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What are Visa credit cards?
Visa is an electronic payment network used by many banks and credit card companies.
Like Mastercard (and unlike American Express), Visa doesn't issue credit cards itself. You get a credit card issued by your bank or credit card company, and many of them use Visa's network.
But cards on the Visa network do benefit from Visa features, like Zero Liability protection, security and fraud protection, and contactless payment technology.
Tell me more about Visa
Visa was launched by Bank of America in 1958 as the BankAmericard credit card program. Eventually this program was licensed across the globe and was consolidated into the Visa corporation in 1976.
Today Visa operates in over 200 countries. In 2024 the Visa network processed 234 billion in transactions.
What benefits can I get with a Visa credit card?
- 24/7 customer service. Visa offers a Global Customer Assistance Service so you can report lost and stolen cards from anywhere in the world.
- 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 $200. Many Visa credit cards can also be added to digital wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay.
- 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.
- 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. A Visa card also gives you access to limited-time ticket offers, movie competitions and other entertainment deals.
- Complimentary insurance cover. Some Visa credit cards come with complimentary insurance covers, such as international travel insurance, purchase cover insurance, and extended warranty insurance.
Premium card benefits
The more premium Visa cards, such as Platinum, Signature and Infinite cards offer more perks and benefits:
- Concierge service. 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.
- 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.
- Visa Offers + Perks. The higher end Visa cards also get more luxurious upgrades and special offers.
Which Australian banks use Visa?
- Bank Australia
- BankSA
- Bank of Melbourne
- BOQ
- Greater Bank
- Heritage Bank
- ING
- Kogan Money
- Latitude Financial Services
- Suncorp
- Virgin Money
Should I go with Visa or Mastercard? Does it matter?
Both Visa and Mastercard offer 24/7 customer support, security and fraud monitoring features, zero liability protection for unauthorised transactions.
With Visa's contactless card payments you don't need to enter a PIN for transactions of $200 or less. With Mastercard you need to enter a PIN on transactions above $100.
"While there are still a few places that don't accept American Express cards, there's really not much difference between a Visa or Mastercard credit card. Both offer very comparable fraud monitoring and protections. The real difference comes in the rates, rewards fees and features of a specific card. That's what you should look at first."
How can I compare Visa credit cards?
- Annual fees. Most credit cards charge an annual fee. For this fee typically ranges from $50 to $400. 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 offer introductory 0% interest rates, which can help you save on interest costs.
- Foreign transaction fees. Most credit cards charge a fee worth 2–3.5% of the total of any transactions you make overseas (or by shopping online) in a foreign currency.
- 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.
Visa credit card frequently asked questions
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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