt, not by cash or check. The only exceptions are Airlines, if required
by law or applicable tariff.
5.3.D.2 Credit Transaction Receipt

A Merchant may, at its discretion, prepare a Credit Transaction Receipt when a valid
Transaction Receipt was previously processed and the Cardholder either cancelled the
Transaction later or returned the goods. The Merchant then must:
• Prepare a credit that includes the Credit Transaction Receipt date and identifies the
original Transaction
• Deliver a completed Credit Transaction Receipt to the Cardholder
• Deposit the Credit Transaction Receipt within 14 calendar days of the date that the
credit is issued
5.3.D.3 Transaction Receipt Reversal or Adjustment

5.3.D.3.a A Merchant must process a Reversal or an Adjustment within 30 calendar days if it
processed a Transaction Receipt in error.
5.3.D.3.b The debit must be reversed using a Reversal Transaction code or an Adjustment
message. (See BASE II Record Requirements (Exhibit 2L) for information on
Transaction codes and the VisaNet manuals for information on Single Message
System message types.)
5.3.D.4 Special Credit Refund Requirements for Timeshare Merchants

A Timeshare Merchant must provide a full credit refund when both the:
• Transaction Receipt was processed
• Cardholder cancelled the Transaction within 10 calendar days of the Transaction Date
5.3.D.5 Returned Merchandise and Adjustments

A Merchant may limit its acceptance of returned merchandise or establish a policy to
make price adjustments if the Merchant both:
• Makes proper disclosure, as specified in Section 5.2.B.8
• Delivers the purchased goods to the Cardholder at the time of the Transaction
5.3.E Transaction Receipt Delivery to Cardholder 5.3.F.1 Deposit Restrictions
5.3.E Transaction Receipt Delivery to Cardholder

5.3.E.1 Transaction Receipts
A Merchant must provide a completed copy of the Transaction Receipt to the Cardholder
at the time that the purchased goods are delivered or services are performed.
An Electronic Commerce Merchant may deliver the Transaction Receipt in either of the
following formats:
• Electronic (e.g., e-mail or fax)
• Paper (e.g., hand-written or terminal-generated)
The Transaction Receipt is not required for a Small Ticket Transaction unless requested
by the Cardholder.
SEE ALSO:
• Section 5.2.B.9
• Section 5.4.F.4
5.3.E.2 Amended Transaction Receipts

A Hotel, Car Rental Company, or Cruise Line must send the Cardholder a copy of any
amended or additional charges added to a Transaction Receipt, as specified in
Section 5.2.B.
5.3.F Transaction Receipt Deposit

This section specifies Merchant and Internet Payment Service Provider (IPSP) requirements
for depositing Transaction Receipts. Data requirements for Transaction Receipt Deposits and
processing appear in BASE II Record Requirements (Exhibit 2L).
5.3.F.1 Deposit Restrictions

5.3.F.1.a A Merchant must not deposit Transaction Receipts resulting from any Transaction
involving a Card between a Cardholder and another entity. A Merchant must deposit
only Transaction Receipts that directly result from Cardholder Transactions with that
Merchant.1
5.3.F.1.b An IPSP may deposit Transaction Receipts on behalf of a Sponsored Merchant.
5.3.F.1.c A Merchant or IPSP must not deposit a Transaction Receipt until one of the following
occurs:
• The Transaction is completed
• The goods or services are shipped or provided, except as specified in
Section 5.3.F.1.d
• The purchased service is performed
• The Cardholder’s consent is obtained for a Recurring Transaction
1
5.3.F.2 Deposit Location 5.4.A In-Transit Service Transaction Requirements
5.3.F.1.d A Merchant or IPSP may deposit a Transaction Receipt before shipping or providing
the goods or services only if the Cardholder has agreed to either:
• A Delayed Delivery Transaction, as specified in Section 5.4.Q
• An Advance Deposit Transaction, as specified in Section 5.4.S
5.3.F.1.e A Merchant with multiple Merchant Outlets must deliver Transaction Receipts so that
the Acquirer can identify the location of each Transaction.
5.3.F.2 Deposit Location

5.3.F.2.a A Merchant, except a military base or an International Airline, must deposit all
Transaction Receipts in the Transaction Country.
5.3.F.2.b A Cruise Line may deposit on-board Transactions at various ports-of-call. The
Transaction Date is the Deposit Date or date of disembarkation, if the Transactions
are deposited at the end of the cruise.
5.3.F.3 Deposit Time Limits

5.3.F.3.a A Merchant must deposit all Visa Transaction Receipts within 3 business days of the
Transaction Date.
5.3.F.3.b A Merchant must deposit all Visa Electron Transaction Receipts within 2 business
days of the Transaction Date.
5.3.F.3.c An Acquirer may allow a Merchant with multiple Merchant Outlets within the same
country that centrally accumulates Visa Transaction Receipts up to 21 calendar days
to deposit them. The 21 calendar-day period includes the Transaction Date and
Deposit Date.
5.3.F.4 Payments to Merchants

Each Acquirer must pay or credit its Merchant’s or IPSP’s account promptly after the
Transaction Receipt Deposit. These payments must be the same as the Transaction
totals, less any applicable discounts or Credit Transaction Receipt totals.
5.4 SPECIAL MERCHANT PAYMENT ACCEPTANCE SERVICES
5.4.A In-Transit Service Transaction Requirements

This section specifies the requirements for completing In-Transit Service Transactions
through an In-Transit Terminal for the purchase of goods or services such as:
• Video games
• Movies
• Gambling services
• Catalog shopping
Additional requirements for completing In-Transit Service gambling Transactions are specified
in Section 5.4.D.
5.4.A.1 Transaction Currency 5.4.A.4 Transaction Date
5.4.A.1 Transaction Currency

An In-Transit Service Transaction must be cleared in the exact amount and Transaction
Currency as agreed to by the Cardholder and Merchant. If a Transaction Currency is not
specified on the Transaction Receipt, it will default to the currency of the Transaction
Country.
5.4.A.2 Merchant Description

The Acquirer must include a Merchant description containing, at least, the following
information:
• Merchant’s primary place of business or country of incorporation in the Merchant
country field
• Merchant’s customer service telephone number and country located in Merchant city
field
• Word “In-Transit” following the Merchant name in the Merchant name field
5.4.A.3 Authorization Requests

5.4.A.3.a An Authorization Request may occur while in transit or at the final destination, and
must be within 24 hours of the Transaction Date. If Authorization data is stored for
processing until arrival at the final destination, it must be encrypted and kept in a
secure location with access limited to authorized personnel only.
5.4.A.3.b An Authorization Request must not be key-entered. The Authorization Request must
include the following:
• Full, unaltered contents of the Magnetic Stripe or Magnetic-Stripe Image on the
Chip
• Merchant Category Code most appropriate for the Transaction type
5.4.A.3.c An Authorization Request for services such as in-transit movies or video games may
be for an hourly rate, unit rate, or accumulated amount.
5.4.A.3.d An Authorization Request for in-transit catalog or direct marketing purchases must be
for the total amount of all purchases made by a single Cardholder in a single
Transaction. Fees for shipping and handling may be included in the Authorization
amount provided they are disclosed to the Cardholder at the time of the Transaction.
Merchandise must be shipped within 7 calendar days of the Authorization date.
5.4.A.3.e Multiple In-Transit Service Transactions are permitted if authorized and cleared
individually. Authorization Requests occurring at an In-Transit Terminal representing
multiple Merchants must be processed separately by each Merchant.
5.4.A.4 Transaction Date

The Transaction Date for an In-Transit Service Transaction is either:
• Date the transport vehicle reaches its final destination
• Date merchandise is shipped
5.4.A.5 Transaction Receipt Delivery 5.4.B Gambling Transactions
5.4.A.5 Transaction Receipt Delivery

5.4.A.5.a An In-Transit Service Merchant must provide the Cardholder with a completed
Transaction Receipt, as specified in Section 5.2.A, either while in transit or through
the mail.
5.4.A.5.b If sent by mail, the Cardholder name and address must be captured by the In-Transit
Terminal and included on the Transaction Receipt.
5.4.A.6 In-Transit Terminal Requirements

5.4.A.6.a An In-Transit Terminal must display the following information on the introductory
screen:
• Merchant name
• Merchant location
• Terms and conditions, such as:
- Refund policy
- Return policy
- Cancellation policy
5.4.A.6.b Prior to initiating a Transaction, the In-Transit Terminal must allow the Cardholder to
either:
• Accept the terms and conditions
• Cancel the Transaction
5.4.B Gambling Transactions

A gambling Merchant may disburse winnings as an Original Credit if both:
• The Original Credit is processed to the same Account Number that was used to place the
winning wager
• The Transaction representing the winning wager was lawfully made, properly identified,
and processed according to the Visa International Operating Regulations
SEE ALSO:
• Section 3.7
• Section 4.11
5.4.C Online Gambling Transactions 5.4.C.1 Special Requirements
5.4.C Online Gambling Transactions

5.4.C.1 Special Requirements
5.4.C.1.a In addition to the requirements specified in Section 5.1.E.8.e, a Transaction
completed by a Member, Merchant, Online Gambling Merchant, IPSP, or Sponsored
Merchant that processes Online Gambling Transactions must be identified with both:
• Merchant Category Code 7995 even when gambling services are not the
Merchant’s primary business
• The Quasi-Cash/Online Gambling Transaction indicator in the Authorization
Request and Clearing Record
5.4.C.1.b If a Member, Merchant, IPSP, or Sponsored Merchant is unable to distinguish an
Online Gambling Transaction from other Transactions, it must both:
• Identify all Transactions as Online Gambling Transactions
• Inform the Cardholder that Transactions may be identified on the billing statement
as gambling Transactions
5.4.C.1.c If a funds transfer to an individual is to be used for an Online Gambling Transaction,
an Acquirer must both:
• Identify the Transaction as an Online Gambling Transaction
• Ensure that adequate processes are in place that will identify and eliminate abuse
by an individual 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.
5.4.C.1.d An Online Gambling Merchant must not deposit a credit Transaction to disburse
winnings to Cardholders, except for an Original Credit, as specified in Section 5.4.B.
5.4.C.2 Special Website Requirements 5.4.D.1 Transaction Restrictions
5.4.C.2 Special Website Requirements

In addition to the Website requirements specified in Section 5.1.A.2, a Website for an
Online Gambling Merchant must contain all of the following information:
• 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 his country of domicile
• A statement prohibiting the participation of minors
• A complete description of all of the following:
- Rules of play
- Cancellation policies
- Pay-out policies
• A statement recommending that a Cardholder retain a copy of Transaction records
and Merchant policies and rules
• An Acquirer numeric identifier, as specified in the Visa Acquirer Risk Management
Guide
5.4.D In-Transit Service Gambling

5.4.D.1 Transaction Restrictions
In-Transit Service gambling activities are intended for recreational purposes only and
are permitted with the restrictions specified in this section.
5.4.D.1.a An Acquirer must ensure that its In-Transit Service Gambling Merchant has the ability
to prevent the In-Transit Terminal from accepting a service request on any BIN
blocked by an Issuer.
5.4.D.1.b In addition to the requirements specified in Section 5.4.A, an In-Transit Terminal
providing gambling services must:
• Verify that the BIN has not been blocked by the Issuer
• Display the following information on the introductory screen:
- Rules of play
- Odds of winning
- Pay-out ratios
5.4.D.1.c Minimum pay-out ratios must be established within the In-Transit Service Gambling
Merchant’s Visa Region. Visa recommends that pay-out ratios equal at least 75% of
the amount wagered (e.g., each In-Transit Terminal returns on average US $75 or
local currency equivalent for every US $100 or local currency equivalent wagered).
5.4.D.2 Authorizations 5.4.E.2 Contactless Program Payment
Requirements
5.4.D.1.d An In-Transit Service Terminal providing gambling service must not permit either:
• Losses exceeding US $350, or local currency equivalent, per excursion
• Winnings exceeding US $3,500, or local currency equivalent, per excursion
5.4.D.1.e During a single trip on the same craft, a Cardholder may wager up to the total
Transaction amount permitted.
5.4.D.2 Authorizations
5.4.D.2.a An Authorization Request at an In-Transit Terminal providing gambling services must
be for the total amount agreed to by the Cardholder.
5.4.D.2.b An Authorization Request processed upon arrival at the final destination, as specified
in Section 5.4.A.4, must not be more than the total amount of the loss.
5.4.D.2.c If losses are less than the amount authorized, an Authorization reversal must be
submitted for the difference.
5.4.D.3 Cardholder Credit

Gambling winnings that are due to a Cardholder must be processed as a credit to the
Account Number used in the initial Transaction. Gambling winnings must not be
dispensed in the form of cash, check, or other payment method.
5.4.D.4 Transaction Processing

An In-Transit Service Transaction involving gambling must be processed as a Quasi-
Cash Transaction.
5.4.E Proximity Payment Transactions

5.4.E.1 Proximity Payment General Requirements
A Proximity Payment Transaction must comply with one of the following specifications:
• Visa Contactless Payment Specification
• Visa Contactless Payment Specification ISO 14443 Type A and Type B
5.4.E.2 Contactless Program Payment Requirements

Effective 1 April 2008, all new contactless programs in countries without existing
contactless implementations must comply with the Visa Contactless Payment
Specification.
Effective 1 January 2012, all contactless programs must comply with the Visa
Contactless Payment Specification.
SEE ALSO:
• About the Visa International Operating Regulations, Other Publications
• Section 1.1.D.2.b
5.4.F Small Ticket Transaction 5.4.G.1 Aggregated Transaction General

Requirements
5.4.F Small Ticket Transaction

5.4.F.1 Small Ticket Transaction General Requirements
The Small Ticket Transaction must:
• Be conducted in a Face-to-Face Environment
• Be authorized
• Be initiated by a Merchant with a Merchant Category Code that qualifies for a Small
Ticket Transaction as specified in Appendix B, "Merchant Data Standards"
• Have a Transaction value equal to US $25 or less, or local currency equivalent
• Have a POS Entry Mode
5.4.F.2 Small Ticket Transaction Restrictions

A Transaction must not be processed as a Small Ticket Transaction if either:
• The Chip-Reading Device is unable to read the Chip and the Transaction is completed
using another method of data capture and transmission
• Dynamic Currency Conversion was performed
5.4.F.3 Small Ticket Transaction Cardholder Verification

A Merchant is not required to obtain Cardholder Verification, unless PIN Verification is
required.
5.4.F.4 Small Ticket Transaction Receipt

A Transaction Receipt is not required for a Small Ticket Transaction, unless requested
by the Cardholder.
SEE ALSO:
• Section 5.2.B.9
• Section 5.3.E.1
• Section 7.3.C.2
5.4.G Aggregated Transactions for Electronic Commerce Merchants

5.4.G.1 Aggregated Transaction General Requirements
Only an Electronic Commerce Merchant may process an Aggregated Transaction. An
Aggregated Transaction must consist only of purchases made:
• From a single Electronic Commerce Merchant, including a Sponsored Merchant, with
a single trading name
• Using the same Visa Account Number
5.4.G.2 Aggregated Transaction Restrictions 5.4.H Merchant Outlet Requirements for Electronic
Commerce and Mail/Phone Order Merchants
5.4.G.2 Aggregated Transaction Restrictions

An Aggregated Transaction must not:
• Include purchases made more than 7 calendar days apart
• Exceed US $25, or local currency equivalent, in total aggregated purchases
• Be aggregated across more than one Visa Account Number
5.4.G.3 Aggregated Transaction Cardholder Notification

Prior to the first purchase, an Electronic Commerce Merchant must inform the
Cardholder of all of the following:
• Confirmation that Transaction aggregation will occur
• Transaction aggregation terms, including the maximum:
- Number of calendar days
- Transaction value
• How to obtain details of the aggregated purchases
5.4.G.4 Aggregated Transaction Receipt Requirements

An Aggregated Transaction Receipt must include details of the individual purchases that
are included in the Aggregated Transaction, as specified in Section 5.2.B.6.
SEE ALSO:
• Section 5.1.E.3.b
• Section 5.2.B.6
• Section 7.3.C, Table 7-5
• Appendix A, "Exhibits", (Exhibit 7K)
• Appendix D, “Defined Terms”
• Volume II, Dispute Resolution Rules, Section 1.3.C, Table 1-5
• Volume II, Dispute Resolution Rules, Reason Code 75 — Transaction Not Recognized
5.4.H Merchant Outlet Requirements for Electronic Commerce and Mail/Phone

Order Merchants
A Merchant Outlet location for an Electronic Commerce or Mail/Phone Order Merchant is the
country where all the following occur:
• There is a Permanent Establishment through which Transactions are completed
• The Merchant holds a valid business license for the Merchant Outlet
• The Merchant has a local address for correspondence and judicial process other than a
post office box or mail-forwarding address, which do not meet this requirement
• The Merchant Outlet pays taxes relating to the sales activity
In the absence of a Permanent Establishment, the Merchant Outlet of a Merchant that

provides only digital goods is deemed to be located in the country where the principals of the
company work.
5.4.H.1 Disclosure of Merchant Outlet Country 5.4.I.2 Internet Payment Service Provider and
Sponsored Merchant Name
5.4.H.1 Disclosure of Merchant Outlet Country

An Electronic Commerce or Mail/Phone Order Merchant must disclose the Merchant
Outlet country at the time of presenting payment options to the Cardholder.
5.4.H.2 Determination of Merchant Outlet

5.4.H.2.a Visa may determine the country of a Merchant Outlet and an Acquirer’s ability to
contract with it, based on both:
• An evaluation of the Merchant’s business structure
• Any other available information
5.4.H.2.b The decision by Visa of the Merchant Outlet country is final.
5.4.I Internet Payment Service Providers

5.4.I.1 General Requirements for Internet Payment Service Providers
5.4.I.1.a An Internet Payment Service Provider (IPSP) must:
• Not contract with another IPSP
• Display the appropriate Visa-Owned Marks, as specified in the Visa International
Operating Regulations, to indicate which Cards are accepted for payment on its
Sponsored Merchants’ Websites
• Report Sponsored Merchant and Transaction Information to its Acquirer and, upon
request, to Visa
• Use the appropriate Merchant Category Code or other required indicators to
identify Merchant or Transaction type
• Include the requirements specified in Chapter 5, "Payment Acceptance," in its
contracts with its Sponsored Merchants
• Ensure that its Sponsored Merchants comply with the requirements specified in
Chapter 5, "Payment Acceptance"
• Immediately terminate a Sponsored Merchant if required by the Acquirer or Visa
• Ensure that a terminated Merchant is not permitted to be a Sponsored Merchant
5.4.I.1.b An IPSP may contract and process Transactions with multiple Acquirers. However,
an Acquirer must only accept and submit Transactions into Interchange from
Sponsored Merchants within that Acquirer’s jurisdiction.
5.4.I.2 Internet Payment Service Provider and Sponsored Merchant Name

5.4.I.2.a The IPSP name may appear alone on the Transaction Receipt and billing statement
only if both the:
• Cardholder accesses the IPSP Website directly
• IPSP name is visible to the Cardholder during the selection, order, and payment
processes
5.4.I.3 Internet Payment Service Provider Customer 5.4.J.1 General Requirements
Support
5.4.I.2.b If the IPSP name appears alone, as specified in Section 5.4.I.2.a, Visa may require
that the Sponsored Merchant name be transmitted in the Clearing Record if the IPSP
(or some or all of its Sponsored Merchants) causes undue economic hardship to the
Visa system, including, but not limited to:
• Qualifying for the Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program
• Generating excessive Copy Requests
5.4.I.2.c The IPSP name (or an abbreviation of the IPSP name) may appear in conjunction with
the Sponsored Merchant name.
5.4.I.3 Internet Payment Service Provider Customer Support

An IPSP:
• Must provide customer service through its Website if the Cardholder accesses the
IPSP Website directly
• May provide customer service either:
- Directly
- Through its Sponsored Merchants
5.4.I.4 Internet Payment Service Provider Liability

An IPSP:
• Is liable for all acts, omissions, Cardholder disputes, and other Cardholder customer
service-related issues caused by its Sponsored Merchants
• Is financially liable for each Transaction
• Must not transfer or attempt to transfer its financial liability by asking or requiring a
Cardholder to waive his dispute rights
5.4.J Installment Transactions

5.4.J.1 General Requirements
A Merchant may offer Cardholders an Installment Transaction option under the following
conditions.
A Merchant that offers Installment Transactions must:
• Disclose in writing, electronically, or other method, to the Cardholder the terms of the
Installment Transaction, including:
- All costs associated with the purchase of the goods or services
- Transaction Currency agreed to by the Cardholder
- That Transaction amounts may vary due to Currency Conversion Rate fluctuations
• Not submit an Installment Transaction Receipt to its Acquirer at intervals of less than
7 calendar days
• Not submit an initial Installment Transaction Receipt to its Acquirer until the
merchandise has been shipped, unless the Merchant requires a “down payment” or
deposit for custom order goods
• Authorize the initial and all subsequent Transactions (Zero Floor Limit applies)
5.4.J.2 Liability for Installment Transactions 5.4.L.2 Visa Prepaid Load Partner Requirements
5.4.J.2 Liability for Installment Transactions

Except as specified in the Visa International By-Laws, Visa assumes no liability for
Installment Transactions processed more than 30 calendar days from the Authorization
date.
5.4.K Load Transactions and Buy-a-Card Transactions

A Load Transaction or Buy-a-Card Transaction completed through the use of a Visa Card
must be processed as specified in BASE II Record Requirements (Exhibit 2L) and the VisaNet
manuals.
5.4.L Visa Prepaid Load Service

5.4.L.1 Visa Prepaid Load Service General Requirements
A Member or Merchant may participate in the Visa Prepaid Load Service as a Prepaid
Load Partner to:
• Sell Visa Prepaid Cards under a Prepaid Load Partner Issuer Agreement with a
participating Issuer
• Activate or load initial value to Visa Prepaid Cards under a Prepaid Load Partner
Issuer Agreement
• Add value to qualified reloadable Visa Prepaid Cards
5.4.L.2 Visa Prepaid Load Partner Requirements

A Prepaid Load Partner must:
• Have a Merchant Agreement with the participating Acquirer to process Visa Prepaid
Load Service Transactions
• Comply with the requirements in the Visa International Prepaid Products Program
Guidelines
• Obtain Issuer approval of:
- A load Authorization Request for Card activation on both reloadable and non-
reloadable Cards
- A load Authorization Request for value reload on qualified reloadable Cards
• Load value to a Prepaid Card only when the Card is present
• Load Prepaid Cards only when the Prepaid Load Partner and the Prepaid Card Issuer
are located within the same country
• Load the Prepaid Card in the Cardholder’s Billing Currency
5.4.M Account Funding Transactions 5.4.O Sale of Visa Travelers Cheques and Foreign
Currency
5.4.M Account Funding Transactions

An Account Funding Transaction must:
• Be processed through VisaNet as a purchase Transaction
• If authorized, include the Account Funding Transaction indicator in the Authorization and
Clearing Record
• Be cleared for the same amount approved in the Authorization
5.4.N Quasi-Cash Transactions

5.4.N.1 General
5.4.N.1.a Effective 15 May 2008, Merchants and Members not previously processing Quasi-
Cash Transactions as a Cash Disbursement must both:
• Process all Quasi-Cash Transactions as a purchase
• Not process a Quasi-Cash Transaction as a Cash Disbursement
Effective 15 November 2009, all Quasi-Cash Transactions, except as specified in
Section 5.4.O, must be:
• Processed as a purchase
• Not processed as a Cash Disbursement
5.4.N.1.b A Quasi-Cash/Online Gambling Transaction indicator must appear in both the
Authorization and Clearing Record.
5.4.N.2 Validation of Cardholder Identity

A Merchant must validate the Cardholder’s identity, as specified in Table 5-1.
5.4.N.3 Wire Transfer Money Order Merchants

A Wire Transfer money order Merchant may disburse checks or money orders. If it does
so, the Merchant must both:
• 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.
• Disclose any fee to the Cardholder and include it on the Transaction Receipt
5.4.O Sale of Visa Travelers Cheques and Foreign Currency

A Member or a non-Member financial institution with authority to make Cash Disbursements
that sells or disburses Visa Travelers Cheques or Foreign Currency must process the
Transactions as either:
• A Quasi-Cash Transaction that must comply with Section 5.4.N
• A Cash Disbursement that must comply with Section 4.6
5.4.P Scrip 5.4.R.3 Accommodation Information
5.4.P Scrip
A Visa or Visa Electron Card must not be used to purchase Scrip.1
5.4.Q Delayed Delivery Transactions

5.4.Q.1 Authorization
5.4.Q.1.a A Merchant completing a Delayed Delivery Transaction must obtain an Authorization
if the cumulative total of both Transaction Receipts exceeds the Floor Limit. The
Merchant must obtain Authorization for each Transaction Receipt on each
Transaction Date.
5.4.Q.1.b The Transaction Date for goods and services not shipped within 30 calendar days of
the order is the shipment date.
5.4.Q.2 Transaction Receipt Deposits

5.4.Q.2.a The Merchant must write the word “Deposit” or “Balance” on the appropriate
Transaction Receipt.
5.4.Q.2.b The Merchant may deposit the Transaction Receipt for the delayed delivery deposit
before delivery of the goods or services.
5.4.Q.2.c The Merchant must not deposit the Transaction Receipt for the balance before
delivery of the goods or services.
5.4.Q.2.d The Merchant may retain the deposit if all of the following conditions apply:
• Merchant received a Decline Response for the balance
• Balance was not paid by other means
• Transaction Receipt states that the deposit is non-refundable
5.4.R Hotel Reservation Service

5.4.R.1 General Requirements
5.4.R.1.a A Hotel or its third-party booking agent must participate in the Hotel Reservation
Service if it accepts Visa Cards to guarantee Hotel reservations.
5.4.R.1.b An Acquirer must incorporate these requirements into all Merchant Agreements.
5.4.R.2 Billing Information

The Hotel or its third-party booking agent must obtain the Cardholder name, Account
Number, and Card expiration date.
5.4.R.3 Accommodation Information

5.4.R.3.a The Hotel or its third-party booking agent must quote the reserved accommodation
rate and the exact name and physical address of the establishment.
1
Effective 16 May 2008, a variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the CEMEA Region.
5.4.R.4 Reservation Confirmation 5.4.R.6 Cancellation Confirmation
5.4.R.3.b The Hotel or its third-party booking agent must inform the Cardholder that one night’s
lodging will be billed if the Cardholder has not either:
• Registered by check-out time the day following the scheduled arrival date
• Properly cancelled the reservation, as specified in Section 5.4.R.5
5.4.R.4 Reservation Confirmation

5.4.R.4.a The Hotel or its third-party booking agent must provide a confirmation code and
advise the Cardholder to retain it in case of dispute.
5.4.R.4.b The Hotel or its third-party booking agent must provide this information and if
requested provide to the Cardholder a written confirmation with the following
information:
• Cardholder name, Account Number, and Card expiration date
• Confirmation code
• Exact physical address of the establishment
• Hotel Reservation Service provisions relating to the Cardholder’s obligations
• Any other reservation details
5.4.R.5 Cancellation Period

5.4.R.5.a The Hotel or its third-party booking agent must accept all cancellations prior to the
specified time.
5.4.R.5.b The Hotel or its third-party booking agent must not require cancellation notification
more than 72 hours prior to the scheduled arrival date.
5.4.R.5.c If the Cardholder makes the reservation within 72 hours of the scheduled arrival date,
the cancellation deadline must be no earlier than 6:00 p.m. Merchant Outlet time on
the arrival date or date guaranteed.
5.4.R.5.d If a Hotel or its third-party booking agent requires that a Cardholder cancel before
6:00 p.m. Merchant Outlet time on the date guaranteed, the Hotel or its third-party
booking agent must mail the cancellation policy, including the date and time that
cancellation privileges expire, to the Cardholder.
5.4.R.6 Cancellation Confirmation

5.4.R.6.a The Hotel or its third-party booking agent must provide a cancellation code (if the
reservation is properly cancelled) and advise the Cardholder to retain it in case of
dispute.
5.4.R.6.b If requested by the Cardholder, the Hotel or its third-party booking agent must mail a
confirmation of cancellation. The confirmation must include the following:
• Cancellation code
• Any other cancellation details
5.4.R.7 Unclaimed Accommodations 5.4.S.2 Billing Information
5.4.R.7 Unclaimed Accommodations

5.4.R.7.a If the Cardholder has not claimed or cancelled the Hotel Reservation Service
accommodations by the specified time, the Hotel or its third-party booking agent must
hold the rooms available according to the reservation until check-out time the
following day.
5.4.R.7.b The Hotel or its third-party booking agent may then complete a Transaction Receipt
that must contain the following:
• Amount of one night’s lodging plus applicable tax
• The words “No-Show” on the signature line of the Transaction Receipt
5.4.R.7.c The Hotel or its third-party booking agent must follow normal Authorization and
Deposit procedures for Hotels, as specified in Section 5.1.E and Section 5.3.F.
5.4.R.8 Unavailable Accommodations

5.4.R.8.a If the Hotel Reservation Service-guaranteed accommodations are unavailable, the
Hotel must provide the Cardholder with the following services at no charge:
• Comparable accommodations for one night at another establishment
• If requested, a 3-minute telephone call and message forwarding to the alternate
establishment
• Transportation to the alternate establishment
5.4.S Advance Deposit Service

5.4.S.1 General Requirements
A Hotel or Cruise Line participating in the Advance Deposit Service must both:
• Accept all Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards for an advance deposit if the Cardholder
agrees to the service
• Hold a valid Advance Deposit Service contract with an Acquirer
5.4.S.2 Billing Information

5.4.S.2.a The Merchant must obtain the following information from the Cardholder:
• Cardholder name, Account Number, and expiration date as displayed on the Visa
Card or Visa Electron Card
• Telephone number and mailing address
• Scheduled date of arrival for a Hotel, or embarkation for a Cruise Line
• Intended length of stay or voyage
5.4.S.2.b The Merchant must determine the Advance Deposit Transaction amount, not to
exceed the following:
• For lodging accommodations, the cost of the intended length of stay (not to exceed
14 nights’ lodging)
• Cost of the cruise
5.4.S.3 Reservation Information 5.4.S.5 Transaction Receipt Completion
5.4.S.2.c The deposit amount must be applied to the total obligation.
5.4.S.3 Reservation Information

The Merchant must inform the Cardholder of the following, as applicable:
• Reserved accommodation rate and the Transaction amount
• Exact Merchant name and location
• Name of the cruise ship and point of embarkation
• Merchant’s intention to hold the accommodation for the number of nights paid for
• Merchant cancellation policy
5.4.S.4 Reservation Confirmation

5.4.S.4.a The Merchant must provide both:
• A confirmation code, and advise the Cardholder to retain it
• Advance deposit requirements, cancellation policy requirements, and the actual
date and time that the cancellation privileges expire
5.4.S.4.b The Merchant must advise the Cardholder that it will both:
• Hold the accommodations according to the reservation
• Provide written confirmation of a Cardholder reservation change if requested
5.4.S.4.c The Merchant must also advise the Cardholder that it will retain part or all of the
Advance Deposit Transaction amount if the Cardholder has not:
• Registered by check-out time the day following the specified last night of lodging
for a Hotel (the Cardholder will lose the unused amount of the reservation)
• Checked in by embarkation time for a Cruise Line
• Cancelled the reservation within the time limit specified by the Merchant
5.4.S.4.d Under the Advance Deposit Service, a Cardholder may forfeit the advance deposit.
However, the Merchant must not charge the Cardholder for a No-Show Transaction.
5.4.S.5 Transaction Receipt Completion

The Merchant must complete a Transaction Receipt with the following information:
• Advance deposit amount
• Cardholder name and Account Number
• Cardholder telephone number and mailing address
• The words “Advance Deposit” on the Transaction Receipt signature line
• Scheduled check-in or embarkation date
• Date and time that cancellation privileges (if any) expire without deposit forfeiture for
unused accommodations
5.4.S.6 Transaction Receipt Delivery to Cardholder 5.4.S.10 Unavailable Cruise Line Accommodations
5.4.S.6 Transaction Receipt Delivery to Cardholder

The Merchant must mail the Transaction Receipt copy and cancellation policy to the
Cardholder within 3 business days of the Transaction Date.
5.4.S.7 Cancellation Period

The Merchant must accept all Cardholder cancellations within the time limits specified
by the Merchant.
5.4.S.8 Cancellation Confirmation

5.4.S.8.a The Merchant must provide a cancellation code and advise the Cardholder to retain
it in case of dispute.
5.4.S.8.b The Merchant must complete a Credit Transaction Receipt, including all of the
following:
• Cardholder mailing address
• The words “Advance Deposit” on the Transaction Receipt signature line
5.4.S.8.c Within 3 business days of the Transaction Date, the Merchant must both:
• Deposit the Credit Transaction Receipt
• Mail the Cardholder’s copy to the Cardholder
5.4.S.9 Unavailable Hotel Accommodations

If the reserved accommodations are unavailable, the Merchant must provide the
Cardholder with the following services without charge:
• Credit refund for the entire Transaction amount. The Merchant must provide the
Credit Transaction Receipt copy to the Cardholder.
• Comparable accommodations at an alternate establishment for the number of nights
specified in the reservation (not to exceed 14 nights) or until the reserved
accommodations become available at the original establishment
• If requested, two 3-minute telephone calls and message forwarding to the alternate
establishment
• Transportation to the alternate establishment’s location and return to the original
establishment. If requested, the Merchant must provide daily transportation to and
from the alternate establishment.
5.4.S.10 Unavailable Cruise Line Accommodations

5.4.S.10.a If the reserved accommodations are unavailable, and no comparable
accommodations are available on the ship, the Merchant must offer the Cardholder a
comparable cruise of similar itinerary and embarkation date at no additional cost to
the Cardholder.
5.4.T Priority Check-out Service 5.4.T.4 Document Retention
5.4.S.10.b If the Cardholder accepts the alternate accommodations, the Merchant must provide
either of the following without charge:
• An additional night’s accommodation
• Airfare to a different port city
5.4.S.10.c If the Cardholder declines the alternate accommodations, the Merchant must provide
a credit refund for the entire Advance Deposit Transaction amount.
5.4.S.10.d In addition, the Merchant must provide the Cardholder all of the following without
charge:
• One night’s Hotel accommodation, if the Cardholder requests it
• Transportation to the Hotel and airport
• Airline transportation to the airport nearest the Cardholder’s residence
• Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Cardholder
5.4.T Priority Check-out Service

5.4.T.1 General Requirements
A Hotel or Cruise Line participating in the Priority Check-out Service must:
• Hold a valid Priority Check-out Service contract with an Acquirer
• Accept all Cards when a Cardholder requests the Priority Check-out Service
• Comply with all the requirements in Section 5.2.B.7, if it offers Dynamic Currency
Conversion
5.4.T.2 Transaction Receipt and Priority Check-out Agreement Completion

The Merchant must:
• Ask the Cardholder to complete, sign, and return a Priority Check-out Agreement that
must contain the information specified in Manual Transaction Receipt (Exhibit 7J).
The Cardholder must include the mailing address to receive a copy of the Hotel bill
• Complete a Transaction Receipt, including the total obligation amount and the words
“Priority Check-out” on the signature line of the Transaction Receipt
• Review the completed Priority Check-out Agreement and ensure that the Account
Number matches the Account Number on the Transaction Receipt, if applicable
5.4.T.3 Transaction Receipt Delivery

At Cardholder request, the Merchant must provide a Transaction Receipt copy, the
itemized bill, and the signed Priority Check-out Agreement either:
• Onsite
• By mail within 3 business days of the Cardholder’s departure
5.4.T.4 Document Retention

The Merchant must retain the itemized bill and signed Priority Check-out Agreement for
a minimum of 6 months after the Transaction Date.
5.4.U Cruise Line On-Board Casinos 5.4.X.1 General Requirements
5.4.U Cruise Line On-Board Casinos

On-board gambling charges, such as the purchase of gaming chips, must be distinct from
other cruise charges. They must be:
• Authorized
• Processed with both:
- MCC 7995
- The Quasi-Cash/Online Gambling Transaction indicator
5.4.V Hotel or Cruise Line Cash Disbursements

A Hotel or Cruise Line may make Cash Disbursements on a Visa Card to a registered
Cardholder if all the following conditions apply:
• Cardholder indicates at registration the intent to pay for the Hotel’s services with a Visa
Card
• Before disbursement, the Merchant reviews positive identification (such as a passport or

driver’s license) and, if permitted under applicable law, records type and number on the
Transaction Receipt
• Merchant completes a Cash Disbursement Transaction Receipt and writes on the front of
the Transaction Receipt both the Cardholder’s positive identification and the 4 digits printed
below the Account Number on a Visa Card
• Merchant does not disburse more than US $250, or local currency equivalent, during the
Cardholder’s stay or voyage
• Merchant must not include any additional fees, excluding taxes or charges imposed by law,
to the Transaction amount
5.4.W Cash-Back Services

At the option of a Visa Region, a Visa or Visa Electron Merchant may provide Cash-Back to
Visa or Visa Electron Cardholders for Domestic Transactions only. The Merchant must:
• Provide Cash-Back only in conjunction with a purchase
• Authorize and complete this Transaction as a purchase and uniquely identify the Cash-
Back portion of the Transaction amount
5.4.X Specialized Vehicle Reservation Service

5.4.X.1 General Requirements
A Car Rental Company in Visa U.S.A. may participate in a service to guarantee
reservations for Specialized Vehicles.
5.4.X.1.a An Acquirer must incorporate these requirements into all Merchant Agreements for
Car Rental Companies participating in this service.
5.4.X.2 Billing Information 5.4.X.6 Cancellation Confirmation
5.4.X.1.b A participating Car Rental Company must accept all Visa Cards or Visa Electron
Cards for reservations under the Specialized Vehicle Reservation Service.
5.4.X.2 Billing Information

The Car Rental Company must obtain the Cardholder name, Account Number, and
expiration date as displayed on the Visa Card or Visa Electron Card.
5.4.X.3 Reservation Information

5.4.X.3.a The Car Rental Company must inform the Cardholder that the reserved Specialized
Vehicle will be held until the end of the guaranteed rental period unless cancelled
within the required time, as specified in Section 5.4.X.5.
5.4.X.3.b The Car Rental Company must advise the Cardholder that a “no-show” fee (not to
exceed 2 days’ rental) may be billed if the Cardholder has neither:
• Rented the Specialized Vehicle by the end of the guarantee period
• Properly cancelled the reservation, as required in Section 5.4.X.5
5.4.X.4 Reservation Confirmation

5.4.X.4.a For a reservation made with at least 72 hours’ notice, the Car Rental Company must
send the Cardholder a written confirmation containing the following information:
• Name and exact street address of the Merchant Outlet
• Rate
• Cardholder obligations
• Cancellation and any other service details
5.4.X.4.b For reservations made with less than 72 hours’ notice, the Car Rental Company must
mail a confirmation only on Cardholder request.
5.4.X.5 Cancellation Period

5.4.X.5.a The Car Rental Company must accept all cancellation requests if made by the
specified time.
5.4.X.5.b The Car Rental Company must not require more than 72 hours’ cancellation
notification prior to the scheduled rental date.
5.4.X.5.c If the Cardholder makes the reservation within 72 hours of the scheduled arrival date,
the cancellation deadline must be 12 hours prior to the scheduled rental time on the
scheduled pick-up date.
5.4.X.6 Cancellation Confirmation

5.4.X.6.a The Car Rental Company must provide a cancellation code and advise the
Cardholder to retain it in case of dispute.
5.4.X.7 Unclaimed Specialized Vehicles 5.4.Y.2 Encashment Procedure
5.4.X.6.b If requested, the Car Rental Company must provide the Cardholder with a written
confirmation that contains the following information:
• Cancellation details
5.4.X.7 Unclaimed Specialized Vehicles

5.4.X.7.a The Car Rental Company must hold the Specialized Vehicle according to the
reservation if the Cardholder has not claimed or properly cancelled the reservation by
the specified time.
5.4.X.7.b The Car Rental Company may then prepare a Transaction Receipt including all of the
following:
• No-Show Transaction fee plus tax, as applicable
• Cardholder name, Account Number, and Card expiration date as provided by the
Cardholder
• Words “No-Show” on the signature line of the Transaction Receipt
5.4.X.7.c The Car Rental Company must follow normal Authorization and Deposit requirements
for a Car Rental Company, as specified in Section 5.1.E.4 and Section 5.3.F.
5.4.X.8 Unavailable Specialized Vehicles

