Visa Token Service

Visa Token Service (VTS) is a payment security system developed by Visa that replaces sensitive card details, such as the primary account number (PAN) and expiration date, with a unique digital identifier called a token. Tokens are useless if stolen, as they cannot be traced back to the original account.

The VTS process adds protection by ensuring that real card details are not exposed, transmitted, or stored during transactions. Tokens are domain-restricted, meaning they can be bound to a specific device, merchant, or payment channel, which prevents misuse outside their intended context. This reduces fraud risk in cases of data breaches or intercepted transactions.

VTS is widely used in digital wallets, in-app purchases, e-commerce, and [contactless payments](contactless payments). It supports card-on-file transactions, recurring billing, and subscription services, while keeping customer credentials secure.

For merchants and , VTS reduces compliance scope because sensitive cardholder data is not handled directly. It also helps improve approval rates, as issuers can recognize tokens and apply advanced risk decisioning.