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Visa vs. Mastercard:
An Overview of Two Major Credit Card Networks
Posted on Mar 2, 2026
Updated on Mar 2, 2026
A card payment network isn't likely the key feature to consider when choosing a credit card. But sometimes a credit card network may play an important role in where and how you can use your card.
There are four major credit card networks in the U.S.: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Here, we review the first two and explain the difference between the card payment networks and card issuers.
What is a credit card network?
Card networks work behind the scenes - they facilitate transactions between merchants and card issuers. When you pay with your debit or credit card, a payment transaction does not go directly from a merchant to your card issuer and back. It first has to go through a credit card network. Credit card networks pass information between banks to verify it and decide if you can make a purchase or not. The verification may also include the 3-D Secure protocol (Visa Secure or Mastercard SecureCode), which is additional verification of identity. The whole process happens in seconds.
Card networks are different from card issuers in the way that they do not issue credit cards. However, two credit card networks are also credit card issuers. Thus, American Express also issues credit cards, charge cards, prepaid debit cards, and gift cards, and Discover offers credit cards. Other issuers (like Bank of America, Chase, Citi, or Wells Fargo) partner with card networks, Visa or Mastercard, and their cards display a logo of the network along with the issuer name.
Here's a quick comparison of two credit card networks: Visa vs. Mastercard
Visa
|
Mastercard
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Worldwide Acceptance | Over 200 countries | 210 countries |
| US Acceptance | Accepted at nearly every merchant that takes credit cards | Accepted at nearly every merchant that takes credit cards |
| Contactless Payments | ||
| Tiers/Levels |
Visa Traditional Visa Signature® Visa Infinite® |
Mastercard® World Mastercard® World Elite Mastercard® World Legend Mastercard® |
| Network Benefits | ||
| Additional Perks | ||
| Avaliability of Network Benefits | Depends on issuer, tier & card type | Depends on issuer, tier & card type |
| Online Shopping Security | ||
| Annual Fees | Up to $795 | Up to $1,199 |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | 0% - 3% | 0% - 3% |
| Prime Example |
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
|
Citi Strata℠ Card
|
Note that these offers are for GOOD & EXCELLENT credit only. For lower credit score offers click here
CHOOSE YOUR CREDIT HISTORY:
Mastercard and Visa are accepted nearly everywhere
Card networks also determine where your card is accepted. Both Visa and Mastercard operate globally. They process payments connecting consumers, banks, merchants, and businesses worldwide.
According to Visa, there are nearly 1.3 billion Visa credit cards in circulation worldwide, as of late 2025. Visa cards are accepted in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. If you need to use an ATM, simply look out for ATMs that carry the Visa or PLUS mark.
Mastercard cards are accepted in more than 210 countries and territories worldwide. There are 1.1 billion Mastercard credit cards in use worldwide, as of 2025. The company has a family of well-known, widely accepted payment card brands, including Mastercard®, Maestro®, and Cirrus®.
As you can see, the acceptance of both card networks is more or less the same. Just about every merchant that accepts credit cards takes both Visa and Mastercard.
What benefits do card networks offer?
Card networks do not control the card fees you pay as a cardholder. Fees like interest rates, annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and penalty fees are set by the issuer. However, card networks do offer some benefits. And you've probably heard of Priceless Cities from Mastercard and Visa Offers that are available to various cardholders regardless of the issuing bank. Still, in most cases, the set of card benefits will vary based on the type of card you have and the issuing bank.
Visa credit cards typically come in three tiers - traditional, Signature, and Infinite. Mastercard also has levels starting from standard, then World Mastercard, World Elite, and World Legend.
Here are the basic benefits you can get as a Visa or Mastercard cardmember.