If the Specialized Vehicle is unavailable, the Car Rental Company must provide the
following services at no charge to the Cardholder:
• Comparable vehicle at another car rental establishment for the reservation period
• Transportation to the alternate car rental establishment
5.4.Y Cheque Acceptance

5.4.Y.1 General
5.4.Y.1.a Each Member must accept and encash all Cheques denominated in currencies
usually exchanged in the local market.
5.4.Y.1.b A Member’s encashment policy must be as favorable for Cheques as for other cheque
brands.
5.4.Y.1.c Visa guarantees reimbursement for the Cheque amount if the Member complies with
Section 5.4.Y.2.
5.4.Y.2 Encashment Procedure

5.4.Y.2.a When encashing a Cheque, a Member must both:
• Witness the customer countersigning the Cheque in the lower left signature area
• Compare the countersignature with the signature appearing in the upper right
signature area. If the signatures appear similar, the Member may accept the
Cheque.
5.4.Y.3 Encashment Limitations 5.5.D Rewards Paid by Acquirer for Recovered
Cards
5.4.Y.2.b If the Member is uncertain as to 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.
5.4.Y.3 Encashment Limitations

If the 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.
5.5 CARD RECOVERY

SEE ALSO:
Visa monitors Merchant activity, as specified in Chapter 2, “Risk Management” and Chapter 4, “Acquirer
Requirements & Information.” These programs include:
• Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program
• High-Risk Electronic Commerce Merchant Monitoring Standards
• High-Risk Merchant Designation
• High-Risk Telemarketing Merchant Monitoring Standards
• Merchant Activity Monitoring Standards
• Online Gambling Transaction Audit Program
• Online Gambling Credit Compliance Program
5.5.A Recovered Card Procedures

A Merchant must use reasonable, peaceful means to retain all Visa Cards and Visa Electron
Cards listed in the Card Recovery Bulletin.
5.5.B Reasons for Card Recovery

A Merchant should not complete a Transaction and should attempt to recover the Visa Card
or Visa Electron Card for any of the following reasons:
• Account Number appears on a Card Recovery Bulletin
• Acquirer requests its retention
• 4 digits printed below the embossed or printed Account Number do not match the first
4 digits of the embossed or printed Account Number
5.5.C Notification of Recovered Cards

The Merchant must notify its Acquirer that it has recovered the Card and ask for further
instructions.
5.5.D Rewards Paid by Acquirer for Recovered Cards

The Merchant is paid a reward for each Card recovered, as specified in Section 4.13.E.2.c.
5.5.E Merchant Monitoring Programs—Compliance 5.5.E Merchant Monitoring Programs—Compliance
5.5.E Merchant Monitoring Programs—Compliance

Visa may contact a Merchant Outlet directly and conduct an onsite investigation of the
Merchant Outlet at any time.
6 Payment Services
6.1.A BIN Processing

Each Member and VisaNet Processor must be capable of accepting and processing any Visa-
licensed BIN for any Visa-defined purpose.
6.1.B Use of VisaNet

6.1.B.1 Proprietary Interest
No Member will have any property or other right, claim, or interest, including any patent
right, Trade Secret right, or Copyright interest, in the VisaNet systems or services, or in
any systems, processes, equipment, software, or data that Visa uses with the VisaNet
systems or services, excluding Member-supplied data or equipment.
6.1.B.2 Confidentiality
VisaNet consists of confidential and proprietary information belonging to Visa. Each
Member must take appropriate action, by agreement or otherwise, to ensure that its
employees or agents with access to VisaNet are:
• Advised of the confidential and proprietary nature of these systems
• Prohibited from providing access to or disclosing these systems to any third party1
• Prohibited from using these systems for any purpose not authorized in the Visa
International Operating Regulations
6.1.B.3 Non-Assignable Right

A Member’s right to use VisaNet is not assignable and its duties are non-delegable
without prior written consent from Visa. However, a Member may use a non-Member
VisaNet Processor that has executed and delivered to Visa a VisaNet Letter of
Agreement (Exhibit 5A).
6.1.B.4 Restricted Use

Each Member must restrict its use of the VisaNet systems and services to purposes
specifically approved by Visa.
6.1.B.6 Visa Extended Access

Effective 31 December 2007, a Member must complete their migration to Visa
Extended Access to access VisaNet. A Member must not make or attempt to make any
repair, adjustment, alternation, or modification to Visa Extended Access, except as
expressly authorized by Visa.2
1
2 This requirement does not apply to a Visa U.S.A. Member using Direct Exchange (DEX).
6.1.B.7 BASE II Edit Package 6.1.C Single Message System
6.1.B.7 BASE II Edit Package

A Member may modify or enhance the BASE II Edit Package software for its own use if
it both:
• Does not take any action that may endanger the rights of Visa in and to the BASE II
Edit Package software
• Uses all updated versions of the BASE II Edit Package software supplied by Visa
6.1.B.8 Support
Each participating Member must provide, without cost to Visa, reasonable support
requested by Visa for installing the V.I.P. System or BASE II, including:
• Effective 31 December 2007, providing a location that meets the requirements of
Visa for installing Visa Extended Access on the Member’s premises1
• Providing a sufficient number of qualified personnel that the Member will train to meet
Visa specifications
• Maintaining V.I.P. System and BASE II records, documents, and logs required by
Visa and providing them at the request of Visa
• Effective 31 December 2007, 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 Access3.
• Effective 31 December 2007, notifying Visa promptly of any failure of Visa Extended
Access to operate properly on its premises or the premises of its agent or independent
contractor3
• 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
6.1.C Single Message System

If a Member processes Online Financial and Deferred Clearing Transactions as part of the
Single Message System, it must both:
• Be linked to the Single Message System either directly or through its VisaNet Processor
• Comply with the specifications for Authorization and Clearing specified in both the:
- Visa International Operating Regulations
- VisaNet manuals
1
This requirement does not apply to a Visa U.S.A. Member using Direct Exchange (DEX).
6.2 AUTHORIZATION, CLEARING AND 6.2.A.4 Currency Conversion
SETTLEMENT
6.2 AUTHORIZATION, CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT
6.2.A Authorization Transactions

This section governs all International and Domestic Authorizations. For Domestic
Authorizations, it may be superseded in whole or in part by either Private Agreements or the
operating regulations of Group Members, as specified in Section 1.1.C.
6.2.A.1 General Authorization Requirements

6.2.A.1.a Each Member must comply with the following:
• Visa International Operating Regulations, Regional Operating Regulations, and
National Operating Regulations applicable in the Transaction Country or Visa
Region, regardless of how the Authorization is routed or where it is processed
• VisaNet manuals
6.2.A.1.b Visa provides Authorization processing to Members using the V.I.P. System.
Members must pay for Authorization processing and applicable fees and charges
specified in Section 8.2.A and the applicable Regional Operating Regulations.
6.2.A.1.c An Acquirer must process all Authorizations for International Transactions through
VisaNet.
6.2.A.2 Responsibility for Losses

An Acquirer is liable for losses suffered by an Issuer on a Transaction if the Acquirer or
its Merchant does any of the following:
• Ignores a Decline Response and grants an Authorization
• Fails to check the Card Recovery Bulletin for below-Floor Limit Transactions. This
requirement is not applicable to Chip-initiated, offline-authorized Transactions.
• Fails to obtain an Authorization for above-Floor Limit Transactions
6.2.A.3 Responsibility for Telephone, Fax, and Telex Calls

An Acquirer must pay for telephone, fax, or telex calls made to an Issuer for
Authorization purposes. However, an Acquirer may record and recover these costs from
the Issuer, as specified in Section 8.6.B.
6.2.A.4 Currency Conversion

6.2.A.4.a An Authorization Request must be in the Transaction Currency or in US dollars. The
Acquirer may convert the Authorization amount into US dollars, using a generally
accepted source, before entering the Authorization Request into the V.I.P. System.
ATM Cash Disbursements and Manual Cash Disbursements must be authorized in
the Transaction Currency.
6.2.A.4.b An ATM Authorization Request must be in the Transaction Currency.
6.2.A.5 Online Financial Transactions 6.2.C.1 Interchange Sent via VisaNet Access Point
6.2.A.5 Online Financial Transactions

6.2.A.5.a An Online Financial Transaction Authorization Request for a Visa or Visa Electron
Transaction must originate at an ATM or a Point-of-Transaction Terminal and include
both the:
• Entire unaltered contents of track 1 or track 2 of the Magnetic Stripe or the
Magnetic-Stripe Image on the Chip
• Final amount of the Transaction
6.2.A.5.b A purchase Transaction may be key-entered either:
• In a Card-Absent Environment
• If the Magnetic Stripe cannot be read, unless it is a Visa Electron Transaction,
which may not be key entered.
6.2.B General Clearing Requirements

For Domestic Transactions, the following rules that govern the Clearing of all Transactions
may be superseded by either Private Agreements or the operating regulations of Group
Members, as specified in Section 1.1.C.
6.2.B.1 Applicability
Regardless of how a Transaction is routed or where it is processed, the Transaction is
subject to the applicable Visa International Operating Regulations, Regional Operating
Regulations, or National Operating Regulations affecting the Transaction Country.
6.2.B.2 Required Interchange through VisaNet

A Member must clear International Transactions through VisaNet, as specified in the
VisaNet manuals, including those resulting from the use of restricted Cards outside the
country of issuance.
6.2.C Clearing Requirements through VisaNet

6.2.C.1 Interchange Sent via VisaNet Access Point
A Member must generate a duplicate Interchange File prior to transmitting Interchange
to Visa, and retain this file for 15 calendar days after the Settlement Date.
6.2.C.1.a Effective 31 December 2007, if a Member has Visa Extended Access, the Member
must use it to transmit its Interchange.1
1
6.2.C.3 Exception for Domestic Interchange 6.2.C.4 Notification of Duplicate Data: Through
VisaNet
6.2.C.1.b Effective 31 December 2007, if a Member’s Visa Extended Access is expected to be

unavailable, the Member must proceed as follows: 1
• If unavailable for fewer than 5 calendar days, the Member must prepare the
transmission as usual and send the Interchange to Visa as soon as the VisaNet
Access Point becomes available
• If unavailable for 5 or more calendar days, the Member must send the Interchange
to Visa as soon as possible, as specified in the VisaNet manuals
6.2.C.3 Exception for Domestic Interchange

Only Domestic Interchange under Private Agreements may be processed outside of
VisaNet.
6.2.C.3.a These agreements must exclude Interchange originating from an International Airline.
6.2.C.3.b Members with Private Agreements may send Domestic Interchange to Visa if they
provide Visa with at least 30 calendar days’ advance written notice. Members also
must provide Visa with at least 30 calendar days’ written notice for termination of
these Agreements.
6.2.C.3.c If Members with Private Agreements elect to send Domestic Interchange tapes to
another Member, they must do so by the fastest means possible.
6.2.C.4 Notification of Duplicate Data: Through VisaNet

This section applies to Members that clear Interchange through VisaNet.
6.2.C.4.a If a Member detects duplicate data prior to sending it to Visa, it must correct the
duplication before transmission.
6.2.C.4.b If the Member detects duplicate data on a file previously sent, it must immediately
notify Visa of the situation by telephone, fax, or telex, and provide both the:
• File Processing Date
• Tape number, for a mailed tape
6.2.C.4.c If Visa has received but not yet processed the file containing the duplicate data, the
Member must send the corrected file no later than the next business day.
6.2.C.4.d If Visa has processed the original file, the Member must reverse the duplicate data.
The Member must either:
• Prepare the Reversal, as specified in Section 6.2.C.6
• Use the File Correction Service, if appropriate, as specified in Section 6.2.C.9
1
6.2.C.5 Notification of Duplicate Data: Exceptions 6.2.C.6 Member Reversal of Duplicate Data:
for Private Agreements Through VisaNet
6.2.C.5 Notification of Duplicate Data: Exceptions for Private Agreements

This section applies to Members with Private Agreements that process Domestic
Interchange outside of VisaNet.
6.2.C.5.a If a Sending Member detects duplicate data prior to sending it to the Receiving
Member, it must correct the duplication before transmission.
6.2.C.5.b If the Sending Member detects duplicate data on a file previously sent, it must
immediately notify the Receiving Member of the situation by telephone, fax, or telex,
and provide both the:
• File Processing Date
• Tape number, for a mailed tape
6.2.C.5.c If the Receiving Member has received but not yet processed the file containing the
duplicate data, the Sending Member must send the corrected file no later than the
next business day.
6.2.C.5.d If the Receiving Member has processed the original file, the Sending Member must
reverse the duplicate data. The Sending Member must either:
• Prepare the Reversal, as specified in Section 6.2.C.6
• Use the File Correction Service, if appropriate, as specified in Section 6.2.C.9
6.2.C.6 Member Reversal of Duplicate Data: Through VisaNet

This section applies to Members that clear Interchange through VisaNet.
6.2.C.6.a To reverse duplicate data, the Member must:
• Identify the Processing Date of the Transaction that it is reversing
• Replace the Transaction codes of the duplicate Transactions with the appropriate
Reversal codes, as specified in the VisaNet manuals. The Member must not
change any other information in the duplicate Transaction.
• Send the Reversals to Visa within 1 business day of notification of the duplicate
data
6.2.C.6.b An Issuer must reverse the duplicate Transactions from its Cardholder records upon
receipt of the Reversal information.
Visa reverses the duplicate transactions using either the appropriate Basic Currency
Conversion Rate or the Currency Conversion Rate effective on the Central Processing Date
of the duplication.
6.2.C.6.c Visa assesses the responsible Members for any foreign exchange loss due to
currency fluctuation between the Central Processing Date of the duplicate data and
the Reversal date, using the VisaNet fee collection process as specified in
Section 8.6.A.1.
6.2.C.7 Member Reversal of Duplicate Data: 6.2.C.9 File Correction Service
Exceptions for Private Agreements
6.2.C.7 Member Reversal of Duplicate Data: Exceptions for Private Agreements

This section applies to Members with Private Agreements that process Domestic
Interchange outside of VisaNet.
To reverse duplicate Interchange data, the Member must:
• Identify the Processing Date of the Transactions that it is reversing
• Replace the Transaction codes of the duplicate Transactions with the appropriate
Reversal codes, as specified in the VisaNet manuals. The Member must not change
any other information in the duplicate Transaction.
• Send the Reversals to the Receiving Member within 1 business day of notification of
the duplicate data
6.2.C.8 Member Reversal or Adjustment of Credit Transactions through VisaNet

6.2.C.8.a An Acquirer may initiate a credit Reversal using BASE II Transaction code 26, only
for the correction of inadvertent processing errors.
6.2.C.8.b An Acquirer must process a credit Reversal using BASE II Transaction code 26 or a
debit Adjustment using Single Message System message type 0220 within 30
calendar days of the Processing Date of the initial credit Transaction.
6.2.C.9 File Correction Service

This section applies only to Interchange cleared through VisaNet.
6.2.C.9.a A Member, at its option, may use the File Correction Service to reverse duplicate data.
6.2.C.9.b A Member that submits a duplicate Interchange File may request Visa to reverse 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
6.2.C.9.c Visa may independently choose to perform this service on behalf of the Sending
Member, if circumstances warrant such action.
7 Transaction Receipt Retrieval,
Chargebacks, and Representments
7.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter governs the Transaction Receipt retrieval process. It also governs the Chargeback and
Representment process.
7.2 MUTUAL ASSISTANCE

A Member must attempt to offer mutual assistance to other Members to resolve disputes between
both:
• Its Cardholder and another Member’s Merchant
• 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.
7.3 TRANSACTION RECEIPT RETRIEVAL

An Issuer may request a Transaction Receipt from an Acquirer. This section governs Issuer and
Acquirer rights, responsibilities, and procedures for obtaining and providing these documents. Only
Group Member operating regulations or Private Agreements may supersede this section.
7.3.A Request for Transaction Receipt Copy

An Issuer may request and must accept a Transaction Receipt copy, including a Substitute
Transaction Receipt. Table 7-1 lists reasons for requesting Transaction Receipt copies and
their corresponding BASE II request codes. Table 7-2 lists the Single Message System codes.
Table 7-1: Transaction Receipt Retrieval Request Reasons (BASE II Retrieval Request)
Request Reason for Copy BASE II

BASE II Request Code
Transaction Code 52
Request for copy bearing signature1 28
T&E Document request 29
Cardholder request due to dispute 30
Cardholder does not recognize Transaction 32
Fraud analysis request 33
Legal process request 34
1. Not applicable to a Vehicle-Specific Fleet Card Transaction.
Chapter 7: Transaction Receipt Retrieval, Chargebacks, and Representments
Table 7-2: Transaction Receipt Retrieval Request 7.3.C.1 Minimum Data Requirements
Reasons (Single Message System)
Table 7-2: Transaction Receipt Retrieval Request Reasons (Single Message System)
Message Reason Code (Field 63.3) in Single

Online Request Only
Message System Request for Copy Message
Request for copy bearing signature1 0028
T&E Document request 0029
Cardholder request due to dispute 0030
Cardholder does not recognize Transaction 0032
Fraud analysis request 0033
Legal process request 0034
1. Not applicable to a Vehicle-Specific Fleet Card Transaction.
7.3.B Transaction Receipt Retention

If requested, an Acquirer must provide an Issuer with a legible Transaction Receipt copy
during the required retention period, as specified in Table 7-3.
Table 7-3: Transaction Receipt Retention Periods
Document Retention Period
Original Transaction Receipt According to applicable law. Original may then be

destroyed if a copy replaces it.
Transaction Receipt copy or 12 months from Processing Date

substitute
T&E Document 180 calendar days from Processing Date
Recurring Transaction Receipt 12 months from Processing Date of latest

Transaction
7.3.C Transaction Receipt Request and Fulfillment Data

7.3.C.1 Minimum Data Requirements
Each Retrieval Request must contain at least the following data:
• Acquirer Reference Number
• Account Number
• Transaction Date of original Presentment
• Merchant Category Code
• Either the Transaction amount in the Transaction Currency or a complete Merchant
description
• Applicable Retrieval Request reason code from Table 7-1 or Table 7-2
7.3.C.2 Transaction Fulfillment Document Table 7-4: Transaction Receipt Fulfillment
Requirements — Small Ticket Transaction Documents—Unattended Acceptance Terminals
7.3.C.2 Transaction Fulfillment Document Requirements — Small Ticket Transaction

Each Fulfillment for a Small Ticket Transaction must contain at least the following data:
• Merchant name
• Total Transaction amount
• Date
• Confirmation that Cardholder performed payment using a Visa Card or a Visa
Electron Card or a Proximity Payment Device
SEE ALSO:
• Section 5.2.B.9
• Section 5.4.F.4
• Section 1.3.C.3
7.3.C.3 Transaction Receipt Fulfillment Documents—Data Requirements

To satisfy a Retrieval Request for the Transaction types appearing in Table 7-4,
Table 7-5, and Table 7-6, the Acquirer must provide the listed documents containing the
specified data.
Table 7-4: Transaction Receipt Fulfillment Documents—Unattended Acceptance Terminals
Transaction Type
Cardholder-Activated
Magnetic-Stripe Cardholder-Activated
Transaction
Telephone Transaction Type A
Type B or Type C
Copy Not applicable Copy Copy
Requested Document None Transaction log Transaction log
Required Data on Document
Account Number U
Transaction Date U U
Transaction Time U
Transaction Amount U
Authorization Code U
Evidence of electronic Card Imprint U
Table 7-5: Transaction Receipt Fulfillment Table 7-5: Transaction Receipt Fulfillment
Documents—Recurring, Mail/Phone Order, Retail, Documents—Recurring, Mail/Phone Order, Retail,
and Electronic Commerce Transactions and Electronic Commerce Transactions
Table 7-5: Transaction Receipt Fulfillment Documents—Recurring, Mail/Phone Order, Retail, and
Electronic Commerce Transactions
Transaction Type
Recurring, Mail/
Recurring or Mail
Phone Order, or
Order (Excludes Electronic Commerce
Retail as permitted in
Phone Order)
Section 7.3.D.1.b
Copy Copy Copy Copy
Requested Document Cardholder written Substitute Transaction Substitute Transaction

permission Receipt Receipt
Account Number U U U
Cardholder Name U U U
Transaction Date U U U
Transaction Amount U U U
Transaction Currency Not applicable Not applicable U
Authorization Code If any If any U
Cardholder Signature U1 Not applicable Not applicable
Merchant Name U U U
Merchant Location U U Online address
Description Merchandise or Merchandise or Merchandise or

services services services2
Itemized Charges U Not applicable Not applicable
1. The Recurring Services Merchant must retain the Cardholder’s permission in a format such as an e-mail, other electronic
record, or in paper form, for the duration of the Recurring Transactions and provide it upon Issuer request, as specified
in Section 5.3.C.1.
2. To remedy a Retrieval Request or use Reason Code 75, “Transaction Not Recognized” for an Aggregated Transaction,
an Electronic Commerce Merchant must provide the details specified in Section 5.2.B.6.a for the individual purchases
that have been aggregated.
Table 7-6: Transaction Receipt Fulfillment Table 7-6: Transaction Receipt Fulfillment
Documents—T&E Transactions Documents—T&E Transactions
Table 7-6: Transaction Receipt Fulfillment Documents—T&E Transactions
Document Type Transaction Type
Car Rental Airline Hotel Cruise Line
Copy Copy Copy Copy Copy
Substitute Transaction Receipt U U U U
T&E Document U1 U1 U1
Account Number U U U U
Cardholder Name U If applicable U U
Passenger or Guest Name, if U U U

different than Cardholder Name
Cardholder Address U
Address where tickets were sent If available and

applicable
Transaction Date U
Rental and Return Dates U
Transaction Code If any
Transaction Amount U U U U
Authorization Code If any If any If any If any
Merchant Name U U U U
Merchant Location U U
Rental and Return location U
Travel Agent Name and Address If applicable
Rental Agreement Number U
Description U2 Airline flight Dates of stay, Dates of cruise

information check-in, and embarkation and
check-out disembarkation
Itemized Charges U3 U
1. Must include a copy of all documents pertaining to a T&E Transaction, including the Transaction Receipt, car rental agreement,
and if one was created, a Guest Folio, as applicable. The Card Imprint and Cardholder signature must also be included if either
or both were obtained.
2. Includes type of car, mileage, rental rates, actual rate, refueling and insurance charges, adjustments, tax, cash received, billing
method, and rental agent ID number.
3. Includes room rate, tax, and food, beverage, and incidental charges.
7.3.D VisaNet Copy Request and Fulfillment Service Table 7-7: VisaNet Copy Request and Fulfillment
Service—Nonfulfillment Message Codes
7.3.D VisaNet Copy Request and Fulfillment Service

All Issuers and Acquirers must participate in the VisaNet Copy Request and Fulfillment
Service when initiating or responding to a Retrieval Request.
An Issuer must not initiate a manual request through the VisaNet Copy Request and
Fulfillment Service for BASE II Transaction code 52.
This section governs the VisaNet Copy Request and Fulfillment Service.
7.3.D.1 Acquirer Responsibilities

7.3.D.1.a An Acquirer must respond within 30 calendar days of the Retrieval Request
Processing Date with one of the following:
• Fulfillment
• Nonfulfillment Message
• Interchange log indicating that full credit for the original Transaction amount was
processed to the Cardholder Account Number
7.3.D.1.b When a Transaction Receipt contains a truncated or disguised Account Number, an
Acquirer may respond to a Retrieval Request reason code 30, “Cardholder request
due to dispute,” with a Substitute Transaction Receipt containing the complete
Account Number and the data elements specified in Table 7-5.
7.3.D.1.c The Acquirer may provide the Issuer with a Transaction Receipt that contains a
truncated or disguised Account Number.
7.3.D.1.d The Acquirer is not required to provide a Transaction Receipt for either:
• ATM Cash Disbursement
• Magnetic-Stripe Telephone Transaction
7.3.D.1.e A Fulfillment must both:
• Be legible enough for the Cardholder to read or for the Issuer to identify the
Account Number
• Include the unique 12-digit Copy Request Identifier assigned by VisaNet
7.3.D.1.f A Nonfulfillment Message must include the Copy Request Identifier and one of the
message codes listed in Table 7-7.
Table 7-7: VisaNet Copy Request and Fulfillment Service—Nonfulfillment Message Codes
Message Code Description
01 Invalid Request: Incorrect Account Number
02 Invalid Request: Not a valid Acquirer Reference Number
03 Item could not be located—Charge back
04 Acquirer will not fulfill—Charge back
05 Transaction Receipt not required or previously fulfilled
7.3.D.2 Issuer Rights 7.3.F.2 Fee Recovery
7.3.D.2 Issuer Rights

An Issuer may exercise a Chargeback right for the Chargeback reason code applicable
to the dispute, if one of the following applies:
• Acquirer did not respond to a Retrieval Request within 30 calendar days of the
request
• Acquirer sent a Nonfulfillment Message code
• Acquirer did not send a valid or correct Fulfillment
7.3.E Acquirer Discrepancy Notification

7.3.E.1 Request Discrepancy or Data Omission
If the Acquirer cannot satisfy a Retrieval Request due to an Issuer discrepancy or data
omission, the Acquirer must notify the Issuer within 2 business days of the receipt of the
request.
7.3.E.1.a The notification must repeat the request information and identify the discrepancy.
7.3.E.1.b The Acquirer must use the same method for sending the notification as the Issuer
used to request the Transaction Receipt, for an International Transaction.
7.3.E.2 Issuer Responsibilities

If the Issuer receives a discrepancy notification, it may either:
• Correct the discrepancy or omission and request the Transaction Receipt again
• If it cannot identify the discrepancy or omission, charge back the Transaction after
expiration of the waiting period
7.3.F Retrieval Fees

7.3.F.1 Fees
Visa charges the Issuer and reimburses the Acquirer for a Retrieval Request as
specified in Section 8.4.B.
7.3.F.2 Fee Recovery

The Issuer may recover fees for Retrieval Requests for any of the following reasons:
• Acquirer did not properly supply the requested Transaction Receipt
• Substitute Transaction Receipt does not include the required data
• Request resulted from an incorrect Merchant description or a zero-filled or incorrect
Transaction Date in the VisaNet transmission
7.4 CHARGEBACKS AND REPRESENTMENTS 7.4.B.2 Documentation
7.4 CHARGEBACKS AND REPRESENTMENTS
7.4.A Chargeback and Representment Process

After receiving a Presentment, an Issuer may charge back a Transaction to the Acquirer under
the conditions specified in Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules beginning in Section 1.6.
Similarly, the Acquirer may represent the Chargeback to the Issuer. The Issuer must not
charge back the Transaction a second time, with the exception of Reason Code 93, “Merchant
Fraud Performance Program”, and the Acquirer must not represent the Transaction a second
time. Figure 7-1 illustrates this process.
Figure 7-1 Chargeback and Representment Process Through VisaNet
A Member may have the right to file for Arbitration after completing the Chargeback/
Representment cycle (see Section 7.7 through Section 7.11).
7.4.B Chargeback and Representment Transmission

7.4.B.1 Clearing and Settlement
A Member must process a Chargeback or Representment for an International
Transaction through VisaNet. A Member may also transmit a Chargeback for a Domestic
Transaction through an Interchange tape or by other means under a Private Agreement.
SEE ALSO:
• BASE II Record Requirements (Exhibit 2L) for the data that must appear in Chargeback and
Representment transmission records
• VisaNet manuals for the required formats
7.4.B.2 Documentation
7.4.B.2.a A Member sending Chargeback or Representment documentation must do so within
8 calendar days of the Chargeback or Representment Processing Date, using a Visa-
approved electronic documentation transfer method (e.g., the VisaNet
Documentation Automation Service).
7.4.B.2.b The Member must not send Chargeback or Representment documentation by mail,
fax, or any other non-automated method.
7.4.C Chargeback Reduction Service 7.4.D.1 Attempt to Settle
7.4.C Chargeback Reduction Service

7.4.C.1 Overview
The Chargeback Reduction Service rejects invalid or incomplete Chargebacks and
returns them to the Issuer. These rejected records are not considered completed
Chargebacks. The Issuer may either:
• Correct the rejected record and resubmit it as a Chargeback within the applicable
Chargeback Period
• Accept financial liability for the Transaction
7.4.C.2 Return of BASE II Presentment

7.4.C.2.a If the BASE II Transaction Date field is zero-filled, Visa returns a Presentment to the
Acquirer if the Account Number was listed on the applicable Card Recovery Bulletin
within 10 calendar days prior to the Processing Date.
7.4.C.2.b If the BASE II Transaction Date field is not zero-filled, Visa returns a Presentment to
the Acquirer if all of the following apply:
• Account Number was listed on a Card Recovery Bulletin
• Card Recovery Bulletin Listing was effective in the Card Recovery Bulletin Region
of the Merchant Outlet on the Transaction Date indicated in the BASE II record
• Transaction amount is below the Floor Limit
7.4.C.3 Return of Chargeback

The Chargeback Reduction Service may return an invalid Chargeback to the Issuer if all
Chargeback requirements are not met.
7.4.D Chargeback
An Issuer may charge back a Transaction to an Acquirer under certain conditions. Table 7-8
through Table 7-17 specify the Chargeback reasons and time limits.
7.4.D.1 Attempt to Settle

7.4.D.1.a Before exercising a Chargeback, the Issuer must attempt to honor the Transaction.
7.4.D.1.b If this fails and the Issuer has already billed the Transaction to the Cardholder, the
Issuer must credit the Cardholder for the Chargeback amount.
7.4.D.1.c An Issuer must credit its Cardholder’s account for the amount in dispute, whether or
not a Chargeback was initiated, if the dispute involves an Electronic Commerce
Transaction and the conditions are met for any of the following Chargebacks:
• Reason Code 30, “Services Not Provided or Merchandise Not Received”
• Reason Code 41, “Cancelled Recurring Transaction”
• Reason Code 53, “Not as Described or Defective Merchandise”
• Reason Code 83, “Fraud—Card-Absent Environment”
• Reason Code 85, “Credit Not Processed”
7.4.D.1.d The Issuer must not be reimbursed twice for the same Transaction.
7.4.D.2 Chargeback Dispute Groups and Time Table 7-8: Request for Information—Group 1
Limits Chargeback Reasons
7.4.D.1.e A Cardholder must not be credited twice as a result of both a:

• Chargeback
• Credit processed by a Merchant
7.4.D.2 Chargeback Dispute Groups and Time Limits

The following tables list the Chargeback dispute groups, the Chargeback reason codes
included in each group, and the Chargeback time limits:
• Table 7-8, Request for Information—Group 1
• Table 7-9, Fraud—Group 2
• Table 7-10, Authorization—Group 3
• Table 7-11, Processing Error—Group 4
• Table 7-12, Cancelled/Returned—Group 5
• Table 7-13, Non-Receipt Goods/Services—Group 6
All of the Chargebacks in the following tables are specified in detail, in Volume II—
Dispute Resolution Rules, beginning in Section 1.6.
7.4.D.2.a Request for Information—Group 1
Table 7-8 lists the Chargebacks that may apply if an Issuer initiated a Retrieval
Request and the Acquirer either:
• Fulfilled the request with an illegible Fulfillment
• Did not provide additional Transaction Information beyond the data submitted in
the Clearing Record
Table 7-8: Request for Information—Group 1 Chargeback Reasons
Time Limit
Chargeback Reasons Reason Code
(Calendar Days)
Illegible Fulfillment 60 120
Transaction Not Recognized 75 120
Table 7-9: Fraud—Group 2 Chargeback Reasons Table 7-10: Authorization—Group 3 Chargeback
Reasons
7.4.D.2.b Fraud—Group 2
Table 7-9 lists the Chargebacks that may apply if a Cardholder asserts that he did not
authorize or participate in a Transaction, or an Issuer certifies that the Account
Number used to complete a Transaction is fictitious or no longer valid.
Table 7-9: Fraud—Group 2 Chargeback Reasons
Time Limit
(Calendar Days)
Fraudulent Multiple Transactions 57 120
Counterfeit Transaction 62 120
Fraud—Card-Present Environment 81 120
Fraud—Card-Absent Environment 83 120
Risk Identification Service 93 120

Effective through 31 August 2007
Merchant Fraud Performance Program 93 120
7.4.D.2.c Authorization—Group 3
Table 7-10 lists the Chargebacks that may apply if a Merchant or an Acquirer did not
follow the proper Authorization procedures.
Table 7-10: Authorization—Group 3 Chargeback Reasons
Time Limit
(Calendar Days)
Card Recovery Bulletin or Exception File 70 75
Declined Authorization 71 75
No Authorization 72 75
Expired Card 73 75
Service Code Violation 78 75
Table 7-11: Processing Error—Group 4 Chargeback Table 7-12: Cancelled/Returned—Group 5

Reasons Chargeback Reasons
7.4.D.2.d Processing Error—Group 4

Table 7-11 lists the Chargebacks that may apply if a Merchant incorrectly submitted a
Transaction or an Acquirer made a technical error in processing a Transaction.
Table 7-11: Processing Error—Group 4 Chargeback Reasons
Time Limit
(Calendar Days)
Late Presentment 74 120
Incorrect Currency or Transaction Code or 76 120

Domestic Transaction Processing Violation
Non-Matching Account Number 77 120
Incorrect Transaction Amount or Account 80 120

Number
Duplicate Processing 82 120
Paid by Other Means 86 120
Transaction Exceeds Limited Amount 96 120
7.4.D.2.e Cancelled/Returned—Group 5
Table 7-12 lists the Chargebacks that may apply if either:
• A Merchant issued a Credit Transaction Receipt, but did not process it
• A Cardholder cancelled a service or returned merchandise and the Merchant did
not process a Credit Transaction Receipt
Table 7-12: Cancelled/Returned—Group 5 Chargeback Reasons
Time Limit
(Calendar Days)
Cancelled Recurring Transaction 41 120
Not as Described or Defective Merchandise 53 120
Credit Not Processed 85 120
Table 7-13: Non-Receipt Goods/Services—Group 6 Table 7-14: ATM or Load Transaction Chargeback
Chargeback Reasons Reasons
7.4.D.2.f Non-Receipt Goods/Services—Group 6

Table 7-13 lists the Chargebacks that may apply if either:
• A Merchant was unable or unwilling to provide the service, or the Cardholder or
authorized person did not receive the merchandise at the agreed-upon location or
by the agreed-upon date
• A Cardholder completed an ATM Cash Disbursement or Load Transaction but did
not receive cash or Load Transaction value, or received only a portion of the cash
or Load Transaction value
Table 7-13: Non-Receipt Goods/Services—Group 6 Chargeback Reasons
Time Limit
(Calendar Days)
Services Not Provided or Merchandise Not 30 120

Received
Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction 90 120

Value at ATM or Load Device
7.4.D.3 Reasons and Time Limits for Specific Transaction Types

7.4.D.3.a ATM or Load Transaction Chargeback Reasons
Table 7-14 lists the only Chargebacks that apply to ATM Transactions. They may also
apply to other types of Transactions.
Table 7-14: ATM or Load Transaction Chargeback Reasons
Time Limit
(Calendar Days)


Table 7-15: Visa TravelMoney Card Chargeback Table 7-16: Magnetic-Stripe Telephone Transaction
Reasons Chargeback Reasons
7.4.D.3.b Visa TravelMoney Card Chargeback Reasons

Table 7-15 lists the only Chargebacks that apply to Transactions completed with a
Visa TravelMoney Card. They may also apply to other types of Transactions.
Table 7-15: Visa TravelMoney Card Chargeback Reasons
Time Limit
(Calendar Days)

Fraud—Card-Absent Environment 83 120

7.4.D.3.c Magnetic-Stripe Telephone Transaction Chargeback Reasons

Table 7-16 lists the only Chargebacks that apply to Magnetic-Stripe Telephone
Transactions. They may also apply to other types of Transactions.
Table 7-16: Magnetic-Stripe Telephone Transaction Chargeback Reasons
Time Limit
(Calendar Days)
Card Recovery Bulletin or Exception File 70 75
Expired Card 73 75
Fraud—Card-Present Environment 81 120
Merchant Fraud Performance Program 93 120
Transaction Exceeds Limited Amount 96 120
Table 7-17: Original Credit Money Transfer 7.4.D.5 Transaction Chargeback Method
Chargeback Reasons
7.4.D.3.d Original Credit Money Transfer Chargeback Reasons Table 7-17 lists the only
chargebacks that apply to an Original Credit money transfer. They may also apply to
other types of Transactions.
Table 7-17: Original Credit Money Transfer Chargeback Reasons
Time Limit
(Calendar Days)
Credit Not Processed 85 120
7.4.D.4 Chargeback Time Limits

7.4.D.4.a The Chargeback time limit is calculated from the Transaction Processing Date.
7.4.D.4.b The Chargeback time limit begins on the calendar day following this date.
7.4.D.5 Transaction Chargeback Method

An Issuer must charge back each Transaction separately. The Issuer must not combine
Transactions and charge them back as a single Transaction.
This rule does not apply to a Magnetic-Stripe Telephone or Telephone Service
Transaction for which the Cardholder did not give permission or when a Fictitious
Account Number was used or no valid Card was outstanding.
7.4.E Processing Requirements 7.4.E.3 Currency Conversion
7.4.E Processing Requirements

7.4.E.1 Chargeback Documentation
7.4.E.1.a An Issuer must provide an Acquirer with the following Chargeback documentation for
each Transaction, if required:
• Completed Exhibit 2E-1 Issuer through Exhibit 2E-6 Issuer, as appropriate. If no
documentation is required but documentation is sent, Exhibit 2E-1 Issuer through
Exhibit 2E-6 Issuer, as appropriate, must also be sent.
• Signed Cardholder certification denying participation in the Transaction for
asserted fraudulent use of a Card or Account Number. Each fraudulent Transaction
does not require a separate certification however at a minimum, the signed
Cardholder certification must include the following:
- Cardholder Account Number (complete or partial Account Number is
acceptable)
- Merchant name
- Transaction amount
- The signed Cardholder certification may include a signature received in a secure
online banking environment maintained by the Issuer. In this environment, any
method used by the Cardholder that establishes a unique identity through use
of a password or other log-on identification method is considered a valid
Cardholder signature. When a signed Cardholder certification is received in an
online banking environment, the Issuer must certify with the Chargeback that the
unique identity represents the Cardholder signature.
• Translations into English for non-English documentation
• Other documentation as specified for each Chargeback
7.4.E.1.b A Member sending Chargeback documentation must do so within 8 calendar days of
the Chargeback Processing Date, using a Visa-approved electronic documentation
transfer method (e.g., the VisaNet Documentation Automation Service).
7.4.E.1.c The Member must not send Chargeback documentation by mail, fax, or any other
non-automated method.
7.4.E.2 Chargeback Amount

The Issuer must charge back for either:
• Actual billed amount in the Billing Currency
• Partial Transaction amount equal to the disputed amount
7.4.E.3 Currency Conversion

Visa converts the Billing Currency to the Acquirer’s Settlement Currency using the Basic
Currency Conversion Rate.
7.5 REPRESENTMENT Table 7-18: Representment Reasons and
Conditions
7.5 REPRESENTMENT
7.5.A Representment Reasons, Conditions, and Time Limits

An Acquirer may represent a Transaction to the Issuer for one of the reasons listed in
Table 7-18 within 45 calendar days. The Representment time limit is calculated from the
Chargeback Processing Date.
Representment information in the following table appears in more detail in Volume II—Dispute
Resolution Rules, Section 1.6.
Table 7-18: Representment Reasons and Conditions
Representment Reason Conditions
Mis-sorted Chargeback1 None
Missing or incomplete Acquirer must wait 15 calendar days for document delivery:
documentation to support • If incomplete supporting documentation is received
Chargeback2 within the 15 calendar-day waiting period, Acquirer may
represent a Transaction immediately or any time
between the document receipt date and day 45
• If no supporting documentation is received within the 15
calendar-day waiting period, Acquirer may represent a
Transaction at any time between day 16 and day 45
Invalid Acquirer Reference None

Number/Tracing Data or Account
Number
Improper Chargeback See Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules, Section 1.6
Additional information available to See Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules, Section 1.6
remedy the Chargeback
Remedy reason code 60 Send legible copy of requested item
Improper ATM Cash Disbursement Acquirer submits the required documentation to remedy
or Load Transaction Chargeback3 Chargeback. See the ATM Cash Disbursement or Load
Transaction reason codes in Volume II—Dispute
Resolution Rules, Section 1.6
A Load Acquirer may represent an improper Chargeback
involving a Load Transaction within 15 calendar days of the
Chargeback Processing Date.
1. A mis-sorted Chargeback is calculated from the receipt date of the Chargeback documentation.
2. The time limit for missing or incomplete Chargeback documentation is calculated from the Chargeback
Processing Date.
3. An ATM Cash Disbursement or Load Transaction Representment is calculated from the Chargeback
Processing Date.
7.5.A.1 Representment Documentation Table 7-19: Chargebacks at a Glance: Request for

