What is the most widely accepted credit card?

Asked by: Ms. Molly Christiansen  |  Last update: July 22, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (11 votes)

While Visa and Mastercard have long been the most widely accepted credit card networks worldwide, American Express and Discover have been working on expanding their footprints in the U.S. and abroad.

What is the most widely used credit card?

Most Widely Used: Visa has the most credit cards in circulation (over 300 million). American Express cardholders spend the most, charging over $15,000 in purchases per year. Best Worldwide Credit Cards: Visa or Mastercard credit cards with no foreign transaction fee.

What is the #1 credit card to have?

The best credit card overall is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it gives 2% cash rewards on purchases and has a $0 annual fee. For comparison purposes, the average cash rewards card gives about 1% back. Cardholders can also earn an initial bonus of $200 cash rewards after spending $500 on purchases...

Is Visa or Mastercard more widely accepted?

While Visa is larger in terms of transactions, purchase volume, and cards in circulation, Visa and Mastercard have nearly identical global merchant acceptance footprints.

Which card is accepted everywhere?

Both Visa and Mastercard have high acceptance rates worldwide, making them widely accepted payment networks. Merchants in over 200 countries accept Visa and Mastercard, making them a convenient choice for consumers who travel frequently or make online purchases from international merchants.

Why You Should Buy Everything With Credit Cards

31 related questions found

What card can you use everywhere?

The all-purpose Visa Prepaid card is a prepaid card that you can use to withdraw cash, pay bills or make purchases anywhere Visa Debit cards are accepted, in-person or online.

What is better, Visa or Mastercard?

Conclusion. In the debate of Visa card vs Mastercard, there is no definitive winner. Both offer extensive benefits, robust security, and widespread acceptance. The best choice depends on your individual needs and the specific perks offered by the card issuer.

Which credit card is not accepted the most?

American Express is more expensive to process than other credit cards, which is why some businesses choose not to accept Amex cards.

Why does Costco not take Mastercard?

Since Costco has an exclusive contract with Visa, shoppers can't use credit cards backed by the other three main networks — American Express, Mastercard and Discover — at Costco warehouses. However, you can pay with Mastercard for purchases made at Costco.com and the Costco app.

Is A Mastercard Safer Than A Visa?

Which is more secure? Both Visa and Mastercard offer zero fraud liability for all cards, which means that any user who is victim to fraud, theft, or breach of data will not be liable for the lost money. Both networks are generally considered to be secure, but use different methods for securing your data.

What credit card is the most elite?

Undoubtedly, the most high-profile payment card in the world is often considered the American Express Centurion Card, commonly known as the “Amex Black Card.” However, true exclusivity goes beyond mere recognition; it embodies a luxury and distinction that few can access.

What is the best credit score?

What a good credit score can get you
  • 580-669: Fair.
  • 670-739: Good.
  • 740-799: Very good.
  • 800-850: Excellent.

Can I pay my mortgage with a credit card?

Bottom line. Since lenders typically don't accept credit cards, you can usually only make a mortgage payment on your card via a third-party platform. Paying one debt by adding to another is a risky maneuver, however, and you should only consider it if you can afford to cover the payment in full.

Which credit card do most millionaires use?

What Credit Card Do the Super Rich Use? The super rich use various credit cards, many of which have strict requirements to obtain, such as invitation only or a high minimum net worth. Such cards include the American Express Centurion (Black Card) and the JP Morgan Chase Reserve.

Is Capital One Visa or Mastercard?

Capital One issues both Visa and Mastercard credit cards. The Capital One cards issued in partnership with Visa and Mastercard include Venture X Rewards, Venture Rewards, VentureOne Rewards, Quicksilver Rewards and Savor Rewards.

Is Costco no longer accepting Discover?

Costco. Costco only accepts Visa credit cards at its warehouses. However, if you order from Costco through Uber Eats or Instacart, you can charge the purchase to Discover. Ordering Costco online could be more expensive, as you'll pay delivery, processing fees, tip to the driver, and a markup on Costco's goods.

What credit card is accepted everywhere?

Visa and Mastercard

Visa cards are accepted in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. If a retailer accepts credit cards, then it more than likely accepts Visa.

Why is American Express so popular?

American Express is one of the leading card issuers in the United States. It's known for its top-notch customer service and some of the best rewards available. From ultra-elite business travel cards to everyday rewards, American Express has credit cards that are a good choice for many different types of cardholders.

What's the hardest card to get approved for?

Centurion® Card from American Express

Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion. And only the super rich and famous can expect to get the call, as...

Where are mastercards not accepted?

Is Mastercard accepted everywhere? Yes, Mastercard is accepted almost everywhere you can use a credit or debit card. Millions of merchants in more than 210 countries and territories take Mastercard.

How many credit cards should I have?

It's generally recommended that you have two to three credit card accounts at a time, in addition to other types of credit. Remember that your total available credit and your debt to credit ratio can impact your credit scores. If you have more than three credit cards, it may be hard to keep track of monthly payments.

Is it safer to use a Visa or Mastercard?

Zero liability protection

Both Visa and Mastercard provide protection against unauthorized charges. If your credit card is used to make unauthorized or fraudulent purchases, you can report it to your issuer and have the transactions reversed.