Visa vs. Mastercard: Built-In Benefits
|
Visa
|
Mastercard
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Zero Fraud Liability | With Zero Liability Policy, you won't be responsible for unauthorized transactions made with your Visa card. | With Mastercard Zero Liability protection you won't be responsible if someone makes unauthorized purchases with your card. |
| SSN Alerts | The ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock will monitor the dark web and private forums looking for your personal information, and if it finds any, will notify you with suggested steps. | The Mastercard ID Theft Protection™ service allows monitoring suspicious activity related to the personal information like your name, email address, social security number or other sensitive data. |
| Credit Monitoring | The ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock will monitor your credit report in one credit bureau and alert you when key changes are made to your credit file. | The Mastercard ID Theft Protection™ service monitors your credit file for changes like new credit inquiries, address change, or a new account opened. |
| Online Shopping Security | Verified by Visa or Visa Secure is a service offered through participating merchant sites. It provides an additional layer of protection when you shop online. | SecureCode is a service that protects you from any unauthorized card usage when you shop online by sending you a one-time password to verify the transaction. |
| Instant Account Off/On | The ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock can provide instructions and links so you can quickly freeze credit, bank and utility fees with each consumer reporting company. | |
| Contactless Payments | If a Visa card features a contactless symbol or Visa payWave, it can be used to tap to pay where contactless payments are accepted. | PayPass Mastercard or a contactless symbol on a card shows that it be used to tap to pay where contactless payments are accepted. |
| Digital Wallets | Eligible Visa cards can be loaded into your payment-enabled phone or wearable device. | Eligible Mastercard cards can be loaded into your payment-enabled phone or wearable device. |
| Customer Service | Visa offers Cardholder Inquiry Service that provides support for general inquiries and provides products or service information. | Mastercard Customer Support can help you connect to your financial institution. |
| Lost/Stolen Card Reporting | Visa offers assistance via the phone in the event of lost or stolen card. | With Mastercard Assistance Center, you will get assistance with filing a lost or stolen card report. |
| Prime Example |
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
|
Citi Strata℠ Card
|
Note that these offers are for GOOD & EXCELLENT credit only. For lower credit score offers click here
CHOOSE YOUR CREDIT HISTORY:
World Elite vs. World Mastercard: how do they differ?
World Mastercard is the mid-tier level for Mastercard benefits, and World Elite is next to the highest tier. Both World and Elite include standard Mastercard benefits and have some additional benefits, including Mastercard Priceless. World Elite also includes all the benefits of the World tier and offers some extra perks. However, the set of perks and benefits available to Mastercard cardholders will still depend on the issuer, as many issuers may limit the number of available Mastercard benefits.
The major difference between World and World Elite cards is the annual fee (which is set by the issuer and not by the payment network). World Elite Mastercard cards tend to be much more expensive than World Mastercard cards, especially if the issuer gives access to premium perks and VIP services.
Visa Signature vs. World Elite Mastercard
Many Visa top cards are Visa Signature Cards, while Mastercard top cards are World Elite Mastercard cards. To see what benefits you may have with World Elite Mastercard and Visa Signature and how they compare to each other, check out the comparison table below.
|
Visa Signature
|
World Elite Mastercard
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Concierge Services | Visa Signature Concierge is complimentary assistance anytime, anywhere. The service will help you to plan your travel from research to booking airline tickets, or you can use it to get tickets to sold-out shows or season tickets. Other services may include finding a gift or sending flowers and reserving dinner at a restaurant. | World Elite Concierge is a complimentary 24/7 concierge service that acts as a personal assistant. The service will help you reserve a table in a restaurant, book a hotel room or buy tickets. Mastercard Airport Concierge™ helps to arrange for a personal meet-and-greet agent to escort you through the airport on departure, arrival or any connecting flights. |
| Luxury Hotel Collection | With Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection, you can enjoy automatic room upgrades, complimentary in-room wi-fi, complimentary breakfast for two, VIP guest status, late check-out at more than 900 properties worldwide. | With Mastercard Luxury Hotel & Resorts portfolio, you can enjoy complimentary room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, daily breakfast for two and preferred amenities at more than 2,000 properties around the globe. |
| Travel Emergency Assistance | Visa's Travel Emergency Assistance Services provide medical referral assistance, emergency transportation assistance, emergency message service, prescription assistance, legal referral assistance, emergency ticket replacement assistance, lost luggage locator service, and emergency translation service. The program provides assistance only. | Mastercard offers Global Emergency Services that provide emergency assistance anytime, anywhere, and in any language. The service helps you with reporting a lost or stolen card, obtaining an emergency card replacement or cash advance, finding an ATM location, and answering questions on your account. |