Requirements Information—Group 1
7.5.A.1 Representment Documentation Requirements

7.5.A.1.a An Acquirer must provide the Issuer with the following Representment
documentation, if required:
• Documentation to remedy the Chargeback
• Completed Exhibit 2E-1 Acquirer through Exhibit 2E-6 Acquirer, as appropriate,
including the Chargeback reference number, if used (See BASE II Record
Requirements (Exhibit 2L))
• Translations of any non-English documentation
A Member sending Representment documentation must do so within 8 calendar days
of the Representment Processing Date using a Visa-approved electronic
documentation transfer method (e.g., the VisaNet Documentation Automation
Service).
7.5.A.1.b The Member must not send Representment documentation by mail, fax, or any other
non-automated method.
7.5.A.2 Representment Amount

For a Representment, this field must contain one of the following:
• Same amount in the same Transaction Currency as in the original Presentment
• Partial Transaction amount to remedy the Chargeback
• Same or corrected amount in the Settlement Currency as received by the Acquirer for
the Chargeback
7.6 CHARGEBACK REASON CODES

Table 7-19 through Table 7-25 list the Chargeback reason codes by dispute group and identify the
type of dispute that applies to each reason code.
Table 7-19: Chargebacks at a Glance: Request for Information—Group 1
Reason Code Reason Code Title, Description, and Conditions
60 Illegible Fulfillment
The Fulfillment supplied in response to a Retrieval Request is illegible.
Applies when a Fulfillment is received and the Account Number or Transaction
amount is illegible.
75 Transaction Not Recognized

The Cardholder does not recognize the Transaction and additional information
beyond the data required in the Clearing Record is needed to determine
Transaction validity.
Applies when Cardholder does not recognize a Transaction and additional
information beyond the data required in the Clearing Record is needed to
determine Transaction validity.
Table 7-20: Chargebacks at a Glance: Fraud— Table 7-20: Chargebacks at a Glance: Fraud—
Group 2 Group 2
Table 7-20: Chargebacks at a Glance: Fraud—Group 2
57 Fraudulent Multiple Transactions

Multiple Transactions occurred on a single Card at the same Merchant Outlet
without the Cardholder’s permission.
62 Counterfeit Transaction
A Counterfeit Card was used for a Magnetic-Stripe or Chip-initiated Transaction
that received Authorization but the Authorization Request did not include the
required data, or contained altered data.
81 Fraud—Card-Present Environment
A Merchant did not obtain an Imprint and a signature (or a PIN) in a
Card-Present Environment, and the Merchant completed the Transaction
without the Cardholder’s permission, or a Transaction was processed with a
Fictitious Account Number, or no valid Card was outstanding bearing the
Account Number on the Transaction Receipt.
Applies when the Merchant did not obtain an Imprint and signature, or PIN for
a Face-to-Face Transaction and either:
• Cardholder did not give permission to complete the Transaction
• Fictitious Account Number was used or no valid Card was outstanding
83 Fraud—Card-Absent Environment
A Mail/Phone Order or Electronic Commerce Transaction was processed
without the Cardholder’s permission, or a Fictitious Account Number was used,
or no valid Card was outstanding bearing the Account Number on the
Applies when a Mail/Phone Order or Electronic Commerce Transaction
occurred and either:
• Cardholder did not give permission to complete the Transaction
• Fictitious Account Number was used or no valid Card was outstanding
93 Merchant Fraud Performance Program

Visa notified the Issuer that the Transaction is identified by the Merchant Fraud
Performance Program
Table 7-21: Chargebacks at a Glance: Table 7-21: Chargebacks at a Glance:

Authorization—Group 3 Authorization—Group 3
Table 7-21: Chargebacks at a Glance: Authorization—Group 3
70 Card Recovery Bulletin or Exception File

A Merchant did not check the Card Recovery Bulletin or Exception File for a
Transaction with an amount that was below the Floor Limit.
71 Declined Authorization
Merchant completed a Transaction after an Authorization Request received a
Decline Response.
72 No Authorization
Authorization was required for a Transaction, but the Merchant did not obtain
Authorization.
73 Expired Card
A Merchant completed a Transaction with a Card that expired prior to the
Transaction Date, and the Merchant did not obtain Authorization.
78 Service Code Violation

The Service Code on the Magnetic Stripe or Chip indicated that the Card was
invalid for the Transaction and the Merchant did not obtain Authorization.
Table 7-22: Chargebacks at a Glance: Processing Table 7-22: Chargebacks at a Glance: Processing
Error—Group 4 Error—Group 4
Table 7-22: Chargebacks at a Glance: Processing Error—Group 4
74 Late Presentment
Transaction was not processed within the required time limits and the account
was not in good standing on the Chargeback Processing Date, or the
Transaction was processed more than 180 calendar days from the Transaction
Date.
76 Incorrect Currency or Transaction Code or Domestic Transaction Processing

Violation
Transaction was processed with an incorrect Transaction code, or an incorrect
currency code, or the Merchant did not deposit a Transaction Receipt in the
country where the Transaction occurred.
77 Non-Matching Account Number

Transaction did not receive Authorization and was processed using an Account
Number that does not match any on the Issuer’s master file.
80 Incorrect Transaction Amount or Account Number

Transaction amount is incorrect, or an addition or transposition error was made
when calculating the Transaction amount, or Merchant altered the Transaction
amount after the Transaction was completed without the consent of the
Cardholder, or a Transaction was processed using an incorrect Account
Number.
82 Duplicate Processing
A single Transaction was processed more than once.
86 Paid by Other Means

Merchandise or service was received but paid by other means.
96 Transaction Exceeds Limited Amount

An Unattended Acceptance Terminal that performs Cardholder-Activated
Transaction Type A or Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type B exceeded the
allowed amount.
Table 7-23: Chargebacks at a Glance: Cancelled/ Table 7-24: Chargebacks at a Glance: Non-Receipt
Returned—Group 5 Goods/Services—Group 6
Table 7-23: Chargebacks at a Glance: Cancelled/Returned—Group 5
41 Cancelled Recurring Transaction

The Merchant continued to charge a Cardholder for a Recurring Transaction
despite notification of cancellation.
53 Not as Described or Defective Merchandise

The Cardholder received damaged or defective merchandise, or the
merchandise or service did not match what was described on the Transaction
Receipt or other documentation presented at the time of purchase.
85 Credit Not Processed

A Merchant did not process a Credit Transaction Receipt as required.
Table 7-24: Chargebacks at a Glance: Non-Receipt Goods/Services—Group 6
30 Services Not Provided or Merchandise Not Received

Merchant was unable or unwilling to provide services, or Cardholder or
authorized person did not receive the merchandise at the agreed-upon location
or by the agreed-upon date.
90 Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value at ATM or Load Device

Cardholder did not receive, or received only a portion of cash or Load
Transaction value.
Table 7-25: Chargebacks at a Glance: Listed in Table 7-25: Chargebacks at a Glance: Listed in
Numerical Order Numerical Order
Table 7-25: Chargebacks at a Glance: Listed in Numerical Order
Reason Code Reason Code Title Dispute Group
30 Services Not Provided or Merchandise Not Received 6
41 Cancelled Recurring Transaction 5
53 Not as Described or Defective Merchandise 5
57 Fraudulent Multiple Transactions 2
60 Illegible Fulfillment 1
62 Counterfeit Transaction 2
70 Card Recovery Bulletin or Exception File 3
71 Declined Authorization 3
72 No Authorization 3
73 Expired Card 3
74 Late Presentment 4
75 Transaction Not Recognized 1
76 Incorrect Currency or Transaction Code or Domestic Transaction 4

Processing Violation
77 Non-Matching Account Number 4
78 Service Code Violation 3
80 Incorrect Transaction Amount or Account Number 4
81 Fraud—Card-Present Environment 2
82 Duplicate Processing 4
83 Fraud—Card-Absent Environment 2
85 Credit Not Processed 5
86 Paid by Other Means 4
90 Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value at ATM or Load Device 6
93 Merchant Fraud Performance Program 2
96 Transaction Exceeds Limited Amount 4
7.7 ARBITRATION 7.7.B.2 Pre-Arbitration Response
7.7 ARBITRATION
Arbitration allows Visa to assign liability for a disputed Transaction when the Chargeback and
Representment process fails to resolve the dispute. This section specifies the allowable reasons
and procedures for Arbitration.
7.7.A Reason
If Members cannot resolve a dispute through the Chargeback and Representment process, a
Member may request Arbitration from Visa within the allowable time limits. The filing Member
is liable for any difference due to currency fluctuation between the amount originally presented
and the Chargeback or Representment amount.
7.7.B Pre-Arbitration Conditions

Before filing for Arbitration, the requesting Member must make a pre-Arbitration attempt if any
of the following conditions apply:
• New documentation or information is being provided to the opposing Member about the
dispute
• The Issuer changes the reason code for the dispute after the Representment was
processed
• Acquirer represented for Reason Code 81 involving an Airline Transaction, or for Reason
Code 83, with compelling evidence that the Cardholder participated in the Transaction.
Issuer must include recertification that states that the Cardholder did not participate in the
Transaction.
• The Transaction is an ATM Transaction and the ATM Transaction Record is required. The
Issuer must certify that either:
- The Cardholder requires a copy of the ATM Transaction Record
- The ATM Transaction Record is required for legal or insurance purposes
7.7.B.1 Pre-Arbitration Attempt

7.7.B.1.a A pre-Arbitration attempt must include the information required in Pre-Arbitration
Attempt (Exhibit 2N).
7.7.B.1.b The pre-Arbitration attempt must be initiated using a Visa-approved electronic case
filing method, at least 30 calendar days prior to the Arbitration filing date.
7.7.B.2 Pre-Arbitration Response

A Member must provide a copy of the ATM Transaction Record in response to a pre-
Arbitration request for an ATM Transaction.
7.7.B.3 Pre-Arbitration Acceptance or Rebuttal 7.7.C.2 Filing Procedures
7.7.B.3 Pre-Arbitration Acceptance or Rebuttal

7.7.B.3.a If the opposing Member accepts financial responsibility for the disputed Transaction,
it must credit the requesting Member for the last amount received by the requesting
Member through VisaNet, as specified in Section 8.6.B, within 30 calendar days of the
pre-Arbitration attempt date.
7.7.B.3.b If the opposing Member does not accept financial responsibility for the disputed
Transaction, the requesting Member may pursue Arbitration.
7.7.B.3.c Acceptance or rebuttal of a pre-Arbitration attempt must be made through a Visa-
approved electronic case filing method.
7.7.C Arbitration Process

7.7.C.1 Filing Reasons
A Member may file for Arbitration under the following conditions:
• Required documentation to support the Representment was incomplete or not
transmitted within 8 calendar days of the Representment Processing Date. The
Member must wait 15 calendar days from the Representment Processing Date before
filing for this reason.
• Acquirer improperly represented a Chargeback
• Issuer processed a prohibited second Chargeback following any Representment
• Acquirer processed a prohibited second Representment
• Acquirer Reference Number/Tracing Data or Account Number did not match the
original data in the first Presentment or Chargeback record
7.7.C.2 Filing Procedures

7.7.C.2.a Filing Authority
The requesting Member may file its Arbitration request with either:1
• Its Group Member
• Visa
7.7.C.2.b Time Limit
The requesting Member must file its request within 60 calendar days of the
Processing Date of the Representment or Chargeback, using a Visa-approved
electronic case filing method. The 60 calendar-day period begins on the day following
the Processing Date, and includes the 30 calendar-day pre-Arbitration waiting period.
7.7.C.2.c In addition to the time limits specified in Section 7.7.C.2.b, a Group Member has 30
additional calendar days to forward a case submitted by its Member to Visa.
1
In Visa Europe, the option to file directly with Visa International applies only to a Member that does not have a Group
Member.
7.7.C.3 Invalid Request 7.7.C.3 Invalid Request
7.7.C.2.d Required Documentation

When seeking Arbitration, the requesting Member must provide all of the following, in
English:
• Information required in Summary of Arbitration Documentation (Exhibit 2J) for each
Transaction
• Information required in Pre-Arbitration Attempt (Exhibit 2N), as applicable
• Information required in Dispute Resolution Form Instructions (Exhibit 2E-1 through
Exhibit 2E-6), as applicable
• For non-English documents, translations (unless the requesting Member did not
receive the previously submitted documents in English)
• Any supporting documentation to ensure a fair decision, such as Authorization
records, registers, Merchant documents, and Member files
Additional information or documentation not previously provided to the opposing
Member must not be included in the case filing.
7.7.C.2.e Filing Fee
Visa collects a US $X filing fee through VisaNet for requests submitted to Visa, as
specified in Section 8.6.A.
7.7.C.2.f Notification
The Member must send the Arbitration documentation for international Arbitration
cases electronically, using a Visa-approved method, within 60 calendar days of the
Processing Date of the Representment or Chargeback.
7.7.C.3 Invalid Request

7.7.C.3.a Group Members
If the Group Member determines that a request is invalid, it must return the request to
the requesting Member. The requesting Member has no further recourse with Visa.
7.7.C.4 Valid Request 7.7.C.4 Valid Request
7.7.C.3.b Visa
If Visa determines that a request is invalid, Visa may reject the case and retain the
filing fee in certain circumstances, such as:
• Documentation is illegible
• Summary of Arbitration Documentation (Exhibit 2J) information conflicts with
supporting documentation information
• Requesting Member did not file the request within the required time limits
• Requesting Member filed for Arbitration prematurely, not waiting 30 calendar days
for pre-Arbitration completion, if applicable
• Submitted documentation does not include evidence of a valid pre-Arbitration, if
applicable
• A single case was submitted involving multiple:
- Acquirers
- Issuers
- Account Numbers
- Merchants
- Filing reasons
7.7.C.4 Valid Request

7.7.C.4.a Visa Notification
For a valid request, Visa notifies both Members of acceptance and forwards a copy of
the case to the opposing Member.
7.7.C.4.b Opposing Member’s Response
The opposing Member must, within 30 calendar days of the Visa Notification, either:
• Respond to the Notification using a Visa-approved electronic case filing method
• Accept financial liability for the Transaction by notifying the requesting Member and
Visa
7.7.C.4.d Requesting Member’s Withdrawal, effective 4 April 2008
The requesting Member may withdraw its request. Once the case is withdrawn, Visa
will collect the filing fee from the responsible Member through VisaNet, as specified
in Section 8.6.A.
7.7.C.5 Appeal Rights Table 7-26: Arbitration Appeal Rights
7.7.C.4.e Visa Arbitration Decision

The Arbitration Committee bases its decision on all information available to it at the
time of reaching the decision, including, but not limited to, the provisions of the Visa
International Operating Regulations effective on the Transaction Date and may, at its
sole discretion, consider other factors such as the objective of ensuring fairness. The
decision is both:
• Issued in writing and delivered to both Members
• Final and not subject to any challenge, except for any right of appeal permitted
under Section 7.7.C.5
7.7.C.4.g Financial Liability, effective 4 April 2008
The decision may result in either:
• One Member assigned full liability
• Members sharing financial liability
The responsible Member is financially liable for all of the following, as specified in
Section 8.4.A:
If the opposing Member is responsible, the requesting Member may collect this
amount from the opposing Member through VisaNet within 60 calendar days of
written Notification from Visa.
• US Review fee
If the responsible Member has domestic currency exchange controls, Visa collects
this fee through VisaNet within 30 calendar days of Notification to the Member.
• US Filing fee
When the case is adjudicated Visa will collect the filing and review fees through
VisaNet from the responsible Member.
7.7.C.5 Appeal Rights

7.7.C.5.a Appeal Amount
The US dollar amount, or local currency equivalent of the case, determines whether
the adversely affected Member may appeal the decision, as shown in Table 7-26.
Table 7-26: Arbitration Appeal Rights
Disputed Amount Appeal Right Appeal Authority
Less than US $5,000 No Not applicable
US $5,000 to $100,000 Only if Member can provide Arbitration Committee

new evidence not previously
available
Greater than US $100,000 Only if Member can provide International Board

available
7.7.C.6 Appeal Filing Fee 7.9 FILING CONDITIONS
7.7.C.5.b Time Limits

The adversely affected Member must file for appeal within 60 calendar days of the
decision Notification date.
7.7.C.6 Appeal Filing Fee

7.7.C.6.a The requesting Member is assessed a filing fee.
7.7.C.6.b The requesting Member must not collect the filing fee from the opposing Member if
the original decision is reversed.
7.7.C.7 Finality of Decision on Appeal

The decision on any permitted appeal is final and not subject to any challenge.
7.8 COMPLIANCE
Compliance allows a Member that has no Chargeback or Representment right to file a complaint
against another Member for a violation of the Visa International Operating Regulations. Effective
1 July 2008, a Member may also file for Compliance using a different process, as specified in
Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules, Chapter 4, "Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance,
Effective 1 July 2008", for a violation of the Visa International Operating Regulations that results in
an incorrect Interchange Reimbursement Fee being assessed.1 This section specifies the allowable
reasons for Compliance and the Compliance procedures.
7.9 FILING CONDITIONS

A Member may file for Compliance if all of the following are true:
• Violation of the Visa International Operating Regulations occurred
• Member has no Chargeback or Representment right
• Member incurred or will incur a financial loss as a direct result of the violation
• Member would not have incurred the financial loss had the violation not occurred
A violation not involving a Transaction is resolved as specified in Section 1.6, and as deemed
appropriate by Visa.
1
7.10 PRE-COMPLIANCE CONDITIONS 7.10.D.3 Pre-Compliance Response
7.10 PRE-COMPLIANCE CONDITIONS

Before filing for Compliance, the requesting Member must attempt to resolve the dispute with the
opposing Member.
This attempt must include all of the following:
• Attempt date
• Clear identification as pre-Compliance attempt
• Planned Compliance filing date
• All pertinent documentation
• Specific section of the Visa International Operating Regulations violated
7.10.A Pre-Compliance Attempt

A pre-Compliance attempt must include the information required in Pre-Compliance
Questionnaire (Exhibit 2O).
The pre-Compliance attempt must be sent electronically, using a Visa-approved case filing
method, at least 30 calendar days prior to the Compliance filing date.
7.10.C Data Compromise Recovery

Effective for data compromise event alerts issued on or after 1 October 2007, a violation
involving a data compromise event is resolved as specified in Section 1.6.E and as
determined by Visa.
SEE ALSO:
• Section 1.6.E, Section 7.10.B, Section 7.11.B and Data Compromise Recovery
• Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules, Section 3.4.B, Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules,
Section 3.4.C, and Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules, Section 3.5.B.2.a
7.10.D Pre-Compliance Acceptance or Rebuttal

7.10.D.1 Pre-Compliance Acceptance
If the opposing Member accepts financial liability for the disputed Transaction, it must
credit the requesting Member for the last amount received by the requesting Member
through VisaNet, as specified in Section 8.6.B, within 30 calendar days of the pre-
Compliance attempt date.
7.10.D.2 Pre-Compliance Rebuttal

If the opposing Member does not accept financial liability for the disputed Transaction,
the requesting Member may pursue Compliance.
7.10.D.3 Pre-Compliance Response

Acceptance or rebuttal of a pre-Compliance attempt must be made through a Visa-
approved electronic case filing method.
7.11 COMPLIANCE PROCESS 7.11.A.2 Hotel Reservation Service or Specialized
Vehicle Reservation Service Transaction
7.11 COMPLIANCE PROCESS
7.11.A Filing Reasons

A Member may file for Compliance for any violation of the Visa International Operating
Regulations, including the Transaction violations listed below:
7.11.A.1 Chargeback Reduction Service Return

7.11.A.1.a The Chargeback Reduction Service returned a valid Chargeback resulting from an
Acquirer transmitting invalid data such as:
• Incorrect Transaction Date
• Incorrect Merchant Category Code
• Invalid indicator for the Merchant or Transaction type
• Incorrect state/country code or special condition indicator
Required Documentation: Evidence of incorrect or invalid data
7.11.A.1.b The Chargeback Reduction Service returns a Transaction with a valid Authorization.
Required Documentation: Both:
• Disputed Transaction Receipt
• Proof that the Transaction received an Authorization
7.11.A.2 Hotel Reservation Service or Specialized Vehicle Reservation Service Transaction

A Cardholder used a Card at a Hotel Reservation Service or Specialized Vehicle
Reservation Service Merchant Outlet to make a reservation, and one of the following
occurred:
• Cardholder used and paid for the accommodations or car rental services by an
alternate means and was charged a No-Show Transaction fee
Required Documentation: Receipt showing payment to the Merchant by an alternate
means
• Merchant provided alternate accommodations or vehicle but the Cardholder was
charged for the Transaction
Required Documentation: Cardholder letter confirming the check-in date or car rental
date, Merchant Outlet, and location of the alternate accommodations or vehicle
• No-Show Transaction amount was different than that quoted to the Cardholder
Required Documentation: Written confirmation copy with the quoted rates
• Merchant did not inform the Cardholder of the exact Merchant Outlet location.
Cardholder used and paid for the accommodations or car rental at another outlet of
that Merchant.
Required Documentation: Payment receipt copy for other Merchant Outlet
7.11.A.5 Copy Fulfillment 7.11.A.10 Electronic Commerce Transaction

(Attempts Authentication)
7.11.A.5 Copy Fulfillment

7.11.A.5.a An Acquirer cannot remedy Chargeback Reason Code 60, “Illegible Fulfillment”
because it is not able to provide a legible Transaction Receipt copy.
7.11.A.5.b Issuer or Cardholder requires copy of Transaction Receipt for legal proceedings or a
law enforcement investigation, and the Retrieval Request was made within 12 months
of the Transaction Processing Date.
Required Documentation, Either:
• Evidence that the Transaction Receipt is required for legal proceedings (e.g., court
order or subpoena)
• Issuer certification that the Transaction Receipt is required for a law enforcement
investigation
7.11.A.6 Delayed or Amended Charges

A Car Rental Company fails to support the charges for a dispute involving the validity of
delayed or amended charges for damage to a rental vehicle or a traffic violation, as
specified in Chapter 5, "Payment Acceptance."
7.11.A.7 Timeshare Transactions

An Issuer suffered a financial loss because the Merchant Category Code did not
correctly identify the Timeshare Merchant, as specified in Section 5.1.E.10.
7.11.A.8 Card Acceptance Violations

A Merchant accepted a Card in a Card-Present Environment for which it had no
Merchant Agreement, and Authorization was not obtained from the Issuer (e.g., a Visa
Electron Card or a Visa TravelMoney Card was accepted at a Visa Merchant with Manual
Capability).
7.11.A.9 Non-Card
A Merchant created a Transaction Receipt that has an Imprint but no Authorization and
the card was not a Visa Card, Visa Electron Card, or Counterfeit Card.
7.11.A.10 Electronic Commerce Transaction (Attempts Authentication)

A Cardholder requires additional information about an Electronic Commerce Transaction
coded with ECI value “6” and both:
• Cardholder did not assert that the Transaction was fraudulent
• Acquirer did not respond to the Retrieval Request with a Fulfillment or responded with
a Nonfulfillment Message code “03” or “04”
Required Documentation: Cardholder letter requesting more information about the
Transaction
7.11.B Filing Procedures 7.11.B.2 Time Limits
7.11.B Filing Procedures

7.11.B.1 Filing Authority
7.11.B.1.a The requesting Member may file its Compliance request with either:1
• Its Group Member
• Visa
7.11.B.1.b The requesting Member must file all international Compliance cases electronically,
using a Visa-approved electronic case filing method.
7.11.B.2 Time Limits

7.11.B.2.a The requesting Member must file its request within 120 calendar days of the following
dates. The 120 calendar-day period includes pre-Compliance and begins on the day
following these dates:
• For a Transaction violation, either:
- Processing Date
- 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 Member
• For other violations, the violation date. If the requesting Member does not meet the
allowed time limits, it loses its Compliance right and is financially liable for the
Transaction.
SEE ALSO:
• Section 1.6.E, Section 7.10.B, Section 7.10.C, and Data Compromise Recovery
• Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules, Section 3.4.B, Volume II—Dispute Resolution
Rules, Section 3.4.C, and Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules, Section 3.5.B.2.a
7.11.B.2.b In addition to the time limit specified in Section 7.11.B.2.a, a Group Member has
30 additional calendar days to forward a case submitted by its Member to Visa.
1
In Visa Europe, the option to file directly with Visa International applies only to a Member that does not have a Group
Member.
7.11.B.3 Required Documentation 7.11.C.1 Group Member
7.11.B.3 Required Documentation

When seeking Compliance, the requesting Member must submit all of the following, in
English:
• Information required in Summary of Compliance Questionnaire (Exhibit 2K) for each
Transaction
• Information required in Pre-Compliance Questionnaire (Exhibit 2O)
• If the Compliance involves a prior Chargeback, a completed Dispute Resolution Form
Instructions (Exhibit 2E) for each Chargeback or Representment
• Any supporting documentation to ensure a fair decision, such as Authorization
records, registers, Merchant documents, and Member files
• Documentation substantiating that a financial loss would not have resulted had the
violation not occurred
• For non-English documents, translations (unless the requesting Member did not
receive the previously submitted documents in English)
Additional information or documentation not previously provided to the opposing
Member must not be included in the case filing.
7.11.B.4 Filing Fee

Visa collects a US $X filing fee through VisaNet for requests submitted to Visa, as
specified in Section 8.4.A.
7.11.B.5 Notification
The requesting Member must send the required Compliance documentation for
international Compliance cases electronically, using a Visa-approved method.
7.11.C Invalid Request

7.11.C.1 Group Member
If the Group Member determines that a request is invalid, it must return the request to
the requesting Member. The requesting Member has no further recourse with Visa.
7.11.C.2 Visa 7.11.D.3 Requesting Member’s Withdrawal
7.11.C.2 Visa
If Visa determines that a request is invalid, it may reject the case and retain the filing fee
in certain circumstances, such as:
• Requesting Member did not provide all necessary documentation
• Documentation is illegible
• Information required in the Summary of Compliance Questionnaire (Exhibit 2K)
conflicts with supporting documentation
• Submitted documentation does not include evidence of a valid pre-Compliance
attempt
• A single case was submitted involving multiple:
- Acquirers
- Issuers
- Account Numbers
- Merchants
7.11.D Valid Request

7.11.D.1 Visa Notification
For a valid request, the Compliance Committee notifies both Members of acceptance
and forwards a copy of the case to the opposing Member.
7.11.D.2 Opposing Member’s Response

The opposing Member must, within 30 calendar days of the Visa Notification date,
either:
• Respond to the Notification using a Visa-approved electronic case filing method
• Accept financial liability for the Transaction by notifying Visa and the requesting
Member
7.11.D.3 Requesting Member’s Withdrawal

7.11.D.3.a The requesting Member may withdraw its request.
7.11.D.3.d Effective 4 April 2008, once the case is withdrawn,Visa will collect the filing fee from
the responsibleMember through VisaNet, as specified in Section 8.6.A.
7.11.D.4 Visa Compliance Decision 7.11.D.5 Financial Liability
7.11.D.4 Visa Compliance Decision

7.11.D.4.a The Compliance Committee bases its decision on all information available to it at the
time of reaching the decision, including, but not limited to, the provisions of the Visa
International Operating Regulations effective on the Transaction Date and may, at its
sole discretion, consider other factors such as the objective of ensuring fairness. The
decision is both:
• Delivered to both Members
• Final and not subject to any challenge, except for any right of appeal permitted
under Section 7.11.E.
7.11.D.4.b If Visa determines that the delayed or amended charge specified in Section 7.11.A.6
is unsupportable or unreasonable, Visa may find the Acquirer liable for some or all of
the charge.
7.11.D.5 Financial Liability

7.11.D.5.a The decision may result in either:
• One Member assigned full liability
• Members sharing financial liability
7.11.D.5.c Effective 4 April 2008, the responsible Member is financially liable for all of the
following, as specified in Section 8.4.A:
If the opposing Member is responsible, the requesting Member may collect this
amount from the opposing Member through VisaNet within 60 calendar days of
written Notification from Visa.
• US Review fee
If the responsible Member has domestic currency exchange controls, Visa collects
this fee through VisaNet within 30 calendar days of written Notification to the
Member.
• US Filing fee
Effective 4 April 2008, Visa will collect the filing and review fees through VisaNet
from the responsible Member.
7.11.E Appeal Rights 7.11.E.4 Finality of Decision on Appeal
7.11.E Appeal Rights

7.11.E.1 Appeal Amount
The US dollar amount, or local currency equivalent of the case, determines whether the
adversely affected Member may appeal the decision, as shown in Table 7-27.
Table 7-27: Compliance Appeal Rights
Disputed Amount Appeal Right Appeal Authority
Less than US $5,000 No Not applicable
US $5,000 to $100,000 Only if Member can provide Compliance Committee

available
Greater than US $100,000 Only if Member can provide International Board

available
7.11.E.2 Time Limits

The adversely affected Member must file any appeal within 60 calendar days of the
decision Notification date.
7.11.E.3 Appeal Filing Fee

7.11.E.3.a The requesting Member is assessed a filing fee.
7.11.E.3.b The requesting Member must not collect the filing fee from the opposing Member if
the original decision is reversed.
7.11.E.4 Finality of Decision on Appeal

The decision on any permitted appeal is final and not subject to any challenge.
7.12 INTERCHANGE REIMBURSEMENT FEE 7.13.A Eligibility Criteria

COMPLIANCE (EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 2008)
7.12 INTERCHANGE REIMBURSEMENT FEE COMPLIANCE

(EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 2008)
The Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance process allows a Member to request
Compliance against another Member for violations of the Visa International Operating Regulations
or Regional Operating Regulations that result in the application of an incorrect Interchange
Reimbursement Fee to a large number of Transactions.
The process permits a filing Member to aggregate multiple Transactions, affected by the application
of an incorrect Interchange Reimbursement Fee, into a single claim as specified in Section 7.13.B.
This chapter specifies the allowable reasons and the required procedures for filing Interchange
Reimbursement Fee Compliance. Compliance procedures for violations unrelated to Interchange
Reimbursement Fee are specified in Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules, Chapter 3,
"Compliance".
7.13 INTERCHANGE REIMBURSEMENT FEE FILING CONDITIONS

This section lists the criteria for filing Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance.1 A Member that
fails to meet these criteria may use the standard Compliance process described in Volume II—
Dispute Resolution Rules, Chapter 3, "Compliance", if it meets the applicable criteria.
Visa reserves the right to refuse participation in the Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance
process by a filing Member. The decision to refuse participation by Visa is final and not subject to
any challenge.
7.13.A Eligibility Criteria

A Member may file for Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance if all of the following can
be substantiated:
• Violation of the Visa International Operating Regulations or the Regional Operating

Regulations occurred
• Member received or paid incorrect Interchange Reimbursement Fee as a direct result of the
violation
• Member’s financial loss is a direct result of an incorrectly applied Interchange

Reimbursement Fee rate
• Member would not have incurred a financial loss had the violation not occurred
• The violating Transaction was processed through VisaNet
• The Interchange Reimbursement Fee rate paid or received is not governed by any bi-lateral
or private agreements, either domestic, intra-regional, or inter-regional
• Visa has screened the request in accordance with Section 7.14.A and granted permission
for the Member to file
1
7.13.B Transaction Aggregation Criteria 7.14.A.1 Correspondence
7.13.B Transaction Aggregation Criteria

For purported violations involving an incorrectly assessed Interchange Reimbursement Fee
rate, a filing Member may aggregate Transactions into a single Interchange Reimbursement
Fee Compliance case. The aggregated Transactions must have both:
• Violated the same Visa Operating Regulation
• Involved the same opposing Member
7.13.C Transaction Aggregation Limit

The number of Transactions a Member can aggregate into a single Interchange
Reimbursement Fee Compliance case must be both:
• More than 500
• Less than 50,000
7.14 INTERCHANGE REIMBURSEMENT FEE COMPLIANCE GENERAL

REQUIREMENTS (EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 2008)
This section details the general requirements associated with filing an Interchange Reimbursement
Fee Compliance case.
7.14.A Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening

A Member must submit a screening request to its Regional Office prior to filing an Interchange
Reimbursement Fee Compliance case. Section 7.14 and Section 7.15 detail the requirements
and criteria for filing Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance.
7.14.A.1 Correspondence
7.14.A.1.a A Member must contact its Regional Office for permission to use the Interchange
Reimbursement Fee Compliance process and request the Interchange
Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening Form and the Global Interchange
Reimbursement Fee Compliance Process Guide.
7.14.A.1.b The Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening Form must be
completed by an officer of the filing Member and submitted within the time limits
specified in Section 7.14.A.2.
7.14.A.2 Filing Period 7.14.A.4 Visa Interchange Reimbursement Fee

Compliance Screening Decision
7.14.A.1.c The Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening Form must be

submitted along with other necessary supporting documentation including a data file
containing the list of affected Transactions and the following information:
• Description of the alleged Interchange Reimbursement Fee violation
• The Interchange Reimbursement Fee type for which the Transactions were eligible
• The total Interchange Reimbursement Fee assessed
• Name of the opposing Member
• Number of Transactions
• Range of Transaction Dates included in the aggregated claim
• Selected filing period, as specified in Section 7.14.A.2
• Certification that all Transactions included in the aggregated claim have been
accurately identified as having received an incorrect Interchange Reimbursement
Fee rate
7.14.A.2 Filing Period

7.14.A.2.a The filing Member must submit the Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance
Screening Form to its Regional Office within 90 calendar days of either:
• The Processing Date of the oldest Transaction submitted in the aggregated claim
• The date the Member discovered the violation, not to exceed 2 years from the
Processing Date of the oldest Transaction submitted in the aggregated claim
7.14.A.2.b Visa will reject a Member’s request to include Transactions beyond 90 days of the
Processing Date of the oldest Transaction submitted in the aggregated claim except
when it determines that extenuating circumstances prevented the Member from
discovering the violation sooner.
7.14.A.2.c If Visa rejects a Member’s attempt to include Transactions beyond 90 days of the
Processing Date, as specified in Section 7.14.A.2.b, the Member may resubmit a
revised Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening Form containing
only the Transactions within 90 calendar days of the Processing Date.
7.14.A.3 Certification
7.14.A.3.a The Member must certify that all Transactions in the aggregated claim were assessed
an incorrect Interchange Reimbursement Fee rate.
7.14.A.3.b Visa reserves the right to reject all or part of the claim as specified in
Section 7.14.A.5.a, if it determines that some Transactions in the aggregated claim
were assessed the correct Interchange Reimbursement Fee.
7.14.A.4 Visa Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening Decision

7.14.A.4.a Visa will analyze all the information made available by the requesting Member upon
receipt of the Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening Form.
7.14.A.4.b Visa will determine the eligibility of each request on the basis of the information
provided by the Member in accordance with the rules in effect on the Transaction
Date, as stipulated in the applicable Operating Regulations and the Global
Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Process Guide.
7.14.A.5 Invalid Requests—Compliance Screening 7.14.A.6 Re-submitting an Interchange
Reimbursement Fee Compliance Request
7.14.A.4.c Visa will communicate its screening decision to the requesting Member within
10 calendar days of receipt of the Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance
Screening Form. The decision is final and not subject to any challenge.
7.14.A.4.d If Visa approves a Member’s request to use the Interchange Reimbursement Fee
Compliance process, the Member may file pre-Compliance as specified in
Section 7.14.A.6.
7.14.A.4.e If Visa denies a Member’s request to use the Interchange Reimbursement Fee
Compliance process, the Member:
• Must not resubmit the claim except as specified in Section 7.14.B
• May use the standard Compliance process specified in Volume II—Dispute
Resolution Rules, Chapter 3, "Compliance"
• Forfeits the Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening fee specified
in Section 7.14.A.7
7.14.A.4.f Visa reserves the right to reject a Member’s request to file Interchange
Reimbursement Fee Compliance for any reason, including those specified in
Section 7.14.A.5.
7.14.A.5 Invalid Requests—Compliance Screening

7.14.A.5.a Visa may deny a Member’s request to use Interchange Reimbursement Fee
Compliance for any reason including, but not limited to, the following:
• It reasonably concludes that a Member’s failure to exercise due diligence
prevented the violation from being discovered within 90 days from the Transaction
Processing Date
• If it determines that the assessment of the incorrect Interchange Reimbursement
Fee resulted from an error (intentional or accidental) by the filing Member
• If, contrary to Member certification specified in Section 7.14.A.3.a, Visa determines
that some Transactions included in the aggregated list were assessed the correct
Interchange Reimbursement Fee
7.14.A.5.b The decision regarding a Member’s ability to file Interchange Reimbursement Fee
Compliance is final and not subject to any challenge.
7.14.A.5.c A Member whose request for Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance has been
rejected as specified in this section may resubmit the request under certain
circumstances as stated in Section 7.14.A.6.
7.14.A.6 Re-submitting an Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Request

7.14.A.6.a If a Member’s Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening request is
rejected due to the Member’s failure to discover the violation within 90 calendar days,
as specified in Section 7.14.A.5.a, the Member may resubmit the Interchange
Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening request with Transactions that are within
90 calendar days of the Processing Date of the oldest Transaction submitted in the
aggregated claim.
7.14.A.7 Fees 7.14.B.1 Attempt to Resolve
7.14.A.6.b Except as specified in Section 7.14.A.5.a, a Member may not resubmit any
Transactions for Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance if the original request
was denied by Visa for failing to meet the certification requirements specified in
Section 7.14.A.6.a.
7.14.A.6.c A Member who has been denied use of the Interchange Reimbursement Fee
Compliance process may file Compliance as specified in Volume II—Dispute
Resolution Rules, Chapter 3, "Compliance", if the Transactions qualify for the time
limits established for the standard Compliance process.
7.14.A.7 Fees
7.14.A.7.a Visa assesses a screening fee to the requesting Member for each aggregated
Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening Form submitted.
7.14.A.7.b The Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening fee is collected through
the Global Member Billing Solution, and charged to the BIN noted on the Interchange
Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening Form.
7.14.A.7.c If the Member’s request to use the Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance
process is denied, the Member forfeits the Interchange Reimbursement Fee
Compliance Screening fee.
7.14.B Interchange Reimbursement Fee Pre-Compliance

If Visa approves a Member’s screening request for Interchange Reimbursement Fee
Compliance as specified in Section 7.14.A.4.c, the Member must first attempt to resolve the
dispute with the opposing Member through the pre-Compliance process.
7.14.B.1 Attempt to Resolve

7.14.B.1.a To initiate Interchange Reimbursement Fee pre-Compliance, the filing Member must
submit to the opposing Member a properly completed Pre-Compliance Questionnaire
(Exhibit 2O) through Visa Resolve Online.
7.14.B.1.b The filing Member must choose the violation code that corresponds to “Inappropriate
Interchange Reimbursement Fee” in Visa Resolve Online.
7.14.B.1.c In addition to filing through Visa Resolve Online, the filing Member must send a copy
of the signed Pre-Compliance Questionnaire (Exhibit 2O) to Visa as instructed by its
Regional Office.
7.14.B.1.d The filing Member must also submit to Visa the following:
• The Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening Form evidencing
Visa approval of a Member’s Request to file Interchange Reimbursement Fee
Compliance
• An encrypted spreadsheet file containing a list of disputed Transactions and the
data fields specified in Section 7.14.B.1.e. The file must be transmitted to Visa, as
specified in Section 7.14.B.2. Visa forwards the file to the opposing Member.
• Any other pertinent documentation
7.14.B.2 Delivery of Pre-Compliance 7.14.B.3 Time Limit
Documentation
7.14.B.1.e For each Transaction aggregated in the claim, the filing Member must include the
• Account Number
• Acquirer BIN
• Acquirer Reference Number
• Processing Date
• Transaction Date
• Interchange Reimbursement Fee applied
• Expected Interchange Reimbursement Fee
• Interchange Reimbursement Fee differential amount being claimed
• Merchant name
7.14.B.2 Delivery of Pre-Compliance Documentation

7.14.B.2.a The Member must submit the Pre-Compliance Questionnaire (Exhibit 2O) through
Visa Resolve Online to the opposing Member. At the same time, the filing Member
must electronically transmit another copy of the Pre-Compliance Questionnaire
(Exhibit 2O) to Visa via a Visa-approved secure mechanism as specified in the Global
Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Process Guide, or as instructed by the
Regional Office.
7.14.B.2.b In addition to the Pre-Compliance Questionnaire (Exhibit 2O), the filing Member must
transmit a data file containing the Transaction information in an encrypted format
through the same Visa-approved secure mechanism.
7.14.B.2.c Visa will forward the encrypted data file to the opposing Member through the same
secure process. The filing Member may not forward the file directly to the opposing
Member.
7.14.B.3 Time Limit

