Find answers to your most frequently asked questions, from accepting Visa to security, fraud, getting a card, and more. Click on one of the links below to view a particular question, or simply browse the questions and answers provided.

General queries

Why should I accept Visa?

Customers recognize and trust the Visa brand, and enjoy the convenience of shopping with their Visa cards. That means that as a Visa Merchant, you can realize increased revenue. And when you partner with Visa, you can participate in Visa Promotions that further drive sales and increase customer satisfaction. Learn more about the Benefits of Visa acceptance.

How do I begin accepting Visa for payment?

Contact an acquirer (financial institution) to start the process of accepting Visa. You may wish to contact the bank with which you have your business relationship, or choose from the Visa Acquirer List.

What is the payment process?

Processing a Visa card transaction involves two stages: Authorization, where an electronic request is sent through various parties to either approve or decline the transaction; and Clearing and Settlement, where all parties settle their accounts and get paid. Learn more about How It Works.

Are there merchant fees associated with accepting Visa?

Your acquirer (financial institution) is solely responsible for setting any merchant fees associated with accepting Visa. Such fees, if any, may vary; contact your acquirer for details.

What’s the difference between a “Small Business” and a “Merchant?”

“Small Business” refers to someone who owns or manages a small business and is interested in Visa’s Small Business products and services to help them improve cash flow, streamline purchasing, and secure lines of credit. Find a Visa Small Business product that’s right for you.

“Merchant” refers to a business that accepts Visa for payment. By accepting Visa, merchants can increase revenue, provide greater customer satisfaction, and leverage the Visa brand and award winning promotions to build sales volume. Start accepting Visa today.

What financial tools or business resources does Visa offer?

Visa provides information, online services and tools that can benefit both small businesses and merchants in managing their finances. These offerings include bill payment, online interactive workshops, and a calendar of relevant conferences & events, all of which can be accessed through Visa’s Business Resources. Additionally, you can obtain informational articles from the Download library on Tips & Tools.

How do I accept Visa for bill payment?

Accepting Visa for bill payment can lower outstanding receivables, improve cash flow, and reduce collection costs and bad debt. Visa provides merchants with two options for accepting Visa for bill payment:

1. Manual bill payment lets you take individual payments online or over the phone. The customer simply contacts you to authorize a transaction with their Visa card.
2. Automatic bill payment allows you to set up customers to have their bills charged to their Visa card automatically on a pre-determined date each month. Once automatic payments are established, you benefit from guaranteed payment and reduced customer service expenses.

Learn more about Bill Payment with Visa.

Start accepting Bill Payment with Visa: Contact a Visa acquirer.

What are Visa Gift cards, and how do I accept them?

The Visa Gift card is a prepaid card that is accepted for payment everywhere that Visa debit cards are welcome. It looks like any Visa credit or debit card, but the value is limited to the amount of money placed on the card by the purchaser.

Accepting Visa Gift cards is easy: We provide easy-to-reference information and employee training instruction downloads. Get more information on how to accept Visa Gift Cards.

How do I download Visa logos?

Use the Visa card logo on your Web site to denote acceptance of Visa at checkout. Accessing Visa logos for Web use is easy, simply visit the Visa Logos page.

High-resolution Visa logos are available in a range of file formats for PC and MAC users and are provided for different applications. We provide easy-to-follow specifications for accurate reproduction of the Visa Brand Mark in advertising, collateral, and signage. The logo artwork and spec guide can be emailed or sent on CD. Order the Visa Brand Mark Artwork and Guidelines.

Where do I get Visa decals and point-of-sale signage?

To order free Visa decals and point-of-sale signage visit the Marketing Center. If you would prefer to order from a Visa representative, please call (800) VISA-311 [(800) 847-2311].

Where can I find Visa promotions that are available to me?

Visa’s promotional offerings can help you generate higher transaction frequency, greater sales, and increased customer loyalty, along with increased traffic to your stores and online sales. Find out about current Visa promotions today!

How do I check my Visa card account balance?

