Visa credit cards

Key takeaways

• Visa is used to process card payments safely and seamlessly.

• Visa is one of the world’s largest payment networks. According to Visa, it has around 5 billion payment credentials worldwide and is accepted at more than 175 million merchant locations.

• Choosing a credit card for its individual features is usually preferable to making a choice between Visa and Mastercard.

What is a Visa credit card?

A Visa credit card is a credit card that processes payments using Visa’s systems rather than competitors such as Mastercard or American Express. 

Visa isn’t a bank and doesn’t issue cards, but instead provides the technology which credit card and debit card providers use for transactions. 

When purchases are made, Visa’s payment system connects the buyer’s bank with the merchant’s bank so the transaction can go through. 

Visa is a global payment network and if you have a Visa credit card you can use it all over the world to pay for goods and services.

How do Visa credit cards work?

Visa credit cards work in the same way as any other credit card – you make a payment, the transaction is authorised, and the amount is added to your credit card balance.

Visa’s role is to help route and process the transaction between the retailer’s bank and your card issuer.

What types of cards use Visa?

Visa is used across the world with all different types of cards. These include:

• Credit cards: allow you to spend on credit with the agreement you’ll pay it off at a later date

• Debit cards: spend on a card and the money is taken directly from your bank account 

• Prepaid cards: funds are preloaded onto the card and the card can then be used as an alternative to cash

Who does Visa work with?

Visa works with some of the biggest banks and credit card issuers in the world, including:

• Barclaycard

• Co-operative

• First Direct

• HSBC

• MBNA

• Nationwide

What benefits does Visa offer?

Different types of Visa credit card can offer security features and extra perks, but it’s usually the card issuer that decides what benefits come with each deal. That means it’s better to compare individual credit card offers rather than choosing based on the payment network alone.

Some premium Visa cards may offer extra benefits, such as travel perks, hotel offers, emergency card replacement, concierge services or retail discounts. The benefits available will depend on the card issuer, the type of card and the terms of the deal, so it’s worth checking carefully before applying.

Where can you use Visa?

Visa can be used around the world in shops, at ATMs and for online purchases. According to Visa, its network covers more than 200 countries and territories and over 175 million merchant locations.

While almost all merchants will accept Visa as payment to make it easy for shoppers, they can choose the payment networks they wish to work with – and this may change from time to time.

Is Visa safe to use?

When paying with a Visa credit card, you have several layers of protection that can help keep your payments safe and secure. As well as Section 75 for credit cards and chargeback for both credit cards and debit cards, Visa’s Zero Liability Policy means you won’t be held responsible for unauthorised or fraudulent charges made with your account.

If something goes wrong with a purchase, you may also be able to claim money back through Section 75 protection on eligible credit card purchases, or through chargeback on credit or debit card payments.

Visa says it invests heavily in fraud prevention and network security, using technology such as artificial intelligence to help detect and block suspicious activity.

What is the difference between Mastercard and Visa?

Both Mastercard and Visa are global payment networks that charge merchants for purchases. Consumers don’t pay to use the payment network. So, whether you choose a Mastercard or Visa credit card, it won’t cost you any more to use.

As for specific card features, while both Mastercard and Visa have standard and premium versions, how the customer benefits is determined more by the card issuer than the payment network.

Both Mastercard and Visa are also accepted by the vast majority of retailers all over the world.

Is it best to get Mastercard or Visa?

Whether you choose a Mastercard or Visa is one factor in determining which credit card to get. But much more important is what you want to use it for, balance transfer, purchases or to build up your credit score.

Check the terms on the card including the interest rate, any interest-free introductory periods, and any rewards offered. If the choice remains between Mastercard or Visa, then you could look at where you can use them – although as the two biggest payment providers in the world, most merchants will accept both.

Are there alternatives to Visa?

Visa and Mastercard are the two largest network payment processors. American Express is a third option, but it isn’t accepted by as many retailers. It also differs from Visa and Mastercard in being a card issuer as well as a card network processor.

In addition, Discover is a US payment processor that also has a global reach to around 200 countries.

Ready to find a new credit card?

Finding a new credit card is quick and easy with MoneySuperMarket.

We’ll ask you a few quick questions to determine what type of card you’re looking for and then run a soft search that won’t leave a mark on your credit report.

We can then show you deals from our leading panel of UK providers - plus your chances of being accepted for each card so you can apply in confidence.

We’ll also show you any card for which you’re pre-approved. This means that the interest rate, interest-free period and fee (if there is one) are all confirmed – the only thing not guaranteed is your credit limit.

MoneySuperMarket is a credit broker – this means we’ll show you products offered by lenders. We never take a fee from customers for this service. Instead we are usually paid a fee by the lenders, but the size of that payment doesn’t affect how we show products to customers.