7.14.B.3.a The Pre-Compliance Questionnaire (Exhibit 2O) must be sent to the opposing
Member and Visa within both:
• 10 calendar days of receiving screening approval from Visa, as specified in
Section 7.14.A.4.c
• At least 30 days before filing Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance
7.14.B.3.b The 10 day period begins from the date stamped on the Interchange Reimbursement
Fee Compliance Screening Form returned by Visa approving the Member’s request
to file Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance.
7.14.C Pre-Compliance Acceptance 7.15.B.2 Filing Time Limits
7.14.C Pre-Compliance Acceptance

If the opposing Member accepts financial responsibility for the disputed Transactions or if the
filing Member and opposing Member reach a mutually agreeable settlement, the opposing
Member must credit the requesting Member through VisaNet within 30 calendar days of the
Interchange Reimbursement Fee pre-Compliance correspondence date.
The filing Member may collect the screening fee from the responsible Member.
7.14.D Filing Compliance

If the opposing Member does not accept financial responsibility for the disputed Transactions
and an agreeable settlement cannot be reached, the filing Member may proceed to file
Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance.
Before filing for Compliance, the filing Member must verify that no credit has been received
from the opposing Member.
7.15 INTERCHANGE REIMBURSEMENT FEE COMPLIANCE PROCESS

7.15.A Filing Reasons

A Member may file Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance for a violation of the Visa
International Operating Regulations or the Regional Operating Regulations which results in an
incorrect Interchange Reimbursement Fee assessment, if the Member’s attempt to settle the
dispute with the opposing Member via the pre-Compliance process is unsuccessful.1
7.15.B Filing Procedures

7.15.B.1 Required Documentation
7.15.B.1.a The filing Member must submit to Visa all necessary documentation approved by the
Center manager or an authorized officer.
7.15.B.1.b Unless specifically requested by Visa, no additional documents will be accepted
subsequent to the initial Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance filing.
7.15.B.2 Filing Time Limits

7.15.B.2.a The Member must submit a completed Summary of Compliance Questionnaire
(Exhibit 2K) through Visa Resolve Online within 60 calendar days of filing the
Pre-Compliance Questionnaire (Exhibit 2O) specified in Section 7.14.B.1.a.
7.15.B.2.b The calendar day period begins on the day following the date on which the Member
submits the Pre-Compliance Questionnaire (Exhibit 2O).
1
7.15.B.3 Delivery 7.15.E.1 Visa Review
7.15.B.3 Delivery
Any additional documentation required to support an Interchange Reimbursement Fee
Compliance filing must be transmitted through Visa Resolve Online:
• On the same day as the case filing
• As specified in the Visa International Operating Regulations or Regional Operating
Regulations and in the appropriate VisaNet User’s Manuals
7.15.B.4 Review Fee

7.15.B.4.a For Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance requests submitted to Visa, the
filing Member will be assessed a review fee.
7.15.B.4.b If either the opposing Member or the filing Member withdraw the Interchange
Reimbursement Fee Compliance case prior to a decision by Visa, as specified in
Section 7.15.D, Visa will reimburse the review fee to the filing Member.
7.15.B.4.c The filing Member forfeits the review fee if Visa determines that the case has no merit.
7.15.C Invalid Requests—Compliance Process

If Visa determines that a request is invalid, it may retain the review fee in certain
circumstances, such as:
• Documentation is insufficient or illegible
• Required documentation was not provided to the opposing Member
• Authorization of the Member’s Center manager is missing
• Requesting Member did not use available remedies provided for in the Visa International
• Submitted documentation does not include evidence of a valid pre-Compliance attempt
7.15.D Compliance Filing Withdrawal

A filing Member or the opposing Member may withdraw the request for Interchange
Reimbursement Fee Compliance. The withdrawal request must be submitted to Visa through
Visa Resolve Online no later than 30 days from the date of submission. Visa retains the
screening fee.
7.15.E Visa Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Decision

7.15.E.1 Visa Review
7.15.E.1.a Upon receipt of the supporting documentation, Visa investigates the claim and
communicates its decision to both Members in writing.
7.15.E.1.b Visa uses all the information available to it at the time of reaching its decision and
refers to the Visa International Operating Regulations or Regional Operating
Regulations in effect on the date of the Transactions.
7.15.E.2 Financial Liability 7.15.E.4 Exchange Rate Risk
7.15.E.1.c Visa reserves the right to rule in favor of the filing Member if Visa determines that the
claim has merit and the opposing Member does not respond.
7.15.E.1.d If Visa determines that a request is valid, it may allocate financial liability as specified
in Section 7.15.E.2.
7.15.E.1.e When an Issuer’s and Acquirer’s records differ, V.I.P. System records will prevail.
7.15.E.1.f Visa informs both Members of its decision in writing.
7.15.E.1.g The decision by Visa is final and not subject to any challenge, except for the right of
appeal permitted under Section 7.15.F.
7.15.E.2 Financial Liability

7.15.E.2.a If Visa determines that the opposing Member is responsible, the opposing Member is
financially liable for all of the following:
• Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening fee
• Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance review fee
• The amount of the claim, or a portion thereof
7.15.E.2.b If the opposing Member is not found responsible, the filing Member:
• Forfeits the entire claim amount
• Forfeits the Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening fee and the
review fee
• Is prohibited from resubmitting any Transactions from that claim through another
Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance process
7.15.E.3 Collection and Settlement

7.15.E.3.a Visa collects the settled claim amount from the responsible Member through VisaNet
and disburses it to the prevailing Member.
7.15.E.3.b If the opposing Member is responsible, Visa collects the Interchange Reimbursement
Fee Compliance Screening fee and the review fee to reimburse the filing Member, in
addition to the claim amount disbursed through VisaNet.
7.15.E.4 Exchange Rate Risk

7.15.E.4.a If the Transactions involve currency conversion, Visa will use the currency exchange
rate in effect on the day of the Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance filing.
7.15.E.4.b Visa is not liable for any Claims or Liabilities arising from any losses incurred by the
filing or opposing Member as a result of any difference in the exchange rate between
the Transaction Processing Date and the date the claim is settled.
7.15.F Appeal Rights 7.15.F.3 Appeal Decision
7.15.F Appeal Rights

7.15.F.1 Time Limits
7.15.F.1.a Any appeal by the adversely affected Member must be filed through Visa Resolve
Online within 45 calendar days of the decision Notification date.
7.15.F.1.b The appealing Member must submit with the appeal any new or additional information
necessary to substantiate its request for an appeal.
7.15.F.2 Appeal Fee

Visa will collect from the Member an appeal fee.
7.15.F.3 Appeal Decision

7.15.F.3.a Visa bases its decision on the new information provided by the requesting Member.
Each Member may submit arguments supporting its position. All decisions are final
and not subject to any challenge.
7.15.F.3.b Visa may decline an appeal if the new information is insufficient to support a change
to the initial Visa decision. If the appeal is not accepted, Visa retains the appeal fee.
SEE ALSO:
Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules, Chapter 4, "Interchange Reimbursement Fee
Compliance, Effective 1 July 2008"
10 Card and Marks Requirements
10.1 INTRODUCTION
A Member that fails to comply with the governing documents specified in:
• Section 1.7
• This chapter
• Visa Product Brand Standards
is subject to the fines and penalties specified in Section 1.6.
10.2.A Graphic Reproduction of Visa-Owned Marks

10.2.A.1 Approval
A Member must submit proposed designs for all Cards and Point-of-Transaction
displays to its Visa Regional Office for written approval:
• Prior to production
• Each time the design is changed
10.2.A.2 Usage Requirements

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.
10.2.B Visa-Owned Marks

10.2.B.1 The Visa Brand Mark
The Visa Brand Mark is a Visa-Owned Mark that appears on applications that represent
the Visa organization and its product and service offerings. The Visa Brand Mark must
appear exactly as specified in Figure 10-1 and the Visa Product Brand Standards.
10.2.B.1.a Effective 1 September 2005 through 28 February 2007, an Issuer may issue or
reissue a Visa Card bearing either the Visa Flag Symbol or Visa Brand Mark. The Visa
Card bearing the:
• Visa Flag Symbol must both:
• Visa Brand Mark must comply with the Visa Product Brand Standards
Figure 10-1 Visa Brand Mark with the Electron 10.2.B.2 The Visa Brand Mark with the Electron
Identifier Identifier
10.2.B.1.b All newly-created Visa Cards issued or reissued must both:

• Bear the Visa Brand Mark
An Issuer may issue or reissue a Visa Card bearing the Visa Flag Symbol to deplete
existing card stock. The Visa Card must both:
10.2.B.1.c Effective 1 July 2011, all Visa Cards must bear the Visa Brand Mark.
Figure 10-1 Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
Visa Gold
Visa Blue
10.2.B.2 The Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier

The Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier is a Visa-Owned Mark that must appear
on the front of a Card as specified in Figure 10-2 and the Visa Product Brand Standards.
10.2.B.2.a Effective 1 September 2005 through 28 February 2007, an Issuer may issue or
reissue a Visa Electron Card bearing either the Visa Electron Symbol or Visa Brand
Mark with the Electron Identifier. The Visa Electron Card bearing the:
• Visa Electron Symbol must both:
• Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier must comply with the Visa Product
Brand Standards
10.2.B.2.b All newly-created Visa Electron Cards issued or reissued must both:
• Bear the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
An Issuer may issue or reissue a Visa Electron Card bearing the Visa Electron Symbol
to deplete existing card stock. The Visa Electron Card must both:
Figure 10-2 Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Figure 10-3 V PAY Brand Mark
Identifier
10.2.B.2.c Effective 1 July 2011, all Visa Electron Cards must bear the Visa Brand Mark with
the Electron Identifier.
Figure 10-2 Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
Visa Gold
Visa Blue
ELECTRON
10.2.B.3 Plus Program Marks
The Plus Symbol must only be displayed at an ATM that accepts Cards bearing the Plus
Symbol for ATM services. Any changes to this provision requires a majority vote of the
directors in attendance at any Visa International Board meeting, where a quorum is
present.
10.2.B.4 V PAY Brand Mark

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 of Visa Europe is subject to approval and
trademark availability. The V PAY Brand Mark must appear exactly as specified in
Figure 10-3.
Figure 10-3 V PAY Brand Mark
10.3 PRODUCT NAMES 10.3.C The Visa Commercial Card Product Name
10.3 PRODUCT NAMES

If a Member uses a Visa Product Name in typed or printed text, it must comply with this section
and the Visa Product Brand Standards. Visa Product Names include, but are not limited to, the
following:
• Visa
• Classic
• Gold
• Premier
• Visa Business
• Visa Corporate
• Purchasing
• Visa Electron
• Visa Infinite
• Visa Signature
• Visa Platinum
• Plus
• Verified by Visa
• Visa TravelMoney
• V PAY
10.3.A The Visa Platinum Product Name

A Member using the Product Name “Visa Platinum” or its local language equivalent must
comply with the Visa Product Brand Standards.
10.3.B The Visa Infinite Product Name

The Product Name “Visa Infinite” must appear on all Visa Infinite Cards in English only, as
specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards.
10.3.C The Visa Commercial Card Product Name

A Member must not:
• Position a Visa Business, Visa Corporate, or Visa Purchasing Card as something other
than a Visa Card for the payment of business expenditures
• Position its Trade Name or Mark as adding superior acceptance of the Card at the Point-
of-Transaction
10.3.D The V Distribution Identifier 10.7 EXTRANEOUS MARKINGS IN CARD
PRODUCTION
10.3.D The V Distribution Identifier

A Visa Business or Visa Purchasing Card issued under the V Distribution Program must use
the Identifier “V Distribution” instead of the Identifier “Visa Business” or “Visa Purchasing.”
10.4 NON-CARD USE OF VISA-OWNED MARKS
10.4.A Use at a Point-of-Transaction

A Member or Merchant must display the appropriate Marks to indicate which Cards it accepts
for payment, as specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards.
10.4.B Merchant Outlets and Member Locations

A Merchant Website must display the Visa Brand Mark as specified in the Visa Product Brand
Standards.
The Visa Brand Name must only be used to indicate acceptance when a visual representation
of the Visa Brand Mark is not possible at the Merchant Website.
A Merchant displaying the Verified by Visa Mark on its Website must comply with the Visa
Product Brand Standards.
10.5 CARD REPRODUCTIONS

A Member:
• Must produce a Card as specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards
• Must not distribute or display a reproduction of a Card as an indication of acceptance of Visa

products at the Point-of-Transaction
10.6 CARD MANUFACTURER REQUIREMENTS

Each Card bearing a Magnetic Stripe or Chip must be produced by an Approved Manufacturer,
as specified in Volume I—General Rules, Section 2.2.A and Security Validation Requirements
for Card Vendors. Upon request, Visa will supply a list of Approved Manufacturers and the Card
products they are permitted to produce.
10.7 EXTRANEOUS MARKINGS IN CARD PRODUCTION

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.
10.8 ELECTRONIC CARD-READING 10.8.B.2 Encoding and Personalization

TECHNOLOGIES Requirements
10.8 ELECTRONIC CARD-READING TECHNOLOGIES
10.8.A Overview
A Visa Card or Visa Electron Card must bear a Magnetic Stripe and optionally may bear a Chip
for the purpose of electronic card-reading.
10.8.B Chip Card Technology

10.8.B.1.a An Issuer must notify Visa of its intention to use Chip technology on Cards at least 60
calendar days prior to issuance.
10.8.B.1.b If the Chip is designed to support a purchase, credit, Cash Disbursement, or other
directly related financial application, the Issuer must obtain prior approval for issuance
from Visa.
10.8.B.2 Encoding and Personalization Requirements

10.8.B.2.a An Issuer must use a Service Code on all EMV- and VIS-Compliant Chip Cards
bearing the Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier as
specified in the:
10.8.B.2.b The Payment Application encoded in the Magnetic Stripe must also be facilitated by
the Chip.
10.8.B.2.c The Cardholder name in the Chip must be the same as the name displayed on the
Card and encoded in the Magnetic Stripe.
10.8.B.2.d Information in the Chip Magnetic-Stripe Image must be the same as that encoded in
the Magnetic Stripe.
10.8.B.2.e Effective 1 January 2009, all newly issued EMV Chip Cards and existing EMV Chip
Cards on renewal must use Chip Card Verification Value—iCVV as part of the
Magnetic-Stripe Image, as defined in the Payment Technology Standards Manual.1
1
10.8.C Magnetic-Stripe Technology 10.8.C.4 Visa Electron Cards
10.8.B.2.f A Chip Card may facilitate access to non-Visa services provided the:
• Services do not compromise the security or functional integrity of the Visa Smart
Payment Applications
• Additions of these services are managed and controlled by the Issuer or its
sponsored member
• Issuer indemnifies Visa from any and all Claims or losses resulting from non-Visa
services facilitated by the Chip Card
10.8.B.2.g If an application effective date 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.
10.8.B.2.h 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.
10.8.B.2.i Magnetic-Stripe track 2 information and the Cardholder name from track 1 must be
contained in the Chip (other track 1 discretionary data is optional).
10.8.C Magnetic-Stripe Technology

10.8.C.1 Orientation
The Magnetic Stripe must be on the back of the Visa Card as specified in the Visa
Product Brand Standards.
10.8.C.2 Magnetic-Stripe Encoding

10.8.C.2.a The Magnetic Stripe on a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card must be encoded on both
track 1 and 2, as specified in the Payment Technology Standards Manual.1
10.8.C.2.b An Issuer may encode its Card acceptance policies in the Service Code field of the
Magnetic Stripe using all Service Codes valid for the applicable Card product.
Service Code values must be encoded as specified in the Payment Technology
Standards Manual.
10.8.C.3 Card Verification Value

All Cards, including Emergency Replacement Cards, must be encoded with the Card
Verification Value, as specified in the Card Verification Value Specifications Guide and
the Payment Technology Standards Manual.
10.8.C.4 Visa Electron Cards

10.8.C.4.a An Issuer must encode the Magnetic Stripe on each Visa Electron Card as specified
in the Payment Technology Standards Manual.
10.8.C.4.b The Issuer must encode a Service Code designated for Visa Electron Cards as
specified in the Payment Technology Standards Manual.
1
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the LAC Region for Magnetic Stripe personalization of
instant issue embossed Visa Cards.
10.9 CARD FEATURE REQUIREMENTS 10.9 CARD FEATURE REQUIREMENTS
10.9 CARD FEATURE REQUIREMENTS

Effective 1 September 2005 through 28 February 2007, an Issuer may issue or reissue a Visa
Card or Visa Electron Card bearing either the:
• Visa Flag Symbol or Visa Electron Symbol. The Card bearing either the Visa Flag Symbol or
Visa Electron Symbol must both:
• Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier. The Card bearing either the
Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier must comply with the Visa
Product Brand Standards
All newly-created Visa Cards and Visa Electron Cards issued or reissued must both:
An Issuer may issue or reissue a Card bearing either the Visa Flag Symbol or Visa Electron
Symbol to deplete existing card stock. The Card bearing either the Visa Flag Symbol or Visa
Electron Symbol must both:
Effective 1 July 2011, all Visa Cards and Visa Electron Cards must bear either the Visa Brand
Mark or Visa Brand Mark with Electron Identifier, as specified in the Visa Product Brand
Standards.
Table 10-1 specifies requirements for the front of the following Cards:
• Embossed Visa Cards
• Unembossed Visa Cards
• Visa Electron Cards
SEE:
• Section 3.1.E for Account Number specifications
• Section 3.1.F for expiration date standards
• The Visa Product Brand Standards for complete embossing and printing requirements for the front and
back of Visa and Visa Electron Cards
10.9.A Additional Card Feature Specifications 10.10.A.2 Placement
10.9.A Additional Card Feature Specifications

10.9.A.1 Vehicle-Specific Fleet Card
A Cardholder name must be replaced by an embossed vehicle license number or unique
vehicle number on the front of a Vehicle-Specific Fleet Card.
10.9.A.2 Expiration Date and Card Symbol

The expiration date contained in the Chip must be the same as the expiration date
encoded in the Magnetic Stripe and displayed on the Card. The expiration date of
proprietary services on the Card, if applicable, must not exceed the Visa or Visa Electron
Payment Application expiration date.
10.9.B Visa Electron Cards

Visa Electron Cards must not be embossed, except under specific conditions where regional
variances apply.1 When used, embossing must comply with Section 10.9 or the Visa Product
Brand Standards.
10.10 OTHER CARD SECURITY FEATURES
10.10.A Chip Cards

10.10.A.1 Specifications
An Issuer of Cards bearing a Chip must:
• Comply with the Visa Integrated Circuit Card Specifications, available from Visa
• Comply with the requirements specified in this section, Section 10.8.B and Chapter 3,
"Issuer Requirements & Information"
• Ensure that any Chip used to facilitate Visa payment services complies with Visa Chip
security and service-level standards
• Ensure that its Chip Cards meet EMV Integrated Circuit Card for Payment Systems
Specifications2
10.10.A.2 Placement
The Chip must:
• Be on the front of the Card
• Comply with the International Organization for Standardization Standard 7816–2,
Reference Number ISO/IEC 7816–2:1988 (E) – “Identification on Cards–Integrated
Circuit(s) Cards with Contacts–Part 2: Dimensions and Locations of the Contacts”
1 A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the CEMEA Region.

2
Visa may grant a variance to this requirement provided that a reasonable time limit for compliance is established.
10.10.B Printing of Card Verification Value 2 10.11.B Other Brand Marks
10.10.B Printing of Card Verification Value 2

10.10.B.1 Visa Cards
All Visa Cards must bear a Card Verification Value 2, as specified in the:
• Card Verification Value Specifications Guide
Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) is optional for a Proprietary Card bearing a Plus
Symbol.
10.10.B.2 Visa Electron Cards

If the full Account Number is used, an Issuer must indent-print a Card Verification
Value 2 on the back of a Visa Electron Card, as specified in the:
• Card Verification Value Specifications Guide
10.11 MULTIPLE MARKS ON CARDS
10.11.A Hierarchy of Marks

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:
• Visa Brand Mark
• Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
• Visa Cash Symbol
10.11.B Other Brand Marks

All other Visa-Owned Marks must:
• Appear together
• Not be separated by Non-Visa-Owned Marks
10.12 MARKS FOR VISA CARDS AND VISA 10.13 PLUS PROGRAM MARKS
ELECTRON CARDS
10.12 MARKS FOR VISA CARDS AND VISA ELECTRON CARDS

Effective 1 September 2005 through 28 February 2007, an Issuer may issue or reissue a Visa
Card or Visa Electron Card bearing either the:
• Visa Flag Symbol or Visa Electron Symbol. The Card bearing either the Visa Flag Symbol or
Visa Electron Symbol must both:
• Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier. The Card bearing either the
Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier must comply with the Visa
All newly-created Visa Cards and Visa Electron Cards issued or reissued must both:
An Issuer may issue or reissue a Card bearing either the Visa Flag Symbol or Visa Electron
Symbol to deplete existing card stock. The Card bearing either the Visa Flag Symbol or Visa
Electron Symbol must both:
Effective 1 July 2011, all Visa Cards and Visa Electron Cards must bear either the Visa Brand
Mark or Visa Brand Mark with Electron Identifier, as specified in the Visa Product Brand
Standards.
10.13 PLUS PROGRAM MARKS

An Issuer of Proprietary Cards with Plus Program capabilities must place the Plus Symbol on all
Proprietary Cards within 5 years from the beginning date of participation in the Plus Program.
The presence of the Plus Symbol is optional on Visa Cards if no other ATM Mark is present on
the Card.
10.14 TRADE NAME AND MARK 10.14.B.2 Use of Non-Member Marks

REQUIREMENTS
10.14 TRADE NAME AND MARK REQUIREMENTS
10.14.A Chip Cards

10.14.A.1 Visa or Visa Electron Payment Application
A Card containing a Chip must bear the appropriate Mark for the Visa or Visa Electron
Payment Application facilitated by the Chip.
10.14.A.2 Chip Cards Bearing a Visa-Owned Mark

A Card containing a Chip bearing a Visa-Owned Mark must be capable of facilitating the
Payment Application associated with that Mark.
10.14.B Visa Cards

10.14.B.1 Member Identification
The following may be printed on a Visa Card as specified in the Visa Product Brand
Standards:
• Certain Trade Names, including those of an Issuer, an Issuer’s holding company
Member, or an Issuer’s agent Member
• With the prior written consent of Visa:
- Certain Marks associated with proprietary, local, regional, national, or multinational
services
- Marks to identify the services of the Issuer or Trade Names to identify the Member,
in any color
10.14.B.2 Use of Non-Member Marks

10.14.B.2.a An Issuer must not use a Trade Name or Mark that identifies or is associated with a
non-Member on the front of a Visa Card, unless permitted in Section 10.14.B.1. Visa
may grant a variance to an Issuer located within a Region. Cards issued under this
variance must not be issued to non-residents of an Issuer’s Region.
10.14.B.2.b The following must not appear on any part of a Visa Card:
• Any Trade Name or Mark that identifies or is associated with any entity, or its
subsidiaries or affiliates, deemed competitive by the International Board, including:
- American Express Company
- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.1, 2
- Europay International
- MasterCard International
• Any Trade Name or Mark that is confusingly similar to any other Visa-Owned Mark
1
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the U.S.A. Region for Visa Cards bearing the Pulse Mark
and Cards bearing the Plus Symbol.
2
A variance to this requirement applies in Visa Europe.
10.14.C Visa Electron Cards 10.14.D Cards Bearing the Plus Symbol
10.14.C Visa Electron Cards

10.14.C.1 Use of Non-Member Marks
An Issuer must have the prior approval of Visa to place a non-Member Trade Name or
Mark on a Visa Electron Card. Cards issued under this section must only be issued to
residents of the Issuer’s Region.
10.14.C.2 Restricted Use

The following must not appear on a Visa Electron Card:
• Any Trade Name or Mark that identifies or is associated with any entity, or its
subsidiaries or affiliates, deemed competitive by the International Board, including:
- American Express Company
- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.1
- Europay International
- MasterCard International
• Any Trade Name or Mark that is confusingly similar to any other Visa-Owned Mark
10.14.D Cards Bearing the Plus Symbol

A Card bearing the Plus Symbol must not bear the Marks of any entity that is ineligible for
membership in Visa, or of any of the following entities, or their subsidiaries or affiliates,
deemed competitive by the International Board:2
• Cirrus
• Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.3
• Europay International
• JCB
A Card bearing the Plus Symbol is exempt from this requirement if it was issued under an
agreement executed with Visa or the Plus System, Inc. prior to 1 October 1992.
A Card bearing the Plus Symbol must not bear a Trade Name or Mark that is confusingly
similar to any other Visa-Owned Mark.
1 A variance to this requirement applies in Visa Europe.

2
At the option of Visa, a variance to this section may be granted for Chip Cards bearing the Plus Symbol.
3
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the U.S.A. Region for Visa Cards bearing the Pulse Mark
and Cards bearing the Plus Symbol.
10.15 CARD DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 10.15.D Cards Bearing the Plus Symbol
10.15 CARD DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

All Card designs must comply with the Visa Product Brand Standards.1
10.15.A Visa Cards

The Visa Brand Mark must both:
• Appear as specified in the following:
- Section 10.2.B
• Be placed on the front of the Card
10.15.B Visa Electron Card bearing the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron
Identifier
The Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier must:
• Appear as specified in
- Section 10.2.B
• Be placed on the front of the Card
10.15.C Non-Standard Cards

With Visa approval, an Issuer may issue a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card in a size and
design that must comply with the requirements specified in Section 3.3.H or the Visa Product
Brand Standards.
SEE ALSO:
Section 3.3.H
10.15.D Cards Bearing the Plus Symbol

The physical dimensions of a Proprietary Card bearing the Plus Symbol must comply with
International Organization for Standardization standards.
1
A variance to this requirement applies in the jurisdiction of the Asia-Pacific Region for the Australia and New Zealand
Banking Group and Citibank Taiwan
10.15.E Virtual Account Reference Cards 10.15.F Proximity Payment Device Requirements
10.15.E Virtual Account Reference Cards

If a Reference Card is provided, a Virtual Account Issuer must comply with all of the following:
• A Reference Card may contain a printed expiration date. If the expiration date does not
appear on the Card, the Issuer must communicate it to the Virtual Account Holder.
• A Reference Card must not be produced:
- In a such a way that it could be mistaken for a Card
- Using the physical Card design requirements for a Card
• A Reference Card must not contain any of the following:
- Visa Brand Mark
- Magnetic Stripe or Chip
- Signature panel
- Dove Design hologram
- Embossed Cardholder name or Account Number
- Visa International Service Center telephone number
10.15.F Proximity Payment Device Requirements

A Proximity Payment Device must:
• Display the Visa Brand Mark in full color on the Proximity Payment Device front or
equivalent
• Display the Visa contactless indicator on the Proximity Payment Device front or equivalent
• Display the source of funds, where required
SEE ALSO:
Section 3.3.I
B Merchant Data Standards
This appendix contains Merchant Category Codes, Floor Limit category codes, required Merchant
name abbreviations, and other applicable Merchant data standards.
Merchant Category Code Assignments

The Merchant Category Code is a four-digit number assigned to a Merchant by an
Acquirer that designates the principal trade, profession, or line of business in which the
Merchant is engaged.
If a Merchant is an Airline, Car Rental Company, or Hotel, the Acquirer must assign the
specific code for that Merchant in the T&E “3000” range of codes. If a specific code in
the “3000” range is not listed for a particular Merchant name, the Acquirer must assign
the general industry code (such as 4511 for Airlines, 7512 for Car Rental Companies, or
7011 for Hotels).
If a Merchant does not fit under a specific Merchant Category Code, the Acquirer must
assign it a general Merchant Category Code, such as 8999. These general “catch-all”
codes end with the numbers “99.”
Because Merchant Category Codes are used for a variety of reporting and risk
management purposes, it is critical that the Acquirer assign the correct Merchant
Category Code that best describes what the Merchant sells.
Members should refer to the Visa Merchant Data Manual for further information
regarding the assignment of Merchant Category Codes.
T & E Clarifications
A Merchant that manages the sales, rentals, or other uses of timeshares or condominiums
must be assigned Merchant Category Code 7012, “Timeshares” (a non-T&E code), as
specified in Volume I—General Rules, Section 5.1.E.10. When these Merchants operate as
full-service lodging establishments (i.e., providing maid and room service) an Acquirer may
assign Merchant Category Code 7011.
An Acquirer may process Transactions occurring at a gift shop, restaurant, or other

establishment located in a Hotel with the Merchant Category Code for the Hotel ONLY IF the
Merchant bills the Transaction to the Cardholder’s room. If payment is made separately with
a Visa Card at the Point-of-Transaction, the Acquirer must use the appropriate retail Merchant
Category Code (such as 5947 for gift ships or 5812 for restaurants).
Electronic Commerce Merchants

Merchants selling over an open network such as the Internet must be assigned the MCC that best
describes the merchandise or services sold. If the Merchant sells several products or services, the
MCC that best describes the majority of the sales must be assigned. In addition, appropriate
Electronic Commerce Indicators, as specified in (Exhibit NN) and (Exhibit OO) of the
Visa U.S.A. Inc. Operating Regulations, must be included in both the Authorization Request and
Clearing Messages.
Appendix B — Merchant Data Standards
Direct Marketing Merchant Category Code Direct Marketing Merchant Category Code
Assignments Assignments
Direct Marketing Merchant Category Code Assignments

An Acquirer may assign one of the following direct marketing Merchant Category Codes, as
applicable.
Direct Marketing Insurance Services (5960)—Insurance services that may

be offered via direct mail, billing statement insert, magazine, or television advertisement.
Prospective customers are given a telephone number or an address to which they reply
for enrollment in the service. Services offered include all forms of life insurance, hospital
indemnity insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, or credit card
insurance. Services are often targeted to affinity groups. Billing of insurance premiums
typically takes the form of periodic (monthly, quarterly, annually) installments which
continue until cancelled either by the Cardholder or the insurance company. Insurance
agents are specifically excluded from this Merchant Category Code.
Example: An insurance company that solicits Cardholders for credit card insurance
via billing statement insert
Travel Related Arrangement Services (5962)—The Merchant initiates

contact with Cardholders via telephone calls, magazine, television ads, or through
mailings (other than a catalog) to generate sales or to offer potential customers an
incentive to call the Merchant. The Merchant’s direct contact methods are similar to the
Outbound Telemarketing Merchant, however, only travel related arrangements are sold.
Example: Discount Travel Clubs
Catalog Merchants (5964)—Goods are offered to consumers via a paper or

electronic catalog. This category code is designed for Merchants with no retail
(“face-to-face”) sales. A one-or two-page leaflet is not considered a catalog.
Example: Television shopping services, catalog services
Combination Catalog and Retail Merchants (5965)—Goods are sold to

consumers via a paper or electronic catalog and at one or more retail outlets. Catalog
sales must be processed under Merchant Category Code 5965 and all retail sales must
be processed under the appropriate retail Merchant Category Code, for which a
separate and unique Merchant name and Merchant identification number are required.
Examples: Department stores with catalog subsidiaries or divisions; electronics,

sports clothes/equipment, or gourmet food/equipment sold by catalog
and in retail stores
Outbound Telemarketing Merchants (5966)—The Merchant initiates contact

with Cardholders (for both products and services) via telephone calls or through mailings
(other than a catalog), instructing the Cardholder to call the Merchant.
This classification includes merchants known as “upsellers.” These merchants solicit
cardholders to make additional puchases when they contact call centers to purchase
products of other Direct Marketing merchants.
Examples: Distributors of cosmetics, health care products, and vitamins.

Merchants classified under this MCC (5966) are considered high-risk and must be
registered with the Visa High-Risk Telemarketing Merchant Registration Program.
Inbound Teleservices Merchants (5967)—Non-Business-to-business

audiotext/videotext and or digital content services accessed via telephone, fax, or over
an open network, such as the Internet for the purchase of services or information
including, but not limited to, pay-per-call services.
Examples: Horoscope readings, pay-per-call services, sports scores, stock market

quotations
Note: Also see Electronic Commerce/Information Services (4816) for services

accessed via computer modem.
Merchants classified under this MCC (5967) are considered high-risk and must be
registered with the Visa High-Risk Telemarketing Merchant Registration Program.
Continuity/Subscription Merchants (5968)—Products or services are

offered via subscription to a Cardholder on a continuing (monthly, quarterly) basis.
Examples: Record, tape or compact disc clubs, collectible services, periodicals
Other Direct Marketers (5969)—This category code is comprised of all other

direct marketing companies that do not meet the criteria for any of the above categories.
It includes Merchants offering one or two products per promotion, using multiple
approaches (including a one-or two-page leaflet with an order form or telephone number
for placing orders).
Examples: Theater or sports tickets by Mail/Phone Order, speciality items (such as

kitchen tools/appliances, exercise equipment) offered only through radio
or television
Not all Mail/Phone Order Transactions are necessarily direct marketing Transactions.
Charitable contributions, Quasi-Cash Transactions, T&E Transactions, and
Transactions occurring at health care locations effected through Mail/Phone Order are
not direct marketing Transactions. Excluded are tickets ordered by telephone but paid
for at the ticket booth; these are considered face-to-face transactions and must be
classified under MCC 7922 - Theatrical Producers (Except Motion Picture), Ticket
Agencies. Also excluded are merchants that primarily have face-to-face transactions
and are not cultivating a mail/telephone order customer base, but may occasionally
accept mail or telephone orders for customer convenience. These merchants must be
assigned the appropriate retail merchant category code that describes their business
and identify each mail/telephone transaction with the proper MO/TO or Electronic
Commerce Indicator value to indicate a non face-to-face transaction.
Merchant Data Standards, listed in alphabetical order by Merchant type B
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
ATM Cash Disbursements 6011
Accessories - Automotive 5533
Accessories - Home Furnishings 5719
Accessories - Men's, Boys' Clothing 5611
Accessories - Recreational Vehicles 5561
Accessories - Women's Accessory, Specialty Shops 5631
Accessory Shops—Not Elsewhere Classified 5699
Account Funding - Financial Institution 6012
Account Funding - Non-Financial Institution 6051
Accounting, Auditing, Bookkeeping Services 8931
Active Wear - Sports Apparel 5655
Ad Agencies 7311
Advertising Services 7311
Agencies - Advertising 7311
Agencies - Consumer Credit Reporting 7321
Agencies - Detective Agencies 7393
Agencies - Employment, Temporary Help Services 7361
Agencies - Protective Services, Including Armored Cars, Guard Dogs 7393
Agencies - Security Services 7393
Agencies - Ticket, Theatrical Producers 7922
Agricultural Cooperative 0763
Air Ambulance Services 4119
Air Conditioning Contractors 1711
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Repair Shops 7623
Air or Ground Courier Services 4215
Aircraft Rentals 7999
◆ This MCC may only be used for Merchants engaged primarily in the sale of goods and/or
services to other businesses.
❂ This symbol indicates a new MCC or a change in the MCC.
✤ International Airline Program Participant
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Airlines, Air Carriers—Not Elsewhere Classified 4511
Airplane, Aircraft Dealers 5599
Airport Shuttle Transportation 4789
Airports, Flying Fields, and Airport Terminals 4582
Alarm Systems, Services 7393
Alcohol - Liquor Stores 5921
Alcohol, Drug Abuse Counseling 7277
Alcoholic Beverages - Drinking Establishments 5813
Alimony Payments 9211
All-Terrain Vehicle Dealers 5599
Alterations 5697
Alumni/Alumnae Associations 8641
Ambulance Services 4119
Ammunition Stores 5999
Amusement Parks, Circuses, Carnivals, and Fortune Tellers 7996
Amusement Supplies - Video, Game 7993
Animal Boarding Services 7299
Animal Breeders 7299
Animal Doctors, Hospitals 0742
Animal Grooming Services 7299
Animal Training 7299
Animals, Pet Shops 5995
Answering Services - Telephone 7399
Antique Automobiles 5521
Antique Reproductions 5937
Antique Shops - Sales, Repairs, and Restoration Services 5932
Apparel—Not Elsewhere Classified 5699
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Apparel - Children's, Infants' Wear 5641
Apparel - Clothing Rental - Costumes, Formal Wear, Uniforms 7296
Apparel - Family Clothing Stores 5651
Apparel - Furriers, Fur Shops 5681
Apparel - Men's, Boys' Clothing 5611
Apparel - Men's, Women's Clothing Stores 5691
Apparel - Sports, Riding Apparel Stores 5655
Apparel - Tailors, Seamstresses, Mending, Alterations 5697
Apparel - Women's Accessory, Specialty Shops 5631
Apparel - Women's Ready-to-Wear Stores 5621
Appliance Rentals 7394
Appliance Repair Shops 7629
Appliance Stores - Household—Not Elsewhere Classified 5722
Appraisers 8999
Aquariums, Seaquariums, Dolphinariums 7998
Arboretums 7991
Arcades - Video Games 7994
Architectural, Engineering, Surveying Services 8911
Arenas - Sports 7941
Armored Cars 7393
Art Dealers, Galleries 5971
Art Museums 7991
Art Schools 8299
Art, Graphics Services 7333
Artist's Supply, Craft Shops 5970
Asphalt Contractors 1771
Associations - Automobile 8675
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Associations - Civic, Social, Fraternal Associations 8641
Athletic Apparel Stores 5655
Athletic Clubs - Physical Fitness 7997
Athletic Fields 7941
Athletic Shoe Stores 5661
Atlas, Map Stores 5999
Attorneys 8111
Auction Houses 8999
Audiotext Merchants 5967
Auditing Services 8931
Auto Detailing 7542
Automated Cash Disbursements 6011
Automated Fuel Dispensers 5542
Automated Referral Service (FOR VISA USE ONLY) 9700
Automobile - Motor Vehicle Supplies, New Parts ◆ 5013
Automobile - Parts, Accessories Stores 5533
Automobile Associations 8675
Automobile Clubs 8675
Automobile Driving Instruction 8299
Automobile Insurance - Sales (Direct Marketing) 5960
Automobile Insurance - Sales (Non-Direct Marketing) 6300
Automobile Parking Lots, Garages 7523
Automobile Rental Agency 7512
Automobile Towing Services 7549
Automobile/Truck Dealers (New/Used) Sales, Service, Repairs, Parts, 5511

Leasing
Automobile/Truck Dealers (Used Only) 5521
Automotive Body Repair Shops 7531
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Automotive Cleaning, Waxing 7542
Automotive Dealers, Miscellaneous—Not Elsewhere Classified 5599
Automotive Glass Repair and Replacement 7538
Automotive Paint Shops 7535
Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores 5533
Automotive Race Tracks - Non Participatory 7941
Automotive Service Shops (Non-Dealer) 7538
Automotive Tire Stores 5532
Aviation Fuel 5983
Aviation Instruction 8299
Awnings - Residential, Commercial 5998
Baby Clothing 5641
Babysitting Services 8351
Backpacking Equipment 5941
Bagel Shops 5462
Bail, Bond Payments 9223
Bait, Tackle Stores 5941
Bakeries 5462
Ballet Schools 7911
Balloon Bouquets 5992
Ballooning 7999
Ballroom Dance Instruction 7911
Bands, Orchestras, and Miscellaneous Entertainers—Not Elsewhere 7929

