Visa credit cards – compare Australian cards that use the Visa network

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?

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.

Our expert says: Does the card network matter?

"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."

Richard Whitten

Money Editor

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

• Does Visa issue credit cards in Australia?

  Instead of issuing its own credit cards, Visa operates as a third-party payment processor. This basically means Visa works with banks and other credit card companies to offer cards through the Visa network.

• What is the Visa contact number in Australia?

  You can call the Visa Global Customer Assistance Centre on 1800 450 346 (in Australia). If you're overseas, you can call Visa on +1 303 967 1090. These contact numbers connect you to support services when your Visa credit card is lost or stolen.

  If you have a question about a particular Visa credit card, you could contact the bank or issuer directly.

• Will a Visa credit card work overseas?

  Yes. You can use a Visa credit card at millions of locations around the world, as well as online. Just look for the Visa logo when you're in a shop or online.

• Can I get a Visa credit card with no foreign transaction fees?

  Yes, you can compare a range of 0% foreign transaction fee credit cards, including Visa options on Finder.

• What other types of Visa cards are available?

  Visa offers credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards in Australia, which you can use for spending around the world.

• How many numbers are on a Visa credit card?

  All Visa credit card numbers are made up of 16 digits, which are usually printed or embossed on the front of your card.

  There is also a 3-digit CVC number, which is usually printed on the signature panel. Both the 16-digit Visa card number and the 3-digit CVC number are unique for every card.

Written by

Amy Bradney-George

Journalist

Amy is an experienced journalist with over 16 years of experience, contributing to major publications like Money Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC News Australia. Specialising in personal finance, she frequently appeared in media outlets and on radio. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University and earned RG146 certifications in Tier 1 Generic Knowledge and Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products, ensuring her expertise is grounded in current financial regulations. Amy was Finder's Senior Writer for Credit Cards from 2016 to 2024. See full bio

Amy's expertise

Amy has written 532 Finder guides across topics including:

• Credit cards
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Co-written by

Richard Whitten

Money Editor

Richard Whitten is Finder’s Money Editor, with over seven years of experience in home loans, property and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University. See full bio

Richard's expertise

Richard has written 629 Finder guides across topics including:

• Home loans
• Property
• Personal finance
• Money-saving tips