How to Get LegitScript Certified & How TouchFree Can Support You

Discover why obtaining LegitScript certification is crucial for compliant advertising and secure payment processing in high-risk and regulated industries — and how TouchFree helps you every step of the way.

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

Pharmacies – Internet pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, compounding pharmacies, veterinary pharmacies, and traditional drugstores.
Telemedicine Providers – Online platforms that prescribe or sell medications through remote healthcare.
Weight Loss Providers – Clinics and merchants offering compounded GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Healthcare Supply Chain Businesses – Pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors.
Other Healthcare Merchants – Eyeglass and contact lens sellers, discount pharmacy platforms, and healthcare price comparison websites.
Addiction Treatment Facilities – Inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment centers.

You’ll need LegitScript certification to advertise on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Bing, as well as to secure reliable payment processing. Certification proves compliance, builds consumer trust, and positions your business for growth in heavily regulated markets.

At TouchFree, we specialize in high-risk merchant services and can guide you through the certification process while also providing secure, transparent payment processing once approved.

LegitScript Payment Processing & Merchant Accounts

Once TouchFree helps you secure LegitScript approval, we provide seamless LegitScript-certified payment processing and merchant accounts, ensuring your business can operate confidently in regulated industries.

What Is LegitScript Certification & Why It Matters

LegitScript certification is a compliance program that validates your business as legitimate, ethical, and aligned with industry regulations. For many high-risk sectors, this certification is required to advertise on platforms like Google, Bing, and Facebook, and it plays a key role in securing reliable merchant accounts.

Key Benefits of LegitScript Certification

Access to Advertising Platforms – Without certification, high-risk merchants cannot run paid ads on major networks.
VIRP Compliance – Visa’s Integrity Risk Program now requires telemedicine and pharmaceutical businesses to maintain LegitScript certification.
Regulatory Protection – Certification demonstrates adherence to federal, state, and local laws, reducing the risk of penalties or shutdowns.
Competitive Advantage – Many businesses avoid the process, giving certified merchants an edge in advertising and credibility.

What Is VIRP & Why It Makes LegitScript Certification Essential

The Visa Integrity Risk Program (VIRP), launched on April 1, 2024, has reshaped the high-risk merchant space by introducing stricter compliance requirements. Created to reduce non-compliance and prevent illegal activities, VIRP brings added oversight and higher operational costs for businesses in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, telemedicine, CBD, gambling, and adult entertainment.

Key Updates Under VIRP

Mandatory Certification – Visa and Mastercard now require merchants in sectors like pharmacies, telemedicine, and other card-not-present businesses to be certified by an approved organization such as LegitScript.
Higher Fees – Registration costs have increased from $500 to $950, along with new transaction charges of $0.10 per transaction plus 10 basis points on volume.
Tiered Risk Levels – Businesses are assigned to risk tiers, with Tier 1 industries (such as adult entertainment, gambling, and pharmaceuticals) subject to the strictest monitoring and compliance standards.

Who Needs LegitScript Certification?

LegitScript certification is required for many businesses that operate in regulated or high-risk industries, including:

Pharmacies – Internet and mail-order pharmacies, veterinary and compounding pharmacies, as well as traditional brick-and-mortar drugstores.
Telemedicine Providers – Online platforms that enable the sale or prescription of medications via telehealth.
Healthcare Supply Chain Businesses – Pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers.
Other Healthcare Merchants – Contact lens and prescription eyeglass retailers, healthcare discount platforms, and medical price comparison websites/apps.
Addiction Treatment Facilities – Residential, outpatient, and inpatient treatment centers.

In addition, certain Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) also require 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?

On average, the LegitScript certification process takes 2 to 4 months, depending on several factors:

Application Completeness – Missing or incomplete documentation can delay approval.
Review Volume – Processing times vary based on how many applications LegitScript is handling.
Business Complexity – More complex business models may face additional scrutiny.
Responsiveness – Prompt replies to LegitScript’s questions or requests can speed up approval.
Answer Quality – Clear, detailed responses help ensure a smoother review process.

******For businesses that need to move quickly, TouchFree can help streamline the process and guide you through expedited certification options to reduce wait times.

LegitScript Certification Pricing

Obtaining LegitScript certification requires both a one-time application fee and an annual certification fee for each website. Pricing depends on your business type and compliance history.

Standard Healthcare Certification

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

Probationary Certification (for businesses with prior compliance issues)

Application Fee: $975 (nonrefundable)
Annual Fee: $3,995 per website (includes enhanced monitoring requirements)

Important: Each website you operate must go through its own certification process. All domains must be disclosed and reviewed as part of your application to ensure full compliance.

Why Banks and Payment Processors Require LegitScript Certification

For merchants in high-risk industries, banks and payment processors often require LegitScript certification before approving accounts. Here’s why it’s so important:

Risk Reduction – Certification helps limit fraud, chargebacks, and compliance-related issues.
Regulatory Compliance – Visa, Mastercard, and other networks mandate strict industry regulations, which LegitScript helps enforce.
Simplified Underwriting – Certification acts as a pre-vetting step, making the approval and onboarding process faster.
Trust & Credibility – Being LegitScript-certified reassures both financial institutions and customers that your business operates safely and ethically.
Network Alignment – Certification ensures your business complies with the standards required by major card brands.

How TouchFree Helps Accelerate LegitScript Certification

TouchFree streamlines the LegitScript certification process and helps reduce approval times by guiding you through every step. Our team provides:

Faster Certification – With expert guidance, we help minimize delays and shorten review timelines, often cutting approval down to just a few weeks.
Regulatory Support – We assist in gathering and preparing the required documents, including business licenses, compliance records, and ownership details.
Tailored Assistance – Ideal for merchants working under tight deadlines or preparing to launch marketing campaigns, TouchFree ensures your certification process is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Step-by-Step LegitScript Certification Process

When TouchFree guides you through the LegitScript certification journey, the process typically includes:

Create an Account – Register your business on the LegitScript platform.
Pay the Application Fee – Submit the one-time, nonrefundable application fee.
Complete the Questionnaire – Provide detailed information about your business operations, compliance policies, and services.
Submit Documentation – Supply requested documents such as licenses, employee credentials, and compliance records.
Engage with Analysts – Respond quickly to follow-up questions or additional requests for information from LegitScript reviewers.
Receive Approval – Once approved, pay the annual certification fee to finalize your LegitScript status.

Is TouchFree LegitScript Certification Worth It?

Although obtaining LegitScript certification can be time-intensive and involves a fee, earning this certification delivers several key advantages:

Boosted Credibility: Certification demonstrates that your TouchFree business is trustworthy and fully compliant.
Ad Platform Access: Unlock the ability to run targeted campaigns on platforms like Google, Bing, and Facebook.
Customer Confidence: Certification reassures clients that TouchFree prioritizes quality and compliance.
Competitive Advantage: Differentiate your TouchFree services in industries where reliability and trust matter most.

Ready to Get TouchFree Certified?

If you’re operating as an online pharmacy, CBD retailer, telehealth/weight-loss service, or addiction treatment provider, LegitScript certification is a smart investment in your TouchFree business’s growth. Reach out to TouchFree today to accelerate your application and achieve certification in as little as 3 weeks!

Power Your Payments with TouchFree

Protect and grow your business with secure, reliable payment processing. Enjoy fast approvals, competitive rates, and expert support designed specifically for your industry.