Classified
Banks - Financial Institutions - Automated Cash Disbursements 6011
Banks - Financial Institutions - Manual Cash Disbursements 6010
Banks - Financial Institutions - Merchandise, Services 6012
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Beauty and Barber Shops 7230
Bars 5813
Batting Cages 7999
Beauty Salons 7230
Beauty Spas 7298
Beauty Supply Stores 5999
Bed & Breakfast Establishments 7011
Bed, Bath Shops 5719
Bedding, Mattress Stores 5712
Beer Parlors 5813
Betting, including Lottery Tickets, Casino Gaming Chips, Off-Track Betting, 7995
Betting - Casino Gaming Chips 7995
Betting - Lottery Tickets 7995
Betting - Off-Track 7995
Betting - Wagers 7995
Bicycle Rentals 7999
Bicycle Shops - Sales, Service 5940
Billiard Parlors 7932
Billiard Tables - Sales 5941
Billiard, Pool Establishments 7932
Blood Banks 8099
Blueprinting Services 7338
Blueprinting, Photocopying Services 7332
Boarding Services - Animal 7299
Boat Dealers 5551
Boat Rentals and Leasing 4457
Boating Clubs 7997
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Body Piercing, Tattoo Parlors 7299
Body Repair Shops - Automotive 7531
Bond Dealers 6211
Bond Payments 9223
Book Stores 5942
Bookbinding Services ◆ 2741
Bookkeeping Services 8931
Books, Periodicals, Newspapers ◆ 5192
Boot Shops 5661
Botanical Gardens 7991
Bottled and Distilled Water Dealers 5999
Bowling Alleys 7933
Boys' Camps 7032
Boys' Clothing, Accessories 5611
Breeders - Animal 7299
Breweries, Bars 5813
Bridal Shops 5621
Bridge, Toll Fees 4784
Brokers - Mortgage, Loan 8999
Brokers - Securities, Mutual Funds, Stocks, Commodities, Bonds 6211
Building Contractors - Residential, Commercial 1520
Building Materials 5211
Burglar Alarm Companies - Home/Business Security 7393
Bus Lines 4131
Business Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 7399
Business Supplies - Stationery, Office, Printing, Writing Supplies ◆ 5111
Business, Secretarial Schools (Non-Graduate) 8244
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Butcher Shops 5422
Buying and Shopping Services and Clubs 7278
CD, Cassette, Record Stores 5735
Cable and Other Pay Television Services 4899
Cablegrams 4821
Cabs, Taxicabs, Limousines 4121
Cafes, Restaurants 5812
Cafeterias 5812
Cake Shops 5462
Camcorders, Other Electronics 5732
Camcorders, Photographic Equipment 5946
Camera, Photographic Supply Stores 5946
Campgrounds, Trailer Parks 7033
Camper, Recreational and Utility Trailer Dealers 5561
Camping - Trailer Parks, Campgrounds 7033
Camping Equipment 5941
Camps - Boys', Girls' 7032
Camps - Sporting, Recreational 7032
Candy, Nut, Confectionery Stores 5441
Car Body Repair Shops 7531
Car and Truck Dealers (New and Used) Sales, Service, Repairs, Parts, and 5511
Leasing
Car and Truck Dealers (Used Only) Sales, Service, Repairs, Parts, and 5521
Leasing
Car Paint Shops 7535
Car Parking Lots 7523
Car Parts, Accessories Stores 5533
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Car Rental Agencies—Not Elsewhere Classified 7512
Car Service Shops 7538
Car Tires - New Only 5532
Car Tires - Retreads 7534
Car Washes 7542
Cardholder-Activated Fuel Dispensers 5542
Carnivals 7996
Carpentry Contractors 1750
Carpet, Rug Stores 5713
Carpet, Upholstery Cleaning 7217
Cash - Banks, Credit Unions, Financial Institutions, Automated Cash 6011

Disbursement
Cash - Banks, Credit Unions, Financial Institutions, Manual Disbursement 6010
Casino Gaming Chips 7995
Catalog Merchant - Direct Marketing 5964
Catalog, Retail Merchant - Direct Marketing 5965
Caterers 5811
Cellular Telephone Equipment 4812
Cellular Telephone Service 4814
Cement Contractors 1771
Central Reservation Services 7011
Chambers of Commerce 8641
Chapels 8661
Charitable, Social Service Organizations 8398
Charter Buses 4722
Cheese Shops 5451
Chemical Dependency Treatment Centers 8099
Chemicals, Allied Products—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5169
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Child Care Services 8351
Child Support Payments 9211
Children - Day Care Services 8351
Children's Camps 7032
Children's Uniforms ◆ 5137
Children's, Infants' Wear Stores 5641
Chimney Cleaning Service 7699
China, Crystal Stores 5950
Chiropodists, Podiatrists 8049
Chiropractors 8041
Chocolate Shops 5441
Churches - Religious Organizations 8661
Cigar Stores, Stands 5993
Cinemas 7832
Circuses, Amusement Parks, Carnivals 7996
Civic, Social, Fraternal Associations 8641
Classified Ads - Newspaper 7311
Classified Ads - Newspaper (via Direct Marketing) 5969
Cleaning Preparations ◆ 2842
Cleaning, Maintenance, and Janitorial Services 7349
Cleaning, Polishing - Automotive 7542
Clinics - Pet 0742
Clock Repair 7631
Clock Shop 5944
Clothing - Children's, Infants' Wear Stores 5641
Clothing - Family Clothing Stores 5651
Clothing - Formal Wear 5699
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Clothing - Furriers, Fur Shops 5681
Clothing - Men's, Boys' Clothing, Accessory Stores 5611
Clothing - Men's, Women's Clothing Stores 5691
Clothing - Miscellaneous Apparel, Accessory Shops—Not Elsewhere 5699

Classified
Clothing - Sports Apparel, Riding Apparel Stores 5655
Clothing - Tailors, Seamstresses, Mending, Alterations 5697
Clothing - Women's Accessory, Specialty Shops 5631
Clothing - Women's Ready-To-Wear Stores 5621
Clothing Rental - Costumes, Uniforms, Formal Wear 7296
Club Stores - Wholesale Clubs 5300
Clubs - Automobile 8675
Clubs - Boating 7997
Clubs - Gun 7997
Clubs - Historical 8699
Clubs - Professional Sports 7941
Clubs - Racquetball 7997
Clubs - Sailing 7997
Clubs - Sports 7997
Clubs - Tennis 7997
Clubs - Yacht 7997
Coach Lines 4131
Coal Dealers 5983
Coat Stores - Furriers 5681
Coat Stores - Women's 5621
Cocktail Lounges 5813
Coffee Shops 5812
Coffee Stores 5499
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Coin Stores 5972
Collectibles, Memorabilia Stores - Sports and Hobby 5999
Colleges, Universities, Professional Schools, Junior Colleges 8220
Comedy Clubs 5813
Commercial Artists 7333
Commercial Clothing - Men's, Women's, Children's ◆ 5137
Commercial Cooking, Food Service Equipment ◆ 5046
Commercial Equipment—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5046
Commercial Footwear ◆ 5139
Commercial Furniture ◆ 5021
Commercial Photography, Art, Graphics 7333
Commercial Property Rentals 6513
Commercial Sports, Professional Sports Clubs, Athletic Fields, and Sports 7941
Promoters
Commodity Dealers 6211
Communications Equipment ◆ 5065
Community Assessed Penalties 9222
Community Colleges 8220
Commuter Transportation - Ferries 4111
Commuter Transportation - Railways 4111
Compact Disc, Cassette, Record Stores 5735
Computer Catalog Merchants - Electronic 5964
Computer Hardware (and Other Electronics) 5732
Computer Maintenance, Repair, Services—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 7379
Computer Network/Information Services 4816
Computer Programming, Data Processing, and Integrated Systems Design 7372

Services
Computer Software Design 7372
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Computer Software Stores 5734
Computer Training Schools 8244
Computers, Computer Peripheral Equipment, Software ◆ 5045
Concrete Work Contractors 1771
Confectionery Shops 5441
Conference Management Services 7399
Consignment Shops 5931
Construction Companies 1520
Construction Materials 5211
Construction Materials—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5039
Consultants - Management 7392
Consultants - Marketing 7392
Consultants - Public Relations 7392
Consulting, Management Services 7392
Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies 7321
Continuity/Subscription Merchant - Direct Marketing 5968
Contractors - Air Conditioning 1711
Contractors - Carpentry 1750
Contractors - Concrete Work 1771
Contractors - Decorating 1799
Contractors - Demolition Services 1799
Contractors - Electrical 1731
Contractors - Garage Door Installation 1799
Contractors - General Contractors - Residential, Commercial 1520
Contractors - Glasswork 1799
Contractors - Heating 1711
Contractors - Insulation 1740
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Contractors - Masonry 1740
Contractors - Painting, Home and Building 1799
Contractors - Paper Hanging 1799
Contractors - Plastering 1740
Contractors - Plumbing 1711
Contractors - Roofing 1761
Contractors - Sheet Metal Work 1761
Contractors - Siding 1761
Contractors - Special Trade Contractors—Not Elsewhere Classified 1799
Contractors - Stonework 1740
Contractors - Tile Setting 1740
Contractors - Welding 1799
Contractors - Well Drilling 1799
Convalescent Homes 8050
Convenience Stores 5499
Convention Bureaus 7399
Cookie Stores 5462
Cooking Schools 8299
Cookware Stores 5719
Copy Services - Photographic, Photocopy, Microfilm Supplies ◆ 5044
Copy, Reproduction Services 7338
Correspondence Schools 8241
Cosmetic Distributors ◆ 5122
Cosmetic Stores 5977
Cosmetic Surgeons 8011
Costume Jewelry - Women's Accessory, Specialty Shops 5631
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Costume Rental 7296
Counseling Services—Debt, Marriage, and Personal 7277
Country Clubs 7997
County Fairs 7996
Courier Services—Air and Ground, and Freight Forwarders 4215
Court Costs, Including Alimony, Child Support 9211
Court Stenographer 8999
Craft Shops 5970
Credit Counseling 7277
Credit Reporting Agencies 7321
Credit Unions - Financial Institutions - Automated Cash Disbursements 6011
Credit Unions - Financial Institutions - Manual Cash Disbursements 6010
Credit Unions - Financial Institutions - Merchandise, Services 6012
Crematories 7261
Cruise Lines 4411
Crystal Stores 5950
Culinary Instruction 8299
Currency - Foreign (Non-Financial Institutions) 6051
Curtain Stores 5714
Custodial Services 7349
Custom Made Clothing 5697
Custom Made Furniture 5712
Customs Bureaus 9311
Cut Glass, Crystal 5950
Cutlery - Kitchen 5719
Cutlery - Sporting Knives 5941
DJs - Dance Bands 7929
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
DMV - Department of Motor Vehicles 9399
Dairy Products Stores 5451
Dance Bands 7929
Dance Halls, Studios, Schools 7911
Data Processing Services 7372
Dating, Escort Services 7273
Day Care Services 8351
Dealers - Airplane, Aircraft 5599
Dealers - Antique Automobiles 5521
Dealers - Art Dealers, Galleries 5971
Dealers - Automobile/Truck (New/Used) Sales, Service, Repairs, Parts, 5511

Leasing
Dealers - Automobile/Truck (Used Only) 5521
Dealers - Boat 5551
Dealers - Fuel Dealers, Fuel Oil, Wood, Coal, Liquefied Petroleum 5983
Dealers - Golf Carts 5599
Dealers - Ice 5999
Dealers - Miscellaneous Automotive Dealers—Not Elsewhere Classified 5599
Dealers - Mobile Home, Parts, Equipment 5271
Dealers - Motor Home 5592
Dealers - Motorcycle, Moped, Motor Scooters 5571
Dealers - Newspapers 5994
Dealers - Recreational, Utility Trailer, Camper Dealers 5561
Dealers - Securities, Mutual Funds, Stocks, Commodities, Bonds 6211
Dealers - Snowmobile 5598
Debt Counseling 7277
Decorating Contractors 1799
B
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Decorators - Interior 1799
Delicatessens 5499
Delivery Services - Local 4214
Demolition Services 1799
Dental Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5047
Dental Laboratories 8071
Dentists and Orthodontists 8021
Department Stores 5311
Department of Motor Vehicles 9399
Dermatologists 8011
Detective Agencies, Protective Agencies, and Security Services, Including 7393

Armored Cards and Guard Dogs
Detergents ◆ 5169
Diamond Stores 5944
Diaper Services 7210
Diners - Eating Establishments 5812
Direct Marketing - Catalog Merchant 5964
Direct Marketing - Combination Catalog and Retail Merchant 5965
Direct Marketing - Continuity/Subscription Merchant 5968
Direct Marketing - Inbound Teleservices Merchant 5967
Direct Marketing - Insurance Services 5960
Direct Marketing - Other Direct Marketers—Not Elsewhere Classified 5969
Direct Marketing - Outbound Telemarketing Merchant 5966
Direct Marketing - Travel-Related Arrangement Services 5962
Discotheques 5813
Discount Goods - Wholesale Clubs 5300
Discount Stores 5310
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Disinfecting Services 7342
Distributor - Motion Picture, Video Tape Production, Distribution ◆ 7829
Distributors - Drugs, Druggists' Sundries, Toiletries ◆ 5122
Doctors and Physicians—Not Elsewhere Classified 8011
Doctors - Chiropodists, Podiatrists 8049
Doctors - Chiropractors 8041
Doctors - Optometrists, Ophthalmologists 8042
Dog Grooming Services 7299
Dog Training 7299
Dolphinariums 7998
Door-to-Door Sales 5963
Doughnut Shops 5462
Drapery Cleaning 7217
Drapery, Windowcovering, and Upholstery Stores 5714
Dress Shops 5621
Dressmakers 5697
Dried Fruit Shops 5441
Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)—Bars, Taverns, Cocktail Lounges, 5813

Nightclubs, and Discotheques
Driver Education Class, School 8299
Drug Stores, Pharmacies 5912
Drug, Alcohol Abuse Counseling 7277
Drugs, Drug Proprietaries, Druggist Sundries ◆ 5122
Dry Cleaners 7216
Durable Goods ◆ 5099
Duty Free Stores 5309
DVD/Video Tape Rental Store 7841
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Eating Places and Restaurants 5812
Educational Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 8299
Educational, Training Film Production ◆ 7829
Elder-Care Housing 8050
Electric Razor Stores - Sales, Service 5997
Electric Utilities 4900
Electrical Contractors 1731
Electrical Parts, Equipment ◆ 5065
Electrical Supplies 5251
Electrical, Small Appliance Repair Shops 7629
Electronic Bulletin Board Access 4816
Electronic Computer Catalog Merchants 5964
Electronic Parts 5732
Electronics Repair Shops 7622
Electronics Stores 5732
Elementary, Secondary Schools 8211
Emergency Vehicle Services 4119
Employment Agencies and Temporary Help Services 7361
Engineering Services 8911
Entertainers, Bands, Orchestras 7929
Entertainment - Movie Theaters 7832
Equestrian Apparel 5655
Equipment - Commercial—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5046
Equipment - Computers, Computer Peripheral Equipment, Software ◆ 5045
Equipment - Electrical Parts, Equipment ◆ 5065
Equipment - Hardware, Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5072
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Equipment - Heating Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5074
Equipment - Medical, Dental, Ophthalmic, Hospital Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5047
Equipment - Mobile Home Parts 5271
Equipment - Patient Monitoring ◆ 5047
Equipment - Photographic Supply Stores 5946
Equipment - Photographic, Photocopy, Microfilm Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5044
Equipment - Plumbing Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5074
Equipment - Telecommunications 4812
Equipment - Water Conditioning, Purification, Softening 5074
Equipment, Tool, Furniture, and Appliance Rental and Leasing 7394
Equipment Stores 5712
Escort Services 7273
Exchange - Foreign Currency (Non-Financial Institutions) 6051
Exercise Clubs 7997
Exercise Equipment 5941
Exhibits 7991
Expositions 7991
Exterminating, Disinfecting Services 7342
Exterminators 7342
Eye Doctors - Optometrists, Ophthalmologists 8042
Eyeglass Stores 8043
Fabric Goods ◆ 5131
Fabric Stores 5949
Fairs 7996
Family Clothing Stores 5651
Family Counseling 7277
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Farm Management Services 0763
Fast Food Restaurants 5814
Faxing Services 4814
Fees - Bridge, Toll 4784
Fees - Court 9211
Ferries 4111
Fertility Clinics 8099
Filling Stations - Automotive Gasoline 5541
Film Developing 7395
Film Production 7333
Film Production, Distribution ◆ 7829
Films - Movie Theaters 7832
Financial Counseling Service 7277
Financial Institutions - Automated Cash Disbursements 6011
Financial Institutions - Manual Cash Disbursements 6010
Financial Institutions - Merchandise, Services 6012
Financial Planners 8999
Fines 9222
Fingernail Salons 7230
Fire Alarm Companies - Home/Business Security 7393
Fire Departments 9399
Fire Extinguishers ◆ 5099
Firearms, Ammunition Stores 5999
Firearms, Ammunition Stores ◆ 5099
Fireplaces, Fireplace Screens, Accessories Stores 5718
Fireworks Stores 5999
Fish, Seafood Markets 5422
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Fishing - Equipment, Bait, Tackle 5941
Fitness Clubs 7997
Floor Covering Stores 5713
Florist Supplies, Nursery Stock, Flowers ◆ 5193
Florists 5992
Flower Shops 5992
Flying Fields 4582
Flying Instruction 8299
Food - Fast Food Restaurants 5814
Food Preparation - Catering 5811
Food Service Equipment - Commercial Cooking Equipment ◆ 5046
Food Stores - Convenience 5499
Food Stores - Grocery Stores, Supermarkets 5411
Food Testing Services ◆ 8734
Foot Doctors 8049
Footwear - Commercial ◆ 5139
Footwear Stores 5661
Foreign Currency (Non-Financial Institutions) 6051
Forensic Laboratories ◆ 8734
Formal Wear Rental 7296
Fortune Tellers, Mystics, Tarot Readings 7996
Frame Shops - Photograph, Poster 5999
Fraternal Associations 8641
Freezer, Locker Meat Provisioners 5422
Freight - Rail, Train Transportation 4011
Freight Carriers, Trucking and Storage 4214
Freight Forwarders, Courier Services 4215
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Frozen Meats, Seafood 5422
Fruit Markets 5499
Fuel Dealers—Fuel Oil, Wood, Coal, and Liquefied Petroleum 5983
Fuel Dispensers - Automated 5542
Fuel Products, Services ◆ 5172
Fund-Raising - Political 8641
Fund-Raising Organizations - Non Political 8398
Fund-Raising Organizations - Political 8651
Funeral Services, Crematories 7261
Furnace Cleaning Service 7699
Furniture - Office, Commercial ◆ 5021
Furniture Rental 7394
Furniture—Reupholstery, Repair, and Refinishing 7641
Furniture, Home Furnishings, Equipment Stores, Except Appliances 5712
Furriers, Fur Shops 5681
Galleries, Art Dealers 5971
Game Supplies - Video, Amusement 7993
Games Instruction 7999
Games Stores 5945
Garage Door Installation 1799
Garages, Parking 7523
Garbage Collectors 4900
Gardening Services 0780
Gardening Supplies 5261
Gardening Supplies ◆ 5193
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Gardens - Botanical 7991
Garment Services 7210
Gas Lighting Fixtures ◆ 5099
Gas Pumps (Automated Fuel Dispensers) 5542
Gas Stations With or Without Ancillary Services 5541
Gas Utilities 4900
Gasoline - Self Service Terminals 5542
Gasoline - Service Stations 5541
GCCS Emergency Services 9702
Gems, Precious Metals, Jewelry 5944
Gemstones, Precious Stones, Metals, Watches, Jewelry ◆ 5094
General Contractors - Residential, Commercial 1520
General Merchandise - Miscellaneous 5399
Gift, Card, Novelty, Souvenir Shops 5947
Girls' Camps 7032
Glass, Paint, and Wallpaper Stores 5231
Glassware/Crystal Stores 5950
Glasswork Contractors 1799
Golf - Driving Ranges 7999
Golf Courses - Private 7997
Golf Courses - Public 7992
Golf Equipment 5941
Goods - Durable—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5099
Goods - Nondurable—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5199
Gourmet Food Stores 5499
Government Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 9399
Grade Schools 8211
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Graduate Schools 8220
Grammar Schools 8211
Graphic Designers 8999
Graphics - Commercial 7333
Gravestones, Monuments - Retail Sales, Installation 5999
Gravestones, Monuments - Wholesale, Installation ◆ 5099
Greenhouses 5261
Grocery Stores and Supermarkets 5411
Ground or Air Courier Services 4215
Guard Dogs 7393
Guest Speakers, Lecturers 8999
Guitar Stores 5733
Gun Clubs 7997
Gun Shops 5941
Hair Accessories ◆ 5131
Hair Cutting 7230
Hair Pieces, Extensions 5698
Hair Replacement - Non-Surgical 5698
Hair Replacements - Surgical 8099
Hair Salons 7230
Hair Styling 7230
Hairdressers 7230
Hand Made Clothing 5697
Hand Tools 5251
Hand Tools ◆ 5072
Handbag Stores 5631
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Harbors 4468
Hardware - Computer ◆ 5045
Hardware Stores 5251
Hardware, Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5072
Hat Cleaning Shops 7251
Hat Shops - Men's 5611
Hat Shops - Women's 5631
Headstones, Monuments 5999
Health Clubs 7997
Health Food Stores 5499
Health Insurance - Sales 6300
Health Practitioners - Doctors—Not Elsewhere Classified 8011
Health Practitioners, Medical Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 8099
Health, Beauty Spas 7298
Hearing Aids—Sales, Service, and Supplies 5975
Hearing Testing Services 8099
Hearth, Accessories Stores 5718
Heating - Fireplace, Accessories Stores 5718
Heating Contractors 1711
Heating Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5074
Heating, Plumbing, and Air Conditioning Contractors 1711
High Fidelity Equipment 5732
High Schools 8211
Hiking Equipment 5941
Historical Clubs 8699
Hobby Shops 5945
Hobby, Toy and Game Shops 5945
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Home Furnishing Specialty Stores - Miscellaneous 5719
Home Furnishings, Furniture 5712
Home Heating Fuel Dealers 5983
Home Security Systems 7393
Home Supply Warehouse Stores 5200
Home Window Replacement 1799
Homeowners Insurance - Sales 6300
Horse Boarding Services 7299
Horseback Riding 7999
Horticultural Services 0780
Hospice Facilities 8050
Hospital Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5047
Hospitals 8062
Hospitals - Pet 0742
Hot Tub, Sauna Shops 7298
Hot Tubs, Spas - Sales, Service, Supplies 5996
Hotels 7011
House Cleaning Services 7349
Household Appliance Stores 5722
Housekeeping Services 7349
Housewares Stores 5719
Housing - Rental Services 7299
Hunting Equipment, Supplies 5941
Hunting Licenses 7999
Ice Cream Shops 5499
Ice Dealers 5999
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
In-Line Skates Shops 5941
Inbound Teleservices Merchant - Direct Marketing 5967
Income Tax Service 8931
Industrial Supplies—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5085
Infants' Clothing 5641
Information Retrieval Services ◆ 7375
Information Services - via Computer Networks 4816
Inns 7011
Instruction - Dance Schools 7911
Instruction - Games 7999
Instruments - Musical 5733
Insulation Contractors 1740
Insurance Sales, Underwriting, and Premiums 6300
Insurance Services - Direct Marketing 5960
Interior Decorators 1799
Intra-Company Purchases 9950
Investment Firms - Dealers, Brokers 6211
Janitorial Services 7349
Jeans, Denim Clothing Stores 5651
Jet Skis - Rental, Leases 4457
Jewelry - Costume 5631
Jewelry - Fine ◆ 5094
Jewelry - Fine 5944
Jewelry Repair 7631
Jewelry Stores, Watches, Clocks, Silverware Stores 5944
Job Training Services 8299
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Journals ◆ 5192
Junior Colleges 8220
Junk Yards 5935
Karate Schools 8299
Kennels - Animal 7299
Keys - Locksmith 7399
Kindergartens 8211
Kitchenware Stores 5719
Knitting Shops 5949
Labor Unions 8699
Laboratories - Medical, Dental 8071
Laboratories - Testing (Non-Medical) ◆ 8734
Lamp, Lighting Shops 5719
Landscaping, Horticultural Services 0780
Language, Translation Services 7399
Laundries - Family, Commercial 7211
Laundromats 7211
Laundry - Dry Cleaners 7216
Laundry, Cleaning, Garment Services 7210
Law Offices 8111
Lawn, Garden Supply 5261
Lawyers 8111
Leasing - Automobile/Truck 5511
Leasing Services - Equipment 7394
Leasing Services - Motor Homes, Recreational Vehicles 7519
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Leasing Services - Trucks, Utility Trailers 7513
Leather Goods Stores 5948
Lecturers 8999
Legal Services and Attorneys 8111
Life Insurance - Sales 6300
Lighting Fixtures, Supplies 5251
Limousines 4121
Linen Shops 5719
Lingerie Stores 5631
Linoleum Stores 5713
Liquefied Petroleum Dealers 5983
Liquor Stores 5921
Local Delivery Service 4214
Local Telecommunication Service 4814
Local and Suburban Commuter Passenger Transportation, Including 4111

Ferries
Locksmiths 7399
Lodging - Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Central Reservation Services—Not 7011

Elsewhere Classified
Long Distance Telecommunication Service 4814
Long Distance Trucking Services 4214
Lottery Tickets 7995
Lounges 5813
Lube Stations - Quick Stop 7538
Luggage ◆ 5099
Luggage, Leather Goods Stores 5948
Lumber, Building Materials Stores 5211
B
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Machine Shops 7699
Made-to-Order Clothing 5697
Made-to-Order Furniture 5712
Magazine Subscriptions (Direct Mail Only) 5968
Magazines (Newsstands) 5994
Magazines ◆ 5192
Magic Shops 5999
Magicians 7929
Mail, Packing Stores, Services 7399
Maintenance - Computer Maintenance, Repair, Services—Not Elsewhere 7379

Classified ◆
Maintenance Services 7349
Make-Up Stores 5977
Make-Up Studios 7230
Management Consultants 7392
Management, Consulting, Public Relations Services 7392
Manicurist 7230
Manual Cash Disbursements 6010
Map, Atlas Stores 5999
Marina Service Stations 5541
Marinas, Marine Service, and Supplies 4468
Market Research Firms 8999
Marketing Consultants 7392
Marriage Counseling 7277
Masonry, Stonework, Tile Setting, Plastering, Insulation Contractors 1740
Massage - Therapeutic 8099
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Massage Parlors 7297
Materials - Cleaning, Polishing, Sanitation ◆ 2842
Materials - Construction—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5039
Materials - Lumber, Building 5211
Maternity Stores 5621
Mattress Stores 5712
Meat Markets, Meat Lockers 5422
Medical Insurance - Sales 6300
Medical Professionals - Chiropractors 8041
Medical Professionals - Dentists, Orthodontists 8021
Medical Professionals - Doctors—Not Elsewhere Classified 8011
Medical Professionals - Hospitals 8062
Medical Professionals - Medical Services, Health Practitioners—Not 8099

Medical Professionals - Medical, Dental Laboratories 8071
Medical Professionals - Nursing, Personal Care Facilities 8050
Medical Professionals - Opticians 8043
Medical Professionals - Optometrists, Ophthalmologists 8042
Medical Professionals - Osteopaths 8031
Medical Professionals - Podiatrists 8049
Medical Services, Health Practitioners—Not Elsewhere Classified 8099
Medical, Dental Laboratories 8071
Medical, Dental, Ophthalmic, Hospital Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5047
Medicine - Prescriptions, Pharmacies 5912
Meeting Planning Services 7399
Membership Clubs (Sports, Recreation, Athletic), Country Clubs, and 7997

Private Golf Courses
Membership Organizations—Not Elsewhere Classified 8699
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Memorabilia, Souvenir Shops 5947
Men's Uniforms ◆ 5137
Men's, Boys' Clothing and Accessories Stores 5611
Men's, Women's Clothing Stores 5691
Mending, Alterations 5697
Mental Health Practitioners 8099
Merchandise, Services - Financial Institutions 6012
Message, Paging Services 7399
Metal Service Centers, Offices ◆ 5051
Microbreweries, Bars 5813
Microfilm Supplies ◆ 5044
Middle Schools 8211
Mini Markets 5499
Miniature Golf 7999
Miscellaneous Apparel, Accessory Shops 5699
Miscellaneous Automotive, Aircraft, and Farm Equipment Dealers—Not 5599

Miscellaneous Food Stores—Convenience Stores and Specialty, Markets 5499
Miscellaneous General Merchandise 5399
Miscellaneous Home Furnishing Specialty Stores 5719
Miscellaneous Other Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 7299
Miscellaneous Personal Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 7299
Miscellaneous Publishing, Printing ◆ 2741
Miscellaneous Repair Shops, Related Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 7699
Miscellaneous Special Contractors—Not Elsewhere Classified 1799
Miscellaneous Transportation Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 4789
Miscellaneous, Specialty Retail Stores 5999
Mobile Home Dealers, Parts, Equipment 5271
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Modeling Schools 8299
Money - Foreign Currency 6051

(Non-Financial Institutions)
Money Orders - Not Wire Transfer (Non-Financial Institutions) 6051
Money Orders - Wire Transfer 4829
Monuments, Gravestones - Sales, Installation 5999
Moped Dealers, Parts, Accessories 5571
Mortgage Brokers 8999
Mortgage Companies - Financial Institutions 6012
Mortgage Companies - Non-Financial Institutions 6051
Mortuaries, Morticians 7261
Mosques 8661
Motels 7011
Motion Picture Theaters 7832
Motion Picture, Video Tape Production, Distribution ◆ 7829
Motorcycle Rentals 7999
Motor Freight Carriers and Trucking—Local and Long Distance, Moving and 4214
Storage Companies, and Local Delivery
Motor Home Dealers 5592
Motor Homes, Recreational Vehicle Rentals 7519
Motor Scooter Dealers, Parts, Accessories 5571
Motor Vehicle Dealers (New/Used) 5511
Motor Vehicle Supplies, New Parts ◆ 5013
Motor Vehicle Supplies, Parts 5533
Motor Vehicle Violations 9222
Motorboat Dealers 5551
Motorcycle Shops, Dealers 5571
Mountain Bikes 5940
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Movie Theaters 7832
Moving Companies 4214
Moving, Storage Companies 4214
Muffler Shops 7538
Museums 7991
Music Bands 7929
Music Stores - Prerecorded Records, CDs, Cassettes 5735
Music Stores—Musical Instruments, Pianos, and Sheet Music 5733
Musical Instruments ◆ 5099
Musicians 7929
Mutual Funds Brokers 6211
Nail Salons 7230
Nannies 8351
Necktie Stores 5611
Needlework Shops 5949
News Dealers, Newsstands 5994
Newspapers 5994
Newspapers, Newspaper Agencies ◆ 5192
Nightclubs 5813
Non-Financial Institutions—Foreign Currency, Money Orders (not Wire 6051

Transfer), Travelers’ Cheques
Nondurable Goods—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5199
Notions ◆ 5131
Novelty Shops 5947
Numismatic Supplies 5972
Nurseries and Lawn and Garden Supply Stores 5261
Nursery Schools 8351
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Nursery Stock ◆ 5193
Nursing Homes 8050
Nursing, Personal Care Facilities 8050
Nut Shops 5441
Obstetricians 8011
Off-Track Betting 7995
Office Machine Repair Shops 7629
Office Supplies (Business-to- 5111

Business) ◆
Office Supply Stores 5943
Office, Commercial Furniture ◆ 5021
Oil Changers - Lube Stations 7538
Oil Dealers 5983
Optometrists and Ophthalmologists 8042
Optical Goods 8043
Opticians, Optical Goods, Eyeglasses 8043
Optometrists, Ophthalmologists 8042
Orchards 0763
Orchestras 7929
Organizations - Charitable, Social Service 8398
Organizations - Membership Organizations—Not Elsewhere Classified 8699
Organizations - Non Political 8398
Organizations - Political 8651
Organizations - Religious 8661
Orthodontia Supplies ◆ 5047
Orthodontists 8021
Orthopedic Goods - Prosthetic Devices 5976
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Orthopedists 8011
Orthotics, Prosthetic Devices 5976
Osteopaths 8031
Other General Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 7299
Outboard Motor Dealers 5551
Outbound Telemarketing Merchant - Direct Marketing 5966
Outdoor Furnishings 5712
Outerwear Stores - Women's 5621
Package Stores—Beer, Wine, and Liquor 5921
Package Tour Operators 4722
Package Tour Operators - Germany Only (Not Available for Use in the U.S.) 4723
Packing, Mailing Services 7399
Pagers, Paging Equipment 4812
Paging, Message Service Centers 7399
Paint Shops - Automotive 7535
Paint, Painting Supplies 5231
Paint, Varnishes, Supplies ◆ 5198
Painting Contractors - Home, Building 1799
Paper - Writing, Printing, Stationery, Office Supplies ◆ 5111
Paper Hanging Contractors 1799
Paperbacks - Book Stores 5942
Parachuting 7999
Parking Lots, Parking Meters and Garages 7523
Parks - Amusement 7996
Parks and Recreation - Registration 9399
Parts - Electrical, Equipment ◆ 5065
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Parts - Motor Vehicle Supplies, New Parts ◆ 5013
Parts, Automotive 5533
Parts, Recreational Vehicles 5561
Party Supply Stores 5999
Passenger Railways 4112
Pastry Shops 5462
Patio, Porch Furnishings Stores 5712
Pawn Shops 5933
Pay Radio Services 4899
Pay Television Services, Cable 4899
Payments - Alimony, Child Support 9211
Payments - Bail, Bond 9223
Payments - Department Store Proprietary Card Account 5311
Payments - Tax 9311
Pediatricians 8011
Performing Arts Companies - Theatrical 7922
Perfume Distributors ◆ 5122
Periodicals (Newsstands) 5994
Periodicals ◆ 5192
Personal Computers 5732
Personal Counseling 7277
Personal Shopper 7278
Pest Control 7342
Pet Clinics 0742
Pet Grooming Services 7299
Pet Shops, Pet Foods, Supplies Stores 5995
Petroleum, Petroleum Products ◆ 5172
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Pharmaceuticals ◆ 5122
Pharmacies 5912
Philatelic Supplies 5972
Photocopy Supplies ◆ 5044
Photocopying Services 7338
Photofinishing Laboratories and Photo Developing 7395
Photographers - Wedding 7221
Photographic Studios 7221
Photographic, Photocopy, Microfilm Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5044
Photography - Commercial 7333
Photography Supply Stores 5946
Physical Therapists 8099
Physicians 8011
Pianos 5733
Picture Frames, Framing Shops 5999
Pie Shops 5462
Piece Goods, Notions, Other Dry Goods ◆ 5131
Pipe Shops 5993
Pizzerias 5812
Plane Dealers (Aircraft) 5599
Plant Shops 5261
Plant Store 5992
Plants ◆ 5193
Plastering Contractors 1740
Plastic Surgeons 8011
Plate Making Services ◆ 2791
Plumbing Contractors 1711
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Plumbing Supplies 5251
Plumbing, Heating Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5074
Podiatrists and Chiropodists 8049
Police Athletic Leagues (PAL) 8641
Police Departments 9399
Polishing Preparations ◆ 2842
Political Fund-Raising 8651
Political Organizations 8651
Pollution Testing ◆ 8734
Pool Tables - Sales 5941
Pool, Billiard Parlors 7932
Pools - Public Swimming 7999
Pools - Swimming, Sales, Service, Supplies 5996
Popcorn Stands 5441
Portrait Studios 7221
Postage Stamps 9402
Postal Services - Non Government 7399
Postal Services - U.S. Government 9402
Pottery Stores 5719
Poultry Shops 5499
Power Tools 5251
Powerboat Dealers 5551
Powerboats - Rental, Leases 4457
Precious Gems, Metals, Jewelry 5944
Precious Stones, Metals, Watches, Jewelry ◆ 5094
Prepaid Calling Cards - Telecommunication Service 4814
Preschool Centers 8351
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Prescription Medication 5912
Pretzel Stands 5499
Printing Services ◆ 2741
Printing Supplies ◆ 5111
Private Golf Courses 7997
Private Investigators 7393
Produce Markets 5499
Producers - Theatrical 7922
Product Testing Laboratories ◆ 8734
Product Warranties 6300
Production Agencies - Theatrical 7922
Professional Organizations—Not Elsewhere Classified 8699
Professional Schools 8220
Professional Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 8999
Professional Sports Clubs 7941
Professional Uniforms ◆ 5137
Promoters - Sporting Events 7941
Propane Dealers 5983
Property Appraisers (Real, Personal) 8999
Property Rental Services 6513
Prosthetic Devices 5976
Protective Services 7393
Psychiatrists 8099
Psychologists 8099
Public Golf Courses 7992
Public Radio, Television 8398
Public Relations Services 7392
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Public Speakers 8999
Public Swimming Pools 7999
Public Utilities 4900
Public Warehousing and Storage— Farm Products, Refrigerated Goods, 4225

Household Goods, and Storage
Publishing Companies 7399
Publishing Services ◆ 2741
Pubs 5813
Quick Copy, Reproduction, and Blueprinting Services 7338
Quick Service Restaurants 5814
RV, Camper Dealers 5561
Race Tracks - Entrance Fee, Non-Betting Transactions 7941
Racquetball Clubs 7997
Radio, Television, Stereo, Electronics Repair Shops 7622
Radios 5732
Railroads 4011
Railways - Passenger 4112
Razor Stores 5997
Real Estate Agents, Brokers, Managers - Rentals 6513
Real Estate Appraisers 8999
Record Stores 5735
Record, CD, Cassette Stores 5735
Recreation - Video Game Arcades 7994
Recreation Vehicle Dealers, Parts, Accessories 5561
Recreational Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 7999
Recreational Services - Aircraft Rentals 7999
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Recreational Services - Driving Ranges 7999
Recreational Services - Miniature Golf 7999
Recreational Services - Public Swimming Pools 7999
Recreational Services - Ski Slopes 7999
Recreational Services - Sport, Games Instruction 7999
Recreational Vehicle Rentals 7519
Recreational, Sporting Camps 7032
Refinishing - Furniture Repair, Reupholstery 7641
Refrigeration Repair Shops 7623
Religious Goods Stores 5973
Religious Organizations 8661
Rental Services - Residential and Commercial 6513
Rentals - Aircraft 7999
Rentals - Appliance 7394
Rentals - Boats 4457
Rentals - Car Agencies 7512
Rentals - Clothing - Costumes, Formal Wear, Uniforms 7296
Rentals - Costume 7296
Rentals - Equipment 7394
Rentals - Furniture 7394
Rentals - Jet Skis 4457
Rentals - Motor Homes, Recreational Vehicles 7519
Rentals - Residential and Commercial Properties 6513
Rentals - Tools 7394
Rentals - Truck, Utility Trailer Rentals 7513
Rentals - Tuxedo, Formal Wear 7296
Rentals - Typewriter Stores, Sales, Rentals, Service 5978
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Rentals - Uniforms 7296
Rentals - Utility Trailer, Truck Rentals 7513
Rentals - Video Tape Stores 7841
Rentals - Yachts, Non Crew 4457
Repair Shops - Automotive/Body 7531
Repair Shops, Related Services - Miscellaneous—Not Elsewhere Classified 7699
Repairs - Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Repair Shops 7623
Repairs - Automobile/Truck Dealers (New/Used) Sales, Service, Repairs, 5511

Parts, Leasing
Repairs - Automotive Body Repair Shops 7531
Repairs - Automotive Service Shops 7538
Repairs - Automotive Tire Stores 5532
Repairs - Computer Maintenance, Repair, Services—Not Elsewhere 7379

Classified ◆
Repairs - Electrical, Small Appliance Repair Shops 7629
Repairs - Hearing Aids, Sales, Service, Supply Stores 5975
Repairs - Office Machines 7629
Repairs - Radio, Television, Stereo, Electronics Repair Shops 7622
Repairs - Reupholstery, Furniture Repair, Furniture Refinishing 7641
Repairs - Shoe Repair Shops 7251
Repairs - Tailors, Seamstresses, Mending, Alterations 5697
Repairs - Tire Retreading, Repair Shops 7534
Repairs - Typewriter Stores, Sales, Rentals, Service 5978
Repairs - Watch, Clock, Jewelry Repair 7631
Repairs - Welding 7692
Reproduction Services 7338
Research Firms 8999
Residential Rentals 6513
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Resorts 7011
Resorts - Ski 7999
Rest Homes - Eldercare 8050
Restaurant Equipment - Commercial Cooking, Food Service Equipment ◆ 5046
Restaurants 5812
Restaurants - Fast Food 5814
Retail Stores—Not Elsewhere Classified 5999
Reupholstery, Furniture Repair, Furniture Refinishing 7641
Riding Apparel - Sports Apparel 5655
Roller Skating Rinks 7999
Rollerblade Shops 5941
Roofing Materials 5211
Roofing, Siding, and Sheet Metal Work Contractors 1761
Rough Timber Products ◆ 5099
Rug Stores 5713
Safety Equipment ◆ 5047
Sailboat Dealers 5551
Sailboats - Rental, Leases 4457
Sailing Clubs 7997
Salons - Hair, Beauty 7230
Salons - Nail 7230
Saloons 5813
Salvage Yards 5935
Sandwich Shops 5812
Sanitary Utilities 4900
Sanitation Preparations ◆ 2842
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Satellite Services 4899
Sauna, Hot Tub Shops 7298
Savings and Loans - Financial Institutions - Automated Cash 6011

