Overview

Visa has formalized its commercial card data requirements under the Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP). CEDP is Visa's structured program that defines how commercial card transaction data must be formatted, validated, and submitted in order to qualify for Visa's commercial interchange programs.

CEDP does not replace the traditional Level 1 (L1), Level 2 (L2), and Level 3 (L3) data model. Instead, it reframes the enhanced data tiers as Product 2 (P2) and Product 3 (P3) while applying stricter validation and formatting rules. Card-level (L1) data remains the required baseline for every authorization. CEDP augments L1 with invoice-level (L2/P2) and item-level (L3/P3) data expectations.

This article explains how CEDP relates to the traditional L1/L2/L3 data model, what changes CEDP introduces for merchants, and what steps you should take to ensure your data submissions qualify for Visa's commercial interchange programs.

For more information on card-level data, see: Understanding Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Commercial Card Data

CEDP Data Tier Terminology

Within CEDP, Visa uses updated product terminology to describe the data tiers. The industry terms Level 2 and Level 3 remain in common use, and Authorize.net documentation uses both interchangeably.

What CEDP Changes for Merchants

CEDP introduces meaningful changes to how Visa validates and processes commercial data submissions. The following areas are directly impacted:

Stricter Data Quality Requirements

Visa now applies enhanced validation to Level 3 (P3) submissions. Data must be complete, accurate, and properly formatted. Submitting placeholder values—such as zeros for tax amounts on taxable transactions, or generic filler text in line-item description fields—may cause the transaction to fail qualification under CEDP rules.

Invoice-Quality Formatting Standards

CEDP expects data that reflects an actual invoice. The following standards apply:

• Line-item descriptions must be meaningful and accurate.
• Quantities and unit costs must reflect the real transaction.
• Tax fields must reflect the actual tax applied to the transaction.

Risk of Downgrade

If submitted data is incomplete or does not meet Visa's validation criteria, the transaction may be downgraded to a standard interchange category. A downgrade means the transaction does not qualify for the intended commercial interchange program and may be processed at a less favorable rate. This represents a change from older program structures where partial or incomplete data submissions were more commonly accepted.

Program-Level Participation

Under CEDP, Visa ties enhanced data benefits to ongoing program participation and data quality. Merchants and processors that consistently submit poor-quality data may be subject to program-level review by Visa.

What This Means in Practice

To ensure your transactions qualify under CEDP, follow these steps:

1. Submit Level 3 (P3) data with accurate, complete fields for every applicable commercial card transaction.
2. Source data directly from your actual invoicing, order management.
3. Confirm with your acquirer or processor that your connection supports Visa CEDP (P3) and that your data is being validated correctly before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

• • Does CEDP replace the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 data model I am already using?
  • No. CEDP does not replace the traditional L1/L2/L3 model. It reframes Level 2 and Level 3 as Product 2 (P2) and Product 3 (P3) respectively, while applying stricter validation and formatting rules. Level 1 card data remains the required baseline for every authorization.
• • What is the difference between Level 3 and Product 3?
  • They refer to the same underlying data concept — detailed line-item commercial data. Product 3 (P3) is Visa's updated CEDP terminology for what the industry has traditionally called Level 3 data. Both terms are used interchangeably in Authorize.net documentation.
• • What happens if my Level 3 data submission is incomplete or contains placeholder values?
  • Incomplete or placeholder data may cause the transaction to fail CEDP qualification. The transaction may then be downgraded to a standard interchange category, which could result in a less favorable interchange rate. Under CEDP, Visa applies stricter validation than older program structures allowed.
• • Where should my Level 3 data come from?
  • Your data should originate from your actual invoicing, order management. Static or default values do not meet CEDP's invoice-quality formatting standards and may result in a downgrade.
• • How do I know if my processor supports CEDP (Product 3)?
  • Contact your acquirer or processor directly to confirm that your connection supports Visa CEDP (P3) and that your submitted data is being validated correctly prior to submission.
• • What could happen if my business consistently submits poor-quality data under CEDP?
  • Merchants and processors that consistently submit poor-quality data may be subject to program-level review by Visa. CEDP ties enhanced data benefits to ongoing program participation and data quality standards.

Additional Resources

• Understanding Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Commercial Card Data

Glossary

• CEDP — Commercial Enhanced Data Program: Visa's structured program that defines how commercial card transaction data must be formatted, validated, and submitted to qualify for commercial interchange programs.
• L1 — Level 1: Card-level data that is the required baseline for every authorization in commercial card transactions.
• L2 — Level 2: Invoice-level summary commercial data; referred to as Product 2 (P2) under CEDP.
• L3 — Level 3: Detailed line-item commercial data; referred to as Product 3 (P3) under CEDP.
• P2 — Product 2: Visa's CEDP terminology for Level 2 data; invoice-level summary commercial data.
• P3 — Product 3: Visa's CEDP terminology for Level 3 data; detailed line-item commercial data.