High-Risk Done right with our consulting team, get your high-risk account registered. 

In May 2023 Visa introduced the Visa Integrity Risk Program (VIRP) as a replacement for it’s Global Brand Protection Program. This new program includes updated requirements for acquirers and their designated agents to support High-Integrity Risk Merchants. The VIRP aims to enhance the integrity of Visa’s payment network and protect consumers from fraudulent activities. As part of the program, specific Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) have been identified as High-Risk categories, require merchants falling under these categories to company with the VIRP guidelines. 

Understanding the VIRP Requirements 

The VIRP introduces a set of new High-Risk MCCs that merchants must register. 

MCC 5967: Direct Marketing – Inbound Teleservices, Adult Content and services. 

This category includes websites offering adult subscriptions and video streaming services. 

MCC 7273: Dating Services and Ads 

Business offering online ads for dating services and dating websites. 

MCC 7995: Betting, Including Lottery Tickets, Casino Gaming Chips, Off-Track Betting, Wagers at Racetracks, Games of Chance, Sweepstakes with a chance to win prizes of monetary value.  

This covers merchants involved in gambling, gaming, selling lottery tickets, casino gaming chips or offering off track betting services. 

MCC 5122 & 5912:  Drugs, Prescriptions, Telemedicine  

Businesses engaged in the sale of prescription required drugs are included in this category 

MCC 6051: Non-Financial Institutions -Foreign Currency, Non-Fiat Currency, Money Orders, Account Funding, Travelers Cheques and Debt Repayment.  

MCC 6012: Cryptocurrency transactions to use special condition code 7. 

MCC 4816: Computer Network/Information Services, cyberlockers and similar remote digital file-sharing services. 

Companies that provide computer and network information services 

MCC 5816: Digital Goods – Games: Merchants offering digital goods, games of skill, fantasy sports gaming, where consumers pay a fee for the game itself or in-game services, and the outcome is determined by skill instead of luck. 

MCC 6211: Security Brokers Dealers: this category covers security brokers and dealers offering their services. 

MCC 5966: Direct Marketing – Outbound Telemarketing Services: Businesses engaged in outbound telemarketing for direct marketing purposes. 

MCC 5868: Direct Marketing – Continuity/Subscription Merchants: this category includes all merchants offering continuity or subscription-based services through direct marketing. 

MCC 5933 Cigar Stores, Vape, Card not present transactions  

Merchants who sell cigars online  

There are banks, processors and service providers who are friends to these business types, NPS has been involved in high-risk processing since 2001 and we have a network of companies who are interested in doing business with your company. 

Have a merchant account that falls under the VIRP – and requires registration has to be set up properly and be compliant with the rules and regulations. We are familiar with all the rules and regulations that the card brands require. 

Banks and processors that accept these merchants must register each merchant and they must also be registered in the program.  

The biggest change is this category:  

MCC 5868: Direct Marketing – Continuity/Subscription Merchants: this category includes all merchants offering continuity or subscription-based services through direct marketing. Also negative-option merchants are included in this category.  

If you are a subscription merchant, we highly advise that you consult with your processor or bank to find out how to register. 

We provide no cost consultations to High-Risk merchants and we can go over your options. 

Conclusion 

The introduction of Visa Integrity Risk Program signifies Visa’s commitment to ensuring the integrity and security of it’s payment network. By implementing updated requirements and identifying High-Integrity Risk MCCs, Visa Aims to protect consumers and prevent fraudulent activities in specific industries. 

Merchants falling into these categories must adhere to the program guidelines, including timely registration and payment of the necessary fees. Compliance with the VIRP not only strengthens the overall security of the payment ecosystem but also helps merchants build trust with their customers. 

For more information and it’s requirements, should refer to Visa’s official documentation or consult with Nationwide Payment Systems and our team of experts.