Disbursements
Savings and Loans - Financial Institutions - Merchandise, Services 6012
School Supply Store 5943
Schools - Art 8299
Schools - Automobile Driving Instruction 8299
Schools - Ballroom Dance Instruction 7911
Schools - Business, Secretarial (Non-Graduate) 8244
Schools - Colleges, Universities, Professional Schools, Junior Colleges 8220
Schools - Cooking 8299
Schools - Computer Training 8244
Schools - Correspondence 8241
Schools - Dance Halls, Studios 7911
Schools - Elementary, Secondary 8211
Schools - Flying Instruction 8299
Schools - Karate 8299
Schools - Kindergartens 8211
Schools - Modeling 8299
Schools - Vocational, Trade Schools 8249
Schools, Educational Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 8299
Scuba, Skin Diving Equipment 5941
Sea Life Parks 7998
Seafood Markets 5422
Seamstresses 5697
Seaquariums 7998
Secondary Schools 8211
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Secondhand Stores 5931
Secretarial Schools 8244
Secretarial Support Services 7338
Security Brokers, Dealers 6211
Security Services, Protective Services, Detective Agencies 7393
Self Service Terminals - Gasoline 5542
Seminar Planning Services 7399
Service - Bicycles 5940
Service - Hearing Aids, Supplies 5975
Service Stations (with or without Ancillary Services) 5541
Services - Accounting, Auditing, Bookkeeping 8931
Services - Advertising 7311
Services - Air Ambulance 4119
Services - Ambulance 4119
Services - Animal Boarding 7299
Services - Antique Restoration 5932
Services - Architectural, Engineering, Surveying 8911
Services - Armored Car 7393
Services - Banks, Credit Unions, Financial Institutions (Non Cash) 6012
Services - Bookbinding ◆ 2741
Services - Business—Not Elsewhere Classified 7399
Services - Buying/Shopping Services, Clubs 7278
Services - Cable and Other Pay Television 4899
Services - Cablegrams 4821
Services - Carpet, Upholstery Cleaning 7217
Services - Central Reservation, Lodging 7011
Services - Child Care, Day Care 8351
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Services - Chimney Cleaning 7699
Services - Cleaning, Maintenance, Janitorial Services 7349
Services - Computer Maintenance, Repair—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 7379
Services - Computer Programming, Integrated Systems Design, Data 7372

Processing
Services - Counseling - Debt, Marriage, Personal 7277
Services - Courier, Air or Ground 4215
Services - Dating, Escort 7273
Services - Delivery, Local 4214
Services - Demolition 1799
Services - Detective Agencies 7393
Services - Direct Marketing Travel-Related Arrangement Services 5962
Services - Dry Cleaning 7216
Services - Electric Utilities 4900
Services - Electrical, Small Appliance Repairs 7629
Services - Electronics Repair 7622
Services - Emergency Vehicles 4119
Services - Equipment Rental, Leasing 7394
Services - Exterminating, Disinfecting Services 7342
Services - Financial Counseling 7277
Services - Freight Carriers, Trucking and Storage 4214
Services - Freight Forwarders, Courier Services 4215
Services - Fueling ◆ 5172
Services - Furnace Cleaning 7699
Services - Gardening 0780
Services - Gas Utilities 4900
Services - Government—Not Elsewhere Classified 9399
B
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Services - Guard Dog 7393
Services - Horticultural 0780
Services - Hot Tubs, Spas, Sales, Service, Supplies 5996
Services - Housekeeping 7349
Services - Income Tax Preparation 8931
Services - Information Retrieval ◆ 7375
Services - Insurance, Direct Marketing 5960
Services - Job Training 8299
Services - Landscaping 0780
Services - Laundromats 7211
Services - Laundry, Cleaning, Garment Services 7210
Services - Leasing/Motor Homes, Recreational Vehicles 7519
Services - Leasing/Truck, Utility Trailer Rentals 7513
Services - Legal Services, Attorneys 8111
Services - Management, Consulting, Public Relations 7392
Services - Marine, Marina 4468
Services - Medical Services, Health Practitioners—Not Elsewhere 8099

Classified
Services - Miscellaneous Other Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 7299
Services - Miscellaneous Personal—Not Elsewhere Classified 7299
Services - Miscellaneous Repair Shops—Not Elsewhere Classified 7699
Services - Money Order, Travelers Cheques, Foreign Exchange 6051

(Non-Financial Institutions)
Services - Nursing and Personal Care Facilities 8050
Services - Office Machine Repair 7629
Services - Pay Radio and Satellite Services 4899
Services - Pet Grooming 7299
Services - Plate Making ◆ 2791
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Services - Professional Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 8999
Services - Property Appraisal 8999
Services - Protective 7393
Services - Publishing, Printing ◆ 2741
Services - Quick Copy, Reproduction 7338
Services - Real Estate Appraisal 8999
Services - Recreation 7999
Services - Repairs/Automotive Tire Stores 5532
Services - Residential and Commerical Property Rentals 6513
Services - Reupholstery, Furniture Repair, Furniture Refinishing 7641
Services - Sanitary Utilities 4900
Services - Schools, Educational Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 8299
Services - Secretarial Support 7339
Services - Security 7393
Services - Stenographic 7339
Services - Swimming Pools, Sales, Service, Supplies 5996
Services - Tailors, Seamstresses, Mending, Alterations 5697
Services - Tax Preparation 7276
Services - Taxicabs, Limousines 4121
Services - Telegraph 4821
Services - Telephone Answering 7399
Services - Television, Radio, Stereo, Electronics 7622
Services - Towing 7549
Services - Trade Show Arrangement 7399
Services - Translation, Language 7399
Services - Transportation—Not Elsewhere Classified 4789
Services - Trucking, Local and Long Distance 4214
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Services - Typesetting ◆ 2791
Services - Typewriter Stores, Sales, Rentals, Service 5978
Services - Veterinary 0742
Services - Video Tape Rental Stores 7841
Services - Watch, Clock, Jewelry Repairs 7631
Services - Water Filtration, Purification, Softening 7299
Services - Water Utilities 4900
Services - Welding Repair 7692
Services - Word Processing 7339
Sewing Accessories ◆ 5131
Sewing Machine Stores 5722
Sewing Shops - Alterations 5697
Sewing, Needlework, Fabric, Piece Goods Stores 5949
Sheet Metal Work Contractors 1761
Ships - Steamship and Cruise Lines 4411
Shoe Shine Shops, Stands 7251
Shoe Repair Shops, Shoe Shine Parlors, Hat Cleaning Shops 7251
Shoe Stores 5661
Shoes, Shoe Accessories - Commercial ◆ 5139
Shooting Range 7999
Shopping Services 7278
Shuttle Transportation 4789
Siding Contractors 1761
Signs ◆ 5099
Silk Screening 7333
Silversmiths 5944
Silverware Stores 5944
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Skateboard Shops 5941
Ski Shops 5941
Ski Slopes 7999
Skin Diving, Scuba Equipment 5941
Sky Diving 7999
Smoke Shops 5993
Snowmobile Dealers 5598
Social Associations, Clubs 8641
Social Service Organizations - Charitable, Social Service Organizations 8398
Soda Fountains 5812
Software - Computer 5734
Software - Computer ◆ 5045
Souvenir, Memorabilia Shops 5947
Spas - Health, Beauty 7298
Special Trade Contractors—Not Elsewhere Classified 1799
Specialty Cleaning, Polishing, Sanitation Preparations ◆ 2842
Specialty Food Markets 5499
Specialty Retail Stores - Miscellaneous 5999
Sporting Goods Stores 5941
Sporting, Recreational Camps 7032
Sports and Riding Apparel Stores 5655
Sports Clubs 7997
Sports Instruction 7999
Sports Medicine Clinics 8099
Sports Promoters 7941
Stables - Animal 7299
Stadiums 7941
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Stamp Collecting 5972
Stamp and Coin Stores 5972
Stamps - Postage 9402
State Fairs 7996
Stationery Stores, Office, School Supply Stores 5943
Stationery, Office Supplies, Printing and Writing Paper ◆ 5111
Steamship and Cruise Lines 4411
Stenographic and Secretarial Support 7339
Stereo Repair Shops 7622
Stereos, Receivers, CD Equipment 5732
Stock Brokers 6211
Stonework Contractors 1740
Storage - Public Warehousing 4225
Storage, Moving Companies - Local, Long Distance 4214
Stored Value Card 6051
Stoves - Fireplaces, Accessories Stores 5718
Studios - Dance 7911
Subscription Merchant - Direct Marketing 5968
Sunglasses Stores 5999
Supermarkets 5411
Supplies - Art, Crafts 5970
Supplies - Automotive Parts, Accessories Stores 5533
Supplies - Beauty Supply Stores 5999
Supplies - Chemicals, Allied Products—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5169
Supplies - Commercial Equipment—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5046
Supplies - Computers, Computer Peripheral Equipment, Software ◆ 5045
Supplies - Construction Materials—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5039
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Supplies - Dental ◆ 5047
Supplies - Drugs, Drug Proprietaries, Druggist Sundries ◆ 5122
Supplies - Electrical Parts, Equipment ◆ 5065
Supplies - Florist Supplies, Nursery Stock, Flowers ◆ 5193
Supplies - Glass 5231
Supplies - Hardware Stores 5251
Supplies - Hardware, Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5072
Supplies - Hearing Aids, Service, Supplies 5975
Supplies - Heating Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5074
Supplies - Hospital ◆ 5047
Supplies - Hot Tubs, Spas 5996
Supplies - Industrial—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆ 5085
Supplies - Lumber, Building Materials 5211
Supplies - Marinas, Marine Service, Supplies 4468
Supplies - Medical ◆ 5047
Supplies - Millinery ◆ 5131
Supplies - Motor Vehicle Supplies, New Parts ◆ 5013
Supplies - Motorcycle Parts, Accessories 5571
Supplies - Numismatic, Philatelic 5972
Supplies - Nurseries, Lawn, Garden Supply Stores 5261
Supplies - Orthopedic ◆ 5047
Supplies - Paint, Painting Supplies 5231
Supplies - Paints, Varnishes, Supplies ◆ 5198
Supplies - Party 5999
Supplies - Pet Shops, Pet Foods, Supplies Stores 5995
Supplies - Photographic 5946
Supplies - Photographic, Photocopy, Microfilm Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5044
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Supplies - Plumbing Equipment, Supplies ◆ 5074
Supplies - Sewing, Fabric, Notions, Needlework, Piece Goods 5949
Supplies - Stationery, Office Supplies, Printing, Writing Paper ◆ 5111
Supplies - Swimming Pools 5996
Supplies - Video Amusement Game Supplies 7993
Supplies - Wallpaper, Supplies 5231
Surfboards, Accessories 5941
Surgeons 8011
Surveillance Systems, Services 7393
Surveying Services 8911
Swimming Pools - Public 7999
Swimming Pools - Sales, Service, Supplies 5996
Swim Wear Shop 5699
Synagogues 8661
Systems Design - Computer 7372
T-Shirt Stores 5699
TV Commercial Production ◆ 7829
Tailors, Seamstresses, Mending, and Alterations 5697
Tanning Salons 7298
Tap Rooms 5813
Tattoo, Body Piercing Parlors 7299
Taverns 5813
Tax Payments 9311
Tax Preparation Services 7276
Taxicabs and Limousines 4121
Taxidermists 7299
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Tea Stores 5499
Technical Institutes 8249
Telecommunication Equipment and Telephone Sales 4812
Telecommunication Services, including Local and Long Distance Calls, 4814

Credit Card Calls, Calls Through Use of Magnetic Stripe Reading
Telephones, and Fax Services
Telegraph Services 4821
Telemarketing Merchant - Inbound Direct Marketing 5967
Telemarketing Merchant - Outbound 5966
Telemarketing Travel-Related Arrangement Services (Excluding Travel 5962

Agencies)
Telephone Answering Services 7399
Telephone Equipment 4812
Television Repair Shops 7622
Television Stores 5732
Temples - Religious Organizations 8661
Temporary Employment Agencies 7361
Tennis Clubs 7997
Tent, Awning Shops 5998
Terminals - Airports 4582
Testing Laboratories (Non-Medical Testing) ◆ 8734
Textbooks 5942
Textiles, Textile Binding ◆ 5131
Theatrical Producers (except Motion Pictures) and Ticket Agencies 7922
Therapists 8099
Thrift Stores 5931
Ticket Agencies (Direct Marketing) 5969
Ticket Agencies 7922
Tie Shops - Men's Clothing 5611
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Tile Setting Contractors 1740
Tile Stores 5713
Timeshares 7012
Tire Retreading, Repair Shops 7534
Tire Stores 5532
Tobacco Shops 5993
Toiletries 5912
Toll and Bridge Fees 4784
Tombstones - Sales, Installation 5999
Tools 5251
Toupee Stores 5698
Tour Buses 4722
Tour Operators 4722
Tourist Attractions - Aquariums, Seaquariums, Dolphinariums 7998
Tourist Attractions, Exhibits 7991
Tourist Information Bureaus 7399
Towing Services 7549
Toy Stores 5945
Toy, Game Shops 5945
Trade Schools 8249
Trade Show Arrangement Services 7399
Traffic Schools 8299
Trailer (Utility), Truck Rentals 7513
Trailer Parks, Campgrounds 7033
Trailers - Utility 5561
Training, Educational Film Production ◆ 7829
Trains - Freight Transportation 4011
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Trains - Passenger 4112
Translation Services 7399
Transportation - Ambulance Services 4119
Transportation - Bus Lines 4131
Transportation - Commuter, Local, Suburban Commuter Passenger 4111

Transportation
Transportation - Commuter, Railways 4111
Transportation - Ferries 4111
Transportation - Passenger Railways 4112
Transportation - Railroads, Freight 4011
Transportation - Taxicabs, Limousines 4121
Transportation Services—Not Elsewhere Classified 4789
Travel Agencies, Tour Operators 4722
Travel Clubs (Direct Marketing) 5962
Travel Packages 4722
Travel Wholesalers 4722
Travel-Related Arrangement Services - Direct Marketing 5962
Travelers Cheques (Financial Institutions) Cash 6010
Travelers Cheques - Quasi Cash 6051
Travelers Cheques (Non-Financial Institutions) Cash 6051
Trekking Equipment 5941
Trophy Sales 5999
Truck Dealers (Used Only) 5521
Truck Dealers - New/Used 5511
Truck Stops - Gasoline Service 5541
Truck, Utility Trailer Rentals 7513
Trucking - Local, Long Distance 4214
Tune-Up Shops - Automotive 7538
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Tuxedo, Formal Wear Rentals 7296
Typesetting, Plate Making, Related Services ◆ 2791
Typewriter Stores - Sales, Rentals, Service 5978
U.S. Federal Government Agencies or Departments 9405
U.S. Postal Services 9402
Undertakers 7261
Uniforms - Men's, Women's, Children's ◆ 5137
Uniforms Rental 7296
Unions - Labor 8699
Universities 8220
Upholstery Cleaning 7217
Upholstery Materials Stores 5714
Used Merchandise and Secondhand Stores 5931
Used Record/CD Stores 5735
Utilities - Electric, Gas, Water, Sanitary 4900
Utility Trailer Rentals 7513
Utility Trailers 5561
VCR Repair Services 7622
VCR's 5732
Vacuum Cleaner Stores 5722
Variety Stores 5331
Varnishes, Paints, Supplies ◆ 5198
Vegetable Markets 5499
Vehicle Supplies, New Parts ◆ 5013
Vending Machines - Food 5999
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Veterans' Organizations 8641
Veterinary Services 0742
Veterinary Testing Laboratories ◆ 8734
Video Amusement, Game Supplies 7993
Video Cameras (And Other Electronics) 5732
Video Cameras, Photographic Equipment 5946
Video Game Arcades/Establishments 7994
Video Tape, Motion Picture Production, Distribution ◆ 7829
Videotext Merchants 5967
Vineyards 0763
Vintage Clothing Stores 5931
Visa Credential Service (FOR VISA USE ONLY) 9701
Vitamin Stores 5499
Vocational, Trade Schools 8249
Wagers, Betting 7995
Wallpaper Hangers 1799
Wallpaper, Wallcovering Supplies Store 5231
Warehouse Retail - Wholesale Clubs 5300
Warehouse Stores - Home Supply 5200
Warehousing, Storage 4225
Watch Shops 5944
Watch, Clock, Jewelry Repair 7631
Watches ◆ 5094
Water Filtration, Purification, and Softening Treatment Services 7299
Water Utilities 4900
Wedding Cakes 5462
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Wedding Chapels 7299
Wedding Photographers 7221
Welding Contractors 1799
Welding Services 7692
Well Drilling Contractors 1799
Western Boot Shops 5661
Wheel Alignment, Balancing, Repair Service - Automotive 7538
Wholesale Clubs 5300
Wig, Toupee Stores 5698
Windowcovering Stores 5714
Windsurf Boards, Accessories 5941
Wine Bars 5813
Wine, Liquor Stores 5921
Wineries 7991
Wire Transfer Money Orders 4829
Women's Accessory, Specialty Shops 5631
Women's Clothing 5691
Women's Ready-To-Wear Stores 5621
Women's Uniforms ◆ 5137
Wood Dealers 5983
Woodburning Stoves, Accessories Stores 5718
Word Processing Services 7339
Wrecking, Salvage Yards 5935
X-Ray Equipment ◆ 5047
YMCA/YWCA 7997
MERCHANT TYPE MCC
Yacht Clubs 7997
Yacht Harbors 4468
Yacht Rentals - Non Crew 4457
Yarn Shops 5949
Yogurt Shops 5499
Zoos 7998
Merchant Data Standards, listed in numerical order by Merchant Category CodeB
MCC MERCHANT TYPE
0742 Veterinary Services
0763 Agricultural Cooperative
0780 Landscaping and Horticultural Services
1520 General Contractors - Residential and Commercial
1711 Heating, Plumbing, and Air Conditioning Contractors
1731 Electrical Contractors
1740 Masonry, Stonework, Tile Setting, Plastering and Insulation Contractors
1750 Carpentry Contractors
1761 Roofing, Siding, and Sheet Metal Work Contractors
1771 Concrete Work Contractors
1799 Special Trade Contractors—Not Elsewhere Classified
2741 Miscellaneous Publishing and Printing ◆
2791 Typesetting, Plate Making and Related Services ◆
2842 Specialty Cleaning, Polishing and Sanitation Preparations ◆
4011 Railroads
4111 Local and Suburban Commuter Passenger Transportation, Including

Ferries
4112 Passenger Railways (T&E in U.S. only)
4119 Ambulance Services
4121 Taxicabs and Limousines
4131 Bus Lines
4214 Motor Freight Carriers and Trucking— Local and Long Distance, Moving
and Storage Companies, and Local Delivery
4215 Courier Services—Air and Ground, and Freight Forwarders
4225 Public Warehousing and Storage— Farm Products, Refrigerated Goods,

Household Goods, and Storage
4411 Steamship and Cruise Lines
4457 Boat Rentals and Leasing
MCC MERCHANT TYPE
4468 Marinas, Marine Service, and Supplies
4511 Airlines and Air Carriers—Not Elsewhere Classified
4582 Airports, Flying Fields, and Airport Terminals
4722 Travel Agencies and Tour Operators
4723 Package Tour Operators - For Use in Germany Only
4784 Tolls and Bridge Fees
4789 Transportation Services—Not Elsewhere Classified
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
4821 Telegraph Services
4829 Wire Transfer Money Orders
4899 Cable and Other Pay Television Services
4900 Utilities - Electric, Gas, Water, Sanitary
5013 Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts ◆
5021 Office and Commercial Furniture ◆
5039 Construction Materials—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆
5044 Photographic, Photocopy, Microfilm Equipment and Supplies ◆
5045 Computers and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software ◆
5046 Commercial Equipment—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆
5047 Medical, Dental, Ophthalmic and Hospital Equipment and Supplies ◆
5051 Metal Service Centers and Offices ◆
5065 Electrical Parts and Equipment ◆
5072 Hardware, Equipment and Supplies ◆
5074 Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies ◆
5085 Industrial Supplies—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆
MCC MERCHANT TYPE
5094 Precious Stones and Metals, Watches and Jewelry ◆
5099 Durable Goods—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆
5111 Stationery, Office Supplies, Printing and Writing Paper ◆
5122 Drugs, Drug Proprietaries, and Druggist Sundries ◆
5131 Piece Goods, Notions, and Other Dry Goods ◆
5137 Men's, Women's, and Children's Uniforms and Commercial Clothing ◆
5139 Commercial Footwear ◆
5169 Chemicals and Allied Products—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆
5172 Petroleum and Petroleum Products ◆
5192 Books, Periodicals and Newspapers ◆
5193 Florists Supplies, Nursery Stock and Flowers ◆
5198 Paints, Varnishes and Supplies ◆
5199 Nondurable Goods—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆
5200 Home Supply Warehouse Stores
5211 Lumber and Building Materials Stores
5231 Glass, Paint, and Wallpaper Stores
5251 Hardware Stores
5261 Nurseries and Lawn and Garden Supply Stores
5271 Mobile Home Dealers
5300 Wholesale Clubs
5309 Duty Free Stores
5310 Discount Stores
5311 Department Stores
5331 Variety Stores
5399 Miscellaneous General Merchandise
5411 Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
5422 Freezer and Locker Meat Provisioners
MCC MERCHANT TYPE
5441 Candy, Nut, and Confectionery Stores
5451 Dairy Products Stores
5462 Bakeries
5499 Miscellaneous Food Stores—Convenience Stores and Specialty, Markets
5511 Car and Truck Dealers (New and Used) Sales, Service, Repairs, Parts, and
Leasing
5521 Car and Truck Dealers (Used Only) Sales, Service, Repairs, Parts, and
Leasing
5532 Automotive Tire Stores
5533 Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores
5541 Service Stations (with or without Ancillary Services)
5542 Automated Fuel Dispensers
5551 Boat Dealers
5561 Camper, Recreational and Utility Trailer Dealers
5571 Motorcycle Shops and Dealers
5592 Motor Home Dealers
5598 Snowmobile Dealers
5599 Miscellaneous Automotive, Aircraft, and Farm Equipment Dealers—Not

5611 Men's and Boys' Clothing and Accessories Stores
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
5655 Sports and Riding Apparel Stores
5661 Shoe Stores
5681 Furriers and Fur Shops
5691 Men's and Women's Clothing Stores
5697 Tailors, Seamstresses, Mending, and Alterations
MCC MERCHANT TYPE
5698 Wig and Toupee Stores
5699 Miscellaneous Apparel and Accessory Shops
5712 Furniture, Home Furnishings and Equipment Stores, Except Appliances
5713 Floor Covering Stores
5714 Drapery, Window Covering, and Upholstery Stores
5718 Fireplace, Fireplace Screens and Accessories Stores
5719 Miscellaneous Home Furnishing Specialty Stores
5722 Household Appliance Stores
5732 Electronics Stores
5733 Music Stores—Musical Instruments, Pianos and Sheet Music
5734 Computer Software Stores
5735 Record Stores
5811 Caterers
5812 Eating Places and Restaurants
5813 Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)—Bars, Taverns, Nightclubs, Cocktail

Lounges, and Discotheques
5814 Fast Food Restaurants
5912 Drug Stores and Pharmacies
5921 Package Stores—Beer, Wine, and Liquor
5931 Used Merchandise and Secondhand Stores
5932 Antique Shops—Sales, Repairs, and Restoration Services
5933 Pawn Shops
5935 Wrecking and Salvage Yards
5937 Antique Reproductions
5940 Bicycle Shops - Sales and Service
5941 Sporting Goods Stores
5942 Book Stores
5943 Stationery Stores, Office and School Supply Stores
MCC MERCHANT TYPE
5944 Jewelry Stores, Watches, Clocks, and Silverware Stores
5945 Hobby, Toy and Game Shops
5946 Camera and Photographic Supply Stores
5947 Gift, Card, Novelty and Souvenir Shops
5948 Luggage and Leather Goods Stores
5949 Sewing, Needlework, Fabric and Piece Goods Stores
5950 Glassware/Crystal Stores
5960 Direct Marketing - Insurance Services
5962 Direct Marketing - Travel-Related Arrangement Services
5963 Door-to-Door Sales
5964 Direct Marketing - Catalog Merchant
5965 Direct Marketing - Combination Catalog and Retail Merchant
5966 Direct Marketing - Outbound Telemarketing Merchant
5968 Direct Marketing - Continuity/Subscription Merchant
5969 Direct Marketing - Other Direct Marketers—Not Elsewhere Classified
5970 Artist's Supply and Craft Shops
5971 Art Dealers and Galleries
5972 Stamp and Coin Stores
5973 Religious Goods Stores
5975 Hearing Aids—Sales, Service, and Supplies
5976 Orthopedic Goods - Prosthetic Devices
5977 Cosmetic Stores
5978 Typewriter Stores - Sales, Rentals, Service
5983 Fuel Dealers—Fuel Oil, Wood, Coal, and Liquefied Petroleum
5992 Florists
5993 Cigar Stores and Stands
5994 News Dealers and Newsstands
MCC MERCHANT TYPE
5995 Pet Shops, Pet Foods and Supplies Stores
5996 Swimming Pools - Sales and Service
5997 Electric Razor Stores - Sales and Service
5998 Tent and Awning Shops
5999 Miscellaneous and Specialty Retail Stores
6010 Financial Institutions - Manual Cash Disbursements
6011 Financial Institutions - Automated Cash Disbursements
6012 Financial Institutions - Merchandise and Services
6051 Non-Financial Institutions—Foreign Currency, Money Orders (not Wire

Transfer), Travelers’ Cheques
6211 Security Brokers/Dealers
6300 Insurance Sales, Underwriting, and Premiums
6513 Real Estate Agents, Brokers, Managers - Rentals
7011 Lodging - Hotels, Motels, and Resorts, Central Reservation Services—Not

7012 Timeshares
7032 Sporting and Recreational Camps
7033 Trailer Parks and Campgrounds
7210 Laundry, Cleaning, and Garment Services
7211 Laundries - Family and Commercial
7216 Dry Cleaners
7217 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
7221 Photographic Studios
7230 Beauty and Barber Shops
7251 Shoe Repair Shops, Shoe Shine Parlors, and Hat Cleaning Shops
7261 Funeral Service and Crematories
7273 Dating and Escort Services
7276 Tax Preparation Services
MCC MERCHANT TYPE
7277 Counseling Services—Debt, Marriage, and Personal
7278 Buying and Shopping Services and Clubs
7296 Clothing Rental - Costumes, Uniforms, Formal Wear
7297 Massage Parlors
7298 Health and Beauty Spas
7299 Miscellaneous Personal Services—Not Elsewhere Classified
7311 Advertising Services
7321 Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies
7333 Commercial Photography, Art, and Graphics
7338 Quick Copy, Reproduction, and Blueprinting Services
7339 Stenographic and Secretarial Support
7342 Exterminating and Disinfecting Services
7349 Cleaning, Maintenance, and Janitorial Services
7361 Employment Agencies and Temporary Help Services
7372 Computer Programming, Data Processing, and Integrated Systems Design

Services
7375 Information Retrieval Services ◆
7379 Computer Maintenance, Repair and Services—Not Elsewhere Classified ◆
7392 Management, Consulting, and Public Relations Services
7393 Detective Agencies, Protective Agencies, and Security Services, Including

Armored Cars and Guard Dogs
7394 Equipment, Tool, Furniture, and Appliance Rental and Leasing
7395 Photofinishing Laboratories and Photo Developing
7399 Business Services—Not Elsewhere Classified
7512 Automobile Rental Agency
7513 Truck and Utility Trailer Rentals
7519 Motor Home and Recreational Vehicle Rentals
7523 Parking Lots, Parking Meters and Garages
MCC MERCHANT TYPE
7531 Automotive Body Repair Shops
7534 Tire Retreading and Repair Shops
7535 Automotive Paint Shops
7538 Automotive Service Shops (Non-Dealer)
7542 Car Washes
7549 Towing Services
7622 Electronic Repair Shops
7623 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Repair Shops
7629 Electrical and Small Appliance Repair Shops
7631 Watch, Clock and Jewelry Repair
7641 Furniture-Reupholstery, Repair, Refinishing
7692 Welding Services
7699 Miscellaneous Repair Shops and Related Services
7829 Motion Picture and Video Tape Production and Distribution ◆
7832 Motion Picture Theaters
7841 DVD/Video Tape Rental Stores
7911 Dance Halls, Studios and Schools
7922 Theatrical Producers (except Motion Pictures) and Ticket Agencies
7929 Bands, Orchestras, and Miscellaneous Entertainers—Not Elsewhere

Classified
7932 Billiard and Pool Establishments
7933 Bowling Alleys
7941 Commercial Sports, Professional Sports Clubs, Athletic Fields, and Sports
Promoters
7991 Tourist Attractions and Exhibits
7992 Public Golf Courses
7993 Video Amusement Game Supplies
7994 Video Game Arcades/Establishments
MCC MERCHANT TYPE
7995 Betting, including Lottery Tickets, Casino Gaming Chips, Off-Track Betting,
7996 Amusement Parks, Circuses, Carnivals, and Fortune Tellers
7997 Membership Clubs (Sports, Recreation, Athletic), Country Clubs, and

Private Golf Courses
7998 Aquariums, Seaquariums, Dolphinariums
7999 Recreation Services—Not Elsewhere Classified
8011 Doctors and Physicians—Not Elsewhere Classified
8021 Dentists and Orthodontists
8031 Osteopaths
8041 Chiropractors
8042 Optometrists and Ophthalmologists
8043 Opticians, Optical Goods and Eyeglasses
8049 Podiatrists and Chiropodists
8050 Nursing and Personal Care Facilities
8062 Hospitals
8071 Medical and Dental Laboratories
8099 Medical Services and Health Practitioners—Not Elsewhere Classified
8111 Legal Services and Attorneys
8211 Elementary and Secondary Schools
8220 Colleges, Universities, Professional Schools, and Junior Colleges
8241 Correspondence Schools
8244 Business and Secretarial Schools
8249 Vocational and Trade Schools
8299 Schools and Educational Services—Not Elsewhere Classified
8351 Child Care Services
8398 Charitable and Social Service Organizations
8641 Civic, Social, and Fraternal Associations
MCC MERCHANT TYPE
8651 Political Organizations
8661 Religious Organizations
8675 Automobile Associations
8699 Membership Organizations—Not Elsewhere Classified
8734 Testing Laboratories (Non-Medical Testing) ◆
8911 Architectural, Engineering, and Surveying Services
8931 Accounting, Auditing, and Bookkeeping Services
8999 Professional Services—Not Elsewhere Classified
9211 Court Costs, Including Alimony and Child Support
9222 Fines
9223 Bail and Bond Payments
9311 Tax Payments
9399 Government Services—Not Elsewhere Classified
9402 Postal Services - Government Only
9405 U.S. Federal Government Agencies or Departments
9700 Automated Referral Service (FOR VISA USE ONLY)
9701 Visa Credential Service (FOR VISA USE ONLY)
9702 GCCS Emergency Services
9950 Intra-Company Purchases
D Defined Terms
Numerics
3-D Secure—A Visa-approved Authentication Method that is the global authentication standard for
International Transactions.
3-D Secure Electronic Commerce Transaction Specification—A software protocol that

enables secure processing of Transactions over the Internet and other networks.
A
Account Funding Transaction—A Transaction that transfers funds from a Visa account to
another account such as:
• Brokerage accounts
• Prepaid Cards
• Other accounts used for online purchasing
Account Number—An Issuer-assigned number that identifies an account in order to post a

Transaction.
Account Number Verification—A process by which a Member or its VisaNet Processor

determines if there is negative information on an Account Number in the Exception File for
Transactions that do not require Authorization.
Acquirer—A Member that signs a Merchant or disburses currency to a Cardholder in a Cash

Disbursement, and directly or indirectly enters the resulting Transaction Receipt into
Interchange.
Acquirer Activity File—A file that an Acquirer maintains of approved and declined Authorization
Requests from other Members’ Cardholders.
Acquirer Chip Rate—An Interregional Interchange Reimbursement Fee paid for any Transaction
that meets the Electronic Rate requirements and is initiated by a Magnetic-Stripe only Card at
a Chip-Reading Device.
Acquirer Device Validation Toolkit (ADVT)—A set of cards or simulated cards and test scenarios
used to validate new or upgraded EMV Chip-Reading Devices.
Acquirer Reference Number—A 23-digit identification number included in a BASE II Clearing

Record, as specified in the BASE II Clearing Manuals. See Tracing Data.
Activity File Parameter—A maximum limit that an Issuer establishes on the number and value of
Transactions that Visa may authorize on its behalf. (See the VisaNet manuals.)
Adjustment—A Single Message System message used to partially or fully negate or cancel a
transaction that has been sent through Interchange in error.
Advance Deposit Service—A service that a Hotel or Cruise Line provides to a Visa Cardholder,
allowing use of a Visa Card to pay an advance deposit required by the Merchant to reserve
accommodations.
Appendix D — Defined Terms
Advance Deposit Transaction ATM Mark
Advance Deposit Transaction—A Transaction that a Hotel or Cruise Line completes, resulting
from a Visa Cardholder’s agreement to use a Visa Card for payment of an advance deposit to
reserve accommodations.
Advanced Authorization—Effective 18 July 2008, an enhancement to the VisaNet Authorization

message that transmits real-time risk management data to issuers, as specified in the Visa
Advanced Authorization Integration Guide.
Aggregated Transaction—A Transaction completed by an Electronic Commerce Merchant that

combines multiple purchases made by the same Cardholder on the same Visa Account
Number into a single Transaction as specified in Section 5.4.G, before submitting it for payment
processing.
Aggregated Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt provided to the Cardholder by an

Electronic Commerce Merchant, when Transaction aggregation is performed.
Airline—Either:
• A passenger airline Merchant
• Its authorized agent that sells airline tickets on behalf of the airline
Airline Authorizing Processor—A Visa-approved non-Member whose primary function is to

provide reservation and Authorization services for Airline Transactions, or travel-related
services that include an Airline ticket.
Airline Inquiry Service—A special Authorization service that Visa provides to Airlines.
Alternate Card Design—See Sample Card Design.
Approval Response—An Authorization Response where the Transaction was approved.
Approved Manufacturer—A card manufacturer that Visa certifies or approves to produce one or
more Card products on behalf of an Issuer.
Arbitration—A process where Visa determines financial liability between Members for Interchange
Transactions that are presented and charged back.
Arbitration Committee—A Visa committee that resolves certain disputes between Members that
arise from Chargebacks.
Associate—A Member as defined in the Visa International By-Laws, Section 2.05.
ATM—An Unattended Acceptance Terminal that has Electronic Capability, accepts PINs, and
disburses currency or Cheques.
ATM Acquirer—An Acquirer that provides ATM services.
ATM Cash Disbursement—A Cash Disbursement obtained at an ATM displaying the Visa, Plus,
or Visa Electron Acceptance Mark, for which the Cardholder’s PIN is accepted.
ATM Mark—A Mark that denotes ATM acceptance.
ATM Quality Service Standards Authorization Request
ATM Quality Service Standards—A set of international service levels established by Visa to
measure Member performance as part of the international service quality program.
Attempt Response—A message from a 3-D Secure Issuer in response to an Authentication

Request from a 3-D Secure Merchant, indicating that the Cardholder is not participating in 3-D
Secure.
Authentication—A cryptographic process that validates the identity and integrity of Chip data.
Authentication Confirmation—A message from a 3-D Secure Issuer in response to an

Authentication Request from a 3-D Secure Merchant, confirming Cardholder authentication.
Authentication Denial—A message from a 3-D Secure Issuer in response to an Authentication

Request from a 3-D Secure Merchant, denying Cardholder authentication.
Authentication Identifier—A unique value for each authentication Transaction, as specified in the
3-D Secure Member implementation guides.
Authentication Mechanism—A Visa-approved method that validates participant identity in an

Electronic Commerce Transaction. Authentication Mechanisms include, but are not limited to:
• Password
• Digital Certificate
Authentication Method—A Visa-approved protocol, such as 3-D Secure, that meets the minimum
standards for authenticating the Cardholder in an Electronic Commerce Transaction.
Authentication Record—A record of 3-D Secure authentication status from a 3-D Secure Issuer
in response to an Authentication Request from a 3-D Secure Merchant.
Authentication Request—A request for Cardholder authentication from a 3-D Secure Merchant.
Authorization—A process, as specified in the Visa International Operating Regulations, where an

Issuer, a VisaNet Processor, or Stand-In Processing approves a Transaction. This includes:
• Domestic Authorization
• International Authorization
• Offline Authorization
Authorization Code—A code that an Issuer, its VisaNet 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-Only Capability—Point-of-Transaction capability where both the:

• Standard Floor Limit applies
• Authorization Response, when required, is obtained Online
Authorization Request—A Merchant’s or Acquirer’s request for an Authorization.
Authorization Response Card
Authorization Response—An Issuer’s reply to an Authorization Request. The Visa International

Operating Regulations refers to the following types of Authorization Response:
• Approval Response
• Decline Response
• Pickup Response
• Referral Response
Automated Dispensing Machine—See Unattended Acceptance Terminal and

Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type C.
Automated Fuel Dispenser—An Unattended Acceptance Terminal that dispenses only fuel. See
also Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type B and Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type C.
B
Balance Inquiry—A Cardholder request for his 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 his account balance
through VisaNet.
BASE II—The VisaNet system that provides deferred Clearing and Settlement services to
Members.
Basic Currency Conversion Rate—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 itself receives; or the government-mandated rate in effect for the applicable
Processing Date.
Billing Currency—The currency in which an Issuer bills a Cardholder for Transactions. If the Billing
Currency is the euro or one of its national currency units, either may be used for Chargeback
or statementing purposes.
BIN—A 6-digit number assigned by Visa and used to identify a Member or VisaNet Processor for
Authorization, Clearing, or Settlement processing.
Branch—The office of a Member where Manual Cash Disbursements must be made and Cards
may also be issued.
Buy-a-Card Transaction—The purchase of a Visa Cash Card using a payment card or cash.
C
Car Rental Company—A Merchant whose primary business is the rental of passenger vehicles at
either a corporate or franchise location, or at locations of licensees bearing the name of the
corporate entity.
Card—A valid Visa Card, Visa Electron Card, or Proprietary Card bearing the Plus Symbol.
Card-Absent Environment Card Reproduction
Card-Absent Environment—An environment where a Transaction is completed under both of the

following conditions:
• Cardholder is not present
• Card is not present
Transactions in this environment include the following:
• Electronic Commerce Transactions
• Mail/Phone Order Transactions
• Recurring Transactions
• Telephone Service Transactions
Transactions in this environment exclude Face-to-Face Transactions.
Card-Present Environment—An environment that comprises the conditions of either the

Face-to-Face or Unattended Environments.
Card Dispensing Machine—A device that dispenses Visa Cash Cards when the purchaser makes
appropriate payment. A Card Dispensing Machine may accept cash or payment cards as
payment for Visa Cash Cards.
Card Distribution Point—A location, other than a Branch, where a Visa or Visa Electron Card may
be issued. Cards issued at a Card Distribution Point must comply with all Visa security
requirements for Card embossing, printing, encoding, storing, shipping, and distribution.
Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Travel agencies
• Corporate entities
Card Recovery Bulletin—A directory of blocked Account Numbers listed on the International
Exception File, intended for distribution to Merchants. The Card Recovery Bulletin may take
one of the following forms:
• National Card Recovery Bulletin
• National Card Recovery File
• Regional Card Recovery File
Card Recovery Bulletin Listing—A single Account Number that an Issuer requests to be included
in a specified Card Recovery Bulletin Region.
Card Recovery Bulletin Region—A geographical area comprising countries (or states in the
jurisdiction of Visa U.S.A.) where a given set of Card Recovery Bulletin Listings is effective for
a specified period.
Card Recovery Bulletin Service—A service where an Issuer notifies Acquirers of blocked
Account Numbers. The service comprises distribution of both:
• A printed Card Recovery Bulletin
• The Regional Card Recovery File
Card Reproduction—The reproduction of a Card.
Card Verification Service Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type A
Card Verification Service—A VisaNet service where Visa validates the Card Verification Value in
an Authorization Request 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, as specified in the VisaNet manuals.
Cardholder—An individual who is issued and authorized to use a:

