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Visa vs. Mastercard: What’s the Difference? 

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Created on
October 31, 2022

Summary

What’s Inside

Visa and Mastercard are two of the biggest names with the most recall regarding credit cards. And the chances are that you may need clarification while making the decision between the two. However, there are several similarities as well as differences between the two. 

This blog will cover the features and benefits and show tabular differences between Visa and Mastercard.

Visa vs. Mastercard: Features & Benefits 

Visa and Mastercard both offer a similar set of fundamental features on entry-level credit cards. Therefore, there is minimal distinction between the two. On its World or World Elite level credit cards, Mastercard does contain stunning extra luxury incentives that can be alluring to heavy consumers. 

Visa vs. Mastercard: Comparing Emergency Services Offered 

Emergency Services Offered

Visa

Mastercard

Roadside dispatch

Travel assistance services 

Stolen or lost card reporting 

Cash advance

Card replacement 

Visa vs. Mastercard: Comparing Travel Benefits

Visa

Mastercard

Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection offers savings and perks at more than 900 hotels

3,000+ properties worldwide in the premium hotel and resort portfolio of Mastercard

Privileges for using a rental automobile with a Visa signature

Priceless Experiences

Travel safety measures and emergency support

Golf Concierge 

Credit for Global Entry statements

Professional travel services provided without charge

Access to a Priority Pass lounge

Hotel Stay Guarantee by Mastercard

Winery events in Sonoma County

Concierge Mastercard Airport

Services for cardholder inquiries

 

Perks and offers for Visa Signature

 

Visa vs. Mastercard: Comparing Insurance & Purchase Protection Offered

Visa

Mastercard

Liability-free policy

airline fees

Mastercard's anti-ID theft programme

Extended warranty coverage

Zero-liability protection for MasterCard

Lost luggage compensation

Cell phone safety

Trip delay compensation

 

Reimbursement for trip interruptions and cancellations

 

Incidental

 

Travel accident protection

 

Baggage delay compensation

 

Emergency evacuation

 

Cell phone safety

 

Theft protection in hotels

 

Emergency dental and medical

 

Price protection

 

Return security

 

Purchase security

 

List of Mastercard Benefits

On the Mastercard network, credit cards are divided into three levels, each of which includes all the advantages and privileges of the tier below it. These are, in descending order of exclusivity:

  • Standard (offers little that is particularly notable)
  • World
  • World Elite

The following are the common benefits:

1. Insurance and purchase protection

  • ID Theft Protection notifies you and helps you resolve fraudulent activity.
  • Up to $1,000 per year in mobile device protection.
  • 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance with Global Emergency Services.

2. Concierge services

  • World Elite Mastercards offer concierge services such as restaurant and event bookings, ticket arrangements, and assistance with purchasing hard-to-find items, similar to The Platinum Card® of American Express.
  • No annual cost of $695.
  • Mastercard Airport Concierge and Golf Concierge services still available to World Mastercard cardholders without access to World Elite Concierge services.

3. Luxury resorts, hotels and events 

  • Free breakfast daily
  • $100 amenity credits
  • Additional bonuses may vary by property
  • Exclusive access to PGA Tour golf trips and other events like film festivals and private chef cooking sessions

List of Visa Benefits

Visa generally offers more benefits than Mastercard. Visa has a three-tier system, from basic Visa Traditional to Visa Infinite and Signature. Visa Traditional has a few advantages over ordinary Mastercard. Visa Infinite and Signature offer the most advantages, including:

1. Insurance and purchase protection

Even at the basic level, Visa offers insurance and protection options. Visa Infinite and Signature cards also include:

  • Lost luggage compensation
  • Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay compensation
  • Added warranty coverage
  • Zero liability protection

2. Luxury Hotel Collection

Visa Signature cardholders can receive exclusive guest status at over 900 partner hotels worldwide through the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection program. The program offers seven premium features, including automatic room upgrades (when available), free Wi-Fi (when available), complimentary breakfast for two, a $25 USD food or beverage credit, VIP status, and late checkout (when possible).

3. Travel benefits

Visa Infinite and Signature cardholders enjoy travel perks such as rental car privileges, Priority Pass lounge access, Global Entry statement credits, and exclusive Visa Signature discounts.

4. Emergency services

Visa provides essential emergency services, including roadside dispatch, stolen or lost card reporting, immediate replacement, and emergency cash disbursement. 

Knowing the difference between Visa and Mastercard can help you choose which is best.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is everyone switching from Mastercard to Visa?

Although Mastercard and Visa cards are accepted almost everywhere in the globe, Visa cards have a few more advantages. Even with a Visa card at the most basic level, you can access advantages like stolen or lost card reporting, urgent card replacement, emergency cash disbursement, roadside dispatch, and zero liability.

2. What are the 4 types of credit cards?

The different types of credit cards include standard credit cards, rewards credit cards, secured credit cards and charge cards.

3. Which is more safe - Visa or Mastercard?

Both Visa and Mastercard are known for their security. They both have zero fraud liability across all cards, which means any cardholder who falls victim to fraud or theft will not be held liable for money lost.

4. Is Mastercard better than Visa India?

Both Mastercard and Visa work well in India. However, Mastercard does offer high-end luxury rewards on their World or World Elite level cards, which can be incentivising to some customers. 

Disclaimer

Fi Money is not a bank; it offers banking services through licensed partners and investment services through epiFi Wealth Pvt. Ltd. and its partners. This post is for information only and is not professional financial advice.
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