Abstract: Systems and methods of improving the operation of a transaction network and transaction network devices is disclosed. A VIC assignment system may comprise various modules and engines as discussed herein wherein a VIC code may be determined and assigned to a merchant for establishing proper usage of differentiated transaction instruments according to their proper purposes, marketing and cross-marketing of differentiated transaction instruments, and provision of value-added services, such as credit risk evaluation, fraud detection, bonusing, and dispute arbitration. For instance, a VIC code may be identified, whereby the VIC assignment system may tailor the handling of the transactions, such as by denying them, whereby the transaction network may actively deter misuse of transaction products, or tailor the handling of electronically delivered advertisements, such as by targeting them, whereby the transaction network more properly functions according to approved parameters.