So what exactly is VISA?
Well… VISA is first and foremost a company. We do not really care about the company itself here, but more the tiny plastic cards they produce since 1976. Well, they do not actually produce the cards themselves. In fact, they rather act as a provider for other institutions. As of now, VISA holds over 35% of the marketplace when it comes to credit cards and over 60% of the debit card marketplace in the US.
VISA debit cards as they are often referred to are used worldwide for such a long time that they have often replaced the name of bank card. Because of its widespread use, almost every single online casino will accept this form of payment in contrast to more “unusual” payment methods such as PayPal. Its trusted brand name and overall familiarity to both people and businesses alike guarantee safe passage into almost every online casino in the world.
How to use VISA at online casinos.
Easy. You need to own a VISA card, debit or credit and make sure the online casino(s) you are currently a member of accepts this form of payment. Online casinos will always inform you about their different payment options, and VISA will almost certainly be one of them. However, in many countries, the US included, there are limitations and laws against the use of VISA cards to fund casino accounts. In 2006, the US passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act which barred financial institutions in the US from transacting business relating to online gambling. As it stands, one will find it complicated to use Visa in order to fund online gambling in America and you may well fall foul of the law if you attempt to do so. Many countries in the EU have also experienced similar government interventions.
The security of VISA payment.
Due to its longstanding nature of being a trusted reliable payment method, VISA enjoys several protection systems that guarantee peace of mind. As a veteran banking facilitator, the credit and debit card options from VISA are equipped with military-grade encryption techniques. But be aware that both of these are vulnerable to hacking if you have by any chance divulged your card information to the wrong person. VISA uses an advanced authorization system that acts as an anti-fraud detection system using artificial intelligence to monitor suspicious activity on any account at any time. This also applies to online purchases through “Visa Secure”. Additionally, VISA holders enjoy a zero liability policy, where VISA guarantees full coverage should you ever happen to lose your card.
What makes VISA a good payment method at online casinos?
The credit and debit card types remain the most popular option for gamblers around the world for numerous reasons. Firstly, we are all familiar with it. Secondly, it works with all currencies. Thirdly, one can build up reward points as well as debt consolidation and interest savings. Regular usage of VISA cards will have a positive impact on your credit rating over time assuming you are using it responsibly. Lastly, it is a payment method that you can use everywhere, not only in online casinos as some prefer to have everything in one place. But, unlike other forms of payment, these are physical payment options, which can result in you losing the card(s) and become a victim of fraud. Moreover, interest rates can be high, and there are usually annual fees involved. Lastly, transactions to and from your casino account using a bank card can sometimes be slow.
Mobile access with VISA.
Although the VISA card itself can’t be physically shoved in your mobile phone, payment through mobile access using an app is possible through a whole heap of service providers. Your phone will become a virtual bank card and you will be able to tap the phone onto any terminal like you would with a contactless card. These services are free and easy to set up and available on many different platforms such as Android and iOS.
Our final thoughts on VISA.
In conclusion, the VISA is here to stay. Most of us are just too lazy to start getting into other payment methods, and why change something that works anyway? It's fast, does not have any major transaction fees attached, its secure, its proven, reliable, and has mobile access if you want it. Almost every single online casino accepts the VISA card, but as we mentioned, there are now certain regulations when it comes to gambling with it. The only thing you do need is a decent credit rating, and if you don’t… Well, we can’t really help you. But you can maybe try your luck in an online casino and reverse that trend?