Visa Credit Cards

A Visa credit card gives you a way to pay online and in-person, with acceptance in more than 200 countries. In Australia, Visa credit cards are offered by a wide range of financial institutions, including well-known banks like ANZ, NAB, St.George and HSBC.

Some of these cards also come with rewards programs, complimentary insurance, lounge passes and other perks – especially if it's a Visa Platinum, Signature or Infinite card. So, let's take a look at your options.

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

When you have a Visa credit card, you can make use of Visa’s round-the-clock Global Customer Assistance Service to 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

Most Visa credit cards in Australia offer tap-and-go payments at the checkout. If your card purchase is less than $100, you won't need to enter a PIN, but you will be asked for one if the purchase is over $100 (or $200 during the coronavirus pandemic). You can also use a Visa credit card like any regular card and swipe or insert it to make a payment.

Many Visa credit cards are also compatible with mobile payment apps, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay and Garmin Pay. These option 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 so you can spend less time at the online checkout when you pay with your Visa card at partnered merchants.

• Visa Secure (formerly Verified by Visa)

This security service gives you extra protection when you shop online by asking you to verify your identity when you're making a purchase. This step varies between cards and providers but, 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. Some banks and issuers automatically enrol you in Visa Secure, while others give you the option.

• 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, 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.

How can I compare Visa credit cards?

As many credit card issuers offer Visa cards in Australia, here are a few other factors to look at when comparing your options:

• 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.

With a wide range of banks and issuers offering Visa credit cards in Australia, there are options to suit many different spending habits and goals. So if you want to get a new credit card, make sure you consider the potential costs and benefits based on your circumstances to help you find one that suits your needs.

Visa credit card frequently asked questions

• Does Visa issue credit cards in Australia?

  No. 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 general question, you can also contact Visa through Twitter using the handle @AskVisa.

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

• Will a Visa credit card work overseas?

  Yes. You can use a Visa credit card a 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?

  A small selection of credit cards offer $0 foreign fees when you use them overseas or online with an international retailer. Some of these may be Visa options but ultimately it depends on the bank or credit card issuer. If this is a feature you want, you can compare a range of 0% foreign transaction fee credit cards and decide between Mastercard, American Express or Visa credit card options based on your needs.

• What other types of Visa cards are available?

  As well as credit cards, there are Visa debit cards and prepaid Visa cards available from many banks in Australia. While each of these Visa cards offers different features and benefits, they can all be used around

• 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.

Image: Shutterstock