# Our commitment to transparency

Gain insight into all aspects of the Visa payment system – the requirements that help keep the system safe for all and the operational requirements to ensure efficiency.

[Visa Rules](https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/visa-rules.html)

## The Visa System: Rates, Fees and Rules

Visa has established rules designed to minimize risk and provide a secure and reliable global payment experience for all participants.

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## Interchange reimbursement fees

### Get the latest information

Visa uses interchange reimbursement fees as transfer fees between acquiring banks and issuing banks for each Visa card transaction. Visa uses these fees to balance and grow the payment system for the benefit of all participants.

Merchants do not pay interchange reimbursement fees—merchants negotiate and pay a “merchant discount” to their financial institution that is typically calculated as a percentage per transaction. Merchants can receive a variety of processing services from financial institutions that may be included in their merchant discount rate.

- [Download the Interlink Interchange Reimbursement Fees](https://usa.visa.com/content/dam/VCOM/download/merchants/interlink-interchange-reimbursement-fees.pdf)
- [Download the Visa USA Interchange Reimbursement Fees](https://usa.visa.com/content/dam/VCOM/download/merchants/visa-usa-interchange-reimbursement-fees.pdf)

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## Merchant credit surcharging

Learn more about card surcharge fees.

[Download the FAQ](https://usa.visa.com/content/dam/VCOM/global/support-legal/documents/merchant-surcharging-qa-for-web.pdf)

### Before you start

Merchants must notify their acquirer 30 days before they begin surcharging.

### Surcharge considerations

Factors you should take into account when considering surcharges.

- [Learn more about merchant surcharging](https://usa.visa.com/content/dam/VCOM/global/support-legal/documents/merchant-surcharging-considerations-and-requirements.pdf)

### How to disclose surcharging

Get sample signs to help inform customers about surcharging.

[Download signage](https://usa.visa.com/content/dam/VCOM/download/merchants/sample-surcharge-disclosure-signage.pdf)

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## Visa rules and policy

### How we run our business

We believe in giving partners clear insight into the way that Visa runs our global business.

[Learn more about Visa rules and policy](https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/visa-rules.html)

Announcement for Clients in the US Regarding Selection of Payment System at Point of Transaction

Visa has updated the Visa Rules to clarify that for covered US debit, merchants are not required to prompt for the cardholder to choose the AID for processing debit transactions.

More information can be found at [visachip.com](/content/chip/personal/security/chip-technology/index.jsp)