Visa's Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP)

Overview

What is CEDP?

Visa's Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP) is a card brand initiative to improve the quality of transaction data on business credit card purchases. Starting October 17, 2025, merchants must provide complete, accurate Level II/III enhanced data to maintain optimal interchange rates.

Validated versus non-validated status

Visa determines if the data provided with transactions meets their new specifications. If the data passes Visa's requirements, Visa will classify the merchant as validated. If the data does not pass, Visa will classify the merchant as non-validated. Merchants in non-validated status will not be eligible for interchange incentives until errors are resolved.

✓ Validated merchant

Consistently submits complete and accurate Level II/III data
Earns validated status in Visa's system
Eligible for reduced CEDP (Product 3) interchange rates
Minor occasional errors are tolerated
Benefits from lower costs and better data analytics

✗ Non-Validated merchant

Does not consistently provide required enhanced data
Lacks validated status in Visa's system
Not eligible for interchange incentives
Transactions often downgraded to higher fees
Risks removal from Level III pricing eligibility

NOTE: Visa will continually analyze merchants' data integrity and can change the validation status at any time. Validation is not controlled by QorCommerce.

Why validation matters

Benefits of Compliance

Lower interchange rates: Access to more competitive interchange rates by providing complete and comprehensive data.
Avoid downgrade fees: Complete data prevents costly transaction downgrades.
Better customer relationships: Detailed data supports customer accounting needs.

Risks of Non-Compliance

Higher processing costs: Downgraded transactions carry higher interchange fees.
Loss of eligibility: Risk removal from Level III pricing programs entirely.
Operational disruption: Last-minute scrambling to meet requirements.