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BRAM and VIRP Basics

What are BRAM and VIRP?

The Mastercard Business Risk Assessment and Mitigation (BRAM) Program and the Visa Integrity Risk Program (VIRP) — formerly the Global Brand Protection Program (GBPP) — are rules designed to protect card brands and consumers from illegal and/or brand-damaging activity. These programs impose fines on acquiring banks for any detected processing of fraud, illegal activity, or activity that may pose regulatory or reputational risk.

bram and gbpp fines

Examples of such damaging activity include the illegal sale of prescription drugs or counterfeit merchandise, illegal or miscoded gambling, and child exploitation or banned pornography.

Want to learn how BRAM and VIRP (formerly GBPP) affect you? Download our two-page guide to learn:

  • How do these programs work?
  • How do I adhere to BRAM and VIRP/GBPP guidelines?
  • What happens to violative merchants?
  • How much are fines?