VMSS removal through SumUp

Why SumUp adds merchants to the VMSS list

SumUp is a European fintech serving primarily small and micro-merchants, operating as a licensed payment institution with direct Visa acquiring capabilities. Despite its accessible model for merchants, SumUp is subject to Visa's mandatory VMSS reporting obligations. Common reasons SumUp submits VMSS listings include:

• Excessive disputes — dispute ratios crossing Visa's programme thresholds, which can happen quickly for small merchants with limited transaction volumes (VMSS code 22).
• Excessive fraud — fraud levels detected through SumUp's risk monitoring, including card-present fraud for in-person merchants (VMSS code 21).
• Violation of agreement — breaches of SumUp's terms of service or Visa's rules, including processing for prohibited business categories (VMSS code 30).
• Illegal transactions — processing payments for goods or services prohibited by applicable law (VMSS code 24).

SumUp's account closure notification will typically reference the reason. For full definitions, see our VMSS reason codes page.

What SumUp's risk team looks for

SumUp's risk team is more directly accessible than those at larger global acquirers, but the substance of a removal request must still satisfy Visa's programme standards. Your submission needs to address each of the following:

• Root cause — a specific, honest explanation of what caused the metrics or conduct that led to the VMSS listing. For SumUp merchants, this often involves business category compliance, in-person transaction practices, or dispute management.
• Corrective actions — specific changes implemented since termination: adjusted business practices, improved dispute handling, revised product offerings, or compliance updates.
• Evidence — supporting documentation appropriate to the reason code: updated policies, business registration documents, improved metrics, or operational changes.
• No recurrence — a credible explanation of why the root cause cannot repeat given your current operations.

Only SumUp, as the acquirer that listed you, can submit a removal request to Visa. The request should be directed to SumUp's risk or compliance team through their merchant support channels with appropriate escalation.

How to submit a VMSS removal request to SumUp

The process is:

1. Confirm that SumUp was the acquirer that terminated your account and submitted the VMSS listing.
2. Identify the VMSS reason code from your account termination notification or SumUp's account closure communications.
3. Prepare a structured removal request covering root cause, corrective actions, and evidence in clear, specific terms.
4. Contact SumUp's support with a formal escalation request to their risk or compliance team, referencing the VMSS listing and providing your prepared documentation.
5. Follow up if you do not receive a substantive response within a reasonable timeframe.

We help you build and submit that request. Our questionnaire extracts the specific facts of your case, and we draft a tailored letter suited to SumUp's process and the relevant VMSS reason code. Start your removal request.

Frequently asked questions

Can SumUp remove me from the VMSS list?

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

What does SumUp need to review a VMSS removal request?

A clear root cause explanation, specific corrective actions with evidence, and a credible no-recurrence argument. Despite SumUp's accessible support model, the request must meet Visa's programme standards.

How long does SumUp take to review?

Generally a few weeks to a couple of months. SumUp's more direct communication model makes escalation to their risk team more accessible than at some larger acquirers.