Are there any card scheme requirements based on my location?

The card schemes require businesses to operate under an “area of use” principle. This means that businesses and acquirers located in the same area work together. For example, Europe-based acquirers can only provide acquiring services for Europe-based merchants. 

The assignment and disclosure of the merchant outlet location is important for cardholders and fundamental to preserving transaction integrity in the payment system. Businesses that don’t comply with the location requirements may be subject to non-compliance cases and potential assessments from the schemes.