What benefits can I get with a Visa credit card?
Banks and other credit card providers usually decide on the mix features that are available on different Visa cards. But some of the Visa benefits you can expect include:
24/7 customer service
Visa offers a Global Customer Assistance Service so you can report lost and stolen cards from anywhere in the world. You can contact the Visa team on 1800 450 346 (within Australia) or +1 303 967 1090 (international calls).
Contactless and mobile payments
Visa credit cards in Australia offer tap-and-go payments, as well as insert or swipe options at the checkout. You also won't need to enter a PIN if your contactless card purchase is less than $100.
Many Visa credit cards can also be added to digital wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay. These options do vary between credit card providers, so make sure you check the card's compatibility before you apply.
Visa Checkout
If you sign up to Visa Checkout, this service will securely save your payment and shipping information for online shopping with partnered merchants.
Visa Secure (formerly Verified by Visa)
This security service adds an extra verification step for online transactions. As an example, you might be asked to enter an SMS code, confirm your date of birth or answer a security question before the payment is processed. Most credit cards that offer Visa Secure automatically enrol you in it.
Visa Offers + Perks
A Visa card gives you access to exclusive discounts and deals with partnered brands such as Booking.com, THE ICONIC and Hertz. If you have a premium Visa credit card – such as a platinum or black card – you can also get more luxury offers, such as hotel upgrades.
A Visa card also gives you access to limited-time ticket offers, movie competitions and other entertainment deals. You can check out the current range of offers on the Visa website.
Concierge service – premium card benefit
A platinum Visa credit card (and other premium options) often gives you access to a 24/7 global concierge service. You can contact your concierge on 1800 639 607 within Australia for anything from booking restaurant reservations or scoring tickets to a concert to sending flowers to a loved one.
Complimentary insurance covers
Some Visa credit cards come with complimentary insurance covers, such as international travel insurance, purchase cover insurance, extended warranty insurance and interstate flight inconvenience insurance and transit accident insurance.
The type of complimentary insurance and amount of cover offered varies depending on the issuer and the Visa credit card. You can check individual card benefits to check if insurance is offered – and remember to read the policy to make sure the cover fits your plans.
Visa Premium
If you have a Visa Platinum, Signature or Infinite credit card, you can enjoy exclusive travel and lifestyle benefits all around the world through this exclusive service.
Example: 5 benefits you can enjoy with a Visa Signature credit card
You could get the following Visa Premium perks with your Visa Signature credit card:
1. 24/7 concierge service
Like your very own personal assistant, Visa Signature cardholders have access to a 24/7 Visa Premium concierge service.
Whether you want to snag concert tickets, make a last-minute restaurant reservation or hire a private yacht on your next vacation, your concierge service can organise it for you. You'll have to pay for any purchases required to fulfil your request (such as the concert tickets), but the concierge service is complimentary with your card.
You can contact your Visa Premium concierge on 1800 639 607 in Australia.
2. Visa Front Line Access
You can reserve and purchase pre-sale tickets to events before the general public with Visa Front Line Access. Powered by Ticketek, you'll need to complete the Visa Front Line Access online registration before you can get your hands on the exclusive tickets.
When you register, you'll receive a unique code which you can use to log in and reserve your pre-sale tickets. Visa will notify you of the latest concerts and pre-sale opportunities via email.
3. Travel perks
You can save on your next holiday with a bunch of exclusive discounts and deals for Visa cardholders. The promotions vary, but can include discounts on online hotel bookings, airport lounge passes, dining, tours and holiday activities. You can see the current list of discounts on the Visa Premium website.
4. Global Customer Assistance
If your card has been lost, damaged or stolen, you can get help from the Visa Global Customer Assistance Services team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the world. In Australia, the toll-free number is 1800 450 346. If you're travelling overseas, you can find a complete list of local Visa customer service phone numbers on the .
Before you leave for your overseas trip, save the local Visa customer service phone number for your travel destination in your phone or somewhere else secure so it's easy to find in the event that you need it.
5. Global acceptance and ATM network
You can use a Visa Signature card in over 200 countries and territories, including over 2 million ATM locations worldwide. Just remember that using your credit card to withdraw cash attracts a cash advance fee and cash advance interest charges. If you have a Visa debit or prepaid card, you can avoid cash advance fees and rates.
How can I compare Visa credit cards?
- Annual fees. Most credit cards charge an annual fee. For Visa cards, this fee typically ranges from $30 to $400 or more. There are also some Visa credit cards that have no annual fee, either for a promotional period or for the life of the card. You can weigh this cost against the card's features to help find one that's affordable for you.
- Interest rates. If you don't always pay your balance in full, you should compare Visa cards by the standard purchase rate. Some Visa cards also offer introductory 0% p.a. interest rates, which can help you save on interest costs. If you plan to use the card for ATM withdrawals and other cash-equivalent transactions, you should also check the cash advance interest rate.
- Foreign transaction fees. Most credit cards charge a fee worth 2–4% of the total of any transactions you make overseas or online in a foreign currency. So if you plan to use a Visa card when you're travelling or shopping online with stores that are based overseas, make sure you consider this cost.
- Rewards. Some Visa credit cards come linked to rewards and frequent flyer programs, allowing you to earn points as you spend. If you're a regular spender and pay your balance in full, a rewards credit card can be a useful way to get more value from your Visa card.
- Eligibility requirements. When you find a Visa credit card you want to apply for, make sure you meet the application requirements. These typically cover age and Australian residency status, credit history and minimum income.
What is Visa's exchange rate for foreign currencies?
When you use an Australian Visa credit card overseas, the payment will automatically be converted from the local currency to AUD. As exchange rates change daily (or more frequently), Visa has an exchange rate calculator on its website where you can check the rates that will apply.
To give you an idea, here are the exchange rates that would apply when travelling to the UK, US or New Zealand when we checked on 29 June 2023:
- UK pounds to Australian dollars conversion: 1 GBP = 1.909019 AUD
- 0.29% higher than the Central European Bank Rate
- US dollars to Australian dollars conversion: 1 USD = 1.501049 AUD
- 0.42% higher than the Central European Bank Rate
- New Zealand to Australian dollars conversion: 1 NZD = 0.925384 AUD
- 0.28% higher than the Central European Bank Rate
Based on these examples, the Visa exchange rate was between 0.28% and 0.42% higher than the exchange rate listed by the Central European Bank. So the Visa currency exchange rates would be relatively similar to the exchange rates listed online.
Just keep in mind that credit cards may also have foreign currency conversion fees and charges that affect this rate. The Visa calculator includes a section to help factor in these costs.
Visa credit card frequently asked questions
Why you can trust Finder's credit card experts