• Card
• Virtual Account
Cardholder Access Device—A terminal, personal computer, or other device that a Cardholder
uses to initiate an Electronic Commerce Transaction.
Cardholder Authentication Verification Value—A unique value transmitted by an Issuer in

response to an Authentication Request from a 3-D Secure Merchant.
Cardholder Certificate—An electronic document that authenticates a Cardholder in a Secure

Electronic Commerce Transaction.
Cardholder Inquiry Service—A service that assists a Cardholder in reaching its Issuer when
calling the Visa International Service Center for account information.
Cardholder-Activated Terminal—See Unattended Acceptance Terminal.
Cardholder-Activated Transaction—A Transaction that is initiated by a Cardholder at an

Unattended Acceptance Terminal. See Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type A,
Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type B, and Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type C.
Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type A—A Transaction that takes place at an Unattended

Acceptance Terminal and has all of the following characteristics:
• Is less than US $40, or local currency equivalent
• Is not authorized
• Has no Cardholder Verification performed
Examples of a Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type A are:
• Parking garage fee
• Road toll
• Motion picture theater admission
• Magnetic-Stripe Telephone call
Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type B Cash Disbursement Transaction Receipt
Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type B—A Transaction that takes place at an Unattended

Acceptance Terminal and has all of the following characteristics:
• Is limited to US $1001, or local currency equivalent
• Effective 4 October 2008, for a Real-Time Clearing Transaction is US $500 or less, or
local currency equivalent
• Is authorized
• Has no Cardholder Verification performed
Examples of a Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type B are:
• Fuel purchase without a PIN
• Prepaid Card purchase
• Video rental
Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type C—A Transaction that takes place at an Unattended

Acceptance Terminal and has both of the following characteristics:
• Is authorized
• Has PIN Verification performed
An example of a Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type C is a fuel purchase with a PIN.
Cardholder Verification—The process of validating a Cardholder’s identity through verification of

the Cardholder’s signature or PIN and other methods as required in the Visa International
Operating Regulations (e.g., Cardholder identification for Manual Cash Disbursements).
Cardholder Verification Method—Instructions encoded within a Chip that define how the
authenticity of a Cardholder’s identity is to be verified.
Cardholder Verification Method List—An Issuer-defined list contained within a Chip establishing
the hierarchy of preferences for verifying a Cardholder’s identity.
Cash-Back—Cash obtained from a Visa or Visa Electron Merchant through use of a Visa or Visa
Electron Card, in conjunction with, and processed as, a Retail Transaction.
Cash Disbursement—Currency, including travelers cheques, paid out to a Cardholder using a

Card.
Cash Disbursement Fee—A fee paid by an Issuer to an Acquirer for performing a Cash
Disbursement.
Cash Disbursement Merchant—A Hotel or Cruise Line that has a Merchant Agreement to make
Cash Disbursements to a Visa Cardholder, as specified in Chapter 5, "Payment Acceptance."
Cash Disbursement Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt evidencing a Manual Cash

Disbursement. (See 80-Column Cash Disbursement Transaction Receipt (Exhibit 7A) and
51-Column Cash Disbursement Transaction Receipt—T&E (Exhibit 7B).
1
CEMEA Chip-initiated Transaction
CEMEA—Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
Center—A Member or VisaNet Processor facility where Authorization, Clearing, Settlement, and
other related activities take place.
Central Bank—A government agency responsible for the supervision and operation of banking
activities for the national government. Central Bank activities generally include maintaining
reserve accounts required of depository institutions, regulating money supply, transferring
funds, and acting as fiscal agent for the government.
Certification Authority—An entity that issues and manages Digital Certificates for use with Visa
products and services in accordance with Visa-specified requirements. Entities eligible to be
Certification Authorities within the Visa Certification Authority hierarchy include:
• Visa
• Visa Regions
• Visa Members
Certified Manufacturer—See Approved Manufacturer.
Chargeback—A transaction that an Issuer returns to an Acquirer.
Chargeback Advice—A VisaNet message sent in response to a Chargeback that does all of the
following:
• Notifies the Issuer that a Chargeback has passed certain validations and has been
forwarded to the Acquirer
• Notifies the Issuer of the Acquirer’s VisaNet Documentation Automation Service
participation status
• Notifies the Acquirer of the Issuer’s VisaNet Documentation Automation Service
participation status and whether documentation will be sent through the VisaNet
Documentation Automation Service
Chargeback Period—The number of calendar days from the Endorsement Date of a Transaction
Receipt (or Processing Date, as applicable), during which time the Issuer may exercise a
Chargeback right.
Chargeback Reduction Service—A VisaNet service that screens Presentments and

Chargebacks and returns certain invalid items to the Acquirer or Issuer, as appropriate.
Cheque—A travelers cheque that a Member issues and that bears the Visa-Owned Marks.
Chip—An electronic component designed to perform processing or memory functions.
Chip Card—A Card embedded with a Chip that communicates information to a

Point-of-Transaction Terminal.
Chip-initiated Transaction—An EMV and VIS-Compliant Chip Card Transaction which 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 Correspondent Bank
Chip-Reading Device—A Point-of-Transaction Terminal capable of reading, communicating, and

processing Transaction data from a Chip Card.
Classic Wordmark—A Mark comprising the word “Classic” when used in connection with the Visa
Program. One of the Visa-Owned Marks.
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 Record—A record of a Presentment, Chargeback, Representment, Reversal, or

Adjustment in the format necessary to clear the Transaction.
Collision/Loss Damage Waiver—A Visa Card feature that provides collision or loss damage
insurance on Car Rental Transactions to Visa Cardholders.
Comet Design—A Mark consisting of a curved graphic element. One of the Visa-Owned Marks.
Common Core Definitions—A set of common data definitions and processes between the EMV
Chip Card and the Issuer host interface.
Completion Message—Effective 4 October 2008, a Clearing Record to clear a Real-Time

Clearing Transaction.
Compliance—A process where Visa resolves disputes between Members arising from violations
of the Visa International Operating Regulations, when the requesting Member can certify that
a financial loss has occurred or will occur for a specific amount, and no Chargeback right is
available.
Compliance Committee—A Visa committee that resolves certain disputes between Members that
arise from violations of the Visa International Operating Regulations.
Copy Request—A request for a Transaction Receipt that is processed through the VisaNet Copy
Request and Fulfillment Service.
Copy Request Identifier—A unique 12-digit identification number that VisaNet assigns to a Copy
Request. In the Single Message System, the Retrieval Request identifier.
Copy Request Manager—A microcomputer-based workstation that Visa maintains so that

Members can transmit and fulfill Copy Requests through the VisaNet Copy Request and
Fulfillment Service.
Copyright—A form of protection that the laws of various countries provide for original literary,
dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works.
Correspondent Bank—A depository institution that holds an account with, or on behalf of, a
Settlement Bank, and engages in an exchange of services with that bank.
Counterfeit Card Decline Response
Counterfeit Card—One of the following:

• 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
• An instrument that is printed with the authority of the Issuer and that is subsequently
embossed or encoded without the authority of the Issuer
• A Card that an Issuer has issued and that is altered or re-fabricated, except one on which
the only alteration or re-fabrication comprises modification of the signature panel or
Cardholder signature
Counterfeit Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt arising from the use of a Counterfeit
Card.
Country of Domicile—The country in which a Member has its principal place of business.
Country Office—A secondary office location of a Visa Region, located in a country within the same
Visa Region.
Credit Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt evidencing a Merchant’s refund or price

adjustment to be credited to a Cardholder’s account.
Cruise Line—A Merchant that sells and provides recreational travel on water, including overnight
accommodations.
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 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 itself receives; or the government-mandated rate in effect for the applicable
Processing Date. In each instance, plus or minus any adjustment determined by the Issuer.
Custom Payment Service—A Visa payment service that accommodates specific payment
environments with an identifier that remains with the Transaction throughout its life cycle.
D
Data Capture-Only Capability—Point-of-Transaction Capability where the Transaction Receipt
data are electronically captured for Deposit purposes, but the terminal does not have the
capability to go Online.
Data Compromise Recovery—A Visa fraud recovery process where Visa allocates to affected
Members the incremental full Magnetic Stripe counterfeit fraud losses that are associated with
a data compromise event, as specified in Section 1.6.E.
Data Protection Method—A Visa-approved method for the protection of Account Numbers and
other Cardholder data, as specified in the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.
Decline Response—An Authorization Response where the Transaction was declined.
Deferred Clearing Processing Domestic Transaction Receipt
Deferred Clearing Processing—A 2-step process whereby Transactions are authorized, cleared,
and settled through either the:
• Single Message System
• V.I.P. System and BASE II
Deferred Clearing Transaction—A Transaction that is authorized, cleared, and settled in 2

separate messages through either the:
• Single Message System
• V.I.P. System and BASE II
Delayed Delivery Transaction—A single Transaction where a Cardholder completes 2 separate

Transaction Receipts. The first Transaction Receipt functions as a deposit (such as a down
payment) for goods or services; the second is to pay the balance due the Merchant.
Deposit—The submission of a Transaction Receipt by a Merchant or an Internet Payment Service

Provider to an Acquirer, resulting in a credit or debit to the Merchant’s or Internet Payment
Service Provider’s Visa account.
Deposit Date—The date on which an Acquirer receives a Transaction Receipt from a Merchant.
Deposit-Only Account Number—A Visa Account Number established by a Visa Card or Visa
Electron Card Issuer, used exclusively to receive an Original Credit on behalf of one or more
of its customers.
Diamond Design—A 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 “+.”
One of the Visa-Owned Marks.
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.
Direct Arbitration—A process whereby Visa assigns financial liability for a Transaction when
either the:
• Chargeback Reduction Service rejects a Presentment because it cannot verify
Authorization
• Acquirer claims that the rejected Transaction was authorized
Direct Compliance—A process where Visa primarily enforces the VisaNet Copy Request and
Fulfillment Service rules for Issuers and Acquirers.
Disbursing Member—A Member that pays out currency in a Cash Disbursement.
Domestic Authorization—The Authorization of a Domestic Transaction.
Domestic Interchange—Interchange of a Domestic Transaction.
Domestic Transaction—A Transaction where the Issuer of the Card used is located in the
Transaction Country.
Domestic Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt evidencing a Domestic Transaction.
Dove Design Electronic Rate
Dove Design—A Mark depicting a dove in flight that identifies the Visa Program or the Visa
Travelers Cheque Program. One of the Visa-Owned Marks.
Dynamic Currency Conversion—The conversion of the purchase price of goods or services from
one currency to another, as agreed to by the Cardholder and Merchant. That currency
becomes the Transaction Currency, regardless of the Merchant’s local currency.
Dynamic Data Authentication—A cryptographic value generated by a Card in an offline

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:
• Validate Interchange data destined for BASE II
• Process Interchange data sent from the VisaNet Processor to Visa
• Process incoming Transactions received from Visa
Electronic Capability—Point-of-Transaction Capability where all of the following are true:

• Zero Floor Limit applies (or the terminal is capable of reading and acting upon the Service
Code in the Magnetic Stripe or information provided in the Chip)
• Authorization Response is obtained Online, or as instructed by the Issuer
• Authorization Response and Transaction Receipt data are captured electronically
Electronic Cash Withdrawal—A financial Transaction used to fund a Load Transaction or the
purchase of a Visa Cash Card at a Cardholder Dispensing Machine.
Electronic Commerce Merchant—A Merchant that conducts the sale of goods or services
electronically over the Internet and other networks.
Electronic Commerce Merchant Rate—An Interregional Interchange Reimbursement Fee paid

for an Electronic Commerce Transaction that is conducted by a 3-D Secure-capable Merchant.
Electronic Commerce Transaction—A Transaction between a Merchant and Cardholder over

the Internet and other networks using a Cardholder Access Device. An Electronic Commerce
Transaction is one of the following:
• Non-Secure Transaction
• Non-Authenticated Security Transaction
• Secure Electronic Commerce Transaction
Electronic Commerce Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt provided to the Cardholder

by an Electronic Commerce Merchant.
Electronic Imprint—The reading and printing or capture of Card information at a Magnetic-Stripe

Terminal or a Chip-Reading Device.
Electronic Rate—An Interchange Reimbursement Fee charged when the Clearing requirements
specified in Chapter 8, "Fees," are met.
Electronic Transaction Receipt EMV PIN Transaction
Electronic Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt created electronically in a Card-Present

Environment where the terminal generates the required data that are printed on the
Eligible Cardholder—A Cardholder eligible to receive Emergency Card Replacement and

Emergency Cash Services. To be eligible for these emergency services, the Cardholder must
be traveling away from home, have reported the loss or theft of his Card, and be one of the
following:
• A Visa Gold/Premier Cardholder
• A Visa Infinite Cardholder
• A participating Visa Classic or Visa Business Cardholder
• A non-participating Visa Classic or Visa Business Cardholder with Issuer approval
Emergency Cash Disbursement—A Cash Disbursement by an Acquirer to an Eligible Cardholder

or Visa Cheque purchaser who has reported his Card or Cheques lost or stolen.
Emergency Cheque Refund—An Emergency Cash Disbursement or Cheque replacement that an

Emergency Refund Location provides to a Visa Cheque purchaser at the direction of the Global
Refund Service.
Emergency Payment Authorization Service—A service offered to Visa Infinite Cardholders who
need to make Transactions prior to receiving an Emergency Replacement Card or Emergency
Cash. The service provides verbal Authorization for such emergency travel Transactions.
Emergency Refund Location—The office of a Member where an Emergency Cheque Refund is

disbursed.
Emergency Replacement Card—A temporary Visa Card that an Issuer or its agent (including
Visa) provides to replace an Eligible Cardholder’s lost or stolen Visa Card.
Emergency Service Location—A Member location or the Visa International Service Center where
an Eligible Cardholder can obtain an Emergency Replacement Card or an Emergency Cash
Disbursement.
EMV—Technical specifications developed (jointly by Europay International, MasterCard

International, and Visa International) to provide standards for processing debit and credit
Transactions, and ensure global interoperability for the use of Chip technology in the payment
industry.
EMV-Compliant—A term used to describe a Card or terminal application that complies with the
requirements specified in the EMV Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for Payment
Systems.
EMV PIN-Compliant—A Chip-Reading Device that complies with the PIN requirements of the Visa
International Pin Entry Device Testing and Approval Program.
EMV PIN Transaction—A Chip-initiated Transaction (excluding ATM Transactions) verified

utilizing Online or Offline PIN Verification.
Endorsement Date Fedwire
Endorsement Date—One of the following dates on a Clearing Record:

• If cleared through BASE II, the Edit Package run date on which a Member submits outgoing
Interchange
• If cleared through the Single Message System, the Settlement Date
• If cleared under a Private Agreement, the date on which a Member processes outgoing
Interchange
For BASE II Transactions, the Endorsement Date is no later than the date on which the
Member creates the BASE II Interchange File. For Transactions with indecipherable or invalid
Account Numbers not cleared through BASE II, the Endorsement Date is the date on which the
Transaction was first entered into Interchange and mailed.
Exception File—A VisaNet file of Account Numbers for which the Issuer has predetermined an
Authorization Response, that a Member accesses Online. The Exception File supports:
• Stand-In Processing
• Positive Cardholder Authorization Service
• Production of the Card Recovery Bulletin
Expired Card—A Card on which the embossed, encoded, or printed expiration date has passed.
Exported Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt that is deposited outside of the

F
Face-to-Face Environment—An environment where a Transaction is completed under all of the
• Card or Proximity Payment Device is present
• Cardholder is present
• Individual representing the Merchant or Acquirer completes the Transaction
• Retail Transactions
• T&E Transactions
• Manual Cash Disbursements
• Small Ticket Transactions
Transactions in this environment exclude the following:
• Mail/Phone Order Transactions
• Recurring Transactions
• Unattended Acceptance Terminal Transactions
Facsimile Access System—A facsimile-based process that enables low-volume participants to

transmit and fulfill Copy Requests through the VisaNet Copy Request and Fulfillment Service.
Fallback Transaction—An EMV Chip Card Transaction initially attempted at a Chip-Reading

Device, where the device’s inability to read the Chip prevents 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.
Fedwire—A telecommunications payment transfer service operated by the United States Federal
Reserve System.
Fee Collection Transaction Global Co-branding Partner
Fee Collection Transaction—A transaction used to collect financial obligations of a Member

arising out of the Visa International Operating Regulations, the Visa International By-Laws ,
other requirements adopted by the International Board, or otherwise.
Fictitious Account Number—An Account Number that has never existed.
File Correction Service—A service where Visa reverses accepted Interchange files that contain
duplications.
Fleet Service—A Visa Commercial Card enhancement that enables a corporation to improve its
vehicle fleet management process.
Floor Limit—A currency amount that Visa has established for single Transactions at specific types
of Merchant Outlets and Branches, above which Authorization is required. The Visa
International Operating Regulations refers to 2 Floor Limit types:
• Standard Floor Limit
• Zero Floor Limit
Foreign Currency—A currency other than local currency.
Fraud Activity—A Transaction that an Issuer reports as fraudulent when either a:

• Fraudulent User used a Card or its Account Number
• Card was obtained through misrepresentation of identification or financial status
Fraudulent User—An individual who is not the Cardholder or designee and who uses a Card (or,
in a Mail/Phone Order or Recurring Transaction, an Account Number) to obtain goods or
services without the Cardholder’s consent.
Fulfillment—A document that the Acquirer supplies in response to a Copy Request.
Full-Chip Data—Data that provides:

• EMV minimum mandated requirements
• Visa-specified information necessary to support Online cryptographic validation
• Record of the Card and terminal interactions completed during a Transaction
G
Global Co-branded Card—A Card that:
• Is issued by one or more Issuers that has a contractual relationship with a Global
Co-branding Partner
• Bears the Trade Name or Mark of the Global Co-branding Partner on the front of the Card
• May offer a Cardholder tangible benefits for Card usage and loyalty (e.g., rebates,
discounts, airline miles, etc.)
Global Co-branding Partner—A non-Member that:

• Is not eligible for membership in Visa
• Is a for-profit commercial entity or non-profit organization
• Has a contractual relationship for the issuance of Co-branded Cards:
- With one or more Issuers
- In one or more Visa Regions and countries
Global Co-branding Partnership Hotel Reservation Service
Global Co-branding Partnership—A contractual relationship between an Issuer and a Global

Co-branding Partner.
Global Customer Assistance Services—Customer and emergency services provided to

Cardholders and Cheque purchasers traveling away from home. These include the:
• Lost/Stolen Card Reporting Service
• Emergency Card Replacement Service
• Emergency Cash Service
• Emergency Payment Authorization Service
• Travelers Cheque Global Refund Service
• Cardholder Inquiry Service
• Visa TravelMoney customer service
Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program—A program that monitors International

Transactions and Chargebacks to identify Merchants that cause undue economic and goodwill
damage to the Visa system.
Global Refund Service—A Visa service that assists Cheque purchasers whose Cheques are lost
or stolen.
Group Member—A Member as defined under the Visa International By-Laws, Section 2.21.
Guest Folio—A Hotel’s or Cruise Line’s guest file.
H
High-Risk Merchant—A Merchant Outlet that is identified when established parameters for risk
and fraud activities have been exceeded. A High-Risk Merchant may be subject to
Chargebacks, as specified in Chapter 2, "Risk Management" or the specific risk compliance
program Terms of Reference.
High-Risk Electronic Commerce Merchant—An Electronic Commerce Merchant identified by

the Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program or other Visa risk management initiatives
(e.g., Merchant Fraud or similar region-specific programs) that causes undue economic and
goodwill damage to the Visa system.
High-Risk Telemarketing Merchant—A Merchant whose business includes telemarketing activity

that presents financial or goodwill risk to Visa or the Visa-Owned Marks. The Visa International
Operating Regulations refers to the following as High-Risk Telemarketing Merchants:
• Direct marketing travel-related arrangement services
• Inbound teleservices
• Outbound telemarketing
Visa may change the definition of a High-Risk Telemarketing Merchant to include additional
Merchant categories.
See Appendix B, "Merchant Data Standards" for detailed descriptions of direct marketing
Merchants.
Hotel—A hotel Merchant.
Hotel Reservation Service—A Visa Hotel service where a Cardholder may use a Visa Card to
guarantee overnight accommodations.
Imprint Interchange Reimbursement Fee
I, J
Imprint—Cardholder data transferred from a Card to a Transaction Receipt to complete a
Transaction. There are 2 kinds of imprints:
• Electronic Imprint
• Manual Imprint
Installment Transaction—The single purchase of goods or services billed to an account in

multiple segments, over a period of time agreed to between a Cardholder and a Merchant.
In-Transit Service—A service provided on-board a passenger transport vehicle that may include
the purchase of goods or services (e.g., movie rentals, catalog purchases, gambling).
In-Transit Service Gambling Merchant—A Merchant that provides any form of gambling while
in-transit and meets the requirements specified in Section 5.4.D.
In-Transit Service Merchant—A Merchant that provides in-transit services as specified in

Section 4.1.C.3.
In-Transit Service Transaction—The purchase of goods, services, or gambling on-board a

passenger transport vehicle.
In-Transit Terminal—A Cardholder-Activated Terminal located on a vehicle designed to transport

passengers (e.g., an aircraft or cruise ship) that may be used for the purchase of goods,
services, or gambling.
Input Date—The Edit Package run date on which a Member submits outgoing Interchange, or, for
Domestic Transactions, the date on which the Member processes outgoing Interchange.
Integrated Circuit Card—See Chip Card.
Integrated Circuit Card Terminal—See Chip-Reading Device.
Integrated Circuit Chip—See Chip.
Interchange—The exchange of Clearing Records between Members. The Visa International

Operating Regulations refers to the following types of Interchange:
• Domestic Interchange
• International Interchange
Interchange Advice—A debit or credit advice drawn on or sent to a Member in Settlement of

Transaction Receipts that another Member enters into Interchange (outside of VisaNet).
Interchange Authorization Limit—The amount over which a manual authorizer must obtain an
Authorization from an Issuer on a proposed Transaction or group of Transactions initiated on
the same day by the same Cardholder.
Interchange File—An electronic file containing a Member’s Interchange data.
Interchange Reimbursement Fee—A fee reimbursed by an Acquirer to an Issuer in the Clearing

and Settlement of an Interchange Transaction.
Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance International Transaction
Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance—Effective 1 July 2008, a process where Visa

resolves disputes between Members for a Member’s violation of the Visa International
Operating Regulations or Regional Operating Regulations 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.
Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance Screening—Effective 1 July 2008, a Member’s

request for permission to file Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance against another
Member.
Interchange Transaction—A Transaction where the Issuer and the Acquirer are different.
Interlink Program—A program through which a participant provides Point-of-Transaction services

to Cardholders and Merchants, as specified in Volume IV—Interlink Program Operating
Regulations.
Interlink Program Marks—The Interlink Mark, Network Design Mark, and any other service Marks
adopted by Visa for use with the Interlink Program.
Intermediary Bank—A depository institution, specified by a Member or by Visa, through which a

Settlement funds transfer must be processed for credit to a Settlement account at another
depository institution.
International Airline—Either:
• An Airline that sells tickets directly in its own name in 2 or more countries, or operates
scheduled flights between 2 or more countries, or both
• Its authorized agent that sells airline tickets on behalf of the Airline
International Airline Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt that an International Airline

completes.
International Authorization—The Authorization of an International Transaction.
International Automated Referral Service—A VisaNet service that enables a VisaNet Processor
to obtain an immediate reply to a Referral Response.
International Board—The Visa International Board of Directors.
International Exception File—A VisaNet file of Account Numbers for which the Issuer has
predetermined an Authorization Response that is provided by Visa to Members.
International Interchange—Interchange of an International Transaction.
International Organization for Standardization—The specialized international agency that

establishes and publishes international technical standards.
International Record Carrier—A commercial organization that provides regulated or tariffed

telecommunication services for the international transmission of data.
International Transaction—A Transaction where the Issuer of the Card used is not located in the
International Transaction Receipt Key Management Service
International Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt evidencing an International

Transaction.
Internet—An electronic communications network that connects computer networks and

organizational computer facilities around the world.
Internet Payment Service Provider (IPSP)—An online entity that contracts with an Acquirer to
provide payment services to a Sponsored Merchant.
Internet Payment Service Provider Agreement—A contract between an Internet Payment

Service Provider and an Acquirer containing their respective rights, duties, and obligations for
participation in the Acquirer’s Visa or Visa Electron Program.
Interregional Interchange—Interchange for an Interregional Transaction.
Interregional Transaction—A Transaction where the Issuer of the Card used is not located in the
Transaction Region.
Interregional Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt evidencing an Interregional

Transaction.
Intraregional Transaction—A Transaction where the Issuer of the Card used is located in the
Transaction Region, but not in the Transaction country.
IPSP (Internet Payment Service Provider)—See Internet Payment Service Provider.
Issuer—A Member that issues Visa Cards, Visa Electron Cards, or Proprietary Cards bearing the
Plus Symbol, and whose name appears on the Card as the Issuer (or, for Cards that do not
identify the Issuer, the Member that enters into the contractual relationship with the
Cardholder).
Issuer Chip Rate—An Interregional Interchange Reimbursement Fee reimbursed to an Issuer for
any Transaction that meets the Electronic Rate requirements and is completed with a Card
issued by an Issuer that has converted 50% of a designated BIN(s) or Account Number range
of a Visa Card Program or Visa Electron Card Program to Visa Smart Payment, and is
conducted at a Magnetic-Stripe Terminal.
Issuer Limit—An Issuer-specified amount that determines how a Transaction will be authorized.
Visa routes a Transaction as follows, based on the Transaction amount:
• Amount at or above the Issuer Limit, to the Issuer’s VisaNet Processor
• Amount below the Issuer Limit, to Stand-In Processing using the Positive Cardholder
Authorization Service
K
Key Management Service—A service that Visa provides to process, store, and transmit Member
keys associated with the security algorithm used in the V.I.P. System to protect the security of
PINs.
Late Settlement Fee Magnetic-Stripe Image
L
Late Settlement Fee—The fee that Visa collects from a Member for failure to transfer the
Settlement Amount at the Visa Settlement Bank on the date due.
Lead Region—A Region where a Global Co-branding Partnership is initiated.
Liability—As specified in the Visa International Operating Regulations, Section 1.12, any liability
under any theory or form of action whatsoever, in law or in equity, including, without limitation,
contract or tort, including negligence, even if the responsible party has been notified of the
possibility of such damages. The term also includes liability for infringement of others’
intellectual property rights or any liability for Claims of third parties.
Licensee—An entity licensed to participate in the Visa or Visa Electron Program that is neither a:
• Member
• Member or owner of a Group Member
Limited-Amount Terminal—See Unattended Acceptance Terminal and Cardholder-Activated

Transaction Type A.
Listed Card—A Card whose Account Number is listed on the Exception File.
Load Acquirer—A Member financial institution or its agent that operates Load Devices and
support systems that allow consumers to:
• Load value to a reloadable Visa Cash Card
• Unload value from a reloadable Visa Cash Card, where applicable
Load Device—An ATM or stand-alone device that a Cardholder uses to add or remove value from
a stored value application on a Chip Card.
Load Transaction—A means of adding monetary value to a Chip Card at an ATM or Load Device.
Load Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt generated at an ATM or Load Device as a

result of a Cardholder adding monetary value to a Chip Card.
Logotype—A Wordmark depicted in stylized lettering.
M
Magnetic Stripe—The magnetic stripe or holographic magnetic stripe on a Card that contains the
necessary information to complete a Transaction.
Magnetic-Stripe Card—A Card bearing a Magnetic Stripe that contains the necessary information
to complete a Transaction.
Magnetic-Stripe Data—Data contained in the Magnetic Stripe and replicated in the Chip.
Magnetic-Stripe Image—The minimum Chip payment data replicating the Magnetic Stripe
information required to process an EMV-Compliant Transaction.
Magnetic-Stripe Telephone Mark
Magnetic-Stripe Telephone—An Unattended Acceptance Terminal that may be capable of

supporting Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type A, Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type
B, or Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type C (as determined by Transaction elements, i.e.,
Authorization, PIN acceptance, Transaction amount) that accepts a Visa Card as payment for
a telephone call.
Magnetic-Stripe Terminal—A terminal that reads the Magnetic Stripe on a Card.
Mail/Phone Order Merchant—A Merchant that completes a Mail/Phone Order Transaction.
Mail/Phone Order Transaction—A Transaction where a Visa Cardholder orders goods or

services from a Merchant by telephone, mail, or other means of telecommunication, and
neither the Card nor the Cardholder is present at the Merchant Outlet.
Manual Capability—Point-of-Transaction Capability where both of the following are true:

• For above-Floor Limit Transactions, an Authorization is obtained using voice
• For below-Floor Limit Transactions, a Card Recovery Bulletin is checked
Manual Cash Disbursement—A Cash Disbursement obtained with a Visa Card or Visa Electron
Card in a Face-to-Face Environment.1
Manual Imprint—An imprint of the embossed data on the front of the Card taken with a manual
imprinter.
Manual Transaction Receipt—A Transaction Receipt created when an Account Number is

transferred to the Transaction Receipt without the use of electronic means in a manual or
semi-electronic environment.
Mark—A word, name, design, symbol, or other device, or any combination thereof, that an entity
adopts to identify its goods or services. The Visa International Operating Regulations refers to
the following categories of Mark:
• ATM Mark
• Design
• Hologram
• Logotype
• Non-Visa-Owned Marks
• Olympic Marks
• Product Name
• Program mark
• Service mark
• Symbol
• Visa Brand Mark
• Visa Brand Name
• Visa-Owned Marks
• Wordmark
Refer to Chapter 10, "Card and Marks Requirements" or the Visa Product Brand Standards for
a description of the Visa-Owned Marks.
1
A variance applies in Visa U.S.A. for the AAA Travelers Cheque Program.
Member Merchant Agreement
Member—An entity that is a member of Visa or an entity which has entered into a Services
Agreement with Visa Canada. The Visa International Operating Regulations refers to the
following types of Member:
• Acquirer
• Associate
• ATM Acquirer
• Disbursing Member
• Group Member
• Issuer
• Merchant Bank
• Participant
• Plus Program Participant
• Principal
• Visa Acquirer
• Visa Electron Acquirer
• Visa Electron Issuer
• Visa Issuer
Member Identification Area—The area on the front of a Card that is not covered by the Marks.
Member Message Field—A text field in the VisaNet record of a Chargeback or Representment
that contains pre-formatted messages.
Merchant—An entity that contracts with an Acquirer to originate Transactions and that displays a
Mark that is a Visa-Owned Mark. The Visa International Operating Regulations refers to the
following types of Merchant:
• Airline
• Car Rental Company
• Cash Disbursement Merchant
• Cruise Line
• Electronic Commerce Merchant
• High-Risk Telemarketing Merchant
• Hotel
• International Airline
• In-Transit Service Gambling Merchant
• In-Transit Service Merchant
• Mail/Phone Order Merchant
• Prepaid Card Merchant
• Quasi-Cash Merchant
• Recurring Services Merchant
• Retail Merchant
• Single Merchant
• T&E Merchant
• Timeshare Merchant
• Visa Electron Merchant
• Visa Merchant
• Wire Transfer Merchant
Merchant Agreement—A contract between a Merchant and an Acquirer containing their

respective rights, duties, and obligations for participation in the Acquirer’s Visa or Visa Electron
Program.
Merchant Alert Service National Net Non-Settled Interchange Service
Merchant Alert Service—A regional risk management service that requires a participating
Acquirer to both:
• Submit information about a Merchant it has terminated
• Verify, prior to signing, that a Merchant is not listed with the service
Merchant Bank—A Member as defined under the Visa International By-Laws , Section 2.07.
Merchant Category Code—A code designating the principal trade, profession, or line of business
in which a Merchant is engaged, as specified in Appendix B, "Merchant Data Standards".
Merchant Certificate—An electronic document used to authenticate a Merchant in an Electronic

Commerce Transaction.
Merchant Fraud Performance Program—A fraud management program used to identify

Merchants with excessive fraud levels.
Merchant Mailing File—A file maintained at a VisaNet Interchange Center containing the names,
addresses, and other pertinent information about Merchants designated to receive the Card
Recovery Bulletin.
Merchant Outlet—Either:
• The physical premises of the Merchant at which a Transaction is completed
• For an Electronic Commerce or Mail/Phone Order Merchant, the country where all the
following occur:
- There is a Permanent Establishment through which Transactions are completed. In the
absence of a Permanent Establishment, a Merchant that provides only digital goods
must use the country where the principals of the company work.
- The Merchant holds a valid business license for the Merchant Outlet
- The Merchant has a local address for correspondence and judicial process
- The Merchant Outlet pays taxes relating to the sales activity
Misembossed Card—A valid Card on which erroneous information is embossed.
Misencoded Card—A valid Card on which erroneous information is encoded.
N
National Bilateral Non-Settled Interchange Service—A VisaNet service that provides Clearing
and Settlement reporting in local currency, but not funds transfer, for Domestic Interchange.
National Card Recovery Bulletin—A special edition of the Card Recovery Bulletin that lists
domestic Account Numbers in addition to the other applicable listings.
National Card Recovery File—A magnetic tape file (available to US Members) of Visa Account
Numbers listed on the Exception File with a Pickup Response and either of the following:
• Any Card Recovery Bulletin Region designation
• “No Region” designation
National Net Non-Settled Interchange Service—A VisaNet service that provides Domestic
Interchange through VisaNet and includes reporting of the net Settlement position for each
participating Member in local currency.
National Office Offline Authorization
National Office—A Visa office with jurisdiction over a single country.
National Operating Regulations—The operating regulations of a National Office.
National Organization—An organization as defined under the Visa International By-Laws,

Section 16.01.
New Channel—An environment in which payment is initiated via a Cardholder Access Device or
other device that does not use a standard Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) browser to
process an Authentication Request.
Nonfulfillment Message—A response to a Copy Request indicating that the Acquirer will not
provide a copy through the VisaNet Copy Request and Fulfillment Service.
Non-Authenticated Security Transaction—An Electronic Commerce Transaction that uses data

encryption for security but is not authenticated using an Authentication Method.
Non-Participation Message—A message to a 3-D Secure Merchant indicating that the Issuer or
Cardholder, represented by either of the following, does not participate in 3-D Secure:
• Issuer BIN
• Account Number
Non-Registered Country—A country for which Visa has not given written permission for an
Acquirer to accept International Airline Transactions.
Non-Secure Transaction—An Electronic Commerce Transaction that has no data protection.
Non-Settled Advice—A text message available to Members that specifies the count and amount
of Clearing Records processed in Domestic Interchange.
Non-Standard Card—A Visa Card or Visa Electron Card that does not comply with the plastic
specifications in the Visa International Card and Mark Specifications, requires Visa approval,
and must:
• Contain the physical elements and data components required to complete a Transaction
Non-Visa-Owned Marks—The Marks used in conjunction with a program sponsored by Visa, but
owned by a third party.
No-Show Transaction—A Transaction that a Hotel participating in the Hotel Reservation Service
or a Car Rental Company participating in the Specialized Vehicle Reservation Service
completes, resulting from a Cardholder’s alleged failure to cancel or use the reservation.
Notification—Written notice delivered by mail, courier, facsimile, telex, or hand. Notification is

effective when posted, sent, or transmitted by Visa to the Member or its agent.
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 Original Credit
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.
Olympic Marks—The Marks of the Olympic games when used in conjunction with the Visa, Visa
Electron, or Visa TravelMoney Program.
Online—A method of requesting an Authorization through a communications network other than

voice to one of the following:
• An Issuer
• A VisaNet Processor
• Stand-In Processing
Online Card Authentication Cryptogram—A cryptographic validation of the legitimacy of the

Card and Authorization Request information.
Online Financial Processing—A process that combines Authorization, Clearing, and Settlement
into a single Online Financial Transaction.
Online Financial Transaction—A Transaction that is authorized, cleared, and settled in a single
online message.
Online Gambling Merchant—An Electronic Commerce Merchant that provides any form of
gambling services over the Internet or other networks. Gambling services include, but are not
limited to the following:
• Betting
• Lotteries
• Casino-style games
• Funding an account established by the Merchant on behalf of the Cardholder
• Purchase of value for proprietary payment mechanisms, such as electronic gaming chips
Online Gambling Transaction—An Electronic Commerce Transaction representing the purchase

of any form of gambling services over the Internet or other networks. Gambling services
include, but are not limited to the following:
• Betting
• Lotteries
• Casino-style games
• Funding an account established by the Merchant on behalf of the Cardholder
• Purchase of value for proprietary payment mechanisms, such as electronic gaming chips
Online PIN Verification—A process used to verify the Cardholder’s identity by sending an
encrypted PIN value to the Issuer for validation in an Authorization Request.
On-Us Transaction—A Transaction where the Issuer and the Acquirer are the same.
Operating Principles—Standards adopted by the Board of Directors of Visa to govern programs

or services offered by Visa prior to the incorporation of those standards into the Visa
International Operating Regulations.
Original Credit—A Transaction initiated by a Member either directly or on behalf of its Merchant
that results in a credit to a Visa Account Number for a purpose other than refunding a Visa
purchase, as specified in the Original Credits Member Requirements manual.
Originating Member Plus Logotype
Originating Member—An Issuer or Acquirer that initiates an Original Credit as specified in the
Original Credits Member Requirements manual.
P
Partial Authorization—An Authorization Response sent by an Issuer approving an amount less
than the amount requested by a Merchant participating in the Partial Authorization service.
Participant—A Member as defined under the Visa International By-Laws, Section 2.06.
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 or Visa Electron
Transaction.
Payment Gateway—A system that provides electronic commerce services to Merchants for the
Authorization and Clearing of Electronic Commerce Transactions.
Permanent Establishment—A fixed place of business through which an Electronic Commerce or

Mail/Phone Order Merchant conducts its business, regardless of Website or server locations.
Pickup Response—An Authorization Response where the Transaction was declined and
confiscation of the Card was requested.
PIN—A personal identification alpha or numeric code that identifies a Cardholder in an

Authorization Request originating at a terminal with Authorization-Only or Data Capture-Only
Capability.
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).
PIN Verification—A procedure used to verify Cardholder identity when a PIN is used in an
Authorization Request.
PIN Verification Field—A field encoded on the Magnetic Stripe of a Card comprising a PIN
Verification Value, calculated with an algorithm using portions of the Account Number and PIN,
and a one-digit key indicator.
PIN Verification Service—A service that Visa provides for the verification of Cardholder PINs
transmitted with Authorization Requests.
PIN Verification Value—A 4-digit value used in PIN verification.
PIN Verification Value File—A VisaNet file of Account Numbers and PIN Verification Values
maintained at a VisaNet Interchange Center at an Issuer’s option for use as part of the PIN
Verification Service.
Plus ATM—An ATM that displays the Plus Symbol and not the Visa Brand Mark.
Plus Design—See Diamond Design.
Plus Logotype—The Plus Wordmark depicted in stylized lettering.
Plus Program Positive Authorization Capacity Management
Service
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 Logotype, Plus Wordmark, Plus Symbol-Contained, and
Plus Symbol-Uncontained as specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards.
Plus Program Participant—An entity participating in the Plus Program, as specified in the Visa
International By-Laws, Section 2.09.
Plus Symbol—A Mark consisting of the Diamond Design combined with the Plus Logotype
denoting ATM access only. One of the Visa-Owned Marks. The Plus Symbol:
• Must be used as specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards
• May be used as either the:
- Plus Symbol-Contained
- Plus Symbol-Uncontained
Plus System, Inc.—An entity that Visa U.S.A. Inc. has 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.
Plus Wordmark—A Mark consisting of the word “Plus” with the initial letter capitalized. One of the
Visa-Owned Marks.
Point-of-Transaction—The physical location where a Merchant or Acquirer (in a Face-to-Face

Environment) or an Unattended Acceptance Terminal (in an Unattended Environment)
completes a Transaction Receipt.
Point-of-Transaction Capability—The capability of a Merchant, Acquirer, or Unattended

