Visa has significantly increased enforcement actions related to non-compliant surcharge programs and has moved away from issuing warning notifications.
Visa is now issuing first-level assessments of $1,000, conducting re-audits resulting in $5,000 assessments without prior notice, and enforcing its Significant Violation Schedule, which includes penalties ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000. We are also aware of on-site audits with a five-year look back.
While enforcement has primarily focused on Surcharging, Cash Discount and Dual Pricing programs have also been included in recent actions. Merchants must be properly configured, trained, and operating in full compliance with current card-brand and sponsor bank guidelines.
Immediate Action Required:
To safeguard from potential fines imposed by the card brands due to non-compliance, CCG requests all merchants utilizing Surcharge, Cash Discount, or Dual Pricing programs to review and confirm the following:
- Proper signage is displayed
- Staff are adequately trained
- POS systems are certified and operating on current software versions, ensuring compliance is crucial to avoiding financial penalties and protecting our collective reputation.
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