Can I check if I am on the VMSS list?

Merchants cannot directly query the VMSS (Visa Merchant Screening Service) database. Only licensed acquirers have access. You can find out if you are listed by contacting the PSP that terminated your account and asking whether they submitted a VMSS report.

How do I find out which PSP listed me on VMSS?

The PSP that terminated your Visa merchant account is usually the one that submitted a VMSS listing. Review your termination notice for a reason code, and contact that PSP directly to request written confirmation of whether a VMSS listing was submitted.

How long do you stay on the VMSS list?

VMSS listings are typically retained for five years from the date of listing, unless the acquirer that submitted the listing requests earlier removal.

What should I do if I am on the VMSS list?

Identify the PSP that submitted your VMSS listing and submit a formal removal request to them, explaining the root cause, corrective actions taken, and supporting evidence. If they are satisfied, they will submit a removal request to Visa.

How to check if you are on the Visa VMSS list

If your Visa-acquiring merchant account was terminated—or if new processors keep rejecting your applications—you may be on Visa's VMSS (Visa Merchant Screening Service) list. Merchants cannot access VMSS directly, but there are clear ways to find out and concrete steps to take.

What is the VMSS list?

VMSS (Visa Merchant Screening Service) is Visa's database of terminated or high-risk merchant files. Acquirers and PSPs report merchants to VMSS when they terminate accounts under certain conditions—including excessive disputes, fraud, compliance failures, and other violations. When you apply for a new merchant account, Visa-aligned processors check VMSS during underwriting. A listing can result in declined applications, holds, or unfavourable terms. See What is MATCH/VMSS? for more background.

Can you check the VMSS list yourself?

No. VMSS is a restricted database. Only licensed acquirers can query it as part of their merchant onboarding process. There is no official merchant-facing portal for VMSS lookups.

Be wary of any third-party service claiming to offer VMSS database access to merchants—Visa does not authorise this, and such services are unreliable.

Signs you may be on the VMSS list

Your Visa-acquiring merchant account was terminated, particularly citing disputes, fraud, or a policy breach.
Multiple payment processor applications have been declined without clear explanation.
A new processor flags that you appear in a risk screening database.
Your termination notice references VMSS, Visa, or a VMSS reason code.

How to confirm you are on the VMSS list

Contact the PSP that terminated your account. Ask them in writing whether they submitted a VMSS listing and under which reason code. They should be able to provide confirmation.
Review your termination documentation. Termination letters sometimes reference VMSS explicitly or contain a reason code. See our VMSS reason codes guide to understand what each code means.
Ask a new prospective processor. When applying for a new account, if you are declined, ask the underwriter whether your file shows a VMSS listing. Some will confirm this.

What to do if you are on the VMSS list

A VMSS listing is not permanent. The PSP that added you can submit a removal request to Visa if they are satisfied that the issue is resolved. To pursue removal:

Identify the PSP or acquirer that submitted your VMSS listing.
Understand your VMSS reason code—see our VMSS reason codes page for definitions.
Prepare a structured removal request: root cause, corrective actions, evidence.
Submit the request to that PSP's risk or compliance team.

We help you build and submit that request. Start your removal request now, or read our VMSS removal guide for more detail. Listings are typically retained for five years unless removed earlier.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check if I am on the VMSS list?: No. VMSS is only accessible to licensed acquirers. Contact the PSP that terminated your account to ask whether they submitted a VMSS listing, and check your termination notice for a reason code.
How do I find out which PSP listed me on VMSS?: The PSP that terminated your merchant account is usually the one that submitted the VMSS listing. Review your closure documentation and contact them in writing for confirmation.
How long do you stay on the VMSS list?: Typically five years from the listing date, unless the PSP that added you submits an earlier removal request.
What should I do if I am on the VMSS list?: Submit a formal removal request to the PSP that listed you, covering root cause, corrective actions, and evidence. If they are satisfied, they will request removal from Visa.