What Is a Visa Service Provider?

Definition and Role

A Visa Service Provider is a third-party entity that offers payment-related services—such as payment processing, data storage, encryption, or cardholder authentication—on behalf of merchants, acquirers, or issuers within the Visa payment ecosystem.

These providers must adhere to stringent security standards to ensure the protection of sensitive cardholder data. To facilitate transparency and trust, Visa maintains the Visa Global Registry of Service Providers, a publicly accessible database that lists service providers validated for compliance with Visa's security requirements.

What Is the Visa Global Registry?

The Visa Global Registry of Service Providers is an official directory where Visa-approved service providers are listed. Inclusion in this registry signifies that a service provider has undergone and passed Visa's compliance assessments, demonstrating adherence to industry standards like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

The registry serves as a resource for merchants and financial institutions to identify and select trusted partners for payment-related services.

Compliance Requirements

Service providers listed in the Visa Global Registry must meet specific compliance criteria, including:

• PCI DSS Validation: Providers that store, process, or transmit Visa cardholder data must undergo annual PCI DSS assessments conducted by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA).
• Visa Program Requirements: Adherence to Visa's security and operational standards, which may include additional assessments and documentation.
• Annual Revalidation: Providers must submit updated compliance documentation annually to maintain their status on the registry.

Non-compliance or failure to provide timely revalidation can result in the provider being highlighted in yellow or red on the registry, or even removal from the list.

Why Registration Matters

Being listed on the Visa Global Registry offers several benefits:

• Trust and Credibility: Demonstrates a commitment to data security and compliance, enhancing the provider's reputation among merchants and financial institutions.
• Market Visibility: Increases exposure to potential clients actively seeking compliant service providers.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlines the due diligence process for merchants and acquirers when evaluating third-party partners.

For example, Sycurio, a PCI DSS Level 1 Service Provider, maintains its status on the Visa Global Registry by completing annual PCI assessments and submitting necessary compliance documentation.

Related

• PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard): A set of security standards designed to protect cardholder data and ensure secure payment transactions.
• Qualified Security Assessor (QSA): An individual or organization certified by the PCI Security Standards Council to assess compliance with PCI DSS.
• Visa Third Party Agent Program: A program that registers entities performing activities like solicitation, device deployment, or encryption key management on behalf of Visa clients.
• Visa Access Control Server (ACS) Service Provider Program: A program for third-party providers offering 3D Secure ACS services, enhancing online transaction security.

For more detailed information or to verify a service provider's compliance status, visit the Visa Global Registry of Service Providers.