đ Overview
What is VMSS?
The Visa Merchant Screening Service (VMSS) is a database maintained by Visa and its acquiring banks. We don't manage it, and neither does Stripe.
If your business appears on this list, it means an acquiring bank has reported your business based on a previous payment processing relationship. In many cases, this happened before you even started processing with us.
Visa requires all payment processors to screen for businesses that appear on the VMSS list. If your business is added to the list, we're required to restrict your account - even if you've been processing successfully with us for months or years. The listing is based on information from a previous payment processor, not on your history with us.
âšď¸ What happens next?
You'll receive an email from Stripe notifying you that your account has been restricted. Heads up: the email may not specifically mention "VMSS" and might instead refer to a general risk or compliance decision.
Your account will close after the notice period outlined in that email. This is typically about 10 days after you receive the notice - so it's critical to begin resolving this as soon as possible.
đ ď¸ How do I resolve a VMSS listing?
Only the acquiring bank that placed the listing can remove it. Neither we nor Stripe can do this for you. Here's the recommended process:
Contact the payment processor you worked with before switching to us.
Ask why your business was added to the VMSS list.
Resolve the underlying issue. Common reasons include:
Excessive chargebacks
Card network rule violations
PCI compliance issues
Confirmed fraud findings
Once the issue has been resolved, ask your previous processor to submit a VMSS removal request to Visa.
While VMSS listings generally expire after five years, they can be renewed by the reporting processor. Working directly with your previous processor is typically the fastest path to resolution.
đĄ Pro Tips
Don't delay. Start reaching out to your previous processor immediately â the sooner you resolve the underlying issue, the sooner you can get the listing removed.
Document everything. Keep records of all communication with your previous processor about the VMSS listing.
Be specific. When you contact your previous processor, ask them directly to submit a VMSS removal request to Visa once the issue is resolved.
Know the timeline. VMSS listings expire after five years, but processors can renew them. Resolving it now is much faster than waiting.
â Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to common questions or additional details that may not be covered in the main instructions.
Can I open a new account?
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No. Opening a new account to work around a VMSS listing isn't permitted under Visa's rules and may result in additional restrictions. The underlying VMSS listing needs to be resolved first.
My account has always been in good standing with you. Why now?
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Visa continuously updates the VMSS database. A business can be added after it's already begun processing with us based on information from a previous payment processor. A good processing history with us doesn't prevent a VMSS listing from appearing later.
How long do I have to resolve this?
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Once you receive the closure notice from Stripe, you typically have about 10 days before your account closes. This is your window to contact your previous processor and start working on resolution. Don't wait â reach out to them immediately.
I think this is a mistake. Can you or Stripe appeal it for me?
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In most cases, we don't have visibility into which acquiring bank or previous processor submitted the listing. Your best starting point is the payment processor you worked with immediately before switching to us.
Can you tell me which payment processor reported me?
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In most cases, we don't have visibility into which acquiring bank or previous processor submitted the listing. Your best starting point is the payment processor you worked with immediately before switching to us.