New Visa Electronic Journaling Rules: What Operators Need to Know — and We are Already Prepared
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Compliance isn't new to the ATM industry — but enforcement is changing.
Visa has recently updated its expectations around Electronic Journaling (EJ), reinforcing how critical accurate, accessible transaction records are when disputes, investigations, or audits occur. For operators, this isn't a theoretical shift. It has real consequences — including the risk of fines, escalations, or even terminal shutdowns if records can't be produced properly.
The good news: Switch Commerce and Clear Choice partners are already equipped to meet these requirements.
What's Changing with Visa and Electronic Journaling
Visa's updated guidance places increased responsibility on acquirers and operators to ensure that complete, accurate electronic journal records are available when requested.
That means:
- EJ records must be captured consistently
- Records must be retrievable within required timeframes
- Data must be accurate and clearly tied to each terminal
- Gaps, missing logs, or incomplete data can no longer be brushed aside
This is no longer a "best practice." It's a requirement.
Why Electronic Journaling Matters More Than Ever
Electronic Journals play a critical role in:
- Resolving transaction disputes
- Supporting chargeback responses
- Demonstrating compliance during reviews
- Protecting operators from liability
Without reliable EJ data, operators are exposed — even if everything else in their operation is solid.
Visa's updated stance reinforces something the industry has known for a while: documentation is protection.
How Switch Commerce and Clear Choice Help Operators Stay Compliant
Switch Commerce and Clear Choice have long treated Electronic Journaling as a core operational requirement — not an optional add-on.
Rather than leaving EJ responsibility entirely in the hands of operators, we've built solutions that make compliance part of normal processing.
That includes:
- Automatic capture and storage of electronic journal records
- Secure retention aligned with network expectations
- Easy access to EJ data when it's needed most
- Systems designed to reduce gaps and inconsistencies
- Support teams who understand how EJ is evaluated in real-world scenarios
The goal isn't to burden operators with more tasks. It's to remove risk quietly and consistently.
Avoiding Disruptions Starts with Preparation
One of the most serious outcomes of EJ non-compliance is interruption — whether that's increased scrutiny, withheld settlements, or terminal shutdowns.
Operators don't get shut down because they intended to be non-compliant. They get shut down because systems didn't support them when it mattered.
By building EJ compliance into the platform itself, Switch Commerce and Clear Choice help ensure:
- Issues are less likely to occur
- Records are available when requested
- Operators aren't scrambling under pressure
Preparation makes all the difference.
Back to Fundamentals — Where Success Is Built
Trade shows and industry conversations are important. But day-to-day success still comes down to fundamentals:
- Clean data
- Reliable processing
- Strong documentation
- Compliance that works in practice, not just on paper
Visa's updated Electronic Journaling expectations are another reminder that strong infrastructure protects operators long after the headlines fade.
Learn More About Electronic Journaling Requirements
If you'd like to better understand how Electronic Journaling works, what Visa expects, and how Switch Commerce supports EJ compliance in practice, we've put together a detailed resource outlining the requirements and solutions.
👉 Visit: switchcommerce.com/ejfaq
It's a straightforward overview designed to help operators stay informed, prepared, and protected.
Payments Without Limits. Compliance without the chaos.
Ready to ensure EJ compliance?