Visa Credit Cards

Find out how to put Visa credit cards to work for you

By Judy Artunian, Freelance Writer

Visa credit cards can be found in millions of wallets worldwide. But you may not know that Visa is an association owned by 21,000 member financial institutions. Visa credit cards for business or personal use are linked to merchants and financial institutions through VisaNet, the world’s biggest electronic payment network.

Visa credit cards can be applied for directly through Visa or through banks, retailers or airlines that offer co-branded Visa credit cards. Many co-branded cards come with incentives, such as discounts on merchandise and services. There are also Visa credit cards called affinity cards that carry the logo of non-profit organizations, such as colleges and charities. A small percentage of each transaction made using an affinity card goes to the organization.

Some factors to consider when choosing Visa credit cards:

Take advantage of low fixed-rate balance transfer offers from Visa credit card providers if you’re sure you can pay off the balance before the low rate expires.
If you frequently use your credit cards to make purchases from overseas vendors, apply for Visa credit cards from Visa credit card providers with the low overseas transaction fees.
When you apply for a business Visa credit card, your personal credit history may be taken into account if your company is too new to have a credit history.

Pick your personal Visa credit cards

Visa credit cards for personal use come with benefits such as the Zero Liability policy, which assures that you won't be liable if an unauthorized person makes a purchase with your card.
Try: Consider Visa Classic or Visa Secured if you want a basic credit card or are shopping for your first credit card. If you have a solid credit history, consider Visa Gold or Visa Platinum. Visa also offers students their own slate of credit card choices. For more information on Visa credit cards, go to Visa’s Card Advisor, then compare Visa personal card benefits.

Get rewarded for using your Visa credit cards

Looking for free goodies? Apply for reward cards from Visa credit card providers.
Try: To earn points for airline miles, hotel stays and other purchases, check out Visa credit cards such as Visa’s personal reward cards and Visa Signature luxury reward cards. For example, with a Nordstrom-branded Visa card you get reward points when you make a purchase at a Nordstrom department store.

Get down to business with Visa business credit cards

A business Visa credit card lets you complete business transactions via the Internet or over the phone. Visa credit cards for business can also help a growing business through a cash crunch.
Try: Consult the Visa Business Card Advisor to compare the benefits of the Visa Business Credit Card, Visa Signature Business Card and Visa Business Check Card. Visa also offers the Visa Business Line of Credit card. Holders of Visa business credit cards are eligible for discounts on shipping, office supplies and more.

Sign up with major Visa credit card providers

Major Visa credit card providers typically offer more options when it comes to opening a credit card account.
Try: Capital One is a popular choice for personal cards or for a business Visa credit card. Other common providers include banks, such as Bank of America and Chase.

Shop for Visa business credit cards and personal cards at comparison sites

Several comparison sites let you search for the best Visa credit cards by the type of card - rewards, low interest, instant approval, cash back, business - by your credit quality or by bank issuer.
Try: Use comparison sites, such as CreditCards.com, CardFusion or CreditCardGuide.com.