Visa is one of the biggest credit card processing networks in the world, so Visa credit cards can be used almost anywhere that accepts card payments around the globe.
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Have a your heart set on a Visa card?
Visa credit cards can be used around the globe and offer a range of benefits, as we explain.
What is a Visa card?
A Visa card is one that uses the Visa payments network to process transactions.
Visa doesn't deal directly with customers and doesn’t issue credit cards. Instead, it facilitates the transaction between the merchant you’re making a purchase from and the provider that issued your credit card. It will usually charge the merchant a percentage of the purchase for carrying out this process.
Visa works with hundreds of banks and card providers, including Barclays, Nationwide and HSBC. You can find out which payment system your card provider uses by looking at the bottom right-hand corner of your credit or debit card. This will usually be either Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
Visa cards are accepted in shops, restaurants and other businesses around the globe – wherever you see the Visa logo.
No. of Visa cards in circulation globally[1]
1.1bn
Why should you choose a Visa credit card?
![Accepted worldwide]()
Accepted worldwide
Visa is one of the biggest credit card processing networks in the world, so Visa credit cards can be used almost anywhere that accepts card payments around the globe.
![Verified by Visa]()
Verified by Visa
Visa has its own security protection called Verified by Visa, which helps ensure that you are the genuine owner of the account. Verified by Visa usually works behind the scenes when you're shopping online, using advanced technology to confirm your identity and protect you from fraud.
![Zero Liability]()
Zero Liability
Visa cards offer a zero liability policy, so you won't be held accountable for purchases you didn't make if your card is lost or stolen or your details are used online without your knowledge.
![Visa Premium]()
Visa Premium
Visa also offers a range of premium products with higher spending limits and more flexible spending controls. Perks include preferential service and benefits at hotels across the globe and emergency card replacement. Visa Infinite also offers travel insurance and a 24/7 global concierge service.
Why should you choose a Visa credit card?
Accepted worldwide
Verified by Visa
Visa has its own security protection called Verified by Visa, which helps ensure that you are the genuine owner of the account. Verified by Visa usually works behind the scenes when you're shopping online, using advanced technology to confirm your identity and protect you from fraud.
Zero Liability
Visa cards offer a zero liability policy, so you won't be held accountable for purchases you didn't make if your card is lost or stolen or your details are used online without your knowledge.
Visa Premium
Visa also offers a range of premium products with higher spending limits and more flexible spending controls. Perks include preferential service and benefits at hotels across the globe and emergency card replacement. Visa Infinite also offers travel insurance and a 24/7 global concierge service.
Which is best Visa card or MasterCard?
The truth is there are far more similarities between Visa and Mastercard than there are differences, so it's hard to say whether one is better than the other.
The main difference between Mastercard and Visa is that they both offer different extra benefits and rewards, although the bank issuing your card will have a far greater impact on your perks and terms of usage. They also have different security schemes.
As they’re so similar, it’s best not to focus too much on the difference between Visa and Mastercard when you’re choosing a credit card.
% of online retailers that accept Visa or MasterCard[1]
98.5%
You’re better off finding the right card for your own personal situation and lifestyle. This might be based on the rates on offer or perhaps the benefits or interest-free deals available.
Our featured deals
Our editors have picked out some of our best Visa credit card deals.
Editor’s pick
Our chosen balance transfer credit card
HSBC Balance Transfer Credit Card (27 Mths)
Balance transfer term
0% for 27 months with a 3.49% fee (£5 min.)
Rep APR
24.9% APR
Representative example: The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
Show Details
Eligibility
Minimum Age
18 years
Minimum Income
£6,800
“With this card, HSBC offers one of the longer interest free periods at 27 months, offering ample time to pay down a balance. However, it does charge a transfer fee of 3.49%.”
Editor’s pick
Our chosen dual credit card
Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (18/21)
Purchase term
0% for 21 months
Balance transfer term
0% for 18 months with a 2.99% fee
Rep APR
24.9% APR
Representative example: The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
Show Details
Eligibility
Minimum Age
18 years
Minimum Income
£3,000
“With this card, Barclays offers a competitive up to 21 months interest-free on purchases. Plus, you also get up to 18 months of 0% interest on balance transfers, for a 2.99% transfer fee.”
Editor’s pick
Our chosen longest balance transfer credit card
Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer (28 Mths)
Balance transfer term
0% for 28 months with a 3.45% fee
APR
24.9% APR
Representative example: The standard interest rate on purchases is 24.9% p.a. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 24.9% (variable).
Show Details
Eligibility
Minimum Age
21 years
Minimum Income
£3,000
“With this deal, Barclays offers 28 months of 0% interest on balance transfers, so you have ample time to pay off your debt. But you will be charged a fee of just under 3.45% to make the transfer.”
How CardFinder works
CardFinder is a free eligibility tool that matches you with the credit cards you're likely to get. It uses a “soft search” credit check, so your credit score won’t be affected.
Everyone should use CardFinder because it ensures that you only apply for the cards you will qualify for. Rejected applications can damage your credit score and potentially make it harder for you to borrow in the future.
CardFinder is a quick and low-risk way to ensure you only apply for a card you're likely to be accepted for.”
Visa credit card FAQs
What is a network provider?
A network provider is the company that completes the necessary communication between your credit card provider and the merchant to complete transactions. It isn’t the card issuer or card provider, which is the bank or other company that you got the card from. The main network providers in the UK are Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
What's the difference between Visa, Mastercard and American Express?
When choosing which credit card to get, people often see it as a case of choosing Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
However, the reality is they all offer a very similar service. This includes getting approval for the transaction from the card provider and confirming that with the retailer or merchant.
They will also send the money to the company you're paying.
The main difference is where they're accepted – American Express is less commonly accepted than Visa and Mastercard, for instance. Their security schemes, and the extra benefits they come with, may also vary, so make sure you compare them to be sure you’re happy.
What are the benefits of having a Visa credit card?
There are many benefits of having a Visa credit card. In addition to being a convenient and easy source of credit, they are widely accepted across the globe. The Verified by Visa scheme offers security when you’re shopping online, while global assistance 24/7 and the Travel Tools App provide help and support when you’re travelling overseas.
Where can I use a Visa credit card?
You can use a Visa credit card in person (in shops, restaurants or other businesses), online, by phone, by mail order, in other countries or in ATMs. Check for the Visa sign to be sure a retailer accepts your card.
How is a Visa credit card different to a debit card?
Debit cards are linked to your bank account, using your balance to pay for things. Credit card spending lets you borrow money and pay it back later.
What charges will I pay on a Visa credit card?
Credit cards come with a range of charges, but these are set by your credit card company, not Visa. Here is how to avoid them.
How long will it take for a Visa credit card to arrive?
It usually takes around 10 days for your card to arrive once you have applied. Here is how long it can take and how to speed up the process.
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References
1. Credit card facts and statistics: money.co.uk's 2023 report on credit card usage