Acceptance Terminal to obtain an Authorization and process Transaction Receipt data. The
Visa International Operating Regulations refers to these Point-of-Transaction Capability types:
• Authorization-Only Capability
• Data Capture-Only Capability
• Electronic Capability
• Manual Capability
• Semi-Electronic Capability
Point-of-Transaction Terminal—A device used at the Point-of-Transaction that has a

corresponding Point-of-Transaction Capability. The Visa International Operating Regulations
refers to the following types of Point-of-Transaction Terminals:
• ATM
• Chip-Reading Device
• Magnetic-Stripe Telephone
• Magnetic-Stripe Terminal
• Unattended Acceptance Terminal
POS Entry Mode—A V.I.P. System field indicating the method used to obtain and transmit the
Cardholder information necessary to complete a Transaction, i.e., manual key entry,
Magnetic-Stripe read or Chip read.
Positive Authorization Capacity Management Service—A VisaNet service designed to

increase the volume of Transactions authorized by the Issuer.
Positive Cardholder Authorization Service Priority Check-out Transaction
Positive Cardholder Authorization Service—A set of risk control services, as specified in the
VisaNet manuals, that allows an Issuer to specify Transaction processing controls for
Authorization Requests. These controls:
• Vary according to Merchant type and Cardholder risk level
• Determine the Transactions to forward to the Issuer
• Determine the Authorization services Visa provides to the Issuer
Post-Issuance Application Change—A method that enables an Issuer to modify or block an

application already residing on a Chip.
Post-Issuance Application Load—A method that enables an Issuer to add an application or

service to the contents of a Chip without reissuing a Card.
Post-Issuance Updates—A method that enables an Issuer to update information stored in a Chip
without reissuing the Card. There are 2 types of Post-Issuance Updates:
• Post-Issuance Application Change
• Post-Issuance Application Load
Prepaid Account—An account established by an Issuer, with previously deposited, authorized, or

transferred funds, that is decreased by purchase Transactions, Cash Disbursements, or
account fees.
Prepaid Card—A card used to access funds in a Prepaid Account or a card where monetary value
is stored on a Chip.
Presentment—A Clearing Record that an Acquirer presents to an Issuer through Interchange,

either initially (a first Presentment) or after a Chargeback (a Representment).
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—A Member as defined under the Visa International By-Laws., Section 2.04.
Priority Check-out Agreement—A written agreement that, when bearing a Cardholder’s

signature, authorizes a Hotel or Cruise Line participating in the Priority Check-out Service to
deposit a Transaction Receipt without the Cardholder’s signature for the total amount of his
obligation.
Priority Check-out Service—A Visa service provided by Hotels or Cruise Lines that allows a
Cardholder to authorize the use of his Card for payment of his total obligation to the Merchant,
with or without prior knowledge of the total amount, by signing a completed Priority Check-out
Agreement.
Priority Check-out Transaction—A Transaction that a Hotel or Cruise Line participating in the
Priority Check-out Service completes, resulting from completion of a Priority Check-out
Agreement.
Private Agreement Quasi-Cash Merchant
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 Keys—The secret portion of the cryptographic method used for verification during a
Transaction.
Processing Date—The date (based on Greenwich Mean Time) on which a Member submits
Interchange Data to, and the data is accepted by, a VisaNet Interchange Center. Equivalents
to the Processing Date are:
• In BASE II, the Central Processing Date
• In the Single Message System, the Settlement Date
Product Name—A name for goods or services offered by a Member to a Cardholder, e.g., Visa
Gold.
Product Replacement Center—A facility that issues Emergency Replacement Cards to an

Eligible Cardholder at the request of a Visa International Service Center.
Proprietary Card—A Card that does not bear the Visa Brand Mark or Visa Brand Mark with the
Electron Identifier but may bear a Plus Symbol.
Proximity Payment—A payment performed in a Card-Present Environment over a Visa-approved

wireless interface at the Point-of-Transaction. This includes payments made with contactless
devices, mobile telephones, and micro tags.
Proximity Payment Device—A payment tool using a Visa approved wireless interface to access
a Visa account that:
• Has distinct branding, issuance, and technical requirements
• Provides the ability to conduct a Proximity Payment Transaction
• Includes contactless devices, mobile telephones, and micro tags
Proximity Payment Transaction—A Transaction conducted over a Visa-approved wireless

interface.
Public Keys—The non-secret portion of the cryptographic method used for verification during a
Transaction.
Q
Qualified Chip Card—A Chip Card that is issued under a designated BIN(s) or Account Number
range of a Visa Card Program or a Visa Electron Card Program and has met the Visa
requirements for the Issuer Chip Rate, as specified in Chapter 8, "Fees."
Quarterly Operating Certificate—A report that each Member sends to Visa each calendar
quarter, detailing its Visa Card and Merchant Transaction volume.
Quasi-Cash Merchant—A Merchant that completes a Quasi-Cash Transaction.
Quasi-Cash Transaction Region of Domicile
Quasi-Cash Transaction—A Transaction representing a Merchant’s or Member’s sale of items

that are directly convertible to cash, such as:
• Gaming chips
• Money orders
• Deposits
• Wire Transfers
• Travelers cheques
• Visa TravelMoney Cards
• Foreign Currency
R
Real-Time Clearing—Effective 4 October 2008, an optional program for Acquirers and
Merchants which allows an Automated Fuel Dispenser Merchant to send an Authorization
request (preauthorization) for an estimated Transaction amount (up to a maximum Transaction
amount of US $500 or local currency equivalent) through the Single Message System. Upon
completion of the Transaction, the Automated Fuel Dispenser Merchant must send the actual
Transaction amount (Completion Message) to the Issuer within X of the preauthorization
request.
Real-Time Clearing Transaction—Effective 4 October 2008, an Automated Fuel Dispenser

Transaction that is authorized and cleared through Real-Time Clearing.
Receipt Date—The BASE II Edit Package run date (or, in the Single Message System, the
Settlement Date) on which a Member processes incoming Interchange. Commonly used for the
calculation of second Chargeback and Representment time limits by the Receiving Member.
Receiving Member—A Member receiving a Transaction through Interchange.
Recipient Member—An Issuer that receives an Original Credit as specified in the Original Credits
Member Requirements manual.
Recurring Services Merchant—A Merchant that provides services of an ongoing nature to a Visa
Cardholder (e.g., club membership, magazine subscription) and completes Recurring
Transactions to bill the Cardholder for these services.
Recurring Transaction—Multiple Transactions processed at predetermined intervals not to

exceed 1 year between Transactions, representing an agreement between a Cardholder and
a Merchant to purchase goods or services provided over a period of time.
Reference Card—An item containing relevant account information, such as an Account Number,
expiration date, etc., that is provided to a Virtual Account Holder.
Referral Response—An Authorization Response where the Merchant or Acquirer is instructed to

contact the Issuer for further instructions before completing the Transaction.
Refund Claim Number—A number that a Global Refund Service provides to a Cheque purchaser
to verify that he qualifies for a refund of lost or stolen Cheques.
Region of Domicile—The Visa Region where a Member has its principal place of business.
Regional Board Reversal
Regional Board—One of the Visa Regional Boards of Directors, as specified in the Visa
International By-Laws.There are 2 Regional Boards:
• Visa Canada Board
• Visa U.S.A. Board
Regional Card Recovery File —A regional electronic version of the Card Recovery Bulletin that is
distributed via the V.I.P. System to countries that receive a National Card Recovery Bulletin.
Regional Certification Authority—A Regional Office acting as a Certification Authority. A

Regional Certification Authority:
• Issues Digital Certificates only to:
- A Member located in its Region
- Non-members (i.e., Cardholders, Merchants, or agents) at the request of a Member in
its Region
• Is indemnified by the requesting Member for the issuance of each Digital Certificate
• Complies with all requirements of certificate use that apply to Certification Authorities, as
specified in the Visa International Public Key Infrastructure (X.509) Certificate Policy
Regional Office—The head office of a Visa Region, located as follows:

• Asia-Pacific Region: Tokyo, Japan
• Canada Region (Visa Canada Corporation): Toronto, Canada
• CEMEA Region: London, England
• Latin America and Caribbean Region: Miami, FL, U.S.A.
• U.S.A. Region (Visa U.S.A. Inc.): Foster City CA, U.S.A.
Regional Operating Regulations—The operating regulations of a Visa Region.
Representment—A Clearing Record that an Acquirer presents to an Issuer through Interchange

after a Chargeback.
Representment Advice—A VisaNet message sent in response to a Representment that does all
of the following:
• Notifies the Acquirer that a Representment has passed certain validations and has been
forwarded to the Issuer
• Notifies the Acquirer of the Issuer’s VisaNet Documentation Automation Service
participation status
• Notifies the Issuer of the Acquirer’s VisaNet Documentation Automation Service
participation status and whether documentation will be sent through the VisaNet
Documentation Automation Service
Retail Merchant—A Merchant that is not one of the following:

• Mail/Phone Order Merchant
• Recurring Services Merchant
• T&E Merchant
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 BASE II or Online Financial Transaction used to negate or cancel a transaction that
has been sent through Interchange in error.
Sales Draft Settlement Amount
S
Sales Draft—A paper record evidencing the purchase of goods or services by a Cardholder from
a Merchant using a Visa Card.
Sample Card Design—A unique background design developed for use on the front of the following
Cards:
• Visa Classic
• Visa Gold
• Visa Infinite
• Visa Business
• Visa Corporate
• Visa Purchasing
Scrip—A 2-part paper receipt that is redeemable at a Merchant Outlet for goods, services, or cash.
Secure Electronic Commerce Rate—An Interregional Interchange Reimbursement Fee paid for
a Secure Electronic Commerce Transaction.
Secure Electronic Commerce Transaction—An Electronic Commerce Transaction that has

been authenticated using an Authentication Method.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)—A protocol that uses Public Key encryption for the secure
processing of Transactions over the Internet and other networks.
Self-Service Terminal—See Unattended Acceptance Terminal and Cardholder-Activated

Transaction Type B.
Semi-Electronic Capability—Point-of-Transaction Capability where both of the following are true:

• Authorization, when required, is obtained Online
• Transaction Receipt data are captured electronically
Sending Member—A Member entering a Transaction into Interchange.
Service Code—A valid sequence of digits recognized by VisaNet that is encoded in a Magnetic
Stripe and replicated on the Magnetic-Stripe Image in a Chip that identifies the circumstances
under which the Card is valid (e.g., International Transactions, Domestic Transactions,
restricted Card use), and defines requirements for processing a Transaction with the Card
(e.g., Chip-enabled, Cardholder Verification, Online Authorization).
Services Agreement—A license or contract between Visa Canada and an entity that has a
contract or license, which allows the entity to participate in the Visa program or use the
Visa-Owned Marks, including in accordance with the Visa International Operating Regulations.
Settlement—The reporting of Settlement Amounts owed by one Member to another, or to Visa, as

a result of Clearing.
Settlement Amount—The daily net amount 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 Stand-In Processing
Settlement Bank—A bank, including a Correspondent or Intermediary Bank, that is both:

• Located in the country where a Member’s Settlement Currency is the local currency
• 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, as specified in the VisaNet
manuals.
Settlement Date—The date on which Visa initiates the transfer of Settlement Amounts in the
Settlement of Interchange. See Processing Date.
Simple Purchase Prepaid Card—A Card issued for a Prepaid Account where the Cardholder’s
name, address, and official identification number are not obtained, retained, and linked to the
Account Number.
Single Message System—A component of the V.I.P. System that processes Online Financial and
Deferred Clearing Transactions through a single VisaNet interface for purchases and ATM
Transactions.
Single Merchant—An individual Merchant or Merchant Outlet, or group thereof, doing business
under a common Trade Name or Mark.
Small Ticket Transaction—An electronically-read authorized Transaction of US $25 or less, or

local currency equivalent, presented by a Merchant with a qualified Merchant Category Code,
that is conducted in a Face-to-Face Environment, as specified in Chapter 5, "Payment
Acceptance."
Specialized Vehicle—A unique class of rental vehicle not in a Car Rental Company’s main rental
fleet (e.g., mini-vans, four-wheel-drive vehicles, selected sports models, luxury and vintage
vehicles), that does not constitute more than 5 percent of the Merchant’s total rental fleet.
Specialized Vehicle Reservation Service—A service provided by Car Rental Companies in Visa
U.S.A., where a Cardholder may use a Visa Card to guarantee reservations for Specialized
Vehicles.
Sponsored Merchant—An electronic commerce merchant that contracts with an Internet Payment
Service Provider to obtain payment services.
Standard Floor Limit—A Floor Limit that varies by Merchant type, as specified in Appendix C,
"Maximum Authorized Floor Limits."
Standard Rate—An Interchange Reimbursement Fee charged for any Transaction that does not
meet the requirements of the Chip, Secure Electronic Commerce, Electronic Commerce
Merchant, Interregional Airline, or Electronic Rate, and is not one of the following:
• Visa Commercial Card Transaction
• Visa Infinite Card Transaction
Stand-In Processing—The V.I.P. System component that provides Authorization services on

behalf of an Issuer when the Positive Cardholder Authorization System is used or when the
Issuer or its VisaNet Processor is unavailable.
Stand-In Processing Account Terminal Risk Management
Stand-In Processing Account—An Issuer-supplied valid Account Number (established and

activated in the Issuer’s Authorization system) that is maintained at a Visa International Service
Center. This Account Number is embossed and encoded on an Emergency Replacement Card
when the Issuer is not available to provide a new Account Number.
Status Check Authorization—An Authorization Request for 1 currency unit.
Substitute Transaction Receipt—A paper form or record that is not a Sales Draft and that a
Member or Merchant provides in response to a Retrieval Request, when allowed.
Summary of Interchange Entries—Data required to accompany Domestic Interchange

processed under a Private Agreement.
Support Authorization Service—The operator assistance service that Visa provides when a
Merchant’s Authorizing VisaNet Processor is temporarily unavailable due to system overload
or failure.
Suspect Activity—A Transaction completed the day of, or subsequent to the day that, the Account
Number was listed on the Exception File with a Pickup Response.
T
T&E—Travel and Entertainment.
T&E Chargeback—The Chargeback of a T&E Transaction.
T&E Document—A photocopy of all documents pertaining to a T&E Transaction originating from a
car rental, Hotel, or Cruise Line, including the following as applicable:
• Transaction Receipt
• Car rental agreement
• Guest Folio (if created)
• Card Imprint (if obtained)
• Cardholder signature (if obtained)
T&E Merchant—An Airline, Car Rental Company, Hotel, or Cruise Line whose primary function is
to provide travel-related services. A travel agency (excluding one that is primarily engaged in
the sale of transportation or travel-related arrangement services by Mail/Phone Order) is a T&E
Merchant to the extent that it acts as the agent of an Airline, a Car Rental Company, a Cruise
Line, or a Hotel.
T&E Transaction—A Transaction at a T&E Merchant Outlet.
Telephone Service Transaction—A Transaction in which a Cardholder uses a Visa Card to

purchase a telephone call. These Transactions include, but are not limited to, Magnetic-Stripe
Telephone Transactions.
Terminal Risk Management—A process performed by a Chip-Reading Device to protect a

Member from fraud by:
• Initiating Online Issuer Authorization for above-Floor Limit Transactions
• Ensuring random Online processing for below-Floor Limit Transactions
• Performing Transaction velocity checking
Third Party Trade Secret
Third Party—A non-Member that is not directly connected to VisaNet and provides
payment-related services, directly or indirectly, to a Member, such as:
• Storing, processing, or transmitting Cardholder or Transaction data or Visa Account
Numbers
• Conducting Cardholder solicitation, Card application processing services, or customer
service
• Conducting Merchant solicitation, sales, customer service, Merchant Transaction
solicitation, or Merchant training
• Performing Transaction-related or back office-related functions
• ATM deployment or operational support
• Point-of-Transaction deployment or operational support
• Soliciting other entities to sell, distribute, activate, or load Prepaid Cards on behalf of an
Issuer, and Prepaid Card sales or activation as a primary function of its business
A Third Party does not include:
• Co-branding partners
• Card manufacturers
• Card personalizers
• Internet Payment Service Providers (IPSPs)
Third-Party Personalizer—A Visa-certified third party that personalizes Cards for Members in
accordance with Visa security standards and audit controls. Personalizing includes either the:
• Embossing, printing, or encoding of a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card
• Embedding, initializing, or personalizing of a Chip on a Visa Card
Three-Domain Secure—See 3-D Secure.
Three-Domain Secure Electronic Commerce Transaction Specification—See 3-D Secure

Electronic Commerce Transaction Specification.
Timeshare Merchant—A Merchant that manages the sales, rentals, or other uses of
condominiums, holiday homes, holiday clubs, or apartments known as “timeshares.”
Timeshare Transaction—A Transaction resulting in the sale, rental, or other uses of

condominiums, holiday homes, holiday clubs, or apartments known as timeshares.
Tracing Data—In a Single Message System Online message, the transmission date and time,
systems trace audit number, retrieval reference number, Transaction identifier, and acquiring
institution ID. See Acquirer Reference Number.
Trade Dress—The physical appearance of a label, package, or display card.
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.
Trade Secret—Any formula, pattern, device, or compilation of information that is used in a

business, and that provides an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not
know or use it.
Transaction Transaction Certificate
Transaction—The act between a Cardholder and a Merchant or an Acquirer that results in the
generation of a Transaction Receipt. The Visa International Operating Regulations refers to the
following types of Transactions:
• Account Funding Transaction
• Advance Deposit Transaction
• Aggregated Transaction
• ATM Cash Disbursement
• Buy-a-Card Transaction
• Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type A
• Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type B
• Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type C
• Cash Disbursement
• Chip-initiated Transaction
• Deferred Clearing Transaction
• Delayed Delivery Transaction
• Domestic Transaction
• Electronic Commerce Transaction
• Emergency Cash Disbursement
• Emergency Cheque Refund
• EMV PIN Transaction
• Fallback Transaction
• Installment Transaction
• In-Transit Service Transaction
• International Transaction
• Interregional Transaction
• Intraregional Transaction
• Load Transaction
• Mail/Phone Order Transaction
• Manual Cash Disbursement
• Non-Authenticated Security Transaction
• Non-Secure Transaction
• No-Show Transaction
• Online Financial Transaction
• Online Gambling Transaction
• Prepaid Card Transaction
• Priority Check-out Transaction
• Proximity Payment Transaction
• Quasi-Cash Transaction
• Recurring Transaction
• Retail Transaction
• Secure Electronic Commerce Transaction
• Single Message System Transaction
• T&E Transaction
• Telephone Service Transaction
• Wire Transfer Transaction
Transaction Certificate—A Cryptogram generated by the Chip upon completion of an approved

Transaction.
Transaction Country Transaction Region
Transaction Country—The Country where a Merchant Outlet is located, regardless of the

Cardholder’s location when a Transaction occurs. For Transactions completed aboard an
aircraft or a Cruise Line vessel, the Transaction Country is where the Merchant deposits the
Transaction Currency—The currency in which a Transaction is originally completed.
Transaction Date—The date on which a Transaction between a Cardholder and a Merchant, an

Acquirer, or a Carrier occurs.
Transaction Identifier—A unique value that Visa assigns to each Transaction and returns 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 Chargebacks.
Transaction Information—Information necessary for processing Transactions, as specified in the

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.
Transaction Receipt—An electronic or paper record of a Transaction (or a copy), generated at the
Point-of-Transaction. The Visa International Operating Regulations refers to the following types
of Transaction Receipts:
• Aggregated Transaction Receipt
• Cash Disbursement Transaction Receipt
• Counterfeit Transaction Receipt
• Credit Transaction Receipt
• Domestic Transaction Receipt
• Electronic Commerce Transaction Receipt
• Electronic Transaction Receipt
• Exported Transaction Receipt
• Load Transaction Receipt
• Guest Folio
• International Airline Transaction Receipt
• International Transaction Receipt
• Interregional Transaction Receipt
• Quasi-Cash Transaction Receipt
• Sales Draft
• Substitute Transaction Receipt
• T&E Document
• Transaction Record
Transaction Receipt Number—The sequential number printed on formsets.
Transaction Record—A paper record issued by, or in connection with, a Point-of-Transaction

Terminal.
Transaction Region—The Visa Region where a Merchant Outlet is located, regardless of the
Cardholder’s location when a Transaction occurs. For Transactions completed aboard an
aircraft, the Transaction Region is where the Merchant deposits the Transaction Receipt.
Unable-to-Authenticate Response V Distribution Program Cardholder
U
Unable-to-Authenticate Response—A message from a 3-D Secure Issuer in response to an
Authentication Request from a 3-D Secure Merchant indicating that the participating 3-D
Secure Issuer is unable to authenticate the Cardholder for reasons other than those that result
in an Authentication Denial.
Unattended Acceptance Terminal—A Cardholder-operated device that reads, captures, and

transmits Card information in an Unattended Environment. The Visa International Operating
Regulations refers to the following types of Unattended Acceptance Terminals:
• ATM
• Automated Fuel Dispenser
• Card Dispensing Machine
• Load Device
• Devices that perform Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type A, Cardholder-Activated
Transaction Type B, or Cardholder-Activated Transaction Type C
Unattended Environment—An environment where a Transaction is completed under all of the

• Card is present
• Cardholder is present
• Cardholder completes the Transaction directly at an Unattended Acceptance Terminal
• Authorization, if required, is obtained electronically
• Retail Transactions at Unattended Acceptance Terminals
• T&E Transactions at Unattended Acceptance Terminals
• ATM Cash Disbursements
• Buy-a-Card Transactions at Card Dispensing Machines
• Load Transactions and Unload Transactions at Load Devices
Transactions in this environment exclude Transactions completed in Face-to-Face and
Card-Absent Environments.
Unload Transaction—A Transaction where monetary value is removed from a Reloadable Card
and transferred to another account held by the same financial institution.
Unrecognized Service Code—A Service Code that cannot be recognized by a Magnetic-Stripe

Terminal or Chip-Reading Device.
V
V Distribution Program—A program through which a Member provides payment services to V
Distribution Program Distributors and V Distribution Program Cardholders by acting as a V
Distribution Program Issuer, Acquirer, or both.
V Distribution Program Card—An enhancement to a Visa Business or Visa Purchasing Card

product, targeted to retailers, for payment of goods and services from a V Distribution Program
Distributor.
V Distribution Program Cardholder—A retailer to whom an Issuer has issued a V Distribution

Program Card.
V Distribution Program Distributor Visa Activity File
V Distribution Program Distributor—A commercial entity that accepts the V Distribution Program
Card as payment for goods and services.
V Distribution Program Issuer—A Member that participates in the V Distribution Program and
whose name appears on a V Distribution Program Card as the Issuer.
V.I.P. System—VisaNet Integrated Payment System. The Online processing component of

VisaNet.
V.I.P. System User—A VisaNet Processor that connects to the V.I.P. System through a terminal
or computer device for Authorization and other services.
V.I.P. Transaction Research Service Transaction Detail Report—A V.I.P. System report that
lists data elements for Authorizations, including Card Verification Value information.
Validation Code—A unique value that Visa includes as part of the Custom Payment Service/ATM
program in each Authorization Response to ensure that key Authorization fields are preserved
in the Clearing Record.
Vehicle-Specific Fleet Card—A Visa Commercial Card with Fleet Service enhancement that is
assigned to a specific vehicle.
Verified by Visa—A Visa-approved Authentication Method based on 3–D Secure.
Verified by Visa Mark—A Mark used in conjunction with the Visa Authenticated Payment
Program. One of the Visa-Owned Marks.
Virtual Account—An account for which no Card is issued, established primarily for completing
Electronic Commerce Transactions.
Virtual Account Holder—An individual or commercial entity to whom a Virtual Account is issued
or who is authorized to use a Virtual Account.
Virtual Account Issuer—A Member that establishes a Virtual Account and enters into a
contractual relationship with a Virtual Account Holder.
VIS-Compliant—A Card application that complies with either:

• the requirements specified in the Visa Integrated Circuit Card Specifications and has been
approved by Visa Approval Services
• the requirements specified in the EMV Common Payment Application Specifications and
has been personalized to a Common Core Definition-compliant profile and approved by
EMVCo.
Visa—Visa International Service Association and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates, excluding Visa
Europe.
Visa Acquirer—A Member that signs a Visa Merchant or disburses currency or loads funds to a
Visa Cardholder in a Cash Disbursement or Load Transaction, and directly or indirectly enters
the resulting Transaction Receipt into Interchange.
Visa Activity File—A file maintained at a VisaNet Interchange Center that lists the Account
Numbers for which Stand-In Processing has generated Approval Responses during the
preceding 4-calendar-day period.
Visa ATM Visa Card
Visa ATM—An ATM that displays the Visa Brand Mark and not the Plus Symbol.
Visa Authorisation, European Customised Services—A scalable VisaNet system that delivers
Online Authorization and financial processing services to Members.
Visa Blue Color—A unique blue color designated for use and reproduction of the Visa-Owned
Marks and other printed materials.
Visa Brand Mark—A Visa-Owned Mark:

• Used to represent the Visa organization and its product and service offerings that must be
used as specified in Chapter 10, "Card and Marks Requirements" and the Visa Product
Brand Standards.
• That denotes acceptance for both:
- Payment
- Cash Disbursement
Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier—A Visa-Owned Mark consisting of the Visa Brand
Mark and the name “Electron”, which must be used as specified in Chapter 10, "Card and
Marks Requirements" and the Visa Product Brand Standards.
Visa Brand Name—A Visa-Owned Mark comprising the name “Visa.”
Visa Business Card—A Visa Card targeted to the small business Market that is used to pay for
employee business travel and general expenses, and is issued as specified in Chapter 3,
"Issuer Requirements & Information," Chapter 10, "Card and Marks Requirements," and the
Visa Product Brand Standards.
Visa Business Cardholder—An employee of a small business to whom an Issuer has issued a
Visa Business Card, including sole proprietors and self-employed individuals.
Visa Business Electron Card—A Card intended for the small business market used to pay for
employee business travel and general expenses and complies with all of the following:
• Is issued with the Visa Business Card core feature requirements
• Meets the physical Card characteristics of a Visa Electron Card specified in the Visa
• Contains the Service Code for Online Authorization
Visa Canada—Visa Canada Corporation.
Visa Card—A Card that bears either the Visa Brand Mark as specified in Chapter 10, "Card and
Marks Requirements" or the Visa Product Brand Standards, enabling a Visa Cardholder to
obtain goods, services, or cash from a Visa Merchant or an Acquirer. A Visa Card is always
one of the following:
• Visa Business Card
• Visa Classic Card
• Visa Corporate Card
• Visa Gold Card
• Visa Infinite Card
• Visa Platinum card
• Visa Premier Card
• Visa Purchasing Card
• Visa Signature Card
Visa Card Program Visa Electron Card
Visa Card Program—A program through which a Member provides product payment services to
Cardholders using Cards that bear the Visa Brand Mark.
Visa Cash Card—A Chip Card that holds monetary value and stores security keys. There are 3
types of Visa Cash Cards:
• Disposable Card
• Feature Reloadable Card
• Reloadable Card
Visa Cash Program—A program through which a financial institution provides Visa Cash Card
services to Cardholders or Merchants by acting as a Load Acquirer, Merchant Acquirer, Card
Issuer, funds source, or some combination thereof.
Visa Cash Program Participant—A financial institution that is one of the following:
• Load Acquirer
• Merchant Acquirer
• Card Issuer
• Funds source
Visa Cash Symbol—A Mark created by combining the Visa Brand Name, Comet Design, and the
word “Cash.” One of the Visa-Owned Marks.
Visa Classic Card—A general-purpose Visa Card that is issued as specified in Chapter 10, "Card
and Marks Requirements" or the Visa Product Brand Standards.
Visa Commercial Cards—A product family of Cards intended for business expense use that
comprises the:
• Visa Business Card
• Visa Business Electron Card
• Visa Corporate Card
• Visa Purchasing Card
Visa Corporate Card—A Visa Card targeted to mid-to-large size companies that is used to pay for
employee business travel and entertainment expenses, and is issued as specified in
Chapter 3, "Issuer Requirements & Information", Chapter 10, "Card and Marks Requirements"
and the Visa Product Brand Standards.
Visa Corporate Cardholder—An employee of a mid-to-large-size company to whom an Issuer has

issued a Visa Corporate Card.
Visa Distributed Processing Solution (VDPS)—See Visa Authorisation, European Customised

Services.
Visa Electron Acquirer—A Member that both:

• Signs a Visa Electron Merchant or disburses currency to a Cardholder using a Visa
Electron Card in a Manual Cash Disbursement
• 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 and is
issued as specified in Chapter 3, "Issuer Requirements & Information," Chapter 10, "Card and
Marks Requirements," or the Visa Product Brand Standards.
Visa Electron Card Program Visa Gold Color
Visa Electron Card Program—A program through which a Member provides product payment
services to Visa Electron Cardholders.
Visa Electron Issuer—A Member that issues Visa Electron Cards.
Visa Electron Merchant—A Merchant that:

• Displays the Visa Electron Symbol or Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
• 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 Application—A software application contained within a Chip or payment
data encoded on a Magnetic Stripe that defines the parameters for processing a Visa Electron
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.
Visa Electron Program Marks—The Marks used in connection with the Visa Electron Program.
Visa Electron Symbol—A Mark consisting of the Visa Logotype, Comet Design, and name
“Electron.” One of the Visa-Owned Marks.
Visa Electron Transaction—A Transaction completed with a Visa Electron Card at an ATM or
Visa Electron Merchant.
Visa Electron Wordmark—A Mark consisting of the Visa Brand Name and the name “Electron.”
One of the Visa-Owned Marks.
Visa Electronic Certificate Service—A Visa service that issues Digital Certificates.
Visa Europe—Visa Europe Limited.
Visa Extended Access—Visa equipment and software that a Member uses to access Visa
processing services.
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 ATM Program—A program where an ATM participant provides Cash Disbursement
services to Cardholders by acting as an Issuer, an ATM Acquirer, or both.
Visa Gold Card—A premium Visa Card that both:

• Offers core and optional services as specified in Volume I—General Rules
• Is issued as specified in Chapter 3, "Issuer Requirements & Information," Chapter 10,
"Card and Marks Requirements," or the Visa Product Brand Standards
(Regional variations may be found in the applicable Regional Operating Regulations.)
Visa Gold Color—A unique gold color designated for use and reproduction of the Visa-Owned
Marks and other printed materials.
Visa Hotel and Cruise Line Services Visa Mini Card
Visa Hotel and Cruise Line Services—Services that a Hotel or Cruise Line may provide to
Cardholders, including:
• Advance Deposit Service
• Hotel Reservation Service
• Priority Check-out Service
• Cash Disbursement
Visa Inc.—A Delaware stock corporation.
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 Privileges—A Merchant-partner program with exclusive offers for Visa
Infinite Cardholders.
Visa Information Management—Optional services provided by Visa to Members and clients of

Members to enhance reporting and data gathering.
Visa Integrated Billing Statement—A monthly report provided by Visa that details charges
assessed to Members. Items appearing on this report are collected using the Fee Collection
Transaction reason code 5010 (“Visa Integrated Billing Statement”).
Visa Interchange Directory Update Form—A form containing contact information on Members
and VisaNet Processors that Visa compiles and sends to all Members and VisaNet Processors
in the form of a directory. See Instructions for Visa Interchange Directory Update Form,
(Exhibit 4F).
Visa Interlink Program Marks—The Marks used in connection with the Visa Interlink Program,
including the Comet Design, Visa Interlink Symbol, and Visa Interlink Wordmark.
Visa International Service Center—A 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week center that Visa maintains as
part of the Global Customer Assistance Services program, where a Cardholder can obtain
both:
• Information and certain types of emergency assistance while traveling
• Emergency Cash Disbursements and Emergency Replacement Cards
Visa Internet Domain Name—A Visa-Owned Mark used to represent the Visa organization on the
Internet or other networks.
Visa Issuer—A Member that issues Visa Cards.
Visa Meetings Card—Effective 15 April 2008, a Visa Card issued to commercial entities in the
public and private sector for commercial purchases associated with business meetings and
events, as specified in Volume I—General Rules, Chapter 3, "Issuer Requirements &
Information", and the Visa Product Brand Standards.
Visa Merchant—A Merchant that displays the Visa Brand Mark and accepts all Visa Cards.
Visa Mini Card—A miniaturized version of a Visa Card or Visa Electron Card that must:
• Contain the physical elements and data components required to complete a Transaction
Visa-Owned Marks Visa Risk Manager
Visa-Owned Marks—All Marks owned by Visa, including but not limited to, those specified in
Chapter 10, "Card and Marks Requirements" or the Visa Product Brand Standards.
Visa-Owned Payment Products—Visa Cards, Visa Electron Cards, and Cheques.
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 Gateway Service—A Visa service that provides Authorization and Clearing of
Secure Electronic Transaction Specification-compliant Transactions.
Visa Platinum—A Product Name for a Visa Card product that has attributes equal to or exceeding
those of a Visa Gold Card.
Visa/Plus ATM—An ATM that:

• Displays the Visa Brand Mark and the Plus Symbol
• May also display the Visa Brand Mark with the Electron Identifier
Visa/Plus International ATM Program—See Visa Global ATM Program.
Visa Premier Card—A premium Visa Card that both:

• Offers core and optional services as specified in Volume I—General Rules
• Is issued as specified in the Visa Product Brand Standards
(Regional variations may be found in the applicable Regional Operating Regulations.)
Visa Program—A program through which a Member provides payment services to Visa
Cardholders or Merchants by acting as an Issuer, an Acquirer, or both.
Visa Program Marks—The Marks used in connection with the Visa Program.
Visa Purchasing Card—A Visa Card issued to commercial entities (public and private) that is used
for commercial purchases and is issued as specified in Chapter 3, "Issuer Requirements &
Information" and the Visa Product Brand Standards.
Visa Purchasing Cardholder—An employee of a public or private commercial entity to whom an

Issuer has issued a Visa Purchasing Card.
Visa Region—A national or multinational geographic area under the jurisdiction of a Regional
Office, as specified in the Visa International By-Laws.There are 5 Visa Regions:
• Asia-Pacific Region
• Canada Region
• CEMEA (Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa) Region
• Latin America and Caribbean Region
• U.S.A. (United States of America) Region
Visa Canada and Visa U.S.A. are under the jurisdiction of a Regional Board.
Visa Risk Manager—Effective 16 May 2008, a suite of risk management products designed to
help Issuers optimize loss prevention and maximize profitability through intelligent
risk-management decisioning.
Visa Secure Electronic Commerce VisaNet Documentation Automation Service
Visa Secure Electronic Commerce—A payment service that provides payment information
security over the Internet and other networks for Cardholders using a Card and Cardholder
Access Device to conduct an Electronic Commerce Transaction.
Visa Settlement Bank—A bank where Visa maintains its Settlement accounts and performs funds
transfer for Settlement.
Visa Signature Card—A Product Name for a Visa Card that has attributes exceeding those of a
Visa Gold Card and Visa Platinum.
Visa Smart Payment—EMV-Compliant and VIS-Compliant Chip-based 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 that are not available using Magnetic-Stripe
technology.
Visa Travelers Cheque Program—A program through which a Member issues Cheques.
Visa TravelMoney Card—A card that may be purchased and used worldwide to obtain local
currency at Visa/Plus ATM Acquirer locations or used at the Point-of-Transaction, if a
Visa-owned Mark appears on the card.
Visa TravelMoney Program—A program through which a Visa TravelMoney participant provides
ATM Cash Disbursement or Point-of-Transaction (if a Visa-owned Mark appears on the card)
services to Visa TravelMoney Cardholders by acting as an Issuer, an Acquirer, or both.
Visa U.S.A.—Visa U.S.A. Inc.
Visa Wordmark—See Visa Brand Name.
VisaNet—The systems and services, including the V.I.P. System, Visa Authorisation, European
Customised Services, and BASE II, through which Visa delivers Online Financial Processing,
Authorization, Clearing, and Settlement services to Members.
VisaNet Authorization Message Format—A V.I.P. System message format that uses the Visa
version of the International Organization for Standardization bit map standard for bank card
messages.
VisaNet Copy Request and Fulfillment Service—An automated process for transmitting Copy
Requests and Fulfillments and monitoring the integrity and quality of the service through either
the:
• Copy Request Manager
• Facsimile Access System
VisaNet Copy Request and Fulfillment Service Fees—Service-related fees that include, but are
not limited to:
• Transaction fees
• Fulfillment incentive fees
• Mediation Service fees
• Monthly access fees
VisaNet Documentation Automation Service—A Visa service that provides an automated

process for transmitting Chargeback and Representment supporting documentation between
participating Members.
VisaNet Interchange Center Zero Floor Limit
VisaNet Interchange Center—A Visa Inc or a Visa Europe facility that operates the VisaNet data
processing systems and support networks.
VisaNet Processor—A Member or non-Member that is directly connected to VisaNet and provides
Authorization, Clearing, Settlement, or payment-related processing services for Merchants or
Members. The Visa International Operating Regulations also refer to a V.I.P. System User as
a type of VisaNet Processor.
VisaNet Settlement Service—A service that allows Members to consolidate the Settlement
functions of the Single Message System and BASE II into one centralized function and benefit
from flexible reporting options, as specified in the VisaNet Settlement Services (VSS) User’s
Guide, Volumes 1 and 2.
Voice Authorization—An Approval Response obtained through interactive communication

between an Issuer and an Acquirer, their VisaNet Processors, or the International Automated
Referral Service, through telephone, facsimile, or telex communications.
W
Web—See World Wide Web.
Website—One or more Internet addresses at which an individual or organization provides

information to others, often including links to other locations where related information may be
found.
Wire Transfer Merchant—A Merchant that sells money orders by electronic funds transfer.
Wire Transfer Transaction—A Transaction representing the sale of a check or money order for
transfer to a payee (who may or may not be the Cardholder) by electronic funds transfer.
Wordmark—A Mark consisting entirely of a word.
World Wide Web—A part of the Internet designed to allow easier navigation of the network through
the use of graphical user interfaces and hypertext links between different addresses. Also
referred to as the Web.
X, Y, Z
Zero Floor Limit—A Floor Limit with a currency amount of zero (i.e., Authorization is required for
all Transactions).

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Visa International

Volume I — General Rules

Purpose of this Manual

© 2008 Visa. All Rights Reserved.

1.6.D.10 Penalty for Member Failure to Complete PIN Security

Chapter 2: Risk Management

2.1.E.5 PIN Security Self-Audit Requirements 37

Chapter 3: Issuer Requirements & Information

3.2.A.7 Authorization Limits 57

3.5.E Visa Meetings Card 80

Chapter 4: Acquirer Requirements & Information

4.1.D Additional Provisions for Internet Payment Service Providers and

4.6.B.5 Transaction Receipt Copy 124

4.13.G.1 Normal Daily Activity Reporting 142

Chapter 5: Payment Acceptance

5.3.F.3 Deposit Time Limits 168

5.4.U Cruise Line On-Board Casinos 186

Chapter 6: Payment Services

Chapter 7: Transaction Receipt Retrieval, Chargebacks, and

7.4.C Chargeback Reduction Service 207

7.14.A.4 Visa Interchange Reimbursement Fee Compliance

Chapter 10: Card and Marks Requirements

10.14.B Visa Cards 258

Appendix B—Merchant Data Standards

1.1 HIERARCHY OF VISA REGULATORY PUBLICATIONS

1.1.A Visa International By-Laws

1.1.B Visa International Operating Regulations

The Visa International Operating Regulations consists of 6 volumes:

• Volume II—Dispute Resolution Rules governs a Member’s attempts to resolve disputes

• Volume III—Card and Marks Specifications provides specifications in conjunction with

• Visa International Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws—Referred to throughout

1.1.D Extensions to the Visa International Operating 1.1.E.3 Emergency Variances

1.1.D Extensions to the Visa International Operating Regulations

1.1.E Variances to the Visa International Operating Regulations

1.1.E.3 Emergency Variances

1.2 USE AND APPLICATION OF THE VISA INTERNATIONAL

1.3 APPLICABLE LAWS

• Maintain Visa confidential information in strict confidence

• Not disclose any Visa confidential information

Disclosure to contractors of technical specifications is subject to Section 6.1.B.2.

1.5 VISA RIGHTS 1.5.B Member Obligations

1.5 VISA RIGHTS

1.5.A Right to Monitor, Audit, Inspect, and Investigate

• Conduct an investigation or onsite review at the Member’s expense

- Shipping and storage security procedures

- Procedures for issuance and distribution

- Shipping and storage security procedures for Visa Prepaid Cards

- Procedures for issuance and distribution of Visa Prepaid Cards

• Audit and review the premises of an Approved Manufacturer or Third-Party Personalizer

- Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards

- Security features of Visa Cards or Visa Electron Cards

• Monitor an Acquirer to determine disproportionate fraud-to-sales ratios

1.5.B Member Obligations

1.6 REGULATION ENFORCEMENT

1.6.A Visa International Operating Regulations and Visa International By-Laws

1.6.B Fines and Penalties Process

1.6.C Fines and Penalties Rules

1.6.C.2 Time Period 1.6.C.3 Willful Violations

1.6.C.2 Time Period

1.6.C.3 Willful Violations

1.6.D Fines and Penalties Schedule

Table 1-1: General Schedule of Fines

First violation of regulation Warning letter with specific date for

Second violation of same regulation in a 12-month US $5,000 fine