VMSS removal through Checkout.com

Why Checkout.com adds merchants to the VMSS list

Checkout.com is a fast-growing enterprise payment service provider with direct acquiring relationships across major card networks including Visa. Its risk monitoring is sophisticated, and it maintains close oversight of merchant performance metrics. Common reasons Checkout.com submits VMSS listings include:

• Excessive fraud — fraud ratios crossing Visa's programme thresholds as detected through Checkout.com's risk systems (VMSS code 21).
• Excessive disputes — dispute volumes and ratios exceeding Visa's limits, particularly in high-volume enterprise contexts (VMSS code 22).
• Illegal transactions — processing payments for goods or services prohibited under applicable law or Visa's rules (VMSS code 24).
• Violation of Visa rules — breaches of Visa's operating regulations or Checkout.com's processing agreement (VMSS code 31).

Your account closure documentation from Checkout.com will typically reference the reason category. For full definitions, see our VMSS reason codes page.

What Checkout.com's risk team looks for

Checkout.com's risk team operates a formal review process. Given its enterprise client base, the bar for removal requests is high — submissions are expected to be well-structured, professional, and specific. Your request must address each of the following:

• Root cause — a precise, honest account of what drove the metrics or behaviour that led to the listing. Checkout.com risk reviewers are experienced; generic explanations will not advance a case.
• Corrective actions — specific, implemented changes to your operations, technology, or compliance structure. Proposals or intentions are not sufficient — actions must be demonstrably in place.
• Evidence — supporting documentation appropriate to the reason code: compliance certifications, updated policies, improved dispute data, or restructured onboarding processes.
• No recurrence — a credible, operational argument for why the root cause cannot repeat under your current business structure.

Only Checkout.com, as the acquirer that listed you, can submit a removal request to Visa. The submission must be a formal written document addressed to their risk department, not an informal support request.

How to submit a VMSS removal request to Checkout.com

The process is:

1. Confirm that Checkout.com was the acquirer that terminated your account and submitted the VMSS listing.
2. Identify the VMSS reason code from your account termination notice or Checkout.com's closure correspondence.
3. Prepare a structured written removal request covering root cause, corrective actions, and evidence.
4. Submit the request formally to Checkout.com's risk or compliance department — this should be a written document with supporting attachments, not a generic support ticket.
5. Follow up formally if you do not receive a substantive response within the expected timeframe.

We help you build and submit that request. Our questionnaire gathers the specific facts of your situation, and we draft a tailored, professional letter suited to Checkout.com's formal review process. Start your removal request.

Frequently asked questions

Can Checkout.com remove me from the VMSS list?

Yes — if Checkout.com submitted the listing, only Checkout.com can request removal from Visa. Visa does not remove VMSS listings on direct merchant request.

What does Checkout.com need to review a VMSS removal request?

A specific root cause explanation, documented corrective actions, supporting evidence, and a credible no-recurrence argument. Submissions should be formal, written documents addressed to Checkout.com's risk or compliance department.

How long does Checkout.com take to review?

Several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the case. A thorough, professionally structured submission helps move through their internal review process more efficiently.