This question is almost as tough as deciding between Coke and Pepsi. Visa and Mastercard have been battling each other since the 1960s; however, it was American Express that really started the credit wars between the giants during the early 1960s. Amex, as it fondly came to be known, quickly became the preferred card of choice for most credit card users across the world.
The Visa Credit Card
First known as Bank Americard when it was launched by the Bank of America in 1959, it was re-christened as Visa after almost two decades. Now, it is used by more than 21 thousand organizations around the world. In Europe, Visa has always been more popular than MasterCard or Amex. Consider these statistics:
More than 5,000 organizations worldwide use the Visa card
Visa Europe has issued in excess of 100 million credit cards
During the last year Visa Europe consumers spent more than 700 billion Euros
Of this amount, UK Visa users spent almost 130 billion Euros
To combat internet fraud, the Verified by Visa program asks users for a password if they wish to make an ecommerce transaction on a website. This gives it a clear edge over MasterCard.
MasterCard
It was designated as a rival to the predecessor of the Visa card, Bank Americard. MasterCard was born towards the end of the 1960s, when a group of bankers in California fathered the Western States Bankcard Association. This was re-christened MasterCard at approximately the same time that Visa was renamed. Until about a decade ago, MasterCard was the unchallenged leader in the US. Even now, with growing competition, MasterCard is used in more than 25 million locations across the globe surpassing other cards.
You can get a MasterCard in World, Platinum, Gold, as well as Standard formats and its SecureCode program offers a code which helps prevent the card from being abused online. Even so, the verification process is not as secure or as well-liked as Visa’s is.
MasterCard or Visa?
Most merchant establishments accepted both the Visa and the MasterCard. However, there are clear loyalists for both cards. While MasterCard is more popular all over the world, Visa is quickly catching up primarily due to its secure verification processes online. So most consumers prefer to keep one card from each company and use each card according to their individual requirements. Which one is more popular is anyone’s guess. While each card has its own merits, the safest statistic to believe is that while half a dozen people prefer Visa, six are loyal to Mastercard.
Mastercard Or Visa Card
Sony has been the name in electronics for years, and as our electronic devices continue to take over our lives, isn't it time you saved some money on everything you buy? The Sony Card by Visa can help. This phenomenal card has a 0% APR for the first year you own it, and after that, your APR only moves to 14.24% , which is fairly competitive with other cards on the market today. You can even transfer your balances onto this card with a 0% APR for the first year, and you'll enjoy just a 14.24% APR on those after the first year. In fact, all of the APRs on this card are incredibly attractive ? even the cash advance rate of 22.99%. You have a twenty day grace period on all purchases with the Sony Card. This card comes with no annual fee, and an incredible rewards program.
The very first time you pull the card out of your wallet to use it, you'll get 1500 bonus points. From there, you get three points for every $1 you spend on Sony products through Sony authorized dealers. Even when you're not buying Sony products, you're still racking up the rewards points. You get 1 point for every $1 you spend when you make your everyday purchases with the card. While most cards call it quits on the rewards after that, Sony doesn't stop there. You get 5 points for every $1 you spend online at SonyStyle.com and Sony Style brick and mortar stores. In fact, you can find more bonus point opportunities while you're online with your card. Get discounts on DVDs, televisions, camcorders, digital cameras, and laptops with your reward certificates.
As if the great rates and the rewards programs weren't enough with this card, you'll enjoy the full benefits of carrying a Platinum Visa in your wallet every single day. From great service to amazing purchasing power, this Platinum Visa is sure to distinguish you from your peers while earning you superior entertainment rewards. There's zero fraud liability and an emergency cash disbursement and card replacement program. The Platinum card benefits even offer you an auto rental collision damage waiver every time you use your card to rent a car. With hassle-free online bill pay, there's little reason to carry any other card in your wallet than the Sony Card by Visa. Add some entertainment to your life by applying today.
Both Matthew Lloyd & Mindy Matter are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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