Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules
Visa's main network rulebook covering participation rules, transaction processing, and the dispute framework.
Visa Core Rules and Visa Product and Service Rules
Visa's Core Rules are the foundational rulebook governing all participants in the Visa network. They define how transactions are processed, how disputes are handled, and what obligations issuers, acquirers, and merchants have.
What These Rules Cover
- Participation requirements — who can join the Visa network and their obligations
- Transaction processing — how authorizations, clearing, and settlement work
- Dispute framework — the rules governing chargebacks, representments, and arbitration
- Fraud liability — who bears responsibility for unauthorized transactions
- Merchant obligations — disclosure, refund, and service requirements
Visa Chargeback Reason Codes (Current as of 2026)
Visa uses a streamlined four-category system (introduced in 2018 via Visa Claims Resolution and still in effect). All codes follow the XX.X format. Timelines are generally 120 days for issuers (75 days for some authorization codes) and 30 days for merchants to respond.
Fraud
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 10.1 | EMV Liability Shift Counterfeit Fraud |
| 10.2 | EMV Liability Shift Non-Counterfeit Fraud |
| 10.3 | Other Fraud — Card-Present Environment |
| 10.4 | Other Fraud — Card-Absent Environment |
| 10.5 | Visa Fraud Monitoring Program |
Authorization
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 11.1 | Card Recovery Bulletin |
| 11.2 | Declined Authorization |
| 11.3 | No Authorization / Late Presentment |
Processing Errors
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 12.2 | Incorrect Transaction Code |
| 12.3 | Incorrect Currency |
| 12.4 | Incorrect Account Number |
| 12.5 | Incorrect Amount |
| 12.6 | Duplicate Processing / Paid by Other Means |
| 12.7 | Invalid Data |
Consumer Disputes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 13.1 | Merchandise/Services Not Received |
| 13.2 | Cancelled Recurring Transaction |
| 13.3 | Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services |
| 13.4 | Counterfeit Merchandise |
| 13.5 | Misrepresentation |
| 13.6 | Credit Not Processed |
| 13.7 | Cancelled Merchandise/Services |
| 13.8 | Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted |
| 13.9 | Non-Receipt of Cash at an ATM |
Note: 12.1 Late Presentment was retired after April 2024 (now covered under 11.3). No legacy pre-2018 codes (e.g., 75, 83) are active. This is the full official list from Visa's Dispute Management Guidelines.
Important Timelines
- Cardholder to issuer: Must dispute within 120 days of the transaction date
- Issuer chargeback: Must be initiated within 120 calendar days
- Merchant response: Typically 30 days to respond with evidence
- Pre-arbitration: 30 days after the chargeback response
- Arbitration: 30 days after pre-arbitration
How This Helps Your Dispute
Knowing Visa's rules helps you:
- Cite the correct reason code when speaking to your bank
- Understand what evidence strengthens your case
- Know your rights if the bank or merchant pushes back
- Track deadlines to ensure your dispute stays on track