| Purchase Protection | The Purchase Security benefit allows you to safeguard your new item against theft or damage due to a covered circumstance for the first 90 days. Some exclusions may apply. | In case a purchased item is damaged or stolen, you can get covered with Purchase Assurance. For those who love shopping online, Purchase Assurance Plus will also provide protection for delivery complications of purchased items. |
| Lost Luggage Reimbursement | With Lost Luggage Reimbursement, when you charge your entire common carrier ticket to your Visa card, your checked or carry-on luggage is covered if lost or stolen and you can receive reimbursement. | Mastercard's Lost/Damaged Luggage insurance reimburses you for the actual cost of repairing or replacing your checked or carry-on luggage if it is lost or damaged by the common carrier. |
| Baggage Delay | Visa's Baggage Delay Reimbursement benefit provides up to $300 reimbursement of necessity expenses if your checked baggage is delayed or misdirected for more than four hours. | The Baggage Delay benefit reimburses you for essentials you have to purchase when your checked bags come to your destination late. |
| Special Offers | Visa allows taking advantage of exclusive offers and everyday savings. The offers may change daily and may include dining credits at hotels, free nights at select hotels, discounts at preferred hotels, discounts at select online shops, discounts on rental car services, and more. | Mastercard cardholders get preferred access to an array of valuable offers, upgrades and experiences. You can take advantage of exceptional offers from upscale retailers and world-class hotels and resorts. You can enjoy unique Mastercard experiences through Mastercard Priceless: Priceless Cities and Priceless Golf. |
| Price Protection | Visa's Price Protection can reimburse you for the difference if you find an item purchased with a Visa Signature card at a lower price. | With Mastercard's Price Protection you can get reimbursed for the price difference if you buy an item with your Mastercard card and find a lower price. |
| Return Protection | Visa's Return Protection provides extra return protection any time you make an eligible purchase of an item up to $250. If within 90 days you become dissatisfied with the purchase and the merchant will not accept it back, the protection will get you covered. | With Mastercard's Satisfaction Guarantee, if you become dissatisfied with a product you purchase within 60 days of purchase, and the store will not accept a return, you may be eligible for a refund for the cost of the product up to $250. |
| Cellphone Protection | Visa's Cellphone Protection provides coverage when you pay your monthly wireless bill with your Visa Signature card. You can get reimbursed if your cell phone is stolen or damaged. | Mastercard's Cellular Telephone Protection Program provides reimbursement for damage or theft of a cell phone when the monthly cellular bill is paid using the eligible Mastercard card. |
| Extended Warranty | Visa allows getting double time period of the original manufacturer's warranty up to one year on warranties of 3 years or less. | Mastercard doubles the original manufacture or store brand warranty for up to one year. |
| Hotel Theft Protection | When you use your covered Visa card to pay for a hotel room in the U.S. or Canada, Hotel Theft Protection can provide reimbursement for personal belongings stolen from your room. | |
| Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver | When you use your covered Visa Signature® card to rent a vehicle, you'll get built-in Auto Rental Coverage. You're covered for physical damage, theft, reasonable and customary towing and loss-of-use charges. | MasterRental® Coverage may provide coverage for covered damages (physical damage and theft) to a rental vehicle when your eligible Mastercard is used to initiate and pay for the entire rental transaction. |
| Trip Delay Reimbursement | Visa's Trip Delay benefit covers you when you are stuck for more than twelve hours due to a covered hazard. | The Trip Delay Protection benefit may reimburse you for additional expenses you incur as a result of common carrier delays or cancellations. |
| Trip Cancellation/Interruption | The Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Reimbursement provides reimbursement for the nonrefundable cost of your passenger fare. The benefit may also apply to travel via ferry, rail, bus, or cruise ship. | Trip Cancellation/Interruption Protection provides reimbursement for you and your family for any nonrefundable cancellation or change fee if your trip is interrupted or canceled. |
| Travel Accident Insurance | Visa's Travel Accident Insurance covers you from common carrier accidental death or dismemberment, at no extra cost. Travel and Emergency Assistance Services allow you to get help and services while you are away from home. | Mastercard provides Travel Accident Insurance that covers you and your family against accidental death or dismemberment. When you need assistance in case of emergency, you can use Mastercard Global Service. |
| Lounge Access | Some Visa credit cards may come with a VIP Priority Pass access to over 850 airport lounges worldwide. | Some Mastercard credit cards may provide complimentary lounge access through Priority Pass™ or Mastercard Airport Experiences programs. |
| Global Entry Statement Credit | Apply for Global Entry and use your Visa Signature credit card to pay the application fee to receive a $120 statement credit. | |
| Prime Example |
TD Cash Credit Card
|
Mastercard® Titanium Card®
|
Note that these offers are for GOOD & EXCELLENT credit only. For lower credit score offers click here
CHOOSE YOUR CREDIT HISTORY:
Visa Infinite benefits
Visa's highest tier credit cards are Visa Infinite cards. This tier includes all core and Signature benefits. The only difference from the Visa Signature version is the level of protection.