We're free
Our comparison tables are completely free to use. We link you directly to the lender's secure application page. Better still, we regularly have exclusive offers that you won't find on any other site.

We're experts
We've researched and rated hundreds of cards as part of our Finder Awards. We've published 200+ guides and our in-house experts regularly appear on Sunrise, 7News and SBS News.
We're independent
Unlike other comparison sites, we're not owned by a bank or lender. That means our opinions are our own and you can compare nearly every credit card in Australia on Finder.

We're here to help
Since 2012, we've helped almost 6 million people find a credit card by comprehensively comparing offers. We'll never ask for your personal information. We're here to help you make a decision.- About Visa webpage
- Visa travel support
- Finder credit card database
More guides on Finder
-
The best standing desk in Australia: Our top choice of the year
If you're looking for a standing desk for the home office, the Omnidesk Ascent is our #1 choice for 2023.
-
Fast NBN plans are now cheaper. Is it worth switching?
It's time to sort out your NBN plan for the new year.
-
Save $1,583 a year by using index funds instead of active trading | Dollar Saver tip #60
Invest in an index fund instead of actively trading stocks and you not only save on time and fees, you could be earning more in returns too.
-
5 perks you can score by upgrading your internet this year
SPONSORED: Upgrade your internet before the end of 2023 and get ahead on your life admin! We take a look at some of the benefits of a faster internet connection.
-
Aussies are struggling to save money, and Gen Z blame themselves
Young Australians cite overspending as the main reason for not reaching their financial goals.
-
Shein IPO: How to invest in the Shein IPO
What you need to know about investing in Shein from Australia.
-
Best places to exchange currency in Brisbane
Your guide to currency exchange in Brisbane, including how to get the best exchange rate.
-
Waiting for rates to fall? Don’t bank on it, says ANZ CEO
Addressing speculation that interest rates might fall in late-2024, ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott said he thought it was too optimistic.
Ask an Expert
As a disability pensioner who owns car and house valued at $650.ooo can I apply for a credit card for a $5000 thanking you
Hi Carolyn,
Thank you for leaving a question.
You may be able to apply for a credit card with a bank with the items you mentioned to me. See our list of credit cards for pensioners and retired applicants so you may see the different requirements by each bank and choose the one that suits you. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
as a member of RACGP corporation am I eligible to apply for annual fee exempted Visa credit card?
Hi Dr. Reddy,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Please note that Finder is an online comparison service and is not a product issuer. If you would like to discuss your eligibility or options, you’ll need to get in touch with the provider of the product that you would like to apply for.
You might also want to check for more no-annual-fee Visa credit cards.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Arra
what are the balance transfer conditions on a citi simplicity card
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for your question.
To be eligible for Citi Simplicity Card’s balance transfer offer, you need a good credit history and the balance should come from a non-Citi card. The maximum amount that you can transfer is up to 80% of your approved credit limit and it can take up to 10 business days to process.
Cheers,
Anndy
can I speak with someone by phone as I have a few questions?
How can I stop a payment to a Company who have now got my Visa Card Number?
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your question.
You’ll need to contact your merchant to inform them that you have decided to discontinue the auto direct debit with your credit card company. You should also get in touch with the customer service team of your card to take note that there should be no more charges to be accepted from the merchant you had direct debit arrangement.
Cheers,
May
Hi Tony,
You may call us at 1300 FINDER (346 337) or (02) 9299 7602.
Thanks,
Sharon
What is the interest rate for Bankvic
Hi Kate, thanks for your inquiry!
To allow us to assist you further could you please inform us to which BankVic product you are inquiring about today?
Cheers,
Jonathan