Novalnet Achieves VISA Acquirer Status and Becomes a Principal Member

Munich, Germany – September 2025 – Novalnet, a BaFin-licensed global payment service provider, proudly announces its official go-live as a VISA acquirer and recognition as a VISA Principal Member. This milestone places Novalnet among a select group of financial institutions worldwide that hold the highest level of partnership with VISA, one of the world’s most trusted payment networks.

Since September 1, Novalnet has been live with VISA transactions, and its official listing on the VISA Service Provider Directory now confirms the company’s elevated status as a regulated and independent acquirer.

Beyond VISA, Novalnet is also a China UnionPay Principal Member (acquiring) and serves as an AMEX aggregator across the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK, further strengthening its global network reach.

Why VISA Principal Membership Matters

For merchants, becoming a VISA Principal Member is not just a title—it represents a fundamental shift in how payments are processed, secured, and scaled globally. With direct acquiring capabilities, Novalnet can now process VISA transactions without reliance on intermediaries, giving businesses unparalleled benefits:

1. Faster Access to Funds

Merchants can enjoy faster settlements, reducing time-to-cash and unlocking stronger liquidity. This is especially critical for businesses operating across borders or with high transaction volumes.

2. Resilient, Uninterrupted Payment Processing

Novalnet’s intelligent acquirer routing engine ensures seamless processing. Even in cases of downtime with one acquiring partner, transactions are automatically rerouted—keeping revenue streams uninterrupted.

3. Full Regulatory and Security Coverage

As a BaFin-licensed payment institute, Novalnet is held to some of the strictest compliance standards in the world. Coupled with PCI DSS Level 1 certification and advanced security frameworks, merchants gain complete confidence that their transactions are processed safely and in line with international regulations.

4. Borderless Growth Opportunities

VISA Principal Membership enables Novalnet to support cross-border commerce at scale. Merchants can expand internationally with the assurance of a partner that combines global reach with local regulatory expertise.

Executive Insights from Novalnet Leadership

Gabriel Dixon, CEO, Novalnet:
“Becoming a VISA acquirer and Principal Member is a defining moment for Novalnet. It empowers us to deliver faster, more reliable, and fully compliant payment services to merchants worldwide. This recognition reflects our dedication to innovation, resilience, and trust.”

Emmanuel Kirse, COO, Novalnet:
“This achievement is the result of outstanding teamwork across our organization. It strengthens our infrastructure, expands our value proposition, and opens the door to new opportunities for international growth and partnership.”

What This Means for Merchants and Partners

With VISA Principal Membership, Novalnet is uniquely positioned to offer merchants:

• End-to-end acquiring and processing under one roof.
• Transparent pricing models with reduced dependency on third parties.
• Smarter risk management and fraud prevention tools powered by AI and data intelligence.
• Automated settlement and reporting solutions that reduce administrative overhead.
• Support for omnichannel commerce, including online, mobile, and POS transactions.

This makes Novalnet not just a payment service provider, but a strategic partner for merchants aiming to grow confidently in highly competitive markets.

Looking Ahead: Mastercard and Beyond

The VISA Principal Membership forms part of Novalnet’s wider acquiring strategy. In addition to VISA, the company is a China UnionPay Principal Member (acquiring) and serves as an AMEX aggregator across the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK. Building on this foundation, Novalnet is now preparing to expand its direct acquiring capabilities to Mastercard and other leading global payment networks.

In parallel, Novalnet is investing in:

• Next-generation fraud prevention powered by AI-driven behavioral analytics.
• Advanced intelligent routing for global acquiring redundancy.
• Deeper automation in reconciliation, settlement, and reporting to simplify merchant finance operations.

By combining global acquiring with compliance-first innovation, Novalnet reinforces its position as one of Europe’s most trusted payment partners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does it mean for Novalnet to be a VISA Principal Member?

It means Novalnet has direct acquiring rights with VISA, allowing the company to process payments independently, without third-party acquirers. This translates into faster settlements, stronger resilience, and improved cost efficiency for merchants.

2. How does this benefit merchants directly?

Merchants benefit from faster time-to-cash, uninterrupted processing, compliance with strict BaFin and PCI DSS standards, and the ability to scale cross-border with confidence.

3. Is Novalnet regulated?

Yes. Novalnet is a BaFin-licensed payment institution in Germany, fully compliant with European and international regulatory requirements.

4. What’s next after VISA acquiring?

Novalnet is expanding its acquiring services to Mastercard and other international networks while continuing to innovate in fraud prevention, settlement automation, and risk management.

5. Does Novalnet hold other memberships beyond VISA?

Yes. Alongside its VISA Principal Membership, Novalnet is also a China UnionPay Principal Member (acquiring) and serves as an AMEX aggregator across the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK—giving merchants broader access to international payment networks and expanded global reach.

About Novalnet

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Munich, Novalnet is a global payment service provider and BaFin-licensed payment institute. The company offers a full suite of payment solutions, including acquiring, risk management, recurring billing, and value-added payment services. Trusted by enterprises across Europe and beyond, Novalnet combines regulatory strength with cutting-edge payment technology to deliver secure, scalable, and seamless payment experiences.

Alexander Burba

Alexander Burba is a Performance Marketing Specialist at Novalnet AG in Munich, where he leads digital acquisition and brand initiatives. His work focuses on optimizing Paid Media, Brand Awareness and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) to increase visibility, drive qualified leads, and strengthen brand positioning. With over 7 years of experience in B2B SaaS, FinTech, and IT marketing, Alexander has supported international teams in Germany and Ukraine, serving clients across the EU, US, and global markets. He combines data-driven strategy with cross-functional collaboration to deliver measurable growth for Novalnet and its partners.