Every year in April and October, the card brands update processing rates and rules. This is a summary of the rate and rule changes that will impact the broadest number of merchants.
Visa
Interchange and Network Fees
Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP) – US
In April 2025, Visa announced changes to Level 2 and Level 3 interchange qualification for US domestic Small Business and Commercial Card products. Effective October 17, 2025, Visa began validating Level 2 and Level 3 data for accuracy. Transactions that do not contain accurate data will not qualify for Level 2 or Level 3 interchange rates, and any merchant that does not pass accurate Level 2 or Level 3 data will be designated a "Non-Verified Merchant." To become eligible for Level 2 and Level 3 interchange rates, a Non-Verified Merchant will need to correct any data errors and go through a verification process with Visa. For more information see our Verisave CEDP Compliance Hub.
Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) Fees in Effect for Merchants with "Excessive" Classification – US
Starting October 1, 2025, the Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) fee structure went into effect. Merchants classified as "excessive" are subject to fees of $8 per Card Not Present Fraud Transaction (TC40) or Card Not Present Dispute (TC15). For more information, see this Verisave VAMP article.
New Visa Account Updater Maintenance Fee – US & Canada
Effective October 1, 2025, Visa introduced a new monthly maintenance fee that applies to credential on file and recurring billing merchants enrolled in Visa Account Updater (VAU). If the merchant has not submitted any VAU inquiries for a registered VAU MID over a 12-month period, a $10 fee will be assessed monthly until the merchant submits a VAU inquiry or unenrolls from VAU.
Rule Updates
Processing Delayed Charges for Loss, Theft or Damages – US
Effective October 18, 2025, Visa standardized requirements for processing delayed charges for loss, theft, or damages. A delayed charge transaction for damages will require merchants to obtain cardholder consent through one of the following means:
- Cardholder signature on the same page and near the description of potential charges for delayed charge transactions
- Cardholder signature on the agreement and initials on each page, including the page with the charge description
- Other documentation that proves the cardholder's liability for damages.
These requirements apply to the following merchant types:
- Vehicle Rental Merchants
- Lodging Merchants
- Recreational Services (aircraft, bicycle, and motorcycle rental)
- Boat Rentals and Leasing
- Clothing rental (costumes, uniforms, and formal wear)
- Steamship and Cruise Lines
- Equipment, Tool, Furniture, and Appliance Rental and Leasing
- Transportation Services
- Motor Home and Recreational Vehicle Rentals
- Trailer Parks and Campgrounds.
Mastercard
Interchange and Network Fees
Mastercard Digital Enablement Maximum Fee Eliminated
Effective October 1, 2025, Mastercard is eliminating the maximum Mastercard Digital Enablement Fee. The fee will still be assessed at 0.02% with a minimum fee of $0.02, but there will no longer be a maximum fee.
Rule Changes
Revised Standards for Online Authorization of Refund Transactions – US & Canada
Effective October 1, 2025, merchants are required to submit all refund transactions for authorization before processing. The mandate is intended to allow issuers to validate the cardholder's account status and to improve transparency for cardholders. Exceptions apply for refund transactions by airlines (MCCs 3000 through 3350), MCC 4511 – Air Carriers, Airlines: not elsewhere classified, MCC 4112 – Passenger Railways, and Contactless Aggregated Transit transaction merchants. If a merchant submits a refund for authorization and it is declined, for example because the card has expired, merchants can provide an alternate form of refund, such as a gift card, at the merchant's discretion.