Visa does not maintain any card accounts or have access to any information about card accounts. Please check with the financial institution that issued your card for your account information. You’ll find contact information for your financial institution on the back of your Visa credit or debit card. You can also visit your card issuer’s Web site for more information.

Is there a Visa card for merchants?

Merchants are business owners who accept Visa products for payment. There are a number of Visa payment products created specifically for small business owners, including credit and debit (check) cards. A small business owner and a merchant may be one and the same. Find a Small Business Card.

How do I get a Visa Business credit card?

Smart money management is essential to the success of any business. With its purchasing convenience, cost savings, available credit, and detailed reporting, the Visa Business credit card offers what your business needs to stay on top. Find a Visa Business credit card.

How do I get a Visa Business Debit card?

Save time and money with the quick, no-hassle purchasing ability of Visa Business Debit. With a variety of benefits, including built-in savings on business products, Visa has what you need. Find a Visa Business Debit card.

Can I use my personal Visa card for business purchases?

Yes, of course. However, you may find that the benefits associated with a Small Business card provide you with greater purchasing convenience, cost savings, available credit, and detailed reporting. Find a Small Business Card.

How do I apply for a Visa card?

Gain financial freedom and flexibility with Visa Business credit and debit cards.

Apply for a Visa Business credit card.

Apply for a Visa Business Debit card.

How do I get a business line of credit?

Visa offers an unsecured line of credit, so it’s as easy to apply for as a regular Visa Business credit card. Access your increased capital with your existing Visa Business card, and get cash by check or over the phone. Apply for a Visa Business Line of Credit.

How do I purchase a Visa Gift card?

Prepaid Visa Gift cards are the ideal choice for rewarding top employees, recognizing loyal customers, or attracting new business. Get a Visa Gift Card.

Is there a Visa Gift card for large-sized businesses (corporations and government agencies)?

Yes, we call it the Visa Incentive card. The prepaid Visa Incentive card is an innovative way to reward employees and recognize loyal customers. Order a Visa Incentive Card.

Can I securely accept Visa online?

Visa is committed to providing merchants and small businesses with the highest level of security before, during, and after any transaction. Visa protects merchants and consumers with stringent controls to ensure maximum confidence for every transaction made.

Visa provides multiple layers of protection against fraud, identity theft and liability for fraudulent transactions. Visa’s Fraud Control Basics resource can help merchants avert fraudulent purchases before they occur. The integrity and security of online transactions and personal data are further enhanced by the use of high-level encryption (SSL) technology, the Verified by Visa program, and members’, merchants’ and service providers’ compliance with Visa’s industry-leading Cardholder Information Security Program (CISP). Visa’s Zero Liability policy* also protects consumers from liability for fraudulent transactions, including online purchases, processed through the Visa network.

Through its extensive protections and controls, Visa continues to set industry standards for secure payments between merchants and consumers. For more information regarding the full range of Visa’s security programs, see Online Transaction Safety.

How does Visa support my business’ commitment to fraud prevention?

Expand your business online, deliver greater convenience to your customers, and trust in Visa to provide you with fraud prevention, risk management, and security guidelines. Learn more:

• Fraud Control Basics
• Order Fraud & Security materials

What is Verified by Visa?

Verified by Visa is a password-protection program that can improve the security of payment transactions for participating merchants in the e-commerce environment over open networks. It is designed to increase confidence in Internet transactions for both participating merchants and cardholders who have activated their cards for this service and created personal passwords, as well as to reduce disputes and fraudulent activity related to the use of Visa payment cards. Learn more about Verified by Visa. Visa provides reassurance that only you can use your Visa card online.

I work for a large company, not a small business. Where do I go for Visa card information?

Visa offers a comprehensive suite of payment solutions for large-sized businesses flexible enough for virtually any type of payment, any situation, and any process. Learn more about Visa’s Corporate Solutions.

Visa payWave

Please visit the Visa payWave FAQ page for answers to all your Visa payWave questions.

Cardholder Information Security Program (CISP)

For answers to CISP questions, please visit www.visa.com/cisp.

For more answers to frequently asked questions about Visa, please visit the Ask Visa page.