This guide explains recent and upcoming Visa interchange changes that impact U.S. businesses accepting commercial cards under an Interchange+ (IC+) pricing model. These changes affect how Level 2 (L2) and Level 3 (L3) data are handled and how interchange rates are applied.
What Is the Visa Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP)?
Card networks offer interchange programs that allow businesses to qualify for lower interchange rates by passing additional transaction data when accepting eligible commercial cards.
Historically, this has included:
- Level 2 (L2) data – typically sales tax and invoice information
- Level 3 (L3) data – detailed line-item and product-level data
In October 2025, Visa replaced the traditional L2/L3 framework with the Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP) and introduced Product 3 interchange rates. This represents a major shift in how Visa evaluates and prices commercial card transactions.
Why This Matters for Your Business
If your business accepts business, purchasing, or corporate cards and is priced on interchange+, these changes can:
- Increase interchange costs if transactions are not properly optimized
- Change which transactions qualify for preferred commercial rates
- Require system or process updates to continue capturing enhanced data
Businesses that do not adapt may see higher effective processing costs over time.
Key Visa Interchange Changes (2025–2026 Timeline)
Visa is rolling out these updates in phases:
📅 April 12, 2025
- New Visa scheme fee introduced
- Applies to:
- Level 2 transactions
- Level 3 transactions
- Large Ticket transactions
📅 October 18, 2025
- Existing Level 3 program replaced
- Introduction of:
- Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP)
- Product 3 interchange rates
📅 January 24, 2026
- Visa increases interchange rates for:
- Product 3 transactions
- Level 2 transactions
- Applies specifically to Business Credit cards
📅 April 18, 2026
- Level 2 (L2) program officially sunset
- L2 will no longer exist as a qualifying interchange category
What Businesses Should Be Doing Now
To prepare for and mitigate the impact of these changes, businesses should:
- Review how commercial card transactions are currently processed
- Confirm whether L2 and/or L3 data is being properly passed today
- Evaluate readiness for CEDP and Product 3 requirements
- Ensure POS, ERP, or payment systems can support enhanced data fields
- Monitor interchange changes closely if accepting business credit cards
Proactive planning can help avoid unnecessary cost increases.
Who Is Most Affected?
These changes are especially relevant for businesses that:
- Accept a high volume of B2B or commercial card payments
- Invoice customers rather than swipe cards
- Process large-ticket or tax-inclusive transactions
- Operate in industries such as manufacturing, wholesale, field services, healthcare, or professional services
Final Thoughts
Visa’s move to the Commercial Enhanced Data Program represents one of the most significant commercial card changes in years. While the transition may introduce complexity, businesses that understand the timeline and adapt early can better control processing costs and maintain compliance.
If you have questions about how these changes affect your business or whether your transactions are properly optimized, reach out to your payments advisor to review your current setup and next steps.