For high-risk merchants, navigating Visa’s Acquirer Monitoring Program, or VAMP, is critical to maintaining processing privileges. This program, which combines Visa’s previous Fraud Monitoring Program (VFMP) and Dispute Monitoring Program (VDMP), introduces stricter thresholds and new metrics for acquirers and their merchants. High Risk Pay helps high-risk businesses proactively manage fraud, reduce chargebacks, and stay compliant, protecting accounts from costly penalties or termination.
What is the Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP)?
VAMP is Visa’s consolidated initiative to monitor acquirer activity related to fraud and chargebacks. By combining oversight of disputes and fraudulent transactions into a single framework, Visa aims to simplify risk management for acquirers while holding merchants accountable for high dispute ratios.
Why Visa Launched VAMP
Visa launched VAMP to unify the oversight of fraudulent and disputed transactions under one program. Previously, merchants were tracked separately under VFMP and VDMP, which created gaps in enforcement and inconsistent thresholds. With VAMP, acquirers can manage portfolio risk more effectively, while Visa ensures a consistent standard across the payments ecosystem.
VAMP Ratios, Thresholds, and Program Consolidation
Under VAMP, the new ratio calculation includes both TC40 fraud reports and dispute counts. The formula effectively double-counts certain fraud-related disputes, which increases most merchants’ VAMP ratios. Visa now applies stricter thresholds for both acquirers and merchants, creating heightened risk for high-risk industries. Understanding these ratios is essential for businesses that want to avoid fines or account restrictions.
Core Metrics & Enforcement Triggers
TC40 & TC15 Data
TC40 reports track confirmed fraudulent transactions, while TC15 data reflects non-fraud disputes. Both are included in VAMP ratio calculations. Merchants must monitor these reports regularly to prevent their ratios from exceeding Visa’s thresholds.
VAMP Enumeration Ratio & VAAI
Visa also tracks enumerated transactions, commonly known as card-testing fraud, using the Visa Account Attack Intelligence (VAAI) system. This ratio identifies repeated attempts to submit fraudulent card-not-present transactions and flags merchants whose systems are compromised or mismanaged.
Enforcement Levels & Fees
VAMP has two enforcement tiers: Above Standard and Excessive. Acquirers or merchants exceeding these thresholds may face monthly fees, with first-time offenders given a three-month grace period. For recurring violations, fines can reach several dollars per dispute or fraud incident, emphasizing the importance of proactive risk management.
Tools to Stay Compliant Under VAMP
High Risk Pay guides merchants in deploying tools that prevent disputes from escalating and reduce VAMP ratios.
Rapid Dispute Resolution (RDR) & Order Insight
RDR and Order Insight allow merchants to resolve potential disputes before they become chargebacks. Using these pre-dispute tools helps keep VAMP ratios low, reducing the risk of enforcement actions.
Compelling Evidence 3.0
Compelling Evidence 3.0 enables merchants to submit proof that neutralizes disputes and prevents TC40 fraud reports from impacting VAMP ratios. This tool is essential for merchants operating in high-risk sectors.
Portfolio Monitoring with OneERS
Visa’s OneERS system provides a centralized dashboard for tracking performance metrics across merchant portfolios. High Risk Pay helps businesses interpret these reports and implement corrective actions to maintain compliance.
Market & Merchant Implications
Regional Enforcement Differences
VAMP thresholds and enforcement practices may vary across regions, including Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Merchants should remain aware of regional differences to avoid unexpected penalties.
Payment Facilitators & High-Risk Merchants
High-risk merchants are particularly vulnerable under VAMP. Acquirers may impose stricter limits or account restrictions to protect their own compliance standing. High Risk Pay bridges this gap by providing specialized support for high-risk businesses, ensuring continued processing privileges.
Chargeback & Fraud Prevention Strategies
Alerts, Prevention Tools & Representation
Merchants can proactively manage VAMP exposure through alerts, smart prevention tools, and strategic dispute resolution. These strategies reduce the likelihood of chargebacks affecting ratios and minimize potential fines.
HRP’s Merchant Support
High Risk Pay offers high-risk gateway solutions, proactive chargeback alerts, and compliance guidance. By leveraging our expertise, merchants can lower their VAMP ratios, prevent disruptions, and maintain access to Visa processing.
Conclusion
Ignoring VAMP puts merchants at risk of fines, higher processing costs, or account termination. High Risk Pay empowers high-risk businesses to stay below Visa’s thresholds, protect their accounts, and maintain uninterrupted processing. Talk to our compliance experts at High Risk Pay today to learn how your business can stay ahead of VAMP requirements.
For merchants seeking additional payment solutions, explore our ecommerce merchant accounts page to learn more about secure and compliant processing options.
