Report: VISA May Drop ICC-Cal

LOS ANGELES — Israel Discount Bank subsidiary Israel Credit Cards-Cal Ltd. has been levied a fine of nearly $13.5 million dollars and according to some reports, may have its international clearing permit revoked by VISA Europe — and could even be ousted from the card association itself.

The news may be of particular interest to adult operators who rely on ICC-Cal at some point in their transaction chain, as the company and its subsidiary, Cal International, specialize in clearing transactions from hi-risk markets including online adult and gaming websites.

According to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, a large portion of ICC-Cal's success came from international transaction clearing, with an emphasis on adult websites and offers for Viagra, among other drugs.

"ICC-Cal is the only Israeli company that engages in international clearing in these sectors," Haaretz reported. "The higher risk associated with them has two main sources: Customers are more likely to regret, and deny, such transactions on the one hand, while on the other hand the businesses that engage in them are less likely to be legitimate."

The company's problems, however, seem to stem from its processing of transactions for nutritional supplements — a market segment which exceeded the two percent chargeback rate set by VISA Europe. Haaretz cites a VISA Europe report, which claims that 90 percent of the problem transactions were for nutritional supplements.

The card association is demanding immediate action to bring down the high number of canceled transactions, including a three-month risk-reduction plan. If these demands are not met, ICC-Cal's international payment clearing plan may be revoked.

ICC-Cal is said to be taking such steps.

The news comes amidst rumors of a stock offering — plans that some analysts believe may have to go on hold, given the controversy now surrounding the company.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Taliban Restricts Access to Adult Content by Shutting Down Internet

The Taliban has shut down internet access across a large portion of Afghanistan in a move to prevent what it deems "immoral activities."

Go.cam Launches Video Spoofing Protection

Go.cam has announced that its verification solution now features security against video spoofing.

SexLikeReal Releases 'VR Self-Care' Guide

SexLikeReal (SLR) has published a blog post spotlighting “VR Self-Care.”

Brady Mills Agency to Launch 'AgeWallet' Subscription AV Solution

Tech company Brady Mills Agency announced that its subscription-based merchant age verification solution, AgeWallet, will launch in November.

EU Advocate General: France Can Require Foreign Sites to Implement AV

An advocate general of the European Union’s Court of Justice on Thursday advised the court to rule that France may require pornographic websites based in other EU states to implement age verification in accordance with French law.

Hentaied Founder Romero 'Mr. Alien' on Fetish, Fantasy and Finding Order in Chaos

A sharp sting pierces the woman’s skin. Something foreign slips beneath the surface. Eggs, maybe. She doesn’t know it yet, but soon her body will become a vessel, a hive, a source of contamination.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for July, August

AEBN has published the top search terms for the months of July and August from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Guardian Devotes Feature Article to XBIZ Amsterdam

British newspaper The Guardian sent a reporter to cover XBIZ Amsterdam earlier this month, resulting in a lengthy article about the annual European adult industry conference.

Pineapple Support Taps Char Borley as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has named Char Borley as its newest brand ambassador.

Michigan Legislators Propose Online Porn Ban

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to distribute pornography via the internet in the state.

Show More