Is Visa or Mastercard Better for International Travel? (2024)

FAQs

Is Visa or Mastercard Better for International Travel? ›

Mastercard credit cards are more widely accepted internationally, while Visa cards tend to offer more benefits. But for most consumers, there is no practical difference between Visa and Mastercard. You should only worry about whether to get a Visa or Mastercard if you're torn between two offers.

Worldwide acceptance

According to Visa, cards issued through its payment network are accepted in 200 countries and territories around the world. Meanwhile, Mastercard reports acceptance in 210 countries and territories around the world.

International merchants with credit card terminals will almost always accept Visa or Mastercard, issuers with strong international payment networks. Unfortunately, American Express and Discover can prove finicky abroad, as these two issuers have less robust payment networks outside the United States.

Benefits comparison: Visa vs. Mastercard. On entry level cards, there is very little difference between Visa and Mastercard, as both provide a similar suite of basic features. However, Mastercard includes impressive special luxury offers on its World and World Elite level cards, which can be attractive for big spenders ...

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 disbursem*nt, roadside dispatch, and zero liability.

When Europeans buy something with plastic, they insert their card, then type in their PIN. Despite some differences between European and US cards, there's little to worry about. US-issued Visa and Mastercard credit cards, along with familiar payment apps, typically work fine in Europe.

Is it better to use card or cash abroad? ›

If you need cash from an ATM, it's usually better to use a debit card, because credit cards often charge a high interest rate for a cash advance. Major credit cards are generally accepted, especially in cities. Check with your card issuer about foreign transaction fees and currency exchange fees.

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted throughout the world. If a business accepts credit cards, your Visa or Mastercard will likely work fine. The other two — American Express and Discover — do have a global footprint, but they are accepted at fewer merchants.

They are issued by your bank or other financial institution, and use funds directly from your bank account. Accepted worldwide, Visa Debit cards offer quick, secure and convenient access to your money in person, online, overseas and over the phone.

Visa cards can also be a better option for frequent travelers, since cards in the Visa network are more widely accepted abroad. For someone who values prestige and rewards from a credit card, an Amex card could be the way to go.

A Travel Card for Europe

With no foreign transaction fees^ and the ability to store multiple currencies at a time, the Travelex Money Card is the perfect card to take with you on your travels around Europe.

Submit the necessary documents, including a valid passport, visa, PAN card, address proof, passport-sized photos, and any other documents as requested in the form. Decide the amount and currencies you want to load onto the travel card and pay the equivalent amount in your local currency.

Does it really matter? Does this mean that you should always use a MasterCard card when you're overseas? All else being equal (leaving aside card fees/rebates/benefits), MasterCard does generally provide the best exchange rates for the cardholder.

Will My Bank Card Work in Europe? Debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo are widely accepted in Europe. American Express is somewhat less common, except at tourist destinations. Most banks charge a foreign transaction fee and/or a currency conversion fee, so it is worth double-checking these costs before departure.

Visa is Europe's biggest payment brand...

Across all considered European payment figures, Visa outperforms MasterCard.

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted throughout the world. If a business accepts credit cards, your Visa or Mastercard will likely work fine. The other two — American Express and Discover — do have a global footprint, but they are accepted at fewer merchants.