For example, Visa Signature cardmembers receive return protection on eligible items up to $250, whereas Visa Infinite cardmembers receive coverage on items up to $300. Another example is with trip delay reimbursement, which is available on both Signature and Infinite tiers. However, Signature members got covered after 12 hours of delay, and Infinite members are covered if their flight is delayed for more than six hours.
Check with your credit card issuer to see what benefits and protection are available to you and their details.
World Legend Mastercard benefits
Recently introduced Mastercard's highest tier credit cards are World Legend cards. The new premium tier delivers exceptional global access to an exclusively curated suite of travel, dining, and entertainment benefits.
The new World Legend Mastercard program competes with Visa Infinite by giving cardholders access to memberships, perks, and even statement credits. For example, World Legend Mastercard partner benefits include HealthLock, Peacock credit ($3 off Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus each month. Offer expires 12/31/2027.), Instacart ($10 off your second order each month, and new Instacart+ members can also get three free months of Instacart+. Offer expires 1/31/2027.), Lyft credit (Take three rides in a month with Lyft to earn a $5 credit. Plus, save 10% on all scheduled rides to or from U.S. airports. Offer expires 1/31/2027.), Mastercard transit benefit, Priority Pass membership, and Soho Friends membership.
Mastercard benefits are offered by the network and can include Mastercard services or offers in collaboration with a partner.
Which is more expensive: Visa vs. Mastercard?
Visa and Mastercard cards are issued by different banks and have different sets of benefits. Therefore, their annual fees may vary considerably. Visa and Mastercard cards may have various features, benefits and perks. They may be just cards that simply allow you to purchase items on credit or may also reward you for purchases, offer 0% APRs for a limited period, and give access to card network benefits.
While you can find no annual fee Visa and Mastercard cards, those cards will have minimum benefits. The average low annual fee among Visa and Mastercard cards that charge annual fees is around $125. And the maximum annual fees can be extremely high.
Here's a list of some expensive Visa and Mastercard credit cards:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®* : $795 annual fee ($195 for each authorized user)
- JP Morgan Reserve®* : $795 annual fee
- Stratus Rewards Visa* : $1,500 annual fee
- Dubai First Royale Mastercard* : ~$2,000 annual fee
- Mastercard® Gold Card™: $1,199 ($349 for each Authorized User added to the account)
- Mastercard® Black Card®: $699 ($249 for each Authorized User added to the account)
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®* : $595 annual fee
Visa vs. Mastercard: who gives better exchange rates?
A foreign exchange rate is how much your country's currency is worth in a foreign currency. You'll usually pay a different currency exchange rate depending on the card network because Visa and Mastercard determine exchange rates when you use a credit or debit card to pay for purchases abroad.
You cannot know the exact exchange rate in advance (and not even at the point of the purchase). However, when compared to historic Visa vs. Mastercard exchange rates, Mastercard generally provides better exchange rates.
Another way to save on exchange rates is to pay in a foreign currency when using your card overseas. Shops usually use the most unfavorable exchange rates if you choose to pay in US dollars, while your bank will use the best rate. If you are curious about the rates, you can check exchange rates online using the Visa exchange rate calculator or Mastercard exchange rate calculator. Other networks do not have such online tools.
Which is better: Visa or Mastercard?
There is no one answer to this question. What matters most are fees, interest rates, rewards, bonus offers, and other benefits that are determined by issuers and not by credit card networks.
For some people, Visa and Mastercard may provide additional features that act as additional perks. But most people don't even need to waste their time comparing card networks. What they need to focus on is what banks offer.
However, frequent travelers may want to have a Visa or Mastercard card in their pocket, especially when traveling abroad a lot. Even if you prefer a Visa card, having a Mastercard card as a backup option (or vice versa) is a good move, as worldwide acceptance of credit cards is uneven, even for Visa and Mastercard.
Keep in mind that the cards you can qualify for will depend on your credit. The best credit card offers (including benefits and perks) are designed for people with good and excellent credit. People with average credit can also find decent credit card options.
* The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Credit-Land.com: Chase Sapphire Reserve®, JP Morgan Reserve®, Stratus Rewards Visa, Dubai First Royale Mastercard, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. Product details may vary. Please see the issuer website for current information. Credit-Land.com does not receive commission for this product.
