From an episode of B2B Vault Podcast
Visa’s VAMP Rules: What Merchants Need to Know About Chargebacks in 2025
Featuring Mark Wagner from Disputifier | B2B Vault Podcast Recap
Chargebacks have always been a challenge for merchants, but Visa’s new Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP) is set to make managing them even tougher.
In this blog, we recap key insights from our latest B2B Vault Podcast episode with Mark Wagner, CEO of Disputifier, to help you understand:
- What’s changing under the new Visa rules
- The risks merchants face with higher chargeback ratios
- How to protect your business before penalties take effect
Visa’s updated monitoring system means stricter oversight for merchants with excessive chargebacks. Whether you run an e-commerce business or handle high-risk transactions, understanding these changes is crucial for staying compliant and avoiding costly penalties.
Stay ahead of the curve by learning how to minimize disputes, strengthen fraud prevention, and keep your chargeback ratio under control.
sponsored by
What Is Visa VAMP and Who Does It Affect?
While VAMP is technically triggered only when a processor or merchant gets 1,500 chargebacks in a single month, small businesses will still feel the effects—especially if they’re in e-commerce or on a high-risk processor.
Even if your own volume is low, your processor’s dispute ratio could increase your fees dramatically.
Why Chargebacks Just Got More Expensive
Visa is now double-counting fraud-related disputes—first with a TC40 fraud alert, then with the chargeback itself. This makes dispute ratios look worse and penalties more likely. Merchants can now expect:
- Chargeback fees of $55+ per dispute
- Increased fees for “fraud” chargebacks
- Processors raising rates or terminating accounts.
Fraud Tools Are Now Mandatory
Mark Wagner announced Disputifier now offers an AI-powered fraud scanning tool:
- Scans every transaction before approval.
- Costs just 5¢ per order
- Installs with one click (for most CRMs and gateways)
- Help flag risky orders and automate cancellations or verifications.
This is essential for preventing friendly fraud, where legitimate customers abuse the chargeback system.
Compliance Crackdown: FTC & State Rules
On top of VAMP, the FTC’s “Click-to-Cancel” rule can now fine merchants $55,000+ per violation. Add California’s stricter rules and upcoming enforcement on free trial disclosures, and the stakes are high.
You need:
- A clear cancel button
- Tracking numbers and accurate shipping times
- Age verification for restricted products
Card Present Merchants Aren’t Safe Either
Many merchants assume chargebacks are just an e-commerce issue. Not true. We’ve seen increasing EMV disputes and retrieval requests even in retail. The real issue? Most card-present systems lack fraud tools and auth fail-safes.
How to Prepare for VAMP Today
Don’t wait until your business hits a compliance wall. Here’s your checklist:
✅ Monitor your chargeback and fraud ratios
✅ Implement fraud tools before scaling
✅ Use age verification for high-risk or regulated products
✅ Clearly communicate return/shipping policies
✅ Ensure 3D Secure or other auth protocols are in place
✅ Work with a trusted processor who supports your growth
From an episode of B2B Vault Podcast
CLICK HERE TO FIND MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is VAMP?
Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program, a compliance initiative targeting chargebacks and fraud.
When do VAMP penalties begin?
End of September 2025, but enforcement and ratio tracking are already in motion.
Can I ignore VAMP if I’m small?
No. If your processor breaches the 0.5% dispute ratio, you pay higher fees, even with fewer chargebacks.
Is RDR still useful?
Partially. It won’t remove fraud alerts, which are now separately counted against you.
Do I need new fraud tools?
Yes. Legacy tools like AVS checks are not enough. AI fraud tools with real-time scanning are critical.
