Verified by Visa Overview

Verified by Visa improves the security of payment transactions in the electronic commerce environment over open networks. It is designed to increase both cardholder and merchant confidence in Internet purchases, as well as to reduce disputes and fraudulent activity related to the use of Visa® payment cards.

How does Verified by Visa improve Internet transactions?

It improves cardholder, Issuer and merchant confidence in accepting and processing Internet transactions. Similar to how an Issuer validates a PIN at an ATM an Issuer now can authenticate cardholders for Internet purchases.

How do cardholders register?

To activate Verified by Visa in his/her Visa® card, a consumer first registers his/her existing Visa® card online with their card Issuer. This process takes five to ten minutes.

Simple for Consumers to Use
Once Verified by Visa is activated, a consumer's card is automatically recognized when used for a purchase at participating online stores. The consumer is asked for his/her password, the password is verified, and the transaction is completed.

Does a cardholder have to be enrolled to get chargeback protection?
No. But the merchant must provide attempted authentication proof.

Why should a merchant take on Verified by Visa?
There are many factors why a merchant should take on VbV. Most notability is chargeback protection or relief and lower interchange rates.

How do merchants get chargeback protection?
There are a few requirements to get full chargeback protection. They include:

1. Merchant must install the Verified by Visa software or merchant plug in
2. Attempt authentication
3. Provide proof authentication was attempted.

Note: Proof is established through the authorization message containing the proper CAVV and ECI value (see processing requirements).

What chargebacks are protected?
U.S. Chargebacks:

• Reason Code 23 – T&E Invalid Transaction,
• Reason Code 61 – Fraudulent Mail/Phone Order Transaction,
• Reason Code 75 – Cardholder Does Not Recognize Transaction

How does the Verified by Visa rule or "attempt authentication" protect me from chargebacks?
Regardless of Issuer participation or cardholder enrollment by simply attempting authentication on the cardholder a merchant is now protected from the identified reason codes.

What are merchant authorization or processing requirements?

• Utilize version 1.0.2 protocol software
• Include correct Electronic Commerce Indicator (ECI) value in authorization and settlement
  • ECI 5 for fully authenticated transactions
  • ECI 6 for attempted authentications
• When provided in VbV response, include CAVV value in authorization
  • In the case of international cardholders, CAVV field will not be provided for attempts transactions but retailer is still protected through use of the ECI of 6.

How does a merchant get e-Commerce preferred rates versus e-Commerce basic?
By taking on Verified by Visa, attempting authentication and required ECI and CAVV values.

Are all transactions protected?
No. The following transactions are excluded from Visa® chargeback protection for attempted authentications. Visa® Commercial cards (Visa® Business, Visa® Purchasing and Visa® Corporate Cards), prepaid cards, transactions from mobil or wireless devices and merchants named in the Global Merchant Chargeback Monitoring Program.

More Questions?
Please read our "Verified by Visa Frequently Asked Questions"

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