Legit Script Certification – Complete Guide & How Corepay Can Help

Last Updated on November 19, 2024 by Corepay

If your business operates in a regulated or high-risk industry, such as:

• Pharmacies: Internet pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, brick-and-mortar stores, veterinary pharmacies, or compounding pharmacies.
• Telemedicine Providers: Businesses facilitating the sale of prescription medications through telehealth platforms.
• Weight Loss Providers: Compounded GLP-1 merchants find themselves under more scrutiny than ever and will need LegitScript certification to operate.
• Healthcare Supply Chain Businesses: Pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors.
• Other Healthcare Merchants: Prescription eyeglass and contact lens sellers, price comparison websites/apps, or discount pharmacy platforms.
• Addiction Treatment Facilities: Inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment centers.

You’ll need LegitScript certification to advertise on platforms like Google and Facebook or secure reliable payment processing. Certification ensures your business complies with industry standards, builds trust with consumers, and opens the door to growth in highly regulated markets.

This article covers everything you need about LegitScript certification—from who needs it to how to streamline the process and thrive in today’s challenging regulatory environment. It also provides insight into how Corepay’s Legitscript partnership can help get you approved swiftly.

***At Corepay, we specialize in high-risk merchants such as online pharmacies, telemedicine, and healthcare supply chain businesses. We will speed up the process of your certification and provide you with reliable and transparent payment processing.

What Is LegitScript Certification and Why Is It Important?

LegitScript certification is a verification program that establishes your business’s credibility by confirming compliance with laws and ethical standards. This certification is often required for businesses in regulated industries to advertise on platforms like Google, Bing, and Facebook.

Key Benefits of LegitScript Certification:

• Access to Advertising Platforms: Without certification, businesses in high-risk sectors are restricted from running ads on most major platforms.
• The recent changes to VIRP require all telemedicine/pharmaceuticals to be Legit Script certified.
• Regulatory Compliance: LegitScript ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, mitigating risks of fines or legal actions.
• Competitive Edge: Many businesses avoid the rigorous process, giving certified merchants a significant advantage.

What Is VIRP and Why It Makes LegitScript Certification Essential

The Visa Integrity Risk Program (VIRP), launched on April 1, 2024, has transformed the high-risk merchant landscape by imposing stricter compliance standards. Designed to combat non-compliance and illegal activity, VIRP increases oversight and operational costs for businesses in industries such as pharmaceuticals, telemedicine, CBD, gambling, and adult entertainment.

Key Changes Under VIRP:

1. Mandatory Certification: Visa and Mastercard require pharmacies, telemedicine providers, and other card-not-present merchants to be certified by approved organizations like LegitScript.
2. Increased Costs: Registration fees have risen from $500 to $950, with new transaction fees of $0.10 per transaction plus ten basis points on volume.
3. Tiered Risk Levels: Merchants are classified into three tiers, with Tier 1 businesses (e.g., adult, gambling, pharmaceuticals) facing the strictest scrutiny.

Who Needs LegitScript Certification?

LegitScript certification applies to a variety of businesses in regulated industries, including:

• Pharmacies: Internet pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, brick-and-mortar stores, veterinary pharmacies, and compounding pharmacies.
• Telemedicine Providers: Businesses facilitating the sale of prescription medications through telehealth platforms.
• Healthcare Supply Chain Businesses: Pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors.
• Other Healthcare Merchants: Prescription eyeglass and contact lens sellers, price comparison websites/apps, and discount pharmacy platforms.
• Addiction Treatment Facilities: Inpatient, outpatient, and residential facilities.

Certain Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) also align with LegitScript certification, such as:

• 5912: Drug Stores and Pharmacies
• 8093: Addiction Treatment Facilities
• 8099: Health Practitioners
• 5122: Pharmaceutical Distribution

How Long Does It Take to Get LegitScript Certified?

The certification process typically takes 2 to 4 months, influenced by:

• Application Completeness: Missing documentation delays approval.
• LegitScript’s Workload: Processing times depend on application volume.
• Complexity: More intricate businesses may face additional scrutiny.
• Responsiveness: Prompt responses to LegitScript inquiries speed up the process.
• Answer Quality: Clear and detailed answers ensure smoother reviews.

******For businesses needing faster results, LegitScript offers expedited certification. With Corepay’s assistance, the timeline can be shortened to as little as 3 weeks.

LegitScript Certification Pricing

Certification involves a one-time application fee and an annual certification fee per website. Costs vary based on the type of business and its compliance history:

Standard Healthcare Certification:

• Application Fee: $975 (nonrefundable)
• Annual Fee: $2,150 per website

Probationary Certification (For Businesses With Past Compliance Issues):

• Application Fee: $975 (nonrefundable)
• Annual Fee: $3,995 per website (due to increased monitoring requirements)

Each website operated by the merchant requires a separate application and annual Fee. All domains must be disclosed and reviewed during the application process for those managing multiple sites.

Why Banks and Payment Processors Require LegitScript Certification

Banks and payment processors increasingly demand LegitScript certification from merchants in high-risk industries. Here’s why:

1. Risk Mitigation: Certification reduces exposure to fraud, chargebacks, and non-compliance risks.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Payment networks like Visa and Mastercard require adherence to strict regulations, which LegitScript helps ensure.
3. Streamlined Underwriting: Certification simplifies the onboarding process, acting as a pre-vetting mechanism.
4. Trust and Credibility: LegitScript-certified merchants offer assurance to financial institutions and customers.
5. Alignment with Network Rules: Certification ensures merchants meet the compliance standards of major card networks.

How Corepay’s Partnership with LegitScript Can Accelerate Certification

Corepay simplifies the certification process and reduces approval times through its exclusive partnership with LegitScript. we offer:

• Faster Certification: Corepay’s partnership enables expedited reviews, cutting timelines to as little as 3 weeks.
• Regulatory Guidance: Corepay helps gather and prepare essential documents, such as licenses, compliance proof, and ownership records.

Our partnership is ideal for businesses facing tight deadlines or launching marketing campaigns.

Step-by-Step LegitScript Certification Process

Once we make the following introduction for you with Legit Script, you will do the following:

1. Create an Account: Register your business on LegitScript’s platform.
2. Pay the Application Fee: Submit the one-time, nonrefundable Fee.
3. Complete the Questionnaire: Provide detailed information about your business operations, compliance measures, and services.
4. Submit Documentation: LegitScript may request licenses, employee credentials, and proof of compliance.
5. Engage With Analysts: Respond promptly to follow-up inquiries or requests for clarification.
6. Receive Approval: Once approved, pay the annual Fee to finalize certification.

Is LegitScript Certification Worth It?

While the process is time-consuming and costly, LegitScript certification provides the following benefits:

• Enhanced Credibility: Certification signals your business is legitimate and compliant.
• Access to Ad Platforms: Run targeted ads on Google, Bing, and Facebook.
• Consumer Trust: Certification assures customers of your commitment to quality and compliance.
• Competitive Edge: Stand out in industries where trust is paramount.

Ready to Get Certified?

Whether you’re an online pharmacy, CBD seller, telehealth/weightloss or addiction treatment provider, LegitScript certification is an investment in your business’s success. Contact Corepay today to fast-track your application and secure certification in as little as 3 weeks!