The following are the October 2025 updates to Visa and Mastercard programs and fees as outlined by these card brands. Our systems will reflect these updates starting October 17, 2025.  

These changes will impact certain merchants, depending on the types of cards they accept and how transactions are processed. Interchange rates from the card brands will be passed through to merchants. 

Visa

Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP) 

Visa launched the Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP) in April 2025. This program replaces the old Level 2 and Level 3 requirements with stricter rules for enhanced transaction data. Merchants who send accurate, invoice-level data can qualify for lower interchange rates on small business, corporate, purchasing, and government transactions. 

Beginning October 17, 2025: 

  • Merchants must provide correct invoice-quality data for eligible transactions. 
  • Transactions with missing or inaccurate data will not be eligible for the Product 3 program and will be charged higher interchange rates. 

New Product 3 Rates Under CEDP 

As part of CEDP, Visa is introducing the Product 3 Fee Program, which replaces the old Level 3 structure. Only merchants verified under CEDP will qualify for these Product 3 rates. 

Merchant Verification Status  

Visa will classify merchants into two groups under CEDP:  

  • Verified: Merchant’s enhanced data has been submitted to Visa, reviewed over an initial 30-day period and has been validated as accurate.  
  • Non-verified: Merchant’s data has errors or missing fields. Not eligible for Product 3 rates. 
Additional Information
  • Verified merchants will be charged a 0.05% Visa Participation Fee, which Xplor Pay will pass through just like other fees and assessments charged by the card brands.  
  • Beginning late October, non-verified merchants will no longer qualify for Level 3 rates. 
  • Xplor Pay will continue sending Level 3 data to Visa. Once Visa confirms verification, Product 3 rates (and the 0.05% Visa Participation Fee) will apply as appropriate.  

Please note that Visa will sunset most Level 2 programs in April 2026. Additional information can be found at https://xplorpay.com/cedp.    

Mastercard

Mastercard Interregional Consumer Rate 3, Base, Interchange Rate Updates  

Mastercard is modifying Interregional Consumer Rate 3, Base interchange rates to encourage widespread issuance and acceptance of Mastercard cards. 

Article by Xplor Pay

First published: September 16 2025

Last updated: September 17 2025