Visa does indeed require registration and approval no matter who you process through. You can test the waters by going to CCBill and signing up with out taking visa and see if your idea has any spark. Even without visa you will be able to take telephone payments as well as online checks and some credit cards.
But for better processing rates and fees then check out
Netcash
[email protected]
or
DHD Media Joel Hoskins 310.258.6211
Both of the above has pretty good customer service and can answer any questions you have.