Valid Date: The date embossed by the card issuer on the credit card. An establishment cannot accept a card for payment of goods or services prior to this date.

Virtual Reality: A 3-D visual computer simulation that responds to your inputs so realistically that you feel you're inside another world.

Visanet: The data processing systems, networks, and operations used to support and deliver authorization services, exception file services, and clearing and settlement services. Now known as Vital.

Voice Response Unit (VRU): An automated authorization support system for touch-tone telephones.