Rules and regulations

Our set of rules and regulations allow those who accept Visa, as well as other parties, to understand their rights and responsibilities. They help to ensure Visa payments remain preferred and trusted.

Our operating regulations are mandatory internal requirements for Visa card issuers and acquirers. They're organised in geographic and business sectors.

For example, international operating regulations govern worldwide issues while Visa Europe operating regulations cover issues relevant to Europe. Visa members in individual countries also need to adhere to national regulations.

What this means for you

As a retailer or merchant, you're obliged to conform to the provisions set out in the contract you have with your acquirer and/or detailed in your procedures guide. This may include, but is not restricted to, the following:

  • How and where you can use the Visa sign
  • Which cards you can accept
  • How to carry out transactions properly
  • Which security measures must be in place
  • How cardholder data can be processed, transmitted or stored
  • How rules for specific retail sectors and channels, such as online, mail or telephone payments, apply 
  • How your payment guarantee works 
  • How disputed transactions or chargebacks are handled. 

More information

Contact your acquiring bank for more information about rules, regulations and the terms of your